According to the team from Skoltech, Aalto University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology while supercapacitors, with their high power density, fast charge-discharge rates, long cycle life, and cost-effectiveness, are a promising power source for a broad range of devices - from mobile and wearable electronics to electric vehicles - combining high energy density, safety, and eco-friendliness in one supercapacitor suitable for small devices has always been a challenge.
"Usually, organic solvents are used to increase the energy density. These are hazardous, not environmentally friendly, and they reduce the power density compared to aqueous electrolytes with higher conductivity," explained Professor Tanja Kallio from Aalto University, a co-author of the research and of a paper published in the Journal of Energy Storage.
The researchers have proposed a new design for a "green" and simple-to-fabricate supercapacitor. It consists of a solid-state material based on nitrogen-doped graphene flake electrodes distributed in the NaCl-containing hydrogel electrolyte. This structure is sandwiched between two single-walled carbon nanotube film current collectors, which provides stretchability. Hydrogel in the supercapacitor design enables compact packing and high energy density and allows them to use the environmentally friendly electrolyte.
According to the scientists they managed to improve the volumetric capacitive performance, high energy density and power density for the prototype over analogous supercapacitors described in previous research.
"We fabricated a prototype with unchanged performance under the 50% strain after a thousand stretching cycles. To ensure lower cost and better environmental performance, we used a NaCl-based electrolyte. Still the fabrication cost can be lowered down by implementation of 3D printing or other advanced fabrication techniques," concluded Skoltech professor Albert Nasibulin.
