The disruptive innovation brought forth by scientists at the Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) has recently been the talk of the town in the energy storage industry. Their groundbreaking invention, a paper-based supercapacitor derived from seaweed, is hailed for its impressive attributes such as light weight, full biodegradability, and ultra-fast charging capability.
Introducing the Paper-based Supercapacitor
GERMI’s researchers successfully developed the thinnest and most lightweight supercapacitor ever known to man. By utilizing cellulose nanofibers sourced from seaweeds, they invented an anodic paper supercapacitor that excels in tensile strength, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
The Many Applications and Business Prospects
The newly invented supercapacitor can be applied in various fields like electronics, memory backup systems, airbags, heavy machinery, and electric vehicles. This makes it a highly lucrative opportunity for businesses in search of high-performance energy storage solutions. Moreover, its versatility and environmentally friendly characteristics pique the interest of manufacturers and consumers alike.
The Powerhouse – Marine Cellulose
The key component of this impressive supercapacitor is the marine cellulose material derived from seaweed. The potential use of this material extends to integration into various advanced electronic devices. Furthermore, the cultivation of seaweed could also offer economic opportunities for coastal communities and promote sustainable development.
A Closer Look at Supercapacitors
Supercapacitors, or ultracapacitors as they are sometimes referred to, are electrochemical charge storage devices. They stand out from traditional capacitors and Lithium-Ion batteries due to their higher power density, longer durability, and superior charging capacities. The fundamental components of a supercapacitor are the electrode, electrolyte, separator, and current collector.
Understanding Seaweeds and Their Significance
Seaweeds are large algae that attach themselves to rocks or other substrates in coastal areas. Divided into three categories – chlorophyta (green), rhodophyta (red) and phaeophyta (brown), they have significant nutritional value and medicinal properties. Some seaweeds even possess powerful anti-carcinogenic agents.
Apart from their health benefits, seaweeds also play a crucial role in maintaining environmental balance by absorbing excess nutrients released into the ocean, thus preventing chemical damage through algal blooms. Additionally, they generate oxygen for underwater ecosystems via photosynthesis.
Cellulose: A Central Component
Green seaweed, specifically sourced from the Porbandar coast of Gujarat, is rich in a particular kind of cellulose which is an excellent biopolymer material for creating paper-based electrode materials for energy storage applications. However, in order to create a paper-based energy storage device, the insulating cellulose needs to be coated with a conductive material.
Seaweed Cultivation: A Potential Game-Changer
With global seaweed production valued at USD 12 billion, India’s share is minimal. Cultivating seaweed in about 5% of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone could provide job opportunities for approximately 50 million people, contribute to the nation’s GDP, enhance ocean productivity, control algal blooms, absorb tons of CO2, and produce around 6.6 billion liters of bio-ethanol.
