DuraCap · The first ultra-thin, flexible and durable pseudocapacitor fully integrated in a device for low power applications

There is growing interest in flexible and thin electronic devices for different applications such as wearable devices, healthcare, RFID, or smart surfaces among others. Conventional batteries that are available are bulky and rigid, thereby creating an urgent need for energy storages device with characteristics that match the device itself – thin and flexible. Thin-film batteries or supercapacitors are a first attempt at solving these issues, but these still fall short. We have developed DuraCap, the first pseudocapacitor which works in a wide temperature range (-50 to +180oC) and survives up to 250oC during the manufacturing process. DuraCap is flexible, transparent and 4 times thinner (~1µm) than current solutions. It can be applied in broad materials (polymers, ceramics) and is non-toxic and non-flammable. These unique features of DuraCap combined with its high power-density, high charge rate, flat discharge curve, and long lifetime (>10 years) and unlimited shelf time address the market need. Our final aim is to develop the world’s first commercial energy harvester, energy storage and power management in a single device for low power applications such as sensors (RFID, smart cards, IoT), wearable devices or medical patches. Successful trials of DuraCap with a TPMS sensor installed in a wheel has validated market suitability and technical feasibility of DuraCap. The support from end-users such as e-peas, a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in solutions for IoT, or LG Group who have experience in deployment of energy storage solutions, will help us to accelerate market launch and adoption of DuraCap. Within 5-years of its commercialization, we expect €24million of cumulative profit to achieve an ROI of 7:1.