Standardizing electrical conductivity measurements of carbonaceous materials in supercapacitors via an innovative 3D-printed method

Abstract

The use of carbonaceous materials in the production of supercapacitors is growing rapidly, partly because carbonization can reuse waste materials that would otherwise be difficult to commercialize. For these materials to be suitable for supercapacitors, they require precise characterization, especially in terms of electrical conductivity. However, in the literature, high variability in electrical resistance measurements of the same carbonaceous material is often found, resulting in inconsistent data and a high risk of error when assessing their suitability for supercapacitor applications. This study presents a novel, standardized, and cost-effective 3D-printed method to accurately measure the electrical resistivity of carbon powders, regardless of sample thickness or substrate dimensions. Using an integrated, patented system, this method produces reliable and consistent conductivity readings, significantly reducing variability compared with traditional measurement techniques. This increased consistency enables a more reliable material selection process for supercapacitor applications. The method also offers a scalable solution to improve the comparability and reproducibility of conductivity data for carbonaceous materials, paving the way for wider industrial adoption.