CUBIC AEROSPACE, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: MDA19-011

Description

Electrostatic double layer capacitors (aka, supercapacitors) provide high power densities, ultrafast recharge, and long cycle lives for applications requiring high duty cycle, and high pulse power output. Supercapacitors rely on highly porous carbon materials to provide sufficient surface area to generate high capacitance. Metal oxides are commonly incorporated into supercapacitor electrodes to improve energy density and performance. Organic electrolytes used in high voltage (>2V) supercapacitors commonly use acetonitrile which is toxic. The presence of metal oxides and toxic solvents complicates end of life device disposal. Non-toxic alternatives to the electrode materials and electrolytes used in high voltage supercapacitors are sought by the MDA to simplify and reduce cost of disposal of these devices at the end of life. In this Phase II program, CFD Research and our partners will develop and deliver a supercapacitor based on plant-derived carbon electrodes with non-toxic organic electrolytes. The team will optimize and scale up production of non-toxic plant-derived carbon electrodes, develop a suitable non-toxic organic electrolyte formulation for a high voltage supercapacitor, and produce a >100F prototype device for test and evaluation. The non-toxic prototype supercapacitor will be designed to deliver energy and power density comparable to or better than existing commercial devices containing toxic constituents. Approved for Public Release | 20-MDA-10643 (3 Dec 20)