A precharging circuit for precharging an intermediate circuit capacitor of a converter formed from at least one electrolytic capacitor using a grid current from a supply grid before the converter is connected to the supply grid and is used for the reformation of at least one electrolytic capacitor of the intermediate circuit capacitor. A method is provided for the reformation of an intermediate circuit capacitor of a converter formed from at least one electrolytic capacitor, which is connected to the supply grid using a precharging circuit. A converter is created for converting an AC grid voltage into a direct voltage or vice versa, with a device for the reformation of electrolytic capacitors of an intermediate circuit capacitor of the converter using an integrated precharging circuit of the converter. Existing hardware can be used for the reformation of electrolytic capacitors in a converter, and the expense associated with the reformation can be minimized.

A method of reducing outgassing in a supercapacitor comprised of carbon-containing electrodes and at least one ionic liquid is characterised by the steps of (a) contacting the carbon-containing electrodes with a tetrafluoroborate salt; (b) applying a potential difference across the carbon-containing electrodes whilst in contact with the salt in a cycle during which electrical charge is stored on and discharged from the electrodes; and (c) continuing further cycles of step (b) until such time as substantially no further outgassing from the system occurs.

A method of reducing outgassing in a supercapacitor comprised of carbon-containing electrodes and at least one ionic liquid is characterised by the steps of (a) contacting the carbon-containing electrodes with a tetrafluoroborate salt; (b) applying a potential difference across the carbon-containing electrodes whilst in contact with the salt in a cycle during which electrical charge is stored on and discharged from the electrodes; and (c) continuing further cycles of step (b) until such time as substantially no further outgassing from the system occurs.

An energy storage device according to an aspect of the present invention includes: an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween; an electrolyte solution; and a sealable case for housing the electrode assembly and the electrolyte solution, in which a compressive modulus of elasticity of the separator is 15 MPa or more and an inside of the case is in a negative pressure state.

An object of the present invention is to provide a carbonaceous material used for an electric double layer capacitor having a high electrostatic capacity and capable of maintaining the high electrostatic capacity and energy density over a long period and a method for producing the same. The present invention relates to a carbonaceous material having a specific surface area of 1,200 m.sup.2/g to 1,800 m.sup.2/g according to a BET method, an R-value of 1.2 or more and a G-band half-value width of 70 cm.sup.1 or more according to a Raman spectrum.

Provided is a lithium battery, wherein the battery comprises an anode, a cathode, wherein the cathode comprises one or more transition metals, an electrolyte, and a porous separator interposed between the cathode and anode, wherein the separator comprises an anionic compound. Also provided are methods of manufacturing such batteries.

Provided is a lithium battery, wherein the battery comprises an anode, a cathode, wherein the cathode comprises one or more transition metals, an electrolyte, and a porous separator interposed between the cathode and anode, wherein the separator comprises an anionic compound. Also provided are methods of manufacturing such batteries.

A supercapacitor module is provided. In some embodiments, the supercapacitor can include a first supercapacitor, a second supercapacitor, and an interconnect electrically connecting the first and second supercapacitors in series. A casing can encapsulate at least the first and second supercapacitors. The operating voltage of the supercapacitor module can be greater than 3.5 volts, and the equivalent series resistance of the supercapacitor module can be less than about 10 ohm.

Integrated devices comprising integrated circuits and energy storage devices are described. Disclosed energy storage devices correspond to an all-solid-state construction, and do not include any gels, liquids, or other materials that are incompatible with microfabrication techniques. Disclosed energy storage device comprises energy storage cells with electrodes comprising metal-containing compositions, like metal oxides, metal nitrides, or metal hydrides, and a solid state electrolyte.

Integrated devices comprising integrated circuits and energy storage devices are described. Disclosed energy storage devices correspond to an all-solid-state construction, and do not include any gels, liquids, or other materials that are incompatible with microfabrication techniques. Disclosed energy storage device comprises energy storage cells with electrodes comprising metal-containing compositions, like metal oxides, metal nitrides, or metal hydrides, and a solid state electrolyte.