A Self‐Binding,Melt‐Castable,Crystalline Organic Electrolyte for Sodium Ion Conduction

The preparation and characterization of the cocrystalline solid–organic sodium ion electrolyte NaClO₄(DMF)₃ (DMF=dimethylformamide) is described. The crystal structure of NaClO₄(DMF)₃ reveals parallel channels of Na⁺ and ClO₄⁻ ions. Pressed pellets of microcrystalline NaClO₄(DMF)₃ exhibit a conductivity of 3×10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature with a low activation barrier to conduction of 25 kJ mol⁻¹. SEM revealed thin liquid interfacial contacts between crystalline grains, which promote conductivity. The material melts gradually between 55–65 °C, but does not decompose, and upon cooling, it resolidifies as solid NaClO₄(DMF)₃, permitting melt casting of the electrolyte into thin films and the fabrication of cells in the liquid state and ensuring penetration of the electrolyte between the electrode active particles.     

Effect of addition of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate on conductivity of Na-containing polymer electrolyte

Research in the environmentally friendly energy field has grown rapidly due to severe problems such as global warming and climate change. Sodium-ion technology is one of the most promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. Use of ionic liquids containing thiocyanate anion has been considered because of their low cost, low viscosity, and nonhazardous nature. In this work, polyethylene oxide (PEO)–sodium perchlorate (NaClO₄) samples containing different amounts of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate ionic liquid were prepared by a solution casting method. Addition of the ionic liquid to the PEO–NaClO₄ electrolyte further increased the ionic conductivity. The electrolyte containing 30 wt% ionic liquid exhibited the maximum ionic conductivity of ~5.0 × 10^?4 S/cm at room temperature. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed the interaction between the polymer chain and salt ion complexes for various sodium salt contents. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated that the crystallinity was reduced by addition of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate ionic liquid.     

A Perovskite Electrolyte That Is Stable in Moist Air for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Solid‐oxide Li⁺ electrolytes of a rechargeable cell are generally sensitive to moisture in the air as H⁺ exchanges for the mobile Li⁺ of the electrolyte and forms insulating surface phases at the electrolyte interfaces and in the grain boundaries of a polycrystalline membrane. These surface phases dominate the total interfacial resistance of a conventional rechargeable cell with a solid–electrolyte separator. We report a new perovskite Li⁺ solid electrolyte, Li_0.38Sr_0.44Ta_0.7Hf_0.3O_2.95F_0.05, with a lithium‐ion conductivity of σ_Li=4.8×10^?4 S cm^?1 at 25 °C that does not react with water having 3≤pH≤14. The solid electrolyte with a thin Li⁺‐conducting polymer on its surface to prevent reduction of Ta⁵⁺ is wet by metallic lithium and provides low‐impedance dendrite‐free plating/stripping of a lithium anode. It is also stable upon contact with a composite polymer cathode. With this solid electrolyte, we demonstrate excellent cycling performance of an all‐solid‐state Li/LiFePO₄ cell, a Li‐S cell with a polymer‐gel cathode, and a supercapacitor.     

A 3D Nanostructured Hydrogel‐Framework‐Derived High‐Performance Composite Polymer Lithium‐Ion Electrolyte

Solid‐state electrolytes have emerged as a promising alternative to existing liquid electrolytes for next generation Li‐ion batteries for better safety and stability. Of various types of solid electrolytes, composite polymer electrolytes exhibit acceptable Li‐ion conductivity due to the interaction between nanofillers and polymer. Nevertheless, the agglomeration of nanofillers at high concentration has been a major obstacle for improving Li‐ion conductivity. In this study, we designed a three‐dimensional (3D) nanostructured hydrogel‐derived Li_0.35La_0.55TiO₃ (LLTO) framework, which was used as a 3D nanofiller for high‐performance composite polymer Li‐ion electrolyte. The systematic percolation study revealed that the pre‐percolating structure of LLTO framework improved Li‐ion conductivity to 8.8×10^?5 S cm^?1 at room temperature.     

Fluorine‐Doped Antiperovskite Electrolyte for All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries

A fluorine‐doped antiperovskite Li‐ion conductor Li₂(OH)X (X=Cl, Br) is shown to be a promising candidate for a solid electrolyte in an all‐solid‐state Li‐ion rechargeable battery. Substitution of F^? for OH^? transforms orthorhombic Li₂OHCl to a room‐temperature cubic phase, which shows electrochemical stability to 9 V versus Li⁺/Li and two orders of magnitude higher Li‐ion conductivity than that of orthorhombic Li₂OHCl. An all‐solid‐state Li/LiFePO₄ with F‐doped Li₂OHCl as the solid electrolyte showed good cyclability and a high coulombic efficiency over 40 charge/discharge cycles.     

Guest‐Assisted Proton Conduction in the Sulfonic Mesoporous MIL‐101 MOF

Post‐synthesis modification of MIL‐101(Cr)‐NO₂ was explored in order to decorate the organic backbone by propyl‐sulfonic groups, with the aim to incorporate mobile and acidic protons for solid‐state proton electrolyte applications. The resulting solid switched from insulating towards proton superconductive behavior under humidity, while the conductivity recorded at 363 K and 95 % relative humidity reached 4.8×10^?3 S cm^?1. Propitiously, the impregnation of the material by strong acidic molecules (H₂SO₄) further boosted the proton conductivity performances up to the remarkable σ value of 1.3×10^?1 S cm^?1 at 363 K/95 % RH, which reaches the performances of the best proton conductive MOF reported so far.     

Three‐Dimensional MOF‐Type Architectures with Tetravalent Uranium Hexanuclear Motifs (U6O8)

Four metal–organic frameworks (MOF) with tetravalent uranium have been solvothermally synthesized by treating UCl₄ with rigid dicarboxylate linkers in N,N‐dimethylfomamide (DMF). The use of the ditopic ligands 4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylate ( 1 ), 2,6‐naphthalenedicarboxylate ( 2 ), terephthalate ( 3 ), and fumarate ( 4 ) resulted in the formation of three‐dimensional networks based on the hexanuclear uranium‐centered motif [U₆O₄(OH)₄(H₂O)₆]. This motif corresponds to an octahedral configuration of uranium nodes and is also known for thorium in crystalline solids. The atomic arrangement of this specific building unit with organic linkers is similar to that found in the zirconium‐based porous compounds of the UiO‐66/67 series. The structure of [U₆O₄(OH)₄(H₂O)₆(L)₆] ? X (L=dicarboxylate ligand; X=DMF) shows the inorganic hexamers connected in a face‐centered cubic manner through the ditopic linkers to build up a three‐dimensional framework that delimits octahedral (from 5.4 Å for 4 up to 14.0 Å for 1 ) and tetrahedral cavities. The four compounds have been characterized by using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis (or powder diffraction analysis for 4 ). The tetravalent state of uranium has been examined by using XPS and solid‐state UV/Vis analyses. The measurement of the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area indicated very low values (Langmuir <300 m² g^?1 for 1 , <7 m² g^?1 for 2 – 4 ) and showed that the structures are quite unstable upon removal of the encapsulated DMF solvent.     

Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Properties of Lead(II), ­Zinc(II), and Manganese(II) Complexes Constructed from 2, 3, 5, 6‐Tetraiodo‐1, 4‐benzenedicarboxylic Acid

Three new coordination compounds, [Pb(HBDC‐I₄)₂(DMF)₄]( 1 ) and [M(BDC‐I₄)(MeOH)₂(DMF)₂]_n (M = Zn^II for 2 and Mn^II for ( 3 ) (H₂BDC‐I₄ = 2, 3, 5, 6‐tetraiodo‐1, 4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and X‐ray single crystal structure analysis. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals that 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c and has a discrete mononuclear structure, which is further assembled to form a two‐dimensional (2D) layer through intermolecular O–H ··· O and C–H ··· O hydrogen bonding interactions. The isostructural compounds 2 and 3 crystallize in the space group P2₁/c and have similar one‐dimensional (1D) chain structures that are extended into three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular networks by interchain C–H ··· π interactions. The Pb^II and Zn^II complexes 1 and 2 display similar emissions at 472 nm in the solid state, which essentially are intraligand transitions.     

A Robust Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layer Augments the Ion Storage Capacity of Bimetallic‐Sulfide‐Containing Potassium‐Ion Batteries

Metal–organic framework‐derived NiCo_2.5S₄ microrods wrapped in reduced graphene oxide (NCS@RGO) were synthesized for potassium‐ion storage. Upon coordination with organic potassium salts, NCS@RGO exhibits an ultrahigh initial reversible specific capacity (602 mAh g^?1 at 50 mA g^?1) and ultralong cycle life (a reversible specific capacity of 495 mAh g^?1 at 200 mA g^?1 after 1 900 cycles over 314 days). Furthermore, the battery demonstrates a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 78 %, outperforming most sulfides reported previously. Advanced ex situ characterization techniques, including atomic force microscopy, were used for evaluation and the results indicate that the organic potassium salt‐containing electrolyte helps to form thin and robust solid electrolyte interphase layers, which reduce the formation of byproducts during the potassiation–depotassiation process and enhance the mechanical stability of electrodes. The excellent conductivity of the RGO in the composites, and the robust interface between the electrodes and electrolytes, imbue the electrode with useful properties; including, ultrafast potassium‐ion storage with a reversible specific capacity of 402 mAh g^?1 even at 2 A g^?1.     

Na3SbS4: A Solution Processable Sodium Superionic Conductor for All‐Solid‐State Sodium‐Ion Batteries

All‐solid‐state sodium‐ion batteries that operate at room temperature are attractive candidates for use in large‐scale energy storage systems. However, materials innovation in solid electrolytes is imperative to fulfill multiple requirements, including high conductivity, functional synthesis protocols for achieving intimate ionic contact with active materials, and air stability. A new, highly conductive (1.1 mS cm^?1 at 25 °C, E_a=0.20 eV) and dry air stable sodium superionic conductor, tetragonal Na₃SbS₄, is described. Importantly, Na₃SbS₄ can be prepared by scalable solution processes using methanol or water, and it exhibits high conductivities of 0.1–0.3 mS cm^?1. The solution‐processed, highly conductive solidified Na₃SbS₄ electrolyte coated on an active material (NaCrO₂) demonstrates dramatically improved electrochemical performance in all‐solid‐state batteries.     

Dichte,Leitfähigkeit und Elektrolyse flüssiger Phasen in wasserfreien Systemen vom Typ MCl/AlCl3/SO2 (M = Li,Na)

Density, Conductivity, and Electrolysis of Liquid Phases in Nonaqueous Systems of the Type MCl/AlCl₃/SO₂ (M = Li, Na) The temperature dependence of the density and specific conductivity was determined at liquid phases of the composition MAlCl₄ · nSO₂ + mAlCl₃ (M = Li, n = 3–5.5, m = 0.266; M = Na, n = 1.36–4.56, m = 0.01–0.1). The investigated range was between ?30°C and +45°C. For different compositions it was limited by the liquidus point and by the point, where the SO₂-equilibrium pressure surpassed 1 bar. The densities are between 1.63 and 1.76 g/cm³, the specific conductivities between 0.03 and 0.07 Ω^?1 · cm^?1. In diluted solutions below ?10°C NaAlCl₄ behaves as a strong electrolyte in which dissociation in Na⁺ and AlCl₄^?is prevailing. By electrolysis of the liquid phases at room temperature reversible galvanic cells of the type M/MAlCl₄ · nSO₂/Cl₂, C(M = Li, Na) are generated, which have an open circuit potential between 4.12 and 4.18 volts. The alkali metal deposits are stable in contact with the electrolyte up to 60°C in the case of lithium and 35°C with sodium.     

Synthesis,spectral, thermal,solid state d.c. electrical conductivity,fluorescence and biological studies of lanthanum(III) and thorium(IV) complexes of 24-membered macrocyclic triazoles

A series of La(III) and Th(IV) complexes have been synthesized by template condensation of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol, bis-(4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)alkanes and La(NO₃)₃ ·?6H₂O/Th(NO₃)₄ ·?5H₂O in 2 : 2 : 1 molar ratio in ethanol. These complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductance, spectral (IR, UV–Vis, ¹H-NMR, FAB-mass), thermal, fluorescence and solid state d.c. electrical conductivity studies. The complexes are insoluble in water but soluble in DMF and DMSO. The observed molar conductance values indicate non electrolytes. Elemental analyses suggest 1 : 1 stoichiometry, [La(L^I–IV)(NO₃)(H₂O)₂] ·?3H₂O and [Th(L^I–IV)(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂] ·?3H₂O. Spectroscopic studies indicate that coordination occurs through phenolic oxygen after deprotonation, nitrogen of azomethine group and bridging bidentate nitrates. The solid state d.c. electrical conductivity indicates semiconducting nature. All the Schiff bases and their La(III) and Th(IV) complexes were evaluated for biological properties; some compounds show promising results.     

Syntheses,Structures and Characterization of Four Metal‐Organic Frameworks constructed by 2,2′,6,6′‐Tetramethoxy‐4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylic Acid

Four metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Mn_3.5L(OH)(HCOO)₄(DMF)] · H₂O} ( 1 ), {[In_2.5L₂O(OH)_1.5(H₂O)₂] · DMF · CH₃CN · 2H₂O} ( 2 ), {[Pb₄L₃O(DMA)] · CH₃CN} ( 3 ), and {[LaL(NO₃)(DMF)₂] · 2H₂O} ( 4 ) were synthesized by utilizing the ligand 2,2′,6,6′‐tetramethoxy‐4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylic acid (H₂L) via solvothermal methods. All MOFs were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, powder X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. In 1 , the Mn²⁺ ions are interconnected by formic groups in situ produced via DMF decomposition to form a rare 2D macrocyclic plane, which is further linked by L^2– to construct the final 3D network. In 2 , 1D zip‐like infinite chain is formed and then interconnected to build the 3D framework. In 3 , a [Pb₆(μ₄‐O)₂(O₂C)₁₀(DMA)₂] cluster with a centrosymmetric [Pb₆(μ₄‐O)₂]⁸⁺ octahedral core is formed in the 3D structure. In 4 , the La³⁺ ions are connected with each other through carboxylate groups of L^2– to generate 1D zigzag chain, which is further linked by L^2– to construct a 3D network with sra topology. Solid photoluminescence properties of 3 and 4 were also investigated.     

Metal–Organic Frameworks Containing Missing‐Linker Defects Leading to High Hydroxide‐Ion Conductivity

The ionic conductivity properties of the face‐centered cubic [Ni₈(OH)₄(H₂O)₂(BDP_X)₆] (H₂BDP_X=1,4‐bis(pyrazol‐4‐yl)benzene‐4‐X with X=H ( 1 ), OH ( 2 ), NH₂ ( 3 )) metal–organic framework (MOF) systems as well as their post‐synthetically modified materials K[Ni₈(OH)₅(EtO)(BDP_X)_5.5] ( 1@KOH , 3@KOH ) and K₃[Ni₈(OH)₃(EtO)(BDP_O)₅] ( 2@KOH ), which contain missing‐linker defects, have been studied by variable temperature AC impedance spectroscopy. It should be noted that these modified materials exhibit up to four orders of magnitude increase in conductivity ^‐values in comparison to pristine 1 – 3 systems. As an example, the conductivity value of 5.86×10^?9 S cm^?1 (activation energy E_a of 0.60 eV) for 2 at 313 K and 22 % relative humidity (RH) increases up to 2.75×10^?5 S cm^?1 (E_a of 0.40 eV) for 2@KOH . Moreover, a further increase of conductivity values up to 1.16×10^?2 S cm^?1 and diminution of E_a down to 0.20 eV is achieved at 100 % RH for 2@KOH . The increased porosity, basicity and hydrophilicity of the 1@KOH – 3@KOH materials compared to the pristine 1 – 3 systems should explain the better performance of the KOH‐modified materials.     

A Mononuclear CoII Coordination Complex Locked in a Confined Space and Acting as an Electrochemical Water‐Oxidation Catalyst: A “Ship‐in‐a‐Bottle” Approach

Preparing efficient and robust water oxidation catalyst (WOC) with inexpensive materials remains a crucial challenge in artificial photosynthesis and for renewable energy. Existing heterogeneous WOCs are mostly metal oxides/hydroxides immobilized on solid supports. Herein we report a newly synthesized and structurally characterized metal–organic hybrid compound [{Co₃(μ₃‐OH)(BTB)₂(dpe)₂} {Co(H₂O)₄(DMF)₂}_0.5]_n?n H₂O ( Co‐WOC‐1 ) as an effective and stable water‐oxidation electrocatalyst in an alkaline medium. In the crystal structure of Co‐WOC‐1 , a mononuclear Co^II complex {Co(H₂O)₄(DMF)₂}²⁺ is encapsulated in the void space of a 3D framework structure and this translationally rigid complex cation is responsible for a remarkable electrocatalytic WO activity, with a catalytic turnover frequency (TOF) of 0.05 s^?1 at an overpotential of 390 mV (vs. NHE) in 0.1 m KOH along with prolonged stability. This host–guest system can be described as a “ship‐in‐a‐bottle”, and is a new class of heterogeneous WOC.     

Mesogen‐controlled ion channel of star‐shaped hard–soft block copolymers for solid‐state lithium‐ion battery

Novel star‐shaped hard–soft triblock copolymers, 4‐arm poly(styrene)‐block‐poly [poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ethyl methacrylate]‐block‐poly{x‐[(4‐cyano‐4′‐biphenyl) oxy] alkyl methacrylate} (4PS‐PPEGMA‐PMAxLC) (x = 3, 10), with different mesogen spacer length are prepared by atom‐transfer radical polymerization. The star copolymers comprised three different parts: a hard polystyrene (PS) core to ensure the good mechanical property of the solid‐state polymer, and a soft, mobile poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ethyl methacrylate] (PPEGMA) middle sphere responsible for the high ionic conductivity of the solid polyelectrolytes, and a poly{x‐[(4‐cyano‐4′‐biphenyl)oxy]alkyl methacrylate} with a birefringent mesogens at the end of each arm to tuning the electrolytes morphology. The star‐shaped hard–soft block copolymers fusing hard PS core with soft PPEGMA segment can form a flexible and transparent film with dimensional stability. Thermal annealing from the liquid crystalline states allows the cyanobiphenyl mesogens to induce a good assembly of hard and soft blocks, consequently obtaining uniform nanoscale microphase separation morphology, and the longer spacer is more helpful than the shorter one. There the ionic conductivity has been improved greatly by the orderly continuous channel for efficient ion transportation, especially at the elevated temperature. The copolymer 4PS‐PPEGMA‐PMA10LC shows ionic conductivity value of 1.3 × 10^?4 S cm^?1 (25 °C) after annealed from liquid crystal state, which is higher than that of 4PS‐PPEGMA electrolyte without mesogen groups. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 4341–4350     

Aqueous Batteries Operated at −50 °C

Insufficient ionic conductivity and freezing of the electrolyte are considered the main problems for electrochemical energy storage at low temperatures (low T). Here, an electrolyte with a freezing point lower than ?130 °C is developed by using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as an additive with molar fraction of 0.3 to an aqueous solution of 2 m NaClO₄ (2M‐0.3 electrolyte). The 2M‐0.3 electrolyte exhibits sufficient ionic conductivity of 0.11 mS cm^?1 at ?50 °C. The combination of spectroscopic investigations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations reveal that hydrogen bonds are stably formed between DMSO and water molecules, facilitating the operation of the electrolyte at ultra‐low T. Using DMSO as the electrolyte additive, the aqueous rechargeable alkali‐ion batteries (AABs) can work well even at ?50 °C. This work provides a simple and effective strategy to develop low T AABs.     

Indiumwolframat,In2(WO4)3 – ein In3+ leitender Festkörperelektrolyt

Indium Tungstate, In₂(WO₄)₃ – an In³⁺ Conducting Solid Electrolyte Polycrystalline In₂(WO₄)₃ has been electrochemically characterized and unambiguously identified as an In³⁺ conducting solid electrolyte. By heating, indium tungstate undergoes a phase transition between 250 °C and 260 °C transforming from a monoclinic to an orthorhombic phase for which the conduction properties have been determined. The adopted crystal structure in this high temperature region corresponds to the Sc₂(WO₄)₃ type structure. The electrical conductivity was investigated by impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range 300–700 °C and amounts to about 3.7 · 10^–5 Scm^–1 at 600 °C with a corresponding activation energy of 59.5 kJ/mol. Polarization measurements indicated an exclusive current transport by ionic charge carriers with a transference number of about 0.99. In dc electrolysis experiments, the trivalent In³⁺ cations were undoubtedly identified as mobile species. A current transport by oxide anions was not observed.     

Synthesis and properties of all solid polymer electrolytes based on poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐acetyl ethylene oxide acrylate)

Poly(acetyl ethylene oxide acrylate‐co‐vinyl acetate) (P(AEOA‐VAc)) was synthesized and used as a host for lithium perchlorate to prepare an all solid polymer electrolyte. Introduction of carbonyl groups into the copolymer increased ionic conductivity. All solid polymer electrolytes based on P(AEOA‐VAc) at 14.3 wt% VAc with 12wt% LiClO₄ showed conductivity as high as 1.2 × 10^?4 S cm^?1 at room temperature. The temperature dependence of the ionic conductivity followed the VTF behavior, indicating that the ion transport was related to segmental movement of the polymer. FTIR was used to investigate the effect of the carbonyl group on ionic conductivity. The interaction between the lithium salt and carbonyl groups accelerated the dissociation of the lithium salt and thus resulted in a maximum ionic conductivity at a salt concentration higher than pure PAEO‐salts system. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sol-gel synthesis of Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 solid electrolyte

A modified sol-gel process was studied as applied to synthesize a lithium-conducting solid electrolyte of composition Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃ (LATP) using water-soluble salts Al(NO₃)₃ · 9H₂O, LiNO₃ · 3H₂O, and (NH₄)₂HPO₄ and a titanium(IV) citrate complex. As-synthesized samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, DSC/TG, SEM, and impedance spectroscopy. Sintering of as-synthesized amorphous powders at 700°C was found to yield LATP with crystallite sizes of 42–48 nm. Ionic conductivity of the electrolyte measured in the frequency range 25–10⁶ Hz in disks having 86–90% density that were sintered at 1000°C was (3–4) × 10^?4 S/cm. Temperature-dependent ionic conductivity was studied in the range 25–200°C. The activation energy of conduction was determined for LATP.