Abstract: A method of making a polyelectrolyte complex membrane separator for a Lithium-Sulfur battery to support lean electrolyte operation, comprising the steps of: forming polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles by the addition of polyethylenimine (PEI) to tannic acid (TA); adding bovine serum albumin (BSA); purifying the nanoparticles; re-dispersing the nanoparticles in water to form a nanoparticle suspension; and dipcoating a polyolefin membrane in the nanoparticle suspension.

Abstract: A method of reducing graphene oxide (GO), the method comprising the steps of: suspending GO and dissolving an iodide in a liquid medium, whereby the dissolved iodide partially reduces the GO to obtain a liquid composition comprising partially reduced GO (prGO) and dissolved iodide, removing liquid medium from the liquid composition to form a graphitic layer comprising prGO and iodide, and irradiating the graphitic layer with UV radiation to further reduce the prGO and provide for a reduced form of graphene oxide.

Abstract: The invention provides a capacitive energy storage device comprising: at least one porous film infiltrated with an electrolyte; and one or more pairs of separated electrodes disposed on top of a first surface of the porous film, each electrode comprising a capacitive electrode material in ionic communication with the underlying porous film, wherein the electrolyte provides ionic communication between the separated electrodes via the internal porosity of the porous film.

Abstract: A method of producing Sulfur cathodes for Li—S batteries utilising dry mixing of constituents (sulphur, carbon and binder) or semi-dry mixing. The resultant structure binds the neighbouring particles without covering them, i.e. by attaching a few parts of a particle to other neighbouring particles provides a solution for the successful cycling of thick and ultra-thick sulfur cathodes. Such an approach provides a robust thick cathode where particles are strongly bonded with minimal surface coverage with the polymer providing sufficient room to expand during lithiation. Bridging bonds are formed within the cathodes.

Abstract: An improved method for concentrating dispersions of graphene oxide, coating a substrate with a layer of a graphene oxide solution, and producing a supported graphene membrane stabilised by controlled deoxygenation; and graphene-based membranes that demonstrate ultra-fast water transport, precise molecular sieving of gas and solvated molecules, and which show great promise as novel separation platforms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion explosive comprising one or more of graphene oxide (GO), partially reduced graphene oxide (prGO), and functionalized graphene oxide (fGO). There is also provided a method of improving one or more properties of a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion explosive.

Abstract: The invention provides a capacitive energy storage device comprising: at least one porous film infiltrated with an electrolyte; and one or more pairs of separated electrodes disposed on top of a first surface of the porous film, each electrode comprising a capacitive electrode material in ionic communication with the underlying porous film, wherein the electrolyte provides ionic communication between the separated electrodes via the internal porosity of the porous film.

Abstract: A method for shear-assisted electrochemical exfoliation of a layered van der Waals solid (such as graphite, MoS2, BN, or WS2) into a two dimensional material (such as graphene where the original layered van der Waals solid is graphite) can at least partly overcome certain limitations of electrochemical exfoliation techniques with shear-induced effects.

Abstract: An improved method for concentrating dispersions of graphene oxide, coating a substrate with a layer of a graphene oxide solution, and producing a supported graphene membrane stabilised by controlled deoxygenation; and graphene-based membranes that demonstrate ultra-fast water transport, precise molecular sieving of gas and solvated molecules, and which show great promise as novel separation platforms.

Abstract: A method of forming a conductive portion in an insulating material. The insulating material includes carbon and at least one other constituent. The method includes exposing the insulating material to ions to preferentially remove the other constituent.

Abstract: A process for conversion of conventional sand granules (or other particulates) to a ‘core-shell’ adsorbent granules in which GO (or GO-f) coating imparts nano structural features on the surface of the sand granules (or other particulates). Such materials are useful in a variety of engineering applications such as water purification, catalysis, capacitors, proppants, casting, and magnetic shielding.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods for fabricating carbon nanotube films. Such methods generally comprise: (i) suspending carbon nanotubes in a superacid (e.g. chloro sulfonic acid) to form a dispersed carbon nanotube-superacid solution, wherein the carbon nanotubes have substantially exposed sidewalls in the carbon nanotube-superacid solution; (ii) applying the dispersed carbon nanotube-superacid solution onto a surface to form a carbon nanotube film; and (iii) removing the superacid. Desirably, such methods occur without the utilization of carbon nanotube wrapping molecules or sonication. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to carbon nanotube films that are fabricated in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure. Such carbon nanotube films comprise a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are dispersed and individualized.

Abstract: A method of forming a conductive portion in an insulating material. The insulating material includes carbon and at least one other constituent. The method includes exposing the insulating material to ions to preferentially remove the other constituent.

Abstract: A process for conversion of conventional sand granules (or other particulates) to a ‘core-shell’ adsorbent granules in which GO (or GO-f) coating imparts nano structural features on the surface of the sand granules (or other particulates). Such materials are useful in a variety of engineering applications such as water purification, catalysis, capacitors, proppants, casting, and magnetic shielding.