Hattiesburg, Mississippi Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
The University of Southern Mississippi has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for its innovative advancement in energy storage technology. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 11970572, titled ‘Ultrafast, high-energy supercapacitors with open-shell polymer-carbon-based compound composites’, introduces a novel electrode material that significantly enhances the performance of supercapacitors.
This breakthrough combines a conjugated open-shell donor-acceptor polymer with a carbon-based compound, such as reduced graphene oxide. The resulting composite electrode material exhibits exceptional capacitance, a broad potential window, and excellent charge-discharge kinetics. Notably, these supercapacitors demonstrate a cycle life exceeding 5,000 cycles, offering a durable and efficient energy storage solution.
The innovative design addresses the traditional limitations of supercapacitors, particularly their lower energy density compared to batteries. By enhancing both energy and power densities, this technology bridges the gap between batteries and capacitors, providing rapid charging capabilities without compromising storage capacity. The scalable nature of the electrode fabrication process further facilitates integration into various electronic devices.
The University of Southern Mississippi’s development represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of high-performance, sustainable energy storage systems. This patent holds promise for applications ranging from portable electronics to electric vehicles, where fast charging and long cycle life are paramount.
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