Supercapacitors

Supercapacitors : Recently, scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, along with Aligarh Muslim University, have made an important discovery to improve supercapacitors, which are used for fast and efficient energy storage.

• About Supercapacitors : Energy storage devices that can charge and discharge very quickly, making them ideal for high-power applications.

o Used in EVs, renewable energy grids, portable electronics, and smart energy systems

• Main Limitation: Supercapacitors have lower energy density than traditional batteries, meaning they store less energy for the same size.

o The recent innovation improves energy density, helping supercapacitors become more competitive with batteries while retaining their speed and efficiency advantages.

• Key Innovation: Scientists modified silver niobate (AgNbO₃)—a lead-free, eco-friendly perovskite—by doping it with lanthanum (La), a rare-earth element with excellent electronic properties.

o Particle size reduced, leading to greater surface area, which enhances energy storage efficiency.

o Improved electrical conductivity, allowing faster charge-discharge cycles and better overall performance.

• Results: Achieved 118% energy retention even after prolonged use.

o Recorded 100% coulombic efficiency, meaning almost no energy loss during charging and discharging.

o Demonstrated practical use by powering an LCD display with the prototype supercapacitor.