Musashi Energy Solutions Co., Ltd.

What is a lithium ion capacitor (LIC)?

A lithium ion capacitor (LIC) is a capacitor that uses a carbon-based material capable of absorbing lithium ions as the negative electrode material, and improves energy density by adding lithium ions to it, while using the principles of a general electric double layer capacitor.
The principle of charging and discharging differs between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and the structure combines the negative electrode of a lithium-ion battery and the positive electrode of an electric double layer.
A type of asymmetric capacitor with a different positive and negative electrode principle, which combines the positive electrode of an electric double-layer capacitor and the negative electrode of a lithium-ion battery.  While the positive electrode operates by the principal of physical, Electrical Double Layer, the negative electrode charges and discharges by the redox reaction of lithium.  The high energy density compared to conventional capacitors is largely due to the fact that the pseudo electrostatic capacitance of the negative electrode is increased by pre-doping.

Comparison with various electric storage devices

  • Configuration and characteristics of various electric storage devices

    Lithium ion capacitor (LIC) is a new electric storage device that combines high power density and high energy density. Compared to similar electricity storage devices, electrical double layer capacitor (EDLC) and lithium ion battery (LIB), we introduce its characteristics.

  • Storage principle and features of LIC

  • Storage principle and features of electrical double layer capacitors

  • Storage principle and features of lithium-ion batteries

  • Comparison of characteristics of various electric storage devices

    Lithium Ion Capacitor Electrical Double Layer Capacitor Lithium Ion Battery Lead Acid Battery
    Energy density Medium
    (Higher at high current)    		 Low Very high High
    Power density High High Low
    (not good for rapid charge)    		 Very low
    Rapid charge/discharge in seconds in seconds in hours
    (Needs a charge control)    		 in hours
    (Needs a refreshing charge)
    Internal resistance Low Low High Very high
    Low temperature performance Good Good Very bad Bad
    High temperature performance Very good
    (up to 70℃)    		 Good
    (up to 60℃)    		 Very bad
    (up to 40℃)    		 Very bad
    Self discharge Small Big Small Big
    Maintenance Maintenance free Maintenance free Frequent replace required Frequent replace required
    Lifetime
    (float / cycling）    		 Long Long Relatively short Short
    (sudden death occurs)
    Safety and flammability High, flammable High, flammable Low, flammable (Self heat up / igniting) High, not flammable
    Application Very high power
    (Medium energy)    		 Very high power
    (Lower energy)    		 Medium power
    (High energy)    		 Low power
    (High energy)

  • Market needs and characteristics of various electric storage devices

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