Multi-Metals Activated Carbon Composite Electroplating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preparing metal/activated carbon composites face issues such as pore structure blocking, metal loss, and difficulty in controlling metal content, especially in multi-metal plating, leading to reduced adhesion and specific surface area.
Innovation Solution
The method involves electrochemical electroplating using an alloy plate comprising at least two metals as the anode and activated carbon on a conductive support as the cathode, which improves adhesion and allows for precise control of metal composition and content, reducing metal penetration and maintaining the specific surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If metal salts are impregnated in activated carbon to prepare metal/carbon composites, then metal content can be introduced, but pore structure is blocked and adhesion is poor leading to metal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical impregnation method with an electrochemical electroplating method. Instead of relying on chemical adsorption and reduction of metal salts, the invention uses electrochemical reactions where metal ions are reduced and deposited as pure metal on the activated carbon surface through controlled electroplating, thereby improving adhesion and reducing metal loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of metal introduction from chemical impregnation to electrochemical deposition. By controlling electroplating parameters such as current density, plating time, and electrolyte composition, the invention achieves precise control over metal content while maintaining good adhesion and avoiding pore blockage
2Adaptability or versatility
If continuous multi-metal plating is performed on activated carbon, then multiple metals can be deposited, but conductivity increases rapidly causing conglomeration of metal particles and severe pore blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous multi-metal plating process into separate sequential plating steps for different metals. Instead of depositing multiple metals simultaneously or continuously, the invention performs individual electroplating operations for each metal in sequence, allowing control over the amount and distribution of each metal while preventing conglomeration and pore blockage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by alternating between different plating operations for different metals. The process involves periodic immersion in different electrolyte solutions and controlled electroplating for each metal, followed by interruption to prevent excessive deposition and maintain pore structure integrity
3Area of stationary object
If activated carbon is used for pollutant removal and energy storage applications, then high specific surface area is required, but metal penetration and conglomeration reduce the specific surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control in the electroplating process by monitoring and adjusting plating parameters based on the desired metal content and specific surface area requirements. The electrochemical method allows real-time control of metal deposition, enabling precise adjustment of metal content while maintaining the high specific surface area of activated carbon for pollutant removal and energy storage applications
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
This approach results in a multi-metals/activated carbon composite with enhanced adhesion, preserved specific surface area, and improved reactivity, making it suitable for applications like pollutant filtration and energy storage devices.
Implementation Method 1
preparing a multi-metals/activated carbon composite, which comprises at least two metals, on the surface of activated carbon, by performing electroplating using an alloy plate comprising at least two metals and a conductive support
Implementation Method 2
performing electroplating using an alloy plate comprising at least two metals and a conductive support
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a multi-metals/activated carbon composite, more particularly to a method for preparing a multi-metals/activated carbon composite, which is prepared by electrochemical electroplating of an alloy plate comprising at least two metals and activated carbons fixed on a conductive support under a predetermined condition. The multi-metals/activated carbon composite prepared in accordance with the present invention has improved adhesion force and specific surface area than those of a conventional composite obtained by continuously plating activated carbons, in which metal salts are impregnated, or metals and good reactivity due to the introduction of pure metals. Since the composition and content of metals can be controlled accurately, the multi-metals/activated carbon composite is useful as an active material for filters for removing gaseous or liquid pollutants, secondary cells, fuel cells, capacitors, hydrogen storage electrodes, etc.