Sustainable Carbon Nanomaterial Gii Set to Transform Energy Storage in Internet of Things Devices

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a groundbreaking energy storage material using sustainable carbon nanomaterial, Gii. This innovation could enable smaller, more efficient energy storage capabilities in ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) devices.

Published in Batteries & Supercaps, the researchers combined Gii with iron oxyhydroxide (FeOOH) through a process called electrochemical deposition, creating a powerful new electrode material for micro-supercapacitors. These small energy-storage devices are increasingly used to power IoT technologies, such as internet-connected sensors in vehicles and home appliances.

The key findings include:

• High voltage - Operating at a range of 2 V, nearly double the typical 1.2 V limit typically seen with electrodes, this innovation reduces the size and material requirements for energy storage devices.
• Sustainable - The electrode is water-based, offering a sustainable alternative to the solvent-based electrodes often used in IoT devices.
• Demonstration of FeOOH within an asymmetric device - Successfully paired with manganese oxide in a full-cell capacitor, FeOOH demonstrated its ability to balance voltage windows, achieving an extended 2 V range, higher energy and power density, and ideal capacitor performance for real-world applications.

Dr Filipe Braga, Department of Chemistry, The University of Liverpool said “Via use of electrodeposition, the Gii-based electrode could enable IoT devices to use smaller, more powerful, and more sustainable energy storage systems, accelerating their adoption in everyday life.