We have studied single walled carbon nanotubes SWCNTs for use as potential supercapacitor materials. Central to these applications are studies of the dispersion limit of SWCNTs in different solvents, and how various dinuclear intermolecular coordination complexes interact with them. These complexes have high adsorption onto SWCNTs surfaces and act as a “Molecular Spacer” which results in less aggregation. Keeping the nanomaterials from aggregating is required to maximize the ion accessible specific surface area (SSA). Higher dispersion stability due to the complementary interactions of the solvent and of the molecular spacers will be discussed. When we enhance the stability of SWCNTs-Molecular spacer assembly, we can improve the capacity of the system. Adsorption studies and binding kinetics of novel earth-abundant coordination complexes were conducted. Molecular spacers intercalated between the tubes which increased ion accessible surface area. Different molecular spacers with various charges and steric interactions were tested and compared. Dispersion stability and aggregation kinetics were conducted to different pristine SWCNTs and with different coagulants adsorbed on their surfaces. adsorption isotherm measurements were conducted to compare binding strength of different spacers to the tubes, and its best fit is modeled using BET theory. Moreover, since zinc is an earth abundant metal, these complexes can be used as components in sustainable energy storage materials. Zeta potential data, capacitance, energy storage, power dissipation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and membrane resistance data are consistent with the complexes acting as molecular spacers between the SWCNTs in a condensed thin film. Altering the surface of nanotubes by functionalizing them with these different spacers, could have a great impact on their functionality and enable their application as new supercapacitors materials and energy storage devices.

Earth-abundant nanomaterials for future energy storage

254th National Meeting (2017)

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