Günstiger Super-Kondensator aus München übertrifft alle Akkus!

Summary

German researchers have developed optimized supercapacitors using graphene that can replace lithium-ion batteries. Supercapacitors have up to 98% efficiency, can withstand over 1 million charge cycles, work in extreme temperatures, and charge in seconds. Their main limitation was low capacity compared to batteries. Researchers at TU Munich solved this by using a graphene electrode supported by a scaffolding structure, achieving an energy density comparable to nickel batteries. Though still years from commercialization, supercapacitors will likely replace batteries in many applications where their fast charging and extreme durability outweigh slightly lower capacity.

Takeaways

• 😲 Supercapacitors from Germany with optimized energy density could replace lithium-ion batteries
• 🤓 Supercapacitors can achieve up to 98% efficiency, survive 1 million charge cycles, are temperature stable, can be deep discharged and charged within seconds
• 🔋 Unlike batteries, supercapacitors store energy physically/electrically without sensitive electrochemical processes
• 🚗 Supercapacitors are already used in military, vehicles and sports but were previously unsuitable for mass market due to low capacity
• 📈 The global market for supercapacitors is growing rapidly at 11-23% annually
• 🔬 Researchers at TU Munich solved the fundamental problem of low capacity using innovative materials like graphene
• ⚡ Graphene provides maximum surface area and conductivity resulting in supercapacitor energy density nearing lithium batteries
• 🏭 Companies like Skeleton Technologies and Siemens are now producing supercapacitors commercially in Germany
• ⏳ It may take 2-7 years for supercapacitors to fully replace lithium batteries in consumer applications
• 💡 Supercapacitors will be key for buffer storage, grid and PV systems, EVs, while redox flow batteries are also promising

Q & A

What is the main advantage of supercapacitors over lithium-ion batteries?

Supercapacitors have a much higher efficiency of up to 98%, can withstand over a million charge cycles, are temperature stable, can be fully charged and discharged within seconds, and use more environmentally friendly materials.

Why have supercapacitors not been suitable for widespread commercial use until now?

Previous supercapacitors had an energy density that was too low for many applications due to insufficient capacitor surface area.

How did researchers at TU München solve the problem of low energy density?

By using a scaffold made of metal-organic frameworks to separate layers of graphene, the surface area could be greatly increased to store more energy.

What is graphene and what makes it useful in supercapacitors?

Graphene is a one-atom thick sheet of carbon arranged in a hexagonal structure. It conducts electricity extremely well, is very robust, and provides a maximum surface area to volume ratio.

How much energy can the new supercapacitors store?

Around 80 Wh/kg, which is close to nickel-metal hydride batteries and sufficient for many applications where fast charging is critical.

When could the new supercapacitors reach commercial use?

In around 2-7 years, according to Dr. Andreas Battenberg. Further testing and establishing manufacturing processes are still needed.

What companies are already commercializing similar supercapacitor innovations?

Notable companies include Maxwell Technologies, Cap-XX, Skeleton Technologies and Eaton.

In which sectors will supercapacitors likely play a key role?

Automotive industry, grid and PV energy storage, buffer energy storage, and industrial applications.

What is another competing energy storage technology called redox flow batteries?

They can also withstand over 50,000 charge cycles and are made of abundant, non-toxic materials by companies like CMBlu.

Where can I learn more about the research and companies mentioned?

Click on the linked video at the end of the script to learn more details.