Nanofilled Dielectrics for High Energy Density Capacitors

The objective is to develop highly loaded, highly dispersed nanoparticle filled dielectric material systems with controlled uniformity and minimal defects. Such dielectrics will be used for capacitors with packaged energy densities >2 J/cc, high breakdown, low loss <0.1 and sub microsecond (µs) discharge times. The overarching goal is to provide significant improvements in the maximum energy storage density by improving breakdown strength and permittivity (εr) while decreasing loss for high energy density capacitors in pulsed power applications. High density, high-performance power conditioning and control electronics are needed for compact, reliable electrical power on air and space platforms to support more electric aircraft and high voltage loads for directed-energy weapons. Lightweight, compact, high energy density capacitors capable of operation at several megajoules per pulse and repetition rates on the order of 100 pulses per second are needed. Nanomaterials with unique chemical and physical properties have the potential to make revolutionary advances in the area of advanced dielectrics for these applications.