Template synthesis of novel carbon materials
Zero-, one-, two-dimensional sp2-hybridized carbon materials, e.g., fullerene, carbon nanotubes, and graphenes, are well-known carbon allotropes. Scientists naturally expect their analogical substance, i.e., three-dimensional graphene-based ordered architecture (known as Schwarzite). By using a template carbonization approach, variety of interesting carbon materials with an ordered pore structure can be synthesized. Introduction of a large amount of carbon into the confined nanochannels of zeolite template could lead to a formation of a novel carbon structure, such as fullerene network and even Schwarzite, which is an as-yet-unsynthesized hypothetic material and would probably show specific properties due to its unique valence electron structure.
Functionalization of carbon frameworks and their applications for electrochemical energy storage
Carbon materials with high specific surface area are commonly used as electrodes for electrochemical capacitors (or supercapacitors). However, their applications are still limited by relatively low energy density. This research aims to develop hybrid carbon-based electrode by finely tunning their surface functionalities, which lead to an energy density enhancement resulting from a pseudocapacitance. Some other hybrid systems, such as an asymmetric and a redox capacitors will be also investigated.
