Current Scenario and Future Prospective of Ionic-Liquid Doped Polymer Electrolyte for Energy Application

Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) films based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF–HFP) with salt and ionic-liquid (IL) are synthesized using the solution-cast technique and summarized in this review. Doping ILs or salts increases ionic conductivity up to the device level. This is further confirmed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Polarized optical microscopy (POM) affirms that enhancement in ionic conductivity is due to increase in amorphous nature of film. The complex nature of polymer electrolyte films is confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Overall results show that doping IL into polyether matrix is advantageous material playing a dominant role in electrochemical devices.     

Doping properties of polydithienylmethine: a study on the correlation between polymer chain length, spectroscopy, and transport

(1S)-(+)-10-Camphorsulfonic acid-doped polydithienylmethine was prepared through an acid-catalyzed condensation reaction of alpha,alpha'-di-2-thienyl-(2,2'-bithiophene)-5,5'-dimethanol and was characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The electronic and vibrational properties of the resulting polymer thin films vary with the loadings of the (1S)-(+)-10-camphorsulfonic acid. The dark conductivity and drift mobility, which is significantly high, of the polymer thin films were enhanced with increasing doping levels and reached maximum values of 8.0x10(-5) S.cm-1 and 3.5x10(-2) cm2.V-1.s-1, respectively, at a 7 mol % dopant loading. Higher doping levels (>7 mol %) result in nonuniform polymer thin films with degraded optical quality due to the formation of nanocrystalite and thus a decrease in conductivity and drift mobility was observed. The doped polydithienylmethine thin film also exhibited a photoconductivity response with an excitation at 457 nm and the highest photoconductivity (2x10(-4) S.cm-1) was again observed at the 7 mol % doping level. Spectroscopic investigation suggests that the enhanced transport properties can be attributed to polaronic species present. The electronic and vibrational changes which relate to such doping were characterized by electronic absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy. The changes in transport values can be directly related to the changes we see in our spectroscopic investigations.     

Structural properties of lithium thio-germanate thin film electrolytes grown by radio frequency sputtering

In this study, lithium thio-germanate thin film electrolytes have been successfully prepared by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering deposition in Ar gas atmospheres. The targets for RF sputtering were prepared by milling and pressing appropriate amounts of the melt-quenched starting materials in the nLi(2)S + GeS(2) (n = 1, 2, and 3) binary system. Approximately 1 μm thin films were grown on Ni coated Si (Ni/Si) substrates and pressed CsI pellets using 50 W power and 25 mtorr (～3.3 Pa) Ar gas pressures to prepare samples for Raman and Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, respectively. To improve the adhesion between the silicon substrate and the thin film electrolyte, a sputtered Ni layer (～120 nm) was used. The surface morphologies and thickness of the thin films were determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The structural properties of the starting materials, target materials, and the grown thin films were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, and IR spectroscopy.     

离子液体-水混合介质中合成N、F共掺杂宽光域响应多孔TiO2光催化剂及性能

以TiCl4为钛源,离子液体-水为混合溶剂,采用液相水解-沉淀法制得浅黄色的N、F共掺杂宽光域响应多孔TiO2光催化剂(TiONF).以苯酚为模型物,考察了TiONF在紫外光区、可见光区及太阳光下催化活性.采用X射线光电子能谱(XPS)、紫外-可见漫反射光谱(DRS)、透射电镜(TEM)、X射线衍射(XRD)、傅里叶变换红外(FTIR)光谱及低温N2吸附-脱附等技术对TiONF的结构进行表征.结果表明,在离子液体-水混合介质中合成适量N、F共掺杂的TiO2在紫外光区、可见光区及太阳光下均表现出较高的活性,且高于纯水介质中合成TiONF的活性.离子液体-水混合介质有利于N、F进入TiO2晶格中;N、F共掺杂后在TiO2表面生成Ti―O―N键,形成新的能级结构,使催化剂的吸收红移至450-530nm,诱发TiO2可见光催化活性;同时,N、F共掺杂提高了TiO2表面羟基数量;还提高了TiO2相转变温度,减缓了相转变速率.另外,在离子液体-水混合介质中合成的TiONF较纯水介质中合成的TiONF粒子小、分散性好、比表面积大.     

Counterions in poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and poly(styrene sulfonate) layer-by-layer films

The amount of counterions in layer-by-layer (LBL) films of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) has been determined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for films prepared from solutions with various NaCl concentrations. Sodium and chloride counterions are present in LBL films produced from salt solutions, which are located at the surface and in the bulk of the films. The percentage of bulk counterions increases with the ionic strength of the polyelectrolyte before reaching a constant value. The bulk sodium/sulfur percentage ratios tend to 0.8 for samples washed with pure water and for samples washed with NaCl aqueous solutions, while the bulk chlorine/nitrogen percentage ratios tend to 0.5 for the same samples. The ratio between the percentages of polyelectrolyte ionic groups lies close to unity for all samples, indicating that counterions do not contribute to charge compensation in the polyelectrolyte during the adsorption process. The presence of counterions in LBL films is explained by Manning condensation near the polyelectrolyte ionic groups, leading to inter-polyelectrolyte ionic bondings via ionic networks. It is believed that condensation leads to the formation of NaCl crystallites in these LBL films, which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction measurements.     

Lightly doping Ca2+ in perovskite PrCoO3 for tailored spin states and electrical properties

A series of Pr(1-x)Ca(x)CoO(3) samples were prepared using a novel molten salt reaction that is convenient to obtain single phases avoiding aggregates compared to conventional solid state reactions. The formation reaction was monitored by X-ray diffraction combined with thermal analysis, and all samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and alternating current impedance. It is demonstrated that all Pr(1-x)Ca(x)CoO(3) samples crystallized in a pure orthorhombic perovskite structure. By increasing the doping level, the symmetry of the orthorhombic structure was enhanced, and is followed by an increase in the population of Co(3+) in the intermediate spin state. All samples exhibited typical semiconducting behavior, showing conductivities highly dependent on the Ca(2+) doping. The conduction for x = 0 shows a simple thermal activated process, which changed into a Mott's variable range hopping mechanism for x > 0. By increasing the Ca(2+) doping level, the relevant activation energy is decreased, while the density of the localized electronic state is increased.     

Electronic structure of A- and B-site doped lanthanum manganites: a combined X-ray spectroscopic study

The electronic properties of a series of colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) compounds, namely LaMnO3, La(1-x)Ba(x)(MnO3 (0.2 < or = x < or = 0.55), La(0.76)Ba(0.24)Mn(0.84)Co(0.16)O3, and La(0.76)Ba(0.24)Mn(0.78)Ni(0.22)O3, have been investigated in a detailed spectroscopic study. A combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) was used to reveal a detailed picture of the electronic structure in the presence of Ba, Co, and Ni doping in different concentrations. The results are compared with available theory. The valence band of La(1-x)()Ba(x)MnO3 (0 < or = x < or = 0.55) is dominated by La 5p, Mn 3d, and O 2p states, and strong hybridization between Mn 3d and O 2p states is present over the whole range of Ba concentrations. Co-doping at the Mn site leads to an increased occupancy of the e(g) states near the Fermi energy and an increase in the XPS valence band intensity between 0.5 and 5 eV, whereas the Ni-doped sample shows a lower density of occupied states near the Fermi energy. The Ni d states are located in a band spanning the energy range of 1.5-5 eV. XAS spectra indicate that the hole doping leads to mixed Mn 3d-O 2p states. Furthermore, RIXS at the Mn L edge has been used to probe d-d transitions and charge-transfer excitations in La(1-x)Ba(x)MnO3.     

The Electrical Double Layer at Hydrous Manganese Dioxide/Electrolyte Interface

We present here a study of a tetrathiafulvalene derivative, tetrakis(octadecylthio)tetrathiafulvalene (TTFH), arranged in LB films together with a detailed characterization process by means of UV-vis, IR, SEM, and X-ray diffraction that has allowed us to propose a packing model. These films were exposed to iodine vapor and this doping process was carefully followed using UV-vis and IR spectroscopy. The redox properties of the TTFH were studied in both organic solution and LB films. The results have been interpreted in terms of the molecular structure and the LB film architecture. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.     

Exploring the relationship between the surface chemistry and the corrosion behavior of electropolymerized polypyrrole films deposited on the surgical ISO 5832-1 stainless steel

In the present work, electropolymerized polypyrrole (PPy) films were obtained on the surface of the surgical ISO 5832-1 stainless steel. The films were obtained from solutions containing 0.1M and 0.5M of the monomer by cyclic voltammetry deposition. The correlation between the surface chemistry of the as-deposited films and the corrosion behavior of the coated substrate is explored. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to study the chemical state of the main elements in the PPy films. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization tests were employed to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the PPy-coated samples. The tests were conducted in phosphate-buffered saline solution at 37°C. The measured corrosion current densities were dependent on the doping level of the PPy film and decreased with the reduction of the doping level of the PPy layer.     

Fe掺杂对纳米TiO2薄膜的结构与光催化性能的影响

采用溶胶-凝胶法制备了Fe掺杂的TiO2薄膜,利用X射线光电子能谱、X射线衍射技术、显微共聚焦拉曼光谱、紫外可见光谱和原子力显微镜等对薄膜进行表征,以甲基橙为反应模型对光催化活性进行测试。 结果表明,在300~600 ℃焙烧时,TiO2以锐钛矿结构存在,700 ℃焙烧时出现金红石结构。 随掺铁量和焙烧温度的增加,Fe/TiO2薄膜的表面粗糙度和晶粒尺寸均逐渐增大;随镀膜层数的增加,Fe/TiO2薄膜光谱吸收向可见光方向移动;较低含量的铁掺杂改善了TiO2薄膜的光催化活性,而较高含量的铁掺杂则使TiO2薄膜的光催化活性下降,掺铁量为0.1%时Fe/TiO2薄膜的光催化活性最好。     

Properties of chlorine-doped poly(N-vinylcarbazole) thin films

Thin films of poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) have been obtained by thermal evaporation under vacuum. The chain length of the polymer is shortened by this deposition technique, which induces a strong reactivity between chlorine and the PVK films. After chlorine doping, there is complex salt formation as shown by electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). However, the major part of the chlorine has reacted with PVK. The thermal evaporation induces amorphization of the PVK, while chlorine doping induces polymer degradation with NH₄Cl formation. Because of this degradation the carriers detected by ESR are strongly localized on carbazole radicals, thereby explaining the small increase in the conductivity of PVK films even after chlorine doping.     

基于LiCo0.8M0.2O2(M=Ni,Zr)薄膜的全固态薄膜锂电池

LiCo0.8M0.2O2 (M=Ni,Zr) films were fabricated by radio frequency sputtering deposition combined with conventional annealing methods. The structures of the films were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. It was shown that the 700 ±C-annealed LiCo0.8M0.2O2 has an @-NaFeO2-like layered structure. All-solid-state thin-film batteries (TFBs) were fabricated with these films as the cathode and their electrochemical performances were evaluated. It was found that doping of electrochemically active Ni and inactive Zr has different effects on the structural and electrochemical properties of the LiCoO2 cathode films. Ni doping increases the discharge capacity of the film while Zr doping improves its cycling stability.     

Au掺杂对TiO_2薄膜表面态及电荷传输性能的影响

采用两步法合成了不同Au掺杂量的TiO_2薄膜材料,并通过循环伏安(CV)和电化学阻抗谱(EIS)探究了不同Au掺杂量TiO_2薄膜的表面态数量及其在禁带中的分布情况.借助强度调制光电流/电压谱(IMPS/IMVS)研究了薄膜内电子传输时间和寿命及界面电荷转移性能等.结果表明,适量Au(摩尔分数0.2%)的掺入可有效降低薄膜的表面态数量,优化表面态分布情况,提高电子在TiO_2/染料/电解质界面的电阻,从而改善电子的传输性能,提升太阳电池的光电转换效率.     

Introduction of hydrophilicity of polyacetylene film surfaces

Polyacetylene films have been rendered hydrophilic by treatment with aqueous KMnO₄. The treated films were characterized by contact angle measurement, infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We found that it is possible to lower the contact angle of H₂O on polyacetylene from 72° to ca. 10° without significantly affecting the electrical conductivity afforded after I₂ doping compared with similar doping of untreated films. The treated, hydrophilic films were found to be more permeable to aqueous ionic solutions than pristine polyacetylene.     

Structural and optoelectrical properties of nanocrystalline Gd-doped CdO films prepared by sol gel method

Gd-doped CdO thin films with various Gd concentrations have been prepared on glass and Si wafer substrates using sol gel technique. The films were characterised by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical absorption spectroscopy, and dc-electrical measurements. XRF method was used to determine the %Gd content in the films while XRD was used to study the influence of Gd doping on the detailed crystalline structure. Experimental data indicate that Gd³⁺ doping with level of less than 2.4% slightly enlarge the CdO crystalline unit cell. The bandgap (E _g) of Gd-doped CdO suffers narrowing by about 13% due to a small (0.2%) doping level but with %Gd doping level larger than 2.4%, E _g becomes wider than that of undoped CdO. The electrical behaviours of the Gd-doped CdO films show that they are degenerate semiconductors. The 2% Gd-doped CdO film shows increase in its mobility by about 92%, conductivity by 320%, and carrier concentration by 127%, relative to undoped CdO film. From transparent-conducting-oxide point of view, the Gd doping of CdO by sol gel method is not effective. Finally, the absorption in the NIR spectral region was investigated to be due to the free electrons.     

Phase composition of nanosized oxide film structures based on lanthanum and scandium doped HfO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (over thickness profiling of the elemental and phase compositions of the samples) are used to investigate the elemental and phase compositions, structures, and microstructures of films synthesized in La–Hf–O and Sc–Hf–O systems from organometallic volatile compounds. The dependence of the phase compositions and microstructures of films on the concentration of a doping rare earth element is determined. It is found that lanthanum and scandium doping of hafnium oxide results in the formation of solid solutions of a hightemperature cubic modification. The conditions for obtaining the pyrochlore phase are determined in the nanocrystalline Hf–La–O system.     

Anomalous ionic conductivity increase in Li2S + GeS2 + GeO2 glasses

Numerous studies of the ionic conductivities in oxide-doped chalcogenaide glasses have shown the anomalous result that the ionic conductivity actually increases significantly (by more than a factor of 10 in some cases) by the initial addition of an oxide phase to a pure sulfide glass. After this initial sharp increase, the conductivity then monotonically decreases with further oxide addition. While this behavior is important to the application of these glasses for Li batteries, no definitive understanding of this behavior has been elucidated. To examine this effect further and more completely, the ionic conductivities of 0.5Li(2)S + 0.5[(1 - x)GeS(2) + xGeO(2)] glasses have been measured on disc-type bulk glasses. The ionic conductivity of the 0.5Li(2)S + 0.5GeS(2) (x = 0) glass was observed to increase from 4.3 x 10(-5) (Omega cm)(-1) to 1.5 x 10(-4) (Omega cm)(-1) while the activation energy decreased to 0.358 eV from 0.385 eV by the addition of 5 mol % of GeO(2). Further addition of GeO(2) monotonically decreased the conductivity and increased the activation energy. On the basis of our previous studies of the structure of this glass system, the Anderson and Stuart model was applied to explain the decrease in the activation energy and increase in the conductivity. It is suggested that the "doorway" radius between adjacent cation sites increases slightly (from approximately 0.29(+/-0.05) A to approximately 0.40(+/-0.05) A) with the addition of oxygen to the glass and is proposed to be the major cause in decreasing the activation energy and thereby increasing the conductivity. Further addition of oxides appears to contract the glass structure (and the doorway radius) leading to an increase in the conductivity activation energy and a decrease in the conductivity.     

CO-sensing properties of undoped and doped tin oxide thin films prepared by electron beam evaporation

Undoped thin films of tin oxide and those doped with indium oxide and nickel oxides were deposited by electron beam evaporation. The effects of the film thickness and preparation conditions (films prepared with or without the presence of oxygen environment during deposition) on the optical and carbon monoxide sensing properties of the films were studied. The films were characterized using X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and optical spectroscopy techniques. All the films were found to be amorphous. It was found that the sensitivity of the films to CO increased with the thickness and the porosity of the films. It was found that their selectivity to CO gas relative to CO₂ and SO₂ gases could be improved upon doping the films with indium (or nickel) oxide.     

Characterisation of the aluminium–electropolymerised poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) system

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was electropolymerised on aluminium substrates. The Al/Al oxide/PEDOT junction was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, comparing the impedance response of the polymer film in oxidised, neutral and reduced form. The p- and n-doping behaviour of the PEDOT films was studied by in situ external reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy during stepwise potential cycling of the films. The Al surface underneath the polymer was analysed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The impedance spectra indicate that an insulating layer between the metal and the polymer grows thicker during doping of the polymer film. The other techniques used suggest that this interfacial layer consists mainly of Al oxides and fluorides. Neither the conductivity nor the dopability of the polymer is notably affected by the growing of this insulating interfacial layer, which makes the concept of PEDOT electropolymerised on Al promising from an organic electronics applications point of view.     

Microstructures and photocatalytic properties of Ag and La surface codoped TiO2 films prepared by sol–gel method

Ag⁺ and La³⁺ surface codoped TiO₂ films were successfully prepared by the improved sol–gel and doping processes. The as-prepared specimens were characterized using differential thermal analysis-thermogravimetry (DTA–TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, Photoluminescence spectrum (PL) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of the films were evaluated by degradation of an organic dye in aqueous solution. The results of XRD, FE-SEM and BET analyses indicated that the TiO₂ films were composed of nano-particles or aggregates with a size of less than 10 nm. With the codoping of Ag⁺ and La³⁺, TiO₂ films with high photocatalytic activity and clearly responsive to the visible light were obtained. The improvement mechanism by ions doping was also discussed.