As the global population grows, the demand for energy production and storage continues to increase. Graphene and related materials (GRMs), with their high surface area, large electrical conductivity, lightweight properties, chemical stability, and high mechanical flexibility, play a key role in meeting this demand in energy production and storage.
One of the areas of research that is being highly studied is energy storage. While all areas of electronics have been developing at a very rapid rate over the past few decades (referring to Moore's Law, the number of transistors used in electronic circuits doubles every 2 years), the problem has always been that storing energy without using in batteries and capacitors. The development of these energy storage solutions has been much slower. The problem is this: a battery might store a lot of energy, but it might take a long time to charge, capacitors on the other hand can charge quickly, but can't store that much energy (relatively speaking). The solution is to develop energy storage components, such as supercapacitors or batteries, that can provide both positive properties without compromise.
Currently, scientists are working to improve the capabilities of lithium-ion batteries (by using graphene as the anode) to provide higher storage capacity, better lifespan and charge rate. In addition, graphene is being researched and developed for use in making supercapacitors that can charge very quickly, while also being able to store large amounts of electricity. Graphene-based micro-supercapacitors may be developed for low-energy applications such as smartphones and portable computing devices, and may be commercialized within the next 5-10 years. Graphene-enhanced lithium-ion batteries could be used in higher energy-consuming applications, such as electric vehicles, or they could be used in smartphones, laptops, and tablets like today's lithium-ion batteries, but at a much lower size and weight.
1. Graphene Batteries
Graphene-enhanced lithium-ion batteries show incredible properties such as longer life, higher capacity, faster charging time, and flexibility and portability, so it can be used in wearable electronics.
Graphene batteries are an emerging technology that can increase electrode density, speed up cycle times, and have the ability to hold a charge for longer, thereby increasing battery life. Graphite batteries are mature and come in many forms. Graphene batteries have been shown to have higher average capacities than lithium-ion batteries, even at smaller sizes. Lithium-ion batteries can store up to 180Wh per kilogram, while graphene can store up to 1,000Wh per kilogram, making it a more space-efficient energy storage.
2. Graphene in Solar Cells
The idea of developing lighter, more flexible and transparent solar cells has been around for some time, but finding materials with all the properties and the ability to carry current is the problem. Indium tin oxide is used because it is transparent, but it is not flexible, so the cell must remain rigid.
In 2017, MIT researchers successfully applied graphene to solar cells. When they compared the graphene solar cell to other cells made of aluminum and indium tin oxide, they found that it was as good as the ITO cell, but slightly worse than the Al cell in terms of current density and power conversion efficiency. However, the performance of transparent cells is expected to be lower than that of opaque aluminum-based cells.
Although there is no breakthrough in electrical performance, a flexible and transparent solar cell that can be mounted on any surface (cars, clothes, paper and mobile phones, etc.) has been developed. In addition, other scientists are trying to find out whether graphene solar cells can generate energy from raindrops, which in theory seems possible.
As our reliance on renewable energy becomes more apparent, the need for high-efficiency solar cells becomes even more important, especially when they are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to generate clean energy. Generally speaking, solar cells are not very efficient. However, recent advances in graphene-based solar cells have seen a 20% reduction in the reflectivity of sunlight, which offers potential efficiency gains of up to 20%. Many different graphene-based solar cells are currently being studied.
3. Graphene in Thermoelectric
The Seebeck effect is defined as the thermoelectric effect that occurs when heat is applied to one of two different electrical conductors (or semiconductors) to move electrons from the hot part to the cooler part and generate electricity. However, the energy produced by this method is very small, usually quantified in microvolts. Still, the belief that it could be used to benefit from the heat generated by the engine is actually wasted. Graphene can be used to increase the Seebeck effect produced by strontium titanate by a factor of nearly 5.
4. Graphene in Nuclear Power Plants
Heavy water, which is used to cool reactors in nuclear power plants, is not only expensive to produce, but also emits a million tons of carbon dioxide during its production. Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered that there is a more environmentally friendly and less expensive way to produce heavy water: graphene membranes. This innovation is so important that it will soon be introduced to the nuclear industry, although the industry is generally skeptical of new technologies. Graphene has very important uses in nuclear power plants. Graphene oxide particles dissolve easily in water, absorb radioactive material like a sponge and form clumps.
Application Overview
Non-silicon heating element/no silicone oil leakage: The product does not use silicone material, which completely solves the problems of siloxane volatilization and silicone oil leakage of traditional silicone heating elements.
Corrosion resistance / high temperature resistance: It has good insulation, strong acid and alkali resistance, can withstand high temperature of 300 ° C for a long time, and is suitable for various harsh environments.
Cost advantage: It has a cost advantage over traditional battery heaters.
Performance advantage
High mechanical properties; high temperature resistance, long-term temperature resistance 260 ℃, short-term 500 ℃. Permanent anti-static, 350 ℃, 300min anti-static unchanged. Excellent thermal conductivity, thermal conductivity above 0.24W/m.K. Excellent dimensional stability at high temperature, shrinkage rate ≤0.3% at 250℃, 30min. Safe flame retardant, self-extinguishing, halogen-free environmental protection and matte surface.
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