NewzVille Sci-fi
A high-voltage supercapacitor based, dual-functional porous graphene carbon nanocomposite (PGCN) electrode has been developed which could facilitate stabler supercapacitors for applications like solar panels and also provide electric vehicles with increased range and faster acceleration.
Conventional electrolytes used in commercial supercapacitors can operate between 2.5–3.0 V and begin to decompose or face safety issues (such as flammability) at higher voltages.
Researchers at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) used dual-functional PGCN electrodes to reach an unprecedented 3.4 V overcoming the 3.0 V limitation of conventional supercapacitors along with significantly improved energy storage.
This innovation addresses electrolyte instability, doubling energy density to provide electric vehicles with increased range and faster acceleration while simplifying module design through reduced cell stacking.
The enhanced performance originates from the engineered surface of the PGCN material, which is both water-repellent and highly compatible with organic electrolytes.
This dual functionality suppresses water-induced degradation and enables rapid electrolyte penetration into the porous structure, improving ion transport and electrochemical efficiency.
As a result, the supercapacitor delivers 33% higher energy storage, high power output, and excellent long-term stability, making it suitable for electric vehicles, grid-scale storage, and portable electronics.
