FUEL CELL CATALYSTS AND ULTRACAPACITORS FOR ADVANCED TRANSPORTATION APPLICATIONS
1
High Energy and Power Ultracapacitors Utilizing Novel Type III Polymers
and Non-Aqueous Electrolytes
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER86074
Amount: $500,000
|
Small Business Covalent Associates, Inc. |
Research Institution University of Texas-Dallas |
Ultracapacitors have application in electric vehicles, computer memory back-up, and as power sources for light-weight communications and other consumer electronic devices that require rapid charging/discharging and extended cycle life. Although polymer based ultracapacitor electrodes have received attention in the laboratory, acceptable electrolyte solutions and packaging have not been identified. The formation of these materials on appropriate current collector materials and the optimization of suitable nonaqueous electrolytes are needed. This project will optimize the electrochemical characteristics of polymer electrodes with nonaqueous electrolytes and develop techniques for packaging the system in a plastic prismatic cell. Phase I demonstrated not only that prismatic devices based on type III polymer electrodes could be assembled, but also that cell voltage could be increased with proper cell design. Phase II will continue the optimization of the polymer film deposition for type III polymer ultracapacitors. New polythiophene films will be developed to increase cell voltage, and the thin prismatic packaging of these ultacapacitors will be optimized, suitable for high voltage device applications.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The use of electronically conducting polymers as electrodes should offer high energy and power density at low cost. The thin packaging would make these ultracapacitors ideal not only for the above-mentioned applications but also for such applications as smart card which requires a thin format.