Characteristics of Separator Materials for Supercapacitors

SeparatorSeparators in a supercapacitor is used as a sandwich between two electrodes. The essential functions of separatorSeparators materials remain the prevention of the device from shortCircuits circuitShort circuit, storage of electrolyte into its pores, and passage of ions during chargingCharging and dischargingDischarging processes. Material selectionMaterials selection for the separatorSeparators also plays an important role in deciding the final performancePerformance of the supercapacitor devicesSupercapacitor device. Ionic conductivityIonic conductivity of the separatorSeparators affects the power and energy densityEnergy density. For safety purpose, thermal stabilityThermal stability of the separatorSeparators is very important. For the flexible electronicFlexible electronics devicesElectronic devices, bendable separators of high mechanical strengthMechanical strength are needed. SeparatorSeparators should have optimum porosityPorosity and high electrolyte uptakeElectrolyte uptake such that it can provide adequate electrolyte ionsElectrolyte ions to the electrode. The example of the most commonly used separator is polyolefinPolyolefin materials. This chapter deals with the importance of the separatorSeparators materials, the governing equations, and essential parameters.