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Description
In industrially available systems the organic electrolytes are used in capacitors, which operate in a high potential range of 2.5-2.8 V. However, organic electrolytes are environmentally unfriendly, and the assembly of the capacitors with organic electrolytes is complicated and required inert atmosphere. Because of this drawbacks, recent research has been focused on the identification of new types of electrolytes. Among them aqueous electrolytes have emerged as promising candidates due to their low-cost and safe usage. In addition, the conductivity of aqueous electrolytes is much higher than that of organic electrolytes, which leads to increased power generation. Moreover, a considerable limitation in the implementation of aqueous electrolytes in supercapacitors is their narrow potential range (less than 1 V), which is a consequence of the theoretical potential of water decomposition at approximately 1.2 V. To overcome this limitation, asymmetric or hybrid systems can be developed as an outstanding alternative to symmetric systems. Electrodes with different working potential ranges would allow to increase the cell voltage in an aqueous electrolyte, thereby enhancing the energy density to satisfy the requirements for numerous applications. Moreover, the new type of materials as composites containing transition metal oxide (sulfide, nitride) and nanostructural carbon material which are proposed exhibit hybrid properties combining battery and supercapacitor types of chemistry which is desirable for hybrid supercapacitor as a novel type of energy storage devices.
Proposed combination of electrodes and used aqueous solution as an electrolyte can give an outstanding, needed and expected energy storage device.
Summary of project results
The DesignHyCap project intended to meet the urgent requirement for sustainable energy solutions, acknowledging the growing worldwide need for effective energy storage technology. The project had the objective of addressing the difficulties of low energy storage density of the supercapacitors, which overcome could promote the development of aqueous energy storage devices.
The project engaged in extensive R&D activities, exploring new area in supercapacitors and hybrid capacitors technologies. This included the design and development of innovative electrode materials, investigation of different storage devices configuration and pursuing synthesis methods which offer transition to larger scale of production.
The preliminary research effort in the project has had a profound impact on its ultimate beneficiaries by establishing the basis for future advancements and innovations in the field of supercapacitors. The project''s information contributes to the scientific understanding of crucial phenomenon, even though the impacts may not be immediately observable. This newly acquired information acts as a foundational element for forthcoming advancements in the discipline, potentially resulting in significant advancements in aqueous energy storage devices. In the long term, the project''s contributions may lead to further new directions, and inspire further scientific projects on the national or international level. The true impact of this preliminary research project lies in its ability to contribute to the collective knowledge base, fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation that benefits society as a whole over time.