Supercapacitors, battery-like devices that can charge in seconds or a few minutes, have the potential to revolutionize energy storage technology. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that the energy density of supercapacitors can be significantly improved by increasing the ‘messiness’ of their internal structure. Their experimental and computer modelling techniques showed that electrodes with a more disordered chemical structure stored far more energy than those with a highly ordered structure. This breakthrough could reinvigorate the development of supercapacitors and make them more viable for a range of applications.
Supercapacitors have advantages over traditional batteries, such as being more durable and having faster charging capabilities. They are ideal for certain forms of public transport, as well as managing intermittent solar and wind energy generation. However, their low energy density has limited their adoption for long-term energy storage or continuous power. Dr Alex Forse, who led the research, emphasizes that supercapacitors are complementary to batteries rather than replacements. The team’s findings offer a new pathway for improving the energy storage capacity of supercapacitors, potentially leading to wider use in various industries.
The movement of charged molecules between porous carbon electrodes is essential for supercapacitors to store and release energy. Forse explains that the messy, disordered structure of these electrodes is key to their success. While scientists previously focused on the size of nanopores in the electrodes to improve energy capacity, the Cambridge team’s analysis of commercially available nanoporous carbon electrodes revealed no link between pore size and storage capacity. Through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the researchers found that the level of disorder in the materials correlates with their energy storage capacity.
NMR spectroscopy allowed the researchers to identify a clear correlation between the disorder of the carbon materials and their energy storage capacity. The more disordered the materials, the better they are at storing energy. This unexpected discovery opens up new possibilities for designing improved supercapacitors by focusing on creating more disordered carbon materials at the point of synthesis. The researchers are now working on exploring new ways to manufacture these materials to maximize their energy storage potential. This research marks a significant step forward in a field that has been stagnant for some time.
The exciting implications of this research extend beyond supercapacitors to the broader energy storage industry. By leveraging the inherent messiness of materials, researchers may be able to develop more efficient energy storage solutions that are crucial for the transition to a net-zero economy. The support from the Cambridge Trusts, European Research Council, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) highlights the importance of this research in advancing sustainable energy technologies. The team’s innovative approach to studying and improving supercapacitors could pave the way for widespread adoption of this promising technology in the near future.
