An Overview on the Development of Electrochemical Capacitors and Batteries - Part I.

Vitor L Martins,Breno L Souza,Rodolfo M Antoniassi,Roberto M Torresi,Ivonne E Monje,Herbert R Neves,Eduardo C Melo,William G Morais,Paulo F.M De Oliveira,Marina M Leite,Susana Chauque,Thiago T Obana

doi:10.1590/0001-3765202020200796

Vitor L Martins, Breno L Souza + Show 10 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202020200796

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Abstract

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2019 recognized the importance of Li-ion batteries and the revolution they allowed to happen during the past three decades. They are part of a broader class of electrochemical energy storage devices, which are employed where electrical energy is needed on demand and so, the electrochemical energy is converted into electrical energy as required by the application. This opens a variety of possibilities on the utilization of energy storage devices, beyond the well-known mobile applications, assisting on the decarbonization of energy production and distribution. In this series of reviews in two parts, two main types of energy storage devices will be explored: electrochemical capacitors (part I) and rechargeable batteries (part II). More specifically, we will discuss about the materials used in each type of device, their main role in the energy storage process, their advantages and drawbacks and, especially, strategies to improve their performance. In the present part, electrochemical capacitors will be addressed. Their fundamental difference to batteries is explained considering the process at the electrode/electrolyte surface and the impact in performance. Materials used in electrochemical capacitors, including double layer capacitors and pseudocapacitive materials will be reviewed, highlighting the importance of electrolytes. As an important part of these strategies, synthetic routes for the production of nanoparticles will also be approached (part I).

Highlights

In 2019, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Goodenough, Whittingham and Yoshino for the development of Li-ion batteries
The use of electrochemical energy storage devices in the power supply grid is on the rise, enabling power production to be more concentrated in intermittent renewable sources
In the present part of this review series, it was intended to show the importance that electrochemical energy storage technologies have gained after decades of development that culminated on the Nobel Prize 2019 in Chemistry

Summary

Introduction

In 2019, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Goodenough, Whittingham and Yoshino for the development of Li-ion batteries Their findings paved the way for the electric revolution in which we live today. The use of electrochemical energy storage devices in the power supply grid is on the rise, enabling power production to be more concentrated in intermittent renewable sources. Their works were developed during the 1980s and early 1990s, but obviously the technology kept improving over the years, and materials that can store more energy density have been described over the last decades. This is because there is a need for devices that can deliver energy for either a longer time (high energy density) or faster (high power density)

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