Processes for producing monolithic porous carbon disks from aromatic organic precursors

Abstract

Disclosed are processes for producing monolithic and metal doped monolithic porous carbon disks from prepolymer organic precursors in the powder form composed of either or both polyimide and polybenzimidazole. The powders are consolidated (compressed) into disks and then pyrolyzed to form the desired porous carbon disk. Porous carbon-carbon composite disks are also prepared by adding carbon to the prepolymer organic precursors.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
   
   
       29 . An electrochemical device comprising at least one cell, said cell comprising: two conductive electrodes; and a porous non-conductive separator disposed between the two electrodes, an electrolyte occupying pores of said electrodes and separator, wherein at least one of said electrodes comprises a monolithic porous carbon or a porous carbon composite;
 wherein the composite comprises organic precursor powders;   wherein the organic precursor powders comprise polyimide or polybenzimidazole;   and wherein the organic precursor powders have been compressed and subjected to pyrolysis.   
   
   
       30 . The device of  claim 29  wherein the cell includes capacitors, supercapacitors, electrochemical-electrolytic hybrid capacitors, hybrid battery/supercapacitor systems, lithium batteries, fuel cells, and other types of batteries. 
   
   
       31 . An electrochemical device comprising at least one cell, said cell comprising: two conductive electrodes; and a porous non-conductive separator disposed between the two electrodes, an electrolyte occupying pores of said electrodes and separator, wherein at least one of said electrodes comprises a monolithic porous carbon or a porous carbon composite;
 wherein the composite comprises organic precursor powders and carbon;   wherein the organic precursor powders comprise polyimide or polybenzimidazole;   and wherein the organic precursor powders and the carbon have been compressed and subjected to pyrolysis.   
   
   
       32 . The device of  claim 31  wherein the cell includes capacitors, supercapacitors, electrochemical-electrolytic hybrid capacitors, hybrid battery/supercapacitor systems, lithium batteries, fuel cells, and other types of batteries.