Nano-Engineered Carbon Electrochemical Capacitors

The Department of Energy has identified a need for improved energy storage devices utilizing carbon nano-tubes and other nano-engineered materials. This project will develop an innovative all-solid-polymer-electrolyte Electrochemical Double-Layer Capacitor, utilizing nano-porous carbon powders obtained by selective leaching of metals from metal carbides. The proposed capacitors will not contain any liquid electrolytes and will be free of corrosive and toxic chemicals. The Phase I project successfully demonstrated the feasibility of devising high energy and high power capacitors using synthesized nano-porous carbon powders. The Phase II project will continue, as well as refine, the developmental work started in Phase I and fabricate a 150-cell all-solid-polymer-electrolyte Electrochemical Double-Layer Capacitor device that could be charged up to 150 volts, operate in the temperature range of -30 degrees Centigrade to +80 degrees Centigrade and capable of charging/discharging for 500,000 cycles. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: High-energy and high-power Electrochemical Double-Layer Capacitors are prime candidates for use in industrial power management, and in automotive and consumer electronics.