Recently, researchers from the Skolkovo Institute of Technology in Russia and Aalto University in Finland have developed a flexible supercapacitor that combines single-walled carbon nanotubes with an insulating layer made of boron nitride nanotubes. This innovative design allows the capacitor to endure mechanical deformation while maintaining its performance. The findings were published in *Scientific Reports*, highlighting the potential of this technology for future electronic applications.
The team took a traditional approach by using a "two-electrode + insulation layer" structure. The electrodes are made from a single layer of carbon nanotubes, which offer a high specific surface area due to their porous structure. This enhances the capacitance and ensures excellent electrical conductivity. The insulating layer, composed of boron nitride nanotubes, provides strong dielectric properties. At just 0.5 mm thick, it meets insulation requirements while offering high strength and flexibility.
Testing showed that the supercapacitor retains 96% of its initial capacitance after 20,000 charge-discharge cycles. Its internal resistance is only 4.6 ohms, and it can withstand over 1,000 tensile tests with a maximum elongation of 50%. The fabrication process involves dry deposition and vapor deposition, making it simple and cost-effective. These advantages suggest that mass production could be achieved soon.
Traditional capacitors consist of two electrodes and an insulating layer, but supercapacitors are more complex due to the use of an electrolyte. The interface between the electrode and electrolyte forms an ion layer that acts as a second electrode. As electronics continue to evolve, there's a growing demand for smaller, more efficient components. This has driven research into new types of capacitors that can meet the needs of compact devices.
With the rise of flexible electronics like foldable laptops, there's a need for capacitors that can bend and stretch without losing performance. Conventional flexible supercapacitors based on polymers and electrolytes often fall short. They tend to lack mechanical strength and have large dimensions—typically around 0.2 mm thick. Reducing their size increases internal resistance significantly. In contrast, the new design offers better performance and greater versatility, opening up new possibilities in the market.
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