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Development of high energy density lithium ion capacitor with graphite/ carbon aerogel electrodes through safe prelithiation method

Subcategory (under Clean Energy): Storage
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): TRL 3 - Concept needs validation
Technology Outline (Process Description)

Lithium ion capacitor (LIC) is advanced energy storage device having higher energy density than supercapacitor (SC) and higher power density than lithium ion battery (LIB) formed by internally hybridizing LIB and SC electrodes in a single device. Prelithiation of negative electrode is essential in LIC to achieve higher voltage and to overcome the irreversible capacity loss. Prelithiation without the use of lithium metal is essential for fast adoption of LIC technology. In this project, a simple and safe prelithiation process has been developed using sacrificial compound incorporated in the positive electrode and prelithiation done through first charging. To further enhance the performance of LIC, three dimensional mesoporous high surface area carbon aerogel with optimum pore size distribution has been developed and used as supercapcitor electrode. 10 F protype LIC cell with a working voltage of 3.8 V, specific energy of 20-35 Wh/Kg and specific power of 1-4 KW/Kg were developed in the project and demonstrated the working of LED light array, Mini fan, Toy car, Torch etc.

Salient Features/Advantages

  • Developed process for making high surface area (~1300 m2/g) mesoporous carbon aerogel as LIC positive electrode
  • Optimized sacrificial salt synthesis, fabrication of composite positive electrode and charging protocol for prelithiation of negative electrode
  • Established proof of concept for safe prelithiation without using metallic lithium and fabricated prototype LIC
  • Prototype LIC achieved higher working voltage, higher specific energy, higher specific power and low self discharge

Key Outcomes

  • The concept of hybridising LIB and SC into a single device to get better qualities of both demonstrated
  • 3 D nanostructured carbon aerogel used as positive electrode material
  • Established proof of concept of prelithiation using sacrificial salt
  • Fabrication of LIC made simpler
  • Developed LIC which can be used in various applications such as consumer electronics, backup power, Industrial machineries, renewable energy, electric mobility etc.

IP Protection details

  • Patent filed (Title, national/International): Preparation of Carbon aerogel sacrificial salt composite electrode and lithium ion capacitor thereof-National ( to be submitted )
  • Patents Granted: Nil
  • Copyrights obtained /progress on commercialisation /Pl. specify connect with industry: Nil

Contact details (for more information)

  • Nodal Person name: Dr. STANLY JACOB K
  • Email ID: stanly@cmet.gov.in; stanlyjacobk@rediffmail.com
  • Organisation name (Relevant link/web page): Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), Thrissur
Supporting Photographs/Images

Organizations involved in the development (logo/name)

Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology, (C-MET)

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