Biocompatible Supercapacitors to Transform Next-Gen Power Sources
Discover the future of implantable devices with biocompatible supercapacitors!—Listen now!
If you have ever had to replace a battery in a device, you know it can be a hassle. For many, this hassle becomes even more serious when that device is inside the body. Pacemakers, cochlear implants, and sensors are some of the medical devices that millions have come to rely on and these devices are powered by batteries that can be harmful and even require frequent replacement. A team of researchers at Khalifa University has comprehensively reviewed this challenge and found materials like activated carbon, graphene, and some of metal oxides, to make devices powered by energy storage systems, such as ‘biocompatible supercapacitors’(B-SCs), safer and more efficient.
H.E. Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, Professor of Practice, Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Dr. Amal Al Ghaferi, Associate Professor, and Research Scientists Dr. Nilesh R. Chodankar, Dr. Jang-Kyo Kim from Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, and Dr. Rohan B. Ambade, Aerospace Engineering, Khalifa University, published a review in a paper titled ‘Revolutionizing Implantable Technology: Biocompatible Supercapacitors as the Future of Power Sources’ in Advanced Functional Materials, a top 10% journal, in the field of Condensed Matter Physics. The team also includes Prof. Yun-Suk Huh, Inha University, South Korea; Prof. Young-Kyu Han, Dongguk University-Seoul, South Korea; and Dr. Pragati A. Shinde, National Institute for Materials Science, Japan.
Traditional lithium-ion batteries have long been the standard power source for not only implantable electronic medical devices — such as sensors, pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, cochlear implants, and stimulators — but also in various wearables applications. When embedded in the body, electronic medical devices can help in treatments and diagnosis, and while they may be small, such devices contain various electronic components, such as integrated circuits, sensors, and power sources like batteries and biofuel cells, which can pose risks due to potential leakage of toxins. Another common drawback is the frequent battery or device replacements that can require surgery, increasing risks for patients and raising healthcare costs.
“Biocompatible supercapacitors can improve medical implants and wearables with safer long-lasting energy sources, reducing risks and improving patients’ quality of life.”
— Dr. Nilesh R. Chodankar, Research Scientist, Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering, Khalifa University.
Materials used in biocompatible supercapacitors, such as activated carbon and graphene improve the performance of supercapacitors and being ‘biocompatible’, they can safely interact with biological tissues. Additionally, supercapacitors have advantages even over rechargeable batteries, including high power, long lifespan, low internal resistance, affordability, non-toxicity, and low maintenance. When integrated with energy harvesting and conversion systems, supercapacitors that supply power for biomedical devices can deliver reliable energy over long periods to implantable devices which can be placed inside the body or worn on the skin.
Dr Nilesh R. Chodankar, said: “Recent studies have focused on the best electrode and electrolyte materials for wearable and portable devices. However, there is currently no review on biocompatible supercapacitors (B-SCs) for Implantable Electronic Medical Devices. It is essential to fill this gap to tackle existing challenges and this review will cover advancements in B-SC materials, design strategies, power requirements of various IEMD technologies, and the critical features needed for their energy storage systems.”
Alisha Roy
Science Writer
2 Oct 2024
