Catenaa, Monday, May 19, 2025-South Korean scientists have developed a breakthrough supercapacitor that could drastically reduce charging times for consumer devices, potentially replacing traditional batteries in smartphones and electric vehicles.
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) created a composite supercapacitor using single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) combined with a conductive polymer called polyaniline (PANI).
This innovation addresses the long-standing issue of low energy density that has limited supercapacitor use in practical applications.
Unlike conventional batteries that rely on chemical reactions and require hours to recharge, supercapacitors store energy through electrical charge separation, allowing for nearly instantaneous charging and exceptional durability. However, their lower energy capacity has kept them from widespread adoption.
The KIST team’s approach enhances energy storage and power delivery by bonding PANI molecules to highly conductive CNTs, providing a stable and flexible framework. Their supercapacitor maintained stable performance through more than 100,000 charge-discharge cycles and remained durable in high-voltage conditions.
Additionally, the device’s mechanical flexibility enables it to be rolled or folded, broadening potential uses in wearable technology and flexible electronics. The researchers have also developed cost-effective film-like structures to facilitate commercial production.
Published in the journal Composites, this advancement promises fast-charging, longer-lasting energy storage solutions that could revolutionize mobile technology and electric transport, reducing reliance on slower, less durable lithium-ion batteries.
