In a significant advancement for energy storage technology, researchers at Xi’an Jiaotong University have unveiled a novel method for fabricating disordered graphene that promises to enhance the performance of supercapacitors. This breakthrough could have far-reaching implications for applications ranging from electric vehicles to portable electronics, where efficient energy storage is paramount.
The research, led by Gangqiang Liu from the Micro-/Nano-Technology Research Center, introduces a scalable technique that combines spark-induced disorderly opening of graphene stacks with mechanical compression. This innovative approach results in a dense, porous structure of graphene that boasts a remarkable density of 1.18 g cm−3, significantly enhancing ion accessibility and conductivity. Liu emphasizes the importance of this advancement, stating, “Achieving a high ion-accessible surface area while maintaining density is crucial for the future of capacitive energy storage.”
The implications of this research are profound. The disordered graphene exhibits an impressive volumetric capacitance of 297 F cm−3 when used in ionic liquid electrolytes, which is a sixfold increase in ion conductivity compared to conventional laminar graphene. This enhancement translates into stack cells capable of delivering a volumetric energy density of 94.2 Wh L−1 alongside a power density of 13.7 kW L−1. Such performance metrics suggest that these supercapacitors could effectively serve as grid power buffers, enabling more efficient energy management in renewable energy systems.
Moreover, the study showcases the potential for these disordered graphene electrodes to be integrated into ionogel-based all-solid-state pouch cells. These cells not only exhibit high mechanical stability but also offer multiple optional outputs, making them an attractive solution for flexible energy storage applications. Liu notes, “Our findings open up new avenues for flexible and high-performance energy storage solutions that can adapt to various practical applications.”
As industries increasingly pivot towards sustainable energy solutions, the commercial prospects for this technology are promising. With the ability to enhance energy density and efficiency, the disordered graphene supercapacitors could play a pivotal role in the development of next-generation energy storage systems. The research was published in ‘Advanced Science’, which translates to ‘Avanzada Ciencia’ in English, highlighting its significance in the scientific community.
For more details on this groundbreaking work, you can visit the Micro-/Nano-Technology Research Center at Xi’an Jiaotong University. This advancement not only marks a critical step forward in energy storage technology but also sets the stage for future innovations that could redefine how we store and utilize energy in a rapidly evolving market.
