Ranade A.P., Jung D.Y., Sammakia B.G., Eilertsen T., Davis T.
Binghamton University, US
Keywords: capacitance, electrode material, ESR, experimental study, optimization, supercapacitor, thickness
A prototype electrode was constructed to verify the optimization of composition of materials for the supercapacitors. Surface area analysis and SEM images were used initially to select the most appropriate active carbon from a group of four active carbons that were selected for comparison. A control sample was then prepared from the selected active carbon and conductive carbon, binder and aluminum foil. Electrodes with different compositions and constant thicknesses were prepared with a technique developed. A test cell was set up for carrying out electrochemical tests. The electrode was tested for capacitance per unit weight to get the optimum active carbon-conductive carbon percentage. The results showed that the capacitance increases initially with increase in conductive carbon amount .It reaches an optimum level of capacitance value at seven percent by weight of conductive carbon and the capacitance starts to decrease as we increase conductive carbon percentage further. The electrode was then prepared with the optimum composition for thicknesses varying from 50 microns to 250 microns. They were tested for ESR and capacitance. The results suggested that as electrode thickness increases its ESR reduces while its capacitance increases monotonically.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2011: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 730 - 733
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Energy Storage
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7142-3