Lenzing AG and Nanocarbons LLC have announced their joint cooperation to develop and explore the use of new activated carbons in electrode technology. The announcement was made at the 22nd annual International Seminar on Double Layer Capacitors in December.

The technology is based on a combination of Tencel fibres from Lenzing and the proprietary technology of Nanocarbons LLC of Fort Lauderdale (Florida, USA). The announcement of the step forward is said to have been very well received among the industry audience.

According to Lenzing, the resultant carbons deliver optimum performance in the key areas of energy storage, power and substrate density. After extensive research Lenzing recently announced a new pilot production facility to take this technology forward (see - New Lenzing pilot plant for energy storage applications).

It is believed the carbons will accelerate the development of the already rapid growth in uses of electrical devices as double layer capacitors, which are also known as ultra capacitors or super capacitors. Such high performance capacitors are increasingly used in electric and hybrid vehicles along with stop-start, uninterruptable power suppliers and even in wind turbine blade orientation.

Wolfgang Plasser, Vice President and General Manager Business Unit Nonwoven Fibers, explains: “Lenzing’s core business is in sustainable fibres but is increasingly diversified through strong innovation projects. We continue to invest in new areas of research to increase the range and reach of our product portfolio, both in-house and through external cooperation. This development compliments well our existing business in technical markets which also includes the separator materials for the same devices. We strongly believe in the future growth of this market and believe we offer a sustainable consistent performance product to allow the industry to develop further.”

Rud Istvan, CEO of Nanocarbons LLC, comments: “I strongly believe that this development will allow the double layer capacitor market to make a significant advancement. With the combination of Lenzing's technical understanding and infrastructure and Nanocarbons technology we can expect acceleration in the market uses and exploitation of double layer capacitors from new automotive stop-start systems to uninterruptible power supplies. This could be a breakthrough for electrode technology that will reap dividends for the designers of electrical complements and the drivers of vehicles alike.”

NanoCarbons was formed in 2005 to fund materials development and patent applications covering scientific discoveries concerning double layer capacitance. The company completed materials development research in 2009, and manufacturing engineering studies in 2011. It now holds basic patents related to these materials issued in the US, Europe, Japan, China, Russia, and India.