As alternative energy generating devices (i.e., solar, wind, etc) are added onto the electrical energy grid (AC grid), irregularities in the available electricity due to natural occurrences (i.e., clouds reducing solar input or wind burst increasing wind powered turbines) will be dramatically increased. Due to their almost instantaneous response, modern flywheel-based energy storage devices can act a mechanical mechanism to regulate the AC grid; however, improved spin speeds will be required to meet the necessary energy levels to balance these green energy variances. Focusing on composite flywheels, we have investigated methods for improving the spin speeds based on materials needs. The so-called composite flywheels are composed of carbon fiber (C-fiber), glass fiber, and a glue (resin) to hold them together. For this effort, we have focused on the addition of fillers to the resin in order to improve its properties. Based on the high loads required for standard meso-sized fillers, this project investigated the utility of ceramic nanofillers since they can be added at very low load levels due to their high surface area. The impact that TiO2 nanowires had on the final strength of the flywheel material was determined by a three-point-bend test. The results of the introduction of nanomaterials demonstrated an increase in strength of the flywheels C-fiber-resin moiety, with an upper limit of a 30% increase being reported. An analysis of the economic impact concerning the utilization of the nanowires was undertaken and after accounting for new-technology and additional production costs, return on improved-nanocomposite investment was approximated at 4-6% per year over the 20-year expected service life. Further, it was determined based on the 30% improvement in strength, this change may enable a 20-30% reduction in flywheel energy storage cost ($/kW-h).
Magnesium batteries are alternatives to the use of lithium ion and nickel metal hydride secondary batteries due to magnesium's abundance, safety of operation, and lower toxicity of disposal. The divalency of the magnesium ion and its chemistry poses some difficulties for its general and industrial use. This work developed a continuous and fibrous nanoscale network of the cathode material through the use of electrospinning with the goal of enhancing performance and reactivity of the battery. The system was characterized and preliminary tests were performed on the constructed battery cells. We were successful in building and testing a series of electrochemical systems that demonstrated good cyclability maintaining 60-70% of discharge capacity after more than 50 charge-discharge cycles.
Development of high energy density dielectrics with low temperature coefficients of capacitance that are systems integrable are needed for extreme environment, defense and automotive applications. The synthesis of high purity chemically prepared Ca(Zr,Ti)O3 powders is described and has resulted in the lowering of conventional firing temperatures by over 100 C. Direct write aerosol spray deposition techniques have been used to fabricate high quality single layer and multilayer capacitors from these powders. The dielectric constants of the direct write capacitors are equivalent to those of fired bulk ceramics. Our presentation emphasizes the synthesis, phase evolution and microstructure development that has resulted in dielectrics with energy densities in excess of 3 J/cm3 with less than 1% change in dielectric constant over a 200 C temperature range.
Silver nanomaterials have significant application resulting from their optical properties related to surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, high electrical conductivity, and anti-microbial impact. A 'green chemistry' synthetic approach for silver nanomaterials minimizes the environmental impact of silver synthesis, as well as lowers the toxicity of the reactive agents. Biopolymers have long been used for stabilization of silver nanomaterials during synthesis, and include gum Arabic, heparin, and common starch. Maltodextrin is a processed derivative of starch with lower molecular weight and an increase in the number of reactive reducing aldehyde groups, and serves as a suitable single reactant for the formation of metallic silver. Silver nanomaterials can be formed under either a thermal route at neutral pH in water or by reaction at room temperature under more alkaline conditions. Deposited silver materials are formed on substrates from near neutral pH solutions at low temperatures near 50 C. Experimental conditions based on material concentrations, pH and reaction time are investigated for development of deposited films. Deposit morphology and optical properties are characterized using SEM and UV-vis techniques. Silver nanoparticles are generated under alkaline conditions by a dissolution-reduction method from precipitated silver (II) oxide. Synthesis conditions were explored for the rapid development of stable silver nanoparticle dispersions. UV-vis absorption spectra, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques were used to characterize the nanoparticle formation kinetics and the influence of reaction conditions. The adsorbed content of the maltodextrin was characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
In an aim to develop photo-responsive composites, the UV photo-reduction of aqueous titanium oxide nanoparticle-graphene oxide (TiO{sub 2}-GO) dispersions (Lambert et al. J Phys. Chem. 2010 113 (46), 19812-19823) was undertaken. Photo-reduction led to the formation of a black precipitate as well as a soluble portion, comprised of titanium oxide nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide (TiO{sub 2}-RGO). When allowed to slowly evaporate, self assembled titanium oxide nanoparticle-graphene oxide (SA-TiO{sub 2}-RGO) films formed at the air-liquid interface of the solution. The thickness of SARGO-TiO{sub 2} films range from {approx}30-100 nm when deposited on substrates, and appear to be comprised of a mosaic assembly of graphene nanosheets and TiO{sub 2}, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate that the graphene oxide is only partially reduced in the SA-TiO{sub 2}-RGO material. These films were also deposited onto inter-digitated electrodes and their photo-responsive behavior was examined. UV-exposure lead to a {approx} 200 kOhm decrease in resistance across the device, resulting in a cathodically biased film. The cathodic bias of the films was utilized for the subsequent reduction of Ag(NO{sub 3}) into silver (Ag) nanoparticles, forming a ternary Ag-(SA-RGO-TiO{sub 2}) composite. Various aspects of the self assembled films, their photoconductive properties as well as potential applications will be presented.