Advanced Capacitors For Miniaturized Munition Fuzing

In the proposed program, thin-film capacitors will be developed based on low-cost transition metal nitrides for miniaturized munition fuzing as well as several other applications with high power and voltage requirements With transition metal nitrides having conductivity values similar to their corresponding metal and an unprecedented high surface area that will be achieved through our approach, high power as well as high energy densities are likely to be achieved. The combination of high surface area thin-film electrodes with an aqueous alkaline electrolyte will result in a low ESR. Our approach should also result in strong adhesion between the electrode film and the current collector. As a result of having robust electrode assembly, the cycle life shall be improved compared to electrodes fabricated using conventional techniques. During Phase I, we will develop the electrode growth technique on metallic and conductive polymer substrates. The materials will be characterized using microscopy, transport and electrochemical techniques, including testing in capacitors. The Phase It program will expand on the materials fabrication to reach optimal characteristics for our application. Extensive capacitor assembly (symmetric and hybrid) and characterization will take place during this Phase in collaboration with Evans Capacitor Co., who will be marketing the technology.