Physical properties of 3d interconnected graphite networks - Aerographite

Within the project Physical Properties of 3d interconnected Graphite Networks – Aerographite, the basic optical, electrical, EMS, thermal material properties will be investigated. Besides the first characterization of these material properties, the project focuses on the influence of the highly tailorable inner morphology of this new, lightweight and robust graphitic material on those properties.

Approach:

Two key features are characterizing the synthesis and structure: a) the possibility to have covalently bonded networks of graphitic layers in highly porous assembly and b) the very manifold possibilities to influence the synthesized morphology. Unfortunately, almost no systematic studies on electrical, optical and thermal properties of the novel material were performed up to now and shall be enabled by this proposal.

Therefore following investigations are planed:

3.1 Electrical conductivity:

i) DC electrical conductivity based on structure variants of Aerographite:

Variation of sample densities and aspect ratios of inner network tetrapod’s; Investigation of anisotropy of conductivity; Variation of el. conductivity induced by mechanical compression or tension loads (sensor applications).

ii) AC electrical impedance:

Impedance spectroscopy in mechanically unloaded state of several structure variant of Aerographite; Investigation of maximum capacitance within a broad band of electrical frequencies; Investigation of capacitive changes during mechanical deformation for evaluation as sensor material; Study of the evolving anisotropic behavior in conductivity if the material is compression loaded.

3.2 Thermal investigations:

Determination of thermal stability by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA)

3.3 Optical investigations for detailed interpretation of el. data Evaluation of optical absorption by polarized Raman Spectroscopy with a red (633 nm) laser for different structure variants of Aerographite for correlation with electrical data and morphology.