Researchers claim new polymeric electrolyte could overcome the main downfall of supercapacitors as energy storage units – their low power density
A new polymeric electrolyte could allow future supercapacitors to hold thousands of times more power than they do today.
According to researchers from the University of Surrey and polymer firm Augmented Optics, tests of their new polymeric material show it offers 1,000 to 10,000 more electrical activity than conventional electrolytes typically used in supercapacitors.
Batteries and supercapacitors can both be used to store energy, with supercapacitors harnessing electrodes and electrolytes to store energy. However, while supercapacitors can charge and discharge very quickly and do not lose their storage capabilities over time, their poor energy density means they can only store a small amount of energy per unit of weight compared to batteries.
The researchers said their breakthrough could drastically improve storage capacity allowing electric cars to travel similar distances as petrol cars while also fully re-charging within second to minute timeframes. For example, while supercapacitor buses are already used in China, they have a very limited ranges and have to charge at least every few stops, whereas the new technology could allow them to recharge every 20 to 30 stops.
The technology could also revolutionise the capabilities of other appliances that have previously relied on battery power to work, the researchers said, including aerospace, energy generation, and mobile phones.
“There is a global search for new energy storage technology and this new ultra-capacity supercapacitor has the potential to open the door to unimaginably exciting developments,” said Dr Brendan Howlin, a materials chemistry specialist from the University of Surrey who worked on the project.
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