Tailoring the pore alignment for rapid ion transport in microporous carbons

The power density and charge-discharge time of electrical double layer capacitors are largely determined by how fast the electrolyte ions can travel within the carbon electrode particles. Our systematic studies using zeolite-templated carbons show that an enhancement in ion transport rate by more than 2 orders of magnitude is possible by minimizing the micropore tortuosity. Very uniform carbon deposition was achieved using a well-controlled process involving the decomposition of acetylene precursor at a reduced pressure of 10 Torr and under a constant flow rate of 100 sccm. Selected carbon samples with well-aligned, straight micropores demonstrate high specific capacitance of up to 300 F/g and outstanding frequency response of up to 10 Hz for 250 microm thick electrodes, indicating an attractive combination of high specific energy and high specific power in electrical double layer capacitors. Such properties are critical for many peak-power hungry applications, such as the leveling of subsecond disturbances in power lines. Our findings provide guidance for the optimal design of porous carbons with greatly improved power storage characteristics.