Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes for Zinc and Magnesium Batteries: From Synthetic to Biopolymers

The diversification of current forms of energy storage and the reduction of fossil fuel consumption are issues of high importance for reducing environmental pollution. Zinc and magnesium are multivalent ions suitable for the development of environmentally friendly rechargeable batteries. Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPEs) are currently being researched as part of electrochemical devices because of the advantages of dispersed fillers. This article aims to review and compile the trends of different types of the latest NCPEs. It briefly summarizes the desirable properties the electrolytes should possess to be considered for later uses. The first section is devoted to NCPEs composed of poly(vinylidene Fluoride-co-Hexafluoropropylene). The second section centers its attention on discussing the electrolytes composed of poly(ethylene oxide). The third section reviews the studies of NCPEs based on different synthetic polymers. The fourth section discusses the results of electrolytes based on biopolymers. The addition of nanofillers improves both the mechanical performance and the ionic conductivity; key points to be explored in the production of batteries. These results set an essential path for upcoming studies in the field. These attempts need to be further developed to get practical applications for industry in large-scale polymer-based electrolyte batteries.

A NOVEL, SCALABLE PRODUCTION OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL NANOCOMPOSITE POLYMER FILAMENTS FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

Though a revolutionary process, additive manufacturing (AM) has left more to be desired from printed parts, specifically, improved interlayer strength and minimal defects such as porosity. To overcome these common issues, nanocomposites have become one of the most popular materials used in AM, with various nanoparticles used to achieve a variety of characteristics. The use of these technologies together allows for both to synergistically enhance the final printed parts by improving the process and products simultaneously. Here, we introduce a novel, scalable technique to coat ABS pellets with cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) bonded carbon nanotubes (CNT), to improve the adhesion between layers as well as the mechanical properties of printed parts. An aqueous suspension of CNT-CNC is used to coat ABS pellets before they are dried and extruded into filament for printing. The filament produced using this manufacturing method showed an increase in tensile and interlayer strength as well as improved thermal conductivity. This process uses water as solvent and pristine nanoparticles without the need for any functionalization or surfactants, promoting its scalability. This process has the potential to be used with various polymers and nanoparticles, which allows the materials to be specifically tailored to the end application, (i.e. strength, conductivity, antibacterial, etc.). These nanocomposite filaments have the potential to revolutionize the way that additive manufacturing is utilized in a variety of industries.