How to Make a Supercapacitor with Aluminum Foil (Step by Step, Each Detail) 500 F

Summary

This video tutorial demonstrates the process of creating a homemade supercapacitor using aluminum foil, activated carbon, and a surfactant-enhanced electrolyte. The host shares practical tips, such as surface preparation of the aluminum foil and the importance of using a binder to improve conductivity. The video also addresses common issues with electrolyte absorption and offers a solution using acetonitrile. The result is a high-capacity supercapacitor capable of powering a DC motor, showcasing its strength through short-circuit tests.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video demonstrates how to create a homemade supercapacitor using aluminum foil as an alternative to copper foil.
• 🔍 Three key components for making a supercapacitor are identified: electrolyte, current collector, and active material.
• 🛠️ The aluminum foil used should be 50 microns thick and not the thin kitchen foil to ensure effectiveness.
• 📏 The aluminum foil is cut into specific dimensions and the surface is sanded to improve the adherence of the active material.
• 🧼 Cleaning the aluminum foil with a wet paper towel is crucial to remove aluminum particles before the application of the active material.
• 🔄 The active material is prepared by mixing activated carbon with ultrafine graphite powder and deionized water, then binding with white glue.
• 🖌️ A hand blender is used to mix the active material thoroughly, which is then painted onto the aluminum foil electrodes.
• 📄 A post machine paper is used as a separator between the electrodes, which is more durable than regular paper.
• 💧 The electrolyte is made from sodium sulfate dissolved in deionized or distilled water, with a surfactant added to reduce surface tension.
• 🔋 The supercapacitor is assembled in a plastic container and soaked with the electrolyte, requiring a waiting period for full absorption.
• ⏱️ The supercapacitor is charged at 1 amp for approximately 10 minutes, suggesting a capacitance of 500 farads, and then tested for voltage and discharge capability.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to demonstrate how to create a homemade supercapacitor using aluminum foil, following a practical method that is close to commercial supercapacitors.

Why is aluminum foil preferred over kitchen foil for making a supercapacitor?

Aluminum foil is preferred because it is thicker (50 microns) and more suitable for the project, while kitchen foil is very thin and may not work well for creating a supercapacitor.

What are the three important components of a supercapacitor mentioned in the video?

The three important components of a supercapacitor are the electrolyte, the current collector, and the active material that is used to paint the current collector.

Why is it necessary to roughen the surface of the aluminum foil before applying the active material?

Roughening the surface of the aluminum foil helps the active material to adhere better, resulting in lower internal resistance and higher conductivity of the supercapacitor.

What is the role of graphite powder in the active material mixture?

Graphite powder is added to the activated carbon to improve its conductivity, as activated carbon alone does not have very good conductivity.

Why is a binder like white glue used in the active material mixture?

A binder like white glue is used to help the active material adhere to the aluminum foil and to maintain its structure during the supercapacitor's operation.

How long should the active material be mixed with a blender for optimal results?

The active material should be mixed with a blender for about 10 to 15 minutes at high speed to ensure a thorough and even mixture.

What is the importance of pressing the activated carbon material onto the aluminum foil?

Pressing the activated carbon material onto the aluminum foil ensures better conductivity by compacting the layer and improving contact between the material and the foil.

Why is a separator used between the electrodes in the supercapacitor?

A separator is used to prevent the electrodes from short-circuiting while allowing ions to move between them, which is essential for the supercapacitor's function.

What is the electrolyte used in the supercapacitor and how is its surface tension reduced?

Sodium sulfate in deionized or distilled water is used as the electrolyte. The surface tension is reduced by adding a surfactant such as acetone, which allows the electrolyte to be absorbed by the supercapacitor.

How can you estimate the capacitance of the supercapacitor after charging it for a certain time?

If the supercapacitor reaches 1.2 to 1.3 volts after being charged at 1 amp for about 10 minutes, it can be estimated to have a capacitance of approximately 500 farads.

What test is performed at the end of the video to demonstrate the supercapacitor's strength?

A short-circuit test and running a DC motor with the supercapacitor are performed to demonstrate its strength and energy storage capability.