Unconventional Space Power

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop new electrochemical supercapacitor materials for high power space applications that will complement current photovoltaic/battery space power systems. PI will synthesize polymeric supercapacitor materialsthat will provide double the energy density of current state-of-the-art supercapacitors by incorporating electron withdrawing substituents along the polymer backbone. Through proper choice of substituents, the operating voltage of the supercapacitor isincreased, and the resultant the power density will exceed 14 kW/kg. Furthermore, the substituents will expand the charging/discharging lifetime with out loss in peak power performance. PSI will synthesize the new polymer-based materials, evaluate theirelectrochemical performance, build supercapacitor tee-cells for testing, and design a space power system concept capable of delivering > 30 kW of power. During the Phase II program, coin cell devices will be fabricated and tested.