Nanomanufacturing of Functionalized Carbon Electrodes for High-performance Energy Storage Devices

High-performance electrochemical energy storage (EES) systems can increase the efficiency of new transportation and renewable energy storage technologies. Among EES systems, rechargeable Li-ion battery has become the most popular power source for consumer electronics and electric propulsion systems due to its high energy density and efficiency. However, the high cost of its cathode materials, such as inorganic transition metal oxides, limits installations of batteries for large-scale energy storage applications, including renewable energy storage and electric grid applications.

Therefore, the development of more sustainable electrode materials is a critical challenge to support the fast expansion of batteries for large-scale energy storage applications. Recently, sustainable organic electrode materials composed of earth abundant elements have been intensively investigated to replace inorganic cathode materials in Li-ion batteries. We also investigate charge storage characteristics of functionalized carbon materials, including oxidized carbon nanotubes, reduced graphene oxides, biomass derived carbons, and small organic molecules. We demonstrate 3D nanostructured electrodes using these functionalized carbon materials via various nanomanufacturing processes. The assembled functionalized carbon electrodes are employed as cathodes in Li-cells, delivering high capacity with superior power capability and cycling stability. Thus, these high-performance functionalized carbon electrodes can be promising cathodes for large-scale rechargeable batteries or hybrid capacitors.