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A research breakthrough from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) may bring the energy storage industry one step closer to replacing conventional batteries with faster, longer-lasting alternatives. Scientists have developed a new type of supercapacitor that significantly improves energy density—one of the key limitations that has held back supercapacitor adoption in mainstream electronics and electric vehicles.
While traditional lithium-based batteries store energy through chemical reactions, enabling long operation times, they degrade after a limited number of charge cycles and typically take time to recharge. Supercapacitors, on the other hand, store energy using electrical charge separation, enabling near-instant charging and extremely high cycle durability. The downside has always been their lower energy storage capacity.
According to the press release, KIST researchers tackled this challenge by engineering a composite material made from single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) combined with the conductive polymer polyaniline (PANI). The CNTs form a strong and highly conductive scaffold, while PANI acts as a capacitive material, chemically bonded to the CNT network and increasing the device’s overall energy storage potential.
This innovative structure allows the supercapacitor to store significantly more energy without sacrificing its speed or durability. According to the study, the device remained stable after over 100,000 charge-discharge cycles and continued to perform under high-voltage conditions.
Beyond performance metrics, the design offers practical advantages. The resulting composite fiber is mechanically flexible—it can be bent, rolled, or folded—making it highly suitable for wearable electronics, smart textiles, and compact consumer devices. The technology has also been successfully produced in film-like formats, pointing toward commercial scalability and cost-effective manufacturing.
In essence, the new supercapacitor bridges the gap between rapid charging and long-lasting performance. Its high mechanical flexibility, enhanced energy density, and durability could position it as a next-generation alternative to chemical batteries across a range of high-demand sectors.
The full research findings have been published in the journal Composites.
