Batteries/supercapacitors advanced cells

EFCs typically generate low power, in comparison with conventional batteries and fuel cells, and with their initial prototypes energy density and energy utilization from source fuels tend to be low. With further development, however, the advantages of EFCs are expected to provide competitive benefits for certain applications over the conventional electrochemical power sources. In hybrid approach, EFCs may be combined with conventional batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors to form advanced power sources with improved performance for specific applications. 

Debra R. Rolison is head of Advanced Electrochemical Materials at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). She received a B.S. in chemistry from Florida Atlantic University in 1975 and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1980 under the direction of Royce W. Murray. Dr. Rolison joined the Naval Research Laboratory as a research chemist in 1980. Her research at NRL focuses on the influence of nanoscale domains on electron- and charge-transfer reactions, with special emphasis on the surface and materials science of aerogels, electrocatalysts, and zeolites. Her program creates new nano structured materials and composites for catalytic chemistries, energy storage and conversion (fuel cells, supercapacitors, batteries, thermoelectric devices), and sensors. 

The basic thermodynamic and electrochemical kinetic concepts involved in batteries and the parameters used to evaluate their performance are summarized in Section 2.2. The most widespread primary and rechargeable systems are described by highlighting the most recent advances in Section 2.3. Supercapacitors and fuel cells, whose importance in the field of energy conversion is growing, are also briefly treated in this section. The lithium-based rechargeable systems, the most advanced batteries with the highest performance, are discussed in detail in Section 2.4, with particular emphasis on the new materials on which these batteries are based. 

Development of a deep understanding of fuel cells , batteries , and supercapacitors operation principles will help on achieving significant advances on their controlled design and optimization in both applied science and industry communities. 

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