Nickel Sulfide Microrockets as Self‐Propelled Energy Storage Devices to Power Electronic Circuits “On‐Demand”
Mario Urso, Christian Christian, Carmen C. Mayorga‐Martinez, Martin Pumera
Abstract
Abstract Miniaturized energy storage devices are essential to power the growing number and variety of microelectronic technologies. Here, a concept of self‐propelled microscale energy storage elements that can move, reach, and power electronic circuits is reported. Microrockets consisting of a nickel sulfide (NiS) outer layer and a Pt inner layer are prepared by template‐assisted electrodeposition, and designed to store energy through NiS‐mediated redox reactions and propel via the Pt‐catalyzed decomposition of H 2 O 2 fuel. Scanning electrochemical microscopy allows visualizing and studying the energy storage ability of a single microrocket, revealing its pseudocapacitive nature. This proves the great potential of such technique in the field of micro/nanomotors. On‐demand delivery of energy storage units to electronic circuits has been demonstrated by releasing microrockets on an interdigitated array electrode as an example of electronic circuit. Owing to their self‐propulsion ability, they reach the active area of the electrode and, in principle, power its functions. These autonomously moving energy storage devices will be employed for next‐generation electronics to store and deliver energy in previously inaccessible locations.