High Performance Electrochemical Capacitor Using Nanomaterials for Electrodes.

EnerG2, Inc. will develop prototype ultracapacitors meeting U.S. Army objectives built from our proprietary NC2-Series carbon electrode material. Our carbon is synthesized from chemically pure organic carbon precursors, and its nanostructure is engineered to specific surface area and pore structure targets. In Phase I, we established (1) feasibility of a specific synthetic route to high surface area carbons; (2) important relationships between specific surface area and pyrolytic weight loss; and (3) that the particular pore sizes of our activated carbons greatly enhance specific capacitance. These successes dictate a Phase II work plan that embraces (1) focused process optimization at three specific manufacturing stages; (2) scale-up preparations with up to eight contract manufacturing partners; and (3) delivery to the Army of ultracapacitor prototypes with energy densities > 39 Wh/kg, power densities > 57 kW/kg, and ability to withstand substantial thermal, mechanical, and electrical stresses. Implicit in our work plan is demonstration of manufacturing feasibility of NC2-Series carbon on a large scale and at low cost and assessment of best candidate military and commercial devices. EnerG2 has achieved Stage 1 commercialization and is ready to supply product to customers via an outsourced manufacturing model.