Sol-gel derived Li+-doped poly(ε-caprolactone)/siloxane biohybrid electrolytes

Electrolytes based on a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/siloxane organic/inorganic host framework doped with lithium triflate (LiCF₃SO₃) were synthesised through the sol-gel process. In this biohybrid matrix short PCL chains are covalently bonded via urethane linkages to the siliceous network. Samples with salt composition n (molar ratio of PCL repeat units per Li⁺ ion) ranging from ∞ to 0.5 were investigated. All the ormolyte materials analyzed are amorphous. Xerogels with n > 0.5 are thermally stable up to about 300°C. The most conducting ormolyte of the series is that with n = 0.5 (1.6×10⁻⁷ and 3.2×10⁻⁵ Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹ at 25 and 100°C, respectively). This sample is electrochemically stable between −1 and 6 V versus Li⁺.     

THERMAL BEHAVIOR AND IONIC CONDUCTIVITY OF POLY[LITHIUM-N(4-SULFO-PHENYL) MALEIMIDE -CO-METHOXY OLIGO(OXYETHYLENE) METHACRYLATE]

Poly[lithium-N(4-sulfophenyl) maleimide -co- methoxy oligo-(oxyethylene) methacrylates] [P(LiSMOE_n)s] with three different oligoether side chains and different salt concentrations were synthesized. The copolyelectrolytes are essentially random in structure, with blocks of methoxy oligo(oxyethylene) meth-acrylate (MOE_nM) recurring sporadically in between the salt units of N(4-sulfophenyl) maleimide. They all show two glass transitions in the temperature range of ?100 to 100°C. The first one below ?30°C is assigned to the oligo(oxyethylene) side chain (T _g1), while the second one located between 20 and 50°C is attributed to the main chain of the polymer host (T _g2). The maximum ionic conductivity of the copolymer electrolytes, 1.6 × 10^?7 S cm^?1 at 25°C, occurs at lithium salt concentration [Li⁺]/[EO] = 2.2 mol%. The ionic conductive behavior of the copolyelectrolytes follows the Vogel-Tammann-Fulcher (VTF) equation. Moreover, a special VTF behavior exists in the copolymers with shorter oligoether side chain and higher salt concentration. Sweep voltammetric results indicate that these copolyelectrolytes have a good electrochemical stability window.     

Structural,thermal, vibrational,and electrochemical behavior of lithium ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte based on poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) blend

The present study focuses on the preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) blend polymer electrolyte doped with lithium triflate (LiCF₃SO₃). Interaction of lithium triflate with the host polymer in the solid polymer electrolyte was studied using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. It was found that 15% salt doped polymer electrolyte possesses the highest ionic conductivity (2.7 × 10^–3 S/cm) at 303 K, the higher thermal stability at 175°C. Linear sweep voltammetry results revealed that the film is electrochemically stable up to 3.4 V.     

Development and implementation of a high temperature electrochemical cell for lithium batteries

An electrochemical cell designed to perform high temperature lithium battery tests has been developed adapting a typical Swagelok^® cell. The high temperature cell is intended to work in a wide temperature range, namely from room temperature up to 300 °C. It has been successfully tested at 250 °C using LiFePO₄ as cathode, LiTFSI as molten salt electrolyte and metallic lithium as anode.     

Cycling a Sulfur Electrode in Mixed Electrolytes Based on Sulfolane: Effect of Ethers

The cycling of a sulfur electrode is studied in 1 M LiCF₃SO₃ solutions in sulfolane mixtures with ethers 1,2-dimethoxyethane, dioxolane, and tetrahydrofuran. The results suggest that the electrochemical behavior of sulfur is defined by the forms of existence of lithium polysulfides in the electrolyte.     

Synthesis and electrochemical characterization of aPEO-based polymer electrolytes

In this paper, the preparation and purification of an amorphous polymer network, poly[oxymethylene-oligo(oxyethylene)], designated as aPEO, are described. The flexible CH₂CH₂O segments in this host polymer combine appropriate mechanical properties, over a critical temperature range from −20 to 60 °C, with labile salt-host interactions. The intensity of these interactions is sufficient to permit solubilisation of the guest salt in the host polymer while permitting adequate mobility of ionic guest species. We also report the preparation and characterisation of a novel polymer electrolyte based on this host polymer with lithium tetrafluoroborate, LiBF₄, as guest salt. Electrolyte samples are thermally stable up to approximately 250 °C and completely amorphous above room temperature. The electrolyte composition determines the glass transition temperature of electrolytes and was found to vary between −50.8 and −62.4 °C. The electrolyte composition that supports the maximum room temperature conductivity of this electrolyte system is n = 5 (2.10 × 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹ at 25 °C). The electrochemical stability domain of the sample with n = 5 spans about 5 V measured against a Li/Li⁺ reference. This new electrolyte system represents a promising alternative to LiCF₃SO₃ and LiClO₄-doped PEO analogues.     

Conductometric study of complexation reaction between 15-crown-5 and Cr3+, Mn2+ and Zn2+ metal cations in pure and binary mixed organic solvents

The stability constants (K_f) for the complexation reactions of Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺ and Zn²⁺ metal cations with macrocyclic ligand, 15-crown-5 (15C5), in acetonitrile (AN), ethanol (EtOH) and also in their binary solutions (AN–EtOH) were determined at different temperatures, using conductometric method. 15C5 forms 1:1 complexes with Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺ and Zn²⁺ cations in solutions. A non-linear behaviour was observed for changes of logK_f of the metal ion complexes versus the composition of the mixed solvent. The order of stability of the metal–ion complexes in pure AN and in a binary solution of AN–EtOH (mol% AN?=?52) at 25?°C was found to be: (15C5Zn)²⁺?>?(15C5·Mn)²⁺?>?(15C5·Cr)³⁺, but in the case of pure EtOH at the same temperature, it changes to: (15C5·Zn)²⁺?>?(15C5·Cr)³⁺?>?(15C5·Mn)²⁺. The results also show that the stability sequence of the complexes in the other binary solutions of AN–EtOH (mol% AN?=?26 and mol% AN?=?76) varies in order: (15C5·Cr)³⁺?~?(15C5·Zn)²⁺?>?(15C5·Mn)²⁺. The values of the standard thermodynamic quantities (ΔH_C°, ΔS_C°) for formation of (15C15-Cr³⁺), (15C5-Mn²⁺) and (15C5-Zn²⁺) complexes were obtained from the temperature dependence of the stability constants and the results show that the thermodynamics of complexation reactions is affected by nature and composition of the solvent systems and in most solution systems, the complexes are enthalpy stabilized but entropy destabilized.     

Lithium Nitrate Regulated Sulfone Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries

The electrolytes in lithium metal batteries have to be compatible with both lithium metal anodes and high voltage cathodes, and can be regulated by manipulating the solvation structure. Herein, to enhance the electrolyte stability, lithium nitrate (LiNO₃) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafuoroethyl-2′,2′,2′-trifuoroethyl(HFE) are introduced into the high-concentration sulfolane electrolyte to suppress Li dendrite growth and achieve a high Coulombic efficiency of >99 % for both the Li anode and LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ (NMC811) cathodes. Molecular dynamics simulations show that NO₃⁻ participates in the solvation sheath of lithium ions enabling more bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion (TFSI⁻) to coordinate with Li⁺ ions. Therefore, a robust LiN_xO_y−LiF-rich solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is formed on the Li surface, suppressing Li dendrite growth. The LiNO₃-containing sulfolane electrolyte can also support the highly aggressive LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ (NMC811) cathode, delivering a discharge capacity of 190.4 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.5 C for 200 cycles with a capacity retention rate of 99.5 %.     

On thermal stability of polydiphenylenesulfophthalide lithium salt

Thermolysis of polytriarylcarbinol (PTAC-Li) (lithium salt of polydiphenylenesulfophthalide (PDSP)) was studied in the temperature range from 100 to 500 °С by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and IR and electronic spectroscopy to check the available data on the higher thermal stability of PDSP salts over the initial polymer. The mass losses detected by the TG method in the polymer salt at 80—150 and 240—350 °С are mainly caused by the desorption of weakly and strongly bound water. According to the calculations in the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) approximation, the С—ОН and C—SO ₃ ^- Li⁺ bonds are weakest in the carbinol model for PTAC-Li (D(C—O) ~ D(C—S) ~ 72 kcal mol^–1). The thermolysis of PDSP is accompanied by SO₂ evolution, whereas hydroxy and sulfo groups detached from PTAC-Li macromolecules remain in the thermolyzate. Phenol fragments and an inorganic phase, the final form of which is lithium sulfate, are formed in this process. An analysis of the IR and UV spectra of the thermolyzates of PTAC-Li and PDSP confirmed that fluorenyl fragments are predominantly formed upon the thermolysis of these polymers. The data obtained do not confirm a higher stability of PTAC-Li compared to that of PDSP.     

Li[B(OCH2CF3)4]: Synthesis,Characterization and Electrochemical Application as a Conducting Salt for LiSB Batteries

A new Li salt with views to success in electrolytes is synthesized in excellent yields from lithium borohydride with excess 2,2,2‐trifluorethanol (HOTfe) in toluene and at least two equivalents of 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME). The salt Li[B(OTfe)₄] is obtained in multigram scale without impurities, as long as DME is present during the reaction. It is characterized by heteronuclear magnetic resonance and vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman), has high thermal stability (T_{decomposition}>271 °C, DSC) and shows long‐term stability in water. The concentration‐dependent electrical conductivity of Li[B(OTfe)₄] is measured in water, acetone, EC/DMC, EC/DMC/DME, ethyl acetate and THF at RT In DME (0.8 mol L ^?1) it is 3.9 mS cm^?1, which is satisfactory for the use in lithium‐sulfur batteries (LiSB). Cyclic voltammetry confirms the electrochemical stability of Li[B(OTfe)₄] in a potential range of 0 to 4.8 V vs. Li/Li⁺. The performance of Li[B(OTfe)₄] as conducting salt in a 0.2 mol L ^?1 solution in 1:1 wt % DME/DOL is investigated in LiSB test cells. After the 40th cycle, 86 % of the capacity remains, with a coulombic efficiency of around 97 % for each cycle. This indicates a considerable performance improvement for LiSB, if compared to the standard Li[NTf₂]/DOL/DME electrolyte system.     

Nano lithium aluminate filler incorporating gel lithium triflate polymer composite: Preparation,characterization and application as an electrolyte in lithium ion batteries

Gel polymer composites electrolytes containing nano LiAlO₂ as filler were prepared using a solution cast technique and characterized using different techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TG, DSC), Fourier transform infra – red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). X-ray diffraction analysis showed the effect of lithium tri fluoro methane sulphonate (LiCF₃SO₃), poly vinyl acetate (PVAc) and nano lithium aluminate (LiAlO₂) on the crystalline structure of the poly vinylidene fluoride –co– hexa fluoro propylene (PVDF-co-HFP) matrix containing ethylene carbonate (EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC) as plasticizers. FT-IR analysis confirmed both the good dissolution of the LiCF₃SO₃ salt and the good interaction of the nano LiAlO₂ filler with the polymer matrix. TG analysis showed the good thermal stability of the LiAlO₂ samples compared to the free one. Also, addition of nano LiAlO₂ filler enhanced the conductivity value of the polymer composites electrolytes. The sample containing 2 wt% of LiAlO₂ showed the highest conductivity value, 4.98 × 10⁻³ Ω ⁻¹ cm⁻¹ at room temperature, with good thermal stability behavior (T_d = 362 °C). This good conductive and thermally stable polymer nano composite electrolyte was evaluated as a promising membrane for lithium ion batteries application.     

Effect of concentration and temperature factors on operation stability of Li–S<Subscript> <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> </Subscript>–LiN(CF<Subscript>3</Subscript>SO<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> electrochemical system

The results of the electrochemical study of the Li–S_n system in the electrolytes consisted of LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂ and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether in relation to the LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂ concentration, temperature, and storage conditions are presented. The optimal concentrations of the salt component in salt-solvates were determined. These concentrations make it possible to obtain high stable values of the specific capacity in cycling and charge storage at room and elevated temperatures. It was shown that the operation stability of the electrochemical system Li–S_n–LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂ in salt-solvate solutions depends on solubility of the formed lithium disulfide, ratio composition of electrolyte and temperature.     

Darstellung von Dimethyl-N-Chlorammoniumtrifluormethansulfonat ((CH3)2NClH+ CF3SO3−)

Synthesis of Dimethyl-N-Chloroammonium Trifluoromethane Sulfonate ((CH₃)₂NClH⁺ CF₃SO₃^?) The weak base dimethyl-N-chloroamine, (CH₃)₂NCl, reacts with trifluormethane sulfonic acid at ?40 to ?30°C to give dimethyl-N-chloroammonium trifluoromethane sulfonate (CH₃)₂NClH⁺CF₃SO₃^?. The extremely hygroscopic salt decomposes upon melting at 107 to 108°C and thus is slightly more stable than the hydrogensulfate. Water or methanole liberate dimethyl-N-chloroamine from the salt. The salt is insoluble in ether and decomposes after dissolving in methylene chloride to give dimethylammonium trifluoromethane sulfonate (CH₃)₂NH₂⁺CF₃SO₃^?.     

Thermodynamic study of complex formation between dibenzo-18-crown-6 and UO2 2+ cation in different non-aqueous binary solutions

In the present work the complexation process between UO₂ ²⁺ cation and the macrocyclic ligand, dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) was studied in ethylacetate–dimethylformamide (EtOAc/DMF), ethylacetate–acetonitrile (EtOAc/AN), and ethylacetate–tetrahydrofuran (EtOAc/THF) and ethylacetate–propylencarbonate (EtOAc/PC) binary solutions at different temperatures using the conductometric method. The results show that the stoichiometry of the (DB18C6 . UO₂)²⁺ complex in all binary mixed solvents is 1:1. A non-linear behavior was observed for changes of log K_f of this complex versus the composition of the binary mixed solvents. The stability constant of (DB18C6 . UO₂)²⁺ complex in various neat solvents at 25 °C decreases in order: THF > EtOAc > PC > AN > DMF, and in the binary solvents at 25 °C is: THF–EtOAc > PC–EtOAc > DMF–EtOAc ≈ AN–EtOAc. The values of thermodynamic quantities (?H°_c, ?S°_c) for formation of this complex in the different binary solutions were obtained from temperature dependence of its stability constant and the results show that the thermodynamics of complexation reaction between UO₂ ²⁺ cation and DB18C6 is affected strongly by the nature and composition of the mixed solvents.     

New solid polymer electrolytes based on polyester diacrylate for lithium power sources

New solid polymer electrolytes are developed for a lithium power source used at the temperatures up to 100°C. Polyester diacrylate (PEDA) based on oligohydroxyethylacrylate and its block copolymers with polyethylene glycol were offered for polymer matrix formation. The salt used was LiClO₄. The ionic conductivity of electrolytes was measured in the range of 20 to 100°C using the electrochemical impedance method. It is shown that the maximum conductivity in the whole temperature range is characteristic of the electrolyte based on the PEDA copolymer and polyethylene glycol condensation product (2.8 × 10^?6 S cm^?1 at 20°C, 1.8 × 10^?4 S cm^?1 at 95°C).     

Die Polytherme des Quinären Systems Na+, K+, Mg2+/Cl−, SO//H2O im Bereich von +25° bis −10°C

Polythermal Curves of the Quinary System Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺/Cl^?, SO//H₂O in Range between +25°C and ?10°C Proceeding from the 0°C, ?5°C and ?10°C isothermal curves of the quinary system Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺/C1^?, SO//H₂O with saturation at NaCl, KCl, and carnallite, respectively, the polythermal curve is represented between 25°C and ?10°C. Within the new defined range of the polythermal curve the invariant five-salt-paragenesis NaCI, KCI, Glauber's salt (Na₂SO₄ · 10 H₂O), bitter salt (MgSO₄ · 7 H₂O), Schoenite (K₂SO₄ · MgSO₄ · 6 H₂O) can be found at ?7,2°C. It represents also the lowest temperature of formation of Schoenite in this system. It was necessary, moreover, to reconsider further univariant and invariant equilibrium solutions in the range between 25° and 0°C.     

Mobilities and ion-pairing in LiB(OH)4 and NaB(OH)4 aqueous solutions. A conductivity study

The conductivities of aqueous solutions of sodium borate at 25°C and lithium borate at various temperatures are reported. The conductivity of the B(OH) ₄ ⁻ ion is 35.3 ±0.2 S-cm²-mole⁻¹ at 25°C. The electrolytes are both associated, the lithium salt being more associated than the sodium salt. The mobilities and association constants obtained from the conductivity data agree with a model recently proposed for the H₂O−B(OH) ₄ ⁻ interactions. A discrepancy in the reported thermodynamic behavior of NaB(OH)₄ aqueous solutions has been resolved by means of the association constants obtained in the present study. Thus the usefulness of the conductivity measurements to determine excess chemical potentials of binary electrolytes in dilute solution is again shown.     

High-performance gel-type lithium electrolyte membranes

Battery-grade solution products have been used for the synthesis of new types of poly(acrylonitrile) PAN-based polymer electrolyte membranes. Basically, two classes of membranes have been prepared differing by the type of lithium salt in the ethylene carbonate–dimethyl carbonate (EC–DMC) solution trapped in the PAN matrix, i.e. LiPF₆ or LiC(CF₃SO₂)₃ lithium methide salt, respectively. The results demonstrate that both classes of membranes have high conductivity and very good chemical and electrochemical stability. These unique characteristics make the membranes suitable for applications in high-voltage, rechargeable lithium batteries.     

Temperature Dependant Micellization of AOT in Aqueous Medium: Effect of the Nature of Counterions

The lithium, potassium, and ammonium salts of bis (2‐ethylhexyl) sulphosuccinic acid have been prepared from the sodium salt (AOT) by applying ion‐exchange technique. The critical micellization concentrations (cmc) of the surfactants with four different counterions have been determined at a temperature range of 10°C to 40°C using surface tension as well as electrical conductivity measurements. Observed data have been utilized to evaluate the ionization degree (counter ion association constant),α, and various thermodynamic parameters of micellization viz, free energy, enthalpy, entropy changes of micelle formation, and also the surface parameters (Γ_max, A_min) in aqueous media. The value of cmc decreases with hydrated ionic size of the counter ions (except K⁺) and follows the order NH₄ ⁺>Na⁺>Li⁺>K⁺. While large negative free energy change (ΔG⁰ _m) and the positive entropy change (ΔS⁰ _m) favor the micellization process thermodynamically, nature of their variation with counterion supports the involvement of counterion size factor in micellization process via a change in the hydrophilicity of surfactant head group.     

Hexanoyl chitosan/ENR25 blend polymer electrolyte system for electrical double layer capacitor

Single salt polymer electrolytes based on hexanoyl chitosan‐ENR25 were prepared by employing LiN (CF₃SO₂)₂ or LiCF₃SO₃ as the doping salt. Elastic property of hexanoyl chitosan was enhanced with the incorporation of ENR25. DSC studies revealed immiscibility of hexanoyl chitosan and ENR25, and dissolution of salt was favored in ENR25 phase. Conductivity enhancement was observed in the blends as compared with the neat hexanoyl chitosan. The maximum conductivities achieved for LiCF₃SO₃‐ and LiN (CF₃SO₂)₂‐comprising electrolyte systems were 1.6 × 10^?8 and 5.0 × 10^?7 S cm^?1, respectively. Deconvolution of spectra bands in the v_as (SO₂^?) mode of LiN (CF₃SO₂)₂ and v_s (SO₃^?) mode of LiCF₃SO₃ has been carried out to estimate the relative percentage of free ions and associated ions. The findings were in good agreement with conductivity results. Electrical double layer capacitor (EDLC) was fabricated with hexanoyl chitosan/ENR25 (90:10)‐LiN (CF₃SO₂)₂‐EmImTFSI electrolyte and activated carbon‐based electrodes. The conductivity and electrochemical stability window of hexanoyl chitosan/ENR25‐LiN (CF₃SO₂)₂‐EmImTFSI were ~10^?6 S cm^?1 and 2.7 V, respectively. The performance of the EDLC was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge‐discharge (GCD). From GCD, the specific capacitance of EDLC was 58.0 F g^?1 at 0.6 mA cm^?2. The specific capacitance was found to decrease with increasing current density.