Abstract: The present invention provides a supercapacitor assembly which is characterised by comprising: a supercapacitor comprised of carbon-containing anode(s) and cathode(s), intermediate porous membrane(s) and an ionic liquid electrolyte; an electrical heater for heating the supercapacitor; and a thermostat for controlling the heater and maintaining the temperature of the ionic liquid at a temperature such that its viscosity is in the range 1 to 50 centipoise. In particular, there are provided supercapacitors which can operate at voltages greater than 3.5 v (for example, in the range 3.5 to 6 v) without significant long term redox degradation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supercapacitor assembly which is characterised by comprising: a supercapacitor comprised of carbon-containing anode(s) and cathode(s), intermediate porous membrane(s) and an ionic liquid electrolyte; an electrical heater for heating the supercapacitor; and a thermostat for controlling the heater and maintaining the temperature of the ionic liquid at a temperature such that its viscosity is in the range 1 to 50 centipoise. In particular, there are provided supercapacitors which can operate at voltages greater than 3.5v (for example, in the range 3.5 to 6v) without significant long term redox degradation.

Abstract: A portable battery-powered electronic device including a battery, a microprocessor and a display screen is provided. The device is characterised in that it further includes an integral rechargeable battery-charging unit connected to the battery comprising: a supercapacitor comprised of one or more sheets of graphene or a graphene-containing material; a power module adapted to provide up to 40 amps to the supercapacitor from a source of alternating current rated at 100 volts or above; an output converter adapted to deliver direct current power from the supercapacitor to the battery; and a control module adapted to control the delivery of the direct current power from the supercapacitor to the battery. Also provided is a device in which an integral rechargeable unit is the sole source of power of the device.

Abstract: A method of reducing outgassing in a supercapacitor comprised of carbon-containing electrodes and at least one ionic liquid is characterised by the steps of (a) contacting the carbon-containing electrodes with a tetrafluoroborate salt; (b) applying a potential difference across the carbon-containing electrodes whilst in contact with the salt in a cycle during which electrical charge is stored on and discharged from the electrodes; and (c) continuing further cycles of step (b) until such time as substantially no further outgassing from the system occurs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supercapacitor assembly which is characterised by comprising: a supercapacitor comprised of carbon-containing anode(s) and cathode(s), intermediate porous membrane(s) and an ionic liquid electrolyte; an electrical heater for heating the supercapacitor; and a thermostat for controlling the heater and maintaining the temperature of the ionic liquid at a temperature such that its viscosity is in the range 1 to 50 centipoise. In particular, there are provided supercapacitors which can operate at voltages greater than 3.5v (for example, in the range 3.5 to 6v) without significant long term redox degradation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supercapacitor assembly which is characterised by comprising: a supercapacitor comprised of carbon-containing anode(s) and cathode(s), intermediate porous membrane(s) and an ionic liquid electrolyte; an electrical heater for heating the supercapacitor; and a thermostat for controlling the heater and maintaining the temperature of the ionic liquid at a temperature such that its viscosity is in the range 1 to 50 centipoise. In particular, there are provided supercapacitors which can operate at voltages greater than 3.5 v (for example, in the range 3.5 to 6 v) without significant long term redox degradation.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery charger is provided and is characterized by comprising a supercapacitor comprised of one or more sheets of graphene or a graphene-containing material, a power module adapted to provide a current up to 40 amps to the supercapacitor from a source of alternating current rated at 100 volts or above, an output converter adapted to deliver direct current power from the supercapacitor to an output port for connecting to a battery-powered electrical device, and a control module adapted to control various functions of the rechargeable battery charger automatically and/or for managing and regulating a variable output from the supercapacitor. The rechargeable battery charger is especially useful for recharging portable electrical devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops or similar hand-held or worn items.

Abstract: A method of reducing outgassing in a supercapacitor comprised of carbon-containing electrodes and at least one ionic liquid is characterised by the steps of (a) contacting the carbon-containing electrodes with a tetrafluoroborate salt; (b) applying a potential difference across the carbon-containing electrodes whilst in contact with the salt in a cycle during which electrical charge is stored on and discharged from the electrodes; and (c) continuing further cycles of step (b) until such time as substantially no further outgassing from the system occurs.

Abstract: A portable battery-powered electronic device including a battery, a microprocessor and a display screen is provided. The device is characterised in that it further includes an integral rechargeable battery-charging unit connected to the battery comprising: a supercapacitor comprised of one or more sheets of graphene or a graphene-containing material; a power module adapted to provide up to 40 amps to the supercapacitor from a source of alternating current rated at 100 volts or above; an output converter adapted to deliver direct current power from the supercapacitor to the battery; and a control module adapted to control the delivery of the direct current power from the supercapacitor to the battery. Also provided is a device in which an integral rechargeable unit is the sole source of power of the device.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery charger is provided and is characterised by comprising a supercapacitor comprised of one or more sheets of graphene or a graphene containing material, a power module adapted to provide up to 40 amps to the supercapacitor from a source of alternating current rated at 100 volts or above, an output converter adapted to deliver direct current power from the supercapacitor to an output port for connecting to a battery-powered electrical device, and a control module adapted to control the charger's various functions automatically and/or for managing and regulating a variable output from the supercapacitor. The charger is especially useful for recharging portable electrical devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops or similar hand-held or worn items.