Physics professor, Apparao Rao from Clemson University has been awarded a $1.2 million grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for his research study on carbon nanomaterials in the context of their application in energy storage mediums.
Apparao Rao, left, and Ramakrishna Podila (Credit: Clemson University)
Professor Rao and Ramakrishna Podila, an associate of Rao, have engaged in research of carbon nanomaterials previously which facilitated the researchers to gain understanding of the synthesis and defect characterization of carbon nanomaterials. This previous research by Rao and Podila sets the premise for the new study that is being funded by the NSF.
According to Rao, there is need for devices and materials that are capable of storing energy required for later use owing to the worldwide demand for renewable and alternative sources of energy. Nanomaterials exhibit higher surface-to-volume ratio owing to their minuteness. Such a high ratio gives rise to remarkable and useful characteristics.
Professor Rao is considered to be an expert in synthesizing nanomaterials and analyzing the behavior of particles at that scale. The professor will head a team of researchers from Clemson University and the San Diego-based University of California for the NSF funded research on carbon nanomaterials. The team of researchers will work on developing innovative versions of electrochemical capacitors and will also produce a blueprint for facilitating the scalability of the devices. Professor Rao stated that the NSF project could have a major impact on a range of applications such as energy management and conservation and power tools for household use. The ultimate aim of the team is to develop carbon nanomaterials-based high energy storage devices that facilitate superior current flow.