Supercapicitor power unsheathed

Researchers at INAC used a plasma growth technique to produce sheaths of graphene perpendicular to the electrode of a supercapacitor. These sheaths, just nanometers thick, are used to build a layer of graphene that is several microns high, which is deposited on a silicon substrate—a geometry that makes it easier for the ions in the electrolyte to access the interfaces.

The resulting improvement in surface capacity is very promising for use in applications like energy storage for wireless sensors. The energy density is practically double that of state-of-the-art supercapacitors made of semiconductor nanomaterials or carbons. Cycling performance is also good, at 20% loss after 150,000 cycles. The scientists behind this technology, ever-cautious in their claims, remind us that this proof of concept is only the first step in perfecting the development.

Contacts: david.aradilla@cea.fr ; marc.delaunay@cea.fr

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