Activated Carbon/DNA Composite Electrodes for Electric Double Layer Capacitors with Neutral Aqueous Electrolytes

A novel electrode composed of activated carbon and DNA together with fluorinated binder has been prepared for an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) with aqueous electrolytes. The DNA-loaded electrodes improve the rate capability and discharge capacitance of EDLC containing aqueous, neutral salt electrolytes. In contrast, the DNA-composite electrodes have a poor effect on the capacitance enhancement in acidic or basic electrolytes. The enhancement of discharge capacitance is significant especially at high-rate cycling in neutral salt electrolytes, because the presence of DNA reduces the internal resistance of an electrode and hence improves its rate capability.