Nano-Graphene Platelets

James Robbins

MEEN 3344

What are Nano-Graphene Platelets (NGP)?

• Similar to Carbon Nanotubes (CNT)

• Graphene is a single atom thick sheet of carbon

• Twice the surface area and qualities out perform nanomaterials

• Outstanding conductor• Electron flow at high speeds,

with virtually no collisions with atoms in the crystal

Two sheets of graphene resting on top of a silicon dioxide substrate

Characteristics

• High Young’s modulus ~1,000 Gpa

• Effective moisture barrier

• Electrical conductivity similar to copper

• Density is four times lower than copper

• Thermal conductivity is five times that of copper

• Essentially an opened up carbon nano tube. High surface area of ~2500m²/g

• Has a lower density than steel but can be up to 50 times stronger

Advantages

• Mechanical, Thermal, electrical, chemical and adsorptive features

• Chemical bonding to a lots of different resins

• Can form oxygen, sulfur, hydrogen, and nitrogen sites

• Able to filter harmful organic and non organic materials

A cage constructed from graphene and nanotube pillars allows better hydrogen storage

Uses for NGP

• Battery electrodes and super capacitors• Fuel cells, solar cells and energy storage• Shield electromagnetic impulse and radio

frequency for devices such as cell phones and computers

• Aerospace: aircraft braking system, thermal management, and lightning strike protection

• Automotive: fuel systems, tires, composites for internal an external parts

• Filtrations and purification

References

• Graber, Dave. “Nano Enhanced Wholesale Technologies” http://www.nano-enhanced-wholesale-technologies.com/faq/answers/ngplatelets.htm

• ScienceDaily. “Light-speed Nanotechnology: Controlling The Nature Of Graphene” (Jan. 26, 2009) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090121122836.htm