Energy density in proton-exchange-membrane unltracapacitors can be improved by increasing the dispersion of electrocatalytic particulates in the electrodes. Electrochemical ultracapacitors store energy by utilizing double-layer and surface redox processes. The key objectives of this project is the preparation of highly dispersed ruthenium oxide on carbon. This material will then be characterized and incorporated into a prototype ultracapacitor using a commercial ionomer membrane. Possible applications of high-energy-density electrochemical ultracapacitors include electric vehicles, pulse-power space applications, power conditioning, and computer memory backups.
