Adsorption of K^+ from an aqueous phase onto an activated carbon used as an electric double-layer capacitor electrode

The adsorption capacity and absorption rate for electrolyte onto activated carbon are important parameters used to characterize activated carbon electric double-layer capacitor electrodes. In this paper the pore structure of typical commercial activated carbons, and various Mn-doped activated carbons prepared on a laboratory scale, are described. The pore structure was character-ized by N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. Isotherms for K+ adsorption onto these activated carbons from the aqueous phase were also obtained. The experimental, equilibrium K+ adsorption data were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich or Temkin equations. Adsorption of K+ onto the activated carbons was measured and plotted as a function of time. The adsorption kinetic data were modeled by either pseudo-first or pseudo-second order equations. The Elvoich equation, a liquid film diffusion and an intra-particle diffusion model were used to fit the kinetic data. The results indicate that the adsorption of K+ onto activated carbon is influenced by many factors including pore size distribution, specific surface area and the surface chemistry of the activated carbons. The Temkin equation best describes the equilibrium adsorption data. The pseudo-second order model exactly describes the whole adsorption process, which is controlled by both liquid film and intra-particle diffusion.

Carbon aerogels for electric double-layer capacitors

In this study, carbon aerogels were derived via the pyrolysis of resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) aerogels, which were cost-effectively manufactured from RF wet gels by an ambient drying technique instead of conventional supercritical drying. By varying the R/C ratio (molar ratio of resorcinol to catalyst), mesoporous carbon aerogels with high specific surface area were prepared successfully and further investigated as electrode materials for electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). The textural properties of carbon aerogels obtained were characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis and SEM. The electrochemical performances of carbon aerogels were investigated by impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic charge/discharge and cyclic voltammetry methods. The results show that BET surface area and specific capacitance increase with R/C ratio, the maximum values of 727 m2·g-1 and 132 F·g-1 are achieved at R/C ratio will of 300. Increasing R/C ratio increase the average pore size of carbon aerogel electrode, which has improved the rate capability. Furthermore, EDLC with carbon aerogel electrodes has an excellent stability at large discharge current and long cycle life.

Characterization of Microporous Activated Carbon Electrodes for Electric Double-layer Capacitors

Activated carbons(ACs) with a wide range of surface areas were made from petroleum coke by means of KOH activation. The electrochemical characterization was carried out for several activated carbons used as polarizable electrodes of electric double-layer capacitors(EDLCs) in an aqueous electrolytic solution. The porous structures and electrochemical double-layer capacitance of the activated carbons were investigated by virtue of nitrogen gas adsorption and constant current cycling(CCC) methods. The relationship among the surface area, pore volume of the activated carbons and specific double-layer capacitance was discussed. It was found that the specific capacitance of ACs increased linearly with the increase of surface area. The presence of mesopores in the activated carbons with very high surface area(>2000 m\+2/g) was not very effective for them to be used as EDLCs. The influence of chemical characteristics of the activated carbons on the double layer formation could be considered to be negligible.

Preparation of spiro-type quaternary ammonium salt via economical and efficient synthetic route as electrolyte for electric double-layer capacitor

A spiro-type quaternary ammonium salt, spiro-(1,1′)-bipyrrolidinium tetrafluoroborate(SBP-BF4) was successfully prepared by an economical and efficient three-step process comprising the cyclization reaction of 1,4-dibromobutane and pyrrolidine, and subsequent ion exchange pathway with KOH followed by neutralization reaction via HBF4 in the system of ethanol solution. 1H NMR, 13 C NMR, FI-IR and XPS analyses showed the structure of SBP-BF4. The as-obtained SBP-BF4 was dissolved in AN and used as the electrolyte for supercapacitor. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that, compared with commercial electrolyte TEMA-BF4/AN, SBP-BF4/AN exhibits high ionic conductivity, lower resistance and improved cycling performance, which is due to its smaller ion size and stable symmetry structure.

Application of Nanofiber Fabricated by Cotton Candy Method to Electric Double-Layer Capacitor

In recent years, application of carbon-based nano material to electrode material has been paid attention, however, due to its higher cost, it would be difficult to put it into practical use. Then, we have proposed to make nano carbon fiber with lower production cost. The purpose of our research was, to apply our nano carbon fiber to electrical double-layer capacitor electrode. We used cotton candy method to make nano fiber, and applied microwave heating for carbonization. By applying nano carbon fiber to electrical double-layer capacitor electrode, we got results that thicker electrode containing nano carbon fiber leads to lower resistance value, compared with electrode without containing nano carbon fiber. From this result, it was indicated that by containing nano carbon fiber, the electric bypass was formed in the electrode.

Aplication of Corncob-Based Activated Carbon as Electrode Material for Electric Double-Layer Capacitors

To investigate the influence of expansion pretreatment for materials on carbon structure, activated carbons (ACs) were prepared from corncob with/without expansion pretreatment by KOH activation, the structure properties of which were determined based on N 2 adsorption isotherm at 77 K. The results show that the expansion pretreatment for corncobs is beneficial to the preparation of ACs with high surface area. The specific surface area of the AC derived from corncob with expansion pretreatment (AC-1) is 32.5% larger than that without expansion pretreatment (AC-2). Furthermore, to probe the potential application of corncob-based ACs in electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC), the prepared ACs were used as electrode materials to assemble EDLC, and its electrochemical performance was investi- gated. The results indicate that the specific capacitance of AC-1 is 276 F/g at 50 mA/g, which increases by 27% com- pared with that of AC-2 (217 F/g). As electrode materials, AC-1 presents a better electrochemical performance than AC-2, including a higher voltage maintenance ratio and a lower leakage current.

Candidate organic electrolytes for electric double-layer capacitor application

Electrolytic conductivity, viscosity and electrochemical behavior were investigated for organic electrolytes based on PC（Propylene carbonate）, MAN（Methoxy acetonitrile） and GBL（γ-Butyrolactone） solvents. It was found that 1 mol/L Et4NBF4-MAN had the highest conductivity, lowest viscosity and acceptable potential window. The specific capacitance and energy density obtained from the capacitor using 1 mol/L Et4NBF4-MAN as electrolyte were the highest among all the tested electrolytes.（1 mol/L） Et4NBF4-GBL also seemed promising to be used in electric double-layer capacitor （EDLCs）.

Porous monoliths of 3D graphene for electric double-layer supercapacitors

For delivering the nanoscaled extraordinary characteristics in macroscopical bulk,it is essential to integrate two-dimensional nanosheets into threedimensional(3D)porous monoliths,alternatively called as 3D architectures,3D networks,or aerogels.The intersupported structure of porous monolithic 3D graphene(3DG)can prevent aggregation or restacking of graphene individuals,and the interconnected sp^(2) network of 3DG not only can provide the highway for the transport of electron/phonon but also can present continual cavities/channels for mass transfer.This review summarizes the synthesis methodology of 3DG porous monoliths and highlights the application for electric double-layer capacitors.Present challenges and future prospects about the manufacture and application of 3DG are also discussed.

Relationship between space charge and effective pore size of nanoporous electrode in electric double-layer capacitor

The space-charge distributions of electric double-layer capacitors （EDLCs）, which are energy storage devices, were examined with the pulsed electroacoustic （PEA） method. It was found that the experimental results could be influenced by the reflection and penetration of sound waves when the space-charge dis- tributions of EDLCs were measured with the PEA method. This is because EDLCs have a five-layer structure consisting of three materials （aluminum, cellulose, and activated carbon）. We calculated the reflection wave components that influenced the charge density through the acoustic impedance and the relative permittivity of the materials. In this way, we found that the changes in the space-charge distributions of EDLCs and their charge characteristics corresponded closely. We determined that measuring the space- charge distributions with the PEA method was effective for evaluating the charge accumulation of EDLCs. In this study, a polarized electrode was prepared for use in EDLCs. The ratio of the surface area to the average pore diameter of the polarized electrode was measured with the nitrogen adsorption method at 77 K. The relationship between the ratio of the surface area to the average pore size and the space-charge distributions of EDLCs is also discussed in this paper.

Ultrathin Zincophilic Interphase Regulated Electric Double Layer Enabling Highly Stable Aqueous Zinc‑Ion Batteries

The practical application of aqueous zinc-ion batteries for large-grid scale systems is still hindered by uncontrolled zinc dendrite and side reactions.Regulating the elec-trical double layer via the electrode/electrolyte interface layer is an effective strategy to improve the stability of Zn anodes.Herein,we report an ultrathin zincophilic ZnS layer as a model regu-lator.At a given cycling current,the cell with Zn@ZnS electrode displays a lower potential drop over the Helmholtz layer(stern layer)and a suppressed diffuse layer,indicating the regulated charge distribution and decreased electric double layer repulsion force.Boosted zinc adsorption sites are also expected as proved by the enhanced electric double-layer capacitance.Consequently,the symmetric cell with the ZnS protection layer can stably cycle for around 3,000 h at 1 mA cm^(-2) with a lower overpotential of 25 mV.When coupled with an I2/AC cathode,the cell demonstrates a high rate performance of 160 mAh g^(-1) at 0.1 A g^(-1) and long cycling stability of over 10,000 cycles at 10 A g^(-1).The Zn||MnO_(2) also sustains both high capacity and long cycling stability of 130 mAh g^(-1) after 1,200 cycles at 0.5 A g^(-1).

Three Dimensional Electric Circuits with Multiple Capacitors and Resistors

Two cubical 3D electric circuits with single and double capacitors and twelve ohmic resistors are considered. The resistors are the sides of the cube. The circuit is fed with a single internal emf. The charge on the capacitor(s) and the current distributions of all twelve sides of the circuit(s) vs. time are evaluated. The analysis requires solving twelve differential-algebraic intertwined symbolic equations. This is accomplished by applying a Computer Algebra System (CAS), specifically Mathematica. The needed codes are included. For a set of values assigned to the elements, the numeric results are depicted.

Electrical Characteristics of Super Capacitors Using KOH Gel

Despite aqueous electrolytes having a low cost and excellent ionic conductivity,their low withstand voltage of 1.2 V makes them problematic for battery utility because that is a very important factor in battery production.In this research,the possibility of increasing the withstand voltage while maintaining the low cost of aqueous electrolytes was investigated.In this research,the solution electrolyte was made into a viscous solid polymer electrolyte to improve the withstand voltage of the electrolyte.A solid polymer electrolyte was made from sodium polyacrylate and doped with KOH(potassium hydroxide)and pure water.The improvement of the withstand voltage was evaluated by the specific capacitance.

Empirical formulae for electric double-layer repulsion between two arbitrarily inclined clay particles

To understand the mesoscopic mechanism of clayey soil in view of macroscopic behavior, it is essential to quantitatively calculate the electric double-layer repulsion between arbitrarily inclined clay particles.However, suitable calculation methods with high efficiency and accuracy are still rare at present in literature. Based on a great number of numerical calculations of the repulsion between two inclined platy clay particles, explicit empirical formulae for estimating electric double-layer repulsion between clay particles are put forward. Comparison between the empirical solutions and corresponding numerical results shows that the proposed formulae have a reasonable accuracy, and application of the presented formula is easy and efficient.

Tuning the phase separation in La_(0.325)Pr_(0.3)Ca_(0.375)MnO_3 using the electric double-layer field effect

Electric double-layer field effect experiments were performed on ultrathin films of La0.325Pr0.3Ca0.375MnO3, which is noted for its micrometer-scale phase separation. A clear change of resistance up to 220% was observed and the characteristic metal-insulator transition temperature Tp was also shifted. The changes of both the resistance and Tp, suggest that the electric field induced not only tuning of the carrier density but also rebalancing of the phase separation states. The change of the charge-ordered insulating phase fraction was estimated to be temperature dependent, and a maximum of 16% was achieved in the phase separation regime. This tuning effect was partially irreversible, which might be due to an oxygen vacancy migration that is driven by the huge applied electric field.

Chemical Treatment of Carbon Nanotubes as Electrodes in Electrochemical Double-Layer Capacitors

Multi-walled carbon nanombes with homogeneous diameters （40 - 60 nm）, produced by chemical vapor deposition of hydrocarbon gas, are purified by nitric acids. Infrared and Raman studies indicate that oxygen containing surface groups, which are predominately carboxylic, phenolic and lactonic groups, are introduced into purified carbon nanotubes. Then three kinds of block-form porous tablets of carbon nanotubes are fabricated as electrodes in electrochemical double-layer capacitors. Using mounded mixture comprising carbon nanotubes and binder powders provides these tablets. Comparison of the effect of different processing on the structural performance of the capacitors is specifically investigated. Using chemically treated electrodes, electrochemical double-layer capacitors with a specific capacitance of about 33 F/g are obtained with 38 wt % H2SO4 as the electrolyte.

Mitigating self-discharge of carbon-based electrochemical capacitors by modifying their electric-double layer to maximize energy efficiency

Self-discharge is a significant issue in electric double layer energy storage, which leads to a rapid voltage drop and low energy efficiency. Here, we attempt to solve this problem by changing the structure of the electric double layer into a de-solvated state, by constructing a nano-scale and ion-conductive solid electrolyte layer on the surface of a carbon electrode. The ion concentration gradient and potential field that drive the self-discharge are greatly restricted inside this electric double layer. Based on this understanding, a high-efficiency graphene-based lithium ion capacitor was built up, in which the self-discharge rate is reduced by 50% and the energy efficiency is doubled. The capacitor also has a high energy density, high power output and long life, and shows promise for practical applications.

Secondary Activation of Commercial Activated Carbon and its Application in Electric Double Layer Capacitor

The cheap commercial activated carbon (AC) was improved through the secondary activation under steam in the presence of FeCl2 catalyst in the temperature range of 800-950℃ and its application in electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) with organic electrolyte was studied. The re-activation of AC results in the increases in both specific capacitance and high rate capability of EDLCs. For AC treated under optimized conditions, its discharge specific capacitance increases up to 55.65 F/g, an increase of about 33% as compared to the original AC, and the high rate capability was increased significantly. The good performances of EDLC with improved AC were correlated to the increasing mesoporous ratio.

The key challenges and future opportunities of electrochemical capacitors

Electrochemical capacitors(ECs)with unique merits of fast charge/discharge rate and long cyclability are one of the representative electrochemical energy storage systems,possessing wide applications in power electronics and automotive transportation,etc.[1,2].Furthermore.

Electric Double layer Capacitor Based on Activated Carbon Material

In this study electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) based on activated carbon material and organic electrolyte (tetraethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate) were explored. The fabrication method for EDLC is presented and the performance of EDLC was examined by using the cyclic voltammetry, constant current charging and discharging technique, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Influence of various components and design parameters on the performance of the capacitors were preliminarily investigated. Up to now, EDLC based on carbon materials can deliver 20.7 W/kg at the discharge rate of I =0.3 mA, together with the energy density of 8.5 Wh/kg. Equivalent series resistance (ESR) is 0.716 Ω·cm 2. The specific power of the capacitor is low and further attempts to raise the power capability of the capacitors are necessary. Some considerations are put forward to further improve the performance of EDLC.

Effect of High Electric Field on Lifetime Performance of Metalized Film Capacitor in Pulsed-power Applications

High energy density capacitor is a key device to power supply source for electromagnetic gun (EMG) system, and extending its lifetime is important for increasing the reliability of the power source. Working in high electric field could affect the capacitor lifetime, and this effect on metallized polypropylene film capacitors (MPPFCs) in pulsed-power applications is studied and presented. Experimental re- sults show that the lifetime of MPPFCs decreases with the increasing peak value of charged electric field, and this decrease could be described by function (L/L0) ∝ (E/E0)–m, where, m=7.32. The lifetime of MPPFCs also decreases with the increase of the reversal coeffi- cients in underdamped circuits, which could be described by (L/L0) ∝ (ln(1/K0)/(ln(1/K))–b, where, b=0.7. These results provide a basis for the lifetime prediction of MPPFCs in pulsed-power applications.