Chip Scale Power & Energy (U.S. Only)

This vertically integrated project (VIP) will create and characterize in operando chip-scale electrochemical double layer (ECDL) ‘supercapacitors’ that feature a functionalized pseudocapacitive architecture coupled with a tailored ionic-liquid-based electrolyte for rechargeable energy storage. Future years will integrate these devices into miniature sensors, energy harvesters, and IoT communication devices. Student researchers will fabricate supercapacitor electrodes using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) embedded within a silicon wafer. The CNTs will be further functionalized by both chemical and physical techniques, such as atomic layer deposition. The functionalized pseudocapacitive architecture will then be coupled with a tailored ionic-liquid-based electrolyte. The chip-scale devices will be packaged hermetically for incorporation as viable prototypes on mission architectures.