Polymers

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17 pages, 1983 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kinetics of Polyampholyte Dimerization: Influence of Charge Sequences

by Seowon Kim, Nam-Kyung Lee, Youngkyun Jung and Albert Johner

Polymers 2024, 16(20), 2928; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16202928 - 18 Oct 2024

Viewed by 558

Abstract

Polyampholytes (PAs) exhibit complex behaviors in various environments influenced by their charge distribution. This study focuses on the kinetics of dimerization of PAs, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and clarify relevant characteristics of the charge sequence. We focus on PAs with non-zero [...] Read more.

Polyampholytes (PAs) exhibit complex behaviors in various environments influenced by their charge distribution. This study focuses on the kinetics of dimerization of PAs, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and clarify relevant characteristics of the charge sequence. We focus on PAs with non-zero net charges, employing molecular dynamics simulations and theoretical analyses to examine how charge sequences influence the rates of dimer formation and dissociation. Our findings reveal that the charge sequence of tails and the blockiness of the minority charge group markedly influence the kinetics of dimerization: large blockiness and tails with a high number of majority-type charges slow down the dissociation of dimers. Additionally, the presence of an extended (central) block of the majority charge promotes structural diversity. Within dimer states, blocks alternate between intra- and inter-chain contacts. The duration times in the dimer states are significantly longer than the typical dwell times of block inter-contacts, with a notable extension when multiple blocks are engaged. Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) play crucial roles in cellular functions, primarily due to their ability to undergo rapid conformational changes and form transient complexes. These properties largely depend on the sequence of charged residues. We provide insights into the fundamental principles governing the structural and dynamical properties of polyampholytic IDP, emphasizing the importance of sequence-specific effects on both aggregation and dissociation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Applications)

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14 pages, 2034 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of a Microfluidic-Based Device Coated with Polyelectrolyte-Capped Titanium Dioxide to Couple High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Mercury Speciation

by Ji-Hao Chen, Yu-Ting Luo, Yi-An Su, Yan-Ren Ke, Ming-Jay Deng, Wei-Yu Chen, Cheng-Yu Wang, Jia-Lin Tsai, Cheng-Hsing Lin and Tsung-Ting Shih

Polymers 2024, 16(16), 2366; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162366 - 21 Aug 2024

Viewed by 765

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element which impacts on biological systems and ecosystems. Because the toxicity of Hg species is highly dependent on their concentration levels and chemical forms, the sensitive identification of the chemical forms of Hg—i.e., Hg speciation—is of major significance [...] Read more.

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element which impacts on biological systems and ecosystems. Because the toxicity of Hg species is highly dependent on their concentration levels and chemical forms, the sensitive identification of the chemical forms of Hg—i.e., Hg speciation—is of major significance in providing meaningful information about the sources of Hg exposure. In this study, a microfluidic-based device made of high-clarity poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was fabricated. Then, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO₂s) were attached to the treated channel’s interior with the aid of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC). After coupling the nano-TiO₂-coated microfluidic-based photocatalyst-assisted reduction device (the nano-TiO₂-coated microfluidic-based PCARD) with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), a selective and sensitive, hyphenated system for Hg speciation was established. Validation procedures demonstrated that the method could be satisfactorily applied to the determination of mercury ions (Hg²⁺) and methylmercury ions (CH₃Hg⁺) in both human urine and water samples. Remarkably, the zeta potential measured clearly indicated that the PDADMAC-capped nano-TiO₂s with a predominance of positive charges indeed provided a steady force for firm attachment to the negatively charged device channel. The cause of the durability of the nano-TiO₂-coated microfluidic-based PCARD was clarified thus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Applications)

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14 pages, 8306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Electrochemical Performance of Molybdenum Disulfide Nanoparticles Entrenched in Miscible Poly(methyl methacrylate)-Poly(lactic acid) Blends as Freestanding Electrodes for Supercapacitors

by Bipin S. Chikkatti, Lata S. Kanaki, Ashok M. Sajjan, Nagaraj R. Banapurmath, M. A. Umarfarooq, R. S. Hosmath, Irfan Anjum Badruddin, Amir Ibrahim Ali Arabi and Sarfaraz Kamangar

Polymers 2024, 16(15), 2184; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16152184 - 31 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 920

Abstract

The focus of the study in this article is analyzing the electrochemical properties of molybdenum disulfide on miscible poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(lactic acid) blends for supercapacitors. The interaction between molybdenum disulfide and miscible poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(lactic acid) blends, affinity toward water, surface morphology, and mechanical properties [...] Read more.

The focus of the study in this article is analyzing the electrochemical properties of molybdenum disulfide on miscible poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(lactic acid) blends for supercapacitors. The interaction between molybdenum disulfide and miscible poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(lactic acid) blends, affinity toward water, surface morphology, and mechanical properties are inspected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angle, scanning electron microscopy, and universal testing machine, respectively. Among the developed membranes, 0.75 wt% of molybdenum disulfide on poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(lactic acid) shows better electrochemical performances. It exhibits a maximum specific capacitance of 255.5 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 1.00 mA g⁻¹, maximum energy density of 22.7 Wh kg⁻¹, and maximum power density of 360 W kg⁻¹. A cycle study reveals 92% capacitance retention after 2500 cycles. The designed supercapacitor device shows a maximum specific capacitance of 1240 μF g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 μA g⁻¹, maximum energy density of 43 μWh kg⁻¹, and maximum power density of 700 μW kg⁻¹. Flexible membranes of molybdenum disulfide are expected to be a potent combination for supercapacitor applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Applications)

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13 pages, 6427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anionic Anchoring Enhanced Quasi Solid Composite Polymer Electrolytes for High Performance Lithium Metal Battery

by Ruliang Liu, Xinyi Lai, Jiaqi Xue, Haiping Chen, Lijun Xie, Yanxuan Qiu and Wei Yin

Polymers 2023, 15(24), 4716; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15244716 - 15 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1513

Abstract

Herein, ZIF-8 inorganic particles with different sized reinforced poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) solid composite polymer electrolytes (PVDF-HFP/10%ZIF-8) were prepared via a facile blade-coating approach, and free-standing quasi solid-state composite electrolytes (PVDF-HFP/10%ZIF-8(0.6)/Plasticizer, abbreviated as PH/10%ZIF-8(0.6)/P), were further obtained through the introduction of plasticizer. Optimized [...] Read more.

Herein, ZIF-8 inorganic particles with different sized reinforced poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) solid composite polymer electrolytes (PVDF-HFP/10%ZIF-8) were prepared via a facile blade-coating approach, and free-standing quasi solid-state composite electrolytes (PVDF-HFP/10%ZIF-8(0.6)/Plasticizer, abbreviated as PH/10%ZIF-8(0.6)/P), were further obtained through the introduction of plasticizer. Optimized PH/10%ZIF-8(0.6)/P exhibited a high ionic conductivity of 2.8 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at 30 °C, and superior Li⁺ transfer number of 0.89 with an ultrathin thickness (26 µm). Therefore, PH/10%ZIF-8(0.6)/P could effectively inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites, and the assembled Li/LiFePO₄ cell delivered good cycling stability with a capacity retention rate of 89.1% after 100 cycles at 0.5 C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Applications)

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24 pages, 9299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrical, Thermal, and Structural Characterization of Plant-Based 3D Printed Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Future Electrochemical Applications

by Muhammad Afiq Hazizi Mahamood, Muhammad Faishal Norjeli, Ahmad Adnan Abu Bakar, Shahino Mah Abdullah, Nizam Tamchek, Ikhwan Syafiq Mohd Noor, Ala H. Sabeeh, Ahmad Fudy Alforidi, Ibrahim H. Khawaji and Mohd Ifwat Mohd Ghazali

Polymers 2023, 15(24), 4713; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15244713 - 15 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1908

Abstract

In this work, a plant-based resin gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) was prepared by stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. Lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄) with a concentration between 0 wt.% and 25 wt.% was added into the plant-based resin to observe its influence on electrical [...] Read more.

In this work, a plant-based resin gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) was prepared by stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. Lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄) with a concentration between 0 wt.% and 25 wt.% was added into the plant-based resin to observe its influence on electrical and structural characteristics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed shifts in the carbonyl, ester, and amine groups, proving that complexation between the polymer and LiClO4 had occurred. GPEs with a 20 wt.% LiClO₄ (S20) showed the highest room temperature conductivity of 3.05 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ due to the highest number of free ions as determined from FTIR deconvolution. The mobility of free ions in S20 electrolytes was also the highest due to greater micropore formation, as observed via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images. Transference number measurements suggest that ionic mobility plays a pivotal role in influencing the conductivity of S20 electrolytes. Based on this work, it can be concluded that the plant-based resin GPE with LiClO₄ is suitable for future electrochemical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Applications)

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14 pages, 5680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Healing Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone)-Based Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells: Effect of Solvent Content

by Mae Hwa Tai, Hui San Thiam, Shiau Foon Tee, Yun Seng Lim, Lip Huat Saw and Soon Onn Lai

Polymers 2023, 15(24), 4641; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15244641 - 8 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1621

Abstract

Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) with superior characteristics are needed to advance fuel cell technology. Nafion, the most used PEM in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), has excellent proton conductivity but suffers from high methanol permeability and long-term performance degradation. Thus, this study aimed [...] Read more.

Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) with superior characteristics are needed to advance fuel cell technology. Nafion, the most used PEM in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), has excellent proton conductivity but suffers from high methanol permeability and long-term performance degradation. Thus, this study aimed to create a healable PEM with improved durability and methanol barrier properties by combining sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA). The effect of changing the N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) solvent concentration during membrane casting was investigated. Lower DMAc concentrations improved water absorption and, thus, membrane proton conductivity, but methanol permeability increased correspondingly. For the best trade-off between these two characteristics, the blend membrane with a 10 wt% DMAc solvent (SP10) exhibited the highest selectivity. SP10 also showed a remarkable self-healing capacity by regaining 88% of its pre-damage methanol-blocking efficiency. The ability to self-heal decreased with the increasing solvent concentration because of the increased crosslinking density and structure compactness, which reduced chain mobility. Optimizing the solvent concentration during membrane preparation is therefore an important factor in improving membrane performance in DMFCs. With its exceptional methanol barrier and self-healing characteristics, the pioneering SPEEK/PVA blend membrane may contribute to efficient and durable fuel cell systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Applications)

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13 pages, 3661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Flexible Films for Supercapacitors Using Halloysite Nano-Clay Incorporated Poly(lactic acid)

by Bipin S. Chikkatti, Ashok M. Sajjan, Nagaraj R. Banapurmath, Javed Khan Bhutto, Rajesh Verma and T. M. Yunus Khan

Polymers 2023, 15(23), 4587; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15234587 - 30 Nov 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1566

Abstract

In the past few years, significant research efforts have been directed toward improving the electrochemical capabilities of supercapacitors by advancing electrode materials. The present work signifies the development of poly(lactic acid)/alloysite nano-clay as an electrode material for supercapacitors. Physico-chemical characterizations were analyzed by [...] Read more.

In the past few years, significant research efforts have been directed toward improving the electrochemical capabilities of supercapacitors by advancing electrode materials. The present work signifies the development of poly(lactic acid)/alloysite nano-clay as an electrode material for supercapacitors. Physico-chemical characterizations were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, and a universal testing machine. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge–discharge techniques were employed to evaluate electrochemical characteristics. The optimized poly(lactic acid)/halloysite nano-clay film revealed the highest specific capacitance of 205.5 F g⁻¹ at 0.05 A g⁻¹ current density and showed 14.6 Wh kg⁻¹ energy density at 72 W kg⁻¹ power density. Capacitance retention of 98.48% was achieved after 1000 cycles. The microsupercapacitor device presented a specific capacitance of 197.7 mF g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.45 mA g⁻¹ with 10.8 mWh kg⁻¹ energy density at 549 mW kg⁻¹ power density. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Applications)

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16 pages, 9185 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Novel Nitrogen-Rich Fluorinated Hyperbranched Poly(amide-imide) and Evaluation of Its Electrochromic Properties and Iodine Adsorption Behavior

by Zebang Sun, Wen Yang, Xiaosa Zhang, Xiaoyu Zhu, Jian Luan, Wenze Li and Yu Liu

Polymers 2023, 15(23), 4537; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15234537 - 25 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1180

Abstract

In this study, we successfully synthesized a novel triacid monomer by means of the thermal cyclization reaction. Subsequently, a series of nitrogen-rich (A₃+B₂)-type fluorinated hyperbranched poly(amide-imide)s (denoted as PAI-1 and -2, respectively) were prepared by means of a one-pot [...] Read more.

In this study, we successfully synthesized a novel triacid monomer by means of the thermal cyclization reaction. Subsequently, a series of nitrogen-rich (A₃+B₂)-type fluorinated hyperbranched poly(amide-imide)s (denoted as PAI-1 and -2, respectively) were prepared by means of a one-pot method using this triacid monomer and a diamine monomer with a triphenylamine-carbazole unit as precursors. The degree of support of the prepared hyperbranched PAIs was found to be about 60% via ¹H NMR calculations. Through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), it was found that the binding energies of C-N (398.4 eV) and -NH (399.7 eV) became lower under a current, while the binding energy peak of N⁺ appeared at 402.9 eV. In addition, the PAIs have good solubility and thermal stability (T_gs: 256–261 °C, T_10%: 564–608 °C). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis shows that the hyperbranched PAI films have good redox properties, and a range of values for the HOMO (4.83 to 4.85 eV) versus LUMO (1.85 to 1.97 eV) energy levels are calculated. The PAI films have excellent electrochromic properties: PAI-1 on coloration efficiency (CE) and transmittance change (ΔT, 852 nm) are 257 cm²/C and 62%, respectively, and have long-lasting redox properties (100 cycles). In addition, we conduct iodine adsorption tests using the structural features of PAIs with electron-drawing units, and the results show that PAI-1 had a high adsorption capacity for iodine (633 mg/g). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Applications)

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18 pages, 2653 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ce-radical Scavenger-Based Perfluorosulfonic Acid Aquivion^® Membrane for Pressurised PEM Electrolysers

by Stefania Siracusano, Fausta Giacobello, Stefano Tonella, Claudio Oldani and Antonino S. Aricò

Polymers 2023, 15(19), 3906; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15193906 - 27 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1894

Abstract

A Ce-radical scavenger-based perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) Aquivion^® membrane (C98 05S-RSP) was developed and assessed for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser applications. The membrane, produced by Solvay Specialty Polymers, had an equivalent weight (EW) of 980 g/eq and a thickness of 50 μm [...] Read more.

A Ce-radical scavenger-based perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) Aquivion^® membrane (C98 05S-RSP) was developed and assessed for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser applications. The membrane, produced by Solvay Specialty Polymers, had an equivalent weight (EW) of 980 g/eq and a thickness of 50 μm to reduce ohmic losses at a high current density. The electrochemical properties and gas crossover through the membrane were evaluated upon the formation of a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) in a range of temperatures between 30 and 90 °C and at various differential pressures (ambient, 10 and 20 bars). Bare extruded (E98 05S) and reinforced (R98 05S) PFSA Aquivion^® membranes with similar EWs and thicknesses were assessed for comparison in terms of their performance, stability and hydrogen crossover under the same operating conditions. The method used for the membrane manufacturing significantly influenced the interfacial properties, with the electrodes affecting the polarisation resistance and H2 permeation in the oxygen stream, as well as the degradation rate, as observed in the durability studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Applications)

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12 pages, 2901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction of a Bis(benzene sulfonyl)imide-Based Single-ion Polymer Artificial Layer for a Steady Lithium Metal Anode

by Yujie Wang, Mengmeng Zhao, Yazhou Chen, Haifeng Bao and Chen Li

Polymers 2023, 15(16), 3490; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15163490 - 21 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1249

Abstract

Dendrite growth and parasitic reactions with liquid electrolyte are the two key factors that restrict the practical application of the lithium metal anode. Herein, a bis(benzene sulfonyl)imide based single-ion polymer artificial layer for a lithium metal anode is successfully constructed, which is prepared [...] Read more.

Dendrite growth and parasitic reactions with liquid electrolyte are the two key factors that restrict the practical application of the lithium metal anode. Herein, a bis(benzene sulfonyl)imide based single-ion polymer artificial layer for a lithium metal anode is successfully constructed, which is prepared via blending the as-prepared copolymer of lithiated 4, 4′-dicarboxyl bis(benzene sulfonyl)imide and 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether on the surface of lithium foil. This single-ion polymer artificial layer enables compact structure with unique continuous aggregated Li⁺ clusters, thus reducing the direct contact between lithium metal and electrolyte simultaneously, ensuring Li⁺ transport is fast and homogeneous. Based on which, the coulombic efficiency of the Li|Cu half-cell is effectively improved, and the cycle stability of the Li|Li symmetric cell can be prolonged from 160 h to 240 h. Surficial morphology and elemental valence analysis confirm that the bis(benzene sulfonyl)imide based single-ion polymer artificial layer effectively facilitates the Li⁺ uniform deposition and suppresses parasitic reactions between lithium metal anode and liquid electrolyte in the LFP|Li full-cell. This strategy provides a new perspective to achieve a steady lithium metal anode, which can be a promising candidate in practical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Applications)

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15 pages, 9226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Molecular Weight and Lithium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide on the Thermal Processability of Poly(ethylene oxide) for Solid-State Electrolytes

by Katharina Platen, Frederieke Langer, Roland Bayer, Robert Hollmann, Julian Schwenzel and Matthias Busse

Polymers 2023, 15(16), 3375; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15163375 - 11 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1754

Abstract

New energy systems such as all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology are becoming increasingly important today. Recently, researchers have been investigating the transition from the lab-scale production of ASSB components to a larger scale. Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is a promising candidate for the large-scale production [...] Read more.

New energy systems such as all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology are becoming increasingly important today. Recently, researchers have been investigating the transition from the lab-scale production of ASSB components to a larger scale. Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is a promising candidate for the large-scale production of polymer-based solid electrolytes (SPEs) because it offers many processing options. Hence, in this work, the thermal processing route for a PEO-Lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) SPE in the ratio of 20:1 (EO:Li) is investigated using kneading experiments. Here, we clearly show the sensitivity of PEO during thermal processing, especially for high-molecular-weight PEO (M_w = 600,000 g mol⁻¹). LiTFSI acts as a plasticizer for low-molecular-weight PEO (M_w = 100,000 g mol⁻¹), while it amplifies the degradation of high-molecular-weight PEO. Further, LiTFSI affects the thermal properties of PEO and its crystallinity. This leads to a higher chain mobility in the polymer matrix, which improves the flowability. In addition, the spherulite size of the produced PEO electrolytes differs from the molecular weight. This work demonstrates that low-molecular-weight PEO is more suitable for thermal processing as a solid electrolyte due to the process stability. High-molecular-weight PEO, especially, is strongly influenced by the process settings and LiTFSI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Applications)

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15 pages, 5218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrical and Mechanical Characterisation of Poly(ethylene)oxide-Polysulfone Blend for Composite Structural Lithium Batteries

by Francesco Gucci, Marzio Grasso, Stefano Russo, Glenn J. T. Leighton, Christopher Shaw and James Brighton

Polymers 2023, 15(11), 2581; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15112581 - 5 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2414

Abstract

In this work, a blend of PEO, polysulfone (PSF), and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSi) was prepared at different PEO–PSf weight ratios (70-30, 80-20, and 90-10) and ethylene oxide to lithium (EO/Li) ratios (16/1, 20/1, 30/1, and 50/1). The samples were characterised using FT-IR, DSC, [...] Read more.

In this work, a blend of PEO, polysulfone (PSF), and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSi) was prepared at different PEO–PSf weight ratios (70-30, 80-20, and 90-10) and ethylene oxide to lithium (EO/Li) ratios (16/1, 20/1, 30/1, and 50/1). The samples were characterised using FT-IR, DSC, and XRD. Young’s modulus and tensile strength were evaluated at room temperature with micro-tensile testing. The ionic conductivity was measured between 5 °C and 45 °C through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The samples with a ratio of PEO and PSf equal to 70-30 and EO/Li ratio equal to 16/1 have the highest conductivity (1.91 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm) at 25 °C, while the PEO–PSf 80-20 EO/Li = 50/1 have the highest averaged Young’s modulus of about 1.5 GPa at 25 °C. The configuration with a good balance between electrical and mechanical properties is the PEO–PSf 70-30 EO/Li = 30/1, which has a conductivity of 1.17 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm and a Young’s modulus of 800 MPa, both measured at 25 °C. It was also found that increasing the EO/Li ratio to 16/1 dramatically affects the mechanical properties of the samples with them showing extreme embrittlement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Applications)

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Review

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61 pages, 4497 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polymer Electrolytes for Supercapacitors

by Xuecheng Chen and Rudolf Holze

Polymers 2024, 16(22), 3164; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16223164 - 13 Nov 2024

Viewed by 581

Abstract

Because of safety concerns associated with the use of liquid electrolytes and electrolyte solutions, options for non-liquid materials like gels and polymers to be used as ion-conducting electrolytes have been explored intensely, and they attract steadily growing interest from researchers. The low ionic [...] Read more.

Because of safety concerns associated with the use of liquid electrolytes and electrolyte solutions, options for non-liquid materials like gels and polymers to be used as ion-conducting electrolytes have been explored intensely, and they attract steadily growing interest from researchers. The low ionic conductivity of most hard and soft solid materials was initially too low for practical applications in supercapacitors, which require low internal resistance of a device and, consequently, highly conducting materials. Even if an additional separator may not be needed when the solid electrolyte already ensures reliable separation of the electrodes, the electrolytes prepared as films or membranes as thin as practically acceptable, resistance may still be too high even today. Recent developments with gel electrolytes sometimes approach or even surpass liquid electrolyte solutions, in terms of effective conductance. This includes materials based on biopolymers, renewable raw materials, materials with biodegradability, and better environmental compatibility. In addition, numerous approaches to improving the electrolyte/electrode interaction have yielded improvements in effective internal device resistance. Reported studies are reviewed, material combinations are sorted out, and trends are identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Applications)

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22 pages, 7848 KiB

Open AccessReview

Solid-State Electrolyte for Lithium-Air Batteries: A Review

by Qiancheng Zhu, Jie Ma, Shujian Li and Deyu Mao

Polymers 2023, 15(11), 2469; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15112469 - 26 May 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4308

Abstract

Traditional lithium–air batteries (LABs) have been seriously affected by cycle performance and safety issues due to many problems such as the volatility and leakage of liquid organic electrolyte, the generation of interface byproducts, and short circuits caused by the penetration of anode lithium [...] Read more.

Traditional lithium–air batteries (LABs) have been seriously affected by cycle performance and safety issues due to many problems such as the volatility and leakage of liquid organic electrolyte, the generation of interface byproducts, and short circuits caused by the penetration of anode lithium dendrite, which has hindered its commercial application and development. In recent years, the emergence of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) for LABs well alleviated the above problems. SSEs can prevent moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants from reaching the lithium metal anode, and their inherent performance can solve the generation of lithium dendrites, making them potential candidates for the development of high energy density and safety LABs. This paper mainly reviews the research progress of SSEs for LABs, the challenges and opportunities for synthesis and characterization, and future strategies are addressed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Electrolyte: Recent Progress and Applications)

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