Abstract: An anode active material for a lithium secondary battery and a lithium secondary battery are provided. The anode active material includes a carbon-based particle including pores formed in at least one of an inside of the particle and a surface of the particle and having a pore size of the carbon-based particle is 20 nm or less, and silicon formed at an inside of the pores of the carbon-based particle or on the surface of the carbon-based particle. Silicon has an amorphous structure or a crystallite size of silicon measured by an XRD analysis is 7 nm or less. Difference between volume expansion ratios of carbon and silicon can be reduced to improve life-span property of the secondary battery.

Abstract: Disclosed are a catalyst, a method for producing the catalyst, an electrode comprising the catalyst, a membrane-electrode assembly comprising the electrode, and a fuel cell comprising the membrane-electrode assembly, the catalyst having superb catalytic activity that can be obtained by means of a simple post-treatment process of the raw catalyst. The catalyst according to the present invention comprises a support, and metal particles supported therein, wherein the metal particles comprise main particles and an additional metal layer thereon, and the main particles and additional metal layer comprise the same metal elements. The metal particles have a budding structure or a rod structure by having just a particular latticed active surface of the main particles grow to form the additional metal layer, or a core-shell structure by having the entire latticed active surface of the main particles grow to form the additional metal layer.

Abstract: Provided is a negative electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery according to the present invention, including a carbon-based particle including pores in an inner portion and/or a surface thereof; and a silicon-based coating layer positioned on a pore surface and/or a pore-free surface of the carbon-based particle and containing silicon carbon compound.

Abstract: Methods for preparation of surfactant-free ultra-small spinel ternary metal oxide nanoparticles are provided. A method comprises dissolving first and second metal salts in deionized water in a specific mole ratio to form a solution comprising two different metal ions, applying a coprecipitation method and adding an alkaline solution to the solution to form a colloidal suspension, wherein a colloid of the colloidal suspension is a metal hydroxide, adjusting the amount and the addition rate of the alkaline solution to form a specific structure of metal hydroxide precipitate; washing and drying the metal hydroxide to form a structured metal hydroxide powder, and applying a calcination method to the structured metal hydroxide powder to form a surfactant-free spinel-type (AB2O4) ternary metal oxide, wherein A and B each respectively comprise a metal element.

Abstract: An electrically conductive, flexible, strain resilient product is produced by mixing metal coated carbon nanotube networks with a liquid polymeric resin to produce a liquid mixture, and the mixture is cured to produce the product. The networks may include welded junctions between nanotubes formed by depositing and melting metal nanoparticles on the nanotubes to form the metal coating. After the mixing step the liquid mixture may be deposited on a flexible substrate in the form of an electrical circuit. The mixing step may further include mixing the composite with a volatile solvent to produce a selected viscosity. Then, a three-dimensional printer may be used to print the product, such as an electrical circuit, on a substrate. The product is cured in an atmosphere that absorbs the solvent. The conductivity of the mixture may be adjusted by adjusting the weight percentage of the metal coated carbon nanotube networks from 50% to 90%, but a preferred range is between 75% and 85%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of fabricating a catalytic reaction material. A solution of a carbon precursor compound and a noble metal precursor compound is prepared; the carbon precursor compound includes a salt component. The solution is recrystallized the solution to form recrystallized complexes including both the carbon precursor compound and the noble metal precursor compound. The recrystallized complexes are calcined to create a salt template for generation of two-dimensional carbon nanosheets embedding isolated noble metal atoms. Further calcining and washing decomposes the salt template to produce two two-dimensional carbon nanosheets embedding isolated noble metal atoms, each nanosheet having a thickness of approximately 1 to approximately 10 nanometers.

Abstract: A method of making a composite material includes disposing a carbon-based particulate material, such as graphene or carbon nanotubes, in an activation solution and activating surfaces of the carbon-based particulate material using the activation solution. Once the surfaces of the carbon-based particulate material have been activated, a metallic coating is applied to the activated surfaces to form a composite material. The composite material is then recovered as a particulate material formed having carbon-based particulate material with a metallic coating that is suitable for fusing together for forming electrical conductors, such as with an additive manufacturing technique.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing multiple isolated hollow graphene balls, comprising: (a) mixing multiple particles of a graphitic material and multiple particles of a solid polymer carrier material to form a mixture in an impacting chamber of an energy impacting apparatus; (b) operating the energy impacting apparatus to peel off graphene sheets from the graphitic material and transferring the graphene sheets to surfaces of solid polymer carrier material particles to produce graphene-coated polymer particles; (c) recovering the graphene-coated polymer particles from the impacting chamber; and (d) suspending the graphene-encapsulated polymer particles in a gaseous medium to keep the particles separated from each other while concurrently pyrolyzing the particles to thermally convert polymer into pores and carbon, wherein at least one of the graphene balls comprises a hollow core enclosed by a shell composed of graphene sheets bonded together by carbon.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a carbon-based electrode material that has been graphitized to hold ions in the electrode of a battery and more particularly include carbide or carbide and nitride surfaces that protect the graphite core. The preferred batteries include metal ion such as lithium ion batteries where the carbon-based electrode is the anode although the carbon-based electrode may also serve in dual ion batteries where both electrodes may comprise the graphitized carbon-based electrodes. The electrodes are more amorphous than conventional graphite electrodes and include a carbide or nitride containing surface treatment.

Abstract: The present application discloses a negative electrode, a secondary battery and a device comprising the same. The negative electrode includes: a current collector; a first active material layer close to the current collector, the first active material layer including a first active material; and a second active material layer disposed on a surface of the first active material layer away from the current collector, the second active material layer including a second active material; wherein the first active material and the second active material are independently oval-like particles with through holes and/or blind holes, and the first active material has an average pore size greater than that of the second active material.

Abstract: An insulated nanofiber having a continuous nanofiber collection extending along a longitudinal axis with an outside surface and an inside portion is described. A first material infiltrates the inside portion, where the outside surface of the nanofiber collection is substantially free of the first material. An electrically-insulating second material coats the outside surface of the nanofiber collection. A method of making an insulated nanofiber collection is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a pre-sulfurized active cathode layer for a rechargeable alkali metal-sulfur cell; the method comprising: (a) Preparing an integral layer of porous graphene structure having a specific surface area greater than 100 m2/g; (b) Preparing an electrolyte comprising a solvent and a sulfur source; (c) Preparing an anode; and (d) Bringing the integral layer and the anode in ionic contact with the electrolyte and imposing an electric current between the anode and the integral layer (serving as a cathode) to electrochemically deposit nano-scaled sulfur particles or coating on the graphene surfaces. The sulfur particles or coating have a thickness or diameter smaller than 20 nm (preferably <10 nm, more preferably <5 nm or even <3 nm) and occupy a weight fraction of at least 70% (preferably >90% or even >95%).

Abstract: A thermal management assembly comprising a bulk graphene material and a metal-based coating layer disposed on opposing surfaces of the bulk graphene core material comprising an agent that is reactive with the graphene to form a carbide. The metal-based coating layer can serve as an outer layer of the assembly or can serve to bond the graphene to other materials encapsulating the graphene core. The metal-based coating layer with the reactive agent provides an assembly exhibiting excellent thermal conductivity properties and greatly improved thermal interface resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydrogel network comprising a plurality of hydrogel objects, wherein each of said hydrogel objects comprises: a hydrogel body, and an outer layer of amphipathic molecules, on at least part of the surface of the hydrogel body, wherein each of said hydrogel objects contacts another of said hydrogel objects to form an interface between the contacting hydrogel objects. A process for producing the hydrogel networks is also provided. The invention also provides an electrochemical circuit and a hydrogel component for mechanical devices comprising a hydrogel network. Various uses of the hydrogel network are also described, including their use in synthetic biology and as components in electrochemical circuits and mechanical devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for coating a composite structure, comprising applying a first slurry on a surface of the composite structure, heating the composite structure to a temperature sufficient to form a base layer on the composite structure, forming a sealing slurry comprising at least one of acid aluminum phosphate or orthophosphoric acid, applying the sealing slurry to the base layer, and heating the composite structure to a second temperature sufficient to form a sealing layer on the base layer.

Abstract: A one-pot process for the electroless-plating of silver onto graphite powder is disclosed. No powder pretreatment steps for the graphite, which typically require filtration, washing or rinsing, are required. The inventive process comprises mixing together three reactant compositions in water: an aqueous graphite activation composition comprising graphite powder and a functional silane, a silver-plating composition comprising a silver salt and a silver complexing agent, and a reducing agent composition.

Abstract: A method of making a composite material includes disposing a carbon-based particulate material, such as graphene or carbon nanotubes, in an activation solution and activating surfaces of the carbon-based particulate material using the activation solution. Once the surfaces of the carbon-based particulate material have been activated a metallic coating is applied to the activated surfaces to form a composite material. The composite material is then recovered as a particulate material formed having carbon-based particulate material with a metallic coating that is suitable for fusing together for forming electrical conductors, such as with an additive manufacturing technique.

Abstract: Surfaces, articles, and processes having silicon-nitride-containing thermal chemical vapor deposition coating are disclosed. A process includes producing a silicon-nitride-containing thermal chemical vapor deposition coating on a surface within a chamber. Flow into and from the chamber is restricted or halted during the producing of the silicon-nitride-containing thermal chemical vapor deposition coating on the surface. A surface includes a silicon-nitride-containing thermal chemical vapor deposition coating. The surface has at least a concealed portion that is obstructed from view. An article includes a silicon-nitride-containing thermal chemical vapor deposition coating on a surface within a chamber. The surface has at least a concealed portion that is obstructed from view.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for making a cathode active material coating liquid. A phosphate ester solution is formed by adding a phosphate ester in an alcoholic solvent. An aluminum nitrate is introduced in the phosphate ester solution. The aluminum nitrate is soluble to the alcoholic solvent, and reacts with the phosphate ester to form a homogeneous clear solution. A pH value of the homogeneous clear solution is regulated to a range from about 6 to about 7 by adding an acidity regulator. The acidity regulator contains ammonium cation. The ammonium nitrate is removed from the clear solution after regulating the pH value. A method for coating the cathode active material is also provided.

Abstract: A method for making sulfur charged carbon nanotubes, the structure of the sulfur charged carbon nanotubes, and a cathode including the sulfur charged carbon nanotubes are described herein. The method comprises dissolving sublimed sulfur in a solvent to create a solution. The method further comprises adding carbon nanotubes to the solution. The method further comprises adding a polar protic solvent to the solution. The method further comprises removing the solvent from the solution.

Abstract: An environmental control system includes a carbon dioxide source; a compressor downstream of the carbon dioxide source; a Sabatier reactor downstream of the compressor, wherein the Sabatier reactor reacts carbon dioxide with hydrogen to produce methane and water; a water separator downstream of the Sabatier reactor, wherein the water separator separates hydrocarbons from water, wherein the hydrocarbons include methane; a pyrolysis assembly downstream of the water separator and upstream of the compressor, wherein the pyrolysis assembly pyrolyzes methane to produce carbon and hydrogen, wherein the pyrolysis assembly includes a pre-form that adheres carbon; and an oxygen generating assembly (OGA) downstream of the water separator and upstream of the compressor, wherein the OGA converts water to hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: A method for coating a carbon fiber for a composite structure may comprise applying a slurry onto a surface of the carbon fiber, wherein the slurry is a sol gel comprising a metal precursor and a carrier fluid, and heating the carbon fiber to a temperature sufficient to form a sol gel-derived layer on the carbon fiber. The slurry may comprise a metal precursor such as a metal salt or a metal alkoxide. The sol gel-derived layer may help prevent the carbon fiber from oxidizing.

Abstract: A battery electrode composition is provided that comprises composite particles. Each of the composite particles in the composition (which may represent all or a portion of a larger composition) may comprise a porous electrode particle and a filler material. The porous electrode particle may comprise active material provided to store and release ions during battery operation. The filler material may occupy at least a portion of the pores of the electrode particle. The filler material may be liquid and not substantially conductive with respect to electron transport.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for synthesizing graphene/sulfur composite, involving the steps of mixing graphene oxide (GO) with a hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-releasing agent in a sealed vessel, causing the H2S-releasing agent to release hydrogen sulfide, and then allowing the hydrogen sulfide to react with the graphene oxide at an elevated temperature and pressure to form said graphene/sulfur composite.

Abstract: The method of making a porous carbon electrode is a chemical activation-based method of making a porous nanocarbon electrode for supercapacitors and the like. Recycled jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) peel waste is used as a precursor carbon source for producing the porous nanocarbon. A volume of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) peel is collected, dried and then heated under vacuum to produce precursor carbon. The precursor carbon is mixed with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) to form a mixture, which is then stirred, dried and heated to yield porous nanocarbon. The porous nanocarbon is mixed with a binder, such as poly(vinylidenedifluoride), acetylene black, and an organic solvent, such as n-methyl pyrrolidinone, to form a paste. This paste is then coated on a strip of nickel foil to form the porous carbon electrode.

Abstract: Provided are a liquid crystal display panel, and a composite substrate and a method for fabricating the composite substrate. The composite substrate includes: a substrate, a carbon nanotube layer and a photoalignment matrix material. The carbon nanotube layer is adhered to a surface of the substrate with the photoalignment matrix material; the carbon nanotube layer includes multiple carbon nanotubes extending in a same direction. Multiple grooves arranged in parallel may be formed between carbon nanotubes since the extending direction of the carbon nanotube is the same, and the groove may be used for an initial alignment of liquid crystal molecules, hence the carbon nanotube layer may serve as an alignment layer. In addition, the carbon nanotube has a polarizing feature to serve as a polarizing layer. Therefore, the composite substrate may serve as both the alignment layer and the polarizing layer.

Abstract: A method for forming in situ a boron nitride reaction product locally on a reinforcement phase of a ceramic matrix composite material includes the steps of providing a ceramic matrix composite material having a fiber reinforcement material; and forming in situ a layer of boron nitride on the fiber reinforcement material.

Abstract: The invention is a method, an apparatus, and a coated product-manufacturing method each capable of applying a coating solution to a flexible backing sheet using a die coater while preventing contaminants from forming defects. A virtual line L is drawn to pass through the discharge port 74 of the die coater 7 and to extend perpendicular to the backing sheet 1, the distance D1 between a starting line P1 and a boundary line P2 is 50 mm or less, and the distance between the starting line P1 and a line on the roller P3 is 5 ?m or more.

Abstract: A pump for pumping molten metal includes a pump shaft having an upper end and a lower end. A motor is connected to the upper end of the shaft. An impeller is fastened to the lower end of the shaft. Support structure supports the motor above the molten metal. A base is disposed below the support structure including an impeller chamber in which the impeller is rotated by activation of the motor. The base includes at least one inlet opening leading to the impeller chamber and at least one outlet passageway leading from the impeller chamber. At least one support post extends between the support structure and the base enabling the base to be submerged in the molten metal beneath the support structure. A device enables the post to resist deterioration while the post is disposed in the molten metal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nanofiber yarns, ribbons, and sheets; to methods of making said yarns, ribbons, and sheets; and to applications of said yarns, ribbons, and sheets. In some embodiments, the nanotube yarns, ribbons, and sheets comprise carbon nanotubes. Particularly, such carbon nanotube yarns of the present invention provide unique properties and property combinations such as extreme toughness, resistance to failure at knots, high electrical and thermal conductivities, high absorption of energy that occurs reversibly, up to 13% strain-to-failure compared with the few percent strain-to-failure of other fibers with similar toughness, very high resistance to creep, retention of strength even when heated in air at 450° C. for one hour, and very high radiation and UV resistance, even when irradiated in air. Furthermore these nanotube yarns can be spun as one micron diameter yarns and plied at will to make two-fold, four-fold, and higher fold yarns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells, electrodes, and related methods. In some embodiments, a removable filler material may be employed during fabrication of an electrochemical cell, or component thereof, to produce electrochemical devices having improved cell performance and rate capability. Electrochemical cells may exhibit enhanced utilization of electroactive species and/or increased accessibility of electroactive species within the electrochemical cell during operation. In some cases, the invention may provide electrodes which advantageously possess both high loading of an electroactive species (e.g., greater than 1.5 mg/cm2), while also maintaining the stability and good mechanical properties of the electrode.

Abstract: A structure including a graphene electrode and a molecular monolayer, a flexible electronic device, and a method of production thereof are provided. The structure includes a first graphene electrode and a molecular monolayer disposed on the first graphene electrode and chemically or physically bound to the first graphene electrode.

Abstract: It is an object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a negative electrode active material having excellent rate characteristics and cycle characteristics. One embodiment according to the present invention is a negative electrode active material comprising a carbon-containing composite, wherein, in the carbon-containing composite, an active material capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium, conductive nanofibers and conductive carbon particles are coated with a carbon material and are integrated.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite material for use in multi-modal transport includes providing three-dimensional graphene having hollow channels, enabling a polymer to wick into the hollow channels of the three-dimensional graphene, curing the polymer to form a cured three-dimensional graphene, adding an active material to the cured three-dimensional graphene to form a composite material, and removing the polymer from within the hollow channels. A composite material formed according to the method is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a negative active material, a method of preparing the same, and a lithium battery including the negative active material. The negative active material includes a carbonaceous core that has a sulfur content of about 10 ppm to 900 ppm; and an amorphous carbon layer continuously formed on a surface of the carbonaceous core, wherein the carbonaceous core has a crystalloid plate structure, and a crystallite size measured from a full width at half maximum of the peak with respect to the surface (002) of about 10 nm to about 45 nm in an X-ray diffraction spectrum of the carbonaceous core. The lithium battery including a negative electrode including the negative active material has improved capacity characteristics and ring lifetime characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbon paper for a fuel cell gas diffusion layer. The carbon paper can be produced by baking and calcination at a low temperature. This low-temperature heat treatment can greatly reduce the production cost of the carbon paper. In addition, the carbon paper has superior gas permeability and electrical conductivity despite the greatly reduced production cost. The application of the carbon paper to a gas diffusion layer of a fuel cell contributes to reduced fabrication cost and improved quality of the fuel cell. Also disclosed is a method for producing the carbon paper.

Abstract: Provided are a negative active material, a method of preparing the same, and a lithium battery including the negative active material. The negative active material includes a carbonaceous core that has a sulfur content of about 10 ppm to 900 ppm; and an amorphous carbon layer continuously formed on a surface of the carbonaceous core, wherein the carbonaceous core has a crystalloid plate structure, and a crystallite size measured from a full width at half maximum of the peak with respect to the surface (002) of about 10 nm to about 45 nm in an X-ray diffraction spectrum of the carbonaceous core. The lithium battery including a negative electrode including the negative active material has improved capacity characteristics and ring lifetime characteristics.

Abstract: A composite carbon material of negative electrode in lithium ion, which is made of composite graphite, includes a spherical graphite and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer is pyrolytic carbon of organic substance. Inserted transition metal elements are contained between layers of graphite crystal. Preparation of the negative electrode includes the steps of: crushing graphite, shaping to form a spherical shape, purifying treatment, washing, dewatering and drying, dipped in salt solution doped by transition metal in multivalence, mixed with organic matter, covering treatment, and carbonizing treatment or graphitization treatment. The negative electrode provides advantages of reversible specific capacity larger than 350 mAh/g, coulomb efficiency higher than 94% at first cycle, conservation rate for capacity larger than 8-% in 500 times of circulation.

Abstract: Methods for producing nanostructures from copper-based catalysts on porous substrates, particularly silicon nanowires on carbon-based substrates for use as battery active materials, are provided. Related compositions are also described. In addition, novel methods for production of copper-based catalyst particles are provided. Methods for producing nanostructures from catalyst particles that comprise a gold shell and a core that does not include gold are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode additive for a fuel cell and a synthesis method thereof. A synthesis method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: producing a metal salt solution by dissolving metal salt in a solvent such as ethylene glycol; producing a carbon-metal salt suspension by distributing carbon in the metal salt solution; heating and cooling the carbon-metal salt suspension and then filtering out the carbon-supported metal powder; cleansing and drying the carbon-supported metal powder; and obtaining carbon-supported metal oxide powder by performing heat treatment on the carbon-supported metal powder at about 300-1000° C. by exposure to water vapor.

Abstract: Ultra-large graphene oxide (UL-GO) sheets are formed using a Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) thin film process. Sulfuric acid and nitric acid are applied to interlayers of natural graphite flake to form graphite intercalation compound (GIC) powders. The GIC powders are expanded at a high temperature, and intercalating agents are used to further oxidize the expanded GIC powders by to exfoliating the EG into monolayer graphene oxide (GO) sheets. The GO is sequentially centrifuged and UL-GO sheets are collected. An LB thin film is prepared from the collected sheets and the thin films are reduced and chemically doped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the electrolytic splitting of water using a carbon-supported manganese oxide (MnOx) composite. Specifically, the present electrolytic splitting of water is carried under neutral electrolyte conditions with a high electrolytic activity, while using an oxygen evolution reaction (OER)-electrode comprising the present carbon-supported MnOx composite. Next, the present invention relates to a process for producing such a carbon-supported MnOx composite as well as to a composite obtainable by the present process for producing the same and to an OER-electrode comprising the carbon-supported MnOx composite obtainable by the present process.

Abstract: A bulk boron doped diamond electrode comprising a plurality of grooves disposed in a surface of the bulk boron doped diamond electrode. The bulk boron doped diamond electrode is formed by growing a bulk boron doped diamond electrode using a chemical vapour deposition technique and forming a plurality of grooves in a surface of the bulk boron doped diamond electrode. According to one arrangement, the plurality of grooves are formed by forming a pattern of carbon solvent metal over a surface of the bulk boron doped diamond electrode and heating whereby the carbon solvent metal dissolves underlying diamond to form grooves in the surface of the bulk boron doped electrode. The invention also relates to an electrochemical cell comprising one or more grooved bulk boron doped diamond electrodes. The or each bulk boron doped diamond electrode is oriented within the electrochemical device such that the grooves are aligned in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of electrolyte flow.

Abstract: The disposable palladium nanoparticle-modified graphite pencil electrode (PdNP-GPE) is a graphite pencil electrode having palladium nanoparticles disposed on the surface of the electrode. The electrode is prepared by adding ascorbic acid to an aqueous solution of ammonium tetrachloropalladate(II) [(NH4)2PdCl4] at room temperature to form the palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs), immersing a GPE in the aqueous solution of PdNPs, and heating the solution to about 75° C. to deposit the PdNPs on the GPE. The palladium nanoparticle modified graphite pencil electrode may be used in an electrochemical cell for quantitative analysis of hydrogen peroxide content in an unknown solution.

Abstract: The pencil graphite electrode modified with gold nanoparticles can be used for the detection of hydrazine. The pencil graphite electrode has an outer surface coated with gold nanoparticles. Prior to modification of the pencil graphite electrode, equal volumes of an aqueous solution of ascorbic acid and an aqueous solution of gold(III) chloride are mixed to form a mixture containing gold nanoparticles. A pencil graphite electrode is then immersed in the mixture and is heated at a temperature of about 75° C. to form the pencil graphite electrode coated with gold nanoparticles. The pencil graphite electrode coated with gold nanoparticles is then removed from the mixture, washed and dried, and may then be used for the to electrochemical detection of hydrazine.

Abstract: The disposable palladium nanoparticle-modified graphite pencil electrode (PdNP-GPE) is a graphite pencil electrode having palladium nanoparticles disposed on the surface of the electrode. The electrode is prepared by adding ascorbic acid to an aqueous solution of ammonium tetrachloropalladate(II) [(NH4)2PdCl4] at room temperature to form the palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs), immersing a GPE in the aqueous solution of PdNPs, and heating the solution to about 75° C. to deposit the PdNPs on the GPE. The palladium nanoparticle modified graphite pencil electrode may be used in an electrochemical cell for quantitative analysis of hydrogen peroxide content in an unknown solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material (I) adapted for the production of composite parts by a process in which a thermoplastic or thermosetting matrix is diffused within said material, comprising at least one sheet (1) of unidirectional carbon fibres (2) associated on at least one of its faces with at least one conductive component (5) associated or integrated with a permeable layer (3a, 3b, 10) in a thermoplastic material or in a mixture of thermoplastic or thermosetting materials, said permeable layer being in the form of a fabric, a powder, a porous film, a knit, or, preferably, a non-woven (3a, 3b, 10), a process for fabricating composite parts using such a material and the composite parts that can be obtained by such a process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing ceramic coated graphite having electric resistance in a range from 108 to 1016 ?/sq via a sol-gel method, the ceramic coated graphite comprising graphite; and ceramic chemically bonded to a lateral defect area of the graphite, wherein the graphite is oval graphite having an aspect ratio selected from the group consisting of 10:1 to 200:1, and the ceramic is at least one type selected from the group consisting of magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, and silica.

Abstract: A catalyst layer constituting body which prevents runoff of a proton conductive polymer from a catalyst layer even when moisture is generated by an operation of a fuel cell. In a catalyst layer constituting body of a fuel cell where catalyst particles are carried on carbon, the catalyst particles are carried by way of a carrying layer constituted of two upper and lower layers, the upper layer of the carrying layer is formed by using a polymer having proton conductivity, the upper layer forming a proton conduction layer which conducts protons generated in the catalyst particles or protons to be supplied to the catalyst particles therethrough, and the lower layer of the carrying layer is formed using a polymer having affinity with both the proton conduction layer and the carbon, the lower layer forming an adhesive layer which bonds the proton conduction layer and the carbon to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode active material for a rechargeable lithium battery, including: a core part including a carbon-based active material; and a coating layer disposed on a surface of the core portion to include a ceramic, wherein the surface of the core part is subjected to coating with a low crystalline carbon material, a method for preparing the same, an electrode including the same, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the electrode.