Patents Assigned to Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
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Patent number: 11648521Abstract: Nanoporous carbon-based scaffolds or structures, and specifically carbon aerogels and their manufacture and use thereof are provided. Embodiments include a silicon-doped anode material for a lithium-ion battery, where the anode material includes beads of polyimide-derived carbon aerogel. The carbon aerogel includes silicon particles and accommodates expansion of the silicon particles during lithiation. The anode material provides optimal properties for use within the lithium-ion battery.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, Roxana Trifu, Redouane Begag, Wendell E. Rhine, George L. Gould, Alexei A. Erchak, Harris R. Miller, Nicholas Leventis
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Publication number: 20230134383Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerogel composition which is durable and easy to handle, which has favorable performance in aqueous environments, and which also has favorable combustion and self-heating properties. Also provided is a method of preparing an aerogel composition which is durable and easy to handle, which has favorable performance in aqueous environments, and which has favorable combustion and self-heating properties. Further provided is a method of improving the hydrophobicity, the liquid water uptake, the heat of combustion, or the onset of thermal decomposition temperature of an aerogel composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2022Publication date: May 4, 2023Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Owen R. Evans, Kathryn E. deKrafft, Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, Wenting Dong, David J. Mihalcik, George L. Gould, Irene Melnikova
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Patent number: 11634641Abstract: Aerogel materials, aerogel composites, and the like may be improved by the addition of opacifiers to reduce the radiative component of heat transfer. Such aerogel materials, aerogel composites, and the like may also be treated to impart or improve hydrophobicity. Such aerogel materials and methods of manufacturing the same are described.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Owen R. Evans, Wendell E. Rhine, Jon F. Nebo, Jon C. Abeles, Jr.
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Publication number: 20230085627Abstract: The current disclosure provides reinforced aerogel compositions that are durable and easy to handle, have favorable performance in aqueous environments, have favorable insulation properties, and have favorable, reaction to fire, combustion and flame-resistance properties. Also provided are methods of preparing or manufacturing such reinforced aerogel compositions. In certain embodiments, the composition has a silica-based aerogel framework, reinforced with an open-cell macroporous framework, and includes one or more fire-class additives, where the silica-based aerogel framework comprises at least one hydrophobic-bound silicon and the composition or each of its components has desired properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: David Mihalcik, Kathryn Elizabeth deKrafft, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Owen Richard Evans, George L. Gould, Wibke Lolsberg
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Patent number: 11605854Abstract: Nanoporous carbon-based scaffolds or structures, and specifically carbon aerogels and their manufacture and use thereof. Embodiments include a cathode material within a lithium-air battery, where the cathode is formed of a binder-free, monolithic, polyimide-derived carbon aerogel. The carbon aerogel includes pores that improve the oxygen transport properties of electrolyte solution and improve the formation of lithium peroxide along the surface and/or within the pores of the carbon aerogel. The cathode and underlying carbon aerogel provide optimal properties for use within the lithium-air battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2020Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, George L. Gould
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Patent number: 11588196Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced aerogel material which can be used as insulation in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel material is highly durable, flexible, and has a thermal performance that exceeds the insulation materials currently used in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation material can be as thin as 1 mm less, and can have a thickness variation as low as 2% or less. Also provided is a method for improving the performance of a thermal battery by incorporating a reinforced aerogel material into the thermal battery. Further provided is a casting method for producing thin fiber-reinforced aerogel materials.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2022Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Owen Richard Evans, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Shannon Olga White, Wenting Dong, Wendell E. Rhine
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Publication number: 20230032529Abstract: Battery thermal management materials, compositions and systems are provided. Exemplary embodiments include a battery thermal management member. The battery thermal management member can include a heat protection layer and a resilient layer. Also provided are methods of preparing or manufacturing such battery thermal management members. In certain embodiments, the heat protection layer can include mica, microporous silica, ceramic fiber, mineral wool, aerogel or combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2021Publication date: February 2, 2023Applicant: ASPEN AEROGELS INC.Inventors: Owen Evans, George Gould, Kathryn Dekrafft, David Mihalcik, David Baur
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Patent number: 11547977Abstract: The current disclosure provides reinforced aerogel compositions that are durable and easy to handle, have favorable performance in aqueous environments, have favorable insulation properties, and have favorable, reaction to fire, combustion and flame-resistance properties. Also provided are methods of preparing or manufacturing such reinforced aerogel compositions. In certain embodiments, the composition has a silica-based aerogel framework, reinforced with an open-cell macroporous framework, and includes one or more fire-class additives, where the silica-based aerogel framework comprises at least one hydrophobic-bound silicon and the composition or each of its components has desired properties.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: David J. Mihalcik, Kathryn Elizabeth deKrafft, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Owen Richard Evans, George L. Gould, Wibke Lölsberg
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Patent number: 11517870Abstract: The present invention describes various methods for manufacturing gel composite sheets using segmented fiber or foam reinforcements and gel precursors. Additionally, rigid panels manufactured from the resulting gel composites are also described. The gel composites are relatively flexible enough to be wound and when unwound, can be stretched flat and made into rigid panels using adhesives.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2021Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Owen R. Evans, Irene Melnikova
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Publication number: 20220289939Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerogel composition which is durable and easy to handle, which has favorable performance in aqueous environments, and which also has favorable combustion and self-heating properties. Also provided is a method of preparing an aerogel composition which is durable and easy to handle, which has favorable performance in aqueous environments, and which has favorable combustion and self-heating properties. Further provided is a method of improving the hydrophobicity, the liquid water uptake, the heat of combustion, or the onset of thermal decomposition temperature of an aerogel composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Owen R. Evans, Kathryn E. deKrafft, Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, Wenting Dong, David J. Mihalcik, George L. Gould, Irene Melnikova
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Publication number: 20220278333Abstract: The present disclosure discusses a system with a nanoporous carbon material with a pore structure and lithium metal disposed adjacent to the nanoporous carbon material. The present disclosure discussion includes an electrical energy storage device including at least one anode, at least one cathode, and an electrolyte comprising lithium ions, wherein the electrical energy storage device has a first cycle efficiency of at least 50% and a reversible capacity of at least 150 mAh/g.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2021Publication date: September 1, 2022Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, George L. Gould, Alexei Erchak
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Publication number: 20220259850Abstract: The invention relates to insulating composite materials comprising an inorganic aerogel and a melamine foam. The invention also relates to the product method of said materials, and to the use of same.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2022Publication date: August 18, 2022Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Pierre-Antoine BONNARDEL, Sophie CHAUSSON, Emilie GERARDIN
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Patent number: 11413844Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe secured fiber-reinforced aerogels and laminate structures formed therefrom. In one embodiment a laminate comprises at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer adjacent to at least one layer of fiber containing material wherein fibers from said at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of said at least one fiber-containing material. In another embodiment a laminate comprises at least two adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layers wherein fibers from at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of an adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2021Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Daniel E. Bullock, Aaron R. Tomich
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Patent number: 11380953Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced aerogel material which can be used as insulation in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel material is highly durable, flexible, and has a thermal performance that exceeds the insulation materials currently used in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation material can be as thin as 1 mm less, and can have a thickness variation as low as 2% or less. Also provided is a method for improving the performance of a thermal battery by incorporating a reinforced aerogel material into the thermal battery. Further provided is a casting method for producing thin fiber-reinforced aerogel materials.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: ASPEN AEROGELS, INC.Inventors: Owen Richard Evans, Nicholas Anthony Zafiropoulos, Shannon Olga White, Wenting Dong, Wendell E. Rhine
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Publication number: 20220209234Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to silica-carbon composite materials including a low bulk density carbon material having a skeletal framework of carbon nanofibers, the skeletal framework forming a pore structure comprising an array of interconnected pores. The silica-carbon composite materials further include a conformal coating layer of silica on the carbon nanofibers. Further provided are methods for preparation of the silica-carbon composite materials, and methods for reduction of the silica-carbon composite materials to provide silicon-carbon composite materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2021Publication date: June 30, 2022Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Roxana Trifu, Nicholas Leventis, Redouane Begag
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Patent number: 11374213Abstract: Nanoporous carbon-based scaffolds or structures, and specifically carbon aerogels and their manufacture and use thereof. Embodiments include a sulfur-doped cathode material within a lithium-sulfur battery, where the cathode is collector-less and is formed of a binder-free, monolithic, polyimide-derived carbon aerogel. The carbon aerogel includes pores that surround elemental sulfur and accommodate expansion of the sulfur during conversion to lithium sulfide. The cathode and underlying carbon aerogel provide optimal properties for use within the lithium-sulfur battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2020Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: ASPEN AEROGELS, INC.Inventors: Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, George L. Gould
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Publication number: 20220185985Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of forming polyimide gels. The methods generally include forming a polyamic acid and dehydrating the polyamic acid with a dehydrating agent in the presence of water. The resulting polyimide gels may be converted to polyimide or carbon xerogels or aerogels. The methods are advantageous in providing rapid or even instantaneous gelation, which may be particularly useful in formation of beads comprising the polyimide gels. Polyimide or carbon gel materials prepared according to the disclosed method are suitable for use in environments containing electrochemical reactions, for example as an electrode material within a lithium-ion battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2021Publication date: June 16, 2022Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Redouane Begag, Roxana Trifu, Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, Harris R. Miller, George L. Gould, Nicholas Leventis
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Publication number: 20220185970Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of forming polyamic acid and polyimide gels in water. The resulting polyamic acid and polyimide gels may be converted to aerogels, which may further be converted to carbon aerogels. Such carbon aerogels have the same physical properties as carbon aerogels prepared from polyimide aerogels obtained according to conventional methods, i.e., organic solvent-based. The disclosed methods are advantageous in reducing or avoiding costs associated with use and disposal of potentially toxic solvents and byproducts. Gel materials prepared according to the disclosed methods are suitable for use in environments involving electrochemical reactions, for example as an electrode material within a lithium-ion battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2021Publication date: June 16, 2022Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas Leventis, Roxana Trifu, Redouane Begag, George L. Gould, Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, Harris R. Miller
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Publication number: 20220177765Abstract: The present disclosure can provide aerogel compositions which have a thermal storage capacity, and which are durable and easy to handle. The present disclosure can provide aerogel compositions which include PCM coatings, particle mixtures, or PCM materials confined within the porous network of an aerogel composition. The present disclosure can provide methods for producing aerogel compositions by coating an aerogel composition with PCM materials, by forming particle mixtures with PCM materials, or by confining PCM materials within the porous network of an aerogel composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2021Publication date: June 9, 2022Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Roxana Trifu, Redouane Begag, George Gould, Shannon White
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Publication number: 20220081532Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerogel composition which is durable and easy to handle, which has favorable performance in aqueous environments, and which also has favorable combustion and self-heating properties. Also provided is a method of preparing an aerogel composition which is durable and easy to handle, which has favorable performance in aqueous environments, and which has favorable combustion and self-heating properties. Further provided is a method of improving the hydrophobicity, the liquid water uptake, the heat of combustion, or the onset of thermal decomposition temperature of an aerogel composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Owen R. Evans, Kathryn E. deKrafft, Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, Wenting Dong, David J. Mihalcik, George L. Gould, Irene Melnikova