Microflatteries

Microflatteries are microscale energy storage devices designed in a flat, planar form factor to power compact electronics and systems with stringent form-factor constraints. They are intended to provide on-device power for sensors, MEMS, wearables, and micro-robotic platforms, where conventional cylindrical or pouch batteries are impractical.

Most implementations use planar interdigitated electrodes on a solid or gel electrolyte, enabling compact packaging and short ion transport paths. Chemistries include lithium-based microbatteries, aqueous or solid-state zinc systems, or hybrid configurations. Some approaches employ micro-supercapacitor concepts to deliver high power while maintaining cycling stability. Advances in 2D materials, such as graphene and MXenes, and thin-film deposition enable ultrathin, flexible electrodes.

Manufacturing relies on established microfabrication techniques (photolithography, sputtering, chemical vapor deposition) and additive printing to create thin, conformal devices on diverse substrates. Packaging focuses on reducing parasitic resistance, ensuring chemical stability, and allowing bending.

Performance characteristics vary with chemistry and geometry. Energy density is generally lower than conventional batteries on a per-volume basis, but the flat form factor enables high surface-area utilization and rapid charging/discharging. Durability, safety, and the ability to operate across temperatures are active research concerns.

Applications continue to expand in IoT, medical implants, and autonomous micro-robots. Key challenges include improving energy density, cycle life, safety of micro-scale anodes, scalable fabrication, and reliable integration with flexible substrates.