Rechargeable batteries
Sony announced commercialization of "lithium ion rechargeable battery (LIB)" based on a carbonaceous anode and layered cathode like LiCoO2. The entire electrochemical process would involve the reversible transfer of lithium ions between the two electrodes in the presence of aprotic organic solution. LIB is considered as a promising candidate for the electric vehicles compared to conventional alkaline or Ni-Cd battery in view of energy and environment aspect. In addition to existing LIB, developing the electrode and electrolyte for other rechargeable systems like Li-S, Li-O2, Na, Ca, Mg, Al etc. also in progress. Further, we are interested to work on the flow batteries too. This is one of the most prospect research fields in the high-tech industry.
Supercapacitors
In contrast to LIB, supercapacitors store the charges via electrode-electrolyte interface i.e. in a non-Faradaic way. Similar to batteries, the two electrode (preferably, high surface area carbonaceous materials) has been separated by ionically conducting membrane soaked with either aqueous or organic medium. Generally, Supercapacitors is known to be its high power capability by compromising energy. We are doing research to imrove the energy density of supercapacitors by asymmetric fashion with either intercalaction or pseudocapacitance type materials.
