Kinetic and galvanostatic studies of a polymer electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries

Quaternary polymer electrolyte (PE) based on poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid (EMImBF₄), sulfolane (TMS) and lithium hexafluorophosphate salt (LiPF₆) (PAN-EMImBF₄-sulfolane-LIPF₆) was prepared by the casting technique. Obtained PE films of ca. 0.2–0.3 mm in thickness showed good mechanical properties. They were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TGA, DSC), the flammability test, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic charging/discharging. SEM images revealed a structure consisting of a polymer network (PAN) and space probably occupied by the liquid phase (LiPF₆ + EMImBF₄ + sulfolane). The polymer electrolyte in contact with an outer flame source did not ignite; it rather underwent decomposition without the formation of flammable products. Room temperature specific conductivity was ca. 2.5 mS cm^?1. The activation energy of the conding process was ca. 9.0 kJ mol^?1. Compatibility of the polymer electrolyte with metallic lithium and graphite anodes was tested applying the galvanostatic method. Charge transfer resistance for the C₆Li → Li⁺ + e^? anode processes, estimated from EIS curve, was ca. 48 Ω. The graphite anode capacity stabilizes at ca. 350 mAh g^?1 after the 30th cycle (20 mA g^?1).     

Determination of adsorption heats of individual adsorption complex by combination of microcalorimetry and FTIR spectroscopy

Adsorption of CO as a probe molecule on K-FER zeolites differing in Si/Al ratio was investigated. Successful determination of adsorption heats of individual adsorption complexes formed upon adsorption of CO molecules on K-FER zeolites at 300 K by combination of IR spectroscopy with adsorption microcalorimetry is reported. Adsorption heat of bridged carbonyl complexes, where CO molecule interacts with two nearby extraframework K⁺ cations, was experimentally determined for the first time. It was found that bridged complexes on dual cationic sites exhibit adsorption heat of 34.8 kJ mol^?1, whereas monodentate carbonyls on single isolated K⁺ cation exhibit adsorption heat of only 26.2 kJ mol^?1 and adsorption heat of isocarbonyls was 21.5 kJ mol^?1.     

Thermo-physical characterization of some paraffins used as phase change materials for thermal energy storage

Three phase change paraffinic materials (PCMs) were thermophysically (phase-transition temperatures, latent heat, heat capacity at constant pressure, density, and thermal conductivity) investigated in order to be used as latent heat storage media in a pilot plant developed in Plovdiv Bulgaria. Raman structural investigation probes aliphatic character of the E53 sample, while the E46 and ECP samples contain also unsaturated components due to their Raman features within 1,500–1,700 cm^?1 range. Orthorhombic structure of the three PCMs was evidenced by the Raman modes at the 1,417 cm^?1. The highest latent heat value, ΔH, of phase transitions among the three materials was represented by summation of a solid order–disorder, and melting latent heat was encountered by the E53 paraffin, i.e., 194.32 J g^?1 during a μ-DSC scan of 1 °C min^?1. Conversely, the ECP composite containing ceresin component shows the lowest latent heat value of 143.89 J g^?1 and the highest thermal conductivity of 0.46 W m^?1 K^?1 among the three phase change materials (PCMs). More facile melt-disordered solid transition with the activation energy of 525.45 kJ mol^?1 than the lower temperature transition of disorder–order (E _a of 631.73 kJ mol^?1) during the two-step process of solidification for the E53 melt are discussed in terms of structural and molecular motion changes.     

Study on thermodynamic properties of glyphosate by oxygen-bomb calorimeter and DSC

The combustion enthalpy of glyphosate was determined by XRY-1C oxygen-bomb calorimeter at a constant volume. The standard mole combustion enthalpy and the standard mole formation enthalpy have been calculated to be ?1702.19 and ?1478.36 kJ mol^?1, respectively. For testing the reliability of instrument, glycine and naphthalene were used as reference materials by comparing the measured values with the literature values, the absolute error and relative error are 2.58 kJ mol^?1 and 0.26 % for glycine, respectively, and these of naphthalene are 4.08 kJ mol^?1 and 0.08 %, respectively. Moreover, the constant-pressure heat capacities c _p of glyphosate were measured by differential scanning calorimetry in the temperature range 303.15–365.15 K, and the relationship between c _p and temperature was established. These related studies can provide a thermodynamic basis for their further application.     

Thermogravimetric analysis of lignocellulosic and microalgae biomasses and their blends during combustion

Thermogravimetric analysis was used to study and compare the combustion of different blends of corn bioresidues with sunflower, rape and algae bioresidues. Non-isothermal thermogravimetric data were used to obtain the combustion kinetics of these bioresidues. This paper reports on the application of the Vyazovkin and Ozawa–Flynn–Wall isoconversional methods for the evaluation of kinetic parameters (energy activation, pre-exponential factor and order of reaction) for the combustion of the biomasses studied. Differences were found in the TG curves in accordance with the proximate analysis results for the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content of biomasses. The activation energy obtained from combustion (E ~ 151.6 kJ mol^?1) was lower than that from the blends (similar values were obtained for corn–sunflower, E ~ 160.5 kJ mol^?1 and corn–rape, E ~ 156.9 kJ mol^?1) whereas the activation energy obtained from the microalgae was higher (E ~ 171.5 kJ mol^?1). Both the Vyazovkin and Ozawa–Flynn–Wall methods yielded similar results.     

Cone calorimeter analysis of flame retardant poly (methyl methacrylate)-silica nanocomposites

Nanocomposite is a promising method to reduce fire hazards of polymers. Specifically due to increased interfacial area between polymer and nanofillers, polymer nanocomposites have an advantage in reducing fire hazards efficiently even when the flame retardant additives are at a concentration of 5 mass% or less. In theory, crosslinking between the polymer chains can create a carbon-dense structure to enhance char formation, which can further promote the flame retardancy. However, little research has been done to explore the flammability of crosslinking polymer nanocomposites with a low concentration of nanosilica particles. In this study, crosslinked and non-crosslinked poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites of a low concentration of nanosilica particles have been prepared via an in situ method. Their fire properties were tested by using the cone calorimeter at the heat flux of 50 kW m^?2. Although silica-containing flame retardants tend to negatively affect the ignitability and soot production especially at a high concentration, through the condensed phase mechanism, the samples of high loading rate of nanosilica particles show better fire retardancy performance in the aspect of flammability, including decreased heat release rate, mass loss rate, and total heat release. Additionally, crosslinking indeed attributes to the less intensive combustion of crosslinked PMMA samples, especially at a low concentration of nanosilica. The combination of nanosilica particles with the modification of the internal structure of the polymer nanocomposites might be a good strategy to improve fire retardancy.     

Equilibrium isotherms and isosteric heat for CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> adsorption on nanoporous carbons from polymers

Four nanoporous carbons obtained from different polymers: polypyrrole, polyvinylidene fluoride, sulfonated styrene–divinylbenzene resin, and phenol–formaldehyde resin, were investigated as potential adsorbents for carbon dioxide. CO₂ adsorption isotherms measured at eight temperatures between 0 and 60 °C were used to study adsorption properties of these polymer-derived carbons, especially CO₂ uptakes at ambient pressure and different temperatures, working capacity, and isosteric heat of adsorption. The specific surface areas and the volumes of micropores and ultramicropores estimated for these materials by using the density functional theory-based software for pore size analysis ranged from 840 to 1990 m² g^?1, from 0.22 to 1.47 cm³ g^?1, and from 0.18 to 0.64 cm³ g^?1, respectively. The observed differences in the nanoporosity of these carbons had a pronounced effect on the CO₂ adsorption properties. The highest CO₂ uptakes, 6.92 mmol g^?1 (0 °C, 1 atm) and 1.89 mmol g^?1 (60 °C, 1 atm), were obtained for the polypyrrole-derived activated carbon prepared through a single carbonization-KOH activation step. The working capacity for this adsorbent was estimated to be 3.70 mmol g^?1. Depending on the adsorbent, the CO₂ isosteric heats of adsorption varied from 32.9 to 16.3 kJ mol^?1 in 0–2.5 mmol g^?1 range. Overall, the carbons studied showed well-developed microporosity and exceptional CO₂ adsorption, which make them viable candidates for CO₂ capture, and for other adsorption and environmental-related applications.     

Treated and untreated foam core particleboards with intumescent veneer

The effectiveness of treatments for the surface layer of novel foam core particleboards was evaluated by means of Cone calorimeter tests. Foam core particleboards with variations of surface layer treatment, adhesives, and surface layer thicknesses under similar processing conditions were used to produce the test specimen for the Cone calorimeter tests. Ignitability, heat release rate profile, peak of heat release rate, total heat released, effective heat of combustion, mass loss rate, gaseous emissions, and specific extinction area were measured using the cone irradiance of 50 kW m^?2. Additional analysis of this data provided fuel composition information that could reveal the pyrolysis events of the composite boards. Thermocouples at various depths were used to provide further verification of pyrolysis events. The unprotected foam core panels generally had much higher heat release rates, somewhat higher heat of combustion and much higher smoke production due to the polymeric foam component of tested panels, whereas time to ignition and total heat release were not pronounced from the veneer treated boards. Adding the commercial fire retardant veneer to the face particleboard provided a dramatic improvement to the measured flammability properties. It worked sufficiently well with a 3 mm thick surface layer to improve the predicted flame spread rating of the foam core particleboards.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Poly(Arylene Ether)s from 4,4′‐Thiodiphenol

Four novel perfluoroalkylated poly(arylene ether)s have been synthesized successfully using four perfluoroalkyl‐activated bisfluoro monomers. These polymers are synthesized through nucleophilic displacement of the fluorine atoms on the benzene ring with 4,4′‐thiodiphenol and are named as 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d, respectively. The polymers obtained by displacement of the fluorine atoms exhibit weight‐average molar masses up to 3.9×10⁴ g · mol^?1 in Gel permeation chromatography. These poly(arylene ether)s showed very high thermal stability up to 548°C for 10% weight loss in TGA under nitrogen and high glass transition temperature (T_g) up to 178°C in DSC depending on the repeat unit structures. The glass transition temperatures taken as peak in tan δ in DMA measurements are in good agreement with the DSC T_g values. All the polymers synthesized are soluble in a wide range of organic solvent such as CHCl₃, CHCl₂, THF, NMP, DMF and toluene. Transparent thin films of these polymers cast from THF exhibited tensile strengths up to 72 MPa, modulus up to 1.69 GPa with low elongation at break depending on their exact repeating unit structures. Rheological properties showed ease of processability of these polymers with no change in melt viscosity with temperature.     

Thermal stability of ionene polymers

Two different cationic polymers of the same chemical type and with very similar chemical structures were reacted with a natural bentonite over a wide range of polymer/clay ratios. This study involved the synthesis of cationic aliphatic ammonium polyionenes, specifically 3,6-ionene and 3,6-dodecylionene. Ionenes are ion-containing polymers that contain quaternary nitrogen atoms in the main macromolecular chain as opposed to a pendant chain. The CHN content, basal spacing, and elemental composition of each of the polymer–clay complexes were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and thermogravimetry. All the polycations reacted to form interlayer complexes with clay, which displaced more Na⁺ and little Ca²⁺. Sodium and calcium were both present as interlayer cations in the clay and its complexes. The TG/DTG curves show that both polymers underwent thermal degradation in more than one stage. Specifically, 3,6-ionene was found to undergo two stages of decomposition and 3,6-dodecylionene undergo three stages. The behavior of the TG/DTG curves and the activation energy values suggest that 3,6-dodecylionene (E = 174,85 kJ mol^?1) complexes have greater thermal stability than 3,6-ionene (E = 115,52 kJ mol^?1) complexes. The mechanism of degradation suggests a direct interaction with the dodecyl chain containing 12 carbons, which are present in 3,6-dodecylionene but not in 3,6-ionene.     

Removal of thorium from aqueous solution by adsorption using PAMAM dendron-functionalized styrene divinyl benzene

Third generation poly(amido)amine (PAMAM) dendron was grown on the surface of styrene divinylbenzene (SDB) by divergent polymerization method. This new chelating resin (PAMAMG3-SDB) has been investigated in liquid–solid extraction of thorium. The effects of analytical parameters such as pH, contact time, concentration of thorium, resin dose and temperature on adsorption were investigated. Kinetic and isotherm studies of the adsorption were also carried out to understand the nature of adsorption of thorium on the chelating resin. Kinetic data followed a pseudo-second-order model and equilibrium data were best fitted with Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity of thorium ions was determined to be 36.2 mg g^?1 at 298 K. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard enthalpy, entropy, and free energy of adsorption of thorium on PAMAMG₃-SDB were calculated as ?10.498 kJ mol^?1, 0.0493 kJ mol^?1 K^?1 and ?25.208 kJ mol^?1 respectively at 298 K from temperature dependent equilibrium data.     

Combustion characteristics and kinetic analysis of Turkish crude oils and their SARA fractions by DSC

In this study, two Turkish crude oils from southeastern part of Turkey and their saturate, aromatic, resin fractions were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The experiments were performed at three different heating rates (5, 10, 15 °C min^?1) under air atmosphere. Two different reaction regions were observed from DSC curves due to the oxidative degradation of crude oil components. In the first reaction region, it was deduced that the free moisture, volatile hydrocarbons were evaporated from the crude oils, light hydrocarbons were burned, and fuel was formed. The second reaction region was the main combustion region where the fuel was burned. From DSC curves, it was observed that as the sample got heavier, the heat of the reaction increased. Saturates gave minimum heat of reaction. As the heating rate increased, shift of peak temperatures to high values and extended reaction region intervals were observed. The kinetic analysis of the crude oils and their fractions were also performed using ASTM E-698 and Borchardt and Daniels methods, respectively. Activation energy values of the crude oil samples and the fractions’ high-temperature oxidation region were close to each other and varied between 67 and 133 kJ mol^?1 in ASTM and 35 and 154 kJ mol^?1 in Borchardt and Daniels methods, respectively.     

Hermetic thermal behaviors and specific heat capacities of bis(aminofurazano)furazan and bis(nitrofurazano)furazan

Thermal behaviors of bis(aminofurazano)furazan (BAFF) and bis(nitrofurazano)furazan (BNFF) were studied by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method with a special hermetic high-pressure crucible and compared to that with a common standard Al crucible. The exothermic decomposition processes of the two compounds were completely revealed. The extrapolated onset temperature, peak temperature and enthalpy of exothermic decomposition at the heating rate of 10 °C min^?1 are 290.2, 313.4 °C and ??2174 J g^?1 for BAFF, and 265.8, 305.0 °C and ??2351 J g^?1 for BNFF, respectively. The apparent activation energies of the decomposition process for the two compounds are 115.7 and 131.7 kJ mol^?1, respectively. The self-accelerating decomposition temperatures and critical temperatures of thermal explosion are 247.5 and 368.7 °C for BAFF, and 249.6 and 268.1 °C for BAFF, respectively. Both BAFF and BNFF present high thermal stability. The specific heat capacities for the two compounds were determined with the micro-DSC method, and the specific heat capacities and molar heat capacities at 298.15 K are 1.0921 J g^?1 K^?1 and 257.9 J mol^?1 K^?1 for BAFF, and 1.0419 J g^?1 K^?1 and 308.5 J mol^?1 K^?1 for BNFF, respectively.     

Adsorptive removal of thorium from aqueous solution using diglycolamide functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized with diglycolamide (DGA) through chemical covalent route. The adsorption behavior of the DGA-functionalized-MWCNTs (DGA-MWCNTs) towards thorium from aqueous solution was studied under varying operating conditions of pH, concentration of thorium, DGA-MWCNTs dosages, contact time, and temperature. The effective range of pH for the removal of Th(IV) is 3.0–4.0. Kinetic data followed a pseudo-second-order model. The equilibrium data were correlated with the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin models. The equilibrium data are best fitted with Langmuir model. The equilibrium Th(IV) sorption capacity was estimated to be 10.58 mg g^?1 at 298 K. The standard enthalpy, entropy, and free energy of adsorption of the thorium with DGA-MWCNTs were calculated to be 8.952 kJ mol^?1, 0.093 kJ mol^?1 K^?1 and -18.521 kJ mol^?1 respectively at 298 K. The determined value of sticking probability (0.072) and observed kinetic and isotherm models reveal the chemical adsorption of thorium on DGA-MWCNTs.     

Application of thermal analysis for evaluating the digestion of microwave pre-treated sewage sludge

The effect of microwave pre-treatment (MwP) on anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge was studied by means of thermal analysis and evolved gas analysis. The effect of the pre-treatment at low energy input (<1000 kJ L^?1) on sludge solubilisation was studied with the aid of response surface methodology. The pre-treatment process was subsequently studied at energies of 488–2700 kJ L^?1 to evaluate the improvement in biogas production under mesophilic conditions. Organic matter modifications were studied using a Setaram TGA92 analyser at atmospheric pressure coupled to an MSC200 quadrupole mass spectrometer from Balzers. Particle size analysis was carried out using a Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyser LS 13 320 Beckmann Coulter for evaluating the effect of MwP on sludge particles. Results showed an increase in organic matter solubilisation with the increase in the energy applied. Modifications in the specific surface area of the organic matter due to the MwP resulted in increments in methane yields. However, an accumulation of complex compounds was observed in thermal profiles at the maximum energy input (2700 kJ L^?1). Semi-continuous digestion experiments were evaluated using as substrate pre-treated sludge at the optimum energy value (975 kJ L^?1). Results showed a significant increase in methane yield (43 %) when evaluating the process at hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 25–10 days.     

Carbon dioxide and nitrogen adsorption on porous copolymers of divinylbenzene and acrylic acid

Porous copolymers of divinylbenzene (DVB) and acrylic acid (AA) having DVB:AA ratios of 6:4, 8:2 and 9:1 were prepared following a distillation-precipitation method, using toluene as the porogenic agent. The materials thus obtained, which showed specific surface area in the range of 380–600 m² g^?1 and pore volume in the range of 0.14–0.18 cm³ g^?1, were investigated as possible adsorbents for CO₂ capture from the flue gas of coal-fired power stations. For that purpose, the isosteric heat of adsorption (and CO₂ adsorption capacity) was analysed from N₂ and CO₂ adsorption equilibrium isotherms obtained over a temperature range. For CO₂, q _st resulted to be in the range of 27–31 kJ mol^?1 (the highest value corresponding to the 6:4 sample), while for N₂ a value of q _st ≈ 12 kJ mol^?1 was obtained. Equilibrium adsorption capacity for CO₂ (at ambient temperature and pressure) showed the value of about 1.35 mmol g^?1. These results are discussed in the broader context of corresponding literature data for CO₂ capture using protonic zeolites.     

Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of volatilization of biodiesel from babassu, palm oil and mineral diesel by thermogravimetric analysis (TG)

The boiling point and volatility are important properties for fuels, as it is for quality control of the industry of petroleum diesel and biofuels. In addition, through the volatility is possible to predict properties, such as vapor pressure, density, latent heat, heat of vaporization, viscosity, and surface tension of biodiesel. From thermogravimetry analysis it is possible to find the kinetic parameters (activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and reaction order), of thermally simulated processes, like volatilization. With the kinetic parameters, it is possible to obtain the thermodynamic parameters by mathematical formula. For the kinetic parameters, the minor values of activation energy were found for mineral diesel (E = 49.38 kJ mol^?1), followed by babassu biodiesel (E = 76.37 kJ mol^?1), and palm biodiesel (E = 87.00 kJ mol^?1). Between the two biofuels studied, the babassu biodiesel has the higher minor value of activation energy. The thermodynamics parameters of babassu biodiesel are, ΔS = ?129.12 J mol^?1 K^?1, ΔH = +80.38 kJ mol^?1 and ΔG = +142.74 kJ mol^?1. For palm biodiesel ΔS = ?119.26 J mol^?1 K^?1, ΔH = + 90.53 kJ mol^?1 and ΔG = +141.21 kJ mol^?1, and for diesel ΔS = ?131.3 J mol^?1 K^?1, ΔH = +53.29 kJ mol^?1 and ΔG = +115.13 kJ mol^?1. The kinetic thermal analysis shows that all E, ΔH, and ΔG values are positive and ΔS values are negative, consequently, all thermodynamic parameters indicate non-spontaneous processes of volatilization for all the fuels studied.     

A comparative study of structure,thermal degradation,and combustion behavior of starch from different plant sources

The present study investigated the structure, degradation properties, and combustion behavior of starch from maize, sweet potato, lotus root, and tobacco. Compared with other plant starches, tobacco starch had the smallest size, the highest amylose content and the least crystallinity. Microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) experiment demonstrated that sweet potato starch showed the maximum peak heat release rate value (888.0 W g^?1) while tobacco starch showed the minimum value (316.0 W g^?1) and thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (TG-FTIR) results showed tobacco starch had good char formability (residue mass: 15.6%) and released more incombustible gaseous products, such as H₂O and CO₂. These results suggest that the thermal properties of plant starches were mainly influenced by the structural features and amylose content, especially the amylose ratio, and tobacco starch was very promising for application in green flame-retardant material.     

Hyper-cross-linked polymers based on triphenylsilane for hydrogen storage and water treatment

The present research focuses on the synthesis and applications of a series of hyper-cross-linked polymer networks obtained from the one-step Friedel–Crafts reaction of triphenylsilane and formaldehyde dimethyl acetal. The materials were characterized through FTIR, ¹³C NMR, PXRD, TGA, N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms, H₂ sorption and dye adsorption. These materials exhibited increased surface areas of approximately 441–1101 m² g^?1 with increasing ratio of monomer to cross-linker. The H₂ storage capacity of the polymer networks reached 1.19 wt % (5.96 mmol g^?1) under 1.03 bar and 77.3 K. In addition, the material showed excellent adsorption capacity of 806 mg g^?1 for Congo Red and retained their adsorption capacity after recycling nine times. Taken together, the results demonstrate that the obtained hyper-cross-linked polymers could be applied to H₂ storage and water treatment.