Enhanced supercapacitor technology, fabricated using graphene, promises scalability
Empa researchers are advancing graphene-based supercapacitor electrodes to address the well-known limitation of traditional supercapacitors—their low energy density compared to batteries. The team, supported by the Swiss initiative Bridge, aims to achieve significantly higher energy densities by leveraging the unique properties of graphene.
Higher Energy Densities
While record energy densities for supercapacitors have been reported in laboratory settings, Empa's primary goal is scalable, practical increases, not just theoretical maxima. Early results from related research, such as that at KTH, show that graphene-enhanced electrodes can achieve 10–30 times higher specific capacitance compared to untreated materials, suggesting a pathway to meaningful improvements in energy density.
Maintained Power Density
Both traditional and graphene-based supercapacitors excel at high power density, enabling rapid energy absorption and release. There is no indication that graphene-based supercapacitors sacrifice this advantage; if anything, the enhanced conductivity of graphene could further improve power handling.
Industrial Production Processes
A critical distinction is the focus on scalability and industrial readiness. Empa's approach is specifically designed for industrial scalability from the outset, using ink formulations and deposition techniques that are compatible with large-scale production. This contrasts with much academic work, which often prioritises lab-scale performance over manufacturability.
The graphene ink developed by the researchers can be used to print supercapacitor electrodes, and the elimination of polymeric binders not only streamlines production but also improves electrode performance and mechanical flexibility.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Traditional Supercapacitors | Empa/KTH Graphene Supercapacitors | |--------------------------|-----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Energy Density | Low (compared to batteries) | Potentially much higher, lab demonstrations show 10–30× specific capacitance | | Power Density | High | Maintained or improved (high conductivity) | | Manufacturing | Established, sometimes complex | Designed for scalability, binder-free, ink-based, flexible substrates | | Industrial Focus | Mature, incremental improvements | Emphasis on scalable, industry-ready processes from the outset |
Conclusion
Empa's scalable graphene supercapacitor technology aims to retain the high power density of traditional supercapacitors while significantly improving energy density—addressing the major historical limitation of the technology. If these advances translate successfully to mass production, they could revolutionise not just the performance but also the economics and applications of supercapacitors in energy storage systems. The project runs until 2028, with the goal of bringing the technology to market, either with industrial partners or through a spin-off.
Science and technology are integral to Empa's advancement of graphene-based supercapacitor electrodes, designed to overcome the low energy density of traditional supercapacitors. By harnessing the unique properties of graphene, the team aims to achieve significantly higher energy densities, while maintaining the high power density that makes supercapacitors efficient for rapid energy absorption and release.
