Graphene-cellulose composite for electrode applications (GCC)

Important results from the project

Cellulose is one of the components in graphene composite electrodes used in, for example, energy storage. The graphene-cellulose mixture used in coating to produce electrodes contains large amounts of water, which gives challenges in the process. The goal was to evaluate if nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) can function as a binder in graphene electrodes and if the manufacturing processes can be made more cost-effective. The electrode materials were fabricated on a lab scale and the electrochemical performance as well as a number of material properties were evaluated.

Expected long term effects

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** Electrochemically, CNC gave equivalent results to the reference cellulose (microfibrillar cellulose) but gave an improved dewatering which can facilitate the drying process and thus provide a cost reduction. The strength of the electrodes was slightly decreased but durable enough to be handled and processed. The results in this feasibility study give an indication of how CNC works and can be used in electrode manufacturing. We have gained knowledge of how we can work further to optimize the conditions.

Approach and implementation

Two types of crystalline nano cellulose (CNC) with different charge and size were produced by RISE Processum and evaluated at MIUN. Most promising CNC was produced in larger amounts and MIUN prepared the coatings with three different amount of CNC and one additional sample with microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) as reference. At Iggesund, all coatings were made including calendering. Electrochemical testing of the electrodes and electron microscopy were performed.