Carbon nanomembranes for energy storage applications
CNM Technologies (CNMT) has developed a highly permeable and selective composite membrane with a nanometre-thin carbon nanomembrane (CNM) as active layer, which is – in the FET-open project ITS-THIN – introduced into demanding water separation applications. CNMT plans in a joint venture with the Dutch SME BLUE-Tec (also partner in ITS-THIN) to introduce these membranes into the water filtration market. Recently, scientists at Friedrich-Schiller University Jena (FSU) showed in the framework of the Graphene FET-flagship a high proton and lithium ion permeance of CNMs. Combining these findings with the ability to produce large-area CNM-composite membranes, a fully new technology is emerging: the use of ultrathin CNMs as separator membranes or proton exchange membranes (PEM) in battery and fuel cell applications. Thinner membranes promise a faster and more selective ion transport resulting in smaller, more powerful, and more reliable energy storage devices. This new window of opportunity will be explored in this feasibility study. In case of a positive outcome, CNergy will result in a business and action plan, how to introduce CNMs into batteries and fuel cells.