Zinc-ion hybrid capacitors (ZIHCs) are promising energy storage devices as they combine battery- and capacitor-type mechanisms, which enable higher energy storage, faster charging and improved safety. However, their limited cycle performance, with capacity retention rarely exceeding 80 %, hinders their commercial application.
With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the NanoCarbon project will address this issue by using carbon quantum dots, derived from recycled coal tar pitch, to create advanced electrodes. These quantum dots boast high conductivity, efficient ion transport and a high number of adsorption sites. Researchers will also introduce new methods to study and strengthen electrode structures, aiming to boost cycle performance to over 95 % and efficiency by 20 %. These innovations could lead to durable, high-performance ZIHCs, transforming energy storage solutions in the industry.
Publications from the project
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Huihui Li, Guoli Zhang, Xiaoxia Jia, Yuede Pan, Zhewei Yang, Gang Li, Taotao Guan, Kaiying Wang (2025) Chemical vapor deposition-assisted activation for tailoring mesoporous carbon from polar components of coal tar pitch for zinc-ion hybrid capacitors. Chemical Engineering Journal, Volume 519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.164974
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Guoli Zhang, Huihui Li, Kaiyue Wang, Gang Li, Kaixi Li, Taotao Guan, Kaiying Wang (2026) Boosting Zinc-Ion Hybrid Capacitors with Mesoporous Carbon Derived from Highly Graphitized Carbon Quantum Dots. Energy & Environmental Materials. https://doi.org/10.1002/eem2.70267
