Multifunctional 3D hybrid nanomaterials for clean energy technologies

Abstract

The multifunctional 3D hybrid nanostructures including graphene, fullerenes, metal hydrides, etc. have found applications in a number of areas synergistically with a number of other materials. They have recently attracted tremendous interest for energy storage applications due to their large aspect ratios, specific surface areas, and electrical conductivity. This book chapter aims to report on the recent advances in energy storage applications involving these multifunctional 3Dhybridnanostructures.Theadvanced designandtestingofmultifunctional3D hybridnanostructuresforenergystorageapplicationsspecificallyelectrochemical capacitors, lithium-ion batteries, and fuel cells are emphasized with comprehensive examples. The study deals with the preparation of highly ordered 3D multifunctional interconnected and desired porous nanomaterial networks from ordered 2D nanomaterial precursors, which are fabricated by conventional methods. The 3D networks have porosities larger than 99%, contain approximately hundredsofdesirednanostructure devices, andhave feature sizesfrom the 10-μm scale to the 10-nm scale for device. The porous nanomaterial networks were combined with polymers to form hybrid materials in which the basic physical and chemical properties of the matrix were substantially altered, and electrical conductivity measurements further showed a high value of active devices in the hybrid materials. The positions of the nanomaterial devices were located within 3D hybrid materials with 14-nm resolution through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In this chapter, the multifunctional properties of these hybrid materials are explored including mechanical properties of the polymer-nanomaterial network sample and characterizing the strain field in a hybrid nanomaterial polymer structures subject to uniaxial and bending forces. The incorporation of active nanomaterial networks within 3D hybrid reveals a powerful approach to smart materials in which the capabilities of multifunctional nanomaterials allow for active monitoring and control of polymeric systems