Superkondensaatori

Superkondensaatori, also known as an ultracapacitor or electrochemical capacitor, is a type of capacitor that can store a significantly larger amount of energy than traditional electrolytic capacitors. Unlike batteries, supercapacitors do not rely on chemical reactions to store energy. Instead, they store energy electrostatically by accumulating ions at the interface between an electrode and an electrolyte. This process allows for much faster charging and discharging cycles compared to batteries.

The energy storage mechanism in supercapacitors is based on the formation of an electrical double-layer at the electrode-electrolyte interface. When a voltage is applied, ions in the electrolyte migrate to the surface of the electrodes, forming a layer of charge. This high surface area of the electrodes, often made from porous carbon materials, is crucial for achieving high capacitance values. Some supercapacitors also utilize pseudocapacitance, which involves fast, reversible faradaic reactions at the electrode surface, further increasing energy density.

Supercapacitors offer several advantages, including a long cycle life, high power density, and wide operating temperature range. However, their energy density is generally lower than that of batteries, meaning they store less energy for a given size or weight. This makes them well-suited for applications requiring rapid bursts of power, such as regenerative braking in vehicles, backup power for electronic devices, and grid energy storage. Their ability to withstand frequent charge-discharge cycles also makes them a compelling alternative or complement to batteries in various energy storage systems.