Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe energy storage devices, porous electrodes, and methods of formation. In an embodiment, an energy storage device includes a porous structure containing multiple main channels that extend into an electrically conductive structure at an acute angle. In an embodiment, an energy storage device includes a porous structure containing an array of V-groove or pyramid recesses.

Abstract: An energy storage device includes a first electrode (110, 510) including a first plurality of channels (111, 512) that contain a first electrolyte (150, 514) and a second electrode (120, 520) including a second plurality of channels (121, 522) that contain a second electrolyte (524). The first electrode has a first surface (115, 511) and the second electrode has a second surface (125, 521). At least one of the first and second electrodes is a porous silicon electrode, and at least one of the first and second surfaces comprises a passivating layer (535).

Abstract: Hybrid electrochemical capacitors, electronic devices using such capacitors, and associated methods are disclosed. In an example, a hybrid electrochemical capacitor can include a first electrode made from Mg, Na, Zn, Al, Sn, or Li, a second electrode made from a porous material such as porous carbon or passivated porous silicon, and an electrolyte. The hybrid electrochemical capacitors can have enhanced voltage and energy density compared to other electrochemical capacitors, and enhanced power density compared to batteries.

Abstract: An energy storage device includes a middle section (610) including a plurality of double-sided porous structures (500), each of which contain multiple channels (511) in two opposing surfaces (515, 525) thereof, an upper section (620) comprising a single-sided porous structure (621) containing multiple channels (622) in a surface (625) thereof, and a lower section (630) including a single-sided porous structure (631) containing multiple channels (632) in a surface (635) thereof.

Abstract: Ultrafast battery devices having enhanced reliability and power density are provided. Such batteries can include a cathode including a first silicon substrate having a cathode structured surface, an anode including a second silicon substrate having an anode structured surface positioned adjacent to the cathode such that the cathode structured surface faces the anode structured surface, and an electrolyte disposed between the cathode and the anode. The anode structured surface can be coated with an anodic active material and the cathode structured surface can be coated with a cathodic active material.

Abstract: Electrodes, energy storage devices using such electrodes, and associated methods are disclosed. In an example, an electrode for use in an energy storage device can comprise porous silicon having a plurality of channels and a surface, the plurality of channels opening to the surface; and a structural material deposited within the channels; wherein the structural material provides structural stability to the electrode during use.

Abstract: Ultracapacitor electrodes having an enhanced electrolyte-accessible surface area are provided. Such electrodes can include a porous substrate having a solution side and a collector side, the collector side operable to couple to a current collector and the solution side positioned to interact with an electrolytic solution when in use. The electrode can also include a conductive coating formed on the solution side of the porous substrate. The coating can have a first side positioned to interact with an electrolytic solution when in use and a second side opposite the first side. The coating can have discontinuous regions that allow access of an electrolyte solution to the second side during use to enhance electrolyte-accessible surface area of the conductive coating.

Abstract: Electrodes, energy storage devices using such electrodes, and associated methods are disclosed. In an example, an electrode for use in an energy storage device can comprise porous disks comprising a porous material, the porous disks having a plurality of channels and a surface, the plurality of channels opening to the surface; and a structural material encapsulating the porous disks; where the structural material provides structural stability to the electrode during use.

Abstract: Methods of forming microelectronic structures are described. Embodiments of those methods may include forming an electrochemical capacitor device by forming pores in low-purity silicon materials. Various embodiments described herein enable the fabrication of high capacitive devices using low cost techniques.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, an energy storage device is described including a pair of electrically conductive porous structures, with each of the electrically conductive porous structures containing an electrolyte loaded into a plurality of pores. A solid or semi-solid electrolyte layer separates the pair of electrically conductive porous structures and penetrates the plurality of pores of the pair of electrically conductive porous structures. In an embodiment of the invention, an electrically conductive porous structure is formed on a substrate, the electrically conductive porous structure containing a plurality of pores. An electrolyte is then loaded into the plurality of pores, and an electrolyte layer is formed over the electrically conductive porous structure. In an embodiment, the electrolyte layer penetrates the plurality of pores of the electrically conductive porous structure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a structure for an energy storage device may include a first nanostructured substrate having a conductive layer and a dielectric layer formed on the conductive layer. A second nanostructured substrate includes another conductive layer. A separator separates the first and second nanostructured substrates and allows ions of an electrolyte to pass through the separator. The structure may be a nanostructured electrolytic capacitor with the first nanostructured substrate forming a positive electrode and the second nanostructured substrate forming a negative electrode of the capacitor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe energy storage devices, porous electrodes, and methods of formation. In an embodiment, an energy storage device includes a porous structure containing multiple main channels that extend into an electrically conductive structure at an acute angle. In an embodiment, an energy storage device includes a porous structure containing an array of V-groove or pyramid recesses.

Abstract: An energy storage device includes a first electrode (110, 510) including a first plurality of channels (111, 512) that contain a first electrolyte (150, 514) and a second electrode (120, 520) including a second plurality of channels (121, 522) that contain a second electrolyte (524). The first electrode has a first surface (115, 511) and the second electrode has a second surface (125, 521). At least one of the first and second electrodes is a porous silicon electrode, and at least one of the first and second surfaces comprises a passivating layer (535).

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method of forming an energy storage device is described in which a porous structure of an electrically conductive substrate is measured in-situ while being electrochemically etched in an electrochemical etching bath until a predetermined value is obtained, at which point the electrically conductive substrate may be removed from the electrochemical etching bath. In another embodiment, a method of forming an energy storage device is described in which an electrically conductive porous structure is measured to determine the energy storage capacity of the electrically conductive porous structure. The energy storage capacity of the electrically conductive porous structure is then reduced until a predetermined energy storage capacity value is obtained.