The advancement may finally bridge the long-standing gap between power and energy in next-generation storage technologies.
Researchers at Monash University have unveiled a graphene-based technology that could finally enable supercapacitors to compete with traditional batteries in energy storage capacity without sacrificing their hallmark fast-charging performance. Supercapacitors have long been prized for their from replacing batteries in most applications. The team’s new approach could change that with electrode material called multiscale reduced graphene oxide (M-rGO).
Unlike conventional graphene structures, which tend to stack and block ion movement, this material features a network of curved, interwoven graphene sheets created through a rapid thermal annealing process. This design maximizes the material’s internal surface area and creates efficient ion transport pathways, allowing for much greater charge storage capacity. In tests, the researchers reported volumetric energy densities reaching nearly 99.5 Wh/L comparable to lead-acid batteries and power densities exceeding 69 kW/L. This combination of high energy and high power marks a significant advance, potentially eliminating the long-standing trade-off that has limited supercapacitor adoption.
If scaled successfully, this graphene supercapacitor could redefine how energy is stored and delivered across industries. Electric vehicles could charge in seconds rather than hours, grid systems could balance renewable energy surges more efficiently, and portable electronics could last longer with instant recharge capabilities. Such versatility could push supercapacitors beyond niche applications, positioning them as a viable alternative to lithium-ion and other battery chemistries.
However, several challenges stand between the lab and commercial deployment. The production process must be proven cost-effective and scalable, the material’s long-term stability must be validated, and integration with existing energy storage systems must be refined. Despite these hurdles, the research signals a major step forward in closing the gap between the power density of supercapacitors and the energy density of batteries. If commercialised, this advancement could accelerate the shift toward faster, cleaner, and more efficient energy technologies across transport, grid, and consumer sectors.
