Micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) face significant limitations due to low energy density despite their high power density and long cycle life. In this study, single-layer Ti₃C₂T_x nanosheets are employed to fabricate a MXene-hydroxylated nanocellulose-carbon nanotube (MHC) composite ink, which is used to fabricate high-energy flexible MSCs via direct ink writing 3D printing technology. The introduction of the rheological modifier hydroxylated nanocellulose (HNC) not only constructs interlayer spacers to inhibit nanosheet restacking but also optimizes the rheological properties and 3D printability of the composite ink. Meanwhile, the synergistic effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as conductive agents enhances interlayer electron transport and electrochemical performance. Benefiting from the rational design of the ink and printing process, the fabricated MSCs exhibit high-precision structures (electrode width of 250 μm, electrode area of 0.2625 cm²) and outstanding energy storage properties, achieving 543 mF cm^-2 areal capacitance, 27.15 μWh cm^-2 energy density, and 6 mW cm^-2 power density, significantly surpassing previously reported MXene-based MSCs. Moreover, the flexible all-solid-state MSCs demonstrate excellent performance stability under mechanical bending, series/parallel module integration, and long-term cycling tests, providing a customizable energy storage solution for flexible wearable microelectronic systems.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are characterized by high porosity and structural versatility. They have enormous potential, for example for applications in electronics. However, their low electrical conductivity has so far greatly restricted their adoption. Using AI and robot-assisted synthesis in a self-driving laboratory, researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), together with colleagues in Germany and Brazil, have now succeeded in producing an MOF thin film that conducts electricity like metals. This opens up new possibilities in electronics and energy storage – from sensors and quantum materials to functional materials. The team reports in the Materials Horizons journal. (DOI: 10.1039/d5mh00813a)

Imagine flipping a switch not to turn on a light—but to shift your building from heating to cooling. A breakthrough in smart materials now makes this possible. Scientists have developed an electrochromic harvester that dynamically alternates between collecting heat and releasing it—offering a low-power, all-day climate solution that could reduce building energy use by up to 21.4%.