Improved Electrode Materials for Electrochemical Capacitors Based on Nonsynthetic Precursor Materials

Electrochemical capacitors could be used as energy storage devices to improve the performance, extend the life, and significantly reduce the cost of electric and hybrid vehicles. However, the high cost of the active carbon material used in the electrodes is one of the limiting factors in the development and potential adoption of capacitors for vehicular applications.  This project will develop advanced carbon electrode materials based on low cost non-synthetic precursors for electrochemical capacitor applications. Although activated carbon materials based on naturally occurring precursors are significantly less expensive than synthetic based materials, they traditionally have exhibited lower performance ¿ namely, lower capacitance, higher resistance, lower durability, and a tendency to generate more out-gassing during capacitor operation ¿ compared to their synthetic counter parts. These issues will be resolved through the use of advanced optimization models, development of fabrication techniques that yield lower impurities, more complete carbonization, and a reduction in oxygen functional groups on the carbon surface. Phase I will develop an advanced model that will aid in the optimization of the carbon material for power and energy, perform an optimization study into the fabrication process of the carbon materials, and develop an efficient electrode manufacturing process. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The unique combination of high reliability, power, and energy provided by electrochemical capacitors should enable applications for regenerative braking in hybrid vehicles, cold engine starting, load leveling PEM fuel cells, ride-through backup power systems, and digital electronic devices. Each one of these applications would represent a multi-billion dollar opportunity, if the technology were successfully commercialized at a reduced cost