novel electrolytic capacitors are based on a composite liquid crystal electrolyte sandwiched between two electrodes where the electrolyte comprises a dispersion of a lyotropic liquid crystal in a dispersion media , and where the liquid crystal is a chromonic liquid crystal and the dispersion media is selected from a variety of materials ranging from liquids to solid polymers . further the electrolyte optimally including a surfactant or surfactant system selected so as to influence the charge characteristics of the capacitor . the capacitors provide relatively high capacitance in a relatively thin device ; are insensitive to reversal of polarity of an applied bias voltage ; and can be produced at selected charging and discharging frequencies which in turn influences the characteristics of release of stored power . the invention further relates to methods of making the capacitors which utilize low cost materials and low cost fabrication techniques .