Flash Nanoprecipitation of Polymer Carbon Precursors for the Formation of Carbon Nanostructures

Abstract

An analysis of the ability of Flash Nanoprecipitation to facilitate the synthesis of carbon nanostructures is presented in this thesis. Carbon Nanostructures have a major impact in battery efficiency, image capture for laser printing and catalytic reactions. In each case the ability to vary the size is necessary in varying the efficiency and response of the system. Flash Nanoprecipitation is a novel method for the production of nanoparticles through solvent anti-­‐solvent mixing via confined impinging jets. The method allows for the synthesis of monodisperse nanoparticles of varying particle size based on initial concentration. The process is also relatively quick, on the order of a few seconds, thus giving it good market ability. This thesis analyzed the ability of Flash Nanoprecipitation to synthesize nanoparticles out of polymer carbon precursors and then to see if the morphology synthesized from the Flash Nanoprecipitation process can be maintained through the high temperature carbonization process.