Effect of nanoscale CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> on PVDF-HFP-based nanocomposite porous polymer electrolytes for Li-ion batteries

New poly (vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoro propylene) (PVDF-HFP)/CeO₂-based microcomposite porous polymer membranes (MCPPM) and nanocomposite porous polymer membranes (NCPPM) were prepared by phase inversion technique using N-methyl 2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent and deionized water as a nonsolvent. Phase inversion occurred on the MCPPM/NCPPM when it is treated by deionized water (nonsolvent). Microcomposite porous polymer electrolytes (MCPPE) and nanocomposite porous polymer electrolytes (NCPPE) were obtained from their composite porous polymer membranes when immersed in 1.0 M LiClO₄ in a mixture of ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate (EC/DMC) (v/v = 1:1) electrolyte solution. The structure and porous morphology of both composite porous polymer membranes was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Thermal behavior of both MCPPM/NCPPM was investigated from DSC analysis. Optimized filler (8 wt% CeO₂) added to the NCPPM increases the porosity (72%) than MCPPM (59%). The results showed that the NCPPE has high electrolyte solution uptake (150%) and maximum ionic conductivity value of 2.47 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature. The NCPPE (8 wt% CeO₂) between the lithium metal electrodes were found to have low interfacial resistance (760 Ω cm²) and wide electrochemical stability up to 4.7 V (vs Li/Li⁺) investigated by impedance spectra and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), respectively. A prototype battery, which consists of NCPPE between the graphite anode and LiCoO₂ cathode, proves good cycling performance at a discharge rate of C/2 for Li-ion polymer batteries.     

Y2O3 and MgO co-doped ceria based electrolytes

Electrolytes of Ce_1-x-y Y _x Mg _y O_2-0.5x-y were prepared with citrate method and were characterized by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, energy dispersive spectrometry, powder X-ray diffraction, and impedance spectroscopy. The effect of composition on the structure, conductivity, and stability of the electrolytes were investigated. When 0≤x≤ about 0.2 and 0≤y≤ about 0.05, the electrolytes were all single phase materials of ceria-based solid solution. However, when y> about 0.05, the electrolytes became two-phase materials, Y³⁺ and Mg²⁺ co-doped ceria-based solid solution and free MgO. The sample with nominal composition of Ce_0.815Y_0.065Mg_0.12O_2-d showed ionic conductivity at 973 K close to or even a little higher than that of similarly prepared Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_1.95, but had lower cost of raw materials and a little better stability in reducing atmosphere. The existing of free MgO improved the stability of the electrolytes in reducing atmosphere, but too much free MgO reduced the conductivity.     

Proton conductivity of potassium doped barium zirconates

Potassium doped barium zirconates have been synthesized by solid state reactions. It was found that the solubility limit of potassium on A-sites is between 5% and 10%. Introducing extra potassium leads to the formation of second phase or YSZ impurities. The water uptake of barium zirconates was increased even with 5% doping of potassium at the A-site. The sintering conditions and conductivity can be improved significantly by adding 1 wt% ZnO during material synthesis. The maximum solubility for yttrium at B-sites is around 15 at% after introducing 1 wt% zinc. The conductivity of Ba_0.95K_0.05Zr_0.85Y_0.11Zn_0.04O_3−δ at 600 °C is 2.2×10⁻³ S/cm in wet 5% H₂. The activation energies for bulk and grain boundary are 0.29(2), 0.79(2) eV in wet 5% H₂ and 0.31(1), 0.74(3) eV in dry 5% H₂. A power density of 7.7 mW/cm² at 718 °C was observed when a 1 mm thick Ba_0.95K_0.05Zr_0.85Y_0.11Zn_0.04O_3−δ pellet was used as electrolyte and platinum electrodes.     

Effect of Al doping on the conductivity type inversion and electro-optical properties of SnO2 thin films synthesized by sol-gel technique

Al doped SnO₂ thin films have been synthesized by a sol-gel dip coating technique with different percentages of Al on glass and silicon substrates. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the proper phase formation in the films and atomic percentage of aluminium doping in the films was obtained by energy dispersive X-ray studies. SEM studies showed the particle sizes lying in the range 100–150 nm for the undoped films and it decreased with increase of Al doping. Optical transmittance spectra of the films showed high transparency (∼80%) in the visible region and the transparency increases with the increase of Al doping in the films. The direct allowed bandgap of the films have been measured for different Al concentration and they lie within the range of 3.87–4.21 eV. FTIR studies depicted the presence of Sn–O, Al–O, bonding within the films. The room temperature electrical conductivities of the films are obtained in the range of 0.21 S cm⁻¹ to 1.36 S cm⁻¹ for variation of Al doping in the films 2.31–18.56%. Room temperature Seebeck coefficients, S_RT of the films were found in the range +56.0 μVK⁻¹ to −23.3 μVK⁻¹ for variation of Al doping in the films 18.56–8.16%. It is observed that the Seebeck coefficient changes its sign at 12.05% of Al in the films indicating that below 12.05% of Al doping, SnO₂:Al behaves as an n-type material and above this percentage it is a p-type material.     

High ionic conductivity of all-solid polymer electrolytes based on polyorganophosphazenes

A series of all-solid polymer electrolytes were prepared by cross-linking new designed poly(organophosphazene) macromonomers. The ionic conductivities of these all-solid, dimensional steady polymer electrolytes were reported. The temperature dependence of ionic conductivity of the all-solid polymer electrolytes suggested that the ionic transport is correlated with the segmental motion of the polymer. The relationship between lithium salts content and ionic conductivity was discussed and investigated by Infrared spectrum. Furthermore, the polarity of the host materials was thought to be a key to the ionic conductivity of polymer electrolyte. The all-solid polymer electrolytes based on these poly(organophosphazenes) showed ionic conductivity of 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature.     

Sol-gel electrolytes in lithium batteries

This paper presents the results of the thermodynamic calculations of material compatibility along with the results of the experimental studies using lithium aluminosilicate gel electrolyte in lithium batteries. Initially, there were problems with gel monoliths and porous cathodes in the Li solid electrolyte batteries. Better results were obtained through the direct application of thin films of the lithium aluminosilicate gels to the surfaces of dense, sintered oxide cathodes. It was important to maintain extremely low moisture and oxygen levels in the dry glove box during the assembly and testing of the battery, especially when it came to achieving good contact between the sol-gel electrolyte and the lithium metal. Suggestions are given about procedures for further development of the sol-gel electrolyte batteries.     

Effect of temperature on the physical properties of two ionic liquids

Density, speed of sound, refractive index, and dynamic viscosity of the ionic liquids (ILs) 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, BMpyr NTf₂, and trihexyl(tetradecyl) phosphonium dicyanamide, P₆₆₆₁₄ dca, were studied as a function of temperature at atmospheric pressure. Thermal expansion coefficient, α_p, molecular volumes, and standard entropies of these ILs were calculated from the experimental density values. The solubility of three aromatic components (benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene) in the selected ILs was carried out at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure and compared with literature values for sulfolane.     

Plasticiser interactions with polymer and salt in PVC-LiCF3SO3-DMF electrolytes

The IR spectra of pure DMF, LiCF₃SO₃, PVC, PVC-LiCF₃SO₃, LiCF₃SO₃-DMF, PVC-DMF and PVC-LiCF₃SO₃-DMF have been studied as part of a systematic research on the interactions between the components of the PVC-based electrolytes. It has been found that Li⁺ ions interact with the chlorine atoms of PVC in PVC-LiCF₃SO₃ samples. In LiCF₃SO₃-DMF samples interactions between Li⁺ is observed to be with both the oxygen and nitrogen atoms of DMF. PVC-DMF interactions are evident from the disappearance of the C-Cl stretching vibrations and the shifts in some peaks attributed to DMF. Free ions and ion pairs are observed to be present in the PVC-LiCF₃SO₃-DMF samples which affect the ionic conductivity of the samples.     

Kinetic lattice Monte Carlo model for oxygen vacancy diffusion in praseodymium doped ceria: Applications to materials design

Kinetic lattice Monte Carlo (KLMC) model is developed for investigating oxygen vacancy diffusion in praseodymium-doped ceria. The current approach uses a database of activation energies for oxygen vacancy migration, calculated using first-principles, for various migration pathways in praseodymium-doped ceria. Since the first-principles calculations revealed significant vacancy-vacancy repulsion, we investigate the importance of that effect by conducting simulations with and without a repulsive interaction. Initially, as dopant concentrations increase, vacancy concentration and thus conductivity increases. However, at higher concentrations, vacancies interfere and repel one another, and dopants trap vacancies, creating a “traffic jam” that decreases conductivity, which is consistent with the experimental findings. The modeled effective activation energy for vacancy migration slightly increased with increasing dopant concentration in qualitative agreement with the experiment. The current methodology comprising a blend of first-principle calculations and KLMC model provides a very powerful fundamental tool for predicting the optimal dopant concentration in ceria related materials.     

Estimation of Pitzer's ion interaction parameters for electrolytes involved in complex formation using a chemical equilibrium model

Pitzer's ion interaction model has been widely accepted for calculating the thermodynamic properties for electrolytes at high ionic strength. For weak electrolytes, a better estimation can be obtained by combining the model with chemical equilibria. The method of calculation is to treat each individual species as a single, separated ion. The concentration of each ion will be constrained by the mass balance equation and its activity will be guarded by the stability constants. Including chemical equilibria in Pitzer's model provides not only a better estimation of the thermodynamic properties of weak electrolytes but also a better understanding of the equilibrium among the complexes. The results may be used for correcting the effect from high ionic strength solution when determining the stability constants. When considering chemical equilibria, some of the parameters reported by Pitzer may have to be reestimated. The method of estimation and comparison between final results are presented. The binary system of HF, and the ternary systems of CuCl₂ in NaCl and in HCl are used for demonstration.     

Li2S-P2S5体系电解质及其在全固态锂离子电池中的应用研究进展

全固态锂离子电池具有安全性能好、能量密度高、工作温区广等优点,被广泛应用于便携式电子设备。固态电解质是全固态锂离子电池的关键材料之一,其中的硫化物电解质具有离子电导率高、电化学窗口宽、晶界电阻低和易成膜等特点,被认为最有希望应用于全固态锂离子电池。本文综述了Li_2S-P_2S_5体系电解质的发展状况,包括固态电解质的制备、改性、表征以及电极/固态电解质之间的固-固界面的稳定兼容问题。本文还涉及了以Li_2S-P_2S_5为电解质的全固态锂离子电池性能的研究进展。     

Effect of MgO nanoparticles on ionic conductivity and electrochemical properties of nanocomposite polymer electrolyte

This paper analyzes the comparison between the performances and morphologies of the PMMA gel and composite electrolyte membrane with nanosized MgO particles. These polymer electrolytes were studied in detailed using XRD, DSC, SEM and AC impedance analysis. The conductivity enhancement has been attributed to the addition of ceramic filler that yields a significant increase of surface to volume ratio related to the decrease in glass transition temperature values in the composite polymer electrolyte. Good interfacial stability at the electrode/electrolyte interface resulted on account of the improved ion dissociation by ceramic filler and a rise in the room temperature conductivity (8.14 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹) due to the iono-covalent or Lewis acid–base bonds to the ions and ether oxygen base groups was also observed. Further enhancement of conductivity has been observed on MgO surface, as Lewis-acidic sites interact with both PMMA and ClO₄⁻ ions. The percentage of swelling was found to increase with increasing soaking periods upto 12 h. Beyond that soaking period, it was found that there was a negligible increase in the % of swelling.     

Thermal conductivity measurements on ferrofluids

The thermal conductivity of a number of ferrofluids consisting of colloidally dispersed Fe₃O₄ particles in diester, hydrocarbon, water and fluorcarbon carriers have been measured at 38°C. The variation in thermal conductivity with particle concentration is well described by Tareef's equation (1940). This has enabled the ratio of the physical to magnetic size to be determined and compared with estimates of the ratio obtained from electron micrographs and magnetic measurements.The fit between theory and experiment is particularly good for hydrocarbon carrier fluids giving the ratio of solid to magnetic radiusR _i/R _m=1.24±0.03 compared with the value obtained from magnetic data and electron micrographs of 1.19±0.07. The corresponding value from the fluids with a diester carrier ranges between 1.1<R _d/R _m<1.3 which is again consistent with microscopy and magnetic data.The application of a magnetic field of 0.1 T had no noticeable effect on the thermal conductivities of ferrofluids.     

Optical properties of perturbed NO 2 − ions in KNO2 doped NaNO2 single crystals

Summary On the basis of high-resolution and time-resolved fluorescence spectra, a model is proposed for the interpretation of the fluorescence lines originating from various perturbed NO ₂ ^– centers situated in the neighbourhood of the K⁺ ion of the NaNO₂:KNO₂ crystal. Since their excited state energies are lower than that of the host, these perturbed NO ₂ ^– ions act as traps for the host singlet exciton. On the assumption that the perturbation giving rise to those traps results from an interaction of the impurity ion K⁺ with its nearest neighbours, the observed position of the energy levels of the various traps can be reconciled with crystal field calculations.     

Electrochemical properties of composition solid electrolytes LiClO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-MgO

Composition solid electrolytes (1 ? x)LiClO₄-xMgO are synthesized and their physicochemical properties are studied. According to the data of differential scanning calorimetry, for sufficiently high oxide concentrations, all lithium perchlorate is present in the composite in the amorphous state. Impedance spectroscopic studies demonstrate that the conductivity of composites passes through a maximum at x = 0.8?0.9, reaching ～10^?2 S/cm at 200°C. Based on voltammetric characteristics, it is shown that the voltage of electrochemical decomposition of composites in vacuum does not exceed 3.5–4.0 V, decreasing to 1.8–2.0 V in humid atmosphere. The conductivity of studied composites in vacuum may apparently be attributed to lithium ions, and these solid electrolytes can be used in solid-state electrochemical lithium cells.     

Study on Gd3+ and Sm3+ co-doped ceria-based electrolytes

Doped ceria electrolytes of Ce_1-aGd_a-ySm_yO_2–0.5a, wherein a=0.15 or 0.2, and 0ya, were prepared with the citrate method, and characterized by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry, energy dispersive spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and AC impedance spectroscopy. The effect of composition on the structure and conductivity was studied. All the samples were fluorite-type ceria-based solid solutions. For the singly doped samples, the optimal composition was Ce_0.85Gd_0.15O_1.925 for Gd³⁺-doped ceria (CGO), which showed higher ionic conductivity than the best Sm³⁺-doped ceria (CSO) at 773–973 K. For the co-doped samples, the ionic conductivities were higher than those of the singly doped ones in the temperature range 673–973 K when a=0.15, but only better in 673–773 K when a=0.2. For the samples of Ce_0.85Gd_0.15-ySm_yO_1.925, wherein 0.05y0.1, much higher ionic conductivity was observed than those of the singly doped ceria at 773K~973 K. Therefore, these co-doped samples would be better than CGO and CSO to be the electrolytes of intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells.     

Mesitylenesulfonic acid dihydrate: structure and proton conductivity

The molecular and crystal structure of single-crystalline mesitylenesulfonic acid dihydrate (1) was determined by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. According to X-ray diffraction data, water molecules in the crystal structure form H₅O₂ ⁺ cations stabilized by an intracationic hydrogen bond with a length of 2.45(1) Å. The formation of the asymmetric H₅O₂ ⁺ cation was confirmed by IR spectroscopy. The crystallographic nonequivalence of the water molecules results in a shift of the bridging proton from the midpoint of the strong hydrogen bond in the cation toward one of the water molecules. The proton conductivity of compound 1 was measured by impedance spectroscopy. Dihydrate 1 is completely dehydrated upon prolonged storage in a dry argon glove box and undergoes the transition to the dielectric state. Compound 1 is stable in the humidity range of 32–66 rel.%. The conductivity of dihydrate 1 is (2.4±0.3) · 10^?5 Ohm^?1 cm^?1 at 298 K, E _a = 0.21±0.01 eV.     

Selective water sorbents for multiple applications, 7. Heat conductivity of CaCl2?SiO2 composites

In this communication we present experimental data on the low temperature heat conductivity of a consolidated bed made of the CaCl₂/SiO₂ composite material measured by the “hot wire method”. The conductivity appears to increase strongly with a raise of the sorbed water amount and reaches 0.53 W/m K at a high water content when the bed is completely saturated with the salt solution. λ values obtained appear to be much higher than those for zeolite 4A, which is a competitor solid adsorbent proposed for sorption cooling and heating machines. Finally, the influence of the thermal conductivity on the specific power of sorption heat pump based on the “CaCl₂/SiO₂-water” pair is briefly discussed.     

Ionic conductivity, structural and thermal properties of pure and Sr doped Y2Ti2O7 pyrochlores for SOFC

In the present study, SrO doped Yttrium titanate pyrochlore was synthesized using solid state reaction technique. The sintering characteristics, crystal structure, thermal and conductivity behavior of doped and undoped pyrochlores have been studied to find their suitability in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The as-prepared samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and ac conductivity up to 900 °C. The results are discussed in light of oxygen vacancy formation and structural disordering. Undoped and doped yttrium titanate with SrO (x = 0.1) exhibits single Y₂Ti₂O₇ phase with relative density of 94%. It was observed that further doping of SrO (x = 0.2–0.4) leads to formation of Y₂Ti₂O₇ phase along with SrTiO₃ phase. Excessive SrO (x = 0.4) results in increase in ionic conductivity to 1.50 × 10⁻¹ S cm⁻¹ whereas it impedes the densification process with relative density of 85%.     

Review on gel polymer electrolytes for lithium batteries

This paper reviews the state-of-art of polymer electrolytes in view of their electrochemical and physical properties for the applications in lithium batteries. This review mainly encompasses on five polymer hosts namely poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) and poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoro propylene) (PVdF-HFP) as electrolytes. Also the ionic conductivity, morphology, porosity and cycling behavior of PVdF-HFP membranes prepared by phase inversion technique with different non-solvents have been presented. The cycling behavior of LiMn₂O₄/polymer electrolyte (PE)/Li cells is also described.