Aquagel electrode separator for use in batteries and supercapacitors
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsSteven T. Mayer, James L. Kaschmitter, Richard W. Pekala
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Abstract
An electrode separator for electrochemical energy storage devices, such as a high energy density capacitor incorporating a variety of carbon foam electrodes. The separator is derived from an aquagel of resorcinol-formaldehyde and related polymers and containing ionically conducting electrolyte in the pores thereof.
Claims25
In an electrochemical cell having at least a pair of electrodes at different potentials the improvement comprising:
- a separator for allowing ionic flow while preventing electron flow between a pair of electrodes at different potentials, said separator being constructed of an aquagel having electrolyte-type material in its pores.
A separator for electrodes of an electro-chemical energy storage device composed of an aquagel containing an aqueous electrolyte-type material in the pores thereof.
A capacitor having at least one cell including:
- a first electrode comprising a conductive material;
- a second electrode comprising a carbon foam;
- and
- an electrode separator disposed between the first and second electrodes and composed of an aquagel containing fluid in its pores.
A method for producing an electrode separator comprising an aquagel having potassium hydroxide contained in the pores thereof, comprising the steps of:
- forming a solution of selected quantities of formaldehyde, deionized and distilled water, and a catalyst with selected quantities of resorcinol or catechol;
- mixing the thus formed solution until a substantially clear, homogeneous solution is formed;
- casting the homogeneous solution in molds;
- curing the homogenous solution under specified time periods and temperatures thereby producing aquagels;
- removing the aquagels from the molds;
- and
- exchanging water in the aquagels with an electrolyte-type material.
An electrode separator comprising an aquagel having an electrolyte-type material contained in the pores thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.