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The way to improve the energy density of supercapacitors: Progress and perspective

提高超级电容器能量密度的路线: 进步和展望

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Abstract

Compared with other energy storage devices, supercapacitors have superior qualities, including a long cycling life, fast charge/discharge processes, and a high safety rating. The practical use of supercapacitor devices is hindered by their low energy density. Here, we briefly review the factors that influence the energy density of supercapacitors. Furthermore, possible pathways for enhancing the energy density via improving capacitance and working voltage are discussed. In particular, we offer our perspective on the most exciting developments regarding high-energy-density supercapacitors, with an emphasis on future trends. We conclude by discussing the various types of supercapacitors and highlight crucial tasks for achieving a high energy density.

摘要

超级电容器与其他能量存储装置相比具有突出的优势, 例如长循环寿命, 快速的充放电过程以及安全性. 然而, 由于超级电容器仍然面临着能量密度低的问题, 这限制了其广泛应用. 我们简要综述了影响超级电容器能量密度的因素, 讨论了如何通过提高电容和工作电压来改善能量密度. 特别地,我们总结了最近在高能量密度超级电容器方面的一些令人激动的进展, 并着重分析了其未来发展趋势. 最后我们讨论了多种多样的超级电容器, 并提出了一些关键的设计以获得高能量密度.

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Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21371023).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Center of Materials Science, Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China

    Yu Wu  (吴宇) & Chuanbao Cao  (曹传宝)

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  1. Yu Wu  (吴宇)
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  2. Chuanbao Cao  (曹传宝)
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Correspondence to Chuanbao Cao  (曹传宝).

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Chuanbao Cao is currently the chief responsible professor of the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Director of Research Center of Materials Science of Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), China. His research is focused on the electrochemical energy storage and conversion including electrode materials of super-capacitors, lithium ion battery, and photo-electrochemical materials. Until now, he has published more than 300 peer-reviewed research papers, holds or has filed 50 patents and patent applications.

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Wu, Y., Cao, C. The way to improve the energy density of supercapacitors: Progress and perspective. Sci. China Mater. 61, 1517–1526 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-018-9290-y

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