Binder-free composite electrodes using carbon nanotube networks as a host matrix for activated carbon microparticles

Abstract

In this research, networks of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were used to host activated carbon (aC) microparticles to fabricate freestanding composite electrodes without the use of polymer binders. The aC-SWNT composite electrodes with up to 50 wt. % aC showed specific surface areas approaching 1000 m 2 /g and electrical conductivities >36 S/cm. The composite electrodes possessed the properties of both pure SWNT electrodes (e.g. low ohmic drop and rapid ion diffusion) and activated carbon particles (e.g. high specific capacitance). With an interconnected mesoporous microstructure and high electrical conductivity, the CNT networks provide an attractive alternative to polymer binders for forming freestanding electrodes for electrical energy storage devices. Here we show that micron-sized particles can be supported in this framework to utilize the performance enhancement and robustness provided by CNTs. Symmetric electrochemical capacitors

Carbon Nanomaterials for Flexible Energy Storage

“…This can be achieved by vacuum filtration of the stable suspension containing both CNTs and AC particles. [15,38,66] Experimental results also demonstrated that the flexible composite electrodes have much better performance compared with other electrodes made with traditional approaches. Flexible and binder-free CNTs/AC electrodes containing 95 wt% of AC were able to reach specific capacitance of 268 F/g at 200 mV/s in 6 M KOH.…”

Carbon Fiber/Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper Interply Hybrid Composites: Manufacturing Process and Tensile Properties

“…In the case of the BP and CF interply hybrid composites, resin flow occurred in both nanoscale and microscale pores during the autoclave process. [28,33] According to the Young-Laplace equation, [34] the capillary pressure is in the inverse proportional relationship to the effective mean pore diameter. The throughthickness permeability of BP has been measured to be on the order of 10 À19 -10 À17 m 2 , [28] depending on CNT type, microstructure, surface characteristic, and so on.…”

“…This is likely caused by a strong capillary pressure for resin imbibitions due to an average nanoscale pore width of 11.66 nm in the BP layer, based on Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) test. [28,33] According to the Young-Laplace equation, [34] the capillary pressure is in the inverse proportional relationship to the effective mean pore diameter. The diameter of IM7 fiber is 5.2 mm.…”

High‐velocity impact performance of shear‐thickening fluid/kevlar composites made by the padding process

“…There are two approaches to this. One is to use a continuous Flocell to increase the efficiency and throughput of sonication . The Flocell is a continuous reactor that connected to a large tank of sample fluid.…”