Supercapacitors using polymer electrolytes based on poly(urethane)

Electrical double layer supercapacitors have been constructed from a poly(urethane) electrolyte, [Poly(urethane):ethylene carbonate:propylene carbonate:lithium perchlorate in the ratio of 1:2:2:0.1 based on the mass of the polymer as the electrolyte], using both the high surface area carbon cloth and carbon composite electrodes. The cells have been characterised using the AC impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic charge–discharge experiments, and cyclic voltammetry. Capacitance values of up to 35 and 5.5 F g−1 for the composite and carbon cloth electrodes were respectively attained. The supercapacitor cells showed a good stability up to 1000 charge–discharge cycles, retaining 80% of their original capacity at 1000 cycles.