Considerations for consistent characterization of electrochemical double-layer capacitor performance

• Electrochemical capacitors are emerging electrical energy storage devices.
• Comparing the performance of novel electrode materials remains a key challenge.
• Representative normalization is critical for comparison of the measured capacitance.
• Charging rate, voltage window, and testing technique impact observed performance.
• Initial recommendations are made for standard normalization and analysis techniques.

Electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) are emerging energy storage devices that provide high power density and rapid charging rates, with higher energy density than conventional capacitors. Extensive research efforts have been devoted to develop novel, high performing electrode materials to improve device performance, particularly to increase energy density. A number of methods have been used to characterize and report the performance of EDLCs in literature. The lack of a consistent and representative normalization parameter and the absence of consistent electrochemical testing procedures make the comparison of performance data challenging. In this work, key factors that affect EDLC performance data are discussed. Consideration is given to potential normalization parameters: mass, volume, and specific surface area (SSA). As well, an investigation into the effects of charging rate, maximum operating voltage window, and electrochemical analysis technique is performed. This work demonstrates the dependence of measured capacitance on maximum voltage window and the variation in performance between two different electrode materials. Moreover, an inherent discrepancy between cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic cycling (GC) capacitance values at fast charging rates has been observed. We hope this effort will assist in the development of a much needed international protocol for accurate measurement and characterization of EDLC performance.