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High mass loading (ca. 30 mg/cm2) electrodes were prepared with carbon recovered from catalytic methane cracking (MC). As-fabricated supercapacitors displayed 74% of capacitance retention from 6 mA/cm2 to 60 mA/cm2 and a Ragone plot’s slope of −7 Wh/kW (compared to 42% and −31 Wh/kW, respectively, for high mass loading devices fabricated with commercial carbon). The high-rate capability of the MC-recovered carbon is attributed to the presence of carbon black and carbon nanotubes produced during the reaction, which likely increased the electronic and ionic conductivity within the electrode. These results suggest that the by-product of this hydrogen generation route might be a suitable active material for supercapacitors.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all (SGD7) and making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable (SGD11). Thus, across the globe, major cities are moving in the smart city direction, by, for example, incorporating photovoltaics (PV), electric buses and sensors to improve public transportation. We study the concept of integrated PV bus stop shelters for the city of Lisbon. We identified the suitable locations for these, with respect to solar exposure, by using a Geographic Information System (GIS) solar radiation map. Then, using proxies to describe tourist and commuter demand, we determined that 54% of all current city bus stop shelters have the potential to receive PV-based solutions. Promoting innovative solutions such as this one will support smart mobility and urban sustainability while increasing quality of life, the ultimate goal of the Smart Cities movement.