Stony Brook University’s Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center, which is located in the university’s 246-acre Research and Development Park, will house the productive implementation of graphene for supercapcitors. Photo by Trevor Christian. (March, 28, 2014)
By Stephanie Schieda
Staff Writer
A research agreement between the SUNY Research Foundation and Graphene Energy Storage Devices Corporation are exploring efficient energy-focused applications for graphene. The collaboration’s goal is to plan a profitable and futuristic design for graphene-based batteries, according to Graphene Laboratories.
In order to develop a low-cost “superunit” of efficient energy mediums, or super capacitors that can also sustain high voltage, each partner will have to optimize integration of graphene into cost-effective energy holders. The Strategic Alliance Agreement between Graphene Laboratories and its 40 percent stakeholder, Lomiko Metals Inc., will supply graphite from Lomiko to its counterpart for conversion into graphene.
When it comes time to delve into the most productive implementation of graphene for supercapacitors, the SUNY Research foundation will use Stony Brook University’s Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center and the Center for Advanced Sensor Technology.
“The device is designed as a versatile energy storage solution for electronics, electric vehicles and electric grid,” Lomiko CEO Paul Gill said, “We believe that graphene-based devices will deliver the best value for multiple energy storage applications.”
Graphene qualifies as an ideal resource for electrochemical devices to “go green” because of its high conductivity, mechanical strength, and high specific surface area, according to Graphene Labs who hopes solve the supercapacitor’s flaw of costly inefficiency. Supercapacitors are typically a cross between typical capacitors, which store energy with at least two electrical conductors separated by a type of insulator, and rechargeable batteries, Gill, who is also the newly appointed director of Graphene ESD, stated in a Lomiko press release.
To facilitate funds for the energy endeavor, the university’s Center for Advanced Sensor Technology is matching Graphene ESD’s contribution of $50,000, which will yield a combined initial funding of $100,000, Kathleen Green, the executive administrator of the Vice President for Research, said. Unlike other research projects at the university, no undergraduate or graduate students are working on the project, Green added.
“Energy Storage is a rapidly growing field, with Stony Brook University on the forefront of electrochemical energy storage research,” Peter Shkolnikov, the deputy director of the university’s sensor center, stated in a Lomiko press release.