Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Exfoliation and Functionalization of Graphene in Electric Double Layer Capacitors Applications – GrADES

Supercapacitors are expected to be the next-generation energy storage solution due to their faster charge/discharge rates and longer lifespans compared to batteries. However, they still lag behind in terms of capacitance and energy density. Current advancements in supercapacitor technology focus on improving these parameters by using advanced materials like graphene. With its outstanding conductivity and unbeatable theoretical surface area, graphene is a key material for improving the performance of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLC). However, the performance of currently produced graphene, especially when obtained through the reduction of graphene oxide, remains insufficient due to structural defects or the restacking of graphene flakes.
To overcome these challenges, this project seeks to develop a novel approach for exfoliating and functionalizing graphene in deep eutectic solvents (DES), with the aim of optimizing its properties as electric double layer capacitor. The project is centered around three main objectives: (i) produce stable colloidal solutions of thin, high-quality graphene flakes through cathodic exfoliation in DES, (ii) prevent restacking of flakes and introduce chemical doping by functionalizing the graphene with heteroatom-containing ionic species, and (iii) investigate how grafted ionic moieties influence graphene capacitance during charge/discharge cycles. By pursuing these goals, the project aims to achieve electric double layer capacitance values in the range of hundreds of F.g?¹, greatly enhancing energy storage capacity.
The project will explore the impact of different hydrogen bond acceptors in DES on the quality and yield of graphene and integrate functionalization techniques to further enhance its electrochemical performance. On a broader scale, this approach could pioneer new graphene production and functionalization processes, meeting the industrial demand for high-quality, functional materials for energy storage.