Project Title:

Ultracapacitors Based on High Surface Area Nitride/Carbide Electrodes

  94-1	10.03 	 0305

  Ultracapacitors Based on High Surface Area Nitride/Carbide 
  Electrodes

Abstract:

Recent gains in double layer capacitor technology have 
significantly improved the energy and power densities of 
ultracapacitors. Ultracapacitors attain high capacitances and 
energy densities by double layer charge storage at conductive 
high surface area electrodes. Recent developments in catalyst 
technology have led to new routes to the preparation of high 
surface area early transition metal nitrides and carbides. 
These materials have physical and chemical properties that 
make them interesting candidates for use as electrodes in 
ultracapacitors. In the proposed project we will explore the 
feasibility of using high surface area tungsten nitride and 
carbide as ultracapacitor electrodes with a performance 
objective of 1 F/cm2. The Phase II effort will emphasize 
optimization of the electrodes and fabrication of prototype 
ultracapacitors. 

The research outlined in this proposal will lead to new 
materials for use as electrodes in ultracapacitors. 
Ultracapacitors exceed the charge and discharge rates, and 
meet or exceed the energy densities of batteries. 
Ultracapacitors are thus of interest as power sources for many 
commercial and military applications. Potential markets 
include electric vehicle load leveling, portable power tools, 
volatile memory back-up power supplies, weapon fuzing devices, 
electromagnetic launch systems, and space power conditioning. 

Key Words

T/J Technologies, Inc
17445 Cameron Drive
Northville, MI 48167