Research Projects

Supercapacitors, an exclusive class of energy storage devices can look beyond the privileges of rechargeable batteries regarding instant power delivery and ability to sustain millions of charge-discharge cycles at higher current densities. The performance of SC is mainly governed by the porosity and surface area of the active materials. This can only be achieved by using nanostructured materials high surface-to-volume ratio. Metal pyrophosphates, exhibits exceptional properties like enhanced electronic conductivity, increased availability of redox active sites, rich mixed valences of metals and phosphorous and chemical stability. Porous one dimensional nanostructures in the form of nanofibers, have been found to accelerate electrochemical reactions by providing a huge surface area for electrode-electrolyte interaction and a short ion/electron transport path in the axial direction. Furthermore, the high length-to-diameter ratio(aspect ratio) of these materials allows for the creation of a three-dimensional network in energy storage devices through self-integration and alignment. Electrospun nanofibers possess an exceptional surface area-to-volume ratio, a continuous and limitless network structure, tunable porosity, and superior mechanical properties, making them a highly desirable choice for utilization as electrode materials in supercapacitor applications. Being a one-dimensional material, nanofibers exhibit a large specific surface area compared to irregular or other higher dimensional structures. The high surface area of the nanofibers will bolster the interactivity between the electrode and electrolyte, eventually, the pseudocapacitive performance. Additionally, the one-dimensional nature of the nanofibers also possesses unique properties that improve carrier collection, shorten the path for electron transportation, and act as electron motorways in axial orientations.This particular project is targeted to develop asymmetric supercapacitors using the transition metal pyrophosphate(TMP)(Fe, Cu, Ni, Co, Mn) as active electrode material and Canbon nanofibers(C NFs) as active material for second electrode. A cost-effective methodology including optimization of processes is involved in fabrication of supercapacitor electrodes. Effects of various process parameters such as electrode active material composition, thickness of active material layer, concentration of electrolyte etc are also evaluated and they are optimized for optimum performance. Fabricated TMP NFs & Carbon NFs asymmetric Supercapacitor will be tested by constant current charge-discharge technique and cyclic voltametric & electrochemical impedance spectroscopic technique using Electrochemical Work Station (EWS).Thus the proposed project aims to develop asymmetric supercapacitor using mesoporous electrospunned nanofibers in the form of electrodes and demonstration of technology to facilitate the transfer of technology to industry for commercial exploitation.