The energy need in the world is predicted to double or triple by the end of the century due to economic growth and population increase. In addition, effect of fossil fuels on the environment is becoming a major problem for the world. Hence, there are strong need to develop clean and renewable energies based on wind and solar energy. Additionally due to the intermittent and geographically limited nature of the energy sources the need for efficient electrical energy storage (EES) systems is becoming a key challenge in the field. Here we discuss the importance of carbon nanomaterials in energy storage systems, specifically the importance of carbon nanomaterials in improving the properties of metal oxide based supercapacitor (SC) electrodes.<br/>Several recent results from our group will be discussed in the talk, the first is the use of both carbon nanotubes and graphene in the formation of self-standing and highly conductive materials as electrodes for supercapacitors. Using this approach, we were able to fabricate supercapacitors with energy density close to that of lead-acid battery but with a charging speed 100 times higher. Additionally, we studied the effect chemical doping on the properties of metal hydroxide based SC electrodes. The results show that the effect from chemical doping and carbon nanomaterials can be added together to bring the performance of the materials to a much higher level. In summary, carbon nanomaterials, if used in a well-designed manner, can significantly improve the properties of SC electrodes, especially those made of metal oxides and hydroxides. Different carbon materials have very different functions and properties, their roles in the SC electrodes need to be carefully designed and assembles. Simply mixing different materials together is not a method that will yield optimized and well controlled electrodes.<br/>

Carbon nanomaterials in metal oxide based electrodes for supercapacitors

249th National Meeting (2015)

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