scholarly journals Lithium-Conducting Self-Assembled Organic Nanotubes

Author(s):  
Michael Strauss ◽  
Insu Hwang ◽  
Austin Evans ◽  
Anusree Natraj ◽  
Xavier Aguilar-Enriquez ◽  
...  

<p>Supramolecular polymers are compelling platforms for the design of stimuli-responsive materials with emergent functions. Here, we report the assembly of an amphiphilic nanotube for Li-ion conduction that exhibits high ionic conductivity, mechanical integrity, electrochemical stability, and solution processability. Imine condensation of a pyridine-containing diamine with a triethylene glycol functionalized isophthalaldehyde yields pore-functionalized macrocycles. Atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and <i>in solvo</i> X-ray diffraction reveal that macrocycle protonation under their mild synthetic conditions drives assembly into high-aspect ratio (>10<sup>3</sup>) nanotubes with three interior triethylene glycol groups. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrates that lithiated nanotubes are efficient Li<sup>+</sup> conductors, with an activation energy of 0.42 eV and a peak room temperature conductivity of 3.91 × 10<sup>-5</sup> S cm<sup>-1</sup>. <sup>7</sup>Li NMR and Raman spectroscopy demonstrate that lithiation occurs exclusively within the nanotube interior and implicates the glycol groups in facilitating efficient Li<sup>+</sup> transduction. Linear sweep voltammetry and galvanostatic lithium plating-stripping tests reveal that this nanotube-based electrolyte is stable over a wide potential range and supports long-term cyclability. These findings demonstrate how coupling synthetic design and supramolecular structural control can yield high-performance ionic transporters that are amenable to device relevant fabrication. More broadly, these results demonstrate the technological potential of chemically designed self-assembled nanotubes. </p>

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Strauss ◽  
Insu Hwang ◽  
Austin Evans ◽  
Anusree Natraj ◽  
Xavier Aguilar-Enriquez ◽  
...  

<p>Supramolecular polymers are compelling platforms for the design of stimuli-responsive materials with emergent functions. Here, we report the assembly of an amphiphilic nanotube for Li-ion conduction that exhibits high ionic conductivity, mechanical integrity, electrochemical stability, and solution processability. Imine condensation of a pyridine-containing diamine with a triethylene glycol functionalized isophthalaldehyde yields pore-functionalized macrocycles. Atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and <i>in solvo</i> X-ray diffraction reveal that macrocycle protonation under their mild synthetic conditions drives assembly into high-aspect ratio (>10<sup>3</sup>) nanotubes with three interior triethylene glycol groups. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrates that lithiated nanotubes are efficient Li<sup>+</sup> conductors, with an activation energy of 0.42 eV and a peak room temperature conductivity of 3.91 × 10<sup>-5</sup> S cm<sup>-1</sup>. <sup>7</sup>Li NMR and Raman spectroscopy demonstrate that lithiation occurs exclusively within the nanotube interior and implicates the glycol groups in facilitating efficient Li<sup>+</sup> transduction. Linear sweep voltammetry and galvanostatic lithium plating-stripping tests reveal that this nanotube-based electrolyte is stable over a wide potential range and supports long-term cyclability. These findings demonstrate how coupling synthetic design and supramolecular structural control can yield high-performance ionic transporters that are amenable to device relevant fabrication. More broadly, these results demonstrate the technological potential of chemically designed self-assembled nanotubes. </p>


2014 ◽  
Vol 1024 ◽  
pp. 335-338
Author(s):  
Woon Gie Chong ◽  
Khairul Bahiyah Md Isa ◽  
Lisani Othman ◽  
Nurul Husna Zainol ◽  
Siti Mariam Samin ◽  
...  

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based polymer electrolytes composed of PAN, lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4), ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl phthalate (DMP) were prepared by solution casting technique. The variation of conductivity with LiBF4 concentrations of the prepared films has been studied using AC impedance spectroscopy. The conductivity of the films is charge concentration dependent and the highest room temperature conductivity of 1.08 ×10-2 S cm-1 is achieved for the film with optimum composition. The thermal activated conductivity of the films obeys Arrhenius rule in the temperature range from 303 K to 353 K. The electrochemical stability of the PAN-based films has been investigated using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) with three electrodes system. The films were found to be electrochemically stable up to 4.4 V. The reversibility of the lithium ions conduction in the polymer electrolyte films have been studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV).


Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 190
Author(s):  
Razik Djara ◽  
Marie-Agnès Lacour ◽  
Abdelhafid Merzouki ◽  
Julien Cambedouzou ◽  
David Cornu ◽  
...  

The breakthrough in water electrolysis technology for the sustainable production of H2, considered as a future fuel, is currently hampered by the development of tough electrocatalytic materials. We report a new strategy of fabricating conducting polymer-derived nanostructured materials to accelerate the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and water splitting. Extended physical (XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)) and electrochemical (cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)) methods were merged to precisely characterize the as-synthesized iridium and ruthenium modified polyaniline (PANI) materials and interrogate their efficiency. The presence of Ir(+III) cations during polymerization leads to the formation of Ir metal nanoparticles, while Ru(+III) induces the formation of RuO2 oxide nanoparticles by thermal treatment; they are therefore methods for the on-demand production of oxide or metal nanostructured electrocatalysts. The findings from using 0.5 M H2SO4 highlight an ultrafast electrochemical kinetic of the material PANI-Ir for HER (36 − 0 = 36 mV overpotential to reach 10 mA cm−2 at 21 mV dec−1), and of PANI-Ru for OER (1.47 − 1.23 = 240 mV overpotential to reach 10 mA cm−2 at 47 mV dec−1), resulting in an efficient water splitting exactly at its thermoneutral cell voltage of 1.45 V, and satisfactory durability (96 h).


2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (7) ◽  
pp. 491-498
Author(s):  
Jung-Il Lee ◽  
Hui Ra Chae ◽  
Jeong Ho Ryu

Transition-metal-based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have attracted substantial attention as highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts because they are earth-abundant, low-cost, and environmentally friendly materials with favorable adsorption/desorption energies for intermittent reactants. However, the application of these LDHs as high-performance electrocatalysts is often hindered by their relatively sluggish electronic transport kinetics resulting from their intrinsically low conductivity. Here, we report the effects of incorporating a metalloid into transition metal LDHs on their electrocatalytic activity. In this study, Te-incorporated NiCo LDH (χTe-NiCo LDH) was grown on a three-dimensional porous nickel foam (NF) using a facile solvothermal method with χ = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8. The crystal structure and surface nanostructure were investigated by X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. A homogeneous nanosheet structure on the NF was clearly observed for the NiCo LDH and χTe-NiCo (χ = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) LDHs. However, irregular and collapsed nanostructures were found on the surface of the NF when the Te precursor ratio (χ) exceeded 0.6. The electrocatalytic OER properties were analyzed by linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The amount of Te used in the electrocatalytic reaction was found to play a crucial role in improving the catalytic activity. The optimum Te amount (χ) introduced into the NiCo LDH is discussed with respect to the OER performance.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 533
Author(s):  
Fan Yang ◽  
Xichuan Liu ◽  
Rui Mi ◽  
Lei Yuan ◽  
Xi Yang ◽  
...  

A novel facile process for fabrication of amorphous MnO2/bamboo charcoal monolith hybrids (MnO2/BC) for potential supercapacitor applications using γ-irradiation methods is described. The structural, morphological and electrochemical properties of the MnO2/BC hybrids have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The combination of BC (electrical double layer charge) and MnO2 (pseudocapacitance) created a complementary effect, which enhanced the specific capacitance and good cyclic stability of the MnO2/BC hybrid electrodes. The MnO2/BC hybrids showed a higher specific capacitance (449 F g−1 at the constant current density of 0.5 A g−1 over the potential range from –0.2 V to 0.8 V), compared with BC (101 F g−1) in 1 M of Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. Furthermore, the MnO2/BC hybrid electrodes showed superior cycling stability with 78% capacitance retention, even after 10,000 cycles. The experimental results demonstrated that the high performance of MnO2/BC hybrids could be a potential electrode material for supercapacitors.


2018 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 1850005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khushbu Gohel ◽  
D. K. Kanchan

Poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) comprising propylene carbonate and diethyl carbonate mixed plasticizer with variation of lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) salt concentrations have been prepared using a solvent casting technique. Structural characterization has been carried out using XRD wherein diffraction pattern reveals the amorphous nature of sample up to 7.5[Formula: see text]wt.% salt and complexation of polymers and salt have been studied by FTIR analysis. Surface morphology of the samples has been studied using scanning electron microscope. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range 303–363[Formula: see text]K has been carried out for electrical conductivity. The maximum room temperature conductivity of 2.83[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]S cm[Formula: see text] has been observed for the GPE incorporating 7.5[Formula: see text]wt.% LiClO4. The temperature dependence of ionic conductivity obeys the Arrhenius relation. The increase in ionic conductivity with change in temperatures and salt content is observed. Transport number measurement is carried out by Wagner’s DC polarization method. Loss tangent (tan [Formula: see text]) and imaginary part of modulus ([Formula: see text]) corresponding to dielectric relaxation and conductivity relaxation respectively show faster relaxation process with increasing salt content up to optimum value of 7.5[Formula: see text]wt.% LiClO4. The modulus ([Formula: see text]) shows that the conductivity relaxation is of non-Debye type (broader than Debye peak).


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (22) ◽  
pp. 8707-8715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fong-Yi Cao ◽  
Yu-Ying Lai ◽  
Yung-Lung Chen ◽  
Yen-Ju Cheng

Non-conjugated triethylene glycol (3-EG), tetraethylene glycol (4-EG) and pentaethylene glycol (5-EG) are presented as new cathode modification materials to achieve high-performance inverted-PCSs.


Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 5986
Author(s):  
Tao Chen ◽  
Hao Guo ◽  
Leiming Yu ◽  
Tao Sun ◽  
Anran Chen ◽  
...  

Si/PEDOT: PSS solar cell is an optional photovoltaic device owing to its promising high photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) and economic manufacture process. In this work, dopamine@graphene was firstly introduced between the silicon substrate and PEDOT:PSS film for Si/PEDOT: PSS solar cell. The dopamine@graphene was proved to be effective in improving the PCE, and the influence of mechanical properties of dopamine@graphene on solar cell performance was revealed. When dopamine@graphene was incorporated into the cell preparation, the antireflection ability of the cell was enhanced within the wavelength range of 300~450 and 650~1100 nm. The enhanced antireflection ability would benefit amount of the photon-generated carriers. The electrochemical impedance spectra test revealed that the introduction of dopamine@graphene could facilitate the separation of carriers and improve the junction quality. Thus, the short-circuit current density and fill factor were both promoted, which led to the improved PCE. Meanwhile, the influence of graphene concentration on device performances was also investigated. The photovoltaic conversion efficiency would be promoted from 11.06% to 13.15% when dopamine@graphene solution with concentration 1.5 mg/mL was applied. The achievements of this study showed that the dopamine@graphene composites could be an useful materials for high-performance Si/PEDOT:PSS solar cells.


Hydrogen ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-75
Author(s):  
Sheng-Mu You ◽  
Waleed M. A. El Rouby ◽  
Loïc Assaud ◽  
Ruey-An Doong ◽  
Pierre Millet

Photoanodes comprising a transparent glass substrate coated with a thin conductive film of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and a thin layer of a photoactive phase have been fabricated and tested with regard to the photo-electro-oxidation of water into molecular oxygen. The photoactive layer was made of a mat of TiO2 nanorods (TDNRs) of micrometric thickness. Individual nanorods were successfully photosensitized with nanoparticles of a metal–organic framework (MOF) of nickel and 1,2-benzene dicarboxylic acid (BDCA). Detailed microstructural information was obtained from SEM and TEM analysis. The chemical composition of the active layer was determined by XRD, XPS and FTIR analysis. Optical properties were determined by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The water photooxidation activity was evaluated by linear sweep voltammetry and the robustness was assessed by chrono-amperometry. The OER (oxygen evolution reaction) photo-activity of these photoelectrodes was found to be directly related to the amount of MOF deposited on the TiO2 nanorods, and was therefore maximized by adjusting the MOF content. The microscopic reaction mechanism which controls the photoactivity of these photoelectrodes was analyzed by photo-electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Microscopic rate parameters are reported. These results contribute to the development and characterization of MOF-sensitized OER photoanodes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santanu Panja ◽  
Dave J. Adams

Stimuli responsive dynamic changes in the networks of self-assembled gels result in an alteration of physical and chemical properties of the gel with time.


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