Transitioning from fossil fuels as the main source of energy to renewable sources has nearly tripled in the last decade. Although this can help reduce CO2 emissions, cost and storing this energy during intermittency has been problematic for grid scale applications. Supercapacitors have the potential to replace battery powered devices because of their high power density (delivery speed), however, low energy density (capacity) limits application. By incorporating higher specific surface area (SSA) hybrid carbon nanomaterials for supercapacitors, specifically single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), we aim to increase capacitance in supercapacitors for consumer use. We have functionalized conductive nanostructured carbon for use as electrodes in supercapacitors. SWCNTs possess larger SSA than commercially available materials. By functionalizing SWCNTs with novel coordination complexes (molecular spacers), we can further increase ion accessible SSA, prevent aggregation, and establish a conductive network. Our molecular spacers bind to and intercalate between CNTs allowing for rapid Faradaic activity and ion transport. The aromaticity and conjugation of our spacers should influence faster charge transfer via redox from electrochemical interactions. We have previously shown an increase in capacitance, energy density, and power density using molecular spacers compared to other commercially available materials (350 F g-1 +2Ru hydrazone thin film vs 34 F g-1 for standard carbon electrodes). Our molecular spacers utilize divalent, dinuclear Earth abundant metal centers surrounded by conjugated ligands. We will present electrochemical characterization of the complexes and the assemblies they are bound to. Spectroelectrochemistry information on the electron transfer via redox and optical absorptions will be presented. Adsorption isotherms have been studied to further understand binding and optical properties of our bound molecular spacers. Sustainable, cheap nanomaterials for energy storage devices can help provide a smooth, yet fast transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Functionalized carbon nanomaterials for energy storage devices

255th National Meeting (2018)

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