Home > News > Watch Tower: Advances in energy storage
January 31st, 2008
Watch Tower: Advances in energy storage
Abstract:
There are two major limitations to the conductivity of activated carbon-the high porosity means there isn't much carbon material to carry current, and the material must be "glued" to the aluminum current collector using a binder, which exhibits a somewhat high resistance. Recent innovation made researchers at MIT (USA) is to replace the activated carbon with a dense, microscopic forest of carbon nanotubes that is grown directly on the surface of the current collector. By virtue of their dimensions, nanotubes hold the promise of even higher porosity than the activated carbon used in commercial ultracapacitors. Together the nanotubes have an enormous surface area, and their dimensions are more uniform than those of the activated-carbon pores, making them more like a paintbrush than a sponge. Another advantage of nanotubes over activated carbon is that their structure makes them less chemically reactive, so they can operate at a higher voltage. And certain types of nanotubes, depending on their geometry, can be excellent conductors-which means they can supply more power than ultracapacitors outfitted with activated carbon.
Source:
centralchronicle.com
Bookmark:
News and information
Nanoparticle Harnesses Powerful Radiation Therapy for Cancer May 20th, 2013
Microneedle-Delivered Nanoparticles Boost Antitumor Vaccines May 20th, 2013
Competition in the Quantum World May 20th, 2013
Elsevier Business Intelligence (EBI) to Host 'IN3 Medical Device 360 Boston,' June 24-26, 2013 May 20th, 2013
Nanotubes/Buckyballs
UC Riverside scientists discovering new uses for tiny carbon nanotubes: Adding ionic liquid to nanotube films could build smaller gadgets, and create more cost effective 'Smart Windows' that darken in bright sun May 15th, 2013
Development know-how is made available to collaboration partners: Bayer MaterialScience brings nano projects to a close May 8th, 2013
Next-generation transistor outperforms other carbon-based designs May 7th, 2013
Ubiquitous engineered nanomaterials cause lung inflammation, study finds: Substances are used in everything from paint to sporting equipment May 6th, 2013
Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals
Nanoparticle Delivers Large Protein Complex to Cancer Cell Nucleus May 20th, 2013
Protein 'Passport' Helps Nanoparticles Get Past Immune System May 20th, 2013
Nanoparticle Harnesses Powerful Radiation Therapy for Cancer May 20th, 2013
Microneedle-Delivered Nanoparticles Boost Antitumor Vaccines May 20th, 2013
Battery Technology/Capacitors/Generators/Piezoelectrics
Add boron for better batteries: Rice University theorists say graphene-boron mix shows promise for lithium-ion batteries May 17th, 2013
New Mechanism Converts Natural Gas to Energy Faster, Captures CO2 May 7th, 2013
Microwave oven cooks up solar cell material: Nanocrystal semiconductor for photovoltaics, medical sensors, heat reuse May 6th, 2013
Improving materials that convert heat to electricity and vice-versa May 5th, 2013