Interlayer Distance Controlled Graphene Supercapacitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Graphene's narrow interlayer distance leads to aggregation and poor electrical charge double layer coverage when used as supercapacitor electrodes, limiting its capacitive performance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the dispersion of graphene oxide with a surfactant, reduction using a reducing agent, and the addition of a pillar material activated at both ends by a N2+ group to control the interlayer distance, preventing aggregation and enhancing capacitive performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If graphene is used as supercapacitor electrode material, then electrical conductivity and specific surface area are improved, but interlayer distance is narrow causing aggregation and poor electrical charge double layer coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pillar materials (such as metal oxides, metal hydroxides, or organic molecules) as intermediary substances positioned between graphene layers. These pillars act as spacers that maintain and control the interlayer distance, preventing graphene aggregation while preserving electrical conductivity. The pillar materials serve as mediators that resolve the contradiction between narrow interlayer distance and poor charge double layer coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interlayer distance parameter of graphene by incorporating pillar materials with specific lengths and spacing. By adjusting the type, amount, and distribution of pillar materials, the interlayer distance can be precisely controlled to optimize both electrical conductivity and electrical charge double layer coverage, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
2Quantity of substance
If area of electrode plate is increased to improve capacity, then capacity is improved, but total size of supercapacitor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform interlayer distances through strategically placed pillar materials. This allows different regions of the graphene structure to have optimized local properties: areas with pillars provide spacing for charge double layer formation, while areas without pillars maintain close contact for electrical conductivity. This local optimization enables high capacity within a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining graphene with pillar materials (metal oxides, metal hydroxides, or organic molecules). This composite structure leverages the high conductivity of graphene and the spacing capability of pillars, achieving both high capacity and compact size by utilizing the synergistic properties of different materials at the nanoscale.
3Stability of the object's composition
If graphene layers are stacked closely to maintain structural integrity, then structural stability is improved, but electrical charge double layer coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the graphene structure by introducing pillar materials at specific locations between layers. This segmentation creates a hierarchical structure where pillars are distributed throughout the graphene assembly, providing localized spacing that enhances charge double layer coverage while maintaining overall structural stability through the continuous graphene network.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The controlled interlayer distance increases the active area of graphene electrodes, improving electrochemical properties and capacitive performance, enabling the production of supercapacitors with enhanced capacitance and bio-compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
dispersing a graphene oxide in a solution by using a surfactant
Implementation Method 2
forming a reduced graphene oxide by adding a reducing agent into the solution containing the dispersed graphene oxide
Implementation Method 3
adding a pillar material that is activated at its both ends by a N2+ group into the solution containing the reduced graphene oxide to control an interlayer distance of the reduced graphene oxide
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing interlayer distance controlled graphene, an interlayer distance controlled graphene composition, and a supercapacitor are provided. A method of producing an interlayer distance controlled graphene involves dispersing a graphene oxide in a solution by using a surfactant, forming a reduced graphene oxide by adding a reducing agent into the solution containing the dispersed graphene oxide, and adding a pillar material that is activated at its both ends by a N2+ group into the solution containing the reduced graphene oxide to control an interlayer distance of the reduced graphene oxide.