Electrochemical Capacitor Applications Research Articles

On the Selection of the Current Collector for Water Processed Activated Carbon Electrodes for their Application in Electrochemical Capacitors

Electrode manufacturing for electrochemical energy storage technologies often relies on hazardous fluorine‐containing compounds and toxic organic solvents. To align with sustainability goals and reduce costs, there is a pressing need for water‐processable alternatives. These alternatives can halve electrode processing costs and ease regulatory burdens. While progress has been made with water‐processed graphite electrodes using eco‐friendly binders, challenges persist for high‐mass loading activated carbon (AC) electrodes. This study investigates the impact of modified aluminium current collectors on water‐processed AC electrodes, focusing on compatibility, processability, and electrochemical performance. Various aluminium foils, including etched and carbon‐coated types, were evaluated. The results show that modifications at the interface significantly improve the wetting properties and mechanical stability. Electrochemical tests revealed that carbon‐coated aluminium provided the lowest internal resistance and highest rate capability due to intimate contact between the electrode components. In contrast, etched aluminium foil exhibited higher contact resistance and poorer performance. Ageing studies demonstrated that carbon‐coated foils maintained better electrochemical performance over time, as the carbon layer reduced degradation reactions and contact resistance. These findings suggest that uniformly carbon‐coated aluminium current collectors are the optimal choice for high‐power electrochemical capacitors, balancing performance, sustainability, and cost‐efficiency.

Ionic liquid based NCPBE membranes for electrochemical capacitor applications: Structural, thermal and electrical transport properties

The current study focuses on the preparation and characterisation of imidazolium ionic liquid based plasticized nano-composite polymer blend electrolytes (NCPBEs). Semi-crystalline nature of the synthesized samples was observed using XRD analysis. ATR-FTIR results demonstrate the interaction among the carbonyl (CO) and hydroxyl (O–H) groups of polymers with ionic liquid (IL) and salt, NaI. Furthermore, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates multi-step decomposition process. Ion transport mechanism has been analysed using temperature dependent conductivity analysis, ac conductivity analysis and dielectric properties study. The sample containing 25 wt% IL i.e. NCPBE-25 has the ionic conductivity ∼9.30 × 10−4 Scm−1 with the optimum vale of charge carrier density, mobility, and ion diffusivity at 30oC. Ions are principal charge carriers in the present electrolytes. The sample NCPBE-25 has the electro-chemical stability window −3.6 to 1.5 V at room temperature. The fabricated electro-chemical capacitor has the specific capacitance, energy density and power density 363.27 Fg-1, 50.45 Whkg−1 and 18.16 kW/kg, respectively at the scan rate 5 mV/s.

Optimizing EMIMBF4-based electrolyte with LiBr redox medium for enhanced supercapacitors

The formidable challenge of supercapacitors (SCs) is to achieve both high energy density and high power density simultaneously. Although the utilization of porous carbon materials for physical adsorption in electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) applications exhibits promising prospects, attaining exceptional performance necessitates additional methodologies. Here, we propose an effective strategy for formulating redox electrolytes through the incorporation of organic solvents and LiBr into 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazole tetrafluoroborate (EMIMBF4) electrolytes. Within this formulation, LiBr serves as a redox mediator, contributing Br−/Br3− redox pairs to the system. The incorporation of EMIMBF4-LiBr-DMSO in brominated redox EDLCs led to a significant enhancement in specific capacitance, reaching up to 39.72 F g−1, representing a remarkable increase of 159 % compared to EDLCs without any redox media. This configuration achieved a high power density of 496.6 W kg−1 while maintaining an energy density of 34.48 Wh kg−1.

Recent Progress in MXene‐Based Electrochemical Actuators and Capacitors

A new family of two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides (MXenes) has attracted increasing attention owing to their electrical, chemical, and physical properties. Together with various attractive properties of the MXenes, they also exhibit electrochemical induced deformation (i.e., expansion/contraction) via ion intercalation/de‐intercalation in/from MXene layers. In this respect, MXenes offer the possibility of application as the electrode of electrochemical actuators (ECAs). While the MXene‐based ECAs are still in their infancy stage, researchers have made great effort to achieve high‐performance MXene‐based electrochemical capacitors (ECs). As the name suggests, both ECAs and ECs shared common traits in which their operations are based on electrochemical processes. This review provides the recent progress in the MXene‐based ECAs in parallel with that in the MXene‐based ECs to gain insights from the relatively mature developments in EC applications. Finally, based on the findings from previous studies on both electrochemical applications, perspectives on future MXene‐based ECAs in terms of electrode, electrolyte, and cell configuration are provided.

Production and characterization of activated carbon foams with various activation agents for electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) applications

Sucrose-based activated carbons were obtained by carbon foams with sugar and cobalt (II) nitrate as precursors, followed by using different chemical activation agents. The effect of Co(NO3)2 concentration, the carbonization temperature and the activation agent on the surface chemistry, porosity were investigated. Textural characterization and electrochemical tests were performed on the activated carbon samples (CF). The results showed that the activated carbon produced by H2SO4 and KOH at 800°C had a surface area of 691 m2/g and 1125 m2/g, 89% and 80% of the sample pore structure was microporous, and specific capacitance of 8.4 F/g and 162.2 F/g at a constant current density of 250 mA/g, respectively. K2CO3-activated carbon had 918 m2/g surface area and 63% of the sample pore structure with microporous and 1.4 F/g specific capacitance, H3PO4-activated carbon and ZnCl2-activated carbon had 1833 m2/g and 1597 m2/g surface area, 53% mesoporous and 50% mesoporous, 222.4 F/g and 149.9 F/g specific capacitance respectively. The most promosing result was observed in the electrochemical storage behavior of the carbon materials with hierarchical pore structure activated with H3PO4 is associated with increasing defect zones at the edges of micro- and mesoporous morphology, resulting in a higher surface area and increased conductivity of the material.

Construction of chitosan-supported nickel cobaltite composite for efficient electrochemical capacitor and water-splitting applications

The construction of highly efficient electrode material is of considerable interest, particularly for high capacitance and water-splitting applications. Herein, we present the preparation of a NiCo2O4-Chitosan (NC@Chit) nanocomposite using a simple hydrothermal technique designed for applications in high capacitance and water-splitting. The structure/composition of the NC@Chit composite was characterized using different analytical methods, containing electron microscope (SEM and TEM), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). When configured as an anode material, the NC@Chit displayed a high capacitance of 234 and 345 F g−1 (@1Ag−1 for GC/NC and NC@Chit, respectively) in an alkaline electrolyte. The direct use of the catalyst in electrocatalytic water-splitting i.e., HER and OER achieved an overpotential of 240 mV and 310 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, respectively. The obtained Tafel slopes for OER and HER were 62 and 71 mV dec−1, respectively whereas the stability and durability of the fabricated electrodes were assessed through prolonged chronoamperometry measurement at constant for 10 h. The electrochemical water splitting was studied for modified nickel cobaltite surface using an impedance tool, and the charge transfer resistances were utilized to estimate the electrode activity.

Modified 3D Graphene for Sensing and Electrochemical Capacitor Applications.

Less defective, nitrogen-doped 3-dimensional graphene (N3DG) and defect-rich, nitrogen-doped 3-dimensional graphene (N3DG-D) were made by the thermal CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) process via varying the carbon precursors and synthesis temperature. These modified 3D graphene materials were compared with pristine 3-dimensional graphene (P3DG), which has fewer defects and no nitrogen in its structure. The different types of graphene obtained were characterized for morphological, structural, and compositional assessment through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Raman Spectroscopy, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. Electrodes were fabricated, and electrochemical characterizations were conducted to evaluate the suitability of the three types of graphene for heavy metal sensing (lead) and Electric Double-Layer Capacitor (EDLC) applications. Initially, the various electrodes were treated with a mixture of 2.5 mM Ruhex (Ru (NH3)6Cl3 and 25 mM KCl to confirm that all the electrodes underwent a reversible and diffusion-controlled electrochemical process. Defect-rich graphene (N3DG-D) revealed the highest current density, followed by pristine (P3DG) and less-defect graphene (N3DG). Further, the three types of graphene were subjected to a sensing test by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) for lead detection. The obtained preliminary results showed that the N3DG material provided a great lead-sensing capability, detecting as little as 1 µM of lead in a water solution. The suitability of the electrodes to be employed in an Electric Double-Layer Capacitor (EDLC) was also comparatively assessed. Electrochemical characterization using 1 M sodium sulfate electrolyte was conducted through cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge studies. The voltammogram and the galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) curves of the three types of graphene confirmed their suitability to be used as EDLC. The N3DG electrode proved superior with a gravimetric capacitance of 6.1 mF/g, followed by P3DG and N3DG, exhibiting 1.74 mF/g and 0.32 mF/g, respectively, at a current density of 2 A/g.

Six polyoxotungstate-based transition metal compounds for electrochemical capacitor application and a comparative analysis of factors affecting capacitances.

Six different polyoxotungstate-based transition metal complexes were synthesized, namely [Cu5(2,2'-bpy)5(μ2-Cl)2(PO4)2(H2O)2][HPW12O40]·2H2O (1), [Cu1.5(2,2'-bpy)1.5(inic)2(H2O)1.5]3[H1.5PW12O40]2·16.25H2O (2), [Cu(2,2'-bpy)2]2[SiW12O40]·10H2O (3), [Zn(phen)3]2[PWVWVI11O40]·5H2O (4), [Zn(phen)2(H2O)]2[SiW12O40]·2H2O (5), and [Zn(2,2'-bpy)2]2[SiW12O40] (6) (2,2'-bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, inic = isonicotinic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). Compound 1 is based on [HPW12O40]2- anions, which are accommodated within the open channels of a supramolecular network formed by novel Cu-P-Cl coordination clusters. Compound 2 is constructed from [H1.5PW12O40]1.5- and novel [Cu1.5(2,2'-bpy)1.5(inic)2(H2O)1.5]+ coordination fragments, and polyoxoanions are encapsulated within the pores created by the copper coordination fragments, resulting in a unique three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. Compound 3 is a two-dimensional structure formed through the covalent linkage between [SiW12O40]4- and [Cu(2,2'-bpy)2]2+. Compound 4 is a supramolecular architecture formed by [PWVWVI11O40]4- and [Zn(phen)3]2+ coordination fragments, while compound 5 is a supramolecular structure based on POM bi-supported Zn coordination complexes. Compound 6 is a two-dimensional framework structure constituted by [SiW12O40]4- and [Zn(2,2'-bpy)2]2+via covalent interactions. In addition, electrochemical measurement results show that the copper-based tungstate compounds 1-3 and zinc-based tungstate compounds 4-6 exhibit different performances and durabilities as electrochemical capacitors (compound 1 shows the highest specific capacitance of 94.0 F g-1 at 1.5 A g-1, whereas compound 6 maintains the best cycling stability with the capacity retention of 80.7% after 1000 cycles at 4 A g-1.). This study contributes to the development of POM-based transition metal complexes with high capacitance by providing insights into the design and synthesis process.

Ti3C2Tx MXene as Intriguing Material for Electrochemical Capacitor.

This study provides meaningful insight into the charge storage in Ti3C2Tx MXene (M-transition metal, X-carbon, T-Cl, F, O) for electrochemical capacitor (EC) application. The experiments show that this 2D material is especially adapted for the hydrogen electrosorption under negative polarization. It is found that hydrogen bonding to the Ti3C2Tx surface occurs through interactions of various strength. Different mechanisms are suggested to explain the nature of H stored at the electrode/electrolyte interface depending on pH and potential range. For the negative potentials, both capacitive and faradaic currents are involved, and the electrode can operate in a relatively wide range. On the other hand, the narrow range of positive potentials limits whole voltage of EC. Such charge disproportion has a major impact on the performance failure of symmetric MXene-based ECs. New design of MXene cells with a wide operating voltage is introduced. To equalize the charge storage of both electrodes, the positive Ti3C2Tx electrode is replaced by the porous carbon (BP2000) with a wide working potential and a good capacitive response. Thus, EC operating voltage is considerably expanded to 1.3, 1.4, 2V in acidic, basic, neutral medium, respectively. During cycling tests at 1Ag-1, the asymmetric cell MXene/BP2000 maintains 80% of initial capacitance after 22000 cycles.

Synthesis of Graphene Oxide Coating on ZnCo2S4 Using Hydrothermal Method for Electrochemical Capacitors Applications

Synthesis of Graphene Oxide Coating on ZnCo2S4 Using Hydrothermal Method for Electrochemical Capacitors Applications

Carbon-Based Porous Materials for Energy Storage Applications

Carbon-based materials have many applications in energy storage devices, including batteries and electrochemical capacitors. These materials are sourced from a wide range of raw materials. This project focuses on finding and evaluating electrochemical applications for porous carbon-based materials made from domestic sources. This presentation will focus on our efforts to develop and characterize these porous (at different scales) carbon materials, and on several emerging energy storage applications being investigated at Ohio University. Comparisons with other porous energy storage materials will be made in consideration of process economics and performance.

Li iontronics in single-crystalline T-Nb2O5 thin films with vertical ionic transport channels.

The niobium oxide polymorph T-Nb2O5 has been extensively investigated in its bulk form especially for applications in fast-charging batteries and electrochemical (pseudo)capacitors. Its crystal structure, which has two-dimensional (2D) layers with very low steric hindrance, allows for fast Li-ion migration. However, since its discovery in 1941, the growth of single-crystalline thin films and its electronic applications have not yet been realized, probably due to its large orthorhombic unit cell along with the existence of many polymorphs. Here we demonstrate the epitaxial growth of single-crystalline T-Nb2O5 thin films, critically with the ionic transport channels oriented perpendicular to the film's surface. These vertical 2D channels enable fast Li-ion migration, which we show gives rise to a colossal insulator-metal transition, where the resistivity drops by 11 orders of magnitude due to the population of the initially empty Nb 4d0 states by electrons. Moreover, we reveal multiple unexplored phase transitions with distinct crystal and electronic structures over a wide range of Li-ion concentrations by comprehensive in situ experiments and theoretical calculations, which allow for the reversible and repeatable manipulation of these phases and their distinct electronic properties. This work paves the way for the exploration of novel thin films with ionic channels and their potential applications.

Hydrogel Polymer Electrolytes: Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization and Application in Electrochemical Capacitors.

Electrochemical capacitors operating in an aqueous electrolyte solution have become ever-more popular in recent years, mainly because they are cheap and ecofriendly. Additionally, aqueous electrolytes have a higher ionic conductivity than organic electrolytes and ionic liquids. These materials can exist in the form of a liquid or a solid (hydrogel). The latter form is a very promising alternative to liquid electrolytes because it is solid, which prevents electrolyte leakage. In our work, hydrogel polymer electrolytes (HPEs) were obtained via photopolymerization of a mixture of acrylic oligomer Exothane 108 with methacrylic acid (MAA) in ethanol, which was later replaced by electrolytes (1 M Na2SO4). Through the conducted research, the effects of the monomers ratio and the organic solvent concentration (ethanol) on the mechanical properties (tensile test), electrolyte sorption, and ionic conductivity were examined. Finally, hydrogel polymer electrolytes with high ionic conductivity (σ = 26.5 mS∙cm-1) and sufficient mechanical stability (σmax = 0.25 MPa, εmax = 20%) were tested using an AC/AC electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC). The electrochemical properties of the devices were investigated via cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, and impedance spectroscopy. The obtained results show the application potential of the obtained HPE in EDLC.

LiNO3-poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer electrolytes and its applications in electrochemical capacitors with extended operating temperatures

An ion-conducting neutral pH polymer electrolyte based on LiNO3 and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was developed for solid electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs). Structural characterizations of LiNO3-PVA electrolytes revealed amorphous structure with well-hydrated ions. The polymer electrolytes are functional over a wide range of temperatures even at −40 °C. Although increasing the concentration of ions can improve the ionic conductivity at and above ambient, it imposes adverse effects at lower temperatures likely due to the freezing of water surrounding the hygroscopic nitrate ions. The optimal electrolyte with relatively high ionic conductivity (ca. 40 mS cm−1 at ambient) and good temperature performance was applied for solid EDLC devices with multi-walled carbon nanotube electrodes. The solid EDLC showed comparable performance to its liquid baseline with excellent rate capability and wide voltage window of 1.6 V. It outperformed the liquid counterpart with lower leakage current and retained capacitive behaviour at −40 °C.

Graphene with a KI-modified pore structure and its electrochemical capacitor application

Graphene with a KI-modified pore structure and its electrochemical capacitor application

Insight into the Effect of Glycerol on Dielectric Relaxation and Transport Properties of Potassium-Ion-Conducting Solid Biopolymer Electrolytes for Application in Solid-State Electrochemical Double-Layer Capacitor.

The increased interest in the transition from liquid to solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) has driven enormous research in the area polymer electrolyte technology. Solid biopolymer electrolytes (SBEs) are a special class of SPEs that are obtained from natural polymers. Recently, SBEs have been generating much attention because they are simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. In this work, SBEs based on glycerol-plasticized methylcellulose/pectin/potassium phosphate (MC/PC/K3PO4) are investigated for their potential application in an electrochemical double-layer capacitor (EDLC). The structural, electrical, thermal, dielectric, and energy moduli of the SBEs were analyzed via X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), transference number measurement (TNM), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The plasticizing effect of glycerol in the MC/PC/K3PO4/glycerol system was confirmed by the change in the intensity of the samples' FTIR absorption bands. The broadening of the XRD peaks demonstrates that the amorphous component of SBEs increases with increasing glycerol concentration, while EIS plots demonstrate an increase in ionic conductivity with increasing plasticizer content owing to the formation of charge-transfer complexes and the expansion of amorphous domains in polymer electrolytes (PEs). The sample containing 50% glycerol has a maximal ionic conductivity of about 7.5 × 10-4 scm-1, a broad potential window of 3.99 V, and a cation transference number of 0.959 at room temperature. Using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) test, the EDLC constructed from the sample with the highest conductivity revealed a capacitive characteristic. At 5 mVs-1, a leaf-shaped profile with a specific capacitance of 57.14 Fg-1 was measured based on the CV data.

Graphene with KI-modified pore structure and its electrochemical capacitors application

AbstractThe use of electrochemical capacitors is greatly limited by their poor volumetric energy density, and the key for improving it is to develop porous yet compact carbon materials. In recent years, the densification of porous carbons by capillary forces during drying has been used as a main method to balance the density and porosity of porous carbons for high volumetric performance. But there are still deficiencies in fine tuning the pore structure, which limits the compatibility of porous carbons with high-voltage ionic liquids. We report a KI-assisted method to prepare graphene-based porous carbons with high density and high capacitance. During the synthesis of the carbons, graphene oxide was dispersed in KI solutions with concentrations of 12.5-37.5 mmol/mL followed by hydrothermal treatment at 180 °C for 6 h. The obtained hydrogels were dried in 0.01 MPa of air at 60 °C for 72 h. By this procedure, KI was loaded into a matrix of compact graphene and formed crystals to suppress over shrinkage of pores during drying to produce densification and pseudo-capacitance. Electrochemical characterization of the resulting materials indicated that the ion-accessible surface area and pseudo-capacitance of the porous carbons were increased. The KI/graphene composite with an optimum concentration of KI of 25 mmol/mL achieved both a high electrode density of 0.96 g cm-3 and a high volumetric capacitance of 115 F cm-3 (at 1 A g-1) in an ionic liquid electrolyte (1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate). A symmetric cell assembled using this material had a high volumetric energy density of 19.6 Wh L-1.

Electrochemical, structural and thermal studies of poly (ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA)-based ion conductor for electrochemical double-layer capacitor application

Electrochemical, structural and thermal studies of poly (ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA)-based ion conductor for electrochemical double-layer capacitor application

Synthesis and Characterization of some metals (Sn, Ni, Zn and Co) doped with CdO Nanoparticles by Co-Precipitation method for super capacitor applications

In this present investigation, a set of pure and some metals doped Cadmium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by the way of co-precipitation method. The precursor materials used in this current work were cadmium nitrate, tin (II) chloride, nickel acetate, zinc acetate dihydrate and cobalt (II) chloride has been make uses of a precursor materials. The as-synthesized nanopowders were characterized by XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis and SEM analysis. The X-Ray Diffraction patterns revealed a polycrystalline having the characteristic peaks are well matched with the phase purity of cubic structure. Scanning Electron Microscope exhibit surface morphology, Fourier Transform Infrared spectrum has affirmed the presence of the functional groups present in the pure and metals doped cadmium oxide nanoparticles. The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) and Ultra Violet-Vis near Infra measurement studies were carried out to optical properties and band gap of the materials. The band gaps of the materials were observed to be 2.47 eV for pure CdO, 2.32 eV for metals doped CdO which were appraise from Tauc’s plot. The average particle diameter of CdO nanoparticles was measured in the nanometer range using a dynamic light scattering (DLS) particle size analyzer. The magnetic properties to express vibrating sample magnetometer studies (VSM). The uppermost electrochemical capacitance implementation is using Cyclic Voltammetry analysis, which indicates capable electrode materials for electrochemical super capacitor applications.

Fabrication of ternary NiCoMoOx with yolk-shell hollow structure as a positive electrode material for high-performance electrochemical capacitor applications.

Although the fabrication of hollow nanostructures from single and binary transition metal oxides has been accomplished effectively, there still exists a significant challenge in creating advanced hollow morphologies comprising mixed transition metal oxides such as ternary and quaternary compositions. In this context, we have adopted an alternative approach by employing a straightforward self-templating method to synthesize ternary metal molybdate nanomaterials. These materials possess the chemical composition of NiCoMoOx and exhibit a unique nanoporous yolk-shell hollow structure. Commencing with mixed metal-glycerate solid spheres, we have successfully guided the formation of this chemical composition and distinctive yolk-shell hollow sphere architecture through meticulous thermal treatment control. The consistency of our results is confirmed through SEM images. Thanks to their robust structural integrity, advanced internal morphology, and increased surface area, these hierarchical hollow spheres demonstrate remarkable electrochemical performance when utilized as advanced electrode materials for supercapacitors. When serving as electrode materials in supercapacitors, these nanoporous NiCoMoOx yolk-shell hollow spheres deliver a specific capacitance of 1125 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1, maintaining an impressive cycling stability of 91.48% even after 5000 cycles. In a hybrid device configuration wherein activated carbon (AC) functions as the negative electrode and NiCoMoOx yolk-shell hollow spheres serve as the positive electrode, exceptional performance is observed. This configuration achieves a substantial specific energy density of 44.67 W h kg-1, alongside a maximum power density of 8000 W kg-1, and exceptional cycling stability of 93.03% even after 5000 cycles.