Energetic variational approach for prediction of thermal electrokinetics in charging and discharging processes of electrical double layer capacitors

This work proposes a new variational, thermodynamically consistent model to predict thermal electrokinetics in electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) by using an energetic variational approach. The least action principle and maximum dissipation from the non-equilibrium thermodynamics are employed develop modified Nernst–Planck equations for non-isothermal ion transport with temperature inhomogeneity. Laws of derive evolution equation heat sources due pressure electrostatic interactions. Numerical simulations successfully oscillation charging–discharging processes EDLCs, indicating that developed is able capture reversible irreversible generations. impact ionic sizes scan rate surface potential on transport, generation, charge current systematically assessed cyclic voltammetry simulations. It found EDLCs cannot follow fast rates, showing delayed dynamics hysteresis diagrams. Our thus provides useful tool physics-based prediction EDLCs.