Abstract: The present invention includes methods of manufacturing a metal infused graphitic material. Also described is how this device may be rendered impermeable. The present invention includes the electroplating/electroless deposition of metal on exposed internal and external surfaces of a porous graphitic substrate. The deposition of metal on the internal structure is accomplished by replacing the void space in the porous substrate with an electrolyte solution containing dissolved metallic species. The plating is initiated either through electrochemical means, electroless means, chemical vapor deposition means, or other means obvious to one familiar in the art of metal plating. A post-deposition bath is also described wherein the plating may be removed from one or both sides of the external surface without impacting the internal pore plating.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods of manufacturing a metal infused graphitic material. Also described is how this device may be rendered impermeable. The present invention includes the electroplating/electroless deposition of metal on exposed internal and external surfaces of a porous graphitic substrate. The deposition of metal on the internal structure is accomplished by replacing the void space in the porous substrate with an electrolyte solution containing dissolved metallic species. The plating is initiated either through electrochemical means, electroless means, chemical vapor deposition means, or other means obvious to one familiar in the art of metal plating. A post-deposition bath is also described wherein the plating may be removed from one or both sides of the external surface without impacting the internal pore plating.

Abstract: The present invention includes bodies of flexible expanded graphite or of rigid body porous graphite impregnated with blended polymer-wax treatments to create composite bodies that exhibit properties critical in the function of electrochemical systems, and methods of manufacturing the same. High electrical conductivity is an inherent attribute of the untreated graphitic material that is retained through the impregnation process, while attributes of extremely low permeability and high mechanical strength are added to the composite via the polymer-wax blend. In one embodiment of the invention, the attributes of low ionic permeability, high flexural strength, and high electrical conductivity are achieved to create a component that could be useful in Redox Flow Battery (RFB) systems.

Abstract: Embodiments of a device, or a component of a device, including a stabilized graphite surface, methods of stabilizing graphite surfaces, and uses for the devices or components are disclosed. The device or component includes a surface comprising graphite, and a plurality of haloaryl ions and/or haloalkyl ions bound to at least a portion of the graphite. The ions may be perhaloaryl ions and/or perhaloalkyl ions. In certain embodiments, the ions are perfluorobenzenesulfonate anions. Embodiments of the device or component including stabilized graphite surfaces may maintain a steady-state oxidation or reduction surface current density after being exposed to continuous oxidation conditions for a period of at least 1-100 hours. The device or component is prepared by exposing a graphite-containing surface to an acidic aqueous solution of the ions under oxidizing conditions. The device or component can be exposed in situ to the solution.

Abstract: Embodiments of a device, or a component of a device, including a stabilized graphite surface, methods of stabilizing graphite surfaces, and uses for the devices or components are disclosed. The device or component includes a surface comprising graphite, and a plurality of haloaryl ions and/or haloalkyl ions bound to at least a portion of the graphite. The ions may be perhaloaryl ions and/or perhaloalkyl ions. In certain embodiments, the ions are perfluorobenzenesulfonate anions. Embodiments of the device or component including stabilized graphite surfaces may maintain a steady-state oxidation or reduction surface current density after being exposed to continuous oxidation conditions for a period of at least 1-100 hours. The device or component is prepared by exposing a graphite-containing surface to an acidic aqueous solution of the ions under oxidizing conditions. The device or component can be exposed in situ to the solution.