A hybrid supercapacitor where the charging state is indicated by color is demonstrated. The device comprises a molecular network that functions as both the battery-type electrode and the charge indicator. Related batteries, electrodes and devices, their processes of preparation and methods of use are provided as well. Further included in this invention are data-storage devices and catalysts based on multilayers comprising metal-ion organic complexes. This invention further provides methods of preparation of the multilayers, of the data-storage devices, of the catalyst devices and methods of use thereof.

A hybrid supercapacitor where the charging state is indicated by color is demonstrated. The device comprises a molecular network that functions as both the battery-type electrode and the charge indicator. Related batteries, electrodes and devices, their processes of preparation and methods of use are provided as well. Further included in this invention are data-storage devices and catalysts based on multilayers comprising metal-ion organic complexes. This invention further provides methods of preparation of the multilayers, of the data-storage devices, of the catalyst devices and methods of use thereof.

Flexible and stretchable electronics, including supercapacitors and pressure sensors, are made using carbon nanostructures produced by providing a first composite structure which includes a temporary substrate and an array of carbon nanotubes arranged in a stack on a surface of the temporary substrate such that the stack of carbon nanotubes is oriented generally perpendicular to the surface of the temporary substrate, which may include silicon dioxide. The stack of carbon nanotubes is transferred from the temporary substrate to another substrate, which includes a curable polymer, thereby forming another composite structure comprising the stack of carbon nanotubes and the cured polymer.

Flexible and stretchable electronics, including supercapacitors and pressure sensors, are made using carbon nanostructures produced by providing a first composite structure which includes a temporary substrate and an array of carbon nanotubes arranged in a stack on a surface of the temporary substrate such that the stack of carbon nanotubes is oriented generally perpendicular to the surface of the temporary substrate, which may include silicon dioxide. The stack of carbon nanotubes is transferred from the temporary substrate to another substrate, which includes a curable polymer, thereby forming another composite structure comprising the stack of carbon nanotubes and the cured polymer.

This disclosure provides a battery comprising a cathode and an anode positioned opposite the cathode. A hybrid artificial solid-electrolyte interphase (A-SEI) layer is deposited on the anode and includes a plurality of active components. A blended material is interwoven throughout the plurality of active components and configured to inhibit growth of Lithium (Li) dendritic structures from the anode to the cathode. The blended material includes a combination of crystalline sp.sup.2-bound carbon domains of graphene sheets and a plurality of flexible wrinkle areas positioned at joinder points of two of more of the crystalline sp.sup.2-bound carbon domains of graphene sheets and a polymeric matrix configured to bind the plurality of active components and the blended material together. An electrolyte is in contact with the hybrid A-SEI and the cathode and a separator is positioned between the anode and the cathode. The blended material includes curable carboxylate salts of metals.

Provided herein are a variety of electrolytes, electrolyte systems, and separator systems, as well as batteries comprising the same and precursors thereof. In specific embodiments are semi-solid or gel electrolytes, particularly those prepared using (i) a cross-linkable polysilsesquioxane with high ionic conductivity and (ii) a liquid electrolyte (e.g., ionic liquid).

A technique that can improve ionic conductivity is provided.

An electrolyte includes an inorganic composite particle that is a composite of an inorganic particle with a compound having a betaine structure and one or more functional groups selected from a (meth)acryloxy group, a Si(OR).sub.3 group (R is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms), and an Al(OR).sub.2 group (R is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms).

An electrochemical device capable of more sufficiently preventing swelling due to generation of a gas such as carbon dioxide and decomposition of a lithium salt while having a simple structure. The electrochemical device includes a non-aqueous electrolytic solution, wherein the non-aqueous electrolytic solution contains a metal-organic framework containing: an azole-based organic molecule optionally having a hydrophobic group, and a metal atom.

Hybrid lithium-ion electrochemical cells include a first electrode having a first polarity and a first electroactive material that reversibly cycles lithium ions having a first maximum operational voltage and a second electrode having the first polarity with a second electroactive material having a second maximum operational voltage. A difference between the second and first maximum operational voltages defines a predetermined voltage difference. Also included are at least one third electrode including a third electroactive material that reversibly cycles lithium ions having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, a separator, and electrolyte. A voltage modification component (e.g., diode) is in electrical communication with the first and the second electrodes. In a first operational state corresponding to charging, the at least one voltage modification component is configured to induce a voltage drop corresponding to the predetermined voltage difference providing high power density and high energy density hybrid lithium-ion electrochemical cells.

Provided are new solid-state electrochemical cells and methods for fabricating these cells. In some examples, a solid-state electrochemical cell is assembled using a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a gel-polymer electrolyte layer, which is disposed and provides ionic communications between these electrodes. Prior to this assembly, the negative electrode is free from electrolytes. The negative electrode is fabricated using a coating technique, e.g., forming a slurry, comprising a polymer binder and one or more negative active materials structures, such as silicon, graphite, and the like. The porosity, size, and other characteristics of the negative active materials structures and of the resulting coated later are specifically controlled to ensure operation with the gel-polymer electrolyte layer or, more specifically, high-rate charge and discharge, e.g., greater than 1 mA/cm.sup.2. The gel-polymer electrolyte layer releases some of its liquid electrolyte after the interface with the negative electrode is formed.