Nano-carbon-infused metals, called covetics, can conduct electricity and heat more efficiently and are sought after for use in power systems, consumer products and transportation systems.

Argonne is developing processing methodologies to improve thermal and electrical properties of metals/alloys to create high performance thermal and electrical conducting materials. Argonne is also working to optimize the process parameters needed by industry to scale up the conversion reactor in covetics to the large batch sizes needed for commercialization.

Opportunities

Applications are as plentiful as the number of uses of conventional conductors.  The following are some of examples: heat exchangers, heat extractors for electronic packaging, overhead & underground power lines, weight reduction and improved efficiency in transportation system, higher efficiency electrodes in battery & capacitors, higher thermal conducting pans, etc.

Core Competencies

• 150+ years of combined experience/expertise in the processing of materials for energy-related applications (superconductors, fuel cells, membranes, rapid prototyping)

• Advanced characterization facilities at the Advanced Photon Source and Center for Nanoscale Materials
• Equipment for material properties evaluation