Fundamental Research Grant Scheme Phase1 (2023)

Project Summary:

Liquid electrolytes are commonly used in electrochemical devices. However, the organic solvents in conventional liquid electrolytes are corrosive, highly flammable, and have the potential to cause explosions if leaked. These shortcomings have led to the development of solid polymer electrolytes. Although solid polymer electrolytes offer better safety features compared to liquid electrolytes, they exhibit low ionic conductivity and high interfacial resistance at the electrode-electrolyte interface, which limits their applicability. Therefore, ionogel polymer electrolytes, which combine solid and liquid characteristics, have been introduced. A series of ionogel polymer electrolytes consisting of poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate (BMIM OTf) are synthesized. Ionogel polymer electrolytes (IGEs) have a wide range of applications, from small-scale production of commercial secondary lithium-ion batteries (also known as rechargeable batteries) to advanced high-energy electrochemical devices such as chemical sensors, fuel cells, electrochromic windows (ECWs), supercapacitors, thermoelectric generators, and solar cells. Although lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) offer high energy density, they only provide adequate power density, cycle life, and energy efficiency. Supercapacitors (also known as ultracapacitors or electrochemical capacitors) are emerging as a new type of electrochemical device due to their higher power density, faster charge-discharge rates, longer cycle life, and wider operating temperature range compared to lithium-ion secondary batteries. However, supercapacitors face the challenge of limited energy density and capacity compared to lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, combining the characteristics of both lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors into a single device is an excellent choice to achieve high power capability and energy density with exceptional durability. These hybrid energy storage devices, combining the features of both supercapacitors and batteries, are named supercapatteries. Supercapatteries represent an ideal energy storage solution that combines the excellent power density and longer charge-discharge durability of supercapacitors with the greater energy density of batteries. This work is well-designed to produce flexible and stretchable supercapatteries with excellent electrochemical performance. Supercapatteries are poised to become highly efficient rechargeable energy storage devices, energy harvesting systems, and power generators in the next generation.

Impact Statement:

This project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which promotes affordable and clean energy. The fabrication of supercapatteries ensures access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources such as fossil fuels. This advancement brings profound implications to various sectors, including electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and the energy sector. The fabrication of supercapatteries drives the development of electric vehicles with extended range and reduced charging times. In the consumer electronics sector, consumers will experience longer product lifespans, thereby reducing the disposal rate of electronic waste. Meanwhile, the production of supercapatteries addresses current energy storage challenges such as low energy density, slow charging and discharging rates, and limited cyclability. In summary, supercapatteries provide a transformative solution to current energy storage challenges, offering enhanced performance and sustainability across industries. They align with environmental-friendly frameworks such as the SDGs, National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), and Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB).