This is a Phase II project under the Small Business Innovation Research Program. It addresses an understanding of the factors controlling the morphology, capacitance, and resistance of ionomer-coated, carbon-supported, highly dispersed particles of ruthenium oxide. In Phase I, the use of this system for high-capacitance electrical storage systems was demonstrated. The present effort aims to increase the energy density by controlling the dispersions and ionomer coating of the particulates. The goal is a capacitance of 3 farads per square centimeter. High-energy density electrochemical capacitors are attractive for many applications including backup power for electronic memories (they are smaller and have longer lifetimes than rechargeable batteries.), electric vehicles (in conjunction with batteries; batteries do better at delivering constant power, but capacitors are much better at delivering bursts of high power on demand, such as for starting.), electromechanical actuators (for robotic and space systems), and other high power short-pulse situations including laser weapons.
