Research
R&D on Zinc-Ion Hybrid Super-Capacitors (ZIHSCs)
Sep 2022 - May 2023 | 5 min read
Let’s delve into the mesmerizing fantasy of my research journey.
This research investigates Structural Composite Energy Storage Devices (SCESDs), specifically focusing on Zinc Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors (ZIHSCs) as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion technology. We developed a novel device integrating energy storage and mechanical resilience through zinc-deposited functional materials. The resulting lightweight, energy-efficient device demonstrates promising potential for sustainable energy applications, though further optimization is needed for practical implementation.
Supplementary Documents Available via 📎
📌 What I did?
I began with extensive paper research, reviewing literature and gathering relevant background information. This informed my experiment design, where I fabricated and calibrated the cathode and anode materials. I then developed the device by incorporating solid polymer electrolytes in a laminated structure. Finally, I evaluated performance through cyclic performance analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) to assess electrochemical and mechanical properties.
📌 Why I did it?
The rapid evolution of technology has reached a critical juncture where traditional hardware and software architectures face significant limitations. We are on a mission to redesign existing architecture, discover new morphologies, and create new materials to tackle the major challenges of our times, including i) Multi-functionality, as an emerging need to integrate different properties in a single material to maximize function-volume ratio for next generation technologies, ii) Efficiency e.g., energy conversion rate in terms of reducing heat loss and maximizing power and energy density, and iii) Sustainability, as how we select the right materials under limited resources and extend the product life cycle to tackle climate change.
📌 Why it matters?
The growing adoption of the transition from combustion to electric vehicles and the budding wearable technologies has created a demanding need for advanced energy storage solutions with robust safety criteria, consistent cyclic performance, and most importantly, compliance with sustainable practices. Our work focuses on the development of Multi-Functionality Hybrid Composites (MFHC), as it stands the forefront of these advances, delivering proven capabilities in combining energy storage and structural support into a single, integrated solution for potential applications on transportation, architecture, and wearable techs.
You Might be Wondering…
📌 What is Structural Composite Energy Storage Device?
Structural Composite Energy Storage Device(SCESD), unlike traditional energy storage device (e.g., battery, capacitor, fuel cell) which requires additioanl structural framework as protective support, integrates structural elements and energy storage units into a single unified system, delivering optimal performance while significantly reducing the overall volume and mass.
📌 What is Zinc Ion Hybrid Supercapacitor?
Zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitor (ZIHSC) is an innovative energy storage technology that leverages the unique properties of metallic zinc. Even though other metal ion-based HSC genearally has a higher energy density, zinc based HSC possess multiple advantages in terms of:
Naturally abundant
Superior stability & performance
Intrinsically safe & reliable
Multifunctional capabilities
These characteristics make ZIHSC particularly promising for next-generation energy storage applications where safety, efficiency, and sustainability are paramount.
To Our Future, and Beyond.
My Motivation on this Research Work
Technologies have immense potential to enhance human life and wellbeing. However, my observation shows the rapid pace of technological advancement often outpaces our readiness to use it wisely, leading to concerning patterns with smartphones, AI, and short-lifecycle products.
This insight drives my commitment to developing more sustainable technological solutions that truly serve humanity's needs. My vision centers on transforming human-technology interaction through advanced AR technology and wearables. I believe these devices can create more intuitive and immersive experiences, while reducing our dependence on smartphones, eventually shifting attention back to ourselves.
To achieve my vision, I must overcome three critical challenges:
redesign optical guided visual system that are practical for everyday use.
creating sustainable and efficient energy solutions, as these life-changing techs requires immese energy in terms of conversion and power efficiency.
implementing innovative architectural designs that optimize performance from the microscopic to macroscopic level, particularly in thermal management.
I started this research by redesigning the device structure(see illustration below). This design aims to improve the mechanical resilience and increase the electrical performance by introducing Solid-Polymer-Electrolytes (SPEs) as structural framework while removing the separator in between current collectors. This innovative approach provides a greater design flexibility for future technologies that have potential to significatnly affect our daily routines, from portable devices to electric vehicles, and from GPU’s to QPU’s.
A schematic diagram of laminated ZIHSC structure.
Discoveries and Afterthoughts
Rome was not built in one day, as all the great work requires unwavering efforts. I have encounter countless challenges during this research jouney. One of the greatest hurdle I’ve faced is reproducibility, as inconsistent experiment results upon the fabrication on conductive materials is found intermittently. The major challenge as an undergraduate researcher is the limitation of accessibility on facilities and equipments needed for experiment design. Inevitably it is quite common for me to change the methodology or redo the experiment due to fluctuating lab condition.
Nonetheless, it is not an excuse for not able to deliver satisfactory outcome, it turned out to be my motivation to keep pursuing new strategies and unleash my potential on problem-solving capabilities to drive new solution on upcoming challenges. It is an arduous yet joyful journey which equiped me with valuable research experience to work under lab environment.
“Persistence is luck,” said Prof. Zhang Shuguang from MIT Media Lab, who devoted years of effort delving into the research of his groundbreaking QTY code, a method which allows membrane proteins to be systematically designed. I agree with his words. Like all the great discoveries through the history of science and technology, it all takes time and a sense of “luck.” “Chance favors the prepared mind,” I believe. Luck does not simply come out of no where, it is just like growing plants and flowers, it always gets greener where you water it.
The most challeging part of being a researcher is about the resillience to bounce back and the endless day and nights before the disclosure of all the myth behind. I appreciate and respect all the research frontiers who have devoted their entire life into specific topic just for creating a better society and benifiting all living creatures on and beyond this planet earth. One day, I will join yours pivotal movements as a life long researcher to find out the true essence of life, love, and humanity.
Special thanks to Ms. Jing Zhang (PhD, research mentor, who patiently guided me through this research jorney), Dr. Hao Li (PhD, who sent me great supports and insights), and my supervisor Prof. Haitao Huang, for the continuous support and giving me this opportunity to learn and experiment on this novel topic.
You Might be Wondering…
📌 What is Structural Composite Energy Storage Device?
Structural Composite Energy Storage Device(SCESD), unlike traditional energy storage device (e.g., battery, capacitor, fuel cell) which requires additioanl structural framework as protective support, integrates structural elements and energy storage units into a single unified system, delivering optimal performance while significantly reducing the overall volume and mass.
📌 What is Zinc Ion Hybrid Supercapacitor?
Zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitor (ZIHSC) is an innovative energy storage technology that leverages the unique properties of metallic zinc. Even though other metal ion-based HSC genearally has a higher energy density, zinc based HSC possess multiple advantages in terms of:
Naturally abundant
Superior stability & performance
Intrinsically safe & reliable
Multifunctional capabilities
These characteristics make ZIHSC particularly promising for next-generation energy storage applications where safety, efficiency, and sustainability are paramount.
To Our Future, and Beyond.
My Motivation on this Research Work
Technologies have immense potential to enhance human life and wellbeing. However, my observation shows the rapid pace of technological advancement often outpaces our readiness to use it wisely, leading to concerning patterns with smartphones, AI, and short-lifecycle products.
This insight drives my commitment to developing more sustainable technological solutions that truly serve humanity's needs. My vision centers on transforming human-technology interaction through advanced AR technology and wearables. I believe these devices can create more intuitive and immersive experiences, while reducing our dependence on smartphones, eventually shifting attention back to ourselves.
To achieve my vision, I must overcome three critical challenges:
redesign optical guided visual system that are practical for everyday use.
creating sustainable and efficient energy solutions, as these life-changing techs requires immese energy in terms of conversion and power efficiency.
implementing innovative architectural designs that optimize performance from the microscopic to macroscopic level, particularly in thermal management.
I started this research by redesigning the device structure(see illustration below). This design aims to improve the mechanical resilience and increase the electrical performance by introducing Solid-Polymer-Electrolytes (SPEs) as structural framework while removing the separator in between current collectors. This innovative approach provides a greater design flexibility for future technologies that have potential to significatnly affect our daily routines, from portable devices to electric vehicles, and from GPU’s to QPU’s.
A schematic diagram of laminated ZIHSC structure.
Discoveries and Afterthoughts
Rome was not built in one day, as all the great work requires unwavering efforts. I have encounter countless challenges during this research jouney. One of the greatest hurdle I’ve faced is reproducibility, as inconsistent experiment results upon the fabrication on conductive materials is found intermittently. The major challenge as an undergraduate researcher is the limitation of accessibility on facilities and equipments needed for experiment design. Inevitably it is quite common for me to change the methodology or redo the experiment due to fluctuating lab condition.
Nonetheless, it is not an excuse for not able to deliver satisfactory outcome, it turned out to be my motivation to keep pursuing new strategies and unleash my potential on problem-solving capabilities to drive new solution on upcoming challenges. It is an arduous yet joyful journey which equiped me with valuable research experience to work under lab environment.
“Persistence is luck,” said Prof. Zhang Shuguang from MIT Media Lab, who devoted years of effort delving into the research of his groundbreaking QTY code, a method which allows membrane proteins to be systematically designed. I agree with his words. Like all the great discoveries through the history of science and technology, it all takes time and a sense of “luck.” “Chance favors the prepared mind,” I believe. Luck does not simply come out of no where, it is just like growing plants and flowers, it always gets greener where you water it.
The most challeging part of being a researcher is about the resillience to bounce back and the endless day and nights before the disclosure of all the myth behind. I appreciate and respect all the research frontiers who have devoted their entire life into specific topic just for creating a better society and benifiting all living creatures on and beyond this planet earth. One day, I will join yours pivotal movements as a life long researcher to find out the true essence of life, love, and humanity.
Special thanks to Ms. Jing Zhang (PhD, research mentor, who patiently guided me through this research jorney), Dr. Hao Li (PhD, who sent me great supports and insights), and my supervisor Prof. Haitao Huang, for the continuous support and giving me this opportunity to learn and experiment on this novel topic.
📌 What I did?
I began with extensive paper research, reviewing literature and gathering relevant background information. This informed my experiment design, where I fabricated and calibrated the cathode and anode materials. I then developed the device by incorporating solid polymer electrolytes in a laminated structure. Finally, I evaluated performance through cyclic performance analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) to assess electrochemical and mechanical properties.
📌 Why I did it?
The rapid evolution of technology has reached a critical juncture where traditional hardware and software architectures face significant limitations. We are on a mission to redesign existing architecture, discover new morphologies, and create new materials to tackle the major challenges of our times, including i) Multi-functionality, as an emerging need to integrate different properties in a single material to maximize function-volume ratio for next generation technologies, ii) Efficiency e.g., energy conversion rate in terms of reducing heat loss and maximizing power and energy density, and iii) Sustainability, as how we select the right materials under limited resources and extend the product life cycle to tackle climate change.
📌 Why it matters?
The growing adoption of the transition from combustion to electric vehicles and the budding wearable technologies has created a demanding need for advanced energy storage solutions with robust safety criteria, consistent cyclic performance, and most importantly, compliance with sustainable practices. Our work focuses on the development of Multi-Functionality Hybrid Composites (MFHC), as it stands the forefront of these advances, delivering proven capabilities in combining energy storage and structural support into a single, integrated solution for potential applications on transportation, architecture, and wearable techs.
Research
R&D on Zinc-Ion Hybrid Super-Capacitors (ZIHSCs)
Sep 2022 - May 2023 | 5 min read
Let’s delve into the mesmerizing fantasy of my research journey.
This research investigates Structural Composite Energy Storage Devices (SCESDs), specifically focusing on Zinc Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors (ZIHSCs) as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion technology. We developed a novel device integrating energy storage and mechanical resilience through zinc-deposited functional materials. The resulting lightweight, energy-efficient device demonstrates promising potential for sustainable energy applications, though further optimization is needed for practical implementation.
Supplements Available via 📎
Research
R&D on Zinc-Ion Hybrid Super-Capacitors (ZIHSCs)
Sep 2022 - May 2023 | 5 min read
Let’s delve into the mesmerizing fantasy of my research journey.
This research investigates Structural Composite Energy Storage Devices (SCESDs), specifically focusing on Zinc Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors (ZIHSCs) as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion technology. We developed a novel device integrating energy storage and mechanical resilience through zinc-deposited functional materials. The resulting lightweight, energy-efficient device demonstrates promising potential for sustainable energy applications, though further optimization is needed for practical implementation.
Supplements Available via 📎
📌 What I did?
I began with extensive paper research, reviewing literature and gathering relevant background information. This informed my experiment design, where I fabricated and calibrated the cathode and anode materials. I then developed the device by incorporating solid polymer electrolytes in a laminated structure. Finally, I evaluated performance through cyclic performance analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) to assess electrochemical and mechanical properties.
📌 Why I did it?
The rapid evolution of technology has reached a critical juncture where traditional hardware and software architectures face significant limitations. We are on a mission to redesign existing architecture, discover new morphologies, and create new materials to tackle the major challenges of our times, including i) Multi-functionality, as an emerging need to integrate different properties in a single material to maximize function-volume ratio for next generation technologies, ii) Efficiency e.g., energy conversion rate in terms of reducing heat loss and maximizing power and energy density, and iii) Sustainability, as how we select the right materials under limited resources and extend the product life cycle to tackle climate change.
📌 Why it matters?
The growing adoption of the transition from combustion to electric vehicles and the budding wearable technologies has created a demanding need for advanced energy storage solutions with robust safety criteria, consistent cyclic performance, and most importantly, compliance with sustainable practices. Our work focuses on the development of Multi-Functionality Hybrid Composites (MFHC), as it stands the forefront of these advances, delivering proven capabilities in combining energy storage and structural support into a single, integrated solution for potential applications on transportation, architecture, and wearable techs.
You Might be Wondering…
📌 What is Structural Composite Energy Storage Device?
Structural Composite Energy Storage Device(SCESD), unlike traditional energy storage device (e.g., battery, capacitor, fuel cell) which requires additioanl structural framework as protective support, integrates structural elements and energy storage units into a single unified system, delivering optimal performance while significantly reducing the overall volume and mass.
📌 What is Zinc Ion Hybrid Supercapacitor?
Zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitor (ZIHSC) is an innovative energy storage technology that leverages the unique properties of metallic zinc. Even though other metal ion-based HSC genearally has a higher energy density, zinc based HSC possess multiple advantages in terms of:
Naturally abundant
Superior stability & performance
Intrinsically safe & reliable
Multifunctional capabilities
These characteristics make ZIHSC particularly promising for next-generation energy storage applications where safety, efficiency, and sustainability are paramount.
To Our Future, and Beyond.
My Motivation on this Research Work
Technologies have immense potential to enhance human life and wellbeing. However, my observation shows the rapid pace of technological advancement often outpaces our readiness to use it wisely, leading to concerning patterns with smartphones, AI, and short-lifecycle products.
This insight drives my commitment to developing more sustainable technological solutions that truly serve humanity's needs. My vision centers on transforming human-technology interaction through advanced AR technology and wearables. I believe these devices can create more intuitive and immersive experiences, while reducing our dependence on smartphones, eventually shifting attention back to ourselves.
To achieve my vision, I must overcome three critical challenges:
redesign optical guided visual system that are practical for everyday use.
creating sustainable and efficient energy solutions, as these life-changing techs requires immese energy in terms of conversion and power efficiency.
implementing innovative architectural designs that optimize performance from the microscopic to macroscopic level, particularly in thermal management.
I started this research by redesigning the device structure(see illustration below). This design aims to improve the mechanical resilience and increase the electrical performance by introducing Solid-Polymer-Electrolytes (SPEs) as structural framework while removing the separator in between current collectors. This innovative approach provides a greater design flexibility for future technologies that have potential to significatnly affect our daily routines, from portable devices to electric vehicles, and from GPU’s to QPU’s.
A schematic diagram of laminated ZIHSC structure.
Discoveries and Afterthoughts
Rome was not built in one day, as all the great work requires unwavering efforts. I have encounter countless challenges during this research jouney. One of the greatest hurdle I’ve faced is reproducibility, as inconsistent experiment results upon the fabrication on conductive materials is found intermittently. The major challenge as an undergraduate researcher is the limitation of accessibility on facilities and equipments needed for experiment design. Inevitably it is quite common for me to change the methodology or redo the experiment due to fluctuating lab condition.
Nonetheless, it is not an excuse for not able to deliver satisfactory outcome, it turned out to be my motivation to keep pursuing new strategies and unleash my potential on problem-solving capabilities to drive new solution on upcoming challenges. It is an arduous yet joyful journey which equiped me with valuable research experience to work under lab environment.
“Persistence is luck,” said Prof. Zhang Shuguang from MIT Media Lab, who devoted years of effort delving into the research of his groundbreaking QTY code, a method which allows membrane proteins to be systematically designed. I agree with his words. Like all the great discoveries through the history of science and technology, it all takes time and a sense of “luck.” “Chance favors the prepared mind,” I believe. Luck does not simply come out of no where, it is just like growing plants and flowers, it always gets greener where you water it.
The most challeging part of being a researcher is about the resillience to bounce back and the endless day and nights before the disclosure of all the myth behind. I appreciate and respect all the research frontiers who have devoted their entire life into specific topic just for creating a better society and benifiting all living creatures on and beyond this planet earth. One day, I will join yours pivotal movements as a life long researcher to find out the true essence of life, love, and humanity.
Special thanks to Ms. Jing Zhang (PhD, research mentor, who patiently guided me through this research jorney), Dr. Hao Li (PhD, who sent me great supports and insights), and my supervisor Prof. Haitao Huang, for the continuous support and giving me this opportunity to learn and experiment on this novel topic.
Research
R&D on Zinc-Ion Hybrid Super-Capacitors (ZIHSCs)
Sep 2022 - May 2023 | 5 min read
Let’s delve into the mesmerizing fantasy of my research journey.
This research investigates Structural Composite Energy Storage Devices (SCESDs), specifically focusing on Zinc Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors (ZIHSCs) as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion technology. We developed a novel device integrating energy storage and mechanical resilience through zinc-deposited functional materials. The resulting lightweight, energy-efficient device demonstrates promising potential for sustainable energy applications, though further optimization is needed for practical implementation.
Supplementary Documents Available via 📎
📌 What I did?
I began with extensive paper research, reviewing literature and gathering relevant background information. This informed my experiment design, where I fabricated and calibrated the cathode and anode materials. I then developed the device by incorporating solid polymer electrolytes in a laminated structure. Finally, I evaluated performance through cyclic performance analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) to assess electrochemical and mechanical properties.
📌 Why I did it?
The rapid evolution of technology has reached a critical juncture where traditional hardware and software architectures face significant limitations. We are on a mission to redesign existing architecture, discover new morphologies, and create new materials to tackle the major challenges of our times, including i) Multi-functionality, as an emerging need to integrate different properties in a single material to maximize function-volume ratio for next generation technologies, ii) Efficiency e.g., energy conversion rate in terms of reducing heat loss and maximizing power and energy density, and iii) Sustainability, as how we select the right materials under limited resources and extend the product life cycle to tackle climate change.
📌 Why it matters?
The growing adoption of the transition from combustion to electric vehicles and the budding wearable technologies has created a demanding need for advanced energy storage solutions with robust safety criteria, consistent cyclic performance, and most importantly, compliance with sustainable practices. Our work focuses on the development of Multi-Functionality Hybrid Composites (MFHC), as it stands the forefront of these advances, delivering proven capabilities in combining energy storage and structural support into a single, integrated solution for potential applications on transportation, architecture, and wearable techs.
You Might be Wondering…
📌 What is Structural Composite Energy Storage Device?
Structural Composite Energy Storage Device(SCESD), unlike traditional energy storage device (e.g., battery, capacitor, fuel cell) which requires additioanl structural framework as protective support, integrates structural elements and energy storage units into a single unified system, delivering optimal performance while significantly reducing the overall volume and mass.
📌 What is Zinc Ion Hybrid Supercapacitor?
Zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitor (ZIHSC) is an innovative energy storage technology that leverages the unique properties of metallic zinc. Even though other metal ion-based HSC genearally has a higher energy density, zinc based HSC possess multiple advantages in terms of:
Naturally abundant
Superior stability & performance
Intrinsically safe & reliable
Multifunctional capabilities
These characteristics make ZIHSC particularly promising for next-generation energy storage applications where safety, efficiency, and sustainability are paramount.
To Our Future, and Beyond.
My Motivation on this Research Work
Technologies have immense potential to enhance human life and wellbeing. However, my observation shows the rapid pace of technological advancement often outpaces our readiness to use it wisely, leading to concerning patterns with smartphones, AI, and short-lifecycle products.
This insight drives my commitment to developing more sustainable technological solutions that truly serve humanity's needs. My vision centers on transforming human-technology interaction through advanced AR technology and wearables. I believe these devices can create more intuitive and immersive experiences, while reducing our dependence on smartphones, eventually shifting attention back to ourselves.
To achieve my vision, I must overcome three critical challenges:
redesign optical guided visual system that are practical for everyday use.
creating sustainable and efficient energy solutions, as these life-changing techs requires immese energy in terms of conversion and power efficiency.
implementing innovative architectural designs that optimize performance from the microscopic to macroscopic level, particularly in thermal management.
I started this research by redesigning the device structure(see illustration below). This design aims to improve the mechanical resilience and increase the electrical performance by introducing Solid-Polymer-Electrolytes (SPEs) as structural framework while removing the separator in between current collectors. This innovative approach provides a greater design flexibility for future technologies that have potential to significatnly affect our daily routines, from portable devices to electric vehicles, and from GPU’s to QPU’s.
A schematic diagram of laminated ZIHSC structure.
Discoveries and Afterthoughts
Rome was not built in one day, as all the great work requires unwavering efforts. I have encounter countless challenges during this research jouney. One of the greatest hurdle I’ve faced is reproducibility, as inconsistent experiment results upon the fabrication on conductive materials is found intermittently. The major challenge as an undergraduate researcher is the limitation of accessibility on facilities and equipments needed for experiment design. Inevitably it is quite common for me to change the methodology or redo the experiment due to fluctuating lab condition.
Nonetheless, it is not an excuse for not able to deliver satisfactory outcome, it turned out to be my motivation to keep pursuing new strategies and unleash my potential on problem-solving capabilities to drive new solution on upcoming challenges. It is an arduous yet joyful journey which equiped me with valuable research experience to work under lab environment.
“Persistence is luck,” said Prof. Zhang Shuguang from MIT Media Lab, who devoted years of effort delving into the research of his groundbreaking QTY code, a method which allows membrane proteins to be systematically designed. I agree with his words. Like all the great discoveries through the history of science and technology, it all takes time and a sense of “luck.” “Chance favors the prepared mind,” I believe. Luck does not simply come out of no where, it is just like growing plants and flowers, it always gets greener where you water it.
The most challeging part of being a researcher is about the resillience to bounce back and the endless day and nights before the disclosure of all the myth behind. I appreciate and respect all the research frontiers who have devoted their entire life into specific topic just for creating a better society and benifiting all living creatures on and beyond this planet earth. One day, I will join yours pivotal movements as a life long researcher to find out the true essence of life, love, and humanity.
Special thanks to Ms. Jing Zhang (PhD, research mentor, who patiently guided me through this research jorney), Dr. Hao Li (PhD, who sent me great supports and insights), and my supervisor Prof. Haitao Huang, for the continuous support and giving me this opportunity to learn and experiment on this novel topic.