Nanocomposite paperNanocomposite paperby: Bryce Sauser MEEN 3344

• is a hybrid energy storage device that combines characteristics of batteries and supercapacitors.

• It takes the high energy storage capacity of the battery and the high energy density of the supercapacitor which producing bursts of extreme power.

What is Nanocomposite paper

This energy storage device is based on two basic, inexpensive materials: carbon nanotubes and cellulose. Also an ionic liquid provides the third component: electrolyte. Engineered together, they form nanocomposite paper. It is as thin and flexible as a piece of paper—it can be twisted, folded, rolled and cut to fit any space without losing any of its energy. The paper battery can also be stacked to boost the total power output.

Materials and Description

To creat this paper you have to first dissolve the cellulose in the ionic liquid and then inflitrate the cellulose paper with aligned carbon nanotubes which form the uniform film. Then it is solidified on dry ice, after this it is soaked in ethonal to remove the ionic liquid and dried in a vacume, which gives you your final product: Nanocomposite paper.

How it is made

• This energy storage device is cost-effective because the device can be able to be used in the smallest and most diversly designed electronics. Such as cell phones, mp3 players and medical equipment. The reasearchers say that it can also be used in automobiles and aircraft. But it has a poor processibility, being that they it is particually insovible of infuseble. Lastly, the use of ionic liquid makes the device environmentally friendly; a major concern in nanotechnology.

Conclusion

References

• Pushparaj, Victor L. “Flexible energy storage devices based on nanocomposite paper: Proceedings National Academy of Sciences.” 104 (2004): 13574-13577

• “Encarta Websters Dictionary of English Language.” New York, NY: Bloomsbury publishing, 2004.

• wiseGeek http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-carbon-nanotubes.htm