Thermal stability enhancement of modified carboxymethyl cellulose films using SnO2 nanoparticles

Construction of SnO2 buffer layer and analysis of its interface modification for Li and Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 in solid-state batteries

SnO2 layer between Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 (LAGP) and lithium anode was prepared through simple scratch-coating process to improve interface properties. The physical phase, morphology, and electrochemical properties of Li/SnO2/LAGP structure were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical analytical methods. It was found that SnO2 layer effectively improved the interface stability of LAGP and lithium anode. The prepared Li/SnO2/LAGP/SnO2/Li symmetric cell exhibited a large critical current density of 1.8 mA cm-2 and demonstrated excellent cycling characteristics. The polarization voltages of symmetric cell were 0.1 V and 0.8 V after 1000 h of cycling at current densities of 0.04 mA cm-2 and 0.5 mA cm-2, respectively. Li/SnO2@LAGP/LiFePO4 solid-state full cells were also assembled, exhibiting a discharge specific capacity of 150 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles at 0.1C with capacity retention rate of 96 %. The good interface properties of Li/SnO2/LAGP structure are attributed to the transformation of SnO2 layer into a buffer layer containing Li2O, Sn0, and LixSny alloy during cycling process, which effectively inhibits the reduction reaction between LAGP and lithium anode.

The Effect of Nanofillers on the Functional Properties of Biopolymer-based Films: A Review

Waste from non-degradable plastics is becoming an increasingly serious problem. Therefore, more and more research focuses on the development of materials with biodegradable properties. Bio-polymers are excellent raw materials for the production of such materials. Bio-based biopolymer films reinforced with nanostructures have become an interesting area of research. Nanocomposite films are a group of materials that mainly consist of bio-based natural (e.g., chitosan, starch) and synthetic (e.g., poly(lactic acid)) polymers and nanofillers (clay, organic, inorganic, or carbon nanostructures), with different properties. The interaction between environmentally friendly biopolymers and nanofillers leads to the improved functionality of nanocomposite materials. Depending on the properties of nanofillers, new or improved properties of nanocomposites can be obtained such as: barrier properties, improved mechanical strength, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties or thermal stability. This review compiles information about biopolymers used as the matrix for the films with nanofillers as the active agents. Particular emphasis has been placed on the influence of nanofillers on functional properties of biopolymer films and their possible use within the food industry and food packaging systems. The possible applications of those nanocomposite films within other industries (medicine, drug and chemical industry, tissue engineering) is also briefly summarized.

Facile synthesis of smartaminosilane modified- SnO2/porous silica nanocomposite for high efficiency removal of lead ions and bacterial inactivation

The aim of the present study is to synthesize a new and proficient nanoadsorbent for rapid removal of heavy metals and disinfection of microorganisms. The proposed nanoadsorbent was fabricated using SnO₂ nanoparticles as the core, coated with mesoporous silica and further modified with 3-Aminopropyl triethoxysilane to render SnO₂/PSi/NH₂ nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis. The potential of the resultant SnO₂/PSi/NH₂ nanocomposite for the convenient removal of Lead ions in a batch systems was investigated as a function of solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, temperature and metal ion concentration. The adsorption behavior was in good agreement with Sips and Langmuir isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity of SnO₂/PSi/NH₂ was 653.62 mg g^-1. Furthermore, the desorption experiments demonstrated that the proposed nanocomposite could be used frequently for at least three consecutive cycles with minor losses in adsorption performance. The bacterial inactivation ability of SnO₂/PSi/NH₂ toward E-Coli and S. aureus bacteria was also evaluated using disk diffusion and linear cultivation tests, according to which the SnO₂/PSi/NH₂ nanocomposite possessed exceptional disinfection ability toward both bacteria, specifically S. aureus.

Preparation and Characterization of Softwood Kraft Lignin Copolymers as a Paper Strength Additive

Softwood kraft lignin is a renewable type of woody material that can be converted to value-added products, for example, as a paper strength additive in the paper industry. In this study, the monomers of methacryloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC), acrylic acid (AA), and acrylamide (AM) were grafted on softwood kraft lignin (SKL) to prepare three different SKL copolymers. Fourier-transform infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, charge density, elemental, and molecular weight analyses confirmed that the monomers were successfully grafted onto SKL. The grafting rates of SKL-DMC, SKL-AA, and SKL-AM copolymers were 80.35%, 82.70%, and 79.48%, respectively. The application of SKL copolymers as a paper additive for enhancing paper physical properties was studied. The results indicated that at a 2 wt % dosage of SKL copolymers, the increase in the physical properties of paper is maximum.