Experimental and theoretical evaluation of carbon nanomaterials with hierarchical pore structure and large surface area for use as sustainable electrodes

Advanced theoretical and experimental methods are used to develop nanostructured carbon with hierarchical structure and large surface area from biomass and expand our basic knowledge of their structure-property relations.

Carbon nanomaterials are made using ice-templating and lyophilization to form super-light aerogels and electrospinning is used to form nanofiber mats.

Manufacturing processes, carbonization and tailor-made materials structure are studied experimentally and theoretically. The electrochemical properties of the carbon nanomaterials are studied for energy storage applications. The effect of the hierarchical porous structure in the electrode on the capacitance is modeled.

The results are expected to generate new knowledge about the use of bio-based raw materials for energy storage applications and thus contribute to the renewable energy systems.The project focuses on:Use of lignin and cellulose to create carbon nanostructures with hierarchical structure and very large surface area.Use of advanced experimental and theoretical methods to study the impact of nanocellulose in the structure before and after the carbonization process.Manufacture of carbon aerogels and nanofiber mats and study their electrochemical properties.Use available models to understand the connection between ion mobility and porous structure.The applied research combines expertise in materials science, applied physics and fluid mechanics.