Abstract
CNT-reinforced foams comprised of three-dimensional (3D) interconnected macropores with uniform mesoporous walls were developed as multifunctional nanocomposites and tested for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Multi-walled CNTs grown on the wall surface of the interconnected scaffold structure of carbon foams were found to improve the surface area and electrochemical properties of the nanocomposites. The lightweight CNT-reinforced nanocomposites not only exhibit high structural flexibility, but also possess enhanced electrocatalytic performance for HER at current density of 10 mA cm−2 with overpotentials of 240 mV. In addition, these nanocomposites can be used as flexible, electric double layer capacitor electrodes, and have achieved a specific capacitance of 776 F g−1, with excellent durability and stability after 1000 cycles.
Highlights
Due to the unique combination of structural and physicochemical properties, polymer matrix nanocomposites have been extensively studied for applications ranging from automotive, biosensors to energy storage [1]
We have further evaluated these lightweight and flexible nanocomposites for both supercapacitors and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) to establish the possibility of integrating energy conversion and storage into a single system
carbon nanotubes (CNT)-reinforced foams were prepared via a two-step process which consists of carbonization followed by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD)
Summary
Due to the unique combination of structural and physicochemical properties, polymer matrix nanocomposites have been extensively studied for applications ranging from automotive, biosensors to energy storage [1]. In-situ growth of an optimal amount of CNTs on a 3D macroporous structure is crucial for maintaining the mechanical sta bility and elastic modulus of polymer matrices while enhancing the electrical properties. We have produced 3D, macroporous carbon foam structures reinforced with multi-walled CNTs using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) These lightweight CNT-reinforced polymeric nano composites have high adsorption capacity and are stable under compression and maintain full recovery to the original shape after a significant deformation at strains up to 90%. The energy and power density were derived from galvanostatic charge/discharge curve using equations: E 1⁄4 0.5 Csp (ΔV) and P 1⁄4 E/Δt where E, P, ΔV and Δt represents energy density (Wh kgÀ 1), power density (kW kgÀ 1), potential window of discharge and discharge time, respectively
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