A Super Capacitor Capable Of Supplying Energy On One Time Charge

Scientists at the university Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tenn., have developed a super capacitor made of silicon. Once heretical idea, today the idea to take the form of silicon chip capacitor is not so crazy.

This capacitor would provide energy for a range of several weeks on a single charge, or build solar cells able to load with or without sun. Published in the journal Scientific Reports, the first super capacitor stores its silicon charge accumulating on the surface of a porous material.

A difference from the traditional batteries that operate in chemical reactions, the super capacitor can be charged in a few minutes while her discharge may last much longer. Silicon had been regarded as unsuitable for super capacitors because of its property but can react with the electrolytes that allow the storage of ions.

 “If you ask experts to make a super capacitor with silicon, you will get the answer that it is a crazy idea," says assistant professor Cary Pint, who leads the development team of Vanderbilt University. "But we can say is easy to do." Team Pint covered the silicon atoms, a very thin layer of a few nanometers of graphene, which stabilizes the silicon surface, perfect for storing the necessary load.

"Everything that defines us in modern world needs electricity," says Pint. “The more we can integrate the storage of electricity in existing materials and devices; they are more compact and efficient.”