Resorcinol – formaldehyde gels as electrodes for electrochemical double layer capacitors

FUEL 231

Fiona Beck Sillars, fiona.sillars@strath.ac.uk1, Mojtaba Mirzaeian, mojtaba.mirzaeian@strath.ac.uk2, and P. J. Hall, p.j.hall@strath.ac.uk2. (1) Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Montrose Street, Glasgow, G1 1XJ, United Kingdom, (2) Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde, 75 Montrose Street, James Weir Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Mesoporous Activated Carbon Aerogels were prepared by the pyrolysis of organic aerogels formed by the polycondensation of resorcinol with formaldehyde, with sodium carbonate as a catalyst. Physical activation was carried out using CO2 gas at elevated temperatures. The carbon sample prepared was investigated as an electrode material in electrochemical double layer capacitors and the carbon material was characterised by BET surface area analysis. The relevant electrochemical behaviour was characterised by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic constant current charge – discharge. The highest specific capacitance of approximately 26 F/g was obtained at a current density of 1mA/cm2 for constant current charge – discharge. Only a slight decrease in capacitance, from 26 to 15 F/g, was observed when the current density was increased from 1 to 10mA/cm2. These values corroborate with the value obtained by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of approximately 20 F/g.
 

ACS/Supergen Joint Symposium on Energy Storage
1:25 PM-5:00 PM, Wednesday, August 22, 2007 Boston Park Plaza -- Arlington Rm, Oral

Division of Fuel Chemistry

The 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23, 2007