Chip Scale Power and Energy

NASA-JPL; Duracell; SOCOM

Chip Scale Power and Energy

Goals

Due to ITAR and other access restrictions this project is limited to US citizens only. To develop nanostructured chip-scale power and energy storage devices for use in miniaturized sensing, communication and energy harvesting devices.

Issues Involved or Addressed

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.

Methods and Technologies

  • Cleanroom Microfabrication
  • Nanomaterial Synthesis
  • Electron Microscopy
  • In Situ Raman Spectroscopy
  • Electrical Design

Academic Majors of Interest

  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Preferred Interests and Preparation

Meeting Schedule & Location

Time: 

9:30-10:20

Day: 

Thurs

Location: 

Baker 101

Team Advisors

Sponsor(s)

NASA-JPL; Duracell; SOCOM