CIDETEC Surface Engineering drives MetPET: a new generation of capacitors for space electronics

The aim of the ESA-funded project is to develop smaller capacitors with higher energy density and capable of withstanding the thermal demands of modern electronics, through the use of nanometric nickel–phosphorus coatings on polymer films.

CIDETEC Surface Engineering is leading the European MetPET project, an initiative funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) whose objective is to develop a new generation of more robust, compact and efficient capacitors for use in space technology.

Satellites and space systems rely on extremely reliable electronic components. Among them are capacitors, small devices that store and release energy and are essential to ensure the correct operation of communication, navigation or control equipment.

At present, metallised PET film capacitors are used in space applications due to their stability and low electrical losses. However, a growing challenge has emerged: new electronic manufacturing processes use lead-free solders, which require higher temperatures. These thermal levels can damage current capacitors, limiting their use in more advanced technologies.

The MetPET project, coordinated by CIDETEC Surface Engineering, seeks precisely to address this challenge: to design and manufacture capacitors in compact surface-mount device (SMD) format capable of withstanding these temperatures without loss of performance, while at the same time increasing their energy storage capacity.

To achieve this, CIDETEC Surface Engineering is working on a solution based on surface engineering. The key lies in coating ultra-thin PET films, thinner than a human hair, with a metallic nickel–phosphorus layer only a few tens of nanometres thick.

This coating acts as a thermal armour that protects the material during manufacturing processes, preventing degradation and allowing the final component to maintain its electrical performance even under extreme conditions.

In addition, researchers at CIDETEC Surface Engineering will carefully analyse each sample to ensure that the coating is uniform, well adhered and meets the electrical requirements necessary for operation in space.

In this way, the ultimate goal of MetPET is to develop smaller capacitors with higher energy density that are capable of withstanding the thermal demands of modern electronics.

This represents a key advance in enabling the design of more efficient, compact and reliable space systems, at a time when the aerospace industry is demanding ever greater performance in ever smaller volumes.

The project is supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) within its Technology Development Element (TDE) programme, which promotes critical technologies for future space missions. It is scheduled to conclude in April 2028, has a budget of €250,000, and brings together an international consortium comprising CIDETEC Surface Engineering (coordinator), the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics (IMiF), and the company MIFLEX, specialised in electronic components.

This activity was performed under a programme of, and funded by, the European Space Agency (ESA) under the Technology Development Element (TDE) programme (Contract No. 4000151463/26/NL/VR/mmo).

Disclaimer: The view expressed therein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Space Agency.