Super capacitor still works after 40 times being hit by hammer

The researchers say it has successfully built an energy storage device that can withstand hammering more than 40 times and is not as flammable as a lithium-ion battery.

"Accidentally dropping electronic devices, such as laptops or mobile phones, will often lead to damage. In some situations, energy storage devices may also cause fires. caused by impact " , Julio D'Arcy - assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis Louis said.

This new material can withstand hammering more than 40 times.(Photo: Washington University).

By controlling the rust formation in the solution, the researchers developed a micrometer-sized porous layer consisting of conductive fibers bonded to a flexible organic plastic layer. The result is somewhat similar to a sandwich on one side.

"It is similar to the mechanism that leads to the formation of rust on the surface of a wet piece of metal," D'Arcy said.

"Here, we have carefully designed the nanostructure to make a polymer film assembled in parallel with the rusted surface. It creates a layer of interwoven polymer nanoparticles with a fabric-like structure that is very flexible. and ideal for storing energy in a super capacitor ".

Researchers have tried to bend this new material multiple times at different angles. After that, they took a hammer to beat repeatedly and even hit with the same dynamic force as a crash at a speed of nearly 50 km / h.

With the same effect, other materials such as metal and carbon will break. But this new material does not break, but also maintains 80% of the energy storage capacity after the first hammering, and after 40 consecutive beatings, it maintains 74%.