High Capacity Energy Storage

Abstract

An energy storage device includes a nano-structured cathode. The cathode includes a conductive substrate, and underframe and an active layer. The underframe includes structures such as nano-filaments and/or aerogel. The active layer optionally includes a catalyst disposed within the active layer, the catalyst being configured to catalyze the dissociation of cathode active material.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for fabricating an electrode, comprising
 providing a substrate;   depositing a seed layer on the substrate;   creating initiation sites in the seed layer for underframe growth;   grow the underframe; and   grow or deposit an energy storage system.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate is cleaned prior to depositing a seed layer on the substrate. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the seed layer is deposited through a gas phase deposition, a liquid phase deposition or a solid phase deposition. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the initiation sites are created upon reaching a reaction temperature in combination with a flow of feedstock gas so that the feedstock gas begins to catalyze the seed layer. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the underframe growth is achieved by chemical vapor deposition, thermal chemical vapor deposition, vapor-liquid-solid growth, or plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the process of growth is conducted so as to affect the diameter and number of branches of the underframe. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the growth or deposit of the energy storage system is achieved through a gas phase deposition/growth, and a liquid phase deposition/growth, a solid phase deposition/growth, or a combination thereof.