Novel Ultracapacitor Electrodes for High Power Applications

40532 November 12, 1996 Technical Research Associates, Inc. Capacitors with extremely high power densities (¿ultracapacitors¿) offer significant performance advantages in automotive applications by leveling the loads on the batteries. Current powder electrode ultracapacitors, however, have too much internal resistance to be well suited to high power applications. In this project, ultracapacitor electrodes will be constructed from aligned carbon fibers, bonded to metal end caps. By using a unique coating on the ends of the fibers, high conductivity joints between the fibers and the end caps will be produced. The performance of the capacitors will be evaluated using aqueous electrolytes, and will be compared with DOE's design goals for ultracapacitors. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: High conductivity joints between the carbon electrodes and the metal end caps should increase the peak power available from the ultracapacitors, without reducing the capacity. They should be well-suited to automotive, load-leveling, and pulse power applications.