U.S. patent application number 10/887359 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-16 for electrolytic solution for an electrochemical capacitor and an electrochemical capacitor using the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to SANYO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.. Invention is credited to Fujioka, Koji, Ito, Yasuyuki, Maeshima, Hiroyuki, Mukai, Takao.
Application Number | 20050127319 10/887359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34510513 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050127319 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fujioka, Koji ; et
al. |
June 16, 2005 |
Electrolytic solution for an electrochemical capacitor and an
electrochemical capacitor using the same
Abstract
There is provided an electrolytic solution which may
significantly improve performance deterioration with time of an
electrochemical capacitor. There is provided an electrolytic
solution, comprising an electrolyte salt (A) shown as the following
formula (1). In the formula, "R.sup.1," "R.sup.2," and "R.sup.3"
independently represent an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1
to 3, "R.sup.4" and "R.sup.5" independently represent hydrogen atom
or an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 3, and "X.sup.-"
represent a counterpart anion. 1
Inventors: |
Fujioka, Koji; (Kyoto-shi,
JP) ; Mukai, Takao; (Kyoto, JP) ; Ito,
Yasuyuki; (Neyagawa-shi, JP) ; Maeshima,
Hiroyuki; (Kobe-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WESTERMAN, HATTORI, DANIELS & ADRIAN, LLP
1250 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, NW
SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
SANYO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES,
LTD.
Kyoto-shi
JP
MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
34510513 |
Appl. No.: |
10/887359 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
252/62.2 ;
361/505; 429/324; 429/337; 429/338; 429/339; 429/340; 429/342 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01G 11/62 20130101;
H01G 9/035 20130101; Y02E 60/13 20130101; H01G 9/038 20130101; Y02T
10/70 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
252/062.2 ;
429/324; 429/338; 429/340; 429/337; 429/339; 429/342; 361/505 |
International
Class: |
H01G 009/035; H01M
010/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 10, 2003 |
JP |
2003-411396 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1: An electrolytic solution, comprising: an electrolyte salt (A)
shown as the following formula (1), 6where "R.sup.1," "R.sup.2,"
and "R.sup.3" independently represent an alkyl group having a
carbon number of 1 to 3, "R.sup.4" and "R.sup.5" independently
represent hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having a carbon number of
1 to 3, and "X.sup.-" represents a counterpart anion.
2: An electrolytic solution according to claim 1, wherein in the
formula (1), "R.sup.1," "R.sup.2," and "R.sup.3" independently
represent methyl group or ethyl group, and "R.sup.4" and "R.sup.5"
independently represent hydrogen atom, methyl group or ethyl
group.
3: An electrolytic solution according to claim 2, wherein in the
formula (1), "R.sup.1" represents methyl group.
4: An electrolytic solution according to claim 1, wherein the
electrolytic salt (A) comprises at least one cation selected from
the group consisting of 1,2,3-trimethyl imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl imidazolium and 1,2,3,4-tetramethyl
imidazolium.
5: An electrolytic solution according to claim 4, wherein the
electrolytic salt (A) comprises a cation of 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl
imidazolium.
6: An electrolytic solution according to claim 1, wherein the
counterpart anion "X.sup.-" is selected from the group consisting
of PF.sub.6.sup.-, BF.sub.4.sup.-, AsF.sub.6.sup.-,
SbF.sub.6.sup.-, N(RfSO.sub.3).sub.2--, C(RfSO.sub.3).sub.3.sup.-,
RfSO.sub.3.sup.- (where "Rf" represents a fluoroalkyl group having
a carbon number of 1 to 12), F.sup.-, ClO.sub.4.sup.-,
AlF.sub.4.sup.-, AlCl.sub.4.sup.-, TaF.sub.6.sup.-,
NbF.sub.6.sup.-, SiF.sub.6.sup.-, CN.sup.- and F(HF).sub.n.sup.-,
wherein "n" represents an integral number of 1 to 4.
7: An electrolytic solution according to claim 1, wherein the
electrolytic salt (A) is 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl imidazolium
tetrafluoroborate.
8: An electrolytic solution according to claim 1, further
comprising at least one non-aqueous solvent selected from the group
consisting of propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, butylene
carbonate, sulforan, methyl sulforan, acetonitrile,
.gamma.-butyrolactone, dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate
and diethyl carbonate.
9: An electrolytic solution according to claim 8, wherein the
electrolytic salt (A) is 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl imidazolium
tetrafluoroborate.
10: An electrolytic solution according to claim 1, further
comprising a first imidazolium salt (B1) shown as the following
formula (2), and a second imidazolium salt (B2) shown as the
following formula (3), 7where "R.sup.1," "R.sup.2," and "R.sup.3"
independently represent an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1
to 3, "R.sup.4" and "R.sup.5" independently represent hydrogen atom
or an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 3, "X" represents
a counterpart anion, "Y.sup.1" represents carboxyl group
(--CO.sub.2H) or carboxyoxy group (--OCO.sub.2H), and "Y.sup.2"
represents carboxylate group (--CO.sub.2.sup.-) or carboxylate oxy
group (--OCO.sub.2.sup.-). 8where "R.sup.1", and "R.sup.3"
independently represent an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1
to 3, "X.sup.-" represents a counterpart anion, "Y.sup.1"
represents carboxyl group (--CO.sub.2H) or carboxyoxy group
(--OCO.sub.2H), and "Y.sup.2" represents carboxylate group
(--CO.sub.2.sup.-) or carboxylate oxy group (--OCO.sub.2.sup.-),
wherein the first imidazolium salt (B1) and the second imidazolium
salt (B2) are totally included at an amount of 10 mole % or less in
a total molar number of the electrolyte salt (A), the first
imidazolium salt (B1) and the second imidazolium salt (B2).
11: An electrolytic solution according to claim 10, wherein the
first imidazolium salt (B1) and the second imidazolium salt (B2)
are totally included at an amount of 2 mole % or less in a total
molar number of the electrolyte salt (A), the first imidazolium
salt (B1) and the second imidazolium salt (B2).
12: An electrolytic solution according to claim 10, wherein the
electrolyte salt is 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl imidazolium
tetrafluoroborate.
13: An electrochemical capacitor, comprising: a polarizable
electrode impregnated with an electrolytic solution, comprising: an
electrolyte salt shown as the following formula (1), 9where
"R.sup.1," "R.sup.2," and "R.sup.3" independently represent an
alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 3, "R.sup.4" and
"R.sup.5" independently represent hydrogen atom or an alkyl group
having a carbon number of 1 to 3, and "X-" represents a counterpart
anion.
14: An electrochemical capacitor according to claim 13, wherein the
electrolytic salt (A) comprises a cation of 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl
imidazolium.
15: An electrochemical capacitor according to claim 13, wherein the
electrolytic salt (A) is 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl imidazolium
tetrafluoroborate.
16: An electrochemical capacitor according to claim 13, wherein the
electrolytic solution further comprises a first imidazolium salt
(B1) shown as the following formula (2), and a second imidazolium
salt (B2) shown as the following formula (3), 10where "R.sup.1,"
"R.sup.2," and "R.sup.3" independently represent an alkyl group
having a carbon number of 1 to 3, "R.sup.4" and "R.sup.5"
independently represent hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having a
carbon number of 1 to 3, "X.sup.-" represents a counterpart anion,
"Y" represents carboxyl group (--CO.sub.2H) or carboxyoxy group
(--OCO.sub.2H), and "Y.sup.2," represents carboxylate group
(--CO.sub.2.sup.-) or carboxylate oxy group (--OCO.sub.2.sup.-).
11where "R.sup.1," "R.sup.2," and "R.sup.3" independently represent
an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 3, "X.sup.-"
represents a counterpart anion, "Y.sup.1" represents carboxyl group
(--CO.sub.2H) or carboxyoxy group (--OCO.sub.2H), and "Y.sup.2"
represents carboxylate group (--CO.sub.2.sup.-) or carboxylate oxy
group (--OCO.sub.2.sup.-), wherein the first imidazolium salt (B1)
and the second imidazolium salt (B2) are totally included at an
amount of 10 mole % or less in a total molar number of the
electrolyte salt (A), the first imidazolium salt (B1) and the
second imidazolium salt (B2).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an electrolytic solution
for an electrochemical capacitor and an electrochemical capacitor
using the electrolytic solution. In further more detail, the
present invention relates to an electrochemical capacitor, which is
adapted for memory backup in various electronic devices, and which
is adapted for electric power in battery cars necessary for a large
amount of currents. Also, the present invention relates to an
electrolytic solution preferable for such electrochemical
capacitor.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] There has been known an electrolytic solution for an
electrochemical capacitor, in which a cyclic amidinium salt is
dissolved into a solvent of propylene carbonate. See Patent
publication No. 1. [Patent publication No. 1.] International Patent
Publication WO95/15572 Booklet.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Objectives to be solved by the Invention
[0004] A conventional non-aqueous electrolytic solution may be
insufficient in voltage proof, so that the electrochemical
capacitor using such a conventional non-aqueous electrolytic
solution may occur a significant performance deterioration with
time.
[0005] Namely, the purpose of the present invention is to provide
an electrolytic solution which may significantly improve an
electrochemical capacitor in its performance deterioration with
time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The electrolytic solution for the electrochemical capacitor
of the present invention is featured as including an electrolyte
salt (A) shown as the following formula (1). 2
[0007] In the formula, "R.sup.1," "R.sup.2," and "R.sup.3"
independently represent an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1
to 3, "R.sup.4" and "R.sup.5" independently represent hydrogen atom
or an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 3, and "X.sup.-"
represents a counterpart anion.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The electrolytic solution for the electrochemical capacitor
of the present invention is significantly high in voltage proof, so
that it allows to produce an electrochemical capacitor whose
performance deterioration is significantly little. Thus, use of the
electrolytic solution of the present invention significantly
increases an energy density of the electrochemical capacitor.
BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In the formulas (1), (2) and (3), the portions in the
imidazolium ring are numbered as shown in the formula (4). Namely,
the nitrogen atom at the left side of the shown chemical structure
is numbered as "1," and the carbon atom next to the nitrogen atom
"1" is numbered as "2," and the nitrogen atom next to the carbon
atom "2" is numbered as "3," and the carbon atoms next to the
nitrogen atom "3" are numbered as "4" and "5." 3
[0010] The electrolyte salt (A) as shown in the formula (1)
includes, e.g., the following salt with a cation:
[0011] (i) Cations in which "R.sup.1," "R.sup.2," and "R.sup.3" are
independently an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 3, and
"R.sup.4" and "R.sup.5" are hydrogen atoms; such as:
[0012] 1,2,3-trimethyl imidazolium, 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl
imidazolium, 2-ethyl-1,3-dimethyl imidazolium, 1,2-diethyl-3-methyl
imidazolium, 1,3-diethyl-2-methyl imidazolium, 1,2,3-triethyl
imidazolium, 1-propyl-2,3-dimethyl imidazolium, and
1-isopropyl-2,3-dimethyl imidazolium.
[0013] (ii) Cations in which "R.sup.1," "R.sup.2," "R.sup.3," and
"R.sup.5" are independently an alkyl group having a carbon number
of 1 to 3, and "R.sup.4" is hydrogen atom; such as:
[0014] 1,2,3,4-tetramethyl imidazolium, 1-ethyl-2,3,4-trimethyl
imidazolium, 2-ethyl-1,3,4-trimethyl imidazolium,
1,2-diethyl-3,4-dimethy- l imidazolium, 1,3-diethyl-2,4-dimethyl
imidazolium, 1,2,3-triethyl-4-methyl imidazolium,
1,2,3-trimethyl-4-ethyl imidazolium, 1,4-diethyl-2,3-dimethyl
imidazolium, 2,4-diethyl-1,3-dimethyl imidazolium,
1,2,4-triethyl-3-methyl imidazolium, 1,3,4-triethyl-2-methyl
imidazolium, 1,2,3,4-tetraethyl imidazolium,
1-propyl-2,3,4-trimethyl imidazolium, and
1-isopropyl-2,3,4-trimethyl imidazolium.
[0015] (iii) Cations in which "R.sup.1," "R.sup.2," "R.sup.3," and
"R.sup.4" are independently an alkyl group having a carbon number
of 1 to 3, and "R.sup.5" is hydrogen atom; such as:
[0016] 1-ethyl-2,3,5-trimethyl imidazolium,
1,2-diethyl-3,5-dimethyl imidazolium, 1,5-diethyl-2,3-dimethyl
imidazolium, 1,2,5-triethyl-3-methyl imidazolium,
1-propyl-2,3,5-trimethyl imidazolium, and
1-isopropyl-2,3,5-trimethyl imidazolium.
[0017] (iv) Cations in which "R.sup.1," "R.sup.2," "R.sup.3,"
"R.sup.4" and "R.sup.5" are independently an alkyl group having a
carbon number of 1 to 3; such as:
[0018] 1,2,3,4,5-pentamethyl imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3,4,5-tetramethyl imidazolium,
2-ethyl-1,3,4,5-tetramethyl imidazolium,
3-ethyl-1,2,4,5-tetramethyl imidazolium,
4-ethyl-1,2,3,5-tetramethyl imidazolium, 1,2,3,4,5-pentaethyl
imidazolium, 1-propyl-2,3,4,5-tetrameth- yl imidazolium, and
1-isopropyl-2,3,4,5-tetramethyl imidazolium.
[0019] Among the cations as listed, it would be preferable, in view
of voltage proof and solubility, to use (i) the cations in which
"R.sup.1," "R.sup.2," and "R.sup.3" are independently an alkyl
group having a carbon number of 1 to 3, and "R.sup.4" and "R.sup.5"
are hydrogen atoms; (ii) the cations in which "R.sup.1," "R.sup.2,"
"R.sup.3," and "R.sup.5" are independently an alkyl group having a
carbon number of 1 to 3, and "R.sup.4" is hydrogen atom; and (iii)
the cations in which "R.sup.1," "R.sup.2," "R.sup.3," and "R.sup.4"
are independently an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 3,
and "R.sup.5" is hydrogen atom. Further, it would be preferable to
use the cations of (i) and (ii). Furthermore, among the cations (i)
and (ii), it would be specifically preferable to use ones having
methyl group at the second portion, and it would be more preferable
to use 1,2,3-trimethyl imidazolium, 1,2,3,4-tetramethyl imidazolium
and 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl imidazolium. In particular, it would be
more preferable to use 1,2,3-trimethyl imidazolium, 1-ethyl
2,3-dimethyl imidazolium. In more particular, it would be most
preferable to use 1-ethyl 2,3-dimethyl imidazolium.
[0020] As the counterpart anion (X.sup.-), it is preferable to use
an anion of PF.sub.6.sup.-, BF.sub.4.sup.-, AsF.sub.6.sup.-,
SbF.sub.6.sup.-, N(RfSO.sub.3).sub.2.sup.-,
C(RfSO.sub.3).sub.3.sup.-, RfSO.sub.3.sup.- (where "Rf" represents
a fluoroalkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 12), F--,
ClO.sub.4.sup.-, AlF.sub.4.sup.-, AlCl.sub.4.sup.-,
TaF.sub.6.sup.-, NbF.sub.6.sup.-, SiF.sub.6.sup.-, CN.sup.- or
F(HF).sub.n.sup.-, wherein "n" represents an integral number of 1
to 4. In view of voltage proof, it is more preferable to use an
anion of PF.sub.6.sup.-, BF.sub.4.sup.-, or
N(RfSO.sub.3).sub.2.sup.-. In particular, it is more preferable to
use an anion of PF.sub.6.sup.- or BF.sub.4.sup.-. It is most
preferable to use an anion of BF.sub.4.sup.-. It would be noted
that "Rf" in the anions of N(RfSO.sub.3).sub.2.sup.-,
C(RfSO.sub.3).sub.3.sup.-, and RfSO.sub.3.sup.- represents a
fluoroalkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 12, which may
include, e.g., trifluoro methyl, pentafluoro ethyl, heptafluoro
propyl, and nonafluoro buthyl. Among them, it is preferable to use
trifluoro methyl, pentafluoro ethyl, and heptafluoro propyl. It is
more preferable to use trifluoro methyl and pentafluoro ethyl. It
is most preferable to use trifluoro methyl.
[0021] The electrolyte salt (A) is generally obtained by a reaction
for quaternary of a tertiary cyclic amidine with a carbonic ester,
such as dialkyl carbonate, followed by subjecting the resultant
carbonic ester salt to a salt exchange into the counterpart anion
(X.sup.-). Since carbon dioxide is generated (mixed) in the
reaction system in the process of the reaction for quaternary, the
cyclic amidinium salt is reacted with carbon dioxide, to obtain
by-products of a imidazolium salt (B1) shown as the following
formula (2), and a imidazolium salt (B2) shown as the formula (3).
Therefore, the electrolyte salt (A) may include the imidazolium
salts (B1) and (B2) as impurities. These impurities would affect
the voltage proof, resulting in correlating the performance
deterioration with time of the electrochemical capacitor, and thus,
those contents would be as little as possible. 4
[0022] In the formula, "R.sup.1," "R.sup.2," "R.sup.3," "R.sup.4,"
"R.sup.5," and "X.sup.-" represent in the same manner as the
formula (1), "Y.sup.1" represents carboxyl group (--CO.sub.2H) or
carboxyoxy group (--OCO.sub.2H), and "Y.sup.2" represents
carboxylate group (--CO.sub.2.sup.-) or carboxylate oxy group
(--OCO.sub.2.sup.-). 5
[0023] In the formula, "R.sup.1," "R.sup.2," "R.sup.3," and
"X.sup.31" represent in the same manner as the formula (1),
"Y.sup.1" and "Y.sup.2" represent in the same manner as the formula
(2).
[0024] In would be noted that in the formulas, the imidazolium
salts (B1) and (B2) may exist without the counterpart anion
"X.sup.-," and in case of no counterpart anion "X.sup.-," electric
charges in the molecule are balanced because of the group
"Y.sup.2."
[0025] The imidazolium salts (B1) and (B2) may include the
following compounds:
[0026] With the counterpart anion "X"
[0027] (i) Imidazolium Salts (B1)
[0028] 1,2,3-trimethyl-4-carboxy imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-carbo- xy imidazolium,
2-ethyl-1,3-dimethyl-4-carboxy imidazolium,
1,2-diethyl-3-methyl-4-carboxy imidazolium,
1,3-diethyl-2-methyl-4-carbox- y imidazolium,
1,2,3-triemethyl-4-carboxy imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-5-carboxy imidazolium,
1,2-diethyl-3-methyl-5-carbox- y imidazolium,
1,2,3,4-tetramethyl-5-carboxy imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3,4-trimethyl-5-carboxy imidazolium,
2-ethyl-1,3,4-trimethyl-5-- carboxy imidazolium,
1,2-diethyl-3,4-dimethyl-5-carboxy imidazolium,
1,3-diethyl-2,4-dimethyl-5-carboxy imidazolium,
1,2,3-triethyl-4-methyl-5- -carboxy imidazolium,
1,2,3-trimethyl-4-ethyl-5-carboxy imidazolium,
1,4-diethyl-2,3-dimethyl-5-carboxy imidazolium,
2,4-diethyl-1,3-dimethyl-- 5-carboxy imidazolium,
1,2,4-triethyl-3-methyl-5-carboxy imidazolium,
1,3,4-triethyl-2-methyl-5-carboxy imidazolium,
1,2,3,4-tetraethyl-5-carbo- xy imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3,5-trimethyl-4-carboxy imidazolium,
1,2-diethyl-3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxy imidazolium,
1,5-diethyl-2,3-dimethyl-- 4-carboxy imidazolium,
1,2,5-triethyl-3-methyl-4-carboxy imidazolium,
1-propyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-carboxy imidazolium,
1-isopropyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-c- arboxy imidazolium, and compounds in
which the carboxyl group in the above listed compounds are replaced
with carboxyoxy group.
[0029] (ii) Imidazolium Salts (B2)
[0030] 1,2,3-trimethyl-4,5-dicarboxy imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-4,5- -dicarboxy imidazolium,
2-ethyl-1,3-dimethyl-4,5-dicarboxy imidazolium,
1,2-diethyl-3-methyl-4,5-dicarboxy imidazolium,
1,3-diethyl-2-methyl-4,5-- dicarboxy imidazolium,
1,2,3-triethyl-4,5-dicarboxy imidazolium,
1-propyl-2,3-dimethyl-4,5-dicarboxy imidazolium,
1-isopropyl-2,3-dimethyl- -4,5-dicarboxy imidazolium, and compounds
in which the carboxyl group in the above listed compounds is
replaced with carboxyoxy group.
[0031] Without the counterpart anion "X.sup.-"
[0032] (i) Imidazolium Salts (B1)
[0033] 1,2,3-trimethyl-4-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-c- arboxylate imidazolium,
2-ethyl-1,3-dimethyl-4-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,2-diethyl-3-methyl-4-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,3-diethyl-2-methyl-4-ca- rboxylate imidazolium,
1,2,3-triethyl-4-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,2-diethyl-3-methyl-5-ca- rboxylate imidazolium,
1,2,3,4-tetramethyl-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3,4-methyl-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
2-ethyl-1,3,4-trimethyl-5- -carboxylate imidazolium,
1,2-diethyl-3,4-dimethyl-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,3-diethyl-2,4-dimethyl-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,2,3-triethyl-4-methyl-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,2,3-trimethyl-4-ethyl-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,4-diethyl-2,3-dimethyl-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
2,4-diethyl-1,3-dimethyl-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,2,4-triethyl-3-methyl-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,3,4-triethyl-2-methyl-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,2,3,4-tetraethyl-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3,5-trimethyl-4-c- arboxylate imidazolium,
1,2-diethyl-3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,5-diethyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,2,5-triethyl-3-methyl-4-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-propyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-isopropyl-2,3-dimethyl- -4-carboxylate imidazolium, and the
compounds in which the carboxylate group in the above listed
compounds is replaced with carboxyoxy group.
[0034] (ii) Imidazolium Salts (B2)
[0035] 1,2,3-trimethyl-4-carboxy-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-carboxy-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-carboxylate-5-carboxy imidazolium,
2-ethyl-1,3-dimethyl-4-carboxy-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,2-diethyl-3-methyl-4-carboxy-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,2-diethyl-3-methyl-4-carboxylate-5-carboxy imidazolium,
1,3-diethyl-2-methyl-4-carboxy-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,2,3-triethyl-4-carboxy-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-carboxy-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-propyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-carboxy-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-isopropyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-carboxy-5-carboxylate imidazolium, and
the compounds in which the carboxyl group in the above listed
compounds is replaced with carboxyoxy group, and the compounds in
which the carboxylate group in the above listed compounds is
replaced with carboxylate oxy group.
[0036] The content of the imidazolium salts (B1) and (B2) is
preferably included as little as possible. In view of significant
improvement of the voltage proof, it is preferable that these
compounds are totally included at an amount of 10 mole % or less
based on total molar numbers of the electrolyte salt (A), the
imidazolium salt (B1) and the imidazolium salt (B2). Also, it is
more preferable that these compounds are included at an amount of 2
mole % or less, and in more particular at an amount of 1 mole %
less, and in most particular, of 0.1 mole % or less. Within the
range, the voltage proof are further improved, resulting in further
improving the performance deterioration with time of the
electrochemical capacitor.
[0037] The content of the imidazolium salts (B 1) and (B2) is
quantitatively measured by means of a high performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC). The HPLC may be operated in the condition of
a column: a polymer coated filler; a mobile phase: a phosphoric
acid buffering agent liquid (having a pH value of 2 to 3); a flow
rate: 0.8 ml/min.; a detector: UV; and a temperature: 40.degree. C.
(For example, equipment: Type LC-10A made by Shimazdu Corporation;
a column: CAPCELL PAK UG120C18 (4.6 mm in diameter and 25 cm in
length) made by Shiseido Corporation; a mobile phase: an aqueous
solution of phosphoric acid having a concentration of 10 mmol/l and
sodium perchlorate having a concentration of 100 mmol/l; a flow
rate: 0.8 ml/min.; a detector: UV (210 nm); an injection volume: 20
p 1; and a temperature of the column: 40.degree. C. can be used.)
The calibration curve can be prepared with separation of the
imidazolium salts (B1) and (B2), which are made as by-products in
preparation of the electrolyte salt (A), by means of a separation
HPLC (whose conditions are the same as the HPLC), or the
electrolyte salt (A) may be combined with carbon dioxide in an
autoclave. (Henkel & Cie: D.A.S 1033667 (1958)).
[0038] It would be noted that the chemical structures of the
imidazolium salts (B1) and (B2) may be identified by means of a
general organic chemical measurement. For example, they may be
identified by means of .sup.1H-NMR (e.g., Device: AVANCE300
(manufactured by Nihon Bruker Corporation); solvent: deuterated
dimethylsulfoxide; and frequency: 300 MHz); .sup.19F-NMR (e.g.,
device: XL-300 (manufactured by Varian Corporation; solvent:
deuterated dimethylsulfoxide; and frequency: 300 MHz); and
.sup.13C-NMR (e.g., device: AL-300 (manufactured by JEOL (Nihon
Denshi) Corporation); solvent: deuterated dimethylsulfoxide; and
frequency: 300 MHz). The chemical structure of the electrolyte salt
(A) may be identified in the same manner.
[0039] For reducing the contents of the imidazolium salts (B1) and
(B2), there are one way to inhibit generation of the imidazolium
salts (B1) and (B2) in the process of the preparation of the
electrolyte salt (A), and another way to remove the imidazolium
salts (B1) and (B2) after the preparation of the electrolyte salt
(A).
[0040] As the way to inhibit generation of the imidazolium salts
(B1) and (B2) in the process of the preparation of the electrolyte
salt (A), it may be applicable to reduce the concentration of
carbon dioxide in the reaction system.
[0041] The electrolyte salt (A) may be generally prepared, for
example, by means of reacting N-alkyl imidazole (which may be
obtained as a commercial product, or may be prepared by alkylation
of an imidazole by an alkylation agent (such as dimethyl carbonate,
diethyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate, diisopropyl carbonate,
methyl halide, ethyl halide, propyl halide, isopropyl halide,
dimethyl sulfate, diethyl sulfate, dipropyl sulfate, and
diisopropyl sulfate)) with dialkyl carbonate (such as dimethyl
carbonate, diethyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate, and diisopropyl
carbonate) in a proton polar solvent (such as an alcohol having a
carbon number of 1 to 3, including methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol
and 2-propanol) at a temperature of 100 to 180.degree. C. under a
pressurized condition (See JP Patent No. 2140853). The electrolyte
salt (A) may be prepared by alkylation of N-alkyl imidazole by
alkylation agent other than the dialkyl carbonate, such as methyl
halide, ethyl halide, propyl halide, dimethyl sulfate, diethyl
sulfate, dipropyl sulfate, and diisopropyl sulfate. However, it is
preferable to alkylate the dialkyl carbonate in view of ion
residues (such as halogen ions and sulfate ion).
[0042] In order to reduce a concentration of carbon dioxide in the
reaction system, it is applicable to increase the amount of
dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate,
diisopropyl carbonate and/or the proton polar solvent, for
decreasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the reaction
system, as well as to carry out the reaction while removing carbon
dioxide outside the reaction system.
[0043] The proton polar solvent may be used at an amount of 10 to
1000 wt %, and in particular, of 50 to 800 wt %, and in more
particular, of 100 to 600 wt %, and in most particular, of 200 to
400 wt %, based on the weight of N-alkyl imidazole.
[0044] Carbon dioxide gas in the reaction system can be removed
outside the system by means of adjusting a valve for releasing the
pressure raised by the gas, which generates in the process of the
reaction. Generally, only a gas such as carbon dioxide can be
removed from the reaction system by passing the gas through a
cooling condenser for condensing a solvent such as methanol, which
is returned into the reaction vessel. In such case, the pressure is
preferably at 1 to 10 MPa, and more preferably at 2 to 9 MPa, and
further more preferably at 3 to 8, and most preferably at 3.5 to 7
MPa. Further, an inert gas such as nitrogen gas and argon gas can
be injected into the system in order to release more amounts of
carbon dioxide from the system. It may be applicable to add a
chemical material to adsorb carbon dioxide (such as calcium oxide)
into the system. However, it would be more preferable to release
the gas by means of adjusting the valve than that, in view of ion
residues.
[0045] Carbon dioxide gas is preferably included in the reaction
system in a molar number of 0.01 to 3, and in particular, of 0.02
to 2, and in more particular, of 0.03 to 1 and in most particular,
of 0.04 to 0.1, based on that of N-alkyl imidazole.
[0046] Also, in order to remove the imidazolium salts (B1) and (B2)
after the preparation, it would be applicable to an adsorption
treatment by an adsorbent (such as silica gel, activated carbon,
activated alumina and molecular sieve (e.g., 3A 1/16 manufactured
by Nacalai Tesque Corporation), a method for removing them by means
of recrystallization, a method for washing them by using a solvent,
a method for extracting by using a solvent, and etc. These methods
may be used solely or in combination thereof.
[0047] Also, the recrystallization would be accomplished either by
dissolving them into a solvent followed by lowering the temperature
or by gradually evaporating the solvent, so as to deposit crystals,
or by gradually adding a poor solvent so as to deposit
crystals.
[0048] The washing and extraction would be accomplished either by
using a separating funnel in which crystals are suspended in a
solvent followed by separating the crystals from the solvent, or by
using a magnetic stirrer to suspend crystals in a solvent followed
by separating the crystals from the solvent. The solvent useful for
the recrystallization, washing and extraction may include an
alcohol having a carbon number of 1 to 3 (such as methanol,
ethanol, n-propanol and isopropanol); a ketone having a carbon
number of 3 to 6 (such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, diethyl
ketone and methyl isobutyl ketone); and an ether having a carbon
number of 4 to 6 (such as diethyl ether, ethyl-n-propyl ether,
ethyl isopropyl ether, di-n-propyl ether, diisopropyl ether,
n-propyl isopropyl ether, dimethoxy ethane, methoxy ethoxy ethane
and diethoxy ethane). These solvents may be used solely or in
combination thereof. The solvent, while be varied depending on the
kind of the solvent, may be used in the process of the
recrystallization, washing or extraction at an amount of 0.5 to 10
times as large as, and in particular, at an amount of 1 to 8 times
as large as, and in more particular, 1.5 to 6 times as large as,
and in most particular, 2 to 5 times as large as, the weight of
electrolyte salt (A), in view of the amount necessary for
dissolving the compounds (B1) and (B2) as impurities, and in view
of less losing the electrolyte salt (A). Also, the solvent for use
in the washing or extraction, while be varied depending on the kind
of the solvent, may preferably have a temperature of 30.degree. C.
or less, and in particular, of 20.degree. C. or less, and in more
particular, of 10.degree. C. or less, and in most particular, of
0.degree. C. or less. As the poor solvent, a solvent having a low
solubility of an electrolyte and a low polar property can be used,
which may include hexane, heptane, toluene, xylene, etc.
[0049] The electrolytic solution of the present invention may
include a non-aqueous solvent. A known solvent may be appropriately
selected as the non-aqueous solvent, with considering a solubility
of the electrolytic salt (A) and an electrochemical stability
thereof. The followings can be used. Among them, it may be possible
to use the combination of two or more.
[0050] -Ethers: acyclic ethers having a carbon number of 4 to 12
(such as diethyl ether, methyl isopropyl ether, ethyleneglycol
dimethyl ether, diethyleneglycol dimethyl ether, triethyleneglycol
diethyl ether, tetraethyleneglycol diethyl ether, diethyleneglycol
diethyl ether, triethyleneglycol dimethyl ether, etc.); cyclic
ethers having a carbon number of 4 to 12 (such as tetrahydrofuran,
1,3-dioxolan, 1,4-dioxane, 4-butyl dioxolan, crown ether
(1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxa cyclooctadecan, etc.)
[0051] -Amidos: acyclic amides having a carbon number of 3 to 6
(such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide,
N,N-dimethylpropionamide, hexamethylphosphorylamide, etc.); and
cyclic amides having a carbon number of 4 to 6 (such as
pyrrolidinone, N-methylpyrrolidinone, N-vinylpyrrolidinone,
etc.);
[0052] -carboxylate esters: acyclic esters having a carbon number
of 3 to 8 (methyl acetate, methyl propionate, dimethyl adipate,
etc.); and cyclic esters having a carbon number of 4 to 5
(.gamma.-butyrolactone, .alpha.-acetyl-.gamma.-butyrolactone,
.beta.-butyrolactone, .gamma.-valerolactone, .delta.-valerolactone,
etc.);
[0053] -nitriles: nitriles having a carbon number of 2 to 5 (such
as acetonitrile, glutaronitrile, adiponitrile, methoxyacetonitrile,
3-methoxypropionitrile, 3-ethoxypropionitrile, acrylonitrile,
etc.);
[0054] -carbonates: acyclic carbonates having a carbon number of 3
to 4 (such as dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, diethyl
carbonate, etc.); and cyclic carbonates having a carbon number of 3
to 4 (such as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, butylene
carbonate, vinylene carbonate, etc.);
[0055] -sulfoxides: acyclic sulfoxides having a carbon number of 2
to 6 (such as dimethylsulfoxide, dipropylsulfoxide, etc.); and
cyclic sulfoxides having a carbon number of 4 to 6 (such as
sulforan, 3-methyl sulforan, 2,4-dimethyl sulforan, etc.);
[0056] -nitro compounds: nitromethane, nitroethane, etc.; and
[0057] -other cyclic compounds: N-methyl-2-oxazolidinone,
3,5-dimethyl-2-oxazolidinone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone,
etc.
[0058] Among them, it is preferable to use carbonates, sulfoxides,
carboxylate esters, and nitriles. It is more preferable to use
carbonates, sulfoxides and nitriles. In particular, it is
preferable to use ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and
sulforan. In more particular, it is preferable to use propylene
carbonate, and sulforan. These non-aqueous solvents may be used as
a mixture of two or more of the solvents. In case of such a
mixture, it is preferable to include, as a major component, at
least one non-aqueous solvent selected from the group consisting of
propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, butylene carbonate,
sulforan, methyl sulforan, acetonitrile, .gamma.-butyrolactone,
dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate.
In more detail, it is preferable to include, as a major component,
at least one non-aqueous solvent selected from the group consisting
of propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, sulforan, acetonitrile,
and .gamma.-butyrolactone. In more particular, it is preferable to
include, as a major component, at least one non-aqueous solvent
selected from the group consisting of propylene carbonate, sulforan
and acetonitrile. In the description here, the term "as a major
component" means that such a solvent is included in an amount of 50
to 99 wt %, and in particular, of 70 to 90 wt %.
[0059] The content of the non-aqueous solvent included in the
electrolytic solution is preferably at 30 to 95 wt %, and in
particular, at 40 to 90 wt %, and in more particular, at 50 to 85
wt %, and in most particular, at 60 to 80 wt %. In other words, the
lower limit of the contents of the non-aqueous solvent included in
the electrolytic solution is preferably at 30 wt %, and more
preferably at 40 wt %, and further more preferably at 50 wt %, and
most preferably at 60 wt %, and in a similar manner, the upper
limit of the content is preferably at 95 wt %, and more preferably
at 90 wt %, and further more preferably at 85 wt %, and most
preferably at 80 wt %. Within the range, less precipitation of
salts would occur at a low temperature, resulting in further
improving the performance deterioration with time of the
electrochemical capacitor.
[0060] The water content in the electrolytic solution is, in view
of electrochemical stability, preferably at 300 ppm or less, and in
particular, at 100 ppm or less, and in more particular, at 50 ppm
or less. Within the range, the performance deterioration with time
of the electrochemical capacitor can be avoided. The water content
in an electrolytic solution can be measured by means of Karl
Fischer's method (JIS K0113-1997, coulometric titration
method).
[0061] The range of the water content may be adjusted within the
defined range in the electrolytic solution, by means of using an
electrolyte salt (A) which is previously dried fully and using a
non-aqueous solvent which is previously dehydrated fully.
[0062] Such drying may be carried out under a reduced pressure and
under heated (for example, heated at a reduced pressure of 20 Torr
and at a temperature of 150.degree. C.), so as to evaporate and
remove an included small amount of water.
[0063] Such dehydration can be accomplished by subjecting it to a
heated dehydration under a reduced pressure (for example, heated at
a reduced pressure of 100 Torr), or by using a dehydrating agent
such as molecular sieve (3A 1/16, etc, manufactured by Nacalai
Tesque Corporation), activated alumina powder, etc.
[0064] In addition to the above, there may be a method of
subjecting the electrolytic solution to a heated dehydration under
a reduced pressure (for example, heated at a reduced pressure of
100 Torr and at a temperature of 100.degree. C.) so as to evaporate
and remove the including small amount of water, or to use a
dehydrating agent such as molecular sieve, activated alumina
powder, etc. These methods may be performed solely or in
combination thereof. Among them, the methods of heating and drying
the compound (A) under a reduced pressure, or method to add a
molecular sieve into an electrolytic solution are preferably
used.
[0065] The electrolytic solution of the present invention may be
adapted for an electrochemical capacitor. The electrochemical
capacitor includes, as a fundamental structure thereof, electrodes,
a collector, and a separator, and may have a case, gasket, etc.
which are generally used in a capacitor. An electrolytic solution
may be impregnated into an electrode and a separator inside a glove
box, etc. in an atmosphere of argon (having a dew point of
-50.degree. C.). Among various electrochemical capacitors, the
electrolytic solution of the present invention is preferably used
in an electrical double layer capacitor (which may have a polar
electrode as its electrode, using an activated carbon, etc.)
[0066] The electrical double layer capacitor has, as a fundamental
structure thereof, two polar electrodes, and a separator provided
therebetween, which are impregnated with an electrolytic solution.
The major component of the polar electrodes needs to be
electrochemically inert with the electrolytic solution, and to have
an appropriate electric conductivity. Thus, it may be preferably of
graphite, a carbon material such as a polyacene organic
semiconductor, etc., and as describe above, at least one of the
positive electrode and the negative electrode is of a carbon
material. In view of accomplishing a large electrode interface
where an electric charge is accumulated, it would be preferable to
use a porous carbon material (e.g., activated carbon) having a
relative surface area of 10 m.sup.2/g or more based on the
measurement by means of a BET method using a nitrogen adsorption
method. The relative surface area of a porous carbon material is
selected in considering a targeted capacitance per unit (F/m.sup.2)
and considering reduction of a dimension density due to the
increase of the relative surface area. Thus, it would be preferable
to use an activated carbon having a relative surface area of 30 to
2,500 m.sup.2/g based on the measurement by means of a BET method
using a nitrogen adsorption method, and further in view of a large
capacitance per volume, it would be preferable to use an activated
carbon having the relative surface area of 300 to 2,300
m.sup.2/g.
[0067] The electrolytic solution of the present invention may be
also adapted for an aluminum electrolytic capacitor. The
fundamental structure of the aluminum electrolytic capacitor is
prepared by subjecting an aluminum foil, which is to be an
electrode, to an electrochemical treatment to form an oxide film on
the surface thereof, to make it functioning as a dielectric
material, and providing an electrolytic paper impregnated with an
electrolytic solution between the electrode and a counter electrode
of an aluminum foil.
[0068] The electrochemical capacitor of the present invention is in
a form of coin type, wound type, and rectangular type. The
electrolytic solution of the present invention may be preferably
adapted either for the electric double layer capacitor or the
aluminum electrolytic capacitor.
EXAMPLES
[0069] The examples and comparative examples of the present
invention are described as follows, but the present invention shall
not be limited thereto. So long as other specific description is
provided, the term "parts" means "parts by weight" in the following
description.
Example 1
[0070] 82 parts of 2-methylimidazole (CUREZOL 2MZ manufactured by
Shikoku Chemicals Corporation), 144 parts of tetrahydrofuran, and
56 parts of potassium hydroxide were put into an autoclave made of
a stainless steel equipped with a cooling condenser and mixed
homogenously. Then, the temperature was raised to 70.degree. C.,
and 71 parts of ethyl chloride were gradually put in drops therein.
The temperature was found to be raised due to the reaction, the
dropping was taken for a period of about 2 hours in order to keep
the temperature at a range of 70.degree. C..+-.5.degree. C., and
after finishing the dropping, they were aged for a period of about
2 hours. The resultant reactant was distilled to obtain 50 parts of
1-ethyl-2-methylimidazole.
[0071] 110 parts of 1-ethyl-2-methylimidazole, as prepared, 135
parts of dimethyl carbonate, 192 parts of methanol were put into an
autoclave made of a stainless steel equipped with a cooling
condenser and mixed homogenously. After nitrogen substitution, the
temperature was then raised to 130.degree. C. while being sealed,
so as to initiate a reaction. At the beginning, the pressure was
approximately at 4.5 Kg/cm.sup.2, but it was gradually raised due
to generation of carbon dioxide, so that the gasses were
appropriately released from the upper part of the cooling
condenser, adjusted at a pressure of about 7 Kg/cm.sup.2 or less.
After 60 hours, they were cooled at 30.degree. C., and the result
of the reacted solution by means of .sup.1H-NMR showed that
1-ethyl-2-methylimidazole was disappeared and
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium monomethyl carbonate was produced
approximately under a quantitative theory. Into 428 parts of the
resultant solution of 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium monomethyl
carbonate, methanol and dimethyl carbonate, 205 parts of an aqueous
solution of fluoroboric acid at a concentration of 42 wt % were
gradually put in drops with stirring at a temperature of 25.degree.
C. over a period of about 30 minutes. As putting them in drops,
bubbles of carbon dioxide were generated. Finishing the dropping
and the generation of the bubbles, all the solvents were removed at
a pressure of 20 Torr and at a temperature of 150.degree. C., so as
to obtain 208 parts of a white solid (1). The examinations of
.sup.1H-NMR, .sup.19F-NMR, .sup.13C-NMR and HPLC resulted in
showing that 98 mol % of 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium
tetrafluoroborate (which is hereinafter shortened as
"EDMI.BF.sub.4"), 2 mol %, in total, of
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-ca- rboxylate-5-carboxy imidazolium and
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-carboxy-5-carbo- xylate imidazolium. The
HPLC analysis was performed in the conditions as described above.
The conditions were the same in the following examples.
[0072] 212 parts of the resultant white solid (1) were dissolved
wholly into propylene carbonate, to obtain 1 liter of an
electrolyte solution. Into 100 parts of the electrolyte solution, 3
parts of a molecular sieve (Type 3A 1/16 manufactured by Nacalai
Tesque Corporation) were added, and left and dried them at a
temperature of 25.degree. C. for a period of 60 hours, so as to
obtain an electrolytic solution 1. The electrolytic solution had a
water content of 5 ppm.
Example 2
[0073] 400 g of the white solid (1) obtained in Example 1 were
added into 2000 ml of methanol, and heated at a temperature of
60.degree. C. for dissolution, followed by subjecting them to
filtration under heated. The filtrated liquid was gradually cooled
to 15.degree. C., and thereby deposited crystals were collected by
filtration. The collected crystals were washed with methanol at a
temperature of 15.degree. C., followed by drying them under a
reduced pressure, so as to obtain a white solid (2). The
examinations of .sup.1H-NMR, .sup.19F-NMR, .sup.13C-NMR and HPLC
resulted in showing that the white solid (2) included 99.95 mol %
of EDMI.BF.sub.4, and 0.05 mol %, in total, of
1-ethyl-,2,3-dimethyl-4-carbo- xylate imidazolium,
1-ethyl-,2,3-dimethyl-5-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-ethyl-,2,3-dimethyl-4-carboxylate-5-carboxy imidazolium,
1-ethyl-,2,3-dimethyl-4-carboxy-5-carboxylate imidazolium.
[0074] 212 parts of the resultant white solid (2) were dissolved
wholly into propylene carbonate, to obtain 1 liter of an
electrolytic solution. Into 100 parts of the electrolyte solution,
3 parts of a molecular sieve were added, and left and dried them at
a temperature of 25.degree. C. for a period of 60 hours, so as to
obtain an electrolytic solution 2. The electrolytic solution had a
water content of 5 ppm.
[0075] 212 parts of the resultant white solid (1) obtained in
Example 2 were dissolved wholly into a mixture solvent of propylene
carbonate and ethylene carbonate (weight ratio of 1:1), to obtain 1
liter of an electrolytic solution. Into 100 parts of the
electrolyte solution, 3 parts of a molecular sieve were added, and
left and dried them at a temperature of 25.degree. C. for a period
of 60 hours, so as to obtain an electrolytic solution 3. The
electrolytic solution had a water content of 5 ppm.
Example 4
[0076] 96 parts of 1,2-dimethylimidazole (CUREZOL 1.2DMZ
manufactured by Shikoku Chemicals Corporation), 135 parts of
dimethyl carbonate, 192 parts of methanol were put into an
autoclave made of a stainless steel equipped with a cooling
condenser and mixed homogenously. After nitrogen substitution, the
temperature was then raised to 130.degree. C. while being sealed,
so as to initiate a reaction. At the beginning, the pressure was
approximately at 4.5 Kg/cm.sup.2, but it was gradually raised due
to generation of carbon dioxide, so that the gasses were
appropriately released from the upper part of the cooling
condenser, adjusted at a pressure of about 7 Kg/cm.sup.2 or less.
After 60 hours, they were cooled at 30.degree. C., and the result
of the reacted solution by means of .sup.1H-NMR showed that
1,2-dimethylimidazole was disappeared and
1,2,3-trimethylimidazolium monomethyl carbonate was produced
approximately under a quantitative theory. Into 415 parts of the
resultant solution of 1,2,3-trimethylimidazolium monomethyl
carbonate, methanol and dimethyl carbonate, 205 parts of an aqueous
solution of fluoroboric acid at a concentration of 42 wt % was
gradually put in drops while stirring at a temperature of
25.degree. C. over a period of about 30 minutes. As putting it in
drops, bubbles of carbon dioxide were generated. Finishing the
dropping and the generation of the bubbles, all the solvents were
removed at a pressure of 20 Torr and at a temperature of
150.degree. C., so as to obtain 194 parts of a white solid (3). The
examinations of .sup.1H-NMR, .sup.19F-NMR, .sup.13C-NMR and HPLC of
the white solid (3) resulted in showing that 98 mol % of
1,2,3-trimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (which is hereinafter
shortened as "TMI.BF.sub.4"), 2 mol %, in total, of
1,2,3-trimethyl-4-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,2,3-trimethyl-4-carboxy-5-ca- rboxylate imidazolium.
[0077] 198 parts of the resultant white solid (3) were dissolved
wholly into propylene carbonate, to obtain 1 liter of an
electrolyte solution. Into 100 parts of the electrolyte solution, 3
parts of a molecular sieve were added, and left and dried them at a
temperature of 25.degree. C. for a period of 60 hours, so as to
obtain an electrolytic solution 4. The electrolytic solution had a
water content of 5 ppm.
Example 5
[0078] 400 g of the white solid (3) obtained in Example 4 were
added into 2000 ml of methanol, and heated at a temperature of
60.degree. C. for dissolution, followed by subjecting them to
filtration under heated. The filtrated liquid was gradually cooled
to 15.degree. C., and thereby deposited crystals were collected by
filtration. The collected crystals were washed with methanol at a
temperature of 15.degree. C., followed by drying them under a
reduced pressure, so as to obtain a white solid (4). The
examinations of .sup.1H-NMR, .sup.19F-NMR, .sup.13C-NMR and HPLC of
the white solid (4) resulted in showing that the white solid (4)
included 99.95 mol % of TMI.BF.sub.4, and 0.05 mol %, in total, of
1,2,3-trimethyl-4-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,2,3-trimethyl-4-carboxy-5-ca- rboxylate imidazolium.
[0079] 198 parts of the resultant white solid (4) were dissolved
wholly into propylene carbonate, to obtain 1 liter of an
electrolytic solution. Into 100 parts of the electrolyte solution,
3 parts of a molecular sieve were added, and left and dried them at
a temperature of 25.degree. C. for a period of 60 hours, so as to
obtain an electrolytic solution 5. The electrolytic solution had a
water content of 2 ppm.
Example 6
[0080] 400 g of the white solid (3) obtained in Example 4 were
added into 500 ml of acetone, and suspended them at a temperature
of 25.degree. C. for a period of 5 hours, followed by subjecting
them to filtration using a glass filter. The solids on the glass
filter were washed with methanol at a temperature of 15.degree. C.,
followed by drying them under a reduced pressure. The examinations
of .sup.1H-NMR, .sup.19F-NMR, .sup.13C-NMR and HPLC resulted in
showing that the white solid (6) included 99.9 mol % of
TMI.BF.sub.4, and 0.1 mol %, in total, of
1,2,3-trimethyl-4-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,2,3-trimethyl-4-carboxy-5-ca- rboxylate imidazolium.
[0081] 198 parts of the resultant white solid (6) were dissolved
wholly into propylene carbonate, to obtain 1 liter of an
electrolytic solution. Into 100 parts of the electrolyte solution,
3 parts of a molecular sieve were added, and left and dried them at
a temperature of 25.degree. C. for a period of 60 hours, so as to
obtain an electrolytic solution 6. The electrolytic solution had a
water content of 2 ppm.
Example 7
[0082] 212 parts of the resultant white solid (6) obtained in
Example 6 were dissolved wholly into a mixture solvent of propylene
carbonate and dimethyl carbonate (weight ratio of 7:3), to obtain 1
liter of an electrolytic solution. Into 100 parts of the
electrolyte solution, 3 parts of a molecular sieve were added, and
left and dried them at a temperature of 25.degree. C. for a period
of 60 hours, so as to obtain an electrolytic solution 7. The
electrolytic solution had a water content of 3 ppm.
Comparative Example 1
[0083] 96 parts of 1-ethylimidazole, 135 parts of dimethyl
carbonate, 192 parts of methanol were put into an autoclave made of
a stainless steel equipped with a cooling condenser and mixed
homogenously. After nitrogen substitution, the temperature was then
raised to 130.degree. C. while being sealed, so as to initiate a
reaction. At the beginning, the pressure was approximately at 4.5
Kg/cm.sup.2, but it was gradually raised due to generation of
carbon dioxide, so that the gasses were appropriately released from
the upper part of the cooling condenser, adjusted at a pressure of
about 7 Kg/cm.sup.2 or less. After 60 hours, they were cooled at
30.degree. C., and the result of the reacted solution by means of
.sup.1H-NMR showed that 1-ethylimidazole was disappeared and
1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium monomethyl carbonate was produced
approximately under a quantitative theory. Into 415 parts of the
resultant solution of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium monomethyl
carbonate, methanol and dimethyl carbonate, 205 parts of an aqueous
solution of fluoroboric acid at a concentration of 42 wt % was
gradually put in drops with stirring at a temperature of 25.degree.
C. over a period of about 30 minutes. As putting them in drops,
bubbles of carbon dioxide were generated. Finishing the dropping
and the generation of the bubbles, all the solvents were removed at
a pressure of 20 Torr and at a temperature of 150.degree. C., so as
to obtain 194 parts of a transparent and colorless liquid (1). The
examinations of .sup.1H-NMR, .sup.19F-NMR, .sup.13C-NMR and HPLC of
the liquid (1) resulted in showing that 98 mol % of
1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (which is
hereinafter shortened as "EMI.BF.sub.4"), 2 mol %, in total, of
1-ethyl-3-methyl-4-carboxylate imidazolium,
1-ethyl-3-methyl-5-carboxylat- e imidazolium,
1-ethyl-3-methyl-4-carboxylate-5-carboxy imidazolium, and
1-ethyl-3-methyl-4-carboxy-5-carboxylate imidazolium.
[0084] 198 parts of the resultant liquid (1) were dissolved wholly
into propylene carbonate, to obtain 1 liter of an electrolyte
solution. Into 100 parts of the electrolyte solution, 3 parts of a
molecular sieve were added, and left and dried them at a
temperature of 25.degree. C. for a period of 60 hours, so as to
obtain a comparative electrolytic solution 1. The electrolytic
solution had water content of 10 ppm.
Comparative Example 2
[0085] 82 parts of 1-methylimidazole, 135 parts of dimethyl
carbonate, 192 parts of methanol were put into an autoclave made of
a stainless steel equipped with a cooling condenser and mixed
homogenously. After nitrogen substitution, the temperature was then
raised to 130.degree. C. while being sealed, so as to initiate a
reaction. At the beginning, the pressure was approximately at 4.5
Kg/cm.sup.2, but it was gradually raised due to generation of
carbon dioxide, so that the gasses were appropriately released from
the upper part of the cooling condenser, adjusted at a pressure of
about 7 Kg/cm.sup.2 or less. After 60 hours, they were cooled at
30.degree. C., and the result of the reacted solution by means of
.sup.1H-NMR showed that 1-methylimidazole was disappeared and
1,3-dimethylimidazolium monomethyl carbonate was produced
approximately under a quantitative theory. Into 401 parts of the
resultant solution of 1,3-dimethylimidazolium monomethyl carbonate,
methanol and dimethyl carbonate, 205 parts of an aqueous solution
of fluoroboric acid at a concentration of 42 wt % was gradually put
in drops with stirring at a room temperature over a period of about
30 minutes. As putting them in drops, bubbles of carbon dioxide
were generated. Finishing the dropping and the generation of the
bubbles, all the solvents were removed at a pressure of 20 Torr and
at a temperature of 150.degree. C., so as to obtain 180 parts of a
white solid (4). The examinations of .sup.1H-NMR, .sup.19F-NMR,
.sup.13C-NMR and HPLC of the white solid (4) resulted in showing
that 98 mol % of 1,3-diethyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (which
is hereinafter shortened as "DMI.BF.sub.4"), 2 mol %, in total, of
1,3-dimethyl-4-carboxylate imidazolium,
1,3-dimethyl-4-carboxy-5-carboxyl- ate imidazolium.
[0086] 184 parts of the resultant white solid (4) were dissolved
wholly into propylene carbonate, to obtain 1 liter of an
electrolyte solution. Into 100 parts of the electrolyte solution, 3
parts of a molecular sieve were added, and left and dried them at a
temperature of 25.degree. C. for a period of 60 hours, so as to
obtain a comparative electrolytic solution 2. The electrolytic
solution had a water content of 10 ppm.
[0087] Using the electrolytic solutions 1 to 7 according to the
present invention, and comparative electrolytic solutions 1 and 2,
electrochemical capacitors in type of a wound type were prepared to
evaluate a self-discharge property and a capacitance retention
rate, whose results are summarized in Table 1.
[0088] (1) Self-discharge Property
[0089] Using the electrolytic solutions 1 to 7 according to the
present invention, and comparative electrolytic solutions 1 and 2,
six electrochemical capacitors in type of a wound type (having a
size of 18 mm in diameter and 150 mm in length, a rated voltage:
2.3V, and positive and negative electrodes: activated carbon) were
prepared, and the capacitors in type of a wound type were used to
measure the self-discharge property, which was evaluated as a
voltage proof of the electrolytic solution.
[0090] Method for Measuring a Self-Discharge Property
[0091] The electrochemical capacitors in type of a wound type were
charged at a temperature of 25.degree. C. at a voltage of 2.5V for
a period of 24 hours, followed by leaving them at a temperature of
25.degree. C. for a period of 50 hours. Then, a voltage between the
terminals of the wound type electrochemical capacitors was
measured. The voltage between the terminals (remaining voltage),
obtained in this measurement, was evaluated as the self-discharge
property. The higher the remaining voltage is, the better (higher)
the self-discharge property (voltage proof) is, and in other word,
the lower the remaining voltage is, the worse (lower) the
self-discharge property (voltage proof) is.
[0092] (2) Capacitance Retention Rate
[0093] The wound type electrochemical capacitors prepared in the
section (1) above were subjected to a high temperature load test of
a voltage of 2V at a temperature of 70.degree. C., and calculating
a capacitance retention rate after 1000 hours by the following
formula:
Capacitance Retention Rate (%)=[(capacitance after 1000
hours)/(capacitance at the beginning)].times.100
[0094] Method for Measuring a Capacitance
[0095] The electrochemical capacitors in type of a wound type were
charged at a temperature of 25.degree. C. at a voltage of 2.0V for
a period of 1 hour, followed by subjecting them to a constant
current discharge at a current of 1A, while measuring a period for
reducing the voltage of the terminals of the wound type
electrochemical capacitors from 1.7V to 1.3V, calculating a
capacitance by the following formula:
C=i.times..DELTA.t/.DELTA.V (Formula 2)
[0096] This formula is obtained by the relationship:
Q=i.times.t=C.times.V, where "Q" represents a discharged electric
charge (C), "i" represents a discharge current (A), "t" represents
a discharge period (sec), "C" represents a capacitance (F), and "V"
represents a voltage (V), satisfying the equations of i=1(A) and
.DELTA.V=1.7-1.3=0.4(V).
1 TABLE 1 Content Self- Capaci- of (B1) discharge tance and (B2)
property Retention Electrolyte (mole %) Solvent (V) Rate (%)
Example 1 EDMI.BF.sub.4 2 PC 2.38 94 Example 2 EDMI.BF.sub.4 0.05
PC 2.42 96 Example 3 EDMI.BF.sub.4 0.05 PC/EC 2.43 97 Example 4
TMI.BF.sub.4 2 PC 2.38 95 Example 5 TMI.BF.sub.4 0.05 PC 2.45 97
Example 6 TMI.BF.sub.4 0.1 PC 2.43 96 Example 7 TMI.BF.sub.4 0.1
PC/DMC 2.44 97 Compara- EMI.BF.sub.4 2 PC 2.16 87 tive Example 1
Compara- DMI.BF.sub.4 2 PC 2.16 87 tive Example 2 EDMI.BF.sub.4:
1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazoli- um tetrafluoroborate TMI.BF.sub.4:
1,2,3-trimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate EMI.BF.sub.4:
1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate DMI.BF.sub.4:
1,3-dimethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate PC: propylene carbonate
EC: ethylene carbonate DMC: dimethyl carbonate
[0097] As is apparent from Table 1, the electrochemical capacitors
using the electrolytic solutions 1 to 7 of the present invention
have self-discharge properties and capacitance retention rates
higher than those of the electrochemical capacitors using the
comparative electrolytic solutions 1 and 2. Thus, it is apparent
that the electrolytic solutions of the present invention
significantly improve the performance deterioration with time of
the electrochemical capacitors. It would be noted that the
electrolytic solutions in Examples 1 to 7 of the present invention,
even in the case of application of an electrochemical capacitor and
continuously subjecting it to a voltage, did not show an alkalinity
to deteriorate a rubber packing for the prevention of leak,
resulting in high reliability as to leak.
Industrial Applicability
[0098] The electrolytic solution of the present invention is
superior in voltage proof so that the electrochemical capacitor
using such electrolytic solution shows much less performance
deterioration with time than conventional electrochemical
capacitors. Therefore, it would be applicable to various electronic
devices for memory backup, various power sources as a back-up power
source, battery equipments which may be substituted with secondary
batteries such as battery elements used in combination with solar
batteries, power sources for driving motors requiring a large
amount of electric current, power sources for power tools such as
electric tools, and power sources for battery cars.
* * * * *