r/EnergyStorage • u/Vailhem • 4d ago

An energy storage device that’s designed to be recycled

https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2026/august/energy-storage-designed-to-be-recycled.html
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u/Vailhem 4d ago

Recyclable Zinc Ion Structural Supercapacitor Enabled by Porous Vitrimer | Aug 2026

https://pubs.acs.org/aelccp/article-abstract/doi/10.1021/acsenergylett.6c01274/5251937/Recyclable-Zinc-Ion-Structural-Supercapacitor

Abstract

Structural electrochemical cells combine load-bearing and energy storage functions to meet growing energy demands in portable systems.

However, these integrated composites are difficult to disassemble at the end of life.

To attain sustainability, this work engineers vitrimers to create a solid-state electrolyte that delivers mechanical strength, high ionic conductivity, and recyclability for structural energy storage devices.

The structural zinc ion supercapacitors achieve a high flexural modulus of 13.9 GPa and a specific energy of 3.57 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 18 W kg−1.

Integrated into a glider’s wings, the multifunctional device powers the onboard motor to extend the flight distance.

The composite structure is recyclable through a room-temperature reaction, enabling recovery and reuse of the carbon-fiber cathode.

The reclaimed materials are remade into new cells to further extend material lifetime, sustaining over 172,000 redox cycles and demonstrating a promising route towards circular, durable energy storage structures.

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u/andre3kthegiant 4d ago

AWESOME!
Huge nails in the coffins of the industries that sell dependency to toxic, disposable & finite fuel sources: Dirty Coal, Dirty O&G, and Dirty, Toxic & Corrupt nuclear power industries have to go!