Recently, Dr. Zhongshuai Wu's team from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, was invited to write a review article on 3D printed microbatteries, summarizing the significant research progress and future development trends in electrode structure, device configuration, and system integration of 3D printing in microbatteries. The findings were published in Chemical Science.
With the widespread adoption of flexible/wearable electronic products, self-powered microsystems, and the Internet of Things, electronic systems have shifted from "immovable/bulky" to "portable/compact," stimulating the development of new power sources beyond traditional battery technologies. Compared to rigid/bulky conventional power sources, 3D printed microbatteries offer design diversity, shape and performance compatibility with electronic devices, scalability, and low-cost processability. Therefore, developing 3D printing materials, inks, methods, device configurations, and clarifying their relationship with systems are crucial for achieving customizable high-performance 3D printed microbatteries.
This review focuses on the latest advances in 3D printed microbatteries, as well as the close relationship between the rational design of printable materials and inks and printing technologies. The article discusses the uniqueness and adaptability of different types of 3D printing technologies in constructing microbatteries, introduces printable units of microbatteries, and universal methods for preparing printable inks. It then highlights the prominent role of 3D printing in electrode structure, device configuration, performance modulation, and system integration of microbatteries.
The article points out that a full-chain research approach, including the design of novel functional materials, development of advanced printing technologies, fabrication of new device structures, elucidation of unique reaction mechanisms at small scales, and integration of microsystems, can maximize the application potential of 3D printed microbatteries.
Related Paper Information: https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06999K
