Bifunctional electrolyte additive for lithium-ion batteries

2-(Pentafluorophenyl)-tetrafluoro-1,3,2-benzodioxaborole was reported as a bifunctional electrolyte additive for lithium-ion batteries. It was found that the reported additive had a redox potential of 4.43 V vs. Li⁺/Li with a reversible oxidation/reduction reaction. Therefore, it is a promising redox shuttle for overcharge protection of most positive electrode materials for current lithium-ion-battery technology. At the same time, the boron center of this additive is a strong Lewis acid and can act as an anion receptor to dissolve LiF generated during the operation of lithium-ion batteries. The possibility of using the novel additive as both the redox shuttle and the anion receptor was discussed.     

Kinetic and galvanostatic studies of a polymer electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries

Quaternary polymer electrolyte (PE) based on poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid (EMImBF₄), sulfolane (TMS) and lithium hexafluorophosphate salt (LiPF₆) (PAN-EMImBF₄-sulfolane-LIPF₆) was prepared by the casting technique. Obtained PE films of ca. 0.2–0.3 mm in thickness showed good mechanical properties. They were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TGA, DSC), the flammability test, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic charging/discharging. SEM images revealed a structure consisting of a polymer network (PAN) and space probably occupied by the liquid phase (LiPF₆ + EMImBF₄ + sulfolane). The polymer electrolyte in contact with an outer flame source did not ignite; it rather underwent decomposition without the formation of flammable products. Room temperature specific conductivity was ca. 2.5 mS cm^?1. The activation energy of the conding process was ca. 9.0 kJ mol^?1. Compatibility of the polymer electrolyte with metallic lithium and graphite anodes was tested applying the galvanostatic method. Charge transfer resistance for the C₆Li → Li⁺ + e^? anode processes, estimated from EIS curve, was ca. 48 Ω. The graphite anode capacity stabilizes at ca. 350 mAh g^?1 after the 30th cycle (20 mA g^?1).     

Plasticized polymer electrolyte membranes based on PEO/PVdF-HFP for use as an effective electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries

Plasticized polymer electrolytes were prepared using poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)/poly(vinylidene fluoridehexafluoro propylene)(PVd F-HFP) with lithium perchlorate(Li Cl O4) and different plasticizers. XRD and FTIR spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize the structure and the complexation of plasticizer with the host polymer matrix. The role of interaction between polymer hosts and plasticizer on conductivity is discussed using the results of alternating current(a.c.) impedance studies. TG-DTA and SEM were used for thermal and physical characterizations. Maximum ionic conductivity(3.26 × 10~(-4) S·cm~(-1)) has been observed for ethylene carbonate(EC)-based polymer electrolytes. Electrochemical performance of the plasticized polymer electrolyte is evaluated in LiFePO_4/plasticized polymer electrolytes(PPEs)/Li coin cell. Good performance with low capacity fading on charge discharge cycling is demonstrated.     

Protective electrode/electrolyte interphases for high energy lithium-ion batteries with p-toluenesulfonyl fluoride electrolyte additive

High energy density lithium-ion batteries using Ni-rich cathode(such as LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2) suffer from severe capacity decay.P-toluenesulfonyl fluoride(pTSF) has been investigated as a novel film-forming electrolyte additive to enhance the cycling performances of graphite/LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 pouch cell.In comparison with the baseline electrolyte,a small dose of pTSF can significantly improve the cyclic stability of the cell.Theoretical calculations together with experimental results indicate that pTSF would be oxidized and reduced to construct protective interphase film on the surfaces of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode and graphite anode,respectively.These S-containing surface films derived from pTSF effectively mitigate the decomposition of electrolyte,reduce the interphasial impedance,as well as prevent the dissolution of transition metal ions from Ni-rich cathode upon cycling at high voltage.This finding is beneficial for the practical application of high energy density graphite/LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cells.     

A novel sandwiched membrane as polymer electrolyte for application in lithium-ion battery

A novel kind of sandwiched polymer membrane was prepared, which consists of two outer layers of electrospun poly(vinyl difluoride) (PVDF) fibrous films and one inner layer of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) film. Its characteristics were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The membrane can easily absorb non-aqueous electrolyte to form gelled polymer electrolytes (GPEs). The resulting gelled polymer electrolytes had a high ionic conductivity up to 1.93 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature, and exhibited a high electrochemical stability potential of 4.5 V (vs. Li/Li⁺). It is of great potential application in polymer lithium-ion batteries.     

Graphene fluoride as a conductive agent for Li-argyrodite electrolyte containing all-solid-state batteries

A sulfide-based Li-argyrodite, Li₆PS₅X (X = Cl, Br, I), is a promising solid-state electrolyte candidate for next-generation all-solid-state batteries. The compound features high ionic conductivity, which is attributed to the high polarizability of sulfur and anion site disorder, providing advantageous crystallographic geometries for Li-ions to occupy and diffuse. However, the chemical instability of Li₆PS₅Cl during cycling limits its implementation in practical applications. This study employs graphene fluoride as a conductive agent for the cathode composite to alleviate the undesirable decomposition reactions at the electrolyte interface. The combined measurements of time-dependent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical analysis confirmed that graphene fluoride significantly enhances the chemical stability of the electrolyte interface, yielding a stable cycling performance.     

A novel epoxy methacrylate resin containing phthalazinone moiety for UV coatings

A novel phthalazinone modified epoxy acrylate resin for the high temperature resistant ultravioet (UV) curable coating was synthesized. The methacrylated epoxy resins obtained were utilized to UV radiation curing by taking 2.5% (wt%) of photoinitiator in combination with 20% (wt%) of diluent, and generated the interpenetraring polymer networks. The cured film had good thermal and chemical stability.     

In-situ FTIR investigations on the reduction of vinylene electrolyte additives suitable for use in lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries operate beyond the thermodynamic stability of the aprotic organic electrolyte used and electrolyte decomposition occurs at both electrodes. The electrolyte must therefore be composed in a way that its decomposition products form a film on the electrodes which stops the decomposition reactions but is still permeable to the Li(+) cations which are the charge carriers. At the graphite anode, this film is commonly referred to as a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Aprotic organic compounds containing vinylene groups can form an effective SEI on a graphitic anode. As examples, vinyl acetate (VA) and acrylonitrile (AN) have been investigated by in-situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in a specially developed IR cell. The measurements focus on electrolyte decomposition and the mechanism of SEI formation in the presence of VA and AN. We conclude that cathodic reduction of the vinylene groups (i.e., via reduction of the double bond) in the electrolyte additives is the initiating and thus a most important step of the SEI-formation process, even in an electrolyte which contains only a few percent (i.e. electrolyte additive amounts) of the compound. The possibility of electropolymerization of the vinylene monomers in the battery electrolytes used is critically discussed on the basis of the IR data obtained.     

Investigation on cell impedance for high-power lithium-ion batteries

Variation of the dc polarization with time has been successfully calculated semiempirically for the lithium-ion battery at a variety of discharging rates. In particular, with the help of circuit analysis, the contribution of the uncompensated ohmic resistance, interfacial impedance, and diffusion impedance to total cathodic polarization has been satisfactorily differentiated as a function of discharging time. In the present work, a simple and practical method has been suggested to help one design effectively the high-power lithium-ion batteries. Dedicated to Professor Su-II Pyun on the occasion of his 65th birthday.     

A sensitive sensor for Cu(II) based on a novel diarylethene with a bipyridyl moiety

A novel diarylethene with a bipyridyl unit has been designed and synthesized for the first time. Its photochromic behaviors could be modulated by protonation and coordination with Cu(II). The absorption maximum of the closed-ring isomer shifted from 569 to 666 nm when trifluoroacetic acid was added. Furthermore, the closed-ring isomer behaved as a sensitive colorimetric sensor, exhibiting an open-ring reaction upon exposure to Cu(II). Its high selectivity toward Cu(II) over other competitive species makes the ‘naked-eye’ detection of Cu(II) possible.     

A novel semi-fluorinated graft copolymer containing perfluorocyclobutyl aryl ether-based backbone

The synthesis of a series of novel semi-fluorinated graft copolymers bearing perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) aryl ether-based backbone and polystyrene side chains is described. This work initially focused on the synthesis of a trifluorovinyl ether (TFVE) monomer containing a bromine atom, which could be employed as an initiating site for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Thermal cyclopolymerization of this TFVE monomer provided a macromolecular initiator followed by subsequent initiating ATRP of styrene to afford the desired PFCB aryl ether-based graft copolymers.     

Ion shielding functional separator using halloysite containing a negative functional moiety for stability improvement of Li-S batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries are one of the attractive next-generation energy storage systems owing to their environmental friendliness,low cost,and high specific e...     

A 7.72% efficient dye sensitized solar cell based on novel necklace-like polymer gel electrolyte containing latent chemically cross-linked gel electrolyte precursors

Novel necklace-like polymer gel electrolytes containing latent chemically cross-linked gel electrolyte precursors were prepared for quasi-solid dye sensitized solar cells with a highest efficiency of 7.72% and an active area of 0.25 cm2 under AM1.5 condition at 100 mW cm(-2) irradiation.     

A novel photoalignment film for ferroelectric liquid crystal based on self-assembled monolayer method

A novel strategy based on self-assembly technology was devised for design of photosensitive material as a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) alignment layer. This development offers new tools for the study and control at the molecular level of the interaction of FLCs with solid surfaces. The photoreactive material was self-assembled to the substrate by covalent bond linkage due to a special chemical adsorption reaction. Through ester bond linkage, a cyano group with strong polarity was introduced to be terminus of the film. Under irradiation of linearly polarised ultraviolet light, an optically anisotropic self-assembled film was easily obtained. The irradiated film was demonstrated to result in homogenous alignment of FLC by optical transmittance measurements and polarising optical microscopy images of a FLC cell at different rotation angles. The alignment quality of the FLC on this self-assembled monolayer film is comparable to that of commercial rubbed polyimide film. Furthermore, it was also found that the fine alignment of the FLC may be related to the smoothness of the self-assembled film surface owing to its polar end.     

Selective electrodes for silver based on polymeric membranes containing cali

Silver ion-selective electrodes were prepared with polymeric membranes based on two calix[4]arene derivatives functionalized by two hydroxy and two benzothiazolylthioethoxy groups. The electrodes all gave a good Nernstian response of 58mV decade(-1) for silver in the activity range 5 x 10(-6)-10(-1) M, the limits of detection reached 10(-5.8) M and exhibited high selectivity towards alkali, alkaline earth and some transition metal ions. The electrode was used as indicator electrode in titrations of Ag+ with Cl- ion.     

Elucidating the function of modified carbon blacks in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries: impact on electrolyte decomposition

We report on the improved electrochemical performance of a high-voltage LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ (LNMO) cathode using surface-modified carbon blacks (CBs) as conductive agents. Facile modifications of CBs were achieved using thermal, urea-based hydrothermal, and acid oxidation treatments. The material properties of the modified CBs, LNMO-based electrode surface, and electrolyte compositions were investigated and correlated. Based on the distribution of the decomposition deposits on the surface of the electrode, it is confirmed that CB, rather than the LNMO active material, dominates the electrolyte decomposition site at a high voltage, owing to its relatively high surface area for the reaction. Additionally, compared with the pristine CB, the hydrothermally treated N-doped CB (HCB) improves the electrochemical performance of the LNMO cathode, although the thermally treated sample exhibits the most adverse influence, followed by the oxidized one. The LNMO/HCB cathode attains optimum capacity retention (approximately 95%) for 100 cycles (1 C) and a high rate capability (70%, 5 C/0.2 C), corresponding to a lowered resistance at the cathode–electrolyte interface. Furthermore, HCB with a limited specific surface area and increased defects, as well as additional pyrrolic-N and pyridinic-N groups, substantially reduces the decomposition deposits on the surface of the electrode and the decomposition products in the electrolyte. These phenomena account for the improved electrochemical performance of the LNMO/HCB cathode.     

Aluminum foil as anode material of lithium-ion batteries: Effect of electrolyte compositions on cycling parameters

Aluminum is used as an example to demonstrate the possibility of spatial stabilization of alloy-forming electrodes of lithium-ion batteries using target formation on their surface of a thin compact inorganic layer and elastic organopolymer coating of products of electroreduction of electrolyte components for improvement of capacity retention and suppression of processes corresponding to irreversible capacity. It is suggested to use aluminum foil as a convenient material and the general approach can be employed as a methodological technique for accelerated composition of an acceptable electrolyte formula for electrodes containing other elements forming alloys with lithium (in particular, silicon and tin).     

Synthesis and characterization of novel polymer-drug conjugate based on the anhydride containing copolymer as a potential method for drug carrier

5-Fluorouracil (5FU) is in clinical use as an antitumor agent for the treatment of several types of solid tumors and cancers. However, development of drug resistance within the tumor cells and side effects has been a major limitation for the clinical use of 5FU. Preparation polymer-5FU conjugation is a promising potential antitumor drug and alternative pathway that could be used to treatment of cancer. For this purpose, water soluble poly(maleic anhydride-alt-N-vinyl pyrrolidone)[Poly(MA-alt-NVP)] is synthesized via charge transfer complex (CTC) copolymerization with benzoyl peroxide as an initiator at 80°C under nitrogen atmosphere. CTC mechanism is formed between through MA and NVP by determined using Uv-vis spectroscopy. Molar absorption coefficient (?^AD) and equilibrium constant (K^AD) of the complex are determined by Scott equation. The results obtained from indicate that copolymerization of MA:NVP system is preceded via alternating mechanism. The compositions of synthesized copolymers are also investigated by elemental analysis and the reactivity ratios of these monomers are calculated by using the elemental analysis data through Kelen-Tüdös, Mayo-Lewis, Fineman-Ross and Inverted Fineman-Ross equations. For preparation of polymer-drug conjugate, chemical modification is employed between the copolymer and 5FU. Polymer-drug conjugate and conjugation mechanism are enlightened by ATR-FTIR, NMR, HR-Raman and XRD methods.