| abstract |
Pyrolysis (carbonization) of various plastics, including recycled plastic, can generate carbonaceous materials cheaply and in bulk, which can then be converted into energy storage device materials, e.g., carbon anode active material for Li-ion batteries. The plastic can be dissolved in a suitable solvent or acid, or can be melted. Once liquefied it can be loaded into vessels for extrusion via an electrospinner. Polymer fibers may be formed from the liquefied plastic on the nano- and micro scales, and collected on a substrate, forming a fabric. These fibers can be converted to high purity carbon and used as electrode materials in batteries and supercapacitors. The fibers can also be coated with Ppy prior to pyrolysis; this helps fibers retain their morphology during carbonization. The fibers can also be loaded with additive particles to enhance their electrochemical performance or alter the composite properties. |