A researcher from the TU Graz recently reported that it is now possible to blend high power output of supercapacitors with high energy density batteries through liquid energy storage materials. Stefan Freunberger, the researcher we are talking about, says, “Batteries release energy so slowly and take so long to charge because their energy storage materials are solid. This makes it difficult for the ions to move. But as the ions in a supercapacitor move in a liquid, they are much more mobile.”

He and his team recently developed the redox ionic liquid in the Montpellier University in UK. The liquid consists of an organic salt that is liquefied at a temperature of 30 degrees centigrade. He further adds, “Our principle of an energy hybrid can offer enormous advantages,” Freunberger noted, “for example when applied in electric vehicles. So far, electric vehicles often carry a combination of different battery types or battery systems together with supercapacitors. If we had a single system that combines the benefits of both energy storage types, we could save considerable space and resources.”

The sudden flash of idea that came to Stefan and his team finally culminated into an integrated energy supply system that provides consistent supply of energy along with high-power output. They faced a number challenges on their way and dilemmas related to several decisions. For instance, the automatic doors in the trains and trams basically need supercapacitors. They need energy only for a small period but whenever they do they need high-power output.  Freunberger remarks here, “But our principle of an energy hybrid can offer enormous advantages, for example when applied in electric vehicles. So far, electric vehicles often carry a combination of different battery types or battery systems together with super capacitors. If we had a single system that combines the benefits of both energy storage types, we could save considerable space and resources.”

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