A few days ago, scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) used standard optical DVD drives to produce a new type of supercapacitor. The new product integrates the advantages of capacitors and batteries, creating a breakthrough in energy storage technology, with stronger mechanical and electrical characteristics and a larger surface area.
The battery stores energy in an electrical manner and is released when it is used. The capacitor stores energy in a pair of devices with opposing electrode conductors. The capacitor is not a battery and is more temporary. Electrochemical capacitors, also known as supercapacitors, can store more power than ordinary capacitors used in televisions or computers.
In general, there are two main criteria for judging a storage device, namely energy density and power density. If such a capacitive device is installed on an electric vehicle, the energy density can determine the distance of travel after one charge, and the power density can determine the travel speed. The electrode produced by the new method shows ultra-high energy density, high power density, and good cycle stability in different electrolytes. In addition, the new capacitor also has good electrochemical characteristics.
Richard B. Kaner, professor of chemistry and materials science engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles, said: "Our research has shown that the new supercapacitors store the same amount of power as conventional batteries, but charge and discharge are much faster. Compared with activated carbon electrodes, the new electrodes have better mechanical properties and better conductivity (activated carbon electrode conductivity is 10-100 S/m, and new electrode conductivity is >1700 S/m). Kenna said that these all show that the new electrode can be used directly as a supercapacitor electrode without the use of a current collector like a conventional activated carbon electrode capacitor.
In order to test the performance potential of supercapacitors under real conditions, the researchers placed new equipment under continuous mechanical pressure conditions to analyze their performance capabilities. The results show that mechanical pressure has essentially no effect on the new supercapacitors. It may lead the development of an ideal energy storage system and make energy storage more flexible and convenient.
Not only that, but other characteristics of supercapacitors have also been applied to large engine starting capacitors such as tanks and submarines, and as the cost decreases, the new supercapacitors will also be used in diesel trucks and train locomotives. Since 2000, supercapacitors have attracted the electric vehicle industry, and their charging speed is far faster than ordinary batteries. The new technology being developed can further increase the energy density of the capacitor, which will be more attractive to electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The above research has been published in the latest "Science" journal.
