Hydrous Ruthenium Oxide as an Electrode Material for Electrochemical Capacitors

The hydrous ruthenium oxide has been formed by a sol-gel process. The precursor was obtained by mixing aqueous solutions of ₂0 and alkalis. The hydrous ruthenium oxide powder was obtained by annealing the precursor at low temperatures. The crystalline structure and the electrochemical properties of the powder have been studied as a function of the annealing temperature. At lower annealing temperatures the powder is in an amorphous phase with a high specific capacitance. Specific capacitance as high as 720 F/g was measured for the powder formed at 150°C. When the annealing temperature exceeded 175°C, the crystalline phase was formed, and the specific capacitance dropped rapidly The surface area of the powder and the resistivity of the pellet made from these powders have also been studied. The specific surface area and the resistivity decreased as the annealing temperature increased. A capacitor was made with electrodes comprised of hydrous ruthenium oxide and H₂SO₄ electrolyte. The energy density of 96 J/g (or 26.7 Wh/kg), based on electrode material only, was measured for the cell using hydrous ruthenium oxide electrodes. It was also found that hydrous ruthenium oxide is stable in H₂SO₄ electrolyte.