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Source: The post is based on the article “Scientists from Gujarat institute develop biodegradable paper supercapacitor from seaweed” published in Down To Earth on 23rd June 2023
What is the News?
Scientists at Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) have developed the thinnest, lightweight and biodegradable paper-based supercapacitor.
What is a supercapacitor?
A supercapacitor is an electrochemical charge storage device with a fast charging/discharging cycle, high power density and a longer life cycle.
They are used in power-smoothening, pitch-control, start-stop, regenerative-braking, smart-grid, active heave compensation, and specialty UPS applications.
How have scientists developed a biodegradable paper supercapacitor?
Scientists have developed a supercapacitor from seaweed (marine macroalgae).
This supercapacitor can fully charge a device within 10 seconds.
The device is of high tensile strength and performance, as well as cost-effective, according to the researchers.
The product can be used in electronics, memory backup systems, airbags, heavy machines, electric vehicles, etc.; hence, it holds a huge business prospect.
What is Seaweed?
Seaweeds are macroalgae attached to rock or other substrata and are found in coastal areas.
They are classified as chlorophyta (green), rhodophyta (red) and phaeophyta (brown) on the basis of their pigmentation.
Among them, chlorophyta holds more potential components in the cell wall. Such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and bioactive compounds.
Green seaweed has a high amount of a particular type of cellulose in its cell wall.
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