15/10/2025
Supercapacitors represent one of the most fascinating developments in the field of energy storage.
Unlike traditional batteries, energy storage in supercapacitors does not depend on chemical reactions, but on the formation of an electric double layer (EDLC) made possible by the large surface area of the electrodes and the extremely thin dielectric layer.
Structure and materials:
- Electrodes: often made of activated carbon or advanced materials such as graphene, with a specific surface area of up to 2000 m²/g.
- Electrolyte: ionic, organic, or aqueous liquid, chosen based on the desired voltage and operating temperature range.
- Separator: porous membrane that prevents direct contact between the electrodes, avoiding short circuits.
Main technical parameters:
- Energy density: typically 5-15 Wh/kg, lower than Li-ion batteries (150-250 Wh/kg)
- Power density: up to 10,000 W/kg, much higher than batteries (250-340 W/kg)
- Response time: in the order of milliseconds
- Lifespan: up to 1,000,000 cycles with <20% degradation
The main configurations available on the market include:
- Cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch modules from 2.7V to 3.0V per cell
- Packs assembled in series/parallel with integrated electronic management (BMS)
Supercapacitors are used in highly dynamic applications: from energy recovery in electric vehicles to backup systems and temporary power supply for sensitive components in the event of a blackout.
Finally, scientific research is exploring innovative materials (such as advanced porous carbons, nanotubes, and MOFs – Metal Organic Frameworks) to further increase specific capacity and reduce costs. The future outlook is for supercapacitors that can be increasingly integrated with batteries to create high-efficiency hybrid devices.
Supercapacitor technology is no longer relegated to experimental niches: today it represents a mature, versatile, and rapidly expanding solution, ready to support the challenges of the energy transition.
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