Graphene supercapacitors changing power game

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Graphene supercapacitors changing power game

Batteries have high energy density. They can store great amounts of electrical energy, but they can not release that energy in a short period of time. On the other hand, capacitors have a limited capacity to store electrical energy, but they can discharge it in quick bursts.

Supercapacitors are sitting between these two systems. They can store large amounts of energy, and they can release it in a very short time. Also they can be recharged in a very short period of time.

However, the supercapacitors are not as feasible as batteries yet. A Li-ion battery has an energy capacity of 200 Watt-hour per kilogram, but an average supercapacitor on the market has only 28 Watt-hour per kilogram yet. (*)

The new Graphene-based supercapacitors are candidates to close the gap. On the laboratory conditions, 160 Watt-hour per kilogram values have been reached. Non-stop studies continue.

Graphene supercapacitors have a great potential for energy storage. As nano-technology have been improved, cheaper and effective solutions will be serviced into the market. It will not take a long time to achieve feasible results.

Let us wait, and see!

Ahmet Aksoy

References:

• (*) http://www.thegraphenecouncil.org/?page=Supercapcitors
• http://www.graphenea.com/blogs/graphene-news/7915653-graphene-batteries-and-supercapacitors-to-power-our-world
• http://www.graphene-info.com/tags/ultracapacitors
• http://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news/newsid=40635.php