How Strategic Elements Scaled Energy Ink™ to 2,000+ Cells with Near-Perfect Yield
Strategic Elements Ltd has successfully fabricated over 2,000 Energy Ink™ prototype cells in a commercial setting, marking a pivotal step toward global collaboration and product development. This breakthrough validates the reproducibility of their moisture-powered printable ink technology at scale.
- Over 2,000 Energy Ink™ cells produced with 99.95% yield
- Multi-cell arrays operated continuously for seven days at target power
- Fabrication achieved using standard commercial printing equipment
- Partnerships planned with international printed electronics centres
- Technology remains early-stage with challenges in scalability and integration
A Milestone in Printable Energy Technology
Strategic Elements Ltd (ASX, SOR) has announced a significant advancement in the development of Energy Ink™, a novel printable ink that generates electricity from moisture in the air. For the first time, the company has successfully manufactured thousands of prototype cells using commercial printing equipment, a crucial step beyond laboratory-scale experiments.
This achievement not only demonstrates the reproducibility of Energy Ink™ cells under industrial conditions but also lays the groundwork for collaboration with international printed electronics centres and potential end-users. Such partnerships could accelerate the technology’s evolution from research to practical applications.
Commercial-Scale Fabrication and Testing
In a single production run, Strategic Elements fabricated 2,051 out of 2,052 cells that passed compliance testing for open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current, reflecting an impressive 99.95% yield. Furthermore, 30 multi-cell arrays, each comprising 27 cells, operated continuously for seven days at a baseline power density of 2.5 microwatts per square centimetre, matching earlier skin patch prototypes.
These tests were conducted under controlled indoor humidity conditions consistent with printed electronics manufacturing environments, underscoring the technology’s robustness and potential for scale-up.
Pathway to Global Collaboration and Commercialisation
Energy Ink™ is being developed in partnership with the University of New South Wales, leveraging world-class expertise in materials science and nanofabrication. Supported by over $5 million in Australian Research Council grants, the project is poised to engage with international printed electronics hubs and end-user innovation centres.
Strategic Elements plans to advance pilot programs integrating Energy Ink™ into demonstrator products, aiming to generate critical data for commercial adoption. However, the company acknowledges challenges ahead, including maintaining performance durability, scaling fabrication to larger formats, and integrating the ink with circuits and packaging.
A Patient Capital Approach to Deep-Tech Innovation
Charles Murphy, Managing Director of Strategic Elements, highlighted the importance of patient capital in nurturing deep-tech innovations like Energy Ink™. The company operates as a Pooled Development Fund, offering shareholders tax advantages while supporting long-term breakthrough technologies that require extended development horizons.
While the technology remains at an early stage with inherent risks, this commercial-scale fabrication milestone marks a tangible step forward in the quest for sustainable, battery-free power sources.
Bottom Line?
Strategic Elements’ commercial-scale success with Energy Ink™ opens doors to global partnerships but underscores the long road ahead to market readiness.
Questions in the middle?
- How soon can pilot programs with international partners begin, and what form will they take?
- What are the anticipated timelines and hurdles for scaling Energy Ink™ beyond prototype sheets?
- How will Strategic Elements navigate integration challenges with existing electronic devices and packaging?