Electrochemically Driven Surface-Confined Acid/Base Reaction for an Ultrafast H(+) Supercapacitor

J Am Chem Soc. 2016 Feb 10;138(5):1490-3. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5b12272. Epub 2016 Jan 28.

Abstract

We discovered an organic weak acid, 3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic acid (PTCA), confined on the electrode surface, revealing a reversible and ultrafast protonation/deprotonation non-Faradaic process but exhibiting analogous voltammetric peaks (capacitive peaks). A further synthesized PTCA-graphene supramolecular nanocomplex discloses a wide voltage window (1.2 V) and ultrahigh specific capacitance up to 143 F g(-1) at an ultrafast charge-discharge density of 1000 A g(-1) (at least 1 order of magnitude faster than present speeds). The capacitance retention maintained at 73% after 5000 cycles. This unique capacitive voltammetric behavior suggests a new type of charge-storage modes, which may offer a way for overcoming the present difficulties of supercapacitors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't