Batteries are the principal devices used for military and commercial energy storage applications. These devices can have energy densities exceeding 100 Wh/kg, but this energy is difficult to fully access in pulsed and high power applications. Supercapacitors offer much higher power densities and could complement batteries in pulsed power applications however their low energy densities are sufficient for relatively short pulses. Our research is exploring the feasibility the using asymmetric supercapacitors, with energy densities that out-perform currently available devices, to enable applications with longer pulses. We have used a number of experimental techniques to elucidate the mechanism of charge storage and the possible half reactions in these materials. In this overview we present results from ion substitution reactions, BET surface area, cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Comparison of energy storage and power of the supercapacitors with batteries will be made to highlight the properties of these materials.

Early transition-metal carbide and nitride supercapacitor materials

246th National Meeting (2013)

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