Integration of 1-D MnO2 Nanowire and 2-D Graphene to 3-D Composites and their Applications in High-Energy, High-Power and Low-Cost Aqueous Supercapacitors

Case ID:
12-1094

Wayne State University researchers have developed a novel method for the preparation of unique 3-D composites of conductive graphene and high capacitance MnO2 as electrode materials, to fabricate asymmetric aqueous supercapacitors for energy-storage applications. 

 

 Currently MnO2 is commonly coated onto current collectors to form very thin films with a thickness of ten to one-thousand nanometers in order to minimize the limitation of poor conductivity.  Therefore, the relative amount of MnO2 on current collector is always low and does not provide sufficient energy and power density.  In this invention, the novel composites are constructed using 2-D graphene sheets with atomic thickness and 1-D MnO2 nanowires of a controlled size for applications in high-energy, high-power and low-cost aqueous supercapacitors for electrochemical energy storage.  The use of aqueous electrolytes over organic electrolytes offers better ionic conductivity and lower production costs, which makes them well suited for use in next-generation large scale supercapacitors.  Furthermore, the use of aqueous electrolytes overcomes the toxicity, high costs, and environmental hazards associated with the use of organic electrolytes in current supercapacitor technology. 

 

            Such next-generation supercapacitors could compete with rechargeable batteries in the market of mobile electronics devices, electric vehicles, industrial equipment, military devices and energy grids.

 

 

Technology Advantages:

 

·         Improves the energy density of supercapacitors

·         Improves cycle life of MnO2 based supercapacitors,

·         Use of aqueous electrolyte reduces the dangers and  environmental hazard typically associated with organic electrolytes

·         Use of low cost aqueous electrolyte reduce overall costs of large scale applications

 

Commercial Applications:

 

·         Mobile electronic devices

·         Electric vehicles

·         Industrial equipment

·         Military devices

·         Energy grids

 

 

Patent Status:

Provisional patent on file

Patent Information:
For Information, Contact:
Nic Wetzler
Wayne State University
nic.wetzler@wayne.edu
Inventors:
Lixin Wang
Da Deng
Ka Yuen Simon Ng
Keywords: