Abstract:
Carbon-based electrodes such as for incorporation into ultracapacitors or other high power density energy storage devices, include activated carbon, carbon black, binder and at least one molecular sieve material. The molecular sieve component can adsorb and trap water, which can facilitate the use of the device at higher voltage, such as greater than 3V. The molecular sieve material may be incorporated into the carbon-based electrodes or formed as a layer over a carbon-based electrode surface.
Abstract:
A method of forming an electrolyte solution involves combining ammonium tetrafluoroborate and spiro-bi-pyrrolidinium bromide in a liquid solvent to form spiro-bi-pyrrolidinium tetrafluoroborate and an ammonium halide. The ammonium halide precipitate is removed from the solvent to form an electrolyte solution. The reactants can be added step-wise to the solvent, and the method can include using a stoichiometric excess of the ammonium tetrafluoroborate to form a substantially halide ion-free electrolyte solution.
Abstract:
A method for producing activated carbon includes heating a coconut shell carbon precursor at a carbonization temperature effective to form a carbon material, and reacting the carbon material with CO2 at an activation temperature effective to form the activated carbon. The resulting activated carbon can be incorporated into a carbon-based electrode of an EDLC. Such EDLC can exhibit a potential window and thus an attendant operating voltage of greater than 3V.
Abstract:
An electric double layer capacitor comprises first and second electrodes, each comprising respective first and second carbon materials having distinct pore size distributions. A pore volume ratio of the first carbon material is greater than a pore volume ratio of the second carbon material. The pore volume ratio R is defined as R=V1/V, where V1 is a total volume of pores having a pore size of less than 1 nm, and V is a total volume of pores having a pore size greater than 1 nm.
Abstract:
Nanoporous activated carbon material having a high specific capacitance in EDLCs and controlled oxygen content, and methods for making such activated carbon material. Reduction of oxygen content is achieved by (a) curing a carbon precursor/additive mixture in an inert or reducing environment, and/or (b) refining (heating) activated carbon material after synthesis in an inert or reducing environment. The inert or reducing environment used for curing or refining is preferably substantially free of oxygen.
Abstract:
A sorbent structure that includes a continuous body in the form of a flow-through substrate comprised of at least one cell defined by at least one porous wall. The continuous body comprises a sorbent material carbon substantially dispersed within the body. Further, the temperature of the sorbent structure can be controlled by conduction of an electrical current through the body.
Abstract:
A sorbent structure that includes a continuous body in the form of a flow-through substrate comprised of at least one cell defined by at least one porous wall. The continuous body comprises a sorbent material carbon substantially dispersed within the body. Further, the temperature of the sorbent structure can be controlled by conduction of an electrical current through the body.
Abstract:
A lithium ion energy and power system including: a housing containing: at least three electrodes including: at least one first electrode including a cathodic faradaic energy storage material; at least one second electrode including an anodic faradaic energy storage material; and at least one third electrode including a cathodic non-faradaic energy storage material, wherein the at least one first, second, and third electrodes are adjacent as defined herein, and the at least one second electrode is electrically isolated from the electrically coupled at least one first electrode and the at least one third electrode; a separator between the electrodes; and a liquid electrolyte between the electrodes. Also disclosed is a method of making and using the disclosed lithium ion energy and power system.
Abstract:
A lithium ion battery having a cathode and an anode, the cathode includes a material having an olivine or spinel structure, the anode includes a coating of a composite lithium powder coated with a complex lithium salt, such as LiPF6, LiBF4, LiClO4, LiAsF6, LiF3SO3, and mixtures thereof. A separator is disposed between the anode and the cathode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution in contact with the cathode, the anode, and the separator. The anode can include a carbon material. A layer of a composite lithium powder coated with a complex lithium salt can be disposed between the anode and the separator.
Abstract:
An electric double layer capacitor electrode, including: an activated carbon having: a pore volume utilization efficiency (PVUE) of from about 200 to 290 F/cm3, wherein PVUE is the ratio of the activated carbon gravimetric capacitance (F/g) to the pore volume (cm3/g) of the activated carbon; a low non-linearity value of from 0.1 to 5%; and a total pore volume of from 0.32 to 0.56 cm3/g. Also disclosed is a method of making an electric double layer capacitor electrode, and a method of characterizing the performance of activated carbon, and the electrode, in an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) device, as defined, herein.