Pseudo-capacitance of ruthenium oxide/carbon black composites for electrochemical capacitors

Hydrous ruthenium oxide was formed by a new process. The precursor was obtained by mixing the aqueous solutions of RuCl₃·xH₂O and NaHCO₃. The addition of NaHCO₃ led to the formation of an oxide with extremely fine RuO₂ particles forming a porous network structure in the oxide electrode. Polyethylene glycol was added as a controller to partly inhibit the sol-gel reaction. The rate capacitance of 530 F·g⁻¹ was measured for the powder formed at an optimal annealing temperature of 210°C. Several details concerning this new material, including crystal structure, particle size as a function of temperature, and electrochemical properties, were also reported. In addition, the rate capacitance of the composite electrode reached 800 F·g⁻¹ after carbon black was added. By using the modified electrode of a RuO₂/carbon black composite electrode, the electrochemical capacitor exhibits high energy density and stable power characteristics. The values of specific energy and maximum specific power of 24 Wh·kg⁻¹ and 4 kW·kg⁻¹, respectively, are demonstrated for a cell voltage between 0 and 1 V.