Carbide Electrodes for High Power Ultracapacitors

In this project we will develop processes for fabricating new high surface area (HSA) ceramic electrode materials. These processes will be extensions of processes developed for producing carbon sieves. The new materials will be similar but superior to HSA molybdenum nitride electrodes developed recently by T/J Technologies, Inc. Carbide based electrodes produced by this new process will significantly enhance the volumetric energy storage density and reduce the cost relative to existing ultracapacitors. The proposed processes will also afford greater control of the electrode microstructure. Microstructural engineering of the electrodes will be effective for increasing power density and optimizing electrodes for specific electrolytes or applications. We will develop processes for producing powder samples and map the relationship of pore size distribution and composition to the processing conditions. We will then fabricate thick film electrodes and assemble test cells. Electrode performance evaluation will include specific capacitance, frequency response, and electrochemical stability. In phase II we will scale up the deposition process and produce prototype devices. Prototypes will be evaluated to determine energy and power density, equivalent series resistance, leakage current, and cycle life.