High Surface Area Metal Carbide and Metal Nitride Electrodes

Abstract

ABSTRACTProcesses for fabricating new high surface area ceramic electrode materials have been developed. These electrode materials have been applied in electrochemical capacitors and related energy storage and conversion devices. Several synthetic approaches have been developed for producing high surface area carbide or nitride active materials. The fabrication methods provide the capability to vary the composition and microstructure of the electrode material. A number of new candidate high surface area electrode materials have been synthesized. Compositional and microstructural information is presented. Electrodes have been evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and impedance spectroscopy in acidic and basic aqueous electrolyte systems. Single electrode and single cell performance data are presented. Intrinsic properties such as open circuit potential, electrochemical stability and specific capacitance are discussed with respect to electrode composition. The influence on performance of extrinsic factors such as electrode thickness, particle size, and pore structure is also discussed. The performance of these new materials is compared to carbon, with emphasis on advantages with respect to volumetric energy and power density.