May 2025 Composites Blog
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May 10, 2025
Fiber-Composite Based Supercapacitor Breaks Low Energy Density Limitations
Fiber-Composite Based Supercapacitor Breaks Low Energy Density Limitations
A team of researchers from the Carbon Composite Materials Research Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Seoul National University (SNU) have developed a high-performance supercapacitor that solves one of the greatest limitations of conventional supercapacitors — low energy density. The new technology is an important development for next- generation energy storage devices.
As global demand grows for cleaner, more efficient energy storage systems, supercapacitors are gaining traction due to their fast charge/discharge rates and long operational lifespans. However, their lower energy density has been a limiting factor in their adoption. This new study presents a groundbreaking fiber-type nanoscale electrochemical cell structure that significantly enhances supercapacitor performance.
The innovation centers on carbon nanotube (CNT) composite fibers integrated with polyaniline (PANI), a conductive polymer. By grafting PANI onto CNTs via Ullmann-type C–N coupling, researchers achieved strong covalent bonding, which improves both chemical stability and interfacial conductivity. This process ensures a uniform PANI distribution across the fiber, allowing nearly all of the material—even deep within the fiber core—to participate in electrochemical reactions.
The result is a composite fiber that delivers a remarkable specific capacitance of 1714 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹, an energy density of 820 mW h cm⁻³, and a power density of 1150 W cm⁻³. Impressively, the device retained nearly 100% of its capacitance after 100,000 cycles and endured over 10,000 instances of mechanical deformation. Learn more about this topic here.
As global demand grows for cleaner, more efficient energy storage systems, supercapacitors are gaining traction due to their fast charge/discharge rates and long operational lifespans. However, their lower energy density has been a limiting factor in their adoption. This new study presents a groundbreaking fiber-type nanoscale electrochemical cell structure that significantly enhances supercapacitor performance.
The innovation centers on carbon nanotube (CNT) composite fibers integrated with polyaniline (PANI), a conductive polymer. By grafting PANI onto CNTs via Ullmann-type C–N coupling, researchers achieved strong covalent bonding, which improves both chemical stability and interfacial conductivity. This process ensures a uniform PANI distribution across the fiber, allowing nearly all of the material—even deep within the fiber core—to participate in electrochemical reactions.
The result is a composite fiber that delivers a remarkable specific capacitance of 1714 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹, an energy density of 820 mW h cm⁻³, and a power density of 1150 W cm⁻³. Impressively, the device retained nearly 100% of its capacitance after 100,000 cycles and endured over 10,000 instances of mechanical deformation. Learn more about this topic here.
May 31, 2025
Continuous Ultrasonic Welding Technique Advances Composites Joining in Space
Continuous Ultrasonic Welding Technique Advances Composites Joining in Space
Agile Ultrasonics, based in Columbus, Ohio, is reshaping how composite materials are joined on Earth and in space. As a central contributor to the space welding project funded by the Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN), the company is addressing the complexities of welding thermoplastic composites (TPCs) in the demanding conditions of space.
Their breakthrough lies in continuous ultrasonic welding (CUW), a process that doesn’t rely on the extra materials—like energy directors or films, which are typically required in conventional methods. This innovation simplifies the welding process, enhances material compatibility, and increases reliability; especially for crucial aerospace and space applications.
To simulate real-world space conditions, Agile developed a custom vacuum chamber that reproduces extreme temperatures. This setup allows engineers to monitor temperature changes during welding and fine-tune the process to maintain joint integrity.
Agile’s technology isn’t limited to orbital use. Its modular, adaptable systems are also being evaluated by top-tier aerospace companies and defense programs. These tools offer a promising solution for creating strong, lightweight structures in next-generation aircraft and advanced air mobility vehicles.
Backed by research partnerships with NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and major institutions like the University of Dayton Research Institute, Agile has quickly moved from concept to real-world testing. Support from OFRN and other programs has helped the company refine its technology and expand its role in sustainable, high-performance composite manufacturing. Learn more about this topic here.
Their breakthrough lies in continuous ultrasonic welding (CUW), a process that doesn’t rely on the extra materials—like energy directors or films, which are typically required in conventional methods. This innovation simplifies the welding process, enhances material compatibility, and increases reliability; especially for crucial aerospace and space applications.
To simulate real-world space conditions, Agile developed a custom vacuum chamber that reproduces extreme temperatures. This setup allows engineers to monitor temperature changes during welding and fine-tune the process to maintain joint integrity.
Agile’s technology isn’t limited to orbital use. Its modular, adaptable systems are also being evaluated by top-tier aerospace companies and defense programs. These tools offer a promising solution for creating strong, lightweight structures in next-generation aircraft and advanced air mobility vehicles.
Backed by research partnerships with NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and major institutions like the University of Dayton Research Institute, Agile has quickly moved from concept to real-world testing. Support from OFRN and other programs has helped the company refine its technology and expand its role in sustainable, high-performance composite manufacturing. Learn more about this topic here.
