Nanoparticle Capacitors for Multi-Point Initiation

High-energy-density multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are receiving more attention because of their strong potential in both military and commercial pulsed power applications. Current commercially available power capacitors, however, suffers from low energy density, low voltage rating, poor stability in a wide temperature range, and high costs. This SBIR project will be devoted into the development of a novel class of high energy density, high voltage MLCCs based on an innovatively designed nanocomposite dielectric material. In addition, the proposed dielectric and capacitors can be processed through scalable and cost-effective methods that exhibit good compatibility with the existing industry technologies, thereby providing for an attractive scalability and potentially low costs suitable for mass productions. In Phase I, the feasibility of the proposed technology will be demonstrated through material design, processing, MLCC prototyping, and characterization. In Phase II, both material design and processing will be further optimized. Based on the results, process scaling-up will be carried out, and MLCCs with the targeted properties will be prototyped. Promising performance of the developed MLCC will be demonstrated through more extensive tests with a focus on high energy density, high voltage rating, enhanced temperature stability, and reduced costs.