Supercapacitors based on carbon aerogels: comparison between bacterial cellulose based and resorcinol based aerogels

Abstract

This proposal is included in the original activities program approved by FAPESP. So far, bacterial cellulose (BC) and BC-silk fibroin (BCF) aerogels have been prepared by supercritical CO2 drying. Afterwards pyrolysis of aerogels have led to carbon aerogels. The original BC morphology is kept in the final carbon aerogel. In the scope of the initial project a short period in the lab of Dr. Marcus Worsley (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory - LLNL- USA) is proposed. In LLNL carbon aerogels are being obtained by 3D printing of resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) based resins followed by pyrolysis. Graphene oxide (GO) and graphene nanoplatelets GNP) are being used together with the RF. RF-GO-GNP based CA will be prepared with dimensions close to those of the carbon aerogels obtained from BC. Supercapacitor properties will be evaluated and compared. Dr. Worsley is a specialist in the field as shown by his recent contributions [1-3]. The short period will contribute in an interesting way to the formation of the student, putting in evidence the possibilities of optimizing supercapacitors devices by controlling the nature and morphology of the organic precursor to be pyrolyzed. (AU)