Researchers at the University of Central Florida have invented novel materials that enable next-generation supercapacitors to outperform current state-of-the-art energy storage technologies, including lithium thin-film batteries, porous graphene, electrolytic capacitors, and recently developed MXenes and metallic 1T-MoS2. The new hybrid one-dimensional/two-dimensional (1D/2D) core/shell nanowires enable manufacturers to produce flexible supercapacitors with exceptional charge-discharge endurance (for example, 100 percent capacitance retention after 30,000 cycles of charging and discharging).

Technical Details

The invention comprises materials and methods for fabricating arrays of 1D/2D core/shell nanowire supercapacitors with excellent strength and flexibility, high energy density, and superb charge-discharge capabilities. For example, vertically aligned nanowires provide enhanced surface areas for improved adsorption/intercalation of electrolyte ions. Conductive nanowire cores of 1D hexagonal tungsten trioxide (h-WO3) provide efficient carrier transports and capacitive 2D tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanowire shells facilitate ion absorption from electrolytes. The interfaces of the core/shell and nanowire/current collector are chemically self-assembled without any binders or extra materials; thus, ensuring structural integrity. All components are converted from one identical material, enabling one-body structures with remarkable mechanical stability.