Lithium Ion Capacitor Rating

What is a lithium ion capacitor?

A lithium-ion capacitor (LIC or LiC) is a hybrid type of capacitor classified as a type of supercapacitor. It is called a hybrid because the anode is the same as those used in lithium-ion batteries and the cathode is the same as those used in supercapacitors. Activated carbon is typically used as the cathode.

Why does a lithium-ion capacitor have a low capacity?

Tests on three-electrode lithium-ion capacitors revealed that their reduced capacity at low temperatures is due to the polarization of the lithiated, negative electrode. The lower capacity compared to other capacitors is a result of this phenomenon. The self-discharge of cells at various temperatures was studied and compared to an electric double-layer capacitor and a lithium-ion battery cell.

Do lithium ion capacitors self-discharge?

Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) display similar self-discharge behavior to lithium-ion batteries (LIB) at temperatures below 40 °C. However, LICs exhibit excellent discharge capacities at temperatures above 40 °C. Analysis of arc and differential scanning calorimetry (ARC and DSC) reveals the thermal behavior of LICs, which is characteristic of both lithium-ion batteries and electric double-layer capacitors. We report on the electrochemical performance of 500 F, 1100 F, and 2200 F lithium-ion capacitors containing carbonate-based electrolytes.

Are lithium-ion capacitors suitable for hybrid electric vehicles?

However, in the present state of the art, both devices are inadequate for many applications such as hybrid electric vehicles and so on. Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) are combinations of LIBs and SCs which phenomenally improve the performance by bridging the gap between these two devices.

What is the difference between acetonitrile and lithium ion capacitors?

The performance of acetonitrile-based electric double-layer capacitors is reported to be relatively insensitive to temperatures between −30 °C and 40 °C. In contrast, lithium-ion capacitor performance degrades at low temperatures and displays characteristics typical of a lithium-ion battery.

Will a lithium ion battery reach the energy density of a supercapacitor?

Some LIC's have a longer cycle life but this is often at the cost of a lower energy density. In conclusion, the LIC will probably never reach the energy density of a lithium-ion battery and never reach the combined cycle life and power density of a supercapacitor.