Since its discovery in 2004, graphene has had a transformational impact on materials science and beyond. Scientists are improving sodium batteries with nanocellular graphene which is a specialized type of graphene with a large specific surface area.
Their research focused on a dealloying processing technique that uses alloy component miscibility in a molten metal bath. It corrodes some components while preserving others. Park and colleagues proved that non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGs) made using this approach have high tensile strength and conductivity even after graphitization. The material was tested in a sodium-ion battery (SIB) where it served as both an active material and a current collector.
According to Won-Young Park graduate student at Tohoku University, “We discovered that carbon atoms rapidly self-assemble into crack-free NCG during liquid metal dealloying of an amorphous Mn-C precursor in a molten bismuth,”
“We used the developed NCG as an active material and current collector in a SIB, where it demonstrated a high rate, long life and excellent deformation resistance. Ultimately, our method of making crack-free NCG will make it possible to raise the performance and flexibility of SIBs—an alternative technology to lithium-ion batteries for certain applications, particularly in large-scale energy storage and stationary power systems where cost, safety, and sustainability considerations are paramount,” added Park Young.
About Graphene
It comprises two-dimensional carbon atom sheets that bond into a thin hexagon shape with a thickness of one atom layer and feature extraordinary physical and chemical properties. It is produced by stacking many layers and controlling internal structure using nanoscale cellular morphology.
Features:
- Graphene is extremely strong, lightweight, flexible and transparent with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
- It possesses a large surface area and gas impermeability.
- Also, it is useful in a variety of applications including high-speed transistors and biosensors.
Have you heard about how sodium-ion batteries can revolutionize renewables?
Scope for Improvement
Although scientists are improving sodium batteries with nanocellular graphene and it has high potential in electronic gadgets, energy devices and sensors, manufacturing issues hinder the progress. Therefore, during its production it frequently cracks. This is leading to the search for innovative processing technologies capable of producing homogeneous, crack-free and seamless NCGs at appropriate scales.
Source: Improving Sodium Ion Batteries with Mechanically Robust Nanocellular Graphene
