Revolutionary Chemistry Unleashes Next-Gen Energy Storage Devices

Researchers at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Scripps Research have developed a new polymer-based device for energy storage that can handle record amounts of energy while withstanding extreme temperatures and electric fields. The device utilizes a new class of electrically robust polymers synthesized via a next-generation version of the Nobel-winning "click chemistry" reaction. These polymers, called polysulfates, exhibit excellent dielectric properties, making them strong contenders for state-of-the-art polymer dielectrics. The capacitors made with these materials have shown enhanced energy storage performance, mechanical flexibility, and the ability to withstand high electric fields and temperatures. This breakthrough could lead to improved energy efficiency and reliability in applications such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.