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Researchers from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) have unveiled a groundbreaking hybrid supercapacitor that uses carbon derived from the waste of Pinus radiata, a common tree species in Spain. This innovation offers a cost-efficient and eco-friendly solution for energy storage, combining the best features of supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries.
The lithium-ion capacitor (LIC) developed by the UPV/EHU team includes electrodes crafted from discarded wood particles, making it both sustainable and high-performing. By leveraging this abundant resource from the Basque Country, the researchers have designed a system that could potentially have an impact on energy storage technologies. The process used to create these electrodes is both environmentally friendly and low-cost, opening new doors for green energy storage.
Energy storage is a critical component of today’s push for sustainability. Current energy storage solutions, like lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, each come with limitations. Supercapacitors excel in delivering rapid bursts of power but are prone to quick self-discharge, while lithium-ion batteries are energy-dense but degrade over time. The hybrid LIC bridges these gaps by providing a combination of high power, energy density, and long cycle life, making it ideal for applications such as electric vehicles.
The electrode materials play a pivotal role in the LIC’s performance. Traditional materials, like graphite, are expensive and environmentally taxing. In contrast, the UPV/EHU team’s approach uses carbon sourced from pine wood waste, a widely available and sustainable resource in the region. The electrodes are made from a combination of hard carbon and activated carbon, both of which contribute to the LIC’s high efficiency and long-term stability.
The researchers have emphasized the importance of sustainability in their design. By using inexpensive additives and maintaining low synthesis temperatures below 700°C, they’ve created a product that is both effective and affordable, marking a significant step toward more sustainable energy storage technologies. This development underscores the potential of biomass-derived materials in advancing greener alternatives for energy storage systems worldwide.
