A New Tin Graphite Intercalation Compound for Lithium Ion Batteries

IntroductionLithium ion batteries have attracted a great interestbecause of their commercial applications in portable de-vices[1,2].Great efforts have been made to improve theenergy density of new anode materials.For example,Sn-based compounds,such as SnO…     

Polymer Holography – New Theory of Image Growth

Summary: The image forming process in photopolymer holographic film has been studied thoroughly. Many grow-curves, i.e. the curves describing the time dependence of the image grow, have been obtained by the special equipment (described in 1 ) under varying conditions. The varying concerns both the changes in film composition and exposition. The S-type form of the measured grow curves bring out some problem in interpreting them in the framework of the usual diffusion theories of photopolymer image growth. To overcome the problem we add the idea that polymer loses its mobility as it grows to the usual only diffusion theories and put down the more general immobilization-diffusion theory. 2     

Metal–Organic Frameworks as Metal Ion Precursors for the Synthesis of Nanocomposites for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials with fascinating properties. Their widespread applications are sometimes hindered by the intrinsic instability of frameworks. However, this instability of MOFs can also be exploited for useful purposes. Herein, we report the use of MOFs as metal ion precursors for constructing functional nanocomposites by utilizing the instability of MOFs. The heterogeneous growth process of nanostructures on substrates involves the release of metal ions, nucleation on substrates, and formation of a covering structure. Specifically, the synthesized CoS with carbon nanotubes as substrates display enhanced performance in a lithium-ion battery. Such strategy not only presents a new way for exploiting the instability of MOFs but also supplies a prospect for designing versatile functional nanocomposites.     

Dual-Metal Electrolytes for Hybrid-Ion Batteries: Synergism or Antagonism?

The construction of hybrid metal-ion batteries faces a plethora of challenges. A critical one is to unveil the solvation/desolvation processes at the molecular level in electrolytes that ensure efficient transfer of several types of charge carriers. This study reports first results on simulations of mixed-ion electrolytes. All combinations of homo- and hetero-binuclear complexes of Li⁺, Na⁺ and Mg²⁺, solvated with varying number of ethylene carbonate (EC) molecules are modeled in non-polar and polar environment by means of first principles calculations and compared to the mononuclear analogues in terms of stability, spatial organization, charge distribution and solvation/desolvation behavior. The used PF₆⁻ counterion is shown to have minor impact on the geometry of the complexes. The desolvation energy penalty of binuclear complexes can be lowered by the fluoride ions, emerging upon the PF₆⁻ decay. These model investigations could be extended to rationalize the solvation structure and ionic mobility in dual-ion electrolytes.     

Physical Diffusion and Electron-transfer Dynamics of Electroactive Solutes in Polymer Electrolytes Ⅲ. Effect of the Polymer Solvents

Solidpolpoerelectrolytes(SPE)haveattractedconsiderableattentionduetotheirpotentialapplicationsinhigh-energy-densitybatteries,specificionsensors,electr0chromicdisPlays,andotherelectrochemicaldevices'.ToincreasethebulkionicconductivityofSPE:"andtOundershadthemeclianismofmasstransportinpolyInerelectrolytes'+arethetWokeynotesinSPEresearchfieldatalltdries.Physicaldiffosionandelectron-transferdynamicsinp0lyInersolventsdePendonmanyfaCtors,e.g.,thenatUreandconceotionsofelectr0activesolutesandsu…     

Physical Diffusion and Electron-transfer Dynamics of Electroactive Solutes in Polymer Electrolytes Ⅱ. Effect of the Ionic Size of Supporting Electrolytes

ConsiderableattentioniscurrntlyfocusedonsolidpolyInerelectrolytes(SPE)fromafhadamentalstandpointandfortheiruseaselectrolytesinhigh-energy-densitybatteries,sPecificionsensors,eleCtrochrndcdisplnys,andotherelectrochemicaldevicesI.Duringthelast2Oyears,toincreasethebulkionicconduCtivityofSPEasandtounderstandthemechanismofmasstranSPortinpolyInerelectrolytes"arethetWokeynotesinSPEresearchfield.MasstranSportandelectronchsferdynamicsinpolyInersolventSdependonmanyfactors,e.g.,thenatUrandconcen…     

A New Criterion for Brittle-Ductile Transition of Polymer Blends

The T_c criterion was first used by S. Wu for characterizing the brittleductile (B-D) transition of N6/EPDM blends. But in this paper, a new criterion which is based on the stress analysis of blends is proposed to characterize the B-D transitions of blends, namely, A criterionV_(fc) and d_c are the critical volume fractions and particle size of dispersed particles in blends, respectively. For given blends, A is independent of the morphology of dispersed phase and is only the characteristic parameter of matrix. The B-D transitions of different blends, including polar N6/EPDM blends, nonpolar PP/EPDM blends and PE/CaCO_3 composites, were manipulated with A criterion and satisfactory results were obtained. In addition, a new master curve for the impact strength of PP/EPDM blends versus V_f~2/d was obtained. The results showed that A criterion is more suitable than T_c criterion for characterizing the B-D transition of blends.     

Needs and Opportunities – Molecular Modeling Meets Polymer Process Modeling

Summary: A non-exhaustive and somehow arbitrary review on actual trends and remaining challenges for a model based process development is given. An example how state of the art molecular modeling methods help to provide kinetic information is explained in some detail. A brief sketch of various methods providing thermodynamic information for engineering is given, and finally, recent concurrent coupling schemes of particle based simulation and computational fluid dynamics are highlighted.     

Electrochemical Reactivation of Dead Li2S for Li−S Batteries in Non-Solvating Electrolytes

The use of non-solvating, or as-called sparingly-solvating, electrolytes (NSEs), is regarded as one of the most promising solutions to the obstacles to the practical applications of Li−S batteries. However, it remains a puzzle that long-life Li−S batteries have rarely, if not never, been reported with NSEs, despite their good compatibility with Li anode. Here, we find the capacity decay of Li−S batteries in NSEs is mainly due to the accumulation of the dead Li₂S at the cathode side, rather than the degradation of the anodes or electrolytes. Based on this understanding, we propose an electrochemical strategy to reactivate the accumulated Li₂S and revive the dead Li−S batteries in NSEs. With such a facile approach, Li−S batteries with significantly improved cycling stability and accelerated dynamics are achieved with diglyme-, acetonitrile- and 1,2-dimethoxyethane-based NSEs. Our finding may rebuild the confidence in exploiting non-solvating Li−S batteries with practical competitiveness.     

New Oxyhalide Solid Electrolytes with High Lithium Ionic Conductivity >10 mS cm−1 for All-Solid-State Batteries

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with inorganic solid electrolytes (SEs) have attracted significant interest as next-generation energy storage. Halides such as Li₃YCl₆ are promising candidates for SE because they combine high oxidation stability and deformability. However, the ionic conductivities of halide SEs are not as high as those of other SEs, especially sulfides. Here, we discover new lithium-metal-oxy-halide materials, LiMOCl₄ (M=Nb, Ta). They exhibit extremely high ionic conductivities of 10.4 mS cm⁻¹ for M=Nb and 12.4 mS cm⁻¹ for M=Ta, respectively, even in cold-pressed powder forms at room temperature, which are comparable to or surpass those of organic liquid electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries. Bulk-type ASSB cells using the oxyhalides as the cathode SE demonstrate an outstanding rate capability with a capacity retention of 80 % at 5 C/0.1 C. We believe that the proposed oxyhalides are promising SE candidates for the practical applications of ASSBs.     

Carbon Nanotubes Act as Conductive Additives in the cathode of Lithium Ion Batteries

The layered compounds LiCoO2, LiNiO2 and spinel compound LiMn2O4 have served as very effective cathode active materials in lithium ion rechargeable batteries. Generally, their high conductive resistance easily results in a serious polarization and poor utilization of active materials. In order to make full use of the active materials and increase the capacity, the charge–discharge rate and the cycle life of lithium ion batteries, conductive additives are often added into the above cathode …     

Development of New Capillary Electrophoresis-Based Techniques for Protein Analysis

With the sequencing of human genome almost complete, human genome project enters the postgenome-sequencing era. Compared to genomics, the analysis of proteome is rather difficult since in human cells there are around 200 000 proteins, which are expressed at any time at different levels     

Designed Novel Carbazole Based Electrolyte Additive for Overcharge Protection of Lithium‑Ion Batteries

Russian Journal of Electrochemistry - 9-Phenyl-9H-carbazole (9P9HC) organic monomer which contains phenyl moiety used as new overcharge protection additive in electrolyte of LiFePO4 based...     

Recent Progress in Organic–Inorganic Composite Solid Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries

Conventional lithium-ion batteries, with flammable organic liquid electrolytes, have serious safety problems, which greatly limit their application. All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) have received extensive attention from large-scale energy-storage fields, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and intelligent power grids, due to their benefits in safety, energy density, and thermostability. As the key component of ASSBs, solid electrolytes determine the properties of ASSBs. In past decades, various kinds of solid electrolytes, such as polymers and inorganic electrolytes, have been explored. Among these candidates, organic–inorganic composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) that integrate the advantages of these two different electrolytes have been regarded as promising electrolytes for high-performance ASSBs, and extensive studies have been carried out. Herein, recent progress in organic–inorganic CSEs is summarized in terms of the inorganic component, electrochemical performance, effects of the inorganic ceramic nanostructure, and ionic conducting mechanism. Finally, the main challenges and perspectives of organic–inorganic CSEs are highlighted for future development.     

Synthesis and Ionic Conductivity of Network Polymer Electrolytes with Internal Plasticizers

Network polymer electrolytes with free oligo(oxyethylene) chains as internal plasticizers were prepared by cross-linking poly(ethylene glycol) acrylates. The effects of salt concentration and properties of internal plasticizers on ionic conductivity were studied.     

In Situ Electrochemical Activation of Hydroxyl Polymer Cathode for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc–Organic Batteries

The slow reaction kinetics and structural instability of organic electrode materials limit the further performance improvement of aqueous zinc-organic batteries. Herein, we have synthesized a Z-folded hydroxyl polymer polytetrafluorohydroquinone (PTFHQ) with inert hydroxyl groups that could be partially oxidized to the active carbonyl groups through the in situ activation process and then undertake the storage/release of Zn²⁺. In the activated PTFHQ, the hydroxyl groups and S atoms enlarge the electronegativity region near the electrochemically active carbonyl groups, enhancing their electrochemical activity. Simultaneously, the residual hydroxyl groups could act as hydrophilic groups to enhance the electrolyte wettability while ensuring the stability of the polymer chain in the electrolyte. Also, the Z-folded structure of PTFHQ plays an important role in reversible binding with Zn²⁺ and fast ion diffusion. All these benefits make the activated PTFHQ exhibit a high specific capacity of 215 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹, over 3400 stable cycles with a capacity retention of 92 %, and an outstanding rate capability of 196 mAh g⁻¹ at 20 A g⁻¹.     

APEX Strategy Represented by Diels–Alder Cycloadditions—New Opportunities for the Syntheses of Functionalised PAHs

Diels–Alder cycloaddition of various dienophiles to the bay region of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a particularly effective and useful tool for the modification of the structure of PAHs and thereby their final properties. The Diels–Alder cycloaddition belongs to the single-step annulative π-extension (APEX) reactions and represents the maximum in synthetic efficiency for the constructions of π-extended PAHs including functionalised ones, nanographenes, and π-extended fused heteroarenes. Herein we report new applications of the APEX strategy for the synthesis of derivatives of 1,2-diarylbenzo[ghi]perylene, 1,2-diarylbenzo[ghi]perylenebisimide and 1,2-disubstituted-benzo[j]coronene. Namely, the so far unknown cycloaddition of 1,2-diarylacetylenes into the perylene and perylenebisimide bay regions was used. 1,2-Disubstituted-benzo[j]coronenes were obtained via cycloaddition of benzyne into 1,2-diarylbenzo[ghi]perylenes by using a new highly effective system for benzyne generation and/or high pressure conditions. Moreover, we report an unprecedented Diels–Alder cycloaddition–cycloaromatisation domino-type reaction between 1,4-(9,9-dialkylfluoren-3-yl)-1,3-butadiynes and perylene. The obtained diaryl-substituted core-extended PAHs were characterised by DFT calculation as well as electrochemical and spectroscopic measurements.     

YfeX – A New Platform for Carbene Transferase Development with High Intrinsic Reactivity

Carbene transfer biocatalysis has evolved from basic science to an area with vast potential for the development of new industrial processes. In this study, we show that YfeX, naturally a peroxidase, has great potential for the development of new carbene transferases, due to its high intrinsic reactivity, especially for the N−H insertion reaction of aromatic and aliphatic primary and secondary amines. YfeX shows high stability against organic solvents (methanol and DMSO), greatly improving turnover of hydrophobic substrates. Interestingly, in styrene cyclopropanation, WT YfeX naturally shows high enantioselectivity, generating the trans product with 87 % selectivity for the (R,R) enantiomer. WT YfeX also catalyzes the Si−H insertion efficiently. Steric effects in the active site were further explored using the R232A variant. Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics (QM/MM) calculations reveal details on the mechanism of Si−H insertion. YfeX, and potentially other peroxidases, are exciting new targets for the development of improved carbene transferases.