Design of an Extended Experiment with Electrical Double Layer Capacitors: Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices in Green Chemistry

Abstract

An extended undergraduate experiment involving electrochemical energy storage devices and green energy is described herein. This experiment allows for curriculum design of specific training modules in the field of green chemistry. Through the study of electrical double layer capacitors, students learned to assemble an electrical double layer capacitor and perform electrochemical measurements (cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge) to evaluate the effect of various electrolytes. In addition, students powered a diode with the electrical double layer capacitors. We use the laboratory module to successfully connect electrochemistry with green chemistry through the study of a real-world application. In addition, a green chemistry case study was introduced to the laboratory curriculum. During the experiment, students acquired fundamental experience in electrochemistry and gained analysis skills, critical thinking, and scientific literacy. The results of this work can be used as a case study on green chemical education that considers the students’ awareness of renewable and clean energy fields.