Safe High-Energy Long-Life (SHELL) Solid-State Ultracapacitors

To reduce DTRA’s dependence on batteries and their associated logistics, advanced power supplies, which are able to charge quickly and work in a wide variety of environmental conditions, and are reusable over many charge-discharge cycles without loss of performance, are greatly required. Lynntech proposes to develop safe, high energy, long-life (SHELL) solid-state ultracapacitors by using rationally-designed nanostructured electrode materials and solid-state electrolytes. The proposed SHELL ultracapacitors can provide reliable power to military operations, particularly surveillance and remotely operated technology-based activities over a wide operating temperture range. In the Phase I study, both innovative electrode materials with high specific capacitance and very good cycling stability, and safe solid-state electrolytes with high ionic conductity over a wide temperature range were successfully developed. In addition, the solid-state ultracapacitors with high energy and power densities as well as high safety, which can bridge the gap of conventional batteries and ultracapacitors, were successfully fabricated and tested. During Phase II, we will further improve the electrode and electrolyte components, develop and deliver prototype ultracapacitors to DTRA for validation, and demonstrate its ability to meet DTRA’s requirements. Lynntech will also perform a cost assessment and develop a technology transition plan demonstrating manufacturing feasibility.