Enhanced Carbon Nanotube Ultracapacitors

The proposed innovation utilizes carbon nanotubes (CNTs) coated with pseudo-capacitive MnO2 material as nano-composite electrode and ionic electrolyte for the construction of ultracapacitors. This novel approach of using nano-structured CNTs architectures provides high surface area of attachment of MnO2 nano-particles to maximize the charge efficiency and power capacity and to reduce series resistance. Preliminary results at Vanderbilt University using this CNTs/ MnO2 nano-composite as electrode of an ultracapacitor has demonstrated enhanced capacitor behavior of >400X over pristine CNTs as electrode. During Phase I, we will demonstrate in the laboratory that the proposed novel concept is feasible and measure the power and energy generation capacity, efficiency, and charging/discharging cycle durability. The key factor to successful exploitation of the CNT/ MnO2 nano-structured composite for ultracapacitor applications is closely related to further understanding and control of the physics, materials, and micro-fabrication technology. The proposed Phase I work provides a systematic, logical, and coherent investigation of the material issue, device fabrication, characterization, simulation, evaluation, and optimization to meet high power requirements.

Minimizing the use of oil in the US economy requires the invention of advanced energy storage devices that provide orders of magnitude higher efficiencies over present commercial technology. The application of enhanced CNT ultracapacitors in the automotive, aviation, and military provides an enormous market; which ,as is well understood in economics, drives cost down providing advanced innovation to markets that might not be induced into pursuing cutting edge science and engineering due to the inherent risk (and cost) associated with it.

Enhanced CNT Ultracapacitors will have dramatic effects on NASA applications. The potential enhancements over current technology will allow MgO2 enhanced CNT ultracapacitors to be utilized anywhere independent power sources are required. Ultracapacitors combined with battery technology can power spacecraft, lunar surface mobility systems, and portable electronic equipment.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.