Tell me more ×
Physics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for active researchers, academics and students of physics. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite
1

According to wikipedia, commercially available super-capacitors in 2010 can store 30Wh/kg, with 85Wh/kg achieved in a lab in 2011.

Have any theoretical calculations been done to show what can be achieved as an upper limit to super-capacitors?

share|improve this question
I can't see reasons for such limit, can you? – TMS Dec 2 '12 at 21:34
Unfortunately this is the kind of physics I'd have been a dab hand at school. I doubt (correction, I know) I can't work out the storage capacity of a simple capacitor. If there are no theoretical limits, what are the main limiting factors from a practical point of view? – Mozibur Ullah Dec 2 '12 at 22:37
From practical point of view in my opinion is how good the insulator between the plates of the capacitor, and I think (just my assumption) that nanotechnologies plays an important rule in making such new materials. – TMS Dec 2 '12 at 22:43
Nanotechnologies were on my mind when I was asking this question. Insulator=dielectric, right? – Mozibur Ullah Dec 2 '12 at 22:46
Almost; dielectric are kind of Insulators, please check Wikipedia. – TMS Dec 2 '12 at 22:48

Know someone who can answer? Share a link to this question via email, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.