Ex-situ Synthesis Research Articles

Synthesis and characterization of bacterial cellulose composite with graphite and TiO2-ZnO: structural and functional analysis

This research aims to synthesize and characterize a bacterial cellulose (BC)-based composite with graphite and TiO2-ZnO as reinforcement materials using ex-situ synthesis with CTAB as a surfactant. FTIR and SEM-EDS analysis revealed interactions between the matrix and the reinforcement materials, as well as irregular particle distribution in the BC/G-TiO2-ZnO composite. The addition of graphite to BC significantly increased the conductivity of the composite, while the addition of TiO2-ZnO had the opposite effect. The mechanical properties of the composite exhibited an inverse relationship with the conductivity parameter. Swelling tests indicated that pH and the addition of CTAB influenced the swelling behavior of the BC-based composite. The results of this study provide a strong foundation for the development of potential applications in the fields of electronics and pollutant filtration. The synthesis of this composite aims to harness the unique properties of BC, graphite, and TiO2-ZnO, creating a multifunctional material with potential uses in flexible electronics, sensors, biocompatible conductive materials, and advanced filtration systems.

Annealing-induced transformation of nanocomposites based on Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles entangled with functionalized MWCNTs by ex-situ synthesis: Unveiling modified physical properties

The physicochemical properties of NZFO/f-MWCNTs composites based on 5 wt% of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 (NZFO) nanoparticles and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) synthesized via ex-situ method are presented. The influence of annealing on the as-received hybrids is discussed. The structural and microstructural analysis confirms the efficiency of the synthesis process. The slight redistribution of cations over tetrahedral and octahedral sites is noted by Raman and X-ray photoemission (XPS) studies. The NZFO crystallite size is almost stable over sample processing, but the presence of single particles, clusters and aggregates on the f-MWCNTs’ surface is proven. The XPS spectra comparison reveals the domination of nanotubes as designed. The deconvoluted Fe2p lines confirm the iron redistribution slightly modified by annealing. The magnetic properties analysis revealed the cluster-glass state of NZFO particles. The core-shell-like structure with a magnetic core and disordered layer is evidenced. The influence of Fe-based carbon matrix residues in all hybrids was detected.

CTAB-facilitated ex-situ synthesis of chitosan-based ZnO, CuO, and ZnO/CuO nanocomposites for improved optical emission

The present investigation deals with the synthesis and characterization of CTAB assisted pristine ZnO, CuO and ZnO/CuO nanoparticles and their corresponding chitosan based nanocomposites. The XRD and FTIR results reflect the successful formation of pristine nanoparticles as well as their chitosan nanocomposites. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study confirms the tagging of chitosan by revealing the presence of element nitrogen which is expected to be derived from the chitosan biopolymer itself. The optical investigation reveal the bandgap energy of the pristine ZnO, CuO and ZnO/CuO nanoparticles to be 3.2, 1.95 and 2.60 eV, respectively. The interaction of chitosan with the pristine samples bring in changes in the bandgap energy due to alterations in energy band structure. The photoluminescence (PL) studies also clearly indicate the improved optical and electronic property of the composites on addition of chitosan by introducing defects in the crystal structure.

Ex-situ synthesis, comprehensive characterization, and comprehensive properties of PVA film composites coated Spinel MgMn1.8Co0.2O4 nanoparticle

Ex-situ synthesis, comprehensive characterization, and comprehensive properties of PVA film composites coated Spinel MgMn1.8Co0.2O4 nanoparticle

High-temperature resistant, low dielectric SiO2@Quartz fiber composites for high fidelity communication cables

High-fidelity communication in extreme environments has attracted significant attention due to its potential applications in aerospace, polar, deep-sea exploration, fire rescue, and nuclear industries. Yet, challenges persist in constructing dielectric layers with both low dielectric constant and high-temperature stability in communication cables. Herein, low-dielectric inorganic composites utilizing pure silicon oxide (SiO2) are employed as a substitute for conventional organic materials or their composites. By incorporating the in-situ growth of SiO2 microspheres (m-SiO2) on the quartz fiber structure, the composites exhibit a reduced dielectric constant while improving mechanical performance. The flexural stress of the m-SiO2@quartz fiber composites is twice as high as that of the composites prepared by the ex-situ synthesis method. Furthermore, the m-SiO2@quartz fiber composites display high-temperature resistance up to 800 °C with a mass loss less than 1 %. With 30 wt% of quartz fibers, 20 nm of m-SiO2, and 6 wt% of the foaming agent, the composites exhibit a dielectric constant of 1.95. Based on the low-dielectric m-SiO2@quartz fiber composites, the cable demonstrates a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of 1.46, an attenuation of 1.22 dB, and a characteristic impedance of 48 Ω.

Solar-driven photodegradation of synthetic dyes by ternary of titanium oxide-copper oxide-chitosan catalyst

The ternary titanium oxide (TiO2), copper oxide (CuO), and chitosan (TiO2/CuO/Chitosan) photocatalyst (composites) for the photodegradation of synthetic methyl orange (MO) were developed by entrapping copper ions and nanosized TiO2 into chitosan thin films at room temperature. TiO2 Degussa P25 was incorporated with CuO and Chitosan (CS) solution using an ex-situ synthesis method before being immobilized onto glass plates via a dip-coating technique. This study is the first time approach for a combination of a composite comprising two metal oxides to suppress the electron-hole recombination, thus enhancing their catalytic and adsorptive properties. The morphology and surface interactions of the TiO2/CuO/Chitosan composite were determined using techniques such as XRD, FTIR, RAMAN, and SEM-EDX, respectively. The results show the anatase phase and homogenous spherical features of TiO2. The TiO2/CuO/Chitosan composites (0.5 gL-1) exhibited excellent activity for the photodegradation of MO under solar irradiation (λ > 400 nm) at different pH. The decolorization efficiency increased according to pH 9 < pH 7 < pH 6 < pH 3 with the highest degradation efficiency of 85.29% at 1 ppm MO solution, reaching two times greater than the pristine TiO2 nanoparticles (56.55%). Complete degradation of MO was attained at 240 min of solar irradiation with pH 3 using the optimum TiO2/CuO/Chitosan composites of 1:4:1 composition (5 cycles of dip coating) and the photodegradation rate constant is 0.0073 min−1. The physic-chemical study has established the structure, crystalline phase, surface contact, and stability of the catalyst. The photocatalytic improvement under visible irradiation is attributed to band-gap reduction and suspension of electron-hole recombination of the ternary catalyst system. The results of this study offer guidelines for the design of a new synthetic strategy.for the preparation of an efficient photocatalyst for the selective oxidation of synthetic azo dyes compounds.

Ex-situ magnetic activated carbon for the adsorption of three pharmaceuticals with distinct physicochemical properties from real wastewater.

Pharmaceuticals are able to evade conventional wastewater treatments and therefore, are recurrently found in the environment with proven potential to cause harm to human and wildlife. Adsorption onto activated carbon (AC) is a promising complement. However, AC production from non-renewable resources and its difficult after-use recuperation are prohibitive. Hence, a waste-based magnetic activated carbon (MAC) was produced from paper mill sludge, via an ex-situ synthesis, for the adsorptive removal of carbamazepine (CBZ), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and ibuprofen (IBU) from ultrapure water and wastewater. The MAC was obtained through the promotion of electrostatic interactions between magnetic and activated carbon particles in a water suspension at controlled pH between the points of zero charge of both surfaces. The optimized condition (MACX3) presented remarkable properties regarding specific surface area (SBET=795m2 g-1) and saturation magnetization (MS=19emug-1). Kinetic and equilibrium adsorption studies were performed under batch conditions. Adsorption equilibrium was reached in up to 30min for all pharmaceuticals in both matrices, proving the low dependence on the adsorbate and the broad applicability of MACX3 in pharmaceutical adsorption. Regarding equilibrium experiments, high Langmuir maximum adsorption capacities (qm) were achieved in ultrapure water (up to 711 ± 40 µmol g-1). Equilibrium studies in wastewater revealed a decay in qm when compared to ultrapure water: 28% for CBZ (468 ± 20 µmol g-1 (111 ± 5 mg g-1)), 78% for SMX (145±10 µmol g-1 (37 ± 3 mg g-1)) and 62% for IBU (273 ± 8 µmol g-1 (56 ± 2 mg g-1)), attributed to the wastewater pH, which dictates the speciation of the pharmaceuticals and controls electrostatic interactions between pharmaceuticals and MAC, and to competition effects by organic matter. It was demonstrated the promising applicability of a waste-based ex-situ MAC, rapidly retrievable from water, as an alternative tertiary wastewater treatment for pharmaceuticals removal.

Microstructure and magnetoresistance driven magnetocapacitance in ex-situ combustion derived BaTiO3-CoFe2O4 bulk magnetodielectric composites

Enhanced magnetodielectric properties including magnetocapacitance have been observed in the BaTiO3-CoFe2O4 composites due to the microstructural interactions between the dielectric and magnetic phases. Based on this concept, this research work explores the frequency and field dependent magnetocapacitance and magnetoresistance of 70 wt% BaTiO3 – 30 wt% CoFe2O4 composites. Ex-situ synthesis method is adopted to form a partial 0–3 microstructure and this composite is sintered at 900 °C and 1000 °C. Phases such as pseudo-cubic BaTiO3 and cubic CoFe2O4 have been observed in both composites. Secondary phase of barium hexaferrite is observed at 1000 °C. Based on FESEM, CoFe2O4 phase is found to be embedded in the BaTiO3 matrix at 900 °C, however interconnected CoFe2O4 along with partially shrunk BaTiO3 has been observed at 1000 °C. The permittivity of composite is found to be ∼ 317 and ∼ 451 at 900 °C and 1000 °C, respectively, and the Maxwell-Wagner polarization is tuned by the microstructure. The effect of space charge is found to be relatively larger at 1000 °C. Magnetic nature is altered due to the connectivity of ferrite phases. Magnetocapacitance values are mostly analogues to the magnetoresistance behavior in both composites. The percentage of magnetocapacitance is found to be increased nearly 5 times due to the microstructural variations. Field and frequency-dependent magnetocapacitance responses along with Cole-Cole plots of composite confirmed the role of microstructural interactions and magnetoresistance.

Designing UV-protective and hydrophilic or hydrophobic cotton fabrics through in-situ ZnO synthesis using biodegradable waste extracts

An extensive study on using plant waste aqueous extracts as natural chemicals for in-situ synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) on cotton is presented. Reducing agents were prepared from green tea leaves (GT), pomegranate peels (PG), and staghorn sumac leaves (SsL) and drupes (SsD), and the alkaline medium from discarded wood ash. Zinc acetate was found to be more appropriate precursor than zinc nitrate. Formation of ZnO on cotton was confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence results showed the highest amount of ZnO on cotton was formed using PG and SsL extracts, which was also confirmed with scanning electron microscopy and UV/visible spectroscopy. The ZnO-functionalised samples exhibited excellent UV-blocking ability and different wetting properties (hydrophilic or hydrophobic) depending on the reducing agent used due to their different total phenolic content. This study shows that by choosing the plant waste source as a reducing agent for ZnO formation directly on cotton, the properties of cotton can be designed to be hydrophilic or hydrophobic with excellent UV-blocking properties. The XRD results of ex-situ synthesis prove that the short reaction time enables the formation of ZnO.

Ex-situ synthesis of MnS nanoparticles imbedded with carbon nanotubes as a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors

Electrochemical supercapacitors (ESCs), having high power density as well as great cycling stability, have been accepted as the most effective means of the electrochemical energy storage system. Transition metal sulfides (TMSs) have shown a lot of interest in supercapacitors because of their high theoretical capacitance, excellent conductivity, conservation friendliness, cost-effective, quick charge storage operations, and high power density as well as long cycling stability. Among various TMSs, manganese sulfide (MnS), has recently been attracted to supercapacitor applications as a better electrode material. Unfortunately, poor rate capability, fast capacitance fading, and low energy density due to sluggish electrochemical reactions during the fast charge storage process are the main obstacles to its commercial application. To address these stubborn issues like low rate because of poor conductivity, and low cycle efficiency, fabrication of composites by incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNT) could be an effective strategy. In this study, through the hydrothermal method, MnS was synthesized and mixed mechanically with CNT to prepare the MnS/CNT. While assessing the supercapacitive performance, MnS electrodes delivered only 966 F g−1 at 10 Ag−1, whereas at same current density the MnS/CNT composite offered a much higher specific capacitance of 1298.0 F g−1 with outstanding capacitance retention even after 4000 cycles.

Transformation of wheat husk to 3D activated carbon/NiCo2S4 frameworks for high-rate asymmetrical supercapacitors

Transforming carbon-containing biomass into valuable carbon materials is highly required. The approach reduces not only environmental pollution but also develops porous carbon electrodes for energy storage devices. Herein, a novel ex-situ synthesis of Nickel-Cobalt Sulfide/Wheat Husk Activated Carbon (NiCo2S4/WHAC) on Ni foam as an electrode material for supercapacitors was reported. The activated carbon was synthesized from the carbonization of the wheat husk, which was further activated using KOH. Afterward, the NiCo2S4/WHAC/Ni electrode was fabricated by the hydrothermal method. The capacitance of the NiCo2S4/WHAC/Ni electrode was 1962 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. The improved electrochemical performance of NiCo2S4/WHAC electrode could be ascribed to rapid diffusion pathways delivered by WHAC and the fast redox reaction of NiCo2S4. Furthermore, the asymmetric supercapacitor device (NiCo2S4//WHAC) could operate at a potential window of 1.1 V and exhibited a capacitance of 252 F/g, which could provide specific energy of 42 Wh/kg at a specific power of 550 W/kg with 108% capacity retention.

In-situ stabilization strategy for CsPbX3-Silicone resin composite with enhanced luminescence and stability

Abstract Inorganic lead halide perovskite (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals (LHP NCs) are promising materials for a variety of photonic or optoelectronic applications. Yet their intrinsic instability issue remains a critical challenge to overcome. Encapsulation of ionic LHP NCs in inert matrices such as polysiloxanes has been proved as an effective stabilization strategy, but the ex-situ synthesis of LHP NCs remains a limiting factor. Herein, an in-situ stabilization strategy that involves synergistic crystallization of LHP NCs and crosslinking of addition-type silicone oil precursors is reported. This simple, yet general stabilization strategy can effectively passivate the trap defects and increase the radiative recombination of CsPbX3 NCs, which leads to a significant enhancement of the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) from 68% for the solution to 82% for the composite powder. A series of CsPbX3-silicone resin composites with tunable emission wavelength ranging from 445 to 613 nm can be simply obtained by using suitable halide salts. Because of the protection of the silicone resin, the CsPbBr3-silicone resin composites exhibit high stability against moisture or heat in the ambient environment and could still keep their photoluminescence (PL) emission after being kept in air for one year or immersed in water for two months. Such composites have been used as functional downconverters in white LEDs that demonstrated a 92.7% color gamut coverage of Rec.2020. This work provides an alternative approach to solve the challenging stability issue of perovskite NCs.

MWCNTs/NiS2 decorated Ni foam based electrode for high-performance supercapacitors

We report here a novel ex-situ synthesis of MWCNTs/NiS2 nanocomposite on nickel foam as electrode material for supercapacitor applications. Nickel disulfide (NiS2) nanoparticles were synthesized using a one-step solid-state method followed by the preparation of MWCNTs/NiS2 nanocomposite using the ultra-sonication technique. The structural characterization was carried out using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The capacitive properties were studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) method in 2 M KOH solution. The MWCNTs/NiS2 electrode with a 20% weight fraction of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) showed the best electrochemical properties having a maximum specific capacitance of 2054.28Fg-1 at a 2Ag-1 current density and excellent cyclic stability. The electrode retained 99.99% specific capacitance even after 10,000 cycles. The enhanced electrochemical properties of the NiS2 electrode can be attributed to fast diffusion paths provided by CNTs and enhanced redox reactions of NiS2 nanoparticles due to high surface area, decreasing the overall resistance of electrode which is in agreement with the data obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Ex-situ synthesis of bacterial cellulose-copper oxide nanoparticles for effective chemical and biological properties

Ex-situ synthesis of bacterial cellulose-copper oxide nanoparticles for effective chemical and biological properties

A first report on ex-situ synthesis and utilization of pure La4NiLiO8 in emerging high-performance safe batteries

Layered nickel-rich cathode materials such as LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) possess huge potential in developing high-performance secondary batteries. However, the micron-sized particles of NCM523 in electrode laminates produce spacious interparticle voids (electronically dead zones) which dampen the charge transference and cause bulk material degradation after interaction with the excessive liquid electrolyte within the voids, thus alarming their safe and confident use in batteries. In this context, we hereby ex-situ synthesize a highly electro-ionically conductive pure La4NiLiO8 for potential use as a voids-filling agent in enhancing the electrochemical performance and durability of the layered energy storage NCM523. The morphological and crystallinity analyses in conjunction with the thermal treatments confirm high stability of La4NiLiO8 up to 1150 °C, exceptionally low resistances, and fast charge conduction (335 mS cm−1). A simplistic but scientifically important filling of the inter-particle voids with only 6% of La4NiLiO8 decreases the charge transfer resistance from 103.2 to 19 Ω cm2, increases the discharge capacity from 185 mAh g−1 to 214 mAh g−1 at 0.2C, and enhances the capacity retention from 58.9 to 81.5% (after 500 cycles at 1C). Thus, the excellent physico-thermo-electrochemical characteristics and stability of La4NiLiO8 as a voids-filling agent are highly beneficial for developing high-performance safe secondary batteries.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes–polyaniline composites: Synthesis and field-emission analysis

In this article, we report a facile synthesis and comparative analysis of field emission behavior of polyaniline (PANI)-coated as-received and annealed single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films by in-situ polymerization and ex-situ synthesis routes, respectively. Amongst all the samples, the sample prepared by in-situ polymerization method with more fraction of annealed SWCNTs in the composite gave an enhanced field emission characteristics with E to = 3 V/μm and β = 1.2 × 104 probably because of good formation of pi-pi non-covalent bonds between the SWCNTs and PANI represented by pi-pi interaction between the quinoid rings of PANI and π bond of the SWCNTs lattice. A significant increase in the threshold field is observed after annealing and doping of nanocomposite films. Field emission behavior of as-prepared nanocomposite samples are also analyzed and discussed with two PANI forms: micro-PANI particles and PANI nanofibers. It is also speculated that PANI may have helped in lowering the overall work function of the composite structure which gave an enhanced field emission. The stability of all the samples are also presented and it is analyzed that nanocomposite sample films synthesized by in-situ polymerization method showed a stability for at least 8 h. The surface morphology analysis by field emission scanning electron microscopy of nanocomposite sample films reveal an increase in SWCNTs diameter upon PANI wrapping. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectra and X-ray diffraction analysis are also presented.

In-Situ Synthesis of Silver Nitrate Incorporated with Polysulfone Membrane Characterization: Effect of Ag Precursor

Water treatment using membrane filtration is one of the common methods that can generate higher amount of quality water in future. However, polymer blending method via ex-situ synthesis method shows some weaknesses on membrane modification such as membrane prone to fouling and hydrophobic. In this present work, the characterization of in-situ synthesis of silver nitrate (AgNO3)/polysulfone (PSf) membrane was carried out for water separation purposes. The characterization of in-situ synthesis of AgNO3 in PSf membrane has been investigated with the present of silver (Ag) precursor. The Ag/precursor dope solution thermodynamic stability was evaluated via ternary phase diagram. The membrane was characterized in term of morphology, existence of element and membrane surface roughness. The performance of AgNO3 was highly influences by PSf/alkali characterization. The interaction of PSf/AgNO3/precursor reduced thermodynamic stability of the dope solution and increased the phase inversion rate between polymer and solvent and led to more porous sub layer with larger irregular finger like pores. In addition, high molecular weight of alkali reacts with AgNO3 effectively and resulted on higher membrane surface roughness where it is increased up to 58 % causing higher surface area of the membrane. The amorphous peak is due to the presence of alkali in the membrane during the XRD analysis. The intensity of these peaks tended to decrease upon addition of silver in PSf membrane, as compared to regular polymer blending method of Ag on PSf membrane. Thus, in-situ synthesis of silver has potential to be used as a method in membrane fabrication as it enhances membrane performance for water separation.

Ex-Situ Synthesis and Study of Nanosized Mo-Containing Catalyst for Petroleum Residue Hydro-Conversion

This study represents the results of ex-situ synthesis and research of the properties of concentrated suspensions with new catalysts for petroleum residue hydro-conversion. Suspensions were prepared and stabilized in a petroleum residue medium through reverse emulsions containing water-soluble Mo-precursor and S-containing agents (elemental sulfur, thiocarbamide) in the absence of a solid carrier. The resulting ex-situ catalyst dispersions had Mo content of 6–10 wt % and contained nanosized and submicron catalyst particles stabilized in a petroleum residue medium. The effects of S-containing agents on the properties of catalytic particles (sulfidation level, dispersity, structural and morphological features) were studied. The synthesis conditions for the optimal ex-situ catalyst providing the lowest coke yield (0.2 wt %) and the highest conversion (55.5 wt %) during petroleum residue hydro-conversion in a single pass mode have been determined.

Sustainable fabrication of graphene oxide/manganese oxide composites for removing phenolic compounds by adsorption-oxidation process

To develop effective strategies for removing phenolic compounds, in-situ graphene oxide/manganese oxide (GO/MnOX, X = 2, 3/4) composites were fabricated via a sustainable method by synchronously utilizing manganese ions and acidic liquid waste during synthesis of GO. Comparatively, traditionally ex-situ GO/MnO2 composites were synthesized to verify the difference between in-situ and ex-situ synthesis. Based on the schematic and mass flow analysis, in-situ synthesis exhibited better atom economy and less waste emission than ex-situ synthesis. Then, the results of batch experiments exhibited that GO/MnOX composites possessed higher removal efficiency and wider pH range for p-cresol (p-CR) and p-tert-butylphenol (p-TBP) than GO/MnO2 composites. The maximum removal capacities of GO/MnOX composites were 107.68 mg/g for p-CR and 135.41 mg/g for p-TBP. And GO/MnOX composites could retain high removal efficiency for p-TBP (>90%) after five recycles. For in-situ GO/MnOX composites, GO sheets not only promoted the adsorption of phenolic compounds and by-products, but also enhanced the oxidation capacity of MnOX via an electron transfer interaction. Especially, the detection of ring cleavage products indicated further oxidation for p-TBP. Possessing an eco-friendly fabrication strategy and augmented adsorption-oxidation capability, in-situ GO/MnOX composites are expected to be applied in the removal of phenolic compounds.

(Invited) High Energy Density Energy Storage Systems – Strategies for an Energy Independent Future

Energy storage is vital for realizing an energy independent future currently dominated by exploiting natural reserves supplemented by oil and gas exports. Since the commercialization of the first Li-ion battery (LIB) by Sony in 1991, there has been tremendous progress in the areas of cathode, electrolytes as well as anodes [1]. While lithiated transition metal oxides are still the flagship cathode systems largely focused on intercalation chemistry, newer chemistries exploiting alloying and zintl phase formation has been explored for use of silicon as an alternative anode. Similarly, there has been tremendous research in the area of alternative energy storage systems beyond lithium-ion intercalation chemistry. Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSB) as well as well as Li metal anodes have accordingly been the spotlight of much research activity in recent years. All systems are plagued by intransigent electronic conductivity and voltage-specific phase transition related kinetic limitations and physico-electrochemical challenges. Nano-engineered approaches appear primed for overcoming these hurdles. We have thus, embarked on implementing dynamic theoretical and experimental strategies to develop engineered electronic and ionic conducting nanomaterials showing considerable promise. We have also developed myriad concepts over the years related to ex-situ synthesis of active-inactive nanocomposites, use of nanoscale droplets, nanoparticles, hollow Si nanotubes (h-SiNTs), cost-effective template derived nanoscale morphologies, scribable and flexible hetero-structured architectures displaying impressive capacities as high as ~3000 mAh/g with sustained cyclability and high rate capability in Si anodes[2]. Similarly, engineering approaches were implemented for generating sulfur cathodes in LSBs exploiting harnesses of inorganic, nanocomposite, tethered, and polymeric lithium ion conducting (LIC) matrices along with novel fine yarn-like and tethered architectures yielding 5.5 mAh/cm2 – 12 mAh/cm2 areal capacity as well as ~1200 mAh/g specific capacity with sulfur loadings as high as 20 mg/cm2 displaying up to 250 cycles cycling stability[3]. Engineered novel Li metal anodes are also studied as alternative safe anodes. Results of these studies will be discussed. Finally, the presentation will address the bright future of tailored functional engineered systems in the rapidly evolving digitized global internet era of the 21st century and the tremendous prospects for energy independence. References Wang, P.N. Kumta, et al. ACS Nano (2011);Gattu, P.N. Kumta et al. Nano Research (2017)M. Shanthi, P.N. Kumta et al. Electrochimica Acta (2017)