This interactive model demonstrates non-Faradaic energy storage through electric double layer formation in an EDLC (supercapacitor). Unlike batteries, EDLCs store energy electrostatically by accumulating ions at electrode surfaces without any chemical reactions occurring.
Charging: An applied voltage drives electrons through the external circuit from the positive to the negative electrode. This creates charge imbalance that attracts ions to form double layers at each electrode surface.
Discharging: Electrons flow back through the external circuit via a load resistor, releasing the stored electrostatic energy as the double layers dissipate.
Key features of the model:
Molecular View: Watch electrons transfer through the circuit while ions migrate to form the electric double layer at each electrode
Energy Analysis: The right panel shows real-time voltage, charge, and energy calculations using E = ½CV², with an interactive capacitance slider
Non-Faradaic Process: No electron transfer occurs across the electrode-electrolyte interface — energy is stored purely by electrostatic charge separation
Use the Charge and Discharge buttons to observe the formation and relaxation of double layers, and adjust the capacitance to see how it affects energy storage!
Help shape this tool by rating your experience:
EDLC Molecular View
Equilibrium
Energy Storage Analysis
E = ½CV²
1000 F
Voltage (V)0.00V
Charge (Q)0.00C
Energy (E)0.00J
Energy Stored0%
Understanding EDLC Energy Storage
How EDLCs differ from batteries: EDLCs store energy through electrostatic charge separation (non-Faradaic process), not through chemical reactions. This gives them extremely fast charge/discharge rates and very long cycle life (>1,000,000 cycles).
Double Layer Formation: When voltage is applied, ions in the electrolyte migrate to the electrode surfaces. Anions accumulate near the positive electrode, cations near the negative electrode, forming the electric double layer.
Energy Storage (E = ½CV²): Energy scales with the square of voltage and linearly with capacitance. The shaded triangle on the graph represents stored energy as the area under the V vs SOC curve.
Separator: The porous membrane between electrodes allows ion transport while preventing electrical short circuits.
Applications: Regenerative braking, power quality, burst power delivery, and hybrid energy storage systems where high power density is required.
Try adjusting the capacitance slider to see how higher capacitance values increase the total energy stored at full charge!