- Description of the effort: This effort seeks to set the foundation for developing novel low-cost and low-energy consumption carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with structural functionality, suitable for both energy storage applications and reinforcements of composites for fuel efficient transportation. To this end, we propose to study the microstructure-property-relationships of carbon nanofibers processed via carbonization of unconventional polymeric nanofiber precursors, such as renewable biomasses and pre-designed precursors.
Electrospun nanofibers from novel precursors will be carbonized at temperatures of ~700°C or above
- Main findings so far:
- The utilization of unconventional polymeric precursors with high concentration of sp2 carbon bonds can significantly lower the carbonization temperature, leading to energy-efficient processing of CNFs.
- Funded by TAMU-TEES
- Senior personnel involved: Dr. M. Naraghi (PI) and Dr. L. Fang (Chemistry department, co-PI)
- References
- In review