Korean Researchers Unveil Advanced Energy Storage Breakthrough with Supercapacitor Technology

Korean Scientists Reveal Next-Gen Breakthrough in Energy Storage

A team of Korean scientists has introduced a revolutionary energy storage technology that aims to solve longstanding challenges in the field. This next-generation advancement promises significant enhancements in charging speed, energy efficiency, and durability, paving the way for advanced applications in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and portable electronics. By overcoming previous limitations, this innovation represents a major leap forward in energy storage research and has the potential to transform global power storage and utilization.

Researchers are focused on developing advanced energy storage systems that can simultaneously deliver both high capacity and high power. Led by Dr. Bon-Cheol Ku and Dr. Seo Gyun Kim from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), in collaboration with Professor Yuanzhe Piao from Seoul National University, the team has made notable progress by creating a high-efficiency supercapacitor, which could herald the arrival of next-generation storage solutions.

This innovation addresses persistent shortcomings of current supercapacitors by utilizing a specially engineered fiber made from single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) combined with the conductive polymer polyaniline (PANI). While supercapacitors are known for their fast charging and impressive power output with excellent cycle stability, their lower energy density has limited their use in applications such as electric vehicles and drones.

To enhance energy storage potential, the researchers chemically combined CNTs, recognized for their exceptional conductivity, with the low-cost and easily processed polymer PANI. The resulting nanoscale fiber structure optimizes electron and ion movement, significantly enhancing the supercapacitor’s energy storage and power delivery performance.

The upgraded supercapacitor maintains stable operation through more than 100,000 charge-discharge cycles and remains effective under high-voltage conditions. With its robust and efficient design, it presents a potential alternative or complement to conventional batteries, offering faster charging and improved range for electric vehicles, as well as more reliable performance for drones and robotics. Its flexibility also makes it suitable for compact, bendable devices like next-generation wearables.

A key achievement of this project is the reduction in production costs while enabling scalability. Although CNTs are typically expensive and challenging to mass-produce, their combination with affordable polyaniline allowed the researchers to streamline the manufacturing process and lower expenses. They also developed film-type materials, marking a step towards commercial viability.

Looking ahead, this technology is set to support the broader transition toward carbon-neutral solutions, with potential applications across electric vehicles, drones, robotics, and wearable technology. Dr. Bon-Cheol Ku emphasized that by leveraging single-walled carbon nanotubes and conductive polymers, the team has addressed significant drawbacks of existing supercapacitors and plans to continue advancing high-performance carbon fiber innovations.

The research, published in *Composites Part B: Engineering*, has already led to patent filings in both Korea and the United States. It has received funding support from various Korean government agencies, including the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, underscoring its strategic importance to national technology goals.