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At least 1,135 records · Page 63
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Supercapacitive properties of micropore- and mesopore-rich activated carbon in ionic liquid electrolytes with various constituent ions

Ionic-liquid (IL) electrolytes, characterized by large potential windows, intrinsic ionic conductivity, low environmental hazard, and high safety, are used for micropore- and mesopore-rich activated-carbon (AC micro and AC meso ) supercapacitors. IL electrolytes consisting of various cations [1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium (EMI + ), N-propyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium (PMP + ), and N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium (BMP + )] and various anions [bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (TFSI - ), BF 4 - , and bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI-)] are investigated. The electrolyte conductivity, viscosity, and ion transport properties at the AC micro and ACmeso electrodes are studied. In addition, the capacitance, rate capability, and cycling stability of the two types of AC electrodes are systematically examined and post-mortem material analyses are conducted. The effects of IL composition on the charge–discharge capacitances of the AC micro electrodes are more pronounced than those for the AC meso electrodes. The FSI-based IL electrolytes, for which electrochemical properties are cation dependent, are found to be promising. Incorporating EMI + with FSI - results in a low electrolyte viscosity and a fast ion transport, giving rise to optimized electrode capacitance and rate capability. Replacing EMI + with PMP + increases the cell voltage (to 3.5 V) and maximum energy density (to 42-Wh kg -1 ) of the AC micro cell at the cost of cycling stability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electrochemical Modeling of PID Leakage Current of PV Modules: Steady-State Current, Transient Current, and RC-Equivalent Circuit

Potential-induced degradation (PID) remains a significant reliability concern for photovoltaic (PV) modules, arising when a voltage difference between the module frame and the solar cells drives unintended leakage current through the glass-encapsulant stack. Although PID ultimately manifests as PID-s, PID-p, or PID-c, the underlying behavior of the leakage current-its magnitude and time dependence-requires clearer electrochemical interpretation. Traditional explanations attribute the initial transient current to bulk capacitive elements of the glass, encapsulant, and antireflection coatings, and the steady-state current according to their effective ohmic resistance. More recent studies, however, indicate that electrochemical charge-transfer processes at the encapsulant-metallization interface can play a dominant role in defining the leakage-current path. This paper develops a unified electrochemical framework for modeling PID leakage current. First, an RC-equivalent circuit is formulated by combining conventional RC elements with a Randles-type interface to capture transient leakage current through double-layer capacitance and faradaic processes at ionic-electronic boundaries. Second, the steady-state current-voltage behavior is explained using a linearized Butler-Volmer relationship, showing that the measured ohmic response corresponds to the low-overpotential limit of charge-transfer kinetics. Analytical results demonstrate that, for typical module materials-3.2-mm soda-lime glass and 0.45-mm encapsulant-the dominant modulators to PID leakage current are the glass surface resistance (under dry-surface conditions), the glass bulk capacitance, and the encapsulant resistance (under wet-surface conditions), with soda lime glass surface and EVA/POE encapsulant resistances primarily governing steady-state current. The proposed electrochemical model is validated against measured leakage-current data, showing good agreement in both the magnitude and the time-dependent evolution of PID leakage current.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Two-Stage Cryogenic HEMT-Based Amplifier for Low-Temperature Detectors

To search for dark matter candidates with masses below $\mathcal{O}$ (MeV), the SPLENDOR (Search for Particles of Light dark mattEr with Narrow-gap semiconDuctORs) experiment is developing novel narrow-bandgap semiconductors with electronic bandgaps on the order of 1–100 meV. In order to detect the charge signal produced by scattering or absorption events, SPLENDOR has designed a two-stage cryogenic HEMT-based amplifier with an estimated charge resolution approaching the single-electron level. A low-capacitance (~ 1.6 pF) HEMT is used as a buffer stage at T = 10 mK to mitigate effects of stray capacitance at the input. The buffered signal is then amplified by a higher-capacitance (~ 200 pF) HEMT amplifier stage at T = 4 K. Importantly, the design of this amplifier makes it usable with any insulating material—allowing for rapid prototyping of a variety of novel detector materials. Here, we present the two-stage cryogenic amplifier design, preliminary voltage noise performance, and estimated charge resolution of 7.2 electrons.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2018

Increasing Efficiency of Energy Output to an Electron Diode by Means of Auxiliary Discharge Generated by Prepulse

This paper examines the source of submicrosecond electron beam with an explosive emission cathode, where the main voltage pulse is preceded by an additional pulse (prepulse). Prepulse with an amplitude of 60 kV and duration of 100 ns is formed by a separate capacitive storage unit, the energy storage of which constitutes 4% of energy storage of the capacitive storage unit of the main discharge circuit. Prepulse allowed reducing the diode resistance on the pulse front to single Ohm units, improving diode matching with the generator and increasing the efficiency of energy output from the low-resistance capacitive storage unit to electron beam by 17%. When amplitude of accelerating voltage pulse is 100 kV, around 65% of energy is inserted into the diode at voltage of over 50 kV. For comparison, when working without a prepulse the share of inserted energy at voltage of over 50 kV does not exceed 35% of the full energy dissipated in the diode. A distinctive feature of the source circuit is absence of the system of additional auxiliary discharge electrodes that is typical for most circuits of diodes with preliminary plasma filling.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Hydrogenated TiO 2 @reduced graphene oxide sandwich-like nanosheets for high voltage supercapacitor applications

Hydrogenated TiO 2 has recently attracted considerable attention as potential electrode materials for supercapacitors due to its abundance, low cost, high conductivity, remarkable rate capability, and outstanding long-term cycling stability. In this paper, we demonstrate the synthesis of hydrogenated TiO 2 nanoparticles anchored on reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (HTG) in the form of sandwich-like nanosheet composites. Further, we explored their implementation as electrode materials for high voltage, symmetric supercapacitors, operating in the voltage window of 0–1.8 V. The HTGs were prepared by a sol-gel method, followed by hydrogenation in the temperature range 300–500 °C. Of the prepared composites, HTG prepared at 400 °C exhibited the largest specific capacitance of 51 F g -1 at the current density of 1.0 A g -1 and excellent rate capability with 82.5% capacitance retention as the current density increased 40-fold, from 0.5 to 20.0 A g -1 . HTG's excellent rate capability was attributed to its sandwich-like nanostructure, in which ultrasmall hydrogenated TiO 2 nanoparticles densely anchored onto both surfaces of the two-dimensional reduced graphene oxide sheets. Moreover, HTG-based supercapacitors also exhibited long-term cycling stability with the retention over 80% of its initial capacitance after 10,000 cycles. Finally, these properties suggest that HTG is a promising electrode material for the scalable manufacture of high-performance supercapacitors.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Synthesis of nickel selenide thin films for high performance all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors

As a significant semiconductor, nickel selenide shows enormous potential and extensive application prospects in the field of sensor, photocatalysis and supercapacitor. In this paper, nickel selenide (Ni 3 Se 2 , NiSe) thin films were successfully fabricated on stainless-steel sheet using a facile, effective electrodeposition technique. The morphologies, microstructures and chemical compositions of the thin films are characterized systematically. Electrochemical tests exhibit that the Ni3Se2 and NiSe possess high specific capacitance of 581.1 F/g and 1644.7 F/g, respectively. A flexible, all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled by utilizing NiSe film as positive electrode and activated carbon as negative electrode. The solid device delivers a high areal capacitance of 27.0 mF/cm 2 at the current density of 0.7 mA/cm 2 . Furthermore, the maximum volumetric energy density and power density of the NiSe//AC asymmetric SCs can achieve 0.26 mWh/cm 3 and 33.35 mW/cm 3 , respectively. The device shows robust cycling stability with 84.6% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles, outstanding flexibility and satisfactory mechanical stability. Moreover, two devices in series can light up a red light-emitting diode, which displayed great potential applications for energy storage.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

Upcycling linear low-density polyethylene waste to turbostratic graphene for high mass loading supercapacitors

Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) waste is difficult to upcycle into more valuable carbon materials because it tends to completely decompose into small molecules during thermal processing. In this work, LLDPE is upcycled into a high quality turbostratic graphene using a pre-treatment step to oxidatively crosslink the polymer with the assistance of solid additives (KCl and K 2 CO 3 ) that improve crosslinking by increasing the effective surface area of the polymer melt during processing. After this pretreatment step, the crosslinked polymer could then be carbonized and catalytically graphenized between 400–950°C without decomposition of the polymer feedstock. The LLDPE derived graphene (LLDPE-G) obtained from this process has a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area, up to 1800m 2 g -1 and average Raman I D /I G and I 2D /I G ratios of 0.85 and 0.57, respectively, indicating high quality graphene. When used as an electrode material in symmetric supercapacitors, LLDPE-G possesses a specific capacitance up to 175Fg -1 at a mass loading of 20mgcm -2 , which is two times the commercial requirement, yielding an areal capacitance of 3.5 Fcm -2 . Moreover, LLDPE-G exhibits exceptional cycling stability with a capacitance retention of 95.8 % after 100,000 cycles at a current density of 4.0 Ag -1 . Additionally, the KCl and K 2 CO 3 solids are recycled and reused over 3 complete reaction cycles to make new LLDPE-G with the material quality and electrocapacitive performance retained and verified after each cycle. Our approach creates new opportunities for upcycling waste LLDPE and other varieties of polyethylene into a higher value graphene used for electrochemical energy storage applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Facile fabrication of MnO x and N co-doped hierarchically porous carbon microspheres for high-performance supercapacitors

Facile fabrication of manganese oxide (MnO x , 0 < x < 2) and nitrogen (N) co-doped carbon microspheres (MnO x -N-CS) has been firstly developed by one-pot construction of Mn-functionalized melamine-formaldehyde (Mn-MF) resin spheres before pyrolysis. The resulting hybrids bear evenly dispersed MnO x and N moieties in situ anchored on hierarchically porous carbon microspheres formed simultaneously. The capacitive performance is greatly tailored by varying the Mn/melamine molar ratio in the synthetic mixture and pyrolysis temperature. It is found that the MnO x -N-CS hybrid (0.008 wt% Mn, pyrolyzed at 800 °C) exhibits the highest specific capacitance up to 258 F g –1 at a scan rate of 1 mV s –1 (in 6 M KOH), and keeps a high capacitance retention ratio of 98% after 5000 cycles. The synergism between MnO x , N moieties and carbon spheres proves to be responsible for the remarkably improved performance, as compared to the pure carbon sphere and MnO x (N)-doped carbon sphere. Lastly, the well-developed MnO x -N-CS hybrids highlight the great potentials for widespread supercapacitor applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Support-induced morphology and content tailored NiCo 2 O 4 nanostructures on temperature-dependent carbon nanofibers with enhanced pseudocapacitive performance

Direct anchorage of metal oxides on carbon nanofibers is challenging, and simultaneous modulation of morphology, content and thus pseudocapacitance of anchored metal oxides has never been achieved. In this paper, we report direct anchorage of NiCo 2 O 4 nanostructures with tailored morphology, content and pseudocapacitance, on temperature-dependent carbon nanofibers (CNEs), which are derived from zinctrimesic acid fibers at a temperature no more than 600 degrees C. The temperature-dependent CNEs, including CNF-390, CNF-450 and CNF-600, were first investigated by SEM, TG, FT-IR, XPS and Boehm titration studies. It is found that their textural property, thermal stability and surface functionality vary depending on pyrolysis temperature. As a result, the morphology, content and thus the pseudocapacitance of anchored NiCo 2 O 4 nanostructures are also temperature-dependent. It is revealed that as increasing the pyrolysis temperature, the shape of NiCo 2 O 4 is transformed from embedded nanoparticles to exposed nanosheets while its content decreases from 95 to 55 wt%. The resultant NiCo 2 O 4 /CNF-450, bearing highly dispersed nanosheets and optimized NiCo 2 O 4 content (72.6%), exhibits the best capacitive performance with a large specific capacitance of 870 F g -1 at a scan rate of 1 mV s -1 , and a high energy density of 39.3 Wh kg -1 in the case of power density of 300 W kg -1 . The elaborately fabricated NiCo 2 O 4 /CNF-450 also shows excellent charge-discharge stability (with the capacity retention ratio of 85.7% after 5000 cycles). The improved accessibility for more pseudocapacitive NiCo 2 O 4 nanosheets, as well as the strong interaction between NiCo2O4 and carbon nanofiber, should be responsible for the enhanced capacitive performance of NiCo 2 O 4 /CNF-450. Lastly, this research also provides the concept of support-induced modulation of property and pseudocapacitive performance of anchored metal oxides.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

All-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor based on porous cobalt selenide thin films

As a significant semiconductor material, cobalt selenide has enormous potential and extensive application prospects in the field of solar cells, photocatalysis and supercapacitor. In this paper, porous CoSe thin films were successfully fabricated on stainless-steel sheet using a facile, effective electrodeposition technique. Electrochemical tests reveal that the specific capacitance reaches as high as 510 F g –1 at the current density of 1 A g –1 with the capacitance retention of 91% over 5000 cycles. An asymmetric all-solid-state supercapacitor is fabricated using CoSe thin film as the positive electrode and activate carbon as the negative electrode. The combined solid device displays a high area specific capacitance of 18.1 mF cm –2 accompanied with good cycling stability, outstanding flexibility and satisfactory mechanical stability. Furthermore, the solid devices connected in series can power the red light-emitting diodes. Here, the results show great potential for preparing large scale high energy density storage systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Optimizing carbon/carbon supercapacitors in aqueous alkali sulfates electrolytes

Neutral aqueous alkali sulfate has demonstrated great interests for developing environmentally friendly high voltage and high energy supercapacitors. This work focuses on systematically investigating the properties of symmetric carbon/carbon supercapacitors in neutral aqueous alkali sulfates. At room temperature, the largest power and energy density were obtained with K 2 SO 4 electrolyte due to the smallest cation dimensions and highest electrical conductivity. At low temperature, aqueous Li 2 SO 4 electrolyte presents the best performance due to the largest solubility, allowing a long-term stability at temperatures ranging between 20 °C and –10°C at a maximum voltage of 1.8 V. The excellent stability has been confirmed that capacitance retention achieves as high as 92% after 10,000 cycles. The capacitance variations with temperatures could essentially result from kinetic diffusion barrier, ion dimension changes and fewer pseudo-capacitance contributions under different temperatures. Here, this work highlights the selected virtues of different alkali sulfate electrolytes for enhanced supercapacitors.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Facile approach to prepare hollow core–shell NiO microspherers for supercapacitor electrodes

A facile lamellar template method (see image) has been developed for the preparation of uniform hollow core–shell structure NiO (HCS–NiO) with a nanoarchitectured wall structure. The prepared NiO was found to be highly crystalline in uniform microstructures with high specific surface area and pore volume. The results indicated that ethanol interacted with trisodium citrate played an important role for the formation of hollow core–shell spheres. On the basis of the analysis of the composition and the morphology, a possible formation mechanism was investigated. NiO microspheres with hollow core–shell showed excellent capacitive properties. The exceptional cyclic, structural and electrochemical stability with ∼95% coulombic efficiency, and very low ESR value from impedance measurements promised good utility value of hollow core–shell NiO material in fabricating a wide range of high-performance electrochemical supercapacitors. - The hollow core–shell NiO was prepared with a facile lamellar template method. The prepared NiO show higher capacitance, lower ion diffusion resistance and better electroactive surface utilization for Faradaic reactions. - Highlights: • Formation of hollow core–shell NiO via a novel and facile precipitation route. • Exhibited uniform feature sizes and high surface area of hollow core–shell NiO. • Synthesized NiO has high specific capacitance ( 448 F g{sup 1}) and very low ESR value. • Increased 20% of long life cycles capability after 500 charge–discharge cycles.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Synthesis of MnO{sub 2}-graphene composites with enhanced supercapacitive performance via pulse electrodeposition under supergravity field

A method of pulse electrodeposition under supergravity field was proposed to synthesize MnO{sub 2}-graphene composites. Supergravity is very efficient for promoting mass transfer and decreasing concentration polarization during the electrodeposition process. The synthesis was conducted on our homemade supergravity equipment. The strength of supergravity field depended on the rotating speed of the ring electrode. 3D flower like MnO{sub 2} spheres composed of nanoflakes were acquired when the rotating speed was 3000 rpm. Graphene nanosheets play as a role of conductive substrates for MnO{sub 2} growing. The composites are evaluated as electrode materials for supercapacitors. Electrochemical results show that the maximum specific capacitance of the MnO{sub 2}-graphene composite is 595.7 F g{sup −1} at a current density of 0.5 A g{sup −1}. In addition, the composite exhibits excellent cycle stability with no capacitance attenuation after 1000 cycles. The approach provides new ideas for developing supercapacitor electrode materials with high performance. - Graphical abstract: 3D flower like MnO{sub 2} spheres composed of nanoflakes were acquired at 3000 rpm. - Highlights: • MnO{sub 2}-graphene composites were prepared by pulse electrodeposition under supergravity. • 3D flower like MnO{sub 2} spheres are anchored on the graphene nanosheets. • The MnO{sub 2}-graphene electrode exhibits a specific capacitance of 595.7 F g{sup −1}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

A novel activated carbon for supercapacitors

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A novel activated carbon was prepared from phenol-melamine-formaldehyde resin. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The carbon has large surface area with microporous, and high heteroatom content. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Heteroatom-containing functional groups can improve the pseudo-capacitance. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Physical and chemical properties lead to the good electrochemical properties. -- Abstract: A novel activated carbon has been prepared by simple carbonization and activation of phenol-melamine-formaldehyde resin which is synthesized by the condensation polymerization method. The morphology, thermal stability, surface area, elemental composition and surface chemical composition of samples have been investigated by scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurement, elemental analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. Electrochemical properties have been studied by cyclic voltammograms, galvanostatic charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements in 6 mol L{sup -1} potassium hydroxide. The activated carbon shows good capacitive behavior and the specific capacitance is up to 210 F g{sup -1}, which indicates that it may be a promising candidate for supercapacitors.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Optical and electrochemical studies of polyaniline/SnO{sub 2} fibrous nanocomposites

Graphical abstract: Fiber with porous like structure of PANI/SnO{sub 2} nanocomposites were prepared by simplest in situ chemical polymerization method. The PL emission spectra revealed that the band from 404 and 436 nm which is related with oxygen vacancies. The excellent electrochemical properties of composite electrode show the specific capacitance of 173 F/g at a scan rate of 25 m V/s. Display Omitted Highlights: ► Self assembled PANI/SnO{sub 2} nanocomposites were synthesized by simple polymerization method. ► Electrochemical behavior of PANI/SnO{sub 2} nanocomposites electrode was analyzed by CV. ► Nanocomposites exhibit a higher specific capacitance of 173 F/g, compared with pure SnO{sub 2}. -- Abstract: Polyaniline (PANI)/tin oxide (SnO{sub 2}) fibrous nanocomposites were successfully prepared by an in situ chemical polymerization method with suitable conditions. The obtained composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence (PL), electrical conductivity and cyclic voltammetry studies (CV). The XRD pattern of the as-prepared sample shows the presence of tetragonal SnO{sub 2} and the crystalline structure of SnO{sub 2} was not affected with the incorporation of PANI. The FTIR analysis confirms the uniform attachment of PANI on the surface of SnO{sub 2} nanostructures. SEM images show a fibrous agglomerated structure of PANI/SnO{sub 2}. The PL emission spectra revealed that the band from 404 and 436 nm which is related with oxygen vacancies. The electrochemical behavior of the PANI/SnO{sub 2} composite electrode was evaluated in a H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} solution using cyclic voltammetry. The composite electrode exhibited a specific capacitance of 173 F/g at a scan rate 25 mV/s. Thus the as-prepared PANI/SnO{sub 2} composite shows excellent electrochemical properties, suggesting that this composite is a promising material for supercapacitors.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Boron-doped cadmium oxide composite structures and their electrochemical measurements

Graphical abstract: Conducting nano-fibrous 3% boron doped cadmium oxide thin films were prepared by SILAR and its super capacitive properties were studied. - Highlights: • Samples are of nanofibrous nature. • All samples shows pseudocapacitive behavior. • 3% B doped CdO shows good specific capacitance. • 3% B doped CdO shows maximum 74.93% efficiency at 14 mA/cm{sup 2}. • 3% B doped CdO shows 0.8 Ω internal resistance. - Abstract: Boron-doped and undoped cadmium oxide composite nanostructures in thin film form were prepared onto stainless steel substrates by a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method using aqueous solutions of cadmium nitrate, boric acid and 1% H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. As-deposited films were annealed at 623 K for 1 h. The X-ray diffraction study shows crystalline behavior for both doped and undoped films with a porous topography and nano-wires type architecture, as observed in SEM image. Wettability test confirms the hydrophilic surface with 58° contact angle value. Estimated band gap energy is around 1.9 eV. Electrochemical behavior of the deposited films is attempted in 1 M KOH electrolyte using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests. Maximum values of the specific capacitance, specific energy and specific power obtained for 3% B doped CdO film at 2 mV/s scan rate are 20.05 F/g, 1.22 Wh/kg and 3.25 kW/kg, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Reduced graphene oxide and vertically aligned carbon nanotubes superhydrophilic films for supercapacitors devices

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Graphene nanosheets were produced onto wire rods. • RGO and VACNT-O were evaluated and compared as supercapacitor electrode. • RGO and VACNT-O have structural and electrochemical properties quite similars. • The materials present good specific capacitance, energy storage and power delivery. - Abstract: Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNT) superhydrophilic films were prepared by chemical vapor deposition techniques for electrical energy storage investigations. These electrodes were characterized in terms of their material and electrochemical properties by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface wettability, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive and Raman spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge. We observed several physical structural and electrochemical similarities between these carbon-based materials with particular attention to very good specific capacitance, ultra-high energy storage and fast power delivery. Our results showed that the main difference between specific capacitance values is attributed to pseudocapacitive contribution and high density of multiwall nanotubes tips. In this work we have tested a supercapacitor device using the VACNT electrodes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Synthesis of carbon core–shell pore structures and their performance as supercapacitors

High-power supercapacitors require excellent electrolyte mobility within the pore network and high electrical conductivity for maximum capacitance and efficiency. Achieving high power typically requires sacrificing energy densities, as the latter demands a high specific surface area and narrow porosity that impedes ion transport. Here, we present a novel solution for this optimization problem: a nanostructured core–shell carbonaceous material that exhibits a microporous carbon core surrounded by a mesoporous, graphitic shell. The tunable synthesis parameters yielded a structure that features either a sharp or a gradual transition between the core and shell sections. Electrochemical supercapacitor testing using organic electrolyte revealed that these novel core–shell materials outperform carbons with homogeneous pore structures. The hybrid core–shell materials showed a combination of good capacitance retention, typical for the carbon present in the shell and high specific capacitance, typical for the core material. These materials achieved power densities in excess of 40 kW kg -1 at energy densities reaching 27 Wh kg -1 .

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗