NU 2019-209
INVENTORS Jingshan Du Qian Rong Vinayak P. Dravid*
SHORT DESCRIPTION Method for synthesizing stable, high surface area, multi-metallic layered electrode materials with superior performance
BACKGROUND Electrode materials for battery, supercapacitor and electrocatalyst applications generally require high surface areas for high performance. However, as is challenging to enhance surface area within a 2D geometry beyond a point, there is a need to develop higher surface area materials exhibiting 3D morphology. One way of achieving this is via the growth of nanostructures on metal sheets. However, such multi-layer nanomaterials have conventionally exhibited poor long-term stability. Moreover, they have been synthesized via standard vapor-phase deposition techniques, which are challenging to employ in industry and limit the ability of manufacturers in tuning their composition and morphologies.
ABSTRACT Northwestern researchers have developed a new method for the synthesis of stable, hierarchical and multicomponent nanomaterials. This technology will enable users to design novel electrode materials which exhibit greater performance with respect to higher current delivery and long-term capacity retention. It leverages a multi-layer approach for attaining high surface areas, which are often not offered by other single-layer products. Moreover, it enables users to optimize a range of parameters for tailoring the material to their desired specifications. Additional features include applicability to ubiquitous conductive substrates such as Indium Tin Oxide(ITO)/Ni foam and tunability through the usage of Ni, Co, Fe, Mn and other metal oxides in porous or branched morphologies. For example, preliminary applications of this technology produces batteries with high-charge carrying capabilities that are resistant to degradation with usage. Beyond batteries, this technology will enable the customization of specific electrode materials based on customer needs.
APPLICATIONS
ADVANTAGES
PUBLICATIONS Rong Q, Du JS, Chen X, Liu Q and Dravid VP (2021) A Bidirectional Nanomodification Approach for Synthesizing Hierarchically Architected Mixed Oxide Electrodes for Oxygen Evolution. Nano-Micro Small 17: 2007287.
IP STATUS A US patent application has been filed.