Optimization study of supercapacitor electrode material and thickness for its enhanced performance

A prototype electrode of porous carbon substrate was constructed to study the optimization of composition and thickness of the supercapacitor electrode. An electrochemical test cell was used for measuring impedance characteristics of electrodes. The electrode was tested for Capacitance & ESR. Results showed that capacitance increases to a maximum value at 7% by weight of conductive carbon and decreases as conductive carbon content increases further. The ESR didn't change significantly with carbon content. Effect of carbon layer thickness was evaluated with 7% conductive carbon composition for thicknesses varying from 50 microns to 250 microns. Results shows capacitance increases monotonically while ESR is almost independent of thickness in this range. A simulation model is run to compare the results obtained for variation in thickness experimentally. The capacitance values are in consensus. The ESR does not show the same trend which lead to the conclusion that model obtained needs to be refined.