Vibrational and electronic properties of single-walled and double-walled boron nitride nanotubes

We calculated IR, nonresonance Raman spectra and vertical electronic transitions of the zigzag single-walled and double-walled boron nitride nanotubes ((0,n)-SWBNNTs and (0,n)@(0,2n)-DWBNNTs). In the low frequency range below 600 cm⁻¹, the calculated Raman spectra of the nanotubes showed that RBMs (radial breathing modes) are strongly diameter-dependent, and in addition the RBMs of the DWBNNTs are blue-shifted reference to their corresponding one in the Raman spectra of the isolated (0,n)-SWBNNTs. In the high frequency range above ∼1200 cm⁻¹, two proximate Raman features with symmetries of the A_1g (∼1355 ± 10 cm⁻¹) and E_2g (∼1330 ± 25 cm⁻¹) first increase in frequency then approach a constant value of ∼1365 and ∼1356 cm⁻¹, respectively, with increasing tubes’ diameter, which is in excellent agreement with experimental observations. The calculated IR spectra exhibited IR features in the range of 1200–1550 cm⁻¹ and in mid-frequency region are consistent with experiments. The calculated dipole allowed singlet–singlet and triplet–triplet electronic transitions suggesting a charge transfer process between the outer- and inner-shells of the DWBNNTs as well as, upon irradiation, the possibility of a system that can undergo internal conversion (IC) and intersystem crossing (ISC) processes, besides the photochemical and other photophysical processes.     

Heat capacities,third-law entropies and thermodynamic functions of the geometrically frustrated antiferromagnetic spinels GeCo2O4 and GeNi2O4 from T=(0 to 400) K

The molar heat capacities of GeCo₂O₄ and GeNi₂O₄, two geometrically frustrated spinels, have been measured in the temperature range from T=(0.5 to 400) K. Anomalies associated with magnetic ordering occur in the heat capacities of both compounds. The transition in GeCo₂O₄ occurs at T=20.6 K while two peaks are found in the heat capacity of GeNi₂O₄, both within the narrow temperature range between 11.4<(T/K)<12.2. Thermodynamic functions have been generated from smoothed fits of the experimental results. At T=298.15 K the standard molar heat capacities are (143.44 ± 0.14) J · K⁻¹ · mol⁻¹ for GeCo₂O₄ and (130.76 ± 0.13) J · K⁻¹ · mol⁻¹ for GeNi₂O₄. The standard molar entropies at T=298.15 K for GeCo₂O₄ and GeNi₂O₄ are (149.20 ± 0.60) J · K⁻¹ · mol⁻¹ and (131.80 ± 0.53) J · K⁻¹ · mol⁻¹ respectively. Above 100 K, the heat capacity of the cobalt compound is significantly higher than that of the nickel compound. The excess heat capacity can be reasonably modeled by the assumption of a Schottky contribution arising from the thermal excitation of electronic states associated with the CO²⁺ ion in a cubic crystal field. The splittings obtained, 230 cm⁻¹ for the four-fold-degenerate first excited state and 610 cm⁻¹ for the six-fold degenerate second excited state, are significantly lower than those observed in pure CoO.     

A theoretical study of the magnetism of the α-p-cyano-tetrafluorophenyl-dithiadiazolyl radical using a first principles bottom-up procedure

The mechanism of the magnetic interaction in the α phase of the organic radical p-cyano-tetrafluorophenyl-dithiadiazolyl has been studied using a first-principles bottom-up theoretical procedure. Six J_AB radical–radical magnetic interactions are computed to be larger than ∣0.05∣ cm⁻¹ (two, with values +10.91 and −10.25 cm⁻¹, dominate over the others, whose absolute values are always smaller than 1.5 cm⁻¹). The connectivity of these non-negligible J_AB interactions creates a complex 3D magnetic topology within the crystal. The computed magnetic susceptibility curve, χ, was also calculated by diagonalizing the matrix representation of the Heisenberg Hamiltonian, whose J_AB parameters are set to their computed values. This fully reproduces the shape of the experimental curve and is consistent with the bulk antiferromagnetism reported experimentally (reflected in a sharp maximum observed in χ at 10 K). Attempts to model the magnetic susceptibility data using a simple model based only upon the two dominant interactions proved impossible.     

Magnetic properties of hybrid organo-inorganic copper(II) oxovanadate(V) phosphate and phosphonate bridged systems

The hybrid organo-inorganic compounds [Cu₄(bipy)₄V₄O₁₁(PO₄)₂]nH₂O (n ∼ 5) (1), [Cu₂(phen)₂(PO₄)(H₂PO₄)₂(VO₂) · 2H₂O] (2) and [Cu₂(phen)₂(O₃PCH₂PO₃)(V₂O₅) (H₂O)]H₂O (3) which present different bridging forms of the phosphate/phosphonate group, show different bulk magnetic properties. We herein analyze the magnetic behaviour of these compounds in terms of their structural parameters. We also report a theoretical study for compound (1) assuming four different magnetic exchange pathways between the copper centres present in the tetranuclear unit. For compound (1) the following J values were obtained J₁ = +3.29; J₂ = −0.63; J₃ = −2.23; J₄ = −46.14 cm⁻¹. Compound (2) presents a Curie–Weiss behaviour in the whole range of temperature (3–300 K), and compound (3) shows a maximum for the magnetic susceptibility at 64 K, typical for antiferromagnetic interactions. These data where fitted using a model previously reported in the literature, assuming two different magnetic exchange pathways between the four copper(II) centres, with J₁ = −30.0 and J₂ = −8.5 cm⁻¹.     

Characteristics of inclusions in topaz from Serrinha pegmatite (Medina granite,Minas Gerais State,SE Brazil) studied by Raman spectroscopy

Eastern Brazilian Pegmatite Province includes many topaz-bearing pegmatitic bodies. Residual melts from the Fe–K-rich alkaline Medina granite (ca. 500 Ma) formed the Serrinha pegmatite—a system of branched thin pegmatite veins hosted by pink facies of the parent granite. The colourless topaz from Serrinha pegmatite contains both mineral and fluid inclusions. Microcline (513, 476, 456 cm⁻¹), albite (507, 479, 457 cm⁻¹), topaz (926, 858, 267, 239 cm⁻¹), quartz (463 cm⁻¹), rutile (610, 444 cm⁻¹), wolframite (884 cm⁻¹) and uranophane (968, 788 cm⁻¹) represent solid inclusions formed by fluid-induced processes from the pneumatolytic (∼600–400 °C) to hydrothermal (<400 °C) stages of pegmatite crystallization. Fluid inclusions are mainly liquid or liquid-gas, which contain CO₂ (marker bands ∼1388 cm⁻¹ and ∼1285 cm⁻¹) and traces of methane (2917 cm⁻¹). They are mainly of primary and pseudo-secondary origin, indicating tectonic quiescence during and after topaz crystallization (in agreement with the post-collisional nature of the parent granite). Topaz crystallized in high temperature conditions of the pneumatolytic stage at a depth around 8.5–10.0 km.     

Development of micro-tubular SOFCs with an improved performance via nano-Ag impregnation for intermediate temperature operation

Micro-tubular solid-oxide fuel cell consisting of a 10-μm thick (ZrO₂)_0.89(Sc₂O₃)_0.1(CeO₂)_0.01 (ScSZ) electrolyte on a support NiO/(ScSZ) anode (1.8 mm diameter, 200 μm wall thickness) with a Ce_0.8Gd_0.2O_1.9 (GDC) buffer-layer and a La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O_3−δ (LSCF)/GDC functional cathode has been developed for intermediate temperature operation. The functional cathode was in situ formed by impregnating the well-dispersed nano-Ag particles into the porous LSCF/GDC layer using a citrate method. The cells yielded maximum power densities of 1.06 W cm⁻² (1.43 A cm⁻², 0.74 V), 0.98 W cm⁻² (1.78 A cm⁻², 0.55 V) and 0.49 W cm⁻² (1.44 A cm⁻², 0.34 V), at 650, 600 and 550 °C, respectively.     

Vibrational spectroscopic study of syngenite formed during the treatment of liquid manure with sulphuric acid

Syngenite (K₂Ca(SO₄)₂·H₂O), formed during treatment of manure with sulphuric acid, was studied by infrared, near-infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy. C_s site symmetry was determined for the two sulphate groups in syngenite (P2₁/m), so all bands are both infrared and Raman active. The split ν₁ (two Raman+two infrared bands) was observed at 981 and 1000 cm⁻¹. The split ν₂ (four Raman+four infrared bands) was observed in the Raman spectrum at 424, 441, 471 and 491 cm⁻¹. In the infrared spectrum, only one band was observed at 439 cm⁻¹. From the split ν₃ (six Raman+six infrared) bands three 298 K Raman bands were observed at 1117, 1138 and 1166 cm⁻¹. Cooling to 77 K resulted in four bands at 1119, 1136, 1144 and 1167 cm⁻¹. In the infrared spectrum, five bands were observed at 1110, 1125, 1136, 1148 and 1193 cm⁻¹. From the split ν₄ (six infrared+six Raman bands) four bands were observed in the infrared spectrum at 604, 617, 644 and 657 cm⁻¹. The 298 K Raman spectrum showed one band at 641 cm⁻¹, while at 77 K four bands were observed at 607, 621, 634 and 643 cm⁻¹. Crystal water is observed in the infrared spectrum by the OH-liberation mode at 754 cm⁻¹, OH-bending mode at 1631 cm⁻¹, OH-stretching modes at 3248 (symmetric) and 3377 cm⁻¹ (antisymmetric) and a combination band at 3510 cm⁻¹ of the H-bonded OH-mode plus the OH-stretching mode. The near-infrared spectrum gave information about the crystal water resulting in overtone and combination bands of OH-liberation, OH-bending and OH-stretching modes.     

Thermodynamic properties of Na2Ti6O13 and Na2Ti3O7: electrochemical and calorimetric determination

Standard values of Gibbs free energy, entropy, and enthalpy of Na₂Ti₆O₁₃ and Na₂Ti₃O₇ were determined by evaluating emf-measurements of thermodynamically defined solid state electrochemical cells based on a Na–β″-alumina electrolyte. The central part of the anodic half cell consisted of Na₂CO₃, while two appropriate coexisting phases of the ternary system Na–Ti–O are used as cathodic materials. The cell was placed in an atmosphere containing CO₂ and O₂. By combining the results of emf-measurements in the temperature range of 573⩽T/K⩽1023 and of adiabatic calorimetric measurements of the heat capacities in the low-temperature region 15⩽T/K⩽300, the thermodynamic data were determined for a wide temperature range of 15⩽T/K⩽1100. The standard molar enthalpy of formation and standard molar entropy at T=298.15 K as determined by emf-measurements are Δ_fH_m⁰=(−6277.9±6.5) kJ · mol⁻¹ and S_m⁰=(404.6±5.3) J · mol⁻¹ · K⁻¹ for Na₂Ti₆O₁₃ and Δ_fH_m⁰=(−3459.2±3.8) kJ · mol⁻¹ and S_m⁰=(227.8±3.7) J · mol⁻¹ · K⁻¹ for Na₂Ti₃O₇. The standard molar entropy at T=298.15 K obtained from low-temperature calorimetry is S_m⁰=399.7 J · mol⁻¹ · K⁻¹ and S_m⁰=229.4 J · mol⁻¹ · K⁻¹ for Na₂Ti₆O₁₃ and Na₂Ti₃O₇, respectively. The phase widths with respect to Na₂O content were studied by using a Na₂O-titration technique.     

Electronic structure and Raman spectroscopy study of dibarium magnesium orthoborate,Ba2Mg(BO3)2

The samples of dibarium magnesium orthoborate Ba₂Mg(BO₃)₂ were synthesized by solid-state reaction. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Raman spectra of the samples were collected. Electronic structure and vibrational spectroscopy of Ba₂Mg(BO₃)₂ were systematically investigated by first principle calculation. A direct band gap of 4.4 eV was obtained from the calculated electronic structure results. The top valence band is constructed from O 2p states and the low conduction band mainly consists of Ba 5d states. Raman spectra for Ba₂Mg(BO₃)₂ polycrystalline were obtained at ambient temperature. The factor group analysis results show the total lattice modes are 5E_u + 4A_2u + 5E_g + 4A_1g + 1A_2g + 1A_1u, of which 5E_g + 4A_1g are Raman-active. Furthermore, we obtained the Raman active vibrational modes as well as their eigenfrequencies using first-principle calculation. With the assistance of the first-principle calculation and factor group analysis results, Raman bands of Ba₂Mg(BO₃)₂ were assigned as E_g (42 cm⁻¹), A_1g (85 cm⁻¹), E_g (156 cm⁻¹), E_g (237 cm⁻¹), A_1g (286 cm⁻¹), E_g (564 cm⁻¹), A_1g (761 cm⁻¹), A_1g (909 cm⁻¹), E_g (1165 cm⁻¹). The strongest band at 928 cm⁻¹ in the experimental spectrum is assigned to totally symmetric stretching mode of the BO₃ units.     

Fourier transform and high sensitivity cw-cavity ringdown absorption spectroscopies of ozone in the 6030–6130 cm−1 region. First observation and analysis of the 3ν1+3ν3 and 2ν2+5ν3 bands

The absorption spectrum of ¹⁶O₃ has been recorded between 6030 and 6130 cm⁻¹ by Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (GSMA, Reims) and cw-cavity ringdown spectroscopy (LSP, Grenoble). The two new bands 3ν₁+3ν₃ and 2ν₂+5ν₃ centered at 6063.923 and 6124.304 cm⁻¹, respectively are observed and analyzed. Rovibrational transitions with J and K_a values up to 40 and 10, respectively, could be assigned. The rovibrational fitting of the observed energy levels shows that some rotational levels of the (303) and (025) bright states are perturbed by interaction with the (232), (510) and (124) dark states. The observed energy levels could be reproduced with a rms deviation of 5×10⁻³ cm⁻¹ using a global analysis based on an effective Hamiltonian including the five interacting states. The energy values of the three dark vibrational states provided by the fit are found in good agreement with theoretical predictions.The parameters of the resulting effective Hamiltonian and of the transition moment operator retrieved from the measured absolute line intensities allowed calculating a complete line list of 2035 transitions, available as Supplementary Material. The integrated band strengths are estimated to be 1.22×10⁻²⁴ and 3.15×10⁻²⁴ cm⁻¹/(mol cm⁻²) at 296 K for the 3ν₁+3ν₃ and 2ν₂+5ν₃ bands, respectively. A realistic error for these band strengths is 15% (see text).     

Magnetic and theoretical characterization of a ferromagnetic Mn(III) dimer

Reaction of 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane (H₃thme) with the complex [Mn₂O₂(bpy)₄](ClO₄)₃ produces the dimeric species [Mn₂(Hthme)₂(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ in high yield. Magnetic measurements in the temperature range 1.8–300 K and in fields up to 7 T reveal weak ferromagnetic exchange between the metal centres with J = +2.13 cm⁻¹. A fit of the magnetization data, assuming only the ground state is populated, gives S = 4, g = 1.71 and D = −0.65 cm⁻¹. Low temperature single crystal measurements suggest the co-existence of SMM behaviour and strong intermolecular interactions. Density functional calculations also support a weak exchange interaction between the Mn ions.     

Oxidation of naringenin by gamma-radiation

The reaction of OH with naringenin (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavanone) in the presence of air induced the formation of the hydroxylation product eriodictyol (3′,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavanone). Its yield was dependent on pH. The initial degradation yield of naringenin was G_i(-Nar)=(2.5±0.2)×10⁻⁷ mol dm⁻³ J⁻¹. For the reaction with OH, a rate constant k (OH+naringenin)=(7.2±0.7)×10⁹ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ was determined. In the presence of N₂O and NaN₃/N₂O, no eriodyctiol was formed. Apigenin (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavon) was detected as decay product of the naringenin phenoxyl radicals. In Ar-saturated solutions, naringenin exhibited a pronounced radiation resistance, G(-naringenin) ∼0.3×10⁻⁷ mol dm⁻³ J⁻¹.     

Quantitative analysis of the magnetism of the meta-(methoxy)phenyl nitronyl nitroxide crystal: A bottom–up analysis of a crystal presenting competing ferro and antiferromagnetic interactions

Crystals of the meta isomer of the (methoxy)phenyl nitronyl nitroxide radical, m-(OMe)PhNN, present the characteristics of an antiferromagnet (paramagnetic θ = −0.97 K, |J| = 1.6 cm⁻¹, [L. Angeloni, A. Caneschi, L. David, A. Fabretti, F. Ferraro, D. Gatteschi, A. le Lirzin, R. Sessoli, J. Mater. Chem. 4 (1994) 1047]). Using our quantitative bottom–up approach, we analyze here the magnetism of this crystal by first computing its magnetic topology and, then, using this information, the macroscopic magnetic susceptibility χ(T) of the crystal. The crystal presents one ferro and two antiferromagnetic exchange interactions, J_AB, of similar strength (+0.20, −0.20 and −0.11 cm⁻¹) that create a complex three-dimensional magnetic topology of interacting planes. This complex network of competing ferro and antiferromagnetic pathways does not allow a sounding prediction of the macroscopic magnetic susceptibility using qualitative considerations. Our approach computes the χT versus T curve that fully reproduces the experimental shape.     

Synchronous ATR infrared and NIR-spectroscopy investigation of sepiolite upon drying

A new environmental cell allowing for the independent synchronous collection of the near- and mid-infrared spectra (12,000–600 cm⁻¹) in the diffuse reflection and attenuated total reflection (ATR) modes, respectively, is reported. The cell is employed to study in real time the dehydration of the phyllosilicate mineral sepiolite, Mg₈Si₁₂O₃₀(OH)₄(OH₂)₄·wH₂O, in both its natural form and after in situ deuteration at ambient. The spectra are obtained under dynamic purging with dry N₂ and compared to those of the same material conditioned over saturated salt solutions. Sepiolite is an important industrial mineral with a modulated structure of alternating tunnels and ribbons. Its mild drying is associated with pronounced vibrational spectral changes due to the removal of surface and zeolitic H₂O and the concomitant structural relaxation of the ribbons. Detailed assignments are provided for the fundamental, combination and overtone spectrum of H₂O confined in the tunnels of sepiolite, SiOH groups on the external surface of the particles, and Mg₃OH groups in the 2:1 ribbons. The spectra are discussed in comparison to those of palygorskite (modulated phyllosilicate with narrower ribbons and tunnels), talc (trioctahedral magnesian phyllosilicate without modulation) and high-surface area silica. It is demonstrated that sepiolite exhibits three discrete states of zeolitic hydration at ambient temperature: Besides the previously known hydrated (w = 7–8) and dry (w = 0–1) states which dominate the spectra above 30% and below 3% relative humidity, respectively, a hitherto unknown intermediate (w = 4–5) is found in the 3–10% range. The new state is most conveniently identified in the near-infrared by a ν₀₂ Mg₃O-H stretching mode at 7205 cm⁻¹ (ν₀₁ = 3686 cm⁻¹, X = 83.5 cm⁻¹) and a characteristic H₂O combination band at 5271 cm⁻¹ (D₂O: 3908 cm⁻¹).     

Heat capacities,third-law entropies and thermodynamic functions of the negative thermal expansion material Zn2GeO4 from T=(0 to 400) K

The molar heat capacity of Zn₂GeO₄, a material which exhibits negative thermal expansion below ambient temperatures, has been measured in the temperature range 0.5⩽(T/K)⩽400. At T=298.15 K, the standard molar heat capacity is (131.86 ± 0.26) J · K⁻¹ · mol⁻¹. Thermodynamic functions have been generated from smoothed fits of the experimental results. The standard molar entropy at T=298.15 K is (145.12 ± 0.29) J · K⁻¹ · mol⁻¹. The existence of low-energy modes is supported by the excess heat capacity in Zn₂GeO₄ compared to the sums of the constituent binary oxides.     

Partial oxidation of ethane to syngas in an oxygen-permeable membrane reactor

A perovskite-type oxide of Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ (BSCFO) with mixed electronic and oxygen ionic conductivity at high temperatures was used as an oxygen-permeable membrane. A tubular membrane of BSCFO made by extrusion method has been used in the membrane reactor to exclusively transport oxygen for the partial oxidation of ethane (POE) to syngas with catalyst of LiLaNiO/γ-Al₂O₃ at temperatures of 800–900 °C. After only 30 min POE reaction in the membrane reactor, the oxygen permeation flux reached at 8.2 ml cm⁻² min⁻¹. After that, the oxygen permeation flux increased slowly and it took 12 h to reach at 11.0 ml cm⁻² min⁻¹. SEM and EDS analysis showed that Sr and Ba segregations occurred on the used membrane surface exposed to air while Co slightly enriched on the membrane surface exposed to ethane. The oxygen permeation flux increased with increasing of concentration of C₂H₆, which was attributed to increasing of the driving force resulting from the more reducing conditions produced with an increase of concentration of C₂H₆ in the feed gas. The tubular membrane reactor was successfully operated for POE reaction at 875 °C for more than 100 h without failure, with ethane conversion of ∼100%, CO selectivity of >91% and oxygen permeation fluxes of 10–11 ml cm⁻² min⁻¹.     

Construction,calibration and testing of a micro-combustion calorimeter

An isoperibolic micro-combustion calorimeter was designed, built and set up in our laboratory, taking as base a 1107 Parr combustion bomb of 22 cm³ of volume. Taken into account the geometrical form of the bomb, it was designed and constructed a vessel and a submarine chamber in brass. All of the pieces of the calorimeter were chromium-plated to reduce heat loss by radiation. The calorimeter was calibrated by using pellets of standard benzoic acid (mass approximate of 40 mg) leading to the energy equivalent of ε(calor) = (1283.8 ± 0.6) J · K⁻¹. In order to test the calorimeter, combustion experiments of salicylic acid were performed leading to a value of combustion energy of Δ_cu^∘ = −(21,888.8 ± 10.9) J · g⁻¹, which agrees with the reported literature values. The combustion of piperonylic acid was carried out as a further test leading to a value of combustion energy of Δ_cu^∘ = −(20,215.9 ± 10.4) J · g⁻¹ in accordance with the reported literature value. The uncertainty of the calibration and the combustion of salicylic acid and piperonylic acid was 0.05%.     

A new class of proton-conducting ionic plastic crystals based on organic cations and dihydrogen phosphate

Choline dihydrogen phosphate ([N_1.1.1.2OH]DHP) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dihydrogen phosphate ([C₄mim]DHP) were synthesized as a new class of proton-conducting ionic plastic crystals. Both [N_1.1.1.2OH]DHP and [C₄mim]DHP showed solid–solid phase transition(s) and showed a final entropy of fusion lower than 20 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ which is consistent with Timmerman’s criterion for molecular plastic crystals. The ionic conductivity of [N_1.1.1.2OH]DHP was in the range of 10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹–10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ in the plastic crystalline phase. On the other hand, the ionic conductivity of [C₄mim]DHP showed about 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹ in the plastic crystalline phase. [N_1.1.1.2OH]DHP showed one order of magnitude higher ionic conductivity than [C₄mim]DHP in the temperature range where the plastic phase is stable.     

In-plane chemical pressure in (U1−yCey)O2 studied by Raman spectroscopy

We investigate the nature of bonding and charge states in (U_1−yCe_y)O₂ (y = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) by Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectrum of UO₂ exhibits two prominent bands below 1000 cm⁻¹, a F_2g mode at 446 cm⁻¹ and a F_1u LO mode at 578 cm⁻¹. As y is increased from 0 to 0.6, the F_1u exhibits a large blue shift of 90 cm⁻¹, and from y = 0.6 to 1.0, a red shift of 54 cm⁻¹. We show that our results can be interpreted as arising from anisotropic compression/relaxation of the lattice under Ce substitution and this can give an indication of its charge states. Alternate interpretations have been given in the literature on the effect of substituents and dopants to the Raman spectra of UO₂ and CeO₂. The present interpretation of chemical stress effects can be taken as another plausible explanation.     

Plastic–polymer composite electrolytes: Novel soft matter electrolytes for rechargeable lithium batteries

We present here a soft matter solid composite electrolyte obtained by inclusion of a polymer in a semi-solid organic plastic lithium salt electrolyte. Compared to lithium bis-trifluoromethanesulfonimide-succinonitrile (LiTFSI-SN), the (100 − x)%-[LiTFSI-SN]: x%-P (P: polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether (PEG)) composites possess higher ambient temperature ionic conductivity, higher mechanical strength and wider electrochemical window. At 25 °C, ionic conductivity of 95%-[0.4 M LiTFSI-SN]: 5%-PAN was 1.3 × 10⁻³ Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹ which was twice that of LiTFSI-SN. The Young’s modulus (Y) increased from Y → 0 for LiTFSI-SN to a maximum ∼1.0 MPa for (100 − x)%-[0.4 M LiTFSI-SN]: x%-PAN samples. The electrochemical voltage window for composites was approximately 5 V (Li/Li⁺). Excellent galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling performance was obtained with composite electrolytes in Li|LiFePO₄ cells without any separator.