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.     

Reduction and coupling reaction of carbonyl compounds by KI/Fe(OH)3 in aqueous media

ABSTRACT

A small amount of ferric hydroxide was found to catalyze KI-activated coupling of aromatic aldehydes and acetophenone to give the corresponding pinacols in high yields. The ratio of meso to dl isomer was approximately 1:1. Most aliphatic aldehydes and ketones were unreactive under the same conditions.     

Nanowire of WP as a High-Performance Anode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries

The design and development of electrode materials with high specific capacity and long cycling life for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is still a critical challenge. In this communication, we report the development of tungsten phosphide (WP) nanowire on carbon cloth (WP/CC) as an anode for SIBs. The WP/CC exhibits superior sodium storage capability with 502 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹. Moreover, this anode is capable of delivering a long lifespan at 2 A g⁻¹ with an excellent capacity retention of 99 % after 1000 cycles.     

Microwave‐assisted Synthesis and Its Reversible Li‐storage Properties of Porous Sheet‐like Co3O4

Porous Co₃O₄ nanosheets were designed and fabricated from common Co(NO₃ )₂ solution without any surfactants or templates under microwave radiation conditions. After the microstructures and morphologies were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM ), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD ), transmission electron microscopy (TEM ), and N₂ absorption/desorption isotherms techniques, the obtained Co₃O₄ nanosheets were applied for reversible Li‐storage, displaying larger capacity, better cycling performance and rate capability, i.e., a reversible specific capacity of ca. 800 mAh /g during initial 30 cycles and a reversible capacity of 450 mAh /g at 2C for Co₃O₄ nanosheets, which were almost twice higher than those for Co₃O₄ nanoparticles. The improved cycling stability could be attributed to the remarkable synergistic effects between porous structures and nanosheet‐like morphologies.     

Effect of plant extracts on book deteriorated fungal species

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of leaf extracts of four plants against some isolated fungal species from deteriorated books. Aqueous, methanol and chloroform extracts of selected plant species were screened in vitro for their antifungal activity against some book deteriorating fungal species. Fifteen species belonging to 09 genera were isolated and identified from infested books in library. Aqueous and solvent extracts of leaves of Azadiracta indica, Callistemon citrinus, Eucalyptus lanceolatus and Pongamia pinnata were tested against some dominant fungal species viz. Chaetomium spiralis, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus stolonifer. Solvent extracts exhibited potent inhibitory activity than aqueous extracts. However, these plant extracts exhibited moderate activity against A. flavus, C. spiralis, R. stolonifer and A. alternata.     

Toxicity analysis of second use lithium-ion battery separator and electrolyte

Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) test, smoke toxicity analysis and mouse biological toxicity test were carried out on the second use lithium-ion battery separator and electrolyte. It was found that the types of cracked products of separator and electrolyte under different state of health (SOH) were basically the same, mainly phosphoryl fluoride (POF₃) and long-chain F-containing alkanes, alcohols and esters. The content of POF₃ in the cracked product increases as the SOH increases. The toxic gas components released after the separator and the electrolyte are completely burned mainly include CO, CO₂, and HF. The HF content decreased as the battery SOH decreased, from 101.6 mg/g of the 100% SOH battery to 44.1 mg/g of the 65% SOH battery. In the biological toxicity test, all the mice were found to stop running, close eyes, shed tears, and have shortness of breath. After the test, only 65% SOH and 100% SOH mice recovered their body weight to the pre-experimental average state and gained weight.     

Recent Advances in the Research of Photo-Assisted Lithium-Based Rechargeable Batteries

The application of solar energy is crucial for alleviating the energy crisis and achieving sustainable development. In recent years, photo-assisted rechargeable batteries have attracted researchers because they can directly convert and store solar energy in the batteries. And it also can be used like a normal battery without light illumination. Photo-assisted lithium-based batteries have received more attention than other energy storage systems due to their higher energy density and relatively mature development. This Review focuses on the design of various photo-assisted lithium-based batteries including Li-ion, Li-S, Li-O₂, Li-CO₂ and Li-I batteries, as well as the working mechanism of photoelectrodes in these battery systems. The basic understanding and challenge of photo-assisted lithium-based batteries are also discussed. At last, perspectives for the photoelectrode development are provided in the summary to advance photo-assisted energy storage systems.