Responsable: Joaquín Ramírez Rico / Joao Carlos Mesquita Coelho
Tipo de Proyecto/Ayuda: Plan Estatal 2024-2027 - Proyectos Investigación No Orientada
Referencia: PID2024-159849NB-I00
Fecha de Inicio: 01-09-2025
Fecha de Finalización: 31-08-2028

Empresa/Organismo financiador/es:

• Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades

Equipo:

• Equipo de Investigación:
  • María Dolores Alba Carranza
  • Julián Martínez Fernández
  • Esperanza Pavón González
  • Antonio Ramírez de Arellano López

Resumen del proyecto:

Hi-PACE (Hierarchically Porous Architected Carbon materials for Energy applications) aims to develop novel approaches for fabricating 3D architected  carbon structures with enhanced properties for energy storage applications. The project combines Digital Light Processing 3D printing with catalytic  graphitization to create mechanically robust carbon electrodes with tailored conductivity, surface area, and hierarchical porosity. The research addresses  several key challenges in the field of energy storage materials. Traditional slurry-based electrodes face limitations in thickness due to mechanical  instability and poor ion transport. In contrast, 3D architected carbon electrodes can potentially offer lower tortuosity, high surface areas, and open  structures that accommodate volume changes during cycling while supporting higher active material loadings.  

The project is structured around four main general scientific goals:  

1. 1. Advancing the science of architected carbon materials through DLP printing and pyrolysis
2. Understanding catalytic graphitization mechanisms in architected carbons at lower temperatures
3. Establishing structure-processing-property relationships in 3D-printed carbon materials
4. Developing and testing architected carbon electrodes for electrochemical energy storage

The research team will develop methods to incorporate functional additives (graphitization catalysts, nanoparticles, 2D materials) into photocurable  resins, optimize printing parameters, and refine pyrolysis strategies. A key innovation is the integration of catalytic graphitization into the fabrication  process, aiming to achieve high electrical conductivity at lower processing temperatures while maintaining mechanical integrity. The project employs  advanced characterization techniques including X-ray tomography, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods to understand the  relationships between processing conditions and final properties. The performance of the developed materials will be demonstrated in supercapacitors  and zinc-ion batteries, focusing on achieving high areal capacity while maintaining mechanical stability.  Hi-PACE's significance lies in its potential to advance both fundamental understanding and practical applications. From a basic science perspective, it  will generate insights into the interplay between 3D printing parameters, precursor chemistry, and thermal transformation of polymers into functional  carbon architectures. From an applications standpoint, it aims to develop mechanically robust carbon electrodes with increased energy density,  addressing challenges in energy storage technology.

The project builds on the research team's extensive experience in polymer-derived carbons, catalytic graphitization, and energy storage materials.  Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of printing and pyrolyzing lattices containing both porogens and graphitization catalysts. The outcomes are  expected to contribute to fields beyond energy storage, including electrocatalysis and multifunctional composites, while advancing sustainable energy  technologies. The project aligns with broader societal goals of technological innovation and environmental sustainability, contributing to UN Sustainable  Development Goals related to clean energy and industrial innovation.