Supercapacitors are used in memory backup systems and portable electronics as well as high-power devices © Shutterstock
Researchers in the UK have designed a simple and inexpensive circuit that can linearise the charge–discharge behaviour of a capacitor. This could solve one of the most important problems plaguing the development of supercapacitors – the need for a straightforward measurement method for the amount of electrical charge they can store at a given voltage, known as capacitance.
The circuit, reported by the group of Craig Banks at Manchester Metropolitan University, can be added to researchers’ existing cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge–discharge setups. It requires only two precise resistors and a variable capacitor of similar capacitance to the supercapacitor under investigation, components which cost as little as £5.
To read the full article visit Chemistry World.
A new approach for the improved interpretation of capacitance measurements for materials utilised in energy storage
Dimitrios K. Kampouris, Xiaobo Ji, Edward P. Randviir and Craig E. Banks
RSC Adv., 2015,5, 12782-12791
DOI: 10.1039/C4RA17132B, Paper
