Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/288,788, filed Dec. 21, 2009, entitled “CAPACITOR USING CARON NANOTUBE ELECTRODE,” by Nguyen et al., and having attorney docket number WIND-P001 R. That application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. 
     
    
     GOVERNMENT INTERESTS 
       [0002]    The inventions described herein were made by non-government employees, whose contributions were made in performance of work under an Air Force contract, and is subject to the provisions of Public Law 96-517 (35 U.S.C. §202). These inventions were made with Government support under contract FA9453-09-M-0141 awarded by the Air Force. The Government has certain rights in these inventions. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to carbon nanotubes (CNTs), electrodes, and energy storage. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    As technology has advanced, the need for energy to power technology has increased rapidly. The ability to store energy to power devices has also become increasingly important. One area of an increasing amount of research for energy storage is capacitors with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The CNTs are typically grown with use of a metal catalyst layer. The metal catalyst layer is difficult to control during deposition. The metal catalyst layer adds to the cost to manufacturing of the capacitor. Unfortunately, the metal catalyst layer typically remains after the growing of the CNTs and negatively impacts performance. 
         [0005]    The resistance of the interface between the CNTs and the metal is often the dominant component of resistance in a capacitor. CNTs grown with a metal catalyst layer which results in a high interface resistance due to the metal catalyst layer that remains. The high interface resistance thereby negatively impacts performance. In particular, the high resistance results in poor power performance of the capacitor. 
         [0006]    Amorphous carbon also negatively impacts performance. The growth of CNTs using typical processes results in amorphous carbon. The amorphous carbon reduces the accessibility of pores of the CNTs which reduces the surface area thereby impacting performance of the CNTs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Accordingly, a need exists to manufacture energy storage devices with reduced cost, reduced resistance, and better performance. Embodiments of the present invention provide an energy storage device (e.g., capacitor) with cheaper manufacturing and enhanced performance (e.g., low resistance). Embodiments of the present invention including directly growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a metal substrate comprising a metal catalyst or coated with metal catalyst. The CNTs are grown directly on the metal substrate without depositing a catalyst layer. Amorphous carbon is removed from the CNTs thereby improving the performance of the energy storage device. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a method for forming a portion of an energy storage device. The method includes accessing a metal substrate and forming plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) directly on a metal substrate. The metal substrate may comprise a metal catalyst or be coated with a catalyst. The plurality of CNTs may be grown directly on the metal substrate without a catalyst layer. The plurality of CNTs may be formed via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In one embodiment, the plurality of CNTs is substantially vertically aligned. The method further includes removing amorphous carbon from the plurality of CNTs and coupling the plurality of CNTs to an electrolytic separator. In one embodiment, the amorphous carbon is removed via a process involving water. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a method of forming a capacitor. The method includes forming a first plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a first metal substrate and removing amorphous carbon from the first plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The first plurality of CNTs may be grown on the first metal substrate without the addition of a catalyst layer. The first plurality of CNTs may be substantially vertically aligned. The method further includes forming a second plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a second metal substrate and removing amorphous carbon from the second plurality of CNTs. In one embodiment, the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate comprise a metal catalyst. In another embodiment, the first metal substrate and the second metal substrate are coated with a metal catalyst. The first plurality of CNTs and the second plurality of CNTs may then be coupled to a membrane (e.g., electrolytic separator). 
         [0010]    In yet another embodiment, the present invention is an energy storage device. The device includes a first metal substrate and a second metal substrate and an electrolytic separator. In one embodiment, the first metal substrate comprises a metal catalyst. In another embodiment, the first metal substrate is coated with a metal catalyst. The device further includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) coupled to the first metal substrate, the second metal substrate, and the electrolytic separator. The plurality of CNTs may be substantially vertically aligned. A first portion of the plurality of CNTs is grown directly on the first metal substrate and a second portion of the plurality of CNTs were grown directly on the second metal substrate. In one embodiment, the plurality of CNTs is grown directly on the first metal substrate without a catalyst layer. Amorphous carbon has been removed from the plurality of CNTs. The amorphous carbon may be removed by a process involving water. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 1-3  show diagrams of exemplary production stages of a portion of an energy storage device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4-6  show diagrams of exemplary production stages of an energy storage device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  shows an exemplary flowchart of a process for manufacturing an energy storage device, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  shows a block diagram of an exemplary energy storage device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments in accordance with the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with various embodiments, it will be understood that these various embodiments are not intended to limit the invention. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the scope of the invention as construed according to the appended Claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of various embodiments in accordance with the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention. 
       Exemplary Energy Storage Devices And Methods For Manufacturing Energy Storage Devices 
       [0017]      FIGS. 1-3  show diagrams of exemplary production stages of a portion of an energy storage device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 1A , a metal substrate  102   a  is selected. Metal substrate  102   a  may be metal alloy which may be a variety of alloys comprising a metal catalyst  108   a  including Fe, Ni, or Co or any other metal or combination of metals that have the capability to support growth of carbon nanotubes. An example is FeCrAl alloys, Kanthal (e.g., mainly iron, chromium (20-30%) and aluminium (4-7.5%)), nichrome®, available from the Driver-Harris Company of Morristown, N.J. (e.g., 80% nickel and 20% chromium, by mass), or stainless steel. 
         [0018]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , a metal substrate  102   b  is selected. Metal substrate  102   b  may be metal (e.g., Fe, Ni, Co, Al) or a metal foil (e.g., comprising Al and/or Cr). In one embodiment, metal substrate  102   b  may be coated or deposited (e.g., via a continuous process) with catalyst  108   b.    
         [0019]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , carbon nanotubes (CNTs)  104  are formed or grown directly on metal substrate  102 . CNTs  104  are highly porous in structure and characterized by sizeable fraction of mesopores and high useable surface area. CNTs  104  are chemically stable and inert. CNTs  104  are electrically conductive. It is noted that metal substrate  102  of  FIG. 2  comprises catalyst (e.g., catalyst  108   a  or catalyst  108   b ) which is not shown. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, CNTs  104  are grown with a thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. For example, the CVD process may be performed with hydrocarbons (e.g., ethylene, any CH x  based hydrocarbon, or other carbon source) at a temperature greater than 600° C. and in an environment with reduced oxygen concentration. CNTs  104  are grown directly on the surface of metal substrate  102  without metal catalyst deposition. In one embodiment, CNTs  104  are multi-walled tower-like structures grown directly on metal substrate. In another embodiment, CNTs  104  are single-walled tower-like structures grown directly on metal substrate. In yet another embodiment, CNTs  104  are a combination of both single-walled and multi-walled tower-like structures grown directly on metal substrate. 
         [0021]    The direct growth of CNTs  104  without using a catalyst layer removes the problems of high interface resistance and a catalyst layer which remains on the substrate. Embodiments of the present invention thus have no catalyst impurities impacting the interface resistance. Embodiments thus have minimal electrical resistance at the interface between the CNTs and the metal substrates thereby improving the performance of the energy storage device. The direct growth of the CNTs on the metal substrate further eliminates the need to use a binding material which reduces unnecessary weight of inactive materials. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, CNTs  104  are in a vertical alignment configuration. CNTs  104  may be in a variety of configurations including horizontal, random, disorder arrays, CNTs with other materials, or other alignments, etc. For example, CNTs  104  may be in a vertical tower structure (e.g., perpendicular to the metal surface). In another embodiment, the CNTs resemble a random network with a low degree of structural alignment in the vertical direction. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment, a plasma-based treatment (e.g., via O 2  plasma) of the CNT towers is performed to impart hydrophilic character to the CNTs  104  for better wetting by an electrolyte. This allows more ions from the electrolytes to access the pores in of CNT electrodes which increases the charge density at the Helmholtz layer. 
         [0024]    During the growth of CNTs  104 , CNTs  104  may develop amorphous carbon  106 . Amorphous carbon  106  occupies the spaces between CNTs  104  and thus render CNTs  104  less porous thereby impacting performance of CNTs  104  (e.g., as an electrode). In one embodiment, control of the growth temperature substantially reduces amorphous carbon impurities. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a cleaning process is applied to CNTs  104  and amorphous carbon  106  is removed (e.g., partially or fully) from CNTs  104  thereby producing a portion of an energy storage device  110 . In one embodiment, water vapor at high temperature is used to remove amorphous carbon  106  from CNTs  104 . The cleaning process used may be a process described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,972,056 by Delzeit et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0026]    In one embodiment, a continuous water treatment process is used for purification of carbon nanotube collector electrodes for the removal of impurities including amorphous carbon. The process may include a wet inert carrier gas stream (e.g., Ar or N 2 ) and may include an additional dry carrier gas stream. The wet inert carrier gas stream and the additional dry carrier gas stream can be mixed to control the water concentration. Water may be added using a bubbler, membrane transfer system, or other water infusion method. Water vapor can be introduced in the process chamber at an elevated temperature in the range of 50-1100° C. The process chamber is at a temperature in the range of 50-1100° C. Water treatment increases the electrode porosity thereby increasing the accessibility of pores and allows use of CNTs in applications for high electrode surface area. The increased surface area increases the performance or enhances the capacitance of an energy storage device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, water treatment may result in an increase of specific capacitance values of about three times for water treated CNT electrodes. 
         [0027]      FIG. 4-6  show diagrams of exemplary production stages of an energy storage device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 4 , two portions of an energy storage device  210   a - b  are formed (e.g., as described herein) and membrane  206  is selected. Portions of energy storage device  210   a - b  include metal substrates  202   a - b  and CNTs  204   a - b . Metal substrates  202   a - b  may be coated with a catalyst or be a metal alloy comprising a metal catalyst. CNTs  204   a - b  have been grown directly on metal substrates  202   a - b  and have amorphous carbon removed. Membrane  206  may be a porous separator comprising a variety of materials including polypropylene, Nafion, Celgard or Celgard 3400 available from Celgard LLC of Charlotte, N.C. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , CNTs  204   a - b  are coupled to membrane  206 . In one embodiment, CNTs  204   a - b  and metal substrates  202   a - b  are coupled to membrane  206  via a clamp assembly (e.g., clamp assembly  408 ). 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , CNTs  204   a - b  may be submersed in electrolyte  208  which may be a liquid or gel or CNTs  204   a - b  may be surrounded by a specific gas, air, or vacuum. Electrolyte  208  can be a variety of electrolytes including aqueous electrolytes (e.g., Sodium sulphate (Na 2 SO 4 ), Potassium hydroxide (KOH), Potassium chloride (KCl), Sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ), Magnesium chloride (MgCl 2 ), etc.), nonaqueous electrolyte solvents (e.g., Acetonitrile, Propylene carbonate, Tetrahydrofuran, Gamma-butyrolactone, Dimethoxyethane), and solvent free ionic liquids (e.g., 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(pentafluoroethylsulfonyl) imide (EMIMBeTi), etc.). 
         [0030]    Electrolyte  208  may include a variety of electrolyte salts used in solvents including Tetraalkylammonium salts (e.g., Tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate ((C 2 H 5 ) 4 NBF 4 ), Methyltriethylammonium tetrafluoroborate ((C 2 H 5 ) 3 CH 3 NBF 4 ), Tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate ((C 4 H 9 ) 4 NBF 4 ), Tetraethylammonium hexafluorophosphate (C 2 H 5 )NPF 6 )), Tetraalkylphosphonium salts (e.g., Tetraethylphosphonium tetrafluoroborate ((C 2 H 5 ) 4 PBF 4 ), Tetrapropylphosphonium tetrafluoroborate ((C 3 H 7 ) 4 PBF 4 ), Tetrabutylphosphonium tetrafluoroborate ((C 4 H 9 ) 4 PBF 4 )), and lithium salts (e.g., Lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4), Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), Lithium trifluoromethylsulfonate (LiCF 3 SO 3 )). 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , exemplary flowchart  300  illustrates example computer controlled processes used by various embodiments of the present invention. Although specific blocks are disclosed in flowchart  300 , such blocks are exemplary. That is, embodiments are well suited to performing various other blocks or variations of the blocks recited in flowchart  300 . It is appreciated that the blocks in flowchart  300  may be performed in an order different than presented, and that not all of the blocks in flowchart  300  may be performed. 
         [0032]      FIG. 7  shows an exemplary flowchart  300  of a process for manufacturing an energy storage device, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Process  300  may be operable for manufacturing an electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC). 
         [0033]    At block  302 , a first plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (e.g., CNTs  204   a ) are formed on a first metal substrate (e.g., metal substrate  202   a ). As described herein, the CNTs may be formed directly on the metal substrate. 
         [0034]    At block  304 , amorphous carbon is removed from the first plurality of CNTs. As described herein, the amorphous carbon may have been removed via a water treatment process. At block  306 , a first wire is coupled to the first metal substrate. 
         [0035]    At block  308 , a second plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (e.g., CNTs  204   b ) are formed on a second metal substrate (e.g., metal substrate  202   b ). As described herein, the CNTs may be formed directly on the metal substrate. 
         [0036]    At block  310 , amorphous carbon is removed from the second plurality of CNTs. As described herein, the amorphous carbon may have been removed via a water treatment process. At block  312 , a second wire is coupled to the second metal substrate. 
         [0037]    At block  314 , the first plurality of CNTs and the second plurality of CNTs are coupled to a membrane (e.g., electrolytic separator). At block  316 , electrolyte is added. The electrolyte may be a variety of electrolytes, as described herein. 
         [0038]      FIG. 8  shows a block diagram of an exemplary energy storage device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, device assembly  400  may be an electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC). Device assembly  400  may have an operating voltage of 0.05V or greater. Embodiments of the present invention support fast charging time, high power delivery, and high energy density. 
         [0039]    Device assembly  400  comprises two CNT electrodes  404   a - b  separated by an electrolytic membrane  406 . In one embodiment, CNT electrodes  404   a - b  may be larger than 1×1 cm 2  area on a metal substrate or metal foil coated with a catalyst and can be manufactured in a roll-to-roll fashion. CNT electrodes  404   a - b  may be manufactured in any continuous processing of electrode materials. CNT electrodes  404   a - b  may be formed with or without water treatment and from substrates with or without an additional catalyst. 
         [0040]    Electrical leads are attached to the assembly prior to affixing the clamp assembly  408 . Electrical leads  410  (e.g., thin metal wires) contact the back of the collectors  402   a - b  (e.g., metal substrates  202   a - b ) to provide electrical contact. The device assembly  400  is then submerged in a container of electrolyte (e.g., electrolyte solution including solvated ions) (not shown), as described herein. Electrical leads  410  are fed out of the solution to facilitate capacitor operation. 
         [0041]    Clamp assembly  408  holds electrodes  404   a - b  in close proximity while the electrolytic membrane  406  maintains an appropriate electrode separation and at the same time keeps the volume of device assembly  400  to a minimum. In one embodiment, clamp assembly  408  is a high-density assembly polyethylene (HDPE). 
         [0042]    In one embodiment, device assembly  400  is a parallel plate capacitor with two vertically aligned multi-walled CNT tower electrodes  404   a - b , an electrolytic membrane  406  (e.g., celgard or polypropylene, and using conventional aqueous electrolytes (e.g., 45% sulfuric acid or KOH). 
         [0043]    Device assembly  400  may be operable for a variety of applications including replacement for batteries and other energy storage devices, consumer electronics (e.g., cellular telephones, cameras, computers, PDAs (personal digital assistants, smartphones, pagers, and charging devices), motor vehicles (e.g., for electric/hybrid vehicles, for capturing energy wasted during the operation of motor vehicles, such as braking, and for driving motors, lights, instrumentation, etc.), smart grids (e.g., for electricity delivery to homes, commercial buildings and factories), cold-starting assistance, catalytic converter preheating, delivery vans, golf carts, go-carts, uninterruptable power supplies (UPSs) for computers, standby power systems, copy machines (e.g., accelerating warm up mode and minimizing standby mode), car stereo amplifies, etc. 
         [0044]    Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide an energy storage device (e.g., capacitor) with cheaper manufacturing and enhanced performance (e.g., low resistance). Embodiments of the present invention including directly growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a metal substrate comprising a metal catalyst or coated with metal catalyst. The CNTs are grown directly on the metal substrate without depositing a catalyst layer. Amorphous carbon is removed from the CNTs thereby improving the performance of the energy storage device. 
         [0045]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Technology Category: 4