Paul Napolitano

Direct-Write Materials and Layers for Electrochemical Power Devices

This chapter explains the needs and attributes of direct-write electrochemical power devices. An electrochemical power device is defined as a device that stores or produces electrical energy. This includes batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, and capacitors. The chapter emphasizes on batteries and fuel cells and description of the key features of electrochemical power devices that can be improved through direct-write deposition technologies. In electrochemical power devices, direct-write technologies provide various combinations of attributes including conformality, complex patterns, fine features, digital deposition, rapid prototyping, and control over large thickness and structure. Batteries are used to power portable electronic devices while non portable devices are powered by connection to the electrical grid with electrical power supplied by power stations. With the onset of electrical power deregulation and the increasing demand for high-reliability electrical power, fuel cells are gaining momentum as potential sources for distributed power generation from devices as small as cell phones to as large as ships.