On the development of activated carbons with high affinity for high voltage propylene carbonate based electrolytes

Ramirez-Castro C, Schütter C, Passerini S, Balducci A

Abstract

Abstract: In this work we report about the morphological and structural characteristic of an activated carbon (P4) tailored for use in high voltage PC-based electrolytes. In these types of electrolytes \{P4\} displays specific capacitance of about 120 F g-1 and volumetric capacitance of 61.6 F cm-3, which are very promising values in view of the realization of high energy EDLCs. We show that using \{P4\} in combination with the electrolyte 1.5 M \{PYR14BF4\} in \{PC\} it is possible to realize \{EDLCs\} able to deliver, at 1 A g-1, specific energy and power of 34.5 Wh kg-1 and 1.7 kW kg-1, respectively. These values are among the highest so far reported for this type of EDLCs. Furthermore, it also displays capacitance retention higher than 85% after 50.000 cycles. Taking into account these results, \{P4\} appears therefore a suitable candidate for the realization of high energy EDLCs.