Multiscale modelling of supercapacitors with hierarchical structure
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Structural supercapacitors (SSCs) are a class of multifunctional composites that simultaneously provide load-carrying and energy storage capacities. This paper presents a physics-based continuum multiscale electrochemical model aimed at understanding the influence of design decisions on the electrochemical performance of mechanically robust supercapacitors (SCs). The approach was exemplified by considering carbon aerogel-modified carbon fibre-reinforced multifunctional electrodes in a room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) electrolyte. The new pseudo 4D (P4D) multiscale model integrates a 3D macroscopic dynamic model to solve the charge transport while coupling a 1D microscopic equilibrium electric double layer (EDL) model to determine the local voltage-dependent double layer capacitance of the porous structural electrode. The numerical model was evaluated to simulate the conventional electrochemical device characterisation methods: cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charging and discharging, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The model achieved prediction errors below 10 % for specific energy and capacitance, and around 20 % for specific power. Additionally, an asymmetrical electrochemical behaviour was predicted on the symmetric cell, exhibiting an unbalanced potential window and capacitance at the negative and positive electrodes. Overall, the proposed P4D multiscale electrochemical model provides a powerful tool for analysing, developing, and optimising SSCs and more general SCs with porous electrodes.
Date Issued
2026-02-15
Date Acceptance
2025-11-24
Citation
Journal of Power Sources, 2026, 665
ISSN
0378-7753
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Power Sources
Volume
665
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Subjects
ACTIVATION
CAPACITANCE
CARBON-FIBERS
Chemistry
Chemistry, Physical
Electric double layer
ELECTRICAL DOUBLE-LAYER
Electrochemical modelling
Electrochemistry
ELECTRODES
Energy & Fuels
Ionic liquid
IONIC LIQUIDS
Materials Science
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Physical Sciences
Porous electrode
Science & Technology
Structural electrodes
Supercapacitors
Technology
TRANSPORT PHENOMENA
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
238956
Date Publish Online
2025-12-03