CITRES

Energy storage becomes increasingly important as the number of IoT devices continues to grow. Autonomous sensors require batteries with high energy density, high voltage and prolonged life. Although current batteries have high capacity, they cannot discharge and recharge rapidly. By contrast, capacitors can give off energy more quickly but have lower energy densities.

The EU-funded CITRES project will try to achieve the best of both worlds. Researchers will introduce defects in thin films of a material called relaxor ferroelectric. Thin-film processing of relaxors enhances the dielectric breakdown strength. High energy density in such a material can be achieved by maximising polarisation and minimising leakage currents.

Duration: 1 April 2019 - 31 December 2024