Electrochemical cell studies based on non-aqueous magnesium electrolyte for electric double layer capacitor applications

Performances of electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) based on an activated carbon electrode with acetonitrile (ACN), propylene carbonate (PC), or a ternary electrolyte, i.e., PC: ethylene carbonate (EC): diethyl carbonate (DEC), at 1 mol dm(-3) of magnesium perchlorate [Mg(ClO4)(2)] salt have been investigated. The electrochemical responses were studied by impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic charge-discharge experiments at 25 degrees C in a three-electrode configuration. For a comparative evaluation, lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) salt-based systems were also evaluated. All the observed results showed typical EDLC characteristics within the potential range between 0 and 1V vs. an Ag/Ag+ reference electrode. The Mg-based systems exhibited similar or rather better performances than the corresponding Li-based electrolytes; in particular, the rate capability of Mg-based ACN and PC electrolytes was much better than the corresponding Li-based electrolytes, indicating the high accessibility and utility of activated carbon pores by solvated Mg ions. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.