Innovative Fabrication of Carbon Nanocages (15082)
- Detailed Technology Description
- None
- *Abstract
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Features and Benefits
- Facile, scalable, low-cost method of producing carbon nanocages
- High surface area electrodes for uses in various areas of need; supercapacitors, fuel cells, secondary lithium batteries, ect.
- Method can be used to produce metal nanoparticles which can be germane in biomedical applications
Technology
Carbon nanocages are synthesized duringthermal treatment through templating on a surface of catalyst nanoparticles.The common disadvantage of most nanocages and other nanoporous carbons is thatdespite their high surface area they do not provide a high rate performance dueto their small and/or incompatible pore size. This novel method of constructingnanocages meets those needs by designing a well-developed 3D network ofdensely-packed interconnected carbon nanocages formed on the surface ofhomogeneously nucleated nickel nanoparticles (NPs). This novel synthesisprocess utilizes two key components; citric acid and nickel acetate, working asthe carbon and catalyst precursors, respectively, facilitate the graphitizationof amorphous carbon. Using high temperatures the formation of graphene shells anddevelopment of 3D network takes place, resulting in a better electric currentflow. The successful development of these carbon nanocages opens doors for awide variety of uses in a manner that is low-cost, manageable, and innovative.
Market Opportunities
Inrecent years, novel carbon nanostructures such as carbon nanocages are comingto the forefront as candidates for supercapacitor, battery and electrocatalystelectrode materials, due to their high surface area, high conductivity andhomogenous, porous structure. Currently, there are progressively growing challengesof increasing energy demands and urgent need to curb the greenhouse gasemissions. Addressing these challenges can be done through pursuing alternativeenvironmental renewable energy sources and the development of necessarytechnologies such as fuel cells, supercapacitors, etc.. This great demand forthe development of a carbon support that is intrinsically stable, reliable andcost efficient is pushing researchers into the discovery of structures likecarbon nanocages. This novel method is very facile and practical for massproduction, which can help to speed up commercialization of severaltechnologies, including high-performance electrochemical storage devices or metal-freeelectrocatalysts. With furtheradvancements this specific technology can be a scalable alternative method ofproducing 3D carbon nanocages in large quantities which can be used in energy conversionand storage, as well as, environmental and biomedical applications.
Technology Status
- IP Status: Patent pending
- Development Status: Carbon nanocages have been synthesized and tested for electrochemical performance
- Publications: Coming soon
- Country/Region
- USA
