Materials Science and Chemistry

Biography

Biography: Hanshan Dong

Abstract

Carbon fibres (CFs) are leading reinforcements in composite materials but the weak fibre/matrix interface adhesion becomes a barrier to further increase the mechanical properties of composite materials; carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have attracted much attention for electrodes of energy storage devices, but how to increase their performance presents a major technical challenge. To this end, some new plasma surface engineering technologies have been developed at the Birmingham Surface Engineering Research Group to multi-functionalize carbon fibre surfaces. This talk will start with the recent development of innovative plasma surface engineering technologies. The potential of these new plasma technologies will be demonstrated by way of examples including, (i) plasma activation and functionalization of CF surfaces by increasing their surface roughness, removing weakly bonded layers, altering their surface chemistry and enhancing their wettability and (ii) triple-glow plasma activation and deposition of metal nanoparticles to confer new and/or enhance surface properties and electrochemical performance (such as significantly increased capacity).