Influence of Acetonitrile on the Electrochemical Behavior of Ionic Liquid-Based Supercapacitors

Abstract

The creation of supercapacitors with superior energy density and power capabilities is critical for advanced energy storage solutions. Ionic liquid electrolytes offer a promising alternative in this respect. However, improving their cycle stability and efficiency is a complex task requiring extensive research and significant effort. The high viscosity of ionic liquids (ILs) limits their lifetime, but this can be mitigated by increasing the temperature or adding solvents. In this research, the electrochemical performance of symmetric activated carbon supercapacitors with 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIMBF4) and different ratios of acetonitrile (ACN) as electrolytes were investigated. Long-term galvanostatic charge/discharge tests, impedance studies, and cyclic voltammetry were performed at temperatures between 24 to 60 °C. The addition of ACN to the ionic liquid increased electrochemical stability and reduced internal resistance, with the best performance observed at a 1:2 volume ratio of EMIMBF4 to ACN. This supercapacitor exhibited 87% cyclic stability after 5000 charge/discharge cycles in the voltage range of 0.05–2.8 V and a current rate of 1 Ag−1. It also achieved an energy density of 23 Whkg−1 and a power density of 748 Wkg−1. The supercapacitors were stable at elevated temperatures up to 60 °C, showing no degradation after operation under various thermal conditions.