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Self-discharge of electrochemical double layer capacitors
Andrzej Lewandowski1, Pawel Jakobczyk, Maciej Galinski
1Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznań University of Technology, PL-60 965 Poznań, Poland. Andrzej.Lewandowski@put.poznan.pl
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|May 4, 2013
Summary
Self-discharge in electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) may not indicate significant energy loss. Voltage changes during storage might not accurately reflect the EDLC
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Spontaneous voltage drop in electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) under open-circuit conditions, known as self-discharge, is typically attributed to energy loss.
- Proposed mechanisms include leakage current, faradaic reactions, and charge redistribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between voltage drop during EDLC self-discharge and actual energy loss.
- To evaluate the validity of existing models for EDLC energy storage and self-discharge behavior.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of heat generation during EDLC open-circuit storage.
- Comparison of EDLC behavior with traditional dielectric and electrolytic capacitors.
- Investigating a two-stage charging process (galvanostatic followed by potentiostatic).
Main Results:
- Heat generation during open-circuit storage was not reported, suggesting minimal energy loss.
- Standard capacitor charging/discharging equations do not apply to EDLCs due to variable capacitance.
- A two-stage charging process led to slower potential changes during open-circuit storage.
Conclusions:
- Voltage drop during EDLC self-discharge may not correlate with significant energy loss.
- The assumption that EDLC energy is proportional to voltage squared is questionable due to capacitance variability.
- Voltage changes may not accurately represent the energetic state of EDLCs.
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