MODULE 2(CO1)
SUPER CAPACITORS
Prepared by:
Dr N.Suma
Professor & HOD,Chemistry
Global Academy of Technology
Bengaluru
SYLLABUS
Super Capacitors:- Introduction, types
(pseudo and asymmetric capacitor),
applications
Super Capacitors
A capacitor is a pair of two conductors of any shape, which are separated
through a small distance or in close proximity and have equal and opposite
charge.
In other words, a capacitor is a device that stores electric energy
A super capacitor is also a capacitor but its capacitance value is
much higher than other capacitors. And has high energy density
and better performance efficiency as compared to the common
capacitor
It typically stores 10 to 100 times more
energy per unit volume or mass than capacitors.
Types of Super capacitors
On the basis of the charge storage mechanism, Super capacitors are classified into
three types:
Pseudo-capacitors
Construction:
These devices has two electrodes
one made up of redox-active
materials such as metal oxides
(MnO2,RuO2 etc.) and other
conducting polymers
(polyanilines,polypyrroles, and
polythiophenes).
Working: The working principle of
Pseudocapacitor is to store electrical energy by
transferring electron charge between electrode &
electrolyte through reduction-oxidation reactions.
When a voltage is supplied across the Pseudo
capacitor’s electrodes, one of the electrode
develops a positive charge, while the other
electrode develops a negative charge. then both
reduction & oxidation occurs on the material of the
electrode. This attracts the negatively charged ions
in the electrolyte to the positively charged electrode
and the positively charged ions to the negatively
charged electrode .
The charges are transferred across the metal-
electrolyte interface. These electrodes store charge
through reversible faradaic reaction mechanisms.
Define Supercapacitor. Explain the construction and working of pseudo capacitors.
Asymmetric hybrid supercapacitors
Construction:
Asymmetric SCs, the two electrodes one electrode is made with a carbon-based
material while the other is made with a conducting polymer
•Anode: The anode, also known as the negative electrode, is typically made from a material with high
energy density such as a transition metal oxide or a conductive polymer.
•Cathode: The cathode, or the positive electrode, is usually made from carbon-based materials like
activated carbon, which have a high surface area and can discharge energy rapidly.
Working:
• Hybrid super capacitors have adopted both the mechanisms of EDLC and pseudo
capacitors..
When an electric current is applied, ions from the electrolyte solution start to move towards
the electrodes. At the anode, ions are absorbed, storing energy in the process. At the same
time, the cathode releases these ions, delivering energy. This movement of ions creates an
electric double layer, leading to the storage of energy.
As a result, one electrode exhibits electrostatic capacitance and the other provides
electrochemical capacitance.
The advantage includes higher operating voltage (3.8 V maximum), increased capacitance
and energy density.
Define Supercapacitor. Explain the construction and working of asymmetric capacitors.
Applications of Supercapacitor
Supercapacitors are used in hybrid buses in the field of transportation as they
combine with the battery to increase battery life and decrease the size.
The usage of supercapacitors is increasing rapidly in the area of energy-
efficient services and these are being introduced in automotive vehicles to
provide stored energy in a few seconds.
Memory devices in laptops, smartphones, tablets etc., are developed using
supercapacitors. These are also used in LED Flash units.
Supercapacitors are even used in the field of renewable energy such as in
wind energy to supply power to the pitch control of blades.
Supercapacitors are consistently being used in other fields such as industry,
military, medical, transpiration, music etc.
What is Supercapacitor and explain its applications.
