Atomic layer-coated gRaphene electrodes for Micro-flexible and Structural supercapacitors (ARMS)

Background

Supercapacitors also referred to as electrochemical capacitors or ultracapacitors, are increasingly recognized as essential electrochemical energy storage devices. Their wide acceptance stems from several key advantages:

1. High-power density: Supercapacitors offer an exceptional power-to-weight ratio.

2. Rapid charging and discharging capabilities: They can store and release energy swiftly.

3. Extended cycle life: Supercapacitors often exceed 100,000 or even 1,000,000 cycles, ensuring durability.

4. Straightforward operational principles: Their simple design simplifies usage and maintenance.

5. Swift charge transmission: Supercapacitors exhibit rapid energy transfer.

6. Cost-effective maintenance: They utilize eco-friendly materials, reducing long-term costs.

Notably, supercapacitors stand apart from traditional batteries, which often contain hazardous or environmentally problematic materials. Supercapacitors employ environmentally friendly materials, helping to address ecological issues.

However, a significant challenge still remains:

- Energy density disparity: The energy density of most commercially available supercapacitors typically falls below 10 Wh/kg. This is notably lower, around 10-15 times, when compared to the energy density of batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries using LFP-graphite technology, which can reach approximately 100-120 Wh/kg.

Goal

To overcome the obstacle of low energy density in supercapacitors, the ARMS project (Atomic layer-coated gRaphene electrode-based Micro-flexible and Structural supercapacitors) is driven by a comprehensive objective. The project seeks to integrate a variety of materials and procedures, including:

1. Graphene-rich bio-based carbon materials.

2. Graphene-decorated carbon fibers.

3. A novel hybrid electrolyte, enhancing the performance of supercapacitors.

Furthermore, ARMS seeks to develop scalable and cost-effective atomic layer deposition (ALD) manufacturing technology. The ultimate goal is to create entirely eco-friendly supercapacitors with an energy density exceeding 50 Wh/kg, a level comparable to batteries. Importantly, in the pursuit of enhanced energy density of supercapacitors, the ARMS project seeks to minimize, to the greatest extent possible, any reduction in the following factors:

1. Power density.

2. Cycle life.

3. Material or fabrication costs.

4. Sustainability.

Funding

European Commission

Funding source

Funding for this project has been granted by the European Union through HORIZON-RIA (HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions), with the project number 101120677-ARMS.

ARMS project is also part of the Graphene Flagship initiative which works to advance technologies that rely on graphene and other 2D materials.

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101120677