Acid-free solution process for structurally intact carbon fiber paper with long-lasting hydrophilicity
AssigneeUniversity of Rochester
InventorsAstrid M. MUELLER, Madeleine K. WILSEY, Connor P. COX, Omolade A. FASUSI, Kendra R. WATSON, Brian P. YEGELA
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Abstract
This disclosure provides methods that render hydrophobic carbon fiber paper (CFP) hydrophilic for extended periods without damaging the carbon fibers that compose the CFP or the architecture of the network of those carbon fibers. The disclosure further provides hydrophilic CFP made by the inventive methods. The methods include sonicating the CFP in an aqueous surfactant solution followed by electrooxidizing the CFP in an aqueous electrolyte.
Claims29
A method of providing hydrophilic carbon fiber paper (CFP) with undamaged carbon fibers, said method comprising, in the following order:
- (a) subjecting to sonication in an aqueous surfactant solution hydrophobic CFP comprising a plurality of carbon fibers in an arrangement, which fibers have exteriors;
- and,
- (b) subjecting said sonicated CFP to electrooxidation in an aqueous electrolyte that does not damage said fibers or said arrangement of said fibers in the CFP;
- thereby providing hydrophilic CFP with carbon fibers that are undamaged.
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Hydrophilic carbon fiber paper (CFP) that (a) remains hydrophilic when stored under water for 30 days and, (b) is composed of carbon fibers that are undamaged.
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A water purification system, capacitor, flow battery, aqueous electrolyzer, or sensor comprising hydrophilic carbon fiber paper that (a) remains hydrophilic when stored under water for 30 days and, (b) is composed of carbon fibers that are undamaged.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.