Laser-Induced Graphene Makes Powerful Energy Storage Possible

Rice University researchers who previously pioneered the development of laser-induced graphene have configured their discovery into flexible, solid-state microsupercapacitors that rival the best available for energy storage and delivery. Microsupercapacitors are not batteries, but inch closer to them as the technology improves. Traditional capacitors store energy and release it quickly, unlike common lithium-ion batteries that take a long time to charge and release their energy as needed. Rice's microsupercapacitors charge 50 times faster than batteries, discharge more slowly than traditional capacitors, and match commercial supercapacitors for both the amount of energy stored and power delivered.