AFRL selects XG Sciences to develop graphene nanoplatelet-based high-energy ultracapacitors

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) recently selected XG Sciences, a spin-off company from Michigan State University, to develop ultrahigh-energy ultracapacitors for use in space energy storage systems.  XG Sciences supplies exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP) that can be formulated into inks and pastes for fabrication of electrodes for ultracapacitors, batteries and fuel cells. XG Sciences’ technologies were developed in large part at the Composite Materials and Structures Center in the Michigan State University College of Engineering. The primary disadvantage of the current generation of supercapacitors is the relatively low energy density, notes XGS Chief Scientist and MSU professor Dr. Lawrence Drzal. A solution to increasing energy density rests in utilizing electrode materials with higher specific capacitance in organic electrolytes coupled with a reduction in the amount of inactive binder.