Magnetically Modified Asymmetric Supercapacitors

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is for the development of an asymmetric supercapacitor that will have improved energy density and cycle life. Supercapacitors that utilize an aqueous electrolyte are limited to a maximum voltage of 1 volt due to the decomposition of water. Methods used to increase voltage include use of an organic electrolyte, which introduces additional complexity, cost and undesirable environmental concerns, or to use an asymmetric or hybrid configuration, with two different electrode materials. Supercapacitors that utilize MnO2 and carbon as the electrodes have been developed. However, due to changes in the MnO2 while cycling the capacitor to 2 volts, the MnO2 will change over time and lose its ability to cycle. One method around this problem, reported in the literature, is to charge the capacitor to 1.5 volts, resulting in reduced power and energy storage. In this Phase I program Giner, Inc. will demonstrate a novel solution to this problem by modifying the MnO2 positive electrode through the use of magnetic microparticles dispersed throughout the electrode structure. Using a Giner, Inc. novel high-energy density carbon as the negative electrode, complete, button-cell capacitors will be assembled and tested.

There are three major markets where supercapacitors are needed, each having its own specific requirements. These are industrial power management, automotive and consumer electronics. By far the highest-value target is the global automobile industry which wants to use supercapacitors as load-leveling devices with batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles. The consumer electronics market needs small high-frequency devices in order to reduce battery size. The industrial power market needs the supercapacitors for power quality to handle power surges and short-term power loss.

Supercapacitors can be used as independent power sources or in a hybrid mode with rechargeable batteries to power Lunar surface mobility systems and/or portable electronic equipment such as cameras, camcorders and power tools. Supercapacitors can also be used as power sources for electromechanical actuators.

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.