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Fabrication, Densification, and Replica Molding of 3D Carbon Nanotube Microstructures
Published on: July 2, 2012
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3D Printing of Carbon Nanotubes-Based Microsupercapacitors
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn , Dearborn, Michigan 48128, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 18, 2017
Summary
A new 3D printing method fabricates carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-based microsupercapacitors with excellent stability. This technique ensures structural integrity and high performance for energy storage devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Microsupercapacitors are crucial for miniaturized electronics.
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer excellent electrical properties for energy storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel 3D printing procedure for fabricating CNTs-based microsupercapacitors.
- To investigate the effect of process parameters on the printing and performance of these devices.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 3D printer with a CNTs ink slurry and controlled heated base for layer adhesion and solvent removal.
- Characterized 3D-printed electrodes using SEM, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and step profiler.
- Assembled solid-state microsupercapacitors with printed CNTs and poly(vinyl alcohol)-H3PO4 gel electrolyte.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated multilayer CNTs structures with improved integrity and no delamination or distortion.
- Demonstrated significant areal capacitance in the 3D-printed microsupercapacitors.
- Achieved excellent cycle stability, indicating robust performance.
Conclusions:
- The novel 3D printing procedure is effective for fabricating high-performance CNTs-based microsupercapacitors.
- Process parameter control is vital for ensuring structural integrity and electrochemical performance.
- The developed microsupercapacitors show great potential for advanced energy storage applications.
