Abstract

The goal for the three credit-hour independent study in the Nanoscale Energy and Interfacial Transport laboratory was to familiarize myself with research methodology, energy storage on the micrometer scale, passive cooling for advanced electronics, and provide general aid in setting up the new laboratory space. Dr. Damena Agonafer, the principal investigator, assigned two projects to undergraduate researchers from the months of January 2017 to May 2017: novel methods for increased nanocapacitor performance, and passive two-phase cooling for microelectronics. Initial work consisted of background research into hybrid nanocapacitors, including materials, ordered quasi 2-D structures, and synthesis methods. This project was cancelled in progress in favor of the cooling project. After transitioning projects, work primarily consisted of designing and prototyping an electrolyte cell for synthesizing the required micro-structures, modeling experimental setups in 3-D CAD software, and continuing to construct the laboratory. The outcomes of this independent study include a deep understanding of electrochemical energy storage and transfer and research methodology, a functional design for an electrochemical cell for synthesis of a copper inverse-opal structure, and a nearly complete physical laboratory space.

Document Type

Final Report

Author's School

McKelvey School of Engineering

Author's Department

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Class Name

Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences Independent Study

Date of Submission

5-11-2017

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