New Carbon Materials for Supercapacitors

A classic definition of electrochemical ultracapacitors or supercapacitors summarizes them as devices, which store electrical energy via charge in the electrical double layer, mainly by electrostatic forces, without phase transformation in the electrode materials. Most commercially available capacitors consist of two high surface area carbon electrodes with graphitic or soot-like material as electrical conductivity enhancement additives. Chapter 1 of this volume contains seven papers with overview presentations, and development reports, as related to new carbon materials for this emerging segment of the energy market. 

In the last paper, A. Lewandowski et al. of Poland, examines the role of ionic liquids as new electrolytes for carbon-based supercapacitors. Although not directly addressing the role of new carbon materials (the area of major focus of this book), this interesting theoretical work seeks to optimize electrolyte media, which is in contact with carbon electrodes. 

The synthesis of nanostructured carbon using aliphatic alcohols as selfassembling molecules has demonstrated that this strategy can be extended beyond metal oxide-based materials [38]. Recently, we have reported the synthesis of a novel carbon material with tunable porosity by using a liquid-crystalline precursor containing a surfactant and a carbon-yielding chemical, furfuryl alcohol. The carbonization of the cured self-assembled carbon precursor produces a new carbon material with both controlled porosity and electrical conductivity. The unique combination of both features is advantageous for many relevant applications. For example, when tested as a supercapacitor electrode, specific capacitances over 120 F/g were obtained without the need to use binders, additives, or activation to increase surface area [38]. The proposed synthesis method is versatile and economically attractive, and allows for the precise control of the structure. 

New Carbon Based Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems Batteries, Supercapacitors and Fuel Cells... 

Liu J., Vissers D.R., Amine K., Barsukov I.V., Doninger J.E. Surface Treated Natural Graphite as Anode Material for High-Power Li-Ion Battery Applications. In New Carbon-Based Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems Batteries, Fuel Cells and Supercapacitors. Barsukov I., Johnson C., Doninger J., Barsukov V. eds. NATO ARW series Volume. Springer (2005) - in this book. 

Barsukov IV et al (2006) New carbon based materials for electrochemical energy storage systems batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells, vol 229, NATO science series II. Springer, Dordrecht... 

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