Abstract:
The invention provides reinforced aerogel monoliths as well as fiber reinforced composites thereof for a variety of uses. Compositions and methods of preparing the monoliths and composites are also provided.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention describe secured fiber-reinforced aerogels and laminate structures formed therefrom. In one embodiment a laminate comprises at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer adjacent to at least one layer of fiber-containing material wherein fibers from said at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of said at least one fiber-containing material. In another embodiment a laminate comprises at least two adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layers wherein fibers from at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of an adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layer.
Abstract:
The present invention describes hybrid gel materials with interpenetrating polyisocyanate and inorganic polymer networks. In the preferred embodiments, the polyisocyanate network comprises polyurea, polyurethane or both while the inorgan network comprises silica.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention describe an aerogel composite and method for preparing the same. The aerogel composite comprises an aerogel material; a fibrous structure interpenetrating with said aerogel material; and a coating comprising a polymeric material disposed about at least one surface of said aerogel material.
Abstract:
Provided herein are composite materials for use in an electrical energy storage system (e.g., high-capacity batteries) and methods for preparing the same. The composite materials of the present disclosure comprise a three-dimensional carbon network and optional silicon particles. The composite materials further comprise macropores, at least some of which are formed by carbonizing sacrificial particles dispersed throughout a three-dimensional network. The macropores advantageously provide a space to accommodate the strain and stress in the electrode structure due to volume changes of silicon (particles) during charging and discharging of the electrical energy storage systems.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to materials and systems to manage thermal runaway issues in energy storage systems. Exemplary embodiments include an insulation layer that is encapsulated by a laminate film to form an insulation barrier. A support member is placed around at least a portion of an insulation layer. The support member provides a support for the insulation layer, allowing the insulation layer to be easily encapsulated and installed in a battery module or pack.
Abstract:
The present disclosure is directed to lithium-ion battery anodes and components thereof. Further provided are processes for the preparation of lithium-ion battery anodes. Such processes generally include preparation of a slurry including an anode material, a binder material, a conductive material, and a solvent. The anode material includes a carbon-silicon composite, and optionally, graphite.
Abstract:
The present invention discloses novel porous polymeric compositions comprising random copolymers of amides, imides, ureas, and carbamic-anhydrides, useful for the synthesis of monolithic bimodal microporous/macroporous carbon aerogels. It also discloses methods for producing said microporous/macroporous carbon aerogels by the reaction of a polyisocyanate compound and a polycarboxylic acid compound, followed by pyrolytic carbonization, and by reactive etching with CO2 at elevated temperatures. Also disclosed are methods for using the microporous/macroporous carbon aerogels in the selective capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide.
Abstract:
The present disclosure is directed to methods of forming polyamic acid and polyimide gels in water. The resulting polyamic acid and polyimide gels may be converted to aerogels, which may further be converted to carbon aerogels. Such carbon aerogels have the same physical properties as carbon aerogels prepared from polyimide aerogels obtained according to conventional methods, i.e., organic solvent-based. The disclosed methods are advantageous in reducing or avoiding costs associated with use and disposal of potentially toxic solvents and byproducts. Gel materials prepared according to the disclosed methods are suitable for use in environments involving electrochemical reactions, for example as an electrode material within a lithium-ion battery.
Abstract:
Heating and processing a polymeric material is achieved using a microwave absorbing structure that defines a processing chamber to receive the polymeric material (e.g., one or more precursors to form a polymer). A microwave radiation source directs microwave radiation to the microwave absorbing structure, which absorbs the radiation and can process the material.