Graphene-based ultracapacitors

Nano Lett. 2008 Oct;8(10):3498-502. doi: 10.1021/nl802558y. Epub 2008 Sep 13.

Abstract

The surface area of a single graphene sheet is 2630 m(2)/g, substantially higher than values derived from BET surface area measurements of activated carbons used in current electrochemical double layer capacitors. Our group has pioneered a new carbon material that we call chemically modified graphene (CMG). CMG materials are made from 1-atom thick sheets of carbon, functionalized as needed, and here we demonstrate in an ultracapacitor cell their performance. Specific capacitances of 135 and 99 F/g in aqueous and organic electrolytes, respectively, have been measured. In addition, high electrical conductivity gives these materials consistently good performance over a wide range of voltage scan rates. These encouraging results illustrate the exciting potential for high performance, electrical energy storage devices based on this new class of carbon material.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbon / chemistry
  • Crystallization / methods
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Electrochemistry / methods
  • Electrolytes
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry
  • Oxides / chemistry
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Electrolytes
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Oxides
  • Carbon
  • Graphite