Abstract: A workpiece with transport porosity is formed. Nanopores are formed in the workpiece by a thermochemical treatment. The workpiece is formed as a rigid carbonaceous skeleton containing in its structure particles of one or more carbides, being selected and arranged in order to provide predetermined nanopore sizes, a predetermined volume of nanopores and a predetermined distribution of nanopores within the volume of the article dependent on its intended use.

Abstract: A method to obtain a refractory carbide-based composite material, in particular as an article of a predetermined shape includes the following steps: molding of a porous blank from a mixture of powders of at least one carbide-forming metal and/or non-metal and at least one carbide, the amount of carbide component in the mixture of powders not exceeding 90%, heat treating the obtained porous blank in a hydrocarbonous atmosphere containing one or more hydrocarbons until the increase in its mass reaches 2-42%, thereby obtaining a semi-product, and heating the obtained semi-product in a non-oxidizing medium at a temperature of 1000-2000° C.

Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor including at least one pair of polarizable electrodes connected to current collectors, a separator made of ion-permeable but electron-insulating material interposed between the electrodes in each pair of electrodes, and a liquid electrolyte. According to the invention the electrodes include a layer of carbon particles having a narrow distribution of nanopores therein, the pore sizes of the nanopores being adapted to fit the ion sizes of the electrolyte. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a supercapacitor.