The main objective of this work is to develop a high-performance hybrid supercapacitor based on a redox electrolyte, with characteristics such as: a specific energy exceeding 100 Wh/kg with a discharge time of 10 to 30 minutes—corresponding to a specific power of between 200 and 600 W/kg—and a service life of at least 10,000 cycles.

The collaboration between IMDEA Energy institute and B5tec has developed a new type of hybrid supercapacitor made of electrolytes containing dissolved organic redox species and 3D electrodes, similarly to redox flow batteries. Additionally, the electrodes are impregnated with activated carbon as in conventional double layer supercapacitors. This concept solves some of the usual problems of other types of redox hybrid supercapacitors such as (i) low mass loading of active materials in the electrodes, thus low aerial energy and power, and (ii) low overall energy density. However, it still shows limitations in terms of (i) high self discharge rate, thus low energy efficiency, and (ii) low cycle life and hence shorter service life. These are the challenges to be addressed in this industrial doctorate.

The methodology to be applied in this doctorate contains the following steps:

1. Identifying use cases in which hybrid supercapacitors can have the best technological and market opportunities
2. Developing the device’s critical components, electrodes and electrolytes, to provide an appropriate solution to the technical, economic and sustainability requirements of each use case.
3. Design, manufacture and test cells at scales from 1 to 50 cm to obtain data about performance, cycle life, service life, as well as to define a manufacturing methodology easy to be scaled up and industrialized.
4. Analyze the technical and economic feasibility of the technology by estimating the production and utilization of the devices under the operating conditions required by the selected use cases.

Partners: Micro Electrochemical Technologies (B5tech); Fundación IMDEA Energía

Funding Institution/Program: Comunidad de Madrid / Convocatoria de ayudas para la realización de doctorados industriales 2023

Period: 07/05/2024 – 06/05/2027

IMDEA Energy Institute external funding: 90.000 €

PhD: Natalia Páez

Tutor: Jesús Palma