Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
11:23
Polydimethylsiloxane-polycarbonate Microfluidic Devices for Cell Migration Studies Under Perpendicular Chemical and Oxygen Gradients
Published on: February 23, 2017
14.7K
Functional Gradient Inverse Opal Carbon Monoliths with Directional and Multinary Porosity
Mengdi Chen1, Kay Hagedorn1, Helmut Cölfen1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|October 27, 2016
Summary
Hierarchically nanostructured nanoporous monoliths were created using controlled ultracentrifugation. These materials show benefits for lithium-oxygen battery performance due to their gradient porosity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Hierarchical nanoporous materials offer unique properties for energy storage applications.
- Controlling pore structure is crucial for optimizing material performance.
- Lithium-oxygen batteries require advanced electrode materials to improve efficiency and lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for creating nanoporous monoliths with hierarchical nanostructures.
- To investigate the benefits of gradient porosity in these materials.
- To demonstrate the application of these materials in lithium-oxygen batteries.
Main Methods:
- In situ assembly of template and carbon precursor gel.
- Controlled ultracentrifugation experiments to achieve hierarchical nanostructure and gradient porosity.
- Characterization of the resulting nanoporous monoliths.
Main Results:
- Successful preparation of nanoporous monoliths with controlled hierarchical nanostructure.
- Demonstration of gradient porosity within the monoliths.
- Evidence of enhanced performance in lithium-oxygen batteries utilizing these materials.
Conclusions:
- Controlled ultracentrifugation is an effective method for fabricating hierarchical nanoporous monoliths.
- The gradient porosity of these materials is beneficial for lithium-oxygen battery applications.
- Further research into these materials could lead to improved battery technologies.
Keywords:
carbon materialsfunctional gradientslithium oxygen batteriesnanoporous materialstemplating strategiesMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Porosity and Absorption of Aggregate
870
Aggregates contain pores of varying sizes; while some are completely enclosed within the particles, others open onto the surface, allowing water to penetrate. The porosity of aggregates is a major factor contributing to the overall porosity of concrete, given that aggregates constitute about three-quarters of concrete's volume.
When all pores in an aggregate are filled with water, the aggregate is considered saturated and surface-dry. If left in dry air, water will evaporate until the...
When all pores in an aggregate are filled with water, the aggregate is considered saturated and surface-dry. If left in dry air, water will evaporate until the...
870
01:18Porosity in Cement Paste
521
The porosity of concrete is a measure of the void spaces within its structure. These spaces impact its strength and durability significantly. When water and cement interact, a chemical reaction called hydration creates a semi-solid paste. This paste includes combined water, making up approximately 23% of the cement's dry mass, and gel water, which fills minuscule voids known as gel pores, accounting for about 28% of the cement gel volume.
The balance of water to cement in the mix is...
The balance of water to cement in the mix is...
521
01:24Design Example: Aggregate Gradation
355
The right type and quality of aggregates are crucial for concrete as they significantly influence its properties, mix proportions, and cost-effectiveness. If different sources are available for sand, the commonly used fine aggregate in concrete, the selection of sand is primarily based on its gradation.
The grading, or particle-size distribution, of sand is determined using sieve analysis, with standard sizes ranging from 150 μm to 10 mm (ASTM No. 100 sieve to 3⁄8 in. sieve). Sand is...
The grading, or particle-size distribution, of sand is determined using sieve analysis, with standard sizes ranging from 150 μm to 10 mm (ASTM No. 100 sieve to 3⁄8 in. sieve). Sand is...
355
01:14Gradient and Del Operator
4.8K
In mathematics and physics, the gradient and del operator are fundamental concepts used to describe the behavior of functions and fields in space. The gradient is a mathematical operator that gives both the magnitude and direction of the maximum spatial rate of change. Consider a person standing on a mountain. The slope of the mountain at any given point is not defined unless it is quantified in a particular direction. For this reason, a "directional derivative" is defined, which is a vector...
4.8K
01:25Permeability of Concrete
581
Permeability in the context of concrete refers to how easily liquids or gases can pass through the material. This quality is crucial for assessing the water-tightness and durability of concrete structures and their resistance to chemical attacks. Concrete permeability can be determined through comparative laboratory tests. These tests typically involve sealing a concrete specimen from the sides, applying water pressure to the top surface with pressure, and measuring the amount of water passing...
581
01:23Pore Size Distribution
553
In concrete, the pore size distribution significantly influences the material's properties. Capillary pores, markedly larger than gel pores, form a vast network within partially hydrated cement paste, reducing the concrete's strength and increasing its permeability. This heightened permeability leads to a greater risk of damage from environmental factors like freeze-thaw cycles and chemical attacks, with the extent of vulnerability also being tied to the water-to-cement ratio.
Adequate...
Adequate...
553