The development of electrode materials that exhibit both exceptional electrochemical and mechanical properties is increasing in importance. Such a material would enable the development of electrodes for energy and power that can dissipate energy, bear a load, or withstand an impact. In this presentation, we report on a composite electrode containing aramid nanofibers and graphene fabricated via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. LbL assembly has been widely studied since the technique is extremely simple and versatile for a design of nanostructured composite materials with controllable properties. Graphene has good electrical properties and mechanical strength due to its unique two-dimensional structure. In addition, recently developed aramid nanofibers, nanoscale Kevlar fibers, are of interest for its high mechanical strength and the enhanced processability for creating composites. Through a combination of these materials, mechanically strong hybrid electrode were fabricated, where aramid nanofibers act as polymer matrix and interfacially interact with graphene sheets. Film growth, structure, and morphology were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Mechanical properties were explored using atomic force microscopy. Electrochemical performance was also evaluated.

Aramid nanofibers/graphene layer-by-layer electrodes for structural energy and power

251st National Meeting (2016)

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