Carbon-Zinc Nanorods
USED IN THE qSAFE ANODE
The anode of the qSafe power cell is made of zinc nanorods covering a surface of woven carbon cloth. The carbon cloth is woven from carbon quantum dots and then coated in zinc nanorods as shown in the diagram above. This anode construction prevents the dangerous buildup of dendrites while also increasing the efficiency of the power cell.
Another common cause of battery explosions is anode expansion. When the lithium ions intercalate between the layers of the anode, it causes the anode to expand and press on the outer shell of the battery. If the shell does not provide sufficient space, the anode will puncture the battery and expose the lithium to oxygen, thus causing it to combust. The nanorods in the qSafe anode prevent this expansion by utilizing the inelastic property of carbon quantum dots.
This photo shows the carbon and zinc nanorods that make
up the anode of the qSafe power cell.
up the anode of the qSafe power cell.