Designer Carbon Can Be Fine-Tuned for Applications

Jun-04-15 Stanford researchers have developed a designer carbon using synthetic materials that can be “fine-tuned” for a range of applications—including better batteries.

Generally, activated carbon is made by burning coconut shells (or other carbon-rich materials) at very high temperatures and then exposing the material to either a physical or chemical treatment to create pores. However, this method is not ideal, since the pore connectivity cannot be controlled and impurities from the organic material can contaminate the carbon.

In comparison, the synthetic, “designer” carbon was developed by converting a hydrogel into nanometer-thick sheets of carbon using a mild carbonization and activation process. The 3D framework of the hydrogel excels at conducting electricity, and the material can be fine-tuned for different application by adjusting the heat during the manufacturing process or by changing the types of organic linkers and polymers used.

More Info about this Invention:

[GIZMAG.COM]
[ENGINEERING.STANFORD.EDU]

---