3D printed graphene aerogel electrodes increase the performance of electrochemical reactors by 100 times

On August 4, 2021, researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have begun to use3D printingThe technology produces electrodes for electrochemical reactors (FTEs), which is said to increase the performance of the reactor by a factor of 100.
LLNL team3D printingA porous electrode made of graphene aerogel, the printed structure can undergo a series of electrochemical reactions, such as the conversion of carbon dioxide and other molecules into useful
energy
product.
due to3D printingThe technology can create a variety of structures, and the researchers found that the material flow through the electrode can be better controlled, which means that it can improve the mass transfer and improve the performance of the reactor.
LLNL engineer Victor Beck, the lead author of this study, said: “Passed3D printing, We can accurately control the electrochemical reactor to improve the performance of the reactor. New and high-performance electrodes will be an important part of the next generation of electrochemical reactors. “

Mass transfer and electrochemical reactor

Electrochemical reactors are commonly used to convert chemical reactants into energy, such as electricity. The commercial viability of these reactors depends to a large extent on mass transfer, in simple terms, the delivery of fluid reactants to the reaction surface through electrodes. Therefore, we need to design electrodes that can control the flow.

At present, electrodes are generally manufactured using “disordered media”, such as carbon fiber-based foam. Although the cost is very low, these disordered materials often lead to uneven flow and mass transfer distribution, which is detrimental to the performance of the reactor.
By choice3D printingFor the aerogel electrode, the researchers proved that they can customize the flow channel shape of the electrode to optimize the reaction in the reactor while alleviating the shortcomings of traditionally manufactured electrodes.
Co-author Anna Ivanovskaya added: “The fine control of the electrode shape makes advanced electrochemical reactors possible, which was not possible with previous electrode materials. Engineers will be able to design and manufacture optimized structures for specific processes. . With the development of manufacturing technology,3D printingElectrodes may replace traditional disordered electrodes for liquid and gas type reactors. “


3D printingGraphene aerogel electrode

The electrodes are printed into a complex lattice structure, which enhances the quality transmission by 1-2 orders of magnitude (10 times-100 times). LLNL’s electrodes also achieved reactor performance comparable to traditional disordered materials, which is a very promising result.
Swetha Chandrasekaran, co-author of the study, said: “Passed3D printingAdvanced materials such as carbon aerogels may design macroporous networks in these materials without affecting the physical properties such as electrical conductivity and surface area.”
The success of this research will now allow them to explore the effects of engineered electrode architectures without relying on expensive industrial manufacturing processes. LLNL is currently studying the use of resin-based micro-stereolithography and two-photon lithography3D printingStronger electrodes and other reactor components.

Electrode3D printingNot a new concept. A research team from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee has previously developed a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuit3D printingElectrode method. Specifically, the scientists used the Nanoscribe Photonic Professional GT two-photon polymerization system to nanoprint polymer structures directly onto semiconductor chips.

In addition, scientists have previously3D printingTo be able to detect
food
Electrodes containing mycotoxins can ensure food safety.

(Editor in charge: admin)