Journal of Chemical Engineering & Process Technology
Open Access
ISSN: 2157-7048
+44-20-4587-4809
ISSN: 2157-7048
+44-20-4587-4809
Igor Zhitomirsky
McMaster University, Canada
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Chem Eng Process Technol
Statement of the Problem: The success of the supercapacitor technology will depend largely on the ability to achieve strong electrochemical performance of advanced electrode materials at practically important high active mass loadings and high chargedischarge rates. The purpose of this study is the development of advanced composite metal oxide-carbon nanotube and metal oxide graphene electrodes for electrochemical supercapacitors with high active mass loading, high areal and gravimetric capacitances, good cyclic stability and low impedance. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The approach is based on the development of new dispersing and capping agents for synthesis and colloidal processing of oxide nanoparticles, new dispersing agents for carbon nanotube and graphene and new techniques for composite design. Findings: Chelating organic molecules with strong polydentate bonding to metal oxide surface were used as capping and dispersing agents with superior control of nanoparticle size and dispersion. Small aromatic molecules and materials from bile acid family allowed excellent dispersion of carbon nanotubes and graphene. New chelating polymers and chelating polymer complexes with redox properties allowed superior co-dispersion of electrode components and were utilized as advanced redox-active binders for electrodes. Liquid-liquid extraction techniques, extraction strategies and extractors were developed for agglomerate free nanoparticle processing. Electrostatic heterocoagulation techniques were developed for the design of advanced electrodes. Conclusion & Significance: Advanced supercapacitor electrodes were developed with areal capacitance of 8 F cm-2, capacitance retention at high charge-discharge rate above 50%, low impedance, good cyclic stability and high power-energy characteristics.
Igor Zhitomirsky is a Distinguished Engineering Professor at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is a primary author of more than 230 papers in peer-reviewed journals and 8 patents. His major research interests are in electrochemical nanotechnology, colloidal nanotechnology and surface modification techniques. He has developed advanced materials and manufacturing techniques for the fabrication of electrochemical supercapacitors for energy storage. His approach is focused on the advanced surface modification techniques, development of advanced dispersing and capping agents for colloidal processing of nanoparticles, development of redox binders, liquid-liquid extraction techniques for agglomerate free processing of nanoparticles, electrostatic heterocoagulation and Schiff base reactions for design of advanced nanocomposites, polymermediated electrosynthesis and electrophoretic deposition techniques.