Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuluo Chen, Jinpeng Luo, Hang Xu, Xinran Hou, Man Gong, Changshu Yang, HuiCong Liu, Xiuqin Wei, Lang Zhou, Chuanqiang Yin, Xiaomin Li
Summary: Due to its excellent thermal stability, polyimide (PI) is considered a promising alternative for high-safety lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) separators. However, the wettability of PI separators to electrolytes remains undesirable. In this study, a composite membrane with a core-shell structure was developed using the complexation-hydrolyzation method, where gamma-Al2O3 nanoparticles were anchored on PI nanofibers (PI@gamma-Al2O3) as an LIB separator. The results showed that the PI@gamma-Al2O3 nanofiber membrane exhibited improved physicochemical properties and electrochemical performances, including enhanced wettability and higher ionic conductivity. Moreover, the membrane maintained a high capacity retention rate after 100 cycles. Therefore, the core-shell PI@gamma-Al2O3 nanofiber membranes have a promising future for the safety and stability of LIBs.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Menglin Li, Lei Sheng, Rong Xu, Yang Yang, Yaozong Bai, Shangjun Song, Gaojun Liu, Tao Wang, Xianli Huang, Jianping He
Summary: By treating PI nanofiber membrane with lithium polyacrylate (PAALi) binder, the mechanical strength is improved, making it promising for high-power lithium ion battery applications.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Weiwei Li, Bin Yang, Ruixue Pang, Meiyun Zhang
Summary: This study developed a sandwiched separator based on aramid nanofibers (ANFs) and Al2O3 nanoparticles through a facile coating process on a polyolefin separator. The thin coating layer, composed of entangled ANF network and Al2O3 NPs, possesses high strength, toughness, desirable nanoscale porosity, excellent thermostability, and wettability, which can improve the original polyolefin separator. The hybrid coating layer and sandwiched construction reduce the shuttle effect and enhance the electrochemical performance of lithium-sulfur batteries.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Chunyang Zhou, Wei Zong, Gangyong Zhou, Xiaoshan Fan, Yue-E Miao
Summary: In this study, a radical functionalized bilayer porous composite membrane was prepared by electrospinning on the surface of commercial polypropylene separator, which can guide the uniform distribution of Li nucleation and improve the efficiency and reversibility of lithium metal batteries.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yi Liu, Chunxing Li, Chao Li, Zhenye Liang, Xueshan Hu, Hao Liu, Ze Zhang, Meng Cui, Gang Chen, Jiayu Wan, Xiangwu Zhang, Jinsong Tao
Summary: Traditional polyolefin-based separators have poor thermal stability and weak electrolyte wettability. In this study, a unique hydroxyapatite/cellulose nanofiber hybrid separator was fabricated using hydroxyapatite and cellulose nanofibers as raw materials. The hybrid separators showed excellent thermal properties, outstanding flame retardancy, and improved electrolyte wettability, resulting in better performance of the lithium-ion batteries.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xinwang Cao, Chang Ma, Lei Luo, Lei Chen, Hui Cheng, Raphael Simha Orenstein, Xiangwu Zhang
Summary: The addition of nanofiber materials to Li-ion batteries has been a significant advancement, as it provides unique structural features and enhances their electrochemical performance. This article discusses recent advancements in nanofiber materials for Li-ion batteries, including the synthesis, structure, and properties of nanofiber cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes, as well as their applications. The challenges and prospects of nanofiber materials in Li-ion battery applications are also outlined.
ADVANCED FIBER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Young Dong Lee, Jirayu Yuenyongsuwan, Phornwalan Nanthananon, Yong Ku Kwon
Summary: Novel polyimide composite films containing graphene oxide are prepared and used in lithium-sulfur batteries. The composite films show excellent thermal and chemical stability, reversible adsorption of polysulfide, and improved battery performance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nan Wang, Wenyong Liu, Haiyang Liao, Zhihan Li, Yi Chen, Guangsheng Zeng
Summary: Pure cellulose nanofiber (CNF) separators for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) were prepared using CNF as the matrix and tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) as the dispersion medium by a facile filtration method. The freeze-dried separator at -80 degrees C with TBA as the dispersion medium (TBA-FD) exhibited the best performance, with high porosity, electrolyte uptake, and ionic conductivity. The CNF separators showed good thermal stability and demonstrated superior cycling stability and rate performance in LIBs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chi-Yang Tsai, Ying-Ling Liu
Summary: This study addresses the major issues of lithium metal batteries, such as the instability of the lithium and electrolyte interface and lithium dendrite growth, by employing a crosslinked polyimide for preparation of thermally-stable separators. The separators made in this study are effective in preventing lithium dendrite growth and exhibit high stability at high C rates.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chunyang Zhou, Jing Wang, Xiaobo Zhu, Kai Chen, Yue Ouyang, Yue Wu, Yue-E Miao, Tianxi Liu
Summary: A bifunctional polyvinyl alcohol/poly(lithium acrylate) composite nanofiber separator is developed to address the main challenges in Li-S batteries by enabling rapid lithium ion transport and ionic shielding of polysulfides. The composite nanofiber membrane possesses well-developed porous structures and high ionic conductivity, synergistically reducing charge transfer resistance and inhibiting lithium dendrite growth, resulting in ultra-stable Li-S batteries with low fading rates and high capacity retention.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhanghua Zou, Yanli Wei, Zhiyu Hu, Hongting Pu
Summary: The PP nanofiber separator PPNFS-120, produced by nanolayer coextrusion technology, exhibits excellent performance with high tensile strength, low interfacial impedance, high ionic conductivity, and good thermal stability. It also has a higher electrolyte uptake due to increased porosity, showing potential for use in high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jianwei Li, Xuanning Zhang, Yuyan Lu, Keliang Linghu, Chen Wang, Zhonglei Ma, Xinhai He
Summary: In this study, composite nanofibrous membranes (CNMs) with enhanced mechanical strength and thermal stability were successfully fabricated by synthesizing fluorinated polyimide (FPI) and blending it with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The CNMs showed improved tensile strength and almost no dimensional shrinkage after heat treatment. In addition, the CNMs exhibited enhanced electrochemical performances compared to neat PVDF and commercial Celgard membranes, with higher electrolyte uptake and ionic conductivity. The prepared CNMs offer a promising approach for high-performance separator design.
ADVANCED FIBER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jui-Yu Pai, Cheng-Ta Hsieh, Chih-Hung Lee, Jeng-An Wang, Hao-Yu Ku, Chun-Lung Huang, Laurence J. Hardwick, Chi-Chang Hu
Summary: Functionalised polyimide separators with SiO2 nanoparticles enhance mechanical strength, electrolyte uptake capability, and ionic conductivity, improving the performance of electrical double-layer capacitors and lithium-ion batteries. Adding SiO2 NPs helps tailor the properties of the polyimide separator for specific applications, such as high-rate performances and thermal shutdown function.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yang Wang, Minhao Guo, Hui Fu, Zhenzhong Wu, Yizhe Zhang, Guojie Chao, Suli Chen, Longsheng Zhang, Tianxi Liu
Summary: This article presents a facile and scalable strategy to prepare thermotolerant separators of cross-linked PI fibers with a narrowed pore size via blended electrospinning and thermal imidization. The resulting separator exhibits higher porosity, better electrolyte adsorption, and higher ionic conductivity, leading to greatly enhanced electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yanghui Song, Guanglei Zhao, Sihan Zhang, Chong Xie, Xiaofeng Li
Summary: This study successfully fabricated a thin and porous chitosan nanofiber separator and demonstrated its excellent performance for use in lightweight and high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daniel Maldonado-Lopez, Jassiel R. Rodriguez, Vilas G. Pol, Ravuri Syamsai, Nirmala Grace Andrews, S. J. Gutierrez-Ojeda, Rodrigo Ponce-Perez, Ma Guadalupe Moreno-Armenta, Jonathan Guerrero-Sanchez
Summary: By calculations and experiments, we investigated the lithiation process in Ti4C3 and Ti2Ta2C3 MXenes. The Ti2Ta2C3 MXene showed higher stability and storage capacity, making it suitable for energy storage applications.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
A. R. Shekhar, M. H. Parekh, V. G. Pol
Summary: The accelerated industrialization of the global energy economy brings the need for battery recycling and upcycling technology, emphasizing environmental efficiency, lifecycle assessment, and safety mechanisms. This review aims to introduce the concept of worldwide sustainability and industrial battery hazard assessment, addressing knowledge gaps and exploring prospects for sustainable battery recycling.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mihit H. Parekh, Suyash Oka, Jodie Lutkenhaus, Vilas G. Pol
Summary: Ionically conducting, porous separator membranes play a crucial role in lithium-ion batteries, and advanced separators with superior thermal stability and mechanical strength are needed for next-generation batteries. The aramid nanofiber separators processed and tested in this study outperformed commercial polypropylene separators in terms of mechanical properties, electrochemical performance, and thermal safety aspects.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Brett M. Savoie, Vilas G. Pol, Soohwan Kim, Bumjoon Seo, Hari Vignesh Ramasamy, Zhongxia Shang, Haiyan Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of EC-free high salt concentration electrolyte (HSCE) to improve the performance and reaction kinetics of lithium-ion batteries at low temperatures, resulting in excellent electrochemical performance.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Colin M. Jamison, Soohwan Kim, Hari Vignesh Ramasamy, Thomas E. Adams, Vilas G. Pol
Summary: The first-ever lithium-ion battery cycler capable of testing cells in ultralow temperatures down to -175 degrees C was reported. It can simulate extreme climates found in space missions, polar regions, and military expeditions. The cycler achieves extreme cold temperatures using liquid nitrogen flow. The researchers successfully tested different lithium-ion cells at various temperatures and obtained discharge capacities and reversible capacities for the first time at -100 degrees C.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mihit H. Parekh, Manikandan Palanisamy, Vilas G. Pol
Summary: The development of reserve lithium-ion batteries (RLIBs) for Li+ ion free V2O5 cathodes with graphitic anodes has achieved high charge capacity and stable cycling performance. This technology offers potential applications for other Li+ ion free cathodes, such as vanadium oxides, sulfur, FeS2, MnO2, etc.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Soohwan Kim, Vilas G. G. Pol
Summary: The ineffectiveness of Li-ion batteries (LIBs) in cold climates, due to the intrinsic properties of LIB materials, hinders the use of electronics in frigid environments. A solution to this problem is the use of Li-metal batteries (LMBs) with a Li-metal anode stabilized by a high-concentration electrolyte. The high-concentration electrolyte allows for improved low-temperature performance by promoting regular deposition and enhancing Li+ transport.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daniel A. Gribble, Evan McCulfor, Zheng Li, Mihit Parekh, Vilas G. Pol
Summary: Thermal safety is crucial for marketable batteries, and conducting polymer binders like PEDOT:PSS show enhanced thermal safety and improved electrochemical performance compared to standard PVDF binders. Conducting binders contribute to lower heat generation during solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) decomposition, providing stability against thermal runaway and offering higher capacity and better kinetics in lithium-ion batteries.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Palwinder Kaur, Sudeshna Bagchi, Vilas G. Pol, Amol P. Bhondekar
Summary: An interdigitated platinum electrode coated with a submicron thick layer of PEDOT-PSS was used to detect binary and ternary mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using impedance spectroscopy. The impedance response of the sensor was analyzed for physical and chemical changes when interacting with different VOC mixtures. Integrating multi-gas detecting sensors with the battery management system (BMS) can provide cost-effective and efficient early warning before catastrophic thermal runaway events.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jassiel R. Rodriguez, Henry J. Hamann, Garrett M. Mitchell, Volkan Ortalan, Daniel Gribble, Beichen Xiong, Vilas G. Pol, P. Veeraraghavan Ramachandran
Summary: Ammonia-borane reduction of tin (II) chloride was used to prepare customized and interconnected Sn@SnO2 core-shell nanoparticles. The Sn@SnO2-based electrode exhibited high reversible capacity, rate capability, and capacity retention, as well as low charge transfer resistance and electrode polarization. The presence of voids and a SnO2 shell in the interconnected Sn@SnO2 nanoparticles contributed to stable lithium-ion storage.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Heramba Venkata Sai Rama Murthy Koppisetti, Harsha Rao, Hari Vignesh Ramasamy, Harish Reddy Inta, Sayan Das, Soohwan Kim, Yizhi Zhang, Haiyan Wang, Venkataramanan Mahalingam, Vilas Pol
Summary: The synthesis and characterization of a coexistent P3/O3 biphasic cathode material with LiF integration is reported. The presence of Li and F was confirmed by spectroscopy techniques, and the biphasic cathode demonstrated improved capacity retention and rate capability compared to the pristine cathode.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ethan Adams, Mihit Parekh, Daniel Gribble, Thomas Adams, Vilas G. Pol
Summary: The demand for energy storage solutions that can withstand extremely low temperatures in space and the Arctic has led to the development of a new type of ternary fluorinated electrolyte. This electrolyte has a low freezing point and enhanced charge transfer kinetics compared to standard commercial electrolytes. It has shown superior performance in subzero temperatures and is composed of a single lithium salt dissolved in a three-solvent mixture. The optimized electrolyte retained a high capacity at low temperatures and had a tailored solvation shell for improved performance.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mihit H. Parekh, Harsha Rao, Deep Jokhakar, Vihang P. Parikh, Manikandan Palanisamy, Vilas G. Pol
Summary: In this study, a tailored separator was used to address critical issues in sulfur cathodes, including poor sulfur conductivity, polysulfide shuttling, and lithium dendritic growth. The functionalized separator successfully adsorbed polysulfides and prevented their shuttling, leading to improved performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. The system exhibited high capacity retention and stability, making it valuable for applications in defense, transportation, and space explorations.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Manikandan Palanisamy, Ramakrishnan Perumal, Vilas G. Pol
Summary: Advanced wave-shape non-graphitizable carbon sheets with mesoporous weaved turbostratic micropore structure show stable Na+ ion storage behavior. The material exhibits a disordered graphitic structure, superior discharge-charge capacities, and a predominant exothermic peak in calorimetry analysis, making it a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
