Microstructure of a highly porous aerogel
Carbon aerogels are extremely lightweight and porous materials with a unique nanostructure. They are produced by carbonising organic aerogels using a specialised process.
Due to their tiny pores and huge internal surface area (up to 3000 square metres per gram), they possess special properties: they conduct electricity very well, are highly porous (over 90 percent) and have an adjustable pore size. These characteristics make them suitable for many applications where conventional materials reach their limits.
A key area of research for DLR focuses on the use of these aerogels to improve energy storage technologies. They could, for example, help develop more efficient batteries and battery systems that can store more energy and retain it for longer periods.
In recent years, portable electronic devices, smart gadgets and electric vehicles have become increasingly popular. But in order for these devices and vehicles to become more practical for everyday use, batteries need to last longer and electric cars require greater range. A promising approach to this is the development of metal-sulphur batteries, in particular lithium-sulphur batteries, which have the potential to store a great deal of energy – theoretically up to 2600 watt-hours per kilogram.
DLR is also researching the use of novel materials such as carbon aerogels in battery cathodes. These materials have tiny, adjustable pores and conduct electricity particularly well. As a result, battery capacity can be increased to up to 1050 ampere-hours per kilogram – even after 100 charge cycles. In the future, this could enable more powerful batteries for smartphones, laptops and electric cars.
The magnification of the exhibit is 1:50,000, with a particle size of 100 nanometres, and the aerogel volume is 2 x 2 x 2 micrometres.
Link:
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Materials Research
E-Mail contact-dlr@DLR.de
Credits: ©DLR