Russian Scientists Discover Method for Enhancing the Capacitance of Supercapacitors

A supercapacitor is a device capable of rapidly storing and releasing a significant amount of energy within a matter of seconds. It consists of metal electrodes immersed in an electrolyte solution. In their model, MIEM HSE scientists substituted the conventional low-molecular-weight electrolyte with a polyelectrolyte, resulting in an unexpected and adverse physical phenomenon: supercapacitors experience a reduction in capacitance when the pore size of the electrode is below 1 nm. By carefully selecting optimal conditions for polyelectrolytes, it becomes possible to develop supercapacitors that are not only more robust but also more efficient in their performance. The study has been published in Physical Review E.

A supercapacitor is similar to a rechargeable battery, but unlike the latter, it is not intended for prolonged power supply. Instead, it excels at delivering brief yet potent bursts of energy. Supercapacitors are commonly employed as backup power sources in a variety of applications, including smartphones, automobiles, and compact electronic devices. For instance, in DVRs (Digital Video Recorders), a supercapacitor serves to sustain the charge to ensure the completion and preservation of video recordings in the event of a vehicle stall or loss of primary power supply. Supercapacitors exhibit reduced wear and, on average, last 5 to 10 years longer than batteries. Additionally, supercapacitors demonstrate exceptional efficacy over a broad range of temperatures, from -40°C to +65°C, which is twice the operational range of lithium-ion batteries.

A supercapacitor is composed of metal electrodes submerged in an electrolyte—a liquid solution containing free charged particles, both cations and anions. One example of an electrolyte is table salt; when dissolved in water, it dissociates into Na+ and Cl- ions.

The charge in a supercapacitor accumulates within an electrical double layer (EDL) formed at the interface between the liquid electrolyte and the electrode to which the electric potential is connected. The first layer corresponds to the electrode itself, while the second layer comprises the electrolyte ions that are drawn towards the electrode by electrostatic attraction forces.

MIEM HSE researchers have devised a mathematical model of an EDL in which conventional low-molecular-weight electrolytes are replaced by polymer-based alternatives. Polyelectrolytes aid in enhancing electrical capacitance , ie how much electricity a device can store, because a charged polymer chain exhibits a more efficient attraction towards the electrode than a low-molecular-weight electrolyte.

Low-molecular-weight electrolytes encompass organic salts, acids and bases, with free-moving cations and anions.

Polymer electrolytes, or polyelectrolytes, are more complex compounds in which ions of one type (such as cations) are cross-linked within long polymer chains, while the other type (anions) remain mobile.

The new model unveiled, for the first time, that when the pores of the electrode are excessively narrow (with a thickness equal to or less than 1 nm), the polymer chains of the electrolyte are unable to penetrate them due to electrostatic repulsion exerted by the pore walls.

Consider an analogy with pasta and a colander. If we take both long and short pasta, it is easier for the shorter pieces to pass through the colander. However, the larger the holes, the more likely it is for longer pasta to slip through. Polymer chains can be likened to long pasta which can be very difficult to push through a narrow pore.

Yury Budkov
One of the study authors, MIEM HSE Professor

This phenomenon does not occur with low-molecular-weight electrolytes, as their ion size typically ranges from 0.3 to 0.4 nm, allowing them to move easily within a pore of 1 nm in size.

By utilising polymers, we can enhance the electrical capacitance; however, it is crucial to prevent any potential adverse effects. We have identified the optimal parameters for effective performance of the polymer, and we believe that competent use of polyelectrolytes can make it possible to store more energy.

Nikolai Kalikin
Junior Research Fellow at HSE MIEM

Supercapacitors have applications in various industries, including renewable energy, robotics, and even public transportation. For instance, certain electric buses utilise supercapacitors to rapidly recharge during stops and swiftly proceed to the next destination.

This paper is part of a wider research project. We are currently in the process of developing a methodology for numerically modelling double electrical layers at the interface between metal and electrolyte. We have established a theoretical foundation and are planning to develop a program in the future that will enable us to simulate ion behaviour and conduct engineering assessments of differential electrical capacitance. This will aid engineers in developing supercapacitors by providing a deeper understanding of the physical and chemical processes occurring in the double electrical layers, ultimately resulting in the creation of more powerful and efficient devices.

Yury Budkov
One of the study authors, MIEM HSE Professor

IQ

May 22, 2023