High Specific Power Research Articles

A new configuration for enhanced integration of a battery–ultracapacitor system

The principal shortcoming of the batteries in electric vehicles is their limited specific power. The potential solution is having a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) that integrates the ultracapacitor (high specific energy) with the battery (high specific energy), thus ensuring high specific energy and power. Classically, a bidirectional DC–DC converter integrates the two sources, but the converter introduces a delay during the charging–discharging transition of the ultracapacitor. This work proposes a novel converter topology that interfaces the two sources, eliminating an existing transition delay, providing a fault-tolerant operation in case of a switch failure, and efficiently charging the ultracapacitor. Additionally, an algorithm is presented that facilitates energy sharing between the battery and the ultracapacitor, preventing overloading of the battery and ensuring that the ultracapacitor contributes to the peak load demand. The proposed configuration and energy management algorithm are validated experimentally using a 24V laboratory prototype.

Revealing the Role of Polyacrylonitrile for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells at Extremely Low Temperatures

AbstractPerovskite solar cells (PSCs) are considered to be a promising candidate for near‐space applications due to their high specific power, excellent radiation resistance, and compatibility with flexible substrates. Nevertheless, the low‐temperature cycles impose considerable challenges to their long‐term stability. Herein, the extremely low‐temperature photovoltaic process of PSCs is investigated and the effect mechanisms of PAN (Polyacrylonitrile) as an additive are revealed. It is found that the additive PAN regulates perovskite lattice stress and stabilizes perovskite lattice structure and thus retards perovskite phase transition at low temperatures. Moreover, the PAN improves perovskite dielectric properties and ion migration activation energy and effectively passivates perovskite defects at low temperatures. Therefore, the carrier transport/extraction/collection abilities at low temperatures are enhanced effectively by alleviating exciton effect and increasing dielectric screening effect. Benefiting from these positive effects of PAN, the PAN‐modified device achieves a maximum efficiency of 24.34% at 150K and maintains 72% of its initial value after 120 thermal cycles (290‐130K). Also, the PAN‐modified flexible devices exhibit excellent bending stability and thermal cycle stability. This study provides a deep insight into understanding the extremely low‐temperature photovoltaic behavior of PSCs and demonstrates the potentiality of PAN additive strategy for achieving efficient and stable PSCs at low temperatures.

A facile synthesis of novel binder-free NiSe-SnSe electrode: With enhanced electrochemical performance and superior life span

Fossil fuels depletion and deteriorating environmental conditions have deepened the growing demand for new energy solution. The bimetallic transition metal selenides, which a smaller bandgap and greater electrical conductivity than nanometals, are the subject of recent research on hybrid supercapacitors, composite systems integrating battery-like energy storage capability with capacitive charging. Herein, a new binder NiSe-SnSe composite system for supercapacitors has been developed through facile hydrothermal method, and its structural features, morphological characteristics as well as electrochemical properties are systematically studies in this work. Additionally, a thorough understanding of the electrode physicochemical properties are presented. Practically, a NiSe-SnSe||AC|KOH ASC had excellent specific capacitance (618 F/g at 1 A g−1), mainly owing to fast charge transport in electrochemical action. More importantly, the NiSe-SnSe||AC|KOH ASC electrode exhibits a high specific power of 8400 W kg−1 at a high specific energy of 55.4 Wh kg−1 with remarkable cycling stability by 96.4 % maintenance of initial capacitance after 5500 cycles. Our findings provide a profound understanding and possible use of this newly developed asymmetric supercapacitor in energy storage.

Effects of long-term storage on properties of perovskite solar cells

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is planning a Space photovoltaics Demonstration eXperiment (SDX) to reveal the tolerance to the space environment of the next-generation solar cells. One of the next-generation solar cells mounted on SDX is a perovskite solar cell (PSC), which is cost-effective and has the potential for high specific power and radiation tolerance. It is necessary to clarify the long-term stability to analyze the characteristics of PSCs in orbit because SDX will be stored for months before and after launch. Therefore, we conducted three storage tests (in air, nitrogen, and low pressure) using encapsulated PSCs. Their performance was evaluated by Light I–V, Dark I–V, and EQE measurements. As a result, almost no degradation was observed at EOL (after 400 days) under all storage conditions. We found that the encapsulated PSCs mounted on SDX are highly stable. We also found that the slight degradation of Pmax within 4 % was due to an increase in series resistance.

Interfacial Design Strategy for Polymeric Lithium Metal Batteries with Superfast Charge‐Transfer Kinetics

AbstractInterfacial instability including the high charge‐transfer resistance and the uncontrolled lithium dendrite growth have severely restricted the safety, fast‐charging, and high‐power capabilities of solid‐state polymeric lithium metal batteries (PLMBs). Here, the study demonstrates the ionic nanoclusters self‐assembled between the lithium ions and a rigid‐rod sulfonated aromatic polyamide Poly 2,2′‐disulfonyl‐4,4′‐benzidine terephthalamide (PBDT) can facilitate uniform lithium deposition; meanwhile, realizing 102–103 times lower interfacial charge‐transfer resistance than PEO‐based electrolytes and excellent lithium dendrite suppression at the interfaces. The cells assembled with this solid‐state polymer electrolyte at room temperature show a record high critical current density (6 mA cm−2/3 mAh cm−2), 80% capacity retention at 10 000 cycles (5 C) with the LiFePO4 cathode. With the temperature increased to 80 °C, the cells enable almost 100% of the theoretical capacity at 3 C and high specific power density (20 kW kg−1). According to the Cryo‐TEM imaging and computational simulation results, it is concluded that these nanoscale self‐assembled ionic nanoclusters play a critical role in realizing the superfast charge‐transfer kinetics by balancing the pre‐exponential factor and activation energy at the lithium‐polymer space‐charge interfaces. This interfacial design strategy based on thermodynamically favored ion‐association and self‐assembly between the metal ions and the polyanions guarantees superior charge‐transfer kinetics in PLMBs.

Impact of Stator Core Magnetic Asymmetry on the Properties of a High Specific Power PMSM

Impact of Stator Core Magnetic Asymmetry on the Properties of a High Specific Power PMSM

Exploring the Synergistic Potential of Bimetallic Sulfide (SrCuS) as Battery‐Grade Electrode Material for Hybrid Supercapacitor Applications

State‐of‐the art hybrid energy storage devices, owing to their attractive electrochemical features of high specific energy, power, and great stability, have earned incredible attention throughout the world. Herein, bimetallic sulfide (SrCuS) composites with different concentration are electrochemically analyzed for hybrid supercapacitor applications. In half‐cell assembly, amidst all compositions, Sr0.5Cu0.5S reveals relatively better performance demonstrating specific capacity “Qs” of 596.48 C g−1. To assess the hybrid device's (Sr0.5Cu0.5S//AC) electrochemical performance, positive electrode (Sr0.5Cu0.5S) along with activated carbon as negative electrode is utilized. The device displayed energy density “Ed” of (51.28 W h kg−1) and power density “‘Pd” of 6800 W kg−1. Furthermore, the device is examined for capacitive‐ and diffusive‐controlled processes employing a semi‐empirical approach, using linear and quadratic models, respectively.

Flexible quasi-2D perovskite solar cells with high specific power and improved stability for energy-autonomous drones

Flexible quasi-2D perovskite solar cells with high specific power and improved stability for energy-autonomous drones

Radially oriented Ni3(HITP)2 microspheres as high-performance anode materials for Li-ion capacitors with exceptional energy density and cycling stability

Developing of high-energy, high-power-density energy storage devices is challenging. Despite being promising electrode materials for these devices, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have poor electrical conductivity and weak ligand–metal coordination. Here, the highly conductive MOF, Ni3(HITP)2, which comprises radially oriented microspheres, is adopted as the anode for Li-ion capacitors (LICs). The half-cell demonstrates high reversible capacity (834 mAh g−1) at 50 mA g−1 with minimal capacity reduction, attributable to the participation of C and N functional groups of the ligand and Ni2+ in the redox reactions during charge/discharge. Especially, density functional theory calculations show that, apart from the inner rings, participation of the outer rings of Ni3(HITP)2 in the redox reactions is responsible for the high Li + storage capacity. An LIC with a Ni3(HITP)2 anode and commercial activated-carbon cathode demonstrates high specific energy (120.7 Wh kg−1) at 89.2 W kg−1, nearly twice as high as that of graphite-based LICs, and maintains specific energy of 25.8 Wh kg−1 even at high specific power (7.16 kW kg−1), over the range 1–4.4 V, along with high cycling stability (76% capacity retention over 10000 cycles). The proposed radially oriented Ni3(HITP)2 microspheres have potential for application as the anode in high-performance energy storage devices.

Chemically Synthesized Sb-Doped SnO2 Nanoparticles for Supercapacitor Application

This study explores the potential of antimony tin oxide (ATO) as an electrode material for supercapacitor applications. ATO, known for its exceptional electrical conductivity and stability, was synthesized using the coprecipitation method followed by calcination. The resulting ATO powder underwent thorough characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD analysis confirmed the tetragonal morphology and phase purity of ATO nanoparticles, while SEM revealed a sphere-like structure with an irregular surface. FTIR spectroscopy identified various functional groups, including O–H stretching, C–H symmetric and asymmetric vibrations, and the characteristic–SnO2; vibration mode, providing insights into the surface properties crucial for electrochemical performance. Electrochemical evaluations, conducted through cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, demonstrated a specific capacitance of 140 F/g for the ATO electrode. This notable specific capacitance highlights the potential of ATO as an advanced electrode material for supercapacitors, showcasing its suitability for applications requiring rapid charge-discharge cycles and high specific power. This research contributes to the understanding of ATO’s structural and functional aspects, emphasizing its promising role in advancing supercapacitor technology. The synthesized ATO nanoparticles, characterized by their unique morphology and enhanced electrochemical performance, pave the way for cleaner and more efficient energy storage solutions.

Synthesis Processes of Carbonaceous Material/Conducting Polymer Nanocomposites in Relation to Grafting and Electrochemical Properties for Supercapacitor Application: A Review

Supercapacitors are the energy storage devices that have gained increased attention due to high charge storage capacity, fast charge-discharge rate, high specific power and excellent cycle stability. Recently, research on supercapacitors is focused on the development of new electrode materials prepared by surface engineering to obtain superior electrochemical performance. Carbonaceous materials (CM) such as graphene, graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) etc. and conducting polymer (CP) based composite materials have gained increased attention for their use in supercapacitors. The nanocomposites obtained by merely mixing these two components pose some serious drawbacks such as low conductivity or poor film forming ability. The conjugation of CPs to CMs through covalent bonds is able to address these drawbacks. This review mainly provide collective information about various synthetic strategies to obtain CP grafted CMs for supercapacitor application. Herein, we provide information on different CP-CM conjugation reactions for obtaining the composites and their effects on electrochemical performances. The analysis revealed the importance of CP-CM grafting is important for tuning the electrochemical properties of the materials.

Mesoporous nanoplates consisting of seamless graphene frameworks

Electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) have attracted significant attention in the field of energy storage due to their high specific power, superior safety, and long cycle life. However, commercially available electrode materials, such as activated carbons, are still facing the challenge of low energy density. Graphene mesosponge (GMS) has shown promise as an electrode material for EDLCs due to its mesoporous structure, large specific surface area, and edge-free properties that allow operation under wide potential windows. Nevertheless, GMS materials reported so far consist of large micro-particles above 30 μm, which is unfavorable in terms of the long ion-diffusion path within the particles. In this study, a novel nanoplate GMS (np-GMS) is synthesized via a template carbonization approach, where chemical vapor deposition is performed onto a nanoplate MgO. The np-GMS exhibits a nanoplate structure with a lateral nanoplate size of approximately 1 μm and a nanoplate thickness of less than 100 nm. When employed as an electrode for EDLCs, the np-GMS shows a specific capacitance of 132 F g−1 in the potential window of −0.5 V to 1.5 V vs. Ag/AgClO4. Moreover, the np-GMS-included EDLCs demonstrate a specific energy of 59 Wh kg−1 under a voltage window of 3.5 V, which outperforms the counterpart GMS with a larger particle size and commercialized activated carbon. The introduction of np-GMS is believed to open up new possibilities for improving the performance and industrial feasibility of GMS in EDLCs.

Ordered FeCo2O4 & polypyrrole particles/branch nanotrees arrays grown on carbon fiber cloth substrate for energy storage applications

Supercapacitors are being utilized in energy storage devices with increasing interest a reason of their characteristics, which include high specific power, rapid charge and discharge rates, and long-term cycle stability. Most recently, research has concentrated on creating nanostructures to improve supercapacitors capacitance. The enhanced specific surface area of a material facilitates rapid diffusion of electrolyte ions; carbon fiber cloth (CFC) has been specifically utilized as a templates, leading to theoretical and practical advantages. In addition, the FeCo2O4 (FCO) and polypyrrole (PPy) to the CFC substrate is believed to be significant in enhancing the electrochemical behavior of supercapacitors. This study investigates the design approach of nanotree, configurations, and electrochemical characteristics of FCO-PPy on CFC for utilization in supercapacitors. The results of this research offer promising prospects for the advancement of future technologies to store energy. Porous FeCo2O4–polypyrrole (FCO-PPy) nanostructured arrays on CFC have been synthesis by a simple hydrothermal process with addition annealing process. The present research exhibits a unique nanostructure that exhibits exceptional electrochemical performance, characterized by a high capacitance and a desirable cycle life even under high rates of operation. The FCO-PPy nanowire arrays supported by CFC demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 1070 F g−1 at current densities of 2 A g−1 in a 2 M KOH aqueous solution when tested as an electrode in a system of supercapacitors. In addition, the FCO,CFC&PPy nanocomposite electrode shows excellent performance and long-term cyclic stability (90% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles). The fabrication method presented here is cost-effective, facile, and scalable, which can open a new pathway for real device applications. Utilizing energy storage sustainability goods in business, adopting environmentally friendly chemicals, and being cost-conscious can considerably extend battery life. This includes breakthrough technology to mix modern materials, new electrode materials, new battery designs, and supercapacitors to revolutionize energy storage.

Electrochemical performances and antibacterial activity of green synthesized cobalt oxide nanoparticles and poly (o‐Phenylenediamine) based textile supercapacitor

AbstractThe demands for electric automotive and regenerative energy storage applications in various fields have brought the attention of researchers towards supercapacitors due to their high specific power, long cycle life, and their ability to bridge the power/energy gap between conventional capacitors and batteries/fuel cells. The incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles into the functionalized polymer matrix enhances the efficiency of supercapacitor. UV, FT‐IR, TGA, XRD, and SEM analyses validates the incorporation of metal oxide into the polymer matrix to form polymer nanocomposite. A specific capacitance of 186.4 Fg−1 was observed for PoPD‐1 nanocomposite‐based device at a charge density of 1 A/g. The bare polymer and the nanocomposite also exhibited good antimicrobial efficacy and can be used as textiles for therapeutic applications.

Optimized Ferromagnetic Core Magnetorquer Design and Testing for LEO Nanosatellite Attitude Control

Magnetorquers are a very suitable solution for the nanosatellite’s attitude and orbital control of low Earth orbit (LEO) given its constraints: small available volume, limited power consumption, and maximum weight limitation. In this work, an optimized ferromagnetic core magnetorquer is designed for LEO nanosatellites, considering the geometrical, electrical, and magnetic parameters in an electromagnetic finite element analysis (FEA). The final design dimensions are 10.9 mm diameter and 100 mm in length, with a ferromagnetic core made of high performance soft magnetic alloy Vacoflux50 measuring 5 mm diameter and 100 mm in length. Magnetorquer geometry has been optimized to achieve a very high compactness, reaching an optimal combination of high specific magnetic moment and magnetic moment-input power ratio at the same time. It shows a maximum magnetic moment of 1.42 Am2, a magnetic moment-input power ratio of 2.52 Am2/W, and a specific magnetic moment of 22.5 Am2/kg, with a power consumption of 0.565 W and 0.5 A. Such a combination of high-performance values has not been previously found. Furthermore, it has displayed higher magnetic moment and specific magnetic moment than previous prototypes in literature. The simulated model is validated with the experimental testing of a manufactured prototype, by measuring the magnetic and electric variables.

Fluorine‐Containing Phase‐Separated Polymer Electrolytes Enabling High‐Energy Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries

AbstractSolid‐state lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) have been developed as a promising replacement for conventional Li‐ion batteries due to their potential for higher energy. However, the current solid‐state electrolytes used in LMBs have limitations regarding mechanical and electrochemical properties and interfacial stability. Here, a fluorine (F)‐containing solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) having a bi‐continuous structure of F‐containing elastomers and plastic crystals is reported. The trifluoroethyl acrylate‐based SPE (T‐SPE) exhibits high ionic conductivity over 10−3 S cm−1, superior mechanical elasticity, and robust LiF‐rich interphases at both the Li metal anode and the LiNi0.83Mn0.06Co0.11O2 cathode. Full cells with thin T‐SPEs and low negative/positive capacity ratios below 0.5 at the high‐operating voltage of 4.5 V demonstrate a high specific energy of 538 Wh kganode+cathode+electrolyte−1 and maintain 393 Wh kg−1 at a high specific power of 804 W kganode+cathode+electrolyte−1. The F‐containing phase‐separated SPE system provides a powerful strategy for achieving high‐energy and ‐power solid‐state LMBs.

Effect of electron irradiation on perovskite films and devices for novel space solar cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are considered as one of the strong contenders for next-generation space solar cells due to their advantages of high efficiency, low cost, high specific power, and remarkable irradiation resistance compared with those of silicon-based and III-V compound solar cells. At present, one focuses on the irradiation effects of perovskite solar cells, but there are a few studies on the irradiation damage mechanism of the core perovskite film. To advance the spatial application of perovskite solar cells, this study conducts a comprehensive examination of the performance fluctuations exhibited by mixed-cation perovskite films and solar cells under electron irradiation. Initially, the Monte Carlo method is employed to simulate and predict the effect of electron irradiation on perovskite solar cells. Subsequently, in conjunction with the microstructure characterization and the comparison of optical/electrical performance of perovskite films before and after irradiation, the irradiation damage mechanism of film is elucidated and the electron irradiation reliability of perovskite solar cells is evaluated. The research demonstrates that mixed-cation perovskite film and solar cells exhibit outstanding resistance to electron irradiation. Even when exposed to 100 keV electron irradiation with a cumulative fluence of 5×10<sup>15</sup> e·cm<sup>–2</sup>, the PSCs maintain an average power conversion efficiency of 17.29%, retaining approximately 85% of their initial efficiency. This study provides sound theoretical and experimental evidence for designing the irradiation-resistant reinforcement of new-generation space solar cells, contributing to the improvement of their operational performance and reliability in space applications.

Effect of MoS2 and electrolyte temperature on the electrochemical performance of NiCoS@rGO-based electrode material for energy storage, oxygen reduction reaction and electrochemical glucose sensor

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs) are essential in energy storage devices. MoS2/rGO nanostructures have improved energy storage capacity because of their layered shape, proximity effect, inherent broad surface area, and edge locations. Herein, we have synthesized NiCoS@MoS2@rGO composite electrode material for supercapattery energy storage devices and electrochemical glucose sensors via the hydrothermal method. The electrochemical performance of NiCoS, NiCoS@MoS2 and NiCoS@MoS2@rGO were first investigated in three electrode assemblies at different electrolyte temperatures (27 °C to 50 °C). Among all the samples, NiCoS@MoS2@rGO shows the superior value of Qs (1138C/g or 1896.66 F/g) with 1 M KOH electrolyte solution at 50 °C. The asymmetric NiCoS@MoS2@rGO//AC device showed a high specific capacity (301C/g, at 1 A/g), energy and power densities of 65.44 (Wh/Kg), and 1267.18 (W/Kg), respectively. A significant value of Coulombic efficiency of 92.79 % and capacity retention of 83.42 % was acquired after 5000 galvanostatic charging/discharging (GCD) cycles. Further, the NiCoS@MoS2@rGO nanocomposite electrode material is used for oxygen reduction reaction activity. The initial potential for the oxygen reduction was 0.67 V vs. RHE, and the electrode showed high stability. Besides, the hybrid device is used as an electrochemical glucose sensor to detect glucose with a highly precise detection response. This research will open new ideas for developing more efficient TMDs sulfide-based nanocomposite materials for future energy storage systems and biomedical applications.

Crystallization control via ligand-perovskite coordination for high-performance flexible perovskite solar cells

Flexible perovskite solar cells (F-PSCs) have shown significant promise due to their flexibility and high specific power density, yet their performance is frequently hampered by suboptimal perovskite crystallization at low...

A Rocking-chair Rechargeable Seawater Battery.

Seawater batteries are attracting continuous attention because seawater as an electrolyte is inexhaustible, eco-friendly, and free of charge. However, the rechargeable seawater batteries developed nowadays show poor reversibility and short cycle life, due to the very limited electrode materials and complicated yet inappropriate working mechanism. Here, we propose a rechargeable seawater battery that works through a rocking-chair mechanism encountered in commercial lithium ion batteries, enabled by intercalation-type inorganic electrode materials of open-framework-type cathode and Na-ion conducting membrane-type anode. The rechargeable seawater battery achieves a high specific energy of 80.0 Wh/kg at 1,226.9 W/kg and a high specific power of 7,495.0 W/kg at 23.7 Wh/kg. Additionally, it exhibits excellent cycling stability, retaining 66.3% of its capacity over 1,000 cycles. This work represents a promising avenue for developing sustainable aqueous batteries with low costs.