Researchers at the University of Monash, Australia, have found that a combination of two ordinary materials – graphite and water – could produce energy storage systems that perform at the same level as lithium ion batteries. The new batteries could, however, recharge in a matter of seconds and have an almost indefinite lifespan. Dr. Dan Li said graphene could form the basis of the next generation of ultrafast energy storage systems. “The reason graphene isn’t being used everywhere is that these very thin sheets, when stacked into a usable macrostructure, immediately bond together, reforming graphite. When graphene restacks, most of the surface area is lost and it doesn’t behave like graphene anymore.” Dr. Li and his team discovered that the key to maintaining the remarkable properties of graphene is water. Keeping the graphene moist prevents re-stacking, making it ready for real-world applications. “The technique is very simple and can easily be scaled up. When we discovered it, we thought it was unbelievable. We’re taking two basic, inexpensive materials – water and graphite – and making this new nanomaterial with amazing properties,” said Dr Li. The graphene gel could be used not only for consumer electronics, but could also lead to high-speed, reliable energy storage systems, water purification membranes, biomedical devices and sensors.
http://www.monash.edu.au/news/show/graphite-water-the-future-of-energy-storage