| Electrically conductive carbon nanofoams possess many of the properties of traditional aerogel material. These materials are available in the form of monoliths, granules, powders and papers. They are synthetic, lightweight foams in which the solid matrix and pore spaces have nanometer-scale dimensions. Prepared by sol-gel methods, nanofoams typically have low density, continuous porosity, high surface area, and fine cell/pore sizes. The foams are also electrically conductive and have a high capacitance. Carbon nanofoams are being used as lightweight, high temperature insulation, absorbents and coatings, specialty optics, and electrodes for water deionization cells, fuel cells, and other devices. Morphology examination by scanning electron microscope shows an open cell structure and continuous porosity. The particle size and pore spacing is a function of density and the polymerization chemistry used during the sol-gel process. Low density carbon nanofoams (~0.25 g/cm3) have the largest cell/pore size with particle diameters of up to 100 nm and pores at least 500 nm. High density carbon foams (abt. 0.8 g/cm3) have ultra fine particles and pores of less than 1000Å. Data provided by the supplier, MarkeTech International. MarkeTech International is no longer in business. |
