Current Collectors for Aqueous Batteries

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Program:
IDEAS
Award:
$500,000
Location:
College Park, Maryland
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
04/14/2016 - 04/13/2017

Technology Description:

The University of Maryland (UMD) will develop a new type of current collector using a film that is composed of functionalized few-walled carbon nanotubes (FWNTs) and polymers. The team seeks to develop a thin, low-cost current collector that displays high conductivity, excellent mechanical strength, flexibility, and manufacturing scalability. Carbon nanotubes have high conductivity, but in their pure state lack the needed mechanical strength. The FWNT concept will "functionalize" or bolster the outer walls by integrating polymers to increase the mechanical strength. This will give the product the dual benefits of direct tube-on-tube contact for fast recharging and increased mechanical strength and stability from the polymers. Replacement of metal mesh by FWNT-polymer film will not only address current collector corrosion concerns, but will also offer increased energy density due to the substantially lighter weight of these carbon-based materials compared to traditional metallic current collectors.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Grigorii Soloveichik
Project Contact:
Prof. Liangbing Hu
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
binghu@umd.edu

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