GNPs/Mesoporous Carbon Nanocomposites

 

 

Mesoporous carbon (MPC) is widely used as an electrode material for supercapacitors. Its deposition on GNPs results in increased electrical conductivity and modified porous structure of the material. MPC/GNPs nanocomposites can be prepared by the deposition of a polymeric precursor (e.g., phenol-formaldehyde resin) on GNPs followed by carbonization and activation. The surface area, crystalline and porous structure, electrical properties of the final nanocomposite can be varied in a wide range depending on the nature of a carbon precursor, parameters of GNPs, conditions of synthesis, and activation. Besides GNPs, the nanocomposites considered herein may contain CNTs. All additives, together with initial composition and activation conditions, significantly affect the properties of the final product, thereby allowing synthesis of the best composites for a particular application.

The specific surface area and porosity of the nanocomposites was estimated based on nitrogen adsorption measurements (using a NovaQuantachrome 1200е instrument). The typical properties of such nanomaterials are shown in Table 6.

 

Table :  Properties of the GNPs/MPC nanocomposites.

 

Property

Value

BET specific surface area, m2 g-1

2,400-3,400

DFT specific surface area, m2 g-1

1,800-2,400

DFT specific pore volume, cm3 g-1

2-3

DFT average pore size

(depending on synthesis conditions), nm

2-4

Specific electrical resistance of compressed powder, Ohm

0.1-0.2

Fractional composition of powder, мкм

0.5-50

(average - ≈10)

 

Considering the specific surface area, pore size and electrical resistance values obtained, this product can be a promising electrode material for supercapacitors. Moreover, it is very promising as adsorbent when there is a need for maximum adsorption capacity at minimum adsorbent amount, and the price justifies the application.

 

We can synthesize experimental material batches and adjust their composition, structure and physicochemical parameters to specific requirements.