Zn2+-Imidazole Coordination Crosslinks for Elastic Polymeric Binders in High-Capacity Silicon Electrodes

Recent research has built a consensus that the binder plays a key role in the performance of high-capacity silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries. These anodes necessitate the use of a binder to maintain the electrode integrity during the immense volume change of silicon during cycling. Here, Zn2+-imidazole coordination crosslinks that are formed to carboxymethyl cellulose backbones in situ during electrode fabrication are reported. The recoverable nature of Zn2+-imidazole coordination bonds and the flexibility of the poly(ethylene glycol) chains are jointly responsible for the high elasticity of the binder network. The high elasticity tightens interparticle contacts and sustains the electrode integrity, both of which are beneficial for long-term cyclability. These electrodes, with their commercial levels of areal capacities, exhibit superior cycle life in full-cells paired with LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathodes. The present study underlines the importance of highly reversible metal ion-ligand coordination chemistries for binders intended for high capacity alloying-based electrodes.

Green synthesis of nano-Al2O3, recent functionalization, and fabrication of synthetic or natural polymer nanocomposites: various technological applications

Environmentally friendly fabrication of nano-Al₂O₃, recent functionalization, and preparation of polymer nanocomposites including natural and man-made polymers with various industrial applications are reviewed.

Modification of Kraft Lignin with Dodecyl Glycidyl Ether

Kraft lignin (KL) is extensively produced in industry but is mainly burned as fuel. To broaden its use, KL was grafted with dodecyl glycidyl ether to alter its thermal properties. The reaction of KL with dodecyl glycidyl ether (DGE) was analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and elemental analysis. Alternatively, KL was methylated to mask its phenolic hydroxy groups to investigate how phenolic hydroxy groups impact the grafting of the alkyl chain of DGE onto lignin (methylated Kraft lignin, MKL). The methylation facilitated the molecular weight enhancement and thermal stability reduction of Kraft lignin via grafting with DGE. The influence of grafting alkyl chains on the structural and thermal properties of KL and MKL was studied using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Our data suggest that, due to their high molecular weights and lower glass transition temperatures, the produced lignin derivatives may be promising feedstocks for composite production.

Preparation and properties of poly(aryl ether ketone)-based phthalonitrile conductive composite film

A series of poly(aryl ether ketone) polymers containing phthalonitrile with relatively high molecular weights showed good film formation and toughness to be the good candidate for matrix of functional composites. To develop the application of bisphthalonitrile resins in the conductive composite membrane materials field, the phthalonitrile resin/multiwalled carbon nanotubes conductive composite membranes were prepared by the solution blending method. The conductive composite membranes have low percolation threshold (0.25 vol.%) and excellent conductive properties. With 0.79% weight fraction of carbon nanotubes, the cross-linking membrane shows a great enhancement in mechanical properties. They have the potential to be alternative candidates in the field of high-temperature, conductive composite membrane materials.

Investigating into the liquid oxygen compatibility of a modified epoxy resin containing silicon/phosphorus and its mechanical behavior at cryogenic temperature

A 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) derivative (DOPO–TVS) was synthesized through a reaction between DOPO and triethoxyvinylsilane (TVS).

Liquid oxygen compatible epoxy resin: modification and characterization

Liquid oxygen compatibility mechanism of bromine-modified epoxy resin.