Nigel Julian Walker

Title: The Innovations of Nigel Julian Walker

Introduction

Nigel Julian Walker, an innovative inventor based in Cumbria, GB, has made significant contributions to the field of material science with a focus on carbon-based technologies. With a total of four patents to his name, he has developed groundbreaking solutions that cater to the energy sector.

Latest Patents

One of his notable inventions is the gas diffusion substrate. This innovative substrate encompasses a non-woven network of carbon fibres, which are graphitised, but the overall network remains unprocessed through graphitisation. Within this unique network, a combination of graphitic particles and hydrophobic polymer is integrated. Significant to the design is that at least 90% of the graphitic particles measure less than 100 micrometers in their longest dimension. The process for manufacturing these gas diffusion substrates involves depositing a slurry of graphitised carbon fibres onto a porous bed to create a wet fibre network, preparing a blend of graphitic particles and hydrophobic polymer, and subsequently drying and firing the network.

In addition, Nigel has also developed a conductive sheet material, comprising primary carbon fibres that have a cross-sectional dimension of at least 1 micrometer, and secondary carbon fibres in the form of carbon nanofibres, all bound together by a binding agent. This sheet material is potentially valuable as a gas diffusion layer for fuel cells or as an electrode material for batteries, and it can be produced through a wet-laid non-woven (paper-making) process.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Nigel has worked with prominent companies such as Technical Fibre Products Limited and Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company. His experience in these reputed organizations has allowed him to refine his skills in material innovation and explore new frontiers in carbon fibre applications.

Collaborations

Cooperation has played an essential role in Nigel's journey as an inventor. He has collaborated with notable individuals such as Stephen John Edwards and George Thomas Quayle. These collaborations have fostered a rich environment for creativity and advancement in the development of new technologies.

Conclusion

Nigel Julian Walker stands out as a prominent figure in the realm of innovations centered around carbon materials. With his extensive patent portfolio and impactful collaborations, he continues to pave the way for future advancements in energy-related technologies and materials, contributing significantly to the industry.