What are Supercapacitors?

About Supercapacitors: 

• A supercapacitor is a next-generation energy storage device which is also known as an ultracapacitor.
• It has advantages such as high-power density, long durability, and ultrafast charging characteristics as compared to conventional capacitors and Lithium-Ion batteries (LIB).
• The main components of supercapacitors include an electrode, electrolyte, separator, and current collector.
• An electrode is a solid electric conductor that carries electric current into non-metallic solids, liquids, gases, plasmas, or vacuums.
• An electrolyte is a substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in a polar solvent, such as water. 

Key findings

• It is found that the prototype supercapacitors made of coconut husk-derived activated carbon to be four-times more efficient that the existing supercapacitors.
• This innovative method not only saves time, but also yields activated carbon with an impressive surface area of 1,200 m2 g-1 and highly porous structures, making it an ideal material for various applications.
• The device’s high-power output is capable of powering two LEDs for 20 minutes.

What is a microwave-assisted method?

• It is relatively inexpensive and exhibits exceptional supercapacitor capability.
• By utilising an advanced microwave pyrolysis reactor one can produce high-quality carbon within five minutes, eliminating impurities like ash and generating zero waste.

Q1: What is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This reaction takes place in a unit called an electrolyzer.

Source: Researchers devise method to develop eco-friendly supercapacitors using activated carbon produced from coconut husks