Patents by Inventor Nicholas A Zafiropoulos
Nicholas A Zafiropoulos has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240128455Abstract: Carbon-silicon compositions including nanofibrillar carbon networks coated with porous interconnected silicon and their manufacture and use thereof are provided. Embodiments include a composite material including a nanoporous carbon-based scaffold and a silicon-based material. The nanoporous carbon-based scaffold includes a pore structure that includes a fibrillar morphology, where the silicon-based material is contained in the pore structure. The compositions find utility in various applications, including electrical energy storage electrodes and devices comprising the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Nicholas Zafiropoulos, Wendell Rhine, Zhifei Li
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Patent number: 11932745Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: 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: 20240026121Abstract: 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: September 28, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Applicant: 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: 20230387509Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, George Gould
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Patent number: 11807734Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: 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: 11807736Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 28, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: 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: 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: 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: 11597814Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 19, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Inventors: 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: 20230020788Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal insulation board (IB) comprising at least two insulating layers (A) bonded together. At least one of the at least two insulating layers (A) comprises at least one aerogel composite material, wherein the aerogel composite material comprises at least one silica aerogel (a1), at least one polymer foam (a2) and at least one flame retardant (a3). The present invention also relates to a thermal insulation system (IS) comprising the thermal insulation board (IB). Further, it relates to a process for the production of the thermal insulation board (IB) and to the use of the thermal insulation board (IB) and of the thermal insulation system (IS) for the thermal insulation of buildings, parts and/or elements of buildings.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2020Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: Wibke LOELSBERG, Arne KLINKEBIEL, Eva GUENTHER, Christian SCHMIDT, David J. MIHALCIK, Kathryn Elizabeth DEKRAFFT, Nicholas ZAFIROPOULOS, Owen Richards EVANS, George L. GOULD
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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: 20220278310Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Inventors: Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, George L. Gould
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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: 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
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Publication number: 20220069290Abstract: 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 a polyimide-derived carbon aerogel. The carbon aerogel may further include 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: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2021Publication date: March 3, 2022Applicant: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Zafiropoulos, Roxana Trifu, Redouane Begag, Harris R. Miller, Wendell E. Rhine, Nicholas Leventis, George L. Gould, Alexei A. Erchak
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Patent number: 11208539Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Inventors: Owen R Evans, Kathryn E deKrafft, Nicholas A Zafiropoulos, Wenting Dong, David J Mihalcik, George L Gould, Irene Melnikova