Scientists from UCL Mathematical & Physical Sciences developed a unique supercapacitor. The new storage device can work as a portable power supply for diverse applications such as phones, wearable devices, and electric vehicles. This research is open for access in the scientific journal Nature Energy.
New Technology with Capability to Replace Present Battery Technology
The presently available supercapacitors offer fast-charging and are high-powered. However, they are not good at storing a huge amount of energy in a tiny space. The new technology evolved by Dr. Zhuangnan Li (UCL Chemistry)—study author—and the research team offers a probable solution for this issue. While explaining more about the technology, Dr. Li stated, “The latest supercapacitor is exceptionally useful for next-generation energy storage technology. It can be implemented either for use alongside the current battery technology or as its replacement. The key motive of this technology is to offer the user more power.”
Dr. Li added that the materials designed in the new supercapacitor offer them a high power density—that is how fast it can charge or discharge. At the same time, they give the supercapacitor a high energy density, which determines the time for which it will work. Generally, users get only one of these characteristics. However, the latest supercapacitor offers both, which is a significant development.
Due to its unique quality of flexibility, the supercapacitor can bend to 180 degrees. Moreover, this does not alter its performance at all. Besides, no use of liquid electrolytes in this supercapacitor shuns any explosion danger making it a perfect fit for wearable electronics or bendy phones. The senior author of this research, Professor Ivan Parkin, stated, “Being able to store a big amount of energy securely in a compact system is a key step towards advanced energy storage technology.”