SBIR Phase I: Functionalized Polysiloxanes for Improved Low Temperature Performance of Supercapacitors

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a functionalized polysiloxane based electrolyte system for electrochemical capacitors, or supercapacitors, that has high conductivity at low temperatures and provides high power density over the entire temperature range (-55 to 95oC) while maintaining a low cost. This functionalized polysiloxane will be synthesized by condensation polymerization of a mono-functional siloxane with a terminal cyano-group. The flexible siloxane polymer backbone along with the functional groups will enable high ionic conductivity at low temperature with reduced volatility. The electrolyte will be evaluated with respect to ionic conductivity from -55 to 95oC. Supercapacitors are an ideal solution for automotive applications, where they can absorb energy from braking and release it for acceleration, thus reducing fuel consumption and environmental pollution while increasing efficiency. The endless cycles of acceleration followed by braking make supercapacitors ideal for mass transit train, subway, and metro systems. In industrial electronics supercapacitors are being used in un-interruptible power supplies, elevators, and pallet trucks. Emerging microsystem technologies in space, medical, industrial control, and defense applications need integrated power in a small volume.