Hybrid Capacitors Using Organic Electrolytes

Electric double-layer capacitors based on charge storage at the interface between a high surface area activated carbon electrode and an electrolyte solution are characterized by their long cycle-life and high power density in comparison with batteries. However, energy density of electric double-layer capacitors obtained at present is about 6 Wh/kg at a power density of 500W/kg which is smaller as compared with that of batteries and limits the wide spread use of the capacitors. Therefore, a new capacitor that shows larger energy density than that of electric double-layer capacitors is proposed. The new capacitor is the hybrid capacitor consisting of activated carbon cathode, carbonaceous anode and an organic electrolyte. Maximum voltage applicable to the cell is over 4.2V that is larger than that of the electric double-layer capacitor. As a result, discharged energy density on the basis of stacked volume of electrode, current collector and separator is more than 18Wh/l at a power density of 500W/l.