Functional Silane Research Articles

A long aliphatic chain functional silane for corrosion and microbial corrosion resistance of steel

In the present work octadecyltrimethoxysilane (ODTMS) was deposited on mild steel in one and two-step treatments for corrosion resistance against a chloride medium (with and without sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB)). Electrochemical results showed that a hydrolysis of ODTMS for 3 h at pH 4 was sufficient for achieving a considerable enhancement in corrosion protection due to just one-step coating. However, corrosion resistance was found to be significantly superior due to the two-step treatment. The influence of the coating developed upon two-step treatment on the corrosion resistance of mild steel in the chloride solution containing SRB was assessed using comprehensive electrochemical analysis.

Strategies for Localizing Multiple Functional Groups in Mesoporous Silica Particles through a One-Pot Synthesis

The process of postcondensation for the functionalization of mesoporous silica is based on the cooperation between the end-on growth of arrays of silica nanochannels and the steric hindrance of the functional silanes (R-silanes). To obtain particles with differently functionalized surfaces (thiol and amino groups), the delayed addition of another R-silane was introduced. This tandem postcondensation approach allows for three selective functionalization strategies, depending on the mobility and the steric hindrance of the R-silanes. Following these one-pot synthesis strategies, functional groups can be placed independently on the pore entrances and on the internal surface of the mesoporous silica particles. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to image the functional group distribution after selective coupling with a fluorescent dye. Nitrogen sorption measurements were conducted to confirm the well-defined mesoporosity of the functionalized products.

Corrosion study of silane-functionalized graphene oxide coatings on copper

This research work aims to produce corrosion resistant silane-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) coatings on copper (Cu) metal. Two types of precursor graphite (flakes and powder) were utilized to synthesize GO following improved Hummers' method, and resulting GO was labelled as FGO and PGO, respectively. GO was deposited on copper metal, which was made anode and platinum was made cathode, from GO/water suspension by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Silane functionalization was performed by immersing GO-coated samples in 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane solution. The role of precursor graphite and post-coating treatment of GO coating with silane on corrosion protection ability of GO coatings was studied. Optimum EPD parameters for the development of uniform coatings were found to be 5 V and 30 s with GO/water concentration of 2:1. Characterization of GO and silane-functionalizedGO coatings was performed by atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Corrosion behavior of GO and silane-functionalizedGO-coated Cu samples was studied by Tafel analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) in 3.5% NaCl solution. The results showed that precursor graphite effects quality of GO, and consequently the corrosion behavior of the GO coatings. PGO-coated Cu showed better corrosion protection compared to FGO-coated Cu as determined by Tafel analysis. Tafel analysis showed that PGO coating and silane-functionalizedPGO coating developed at optimized parameters enhanced corrosion resistance of Cu by ca. 3.45× and 23×, respectively, compared to bare Cu. Tafel results were well validated by EIS and CV.

Silane functionalization effects on dispersion of alumina nanoparticles in hybrid carbon fiber composites.

Hybrid carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites are a new breed of materials currently being explored and characterized for next-generation aerospace applications. Through the introduction of secondary reinforcements, such as alumina nanoparticles, hybrid properties including improved mechanical properties-fracture toughness, for example-and stress-sensing capabilities can be achieved. However, problems with manufacturing can arise resulting from the inherent variability of the manufacturing techniques along with the tendency for the nanoparticles to agglomerate. Photoluminescence spectroscopy is used to investigate the effects of adjustments to manufacturing processes and silane functionalization on particle dispersion and sample consistency between samples of the same type. This work finds that application of surface treatments on the nanoparticles improved their dispersion, with the reactive treatment providing for the most consistency among samples. Improvements to dispersion and increased consistency resulting from specific changes in manufacturing processes were shown numerically. Findings provide a manufacturing recommendation to achieve optimum dispersion and mechanical properties of the composite.

Assessment of the skin sensitisation hazard of functional polysiloxanes and silanes in the SENS-IS assay

In the context of a larger testing programme that aimed at assessing the skin sensitisation potential of functional polysiloxanes and silanes, this investigation complements the available in vitro and in vivo data with data in the SENS-IS assay, a human in vitro 3D skin-based model. The SENS-IS assay allowed testing of all functional polysiloxanes and silanes without any solubility issues or limitations related to the multiconstituent nature of the commercial grade test substances. It appeared to encompass skin metabolism, a factor which we considered important for the skin sensitisation hazard assessment particularly of aminofunctionalised siloxanes and silanes. These three technical aspects posed significant challenges in the first part of the in vitro programme with the OECD-validated in vitro assays. The SENS-IS assay delivered promising results for this group of substances. On its own, it was the best performing model, as it did not pose any technical issues with the assay and it matched all in vivo outcomes. Considering its performance and avoidance of any limitations due to lack of solubility or chemical composition aspects, we concluded that the SENS-IS assay to be a suitable starting point for an integrated testing strategy for skin sensitisation for the group of functional polysiloxanes and silanes.

Light-activated hybrid organic/inorganic antimicrobial coatings

Light-activated antimicrobial coatings were obtained by the covalently immobilizing photo-sensitizers in a hybrid organic/inorganic matrix. These coatings were deposited via sol-gel chemistry using epoxy and methyl functional silanes. The light-activated chromophores used in this study were Methylene Blue, Toluidine Blue O, and Rose Bengal. The immobilized photo-sensitizers did not leach from the coatings. The mechanically durable hybrid coatings comprising 2.5% by weight of Rose Bengal had a good adhesion to the glass surface. These coatings were tested for the photo-deactivation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using illumination by a commercial fluorescent lamp. Log reduction of E. coli and S. aureus were >4 when illuminated by the fluorescent lamp in 1 and 3 h, respectively. Due to its high mechanical durability and chemical resistance, such light-activated hybrid coatings are promising candidates for indoor applications in healthcare facilities.

Conversion of an industrial waste to an oil sorbent by coupling with functional silanes

Abstract The aim of the present study is to produce an oil sorbent from paper industry waste by reducing the water sorption capacity with silane coating. Waste material was pretreated and then coupled with two different kinds of alkoxysilane, by solution immersion process. Coated material was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and contact angle measurements. Oil and water selectivity from water surface were evaluated for three different oil types. Production cost of the sorbent was determined and compared with other commercial products. Effect of silane coupling on water sorption percentage was more apparent for thinner oil film thickness which was 0.127 cm. The water percentage for uncoated sorbent at this film thickness was 38.24% for diesel-oil mixture. For surface coated material, water sorption percentages were 9.27% for (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APS) and 10% for 3-(Trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (MPS). The results show that industrial waste can be converted into an oil sorbing material by silane coupling. After coating, the material can be a good alternative for the removal of spilled oil.

Functionalization of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets and their copolymerized solid glasses

Hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h-BNNSs) with unique properties, including wide band gap, excellent thermal conductivity and thermal stability, are among the most promising 2D inorganic nanomaterials in recent years. Functionalization of h-BNNSs is necessary to prevent them from strong tendency to agglomeration and to improve their dispersity and interfacial properties in solvents and polymer composites. In this work, amino and silane functionalized h-BNNSs were obtained, respectively. The chemical-bonding amino and silane functionalization of h-BNNSs were verified by FTIR, XPS and TG-MS analyses. The functionalized h-BNNSs show higher concentration, improved compatibility and dispersity in solvents and gel matrices after doping them into organically-modified silicate gel glasses using a sol-gel method. The functionalized h-BNNSs have broadband absorption and their doped glasses show high transmittances in the visible and near-infrared regions. The nonlinear optical properties of the functionalized h-BNNSs and their doped glasses were measured using Nd:YAG laser system and the doped glasses show broadband optical limiting responses at 532–1570 nm with the lowest onset threshold of 9 mJ cm−2. The optical limiting mechanisms investigated through Z-scan technique were nonlinear absorption. This work indicates that the functionalized h-BNNSs and their doped glasses are promising candidates for nonlinear optical, optical limiting and other optoelectronic materials and devices.

Surface Functionalization of Zirconia Nanocrystals with Silane Coupling Agent and its Dispersion Behavior in O-Phenylphenoxyethyl Acrylate

Highly crystalline and dispersible zirconia, synthesized by solvothermal reaction of zirconium (IV) isopropoxide isopropanol complex in benzyl alcohol, were functionalized with silane coupling agent and dispersed with o-phenylphenoxyethyl acrylate (OPPEA). Silane coupling agents such as 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) of amino functional silane, decyltrimethoxysilane (DTMS) of alkyl functional silane and 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (MPS) of acrylate functional silane have been used to modify nanoparticle surfaces and obtain dispersion of nanoparticles within OPPEA. The surface modified zirconia was compared according to silane coupling agent, FT-IR and TGA demonstrated that APTES, DMTS and MPS are chemically attached to the surface of the zirconia. The MPS-zirconia is dispersed as about 5 nm sized, whereas the APTES-zirconia, DTMS-zirconia are agglomerated. The MPS-zirconia/tetrahydrofuran (THF) sol at 15wt% loading shows high transmittance of 68 % at 550 cm-1 and the 50wt% surface modified-zirconia/OPPEA sol show refractive index of 1.657.

Tailoring the interfaces in glass fiber-reinforced photopolymer composites

The present work provides a comparative study on the interface and adhesion properties of surface modified single glass fibers embedded in an acrylate matrix. To facilitate a covalent bonding at the fiber-matrix interface, the fibers are functionalized with selected organosilanes that comprise either passive (unsaturated C=C bonds of methacrylate moieties) or photoactive functionalities (photocleavable bis(acyl)phosphane oxide groups). Immobilization of the functional silanes is carried out by a classic silanization reaction involving a condensation reaction across the surface hydroxyl groups of the inorganic glass fibers. The change of the physico-chemical properties of the fibers due to desizing and subsequent surface modification is monitored by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements. In addition, scanning electron microscopy is used to follow the changes in surface morphology. After the modification step, the desized and modified single fibers are embedded in a photocurable acrylate resin formulation. By performing single fiber pull-out tests, maximum pull-out force, friction strength and apparent interfacial shear strength are determined as a function of the coupled silanes. The results reveal that the attached organosilanes lead to a significant increase in adhesion strength, whilst the performance of the photo-cleavable organosilane is superior to the passive methacryl-functional derivative.

Functionalization of cotton by reduced graphene oxide for improved electrical conductivity

In this study, electrically conductive cotton fabric is prepared by a “dip and dry” method with graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets following by a reducing process with hydrazine hydrate. For a more practical application, an interfacial modification on the cotton fabric is conducted by using a functional silane coupling agent (KH-560) to enhance the binding force of GO and the fabric, which can increase the durability properties of the conductive fabric. The bonding mechanism among the cotton, KH-560 and GO is analyzed. The influences of the mass fraction of GO and the dipping cycle in GO dispersed solution on the properties of the conductive cotton fabric are investigated. The experimental results show that the optimal GO mass fraction for a good electrical conductivity of the resultant fabric (namely the reduced GO/KH-560/cotton) is 0.8%. In addition, the conductivity of the fabric is highest after five dipping cycles when prepared with a certain mass fraction of GO. Moreover, the durability properties of reduced GO/KH-560/cotton can be significantly improved when treated with KH-560. The prepared conductive fabric with a high flexibility, durability and excellent conductivity has a promising application for the preparation of wearable electronics, outdoor products, etc.

Functionalisation of Detonation Nanodiamond for Monodispersed, Soluble DNA-Nanodiamond Conjugates Using Mixed Silane Bead-Assisted Sonication Disintegration

Nanodiamonds have many attractive properties that make them suitable for a range of biological applications, but their practical use has been limited because nanodiamond conjugates tend to aggregate in solution during or after functionalisation. Here we demonstrate the production of DNA-detonation nanodiamond (DNA-DND) conjugates with high dispersion and solubility using an ultrasonic, mixed-silanization chemistry protocol based on the in situ Bead-Assisted Sonication Disintegration (BASD) silanization method. We use two silanes to achieve these properties: (1) 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyl methylphosphonate (THPMP); a negatively charged silane that imparts high zeta potential and solubility in solution; and (2) (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES); a commonly used functional silane that contributes an amino group for subsequent bioconjugation. We target these amino groups for covalent conjugation to thiolated, single-stranded DNA oligomers using the heterobifunctional crosslinker sulfosuccinimidyl 4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (Sulfo-SMCC). The resulting DNA-DND conjugates are the smallest reported to date, as determined by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The functionalisation method we describe is versatile and can be used to produce a wide variety of soluble DND-biomolecule conjugates.

Facile silane functionalization of graphene oxide.

The facile silane functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) was achieved yielding vinyltrimethoxysilane-reduced graphene oxide (VTMOS-rGO) nanospheres located in the inter-layer spacing between rGO sheets via an acid-base reaction using aqueous media. The successful grafting of the silane agent with pendant vinyl groups to rGO was confirmed by a combination of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The structure and speciation of the silane-graphene network (nanosphere) and, the presence of free vinyl groups was verified from solid-state magic angle spinning (MAS) and solution 13C and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. Evidence from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and TEM-High-Angle Annular Dark-Field (TEM-HAADF) imaging showed that these silane networks aided the exfoliation of the rGO layers preventing agglomeration, the interlayer spacing increased by 10 Å. The thermal stability (TGA/DTA) of VTMOS-rGO was significantly improved relative to GO, displaying just one degradation process for the silane network some 300 °C higher than either VTMOS or GO alone. The reduction of GO to VTMOS-rGO induced sp2 hybridization and enhanced the electrical conductivity of GO by 105 S m-1.

Silane functionalization of sodium montmorillonite nanoclay: The effect of dispersing media on intercalation and chemical grafting

Abstract This study investigated the effect of various dispersing media on the silane functionalization of sodium montmorillonite nanoclay (Na Mt) to evaluate each medium's effectiveness on the intercalation and chemical grafting of silane coupling agent. The amount of intercalation was estimated using the equation that was developed in our previous work based on thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the amount of silane intercalation was the greatest for water and glycerol media (≈1.582 mmol/g clay and ≈1.480 mmol/g clay, respectively), which was in agreement with the d001-values calculated by the XRD analysis (≈19.6 A and ≈14.4 A, respectively). 29Si NMR results showed a new T site in addition to Q peaks for all modified nanoclays in different dispersing media, indicating the occurrence of silane chemical grafting at the surface of the nanolayers. The A T 3 A Q 3 in NMR spectra was used to compare the amount of chemically grafted silane in different dispersing media, a new approach for Mt material. Hydrogen-bonding solvents (water, glycerol and ethanol), and polar solvents (DMF and THF) showed greater T3 peak intensities compared to other dispersing media, indicating higher amounts of chemical grafting of silane molecules. This observation was in agreement with the broadening of FTIR peak at 1130–1000 cm− 1, which is explained by the formation of extra Si O Si bonds; that is, in turn, due to silane chemical grafting at the surfaces of the nanolayers. The silane-nanofiller interactions were correlated with the Hansen solubility parameters of different dispersing media used for the modification. This research has potential to help design and improve the nanoclay modification processes, which are used in the fabrication of clay-polymer nanocomposites.

Fabrication of hybrid crosslinked network with buffering capabilities and autonomous strengthening characteristics for dental adhesives.

The interfacial gaps between the restorative composite biomaterial and the tooth structure contributes to recurrent decay and failure of the composite restoration. The inability of the material to increase the pH at the composite/tooth interface facilitates the outgrowth of more cariogenic and aciduric bacteria. This paper reports a novel, synthetic resin that provides buffering capability and autonomous strengthening characteristics. In this work, two amino functional silanes were synthesized and the effect of alkoxy substitutions on the photoacid-induced sol-gel reaction was investigated. We evaluated the neutralization capability (monitoring the pH of lactic acid solution) and the autonomous strengthening property (monitoring the mechanical properties of the hybrid copolymers under wet conditions and quantitatively analyzing the leachable species by HPLC). The novel resin investigated in this study offers the potential benefits of reducing the risk of recurrent decay and prolonging the functional lifetime of dental adhesives.

Corrosion-resistant hybrid coatings for copper surfaces substrates by sol-gel chemistry

Corrosion is the degradation of a metal, which is caused by chemical reactions between the metal and its surroundings. It poses severe and inevitable problems to the long-term use of particularly copper-based materials in daily life due to the requirement of periodically replacement of it and the loss of its appearance. Therefore, it is necessary to apply a protective layer on them to extend the life span. In this study, inorganic-organic hybrid coatings comprising thiol functional silanes on copper sheets were obtained by spraying onto it followed by curing at elevated temperature. All coatings studied were optically transparent, smooth and crack-free. As they showed excellent adhesion to the copper surface, they were resistant to UV radiation and solutions of acidic and basic conditions. By the coating of copper sheets with hybrid coatings studied, both their mechanical durability and corrosion resistance in the salt spray test were considerably improved.

Pre-exfoliated nanoclay through two consecutive reaction systems: Silane functionalization followed by grafting of amino acid monomers

This work presents a novel way to produce a thermally stable nanoclay with an increased interlayer space, which are the essential requirements in fabricating clay-polymer nanocomposites. Sodium montmorillonite (Na-Mt) was functionalized through two separate, consecutive reaction systems. Functionalization with an aminosilane was first performed, in order to produce reactive groups at the silicate nanolayers. In the second step, amino acid monomers were employed for a further reaction with silane-modified nanoclay. X-ray diffraction results demonstrated an increased d001-value (24Å) using 10mmol γ-aminobutyric acid. The 001 reflection peak disappeared when 5mmol ω-aminoundecanoic acid/g Mt was used as the second type of amino acid. Transmission electron microscopy images of modified Mt with 10mmol ω-aminoundecanoic acid exhibited a well separated or exfoliated structure of nanolayers. Thermogravimetric measurements indicated a trend of increasing thermal stability of the modified nanoclays (350°C to 400°C) with increasing amounts of initial ω-aminoundecanoic acid. Based on these results, optimizing the modifiers and synthesis conditions can control the properties of modified nanoclay. Tensile modulus and strain at break of HDPE/2 mass% modified Mt showed 10% and 14% enhancements, respectively, due to the increased d001-value of the nanofiller, which results in greater filler-polymer interaction.

In Ukrainian

Synthesis of mesoporous silicas of MCM-41 type with chemically immobilized β cyclodextrin-containing groups was realized by template sol-gel method in the presence of functional silane. The influence of reaction mixture composition used at β cyclodextrin-silane synthesis (molar ratio β cyclodextrin:3 aminopropyltriethoxysilane: 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole) on chemical structure and arrangement of mesopores of resulting organosilica materials was proved. The enhancement of ethoxysilyl constituent in β cyclodextrin-silane used in sol-gel condensation leads to the formation of silicas with higher content of chemically immobilizedβ cyclodextrin-containing groups and less arranged mesopores. Structure of obtained materials was determined using chemical analysis, infrared spectroscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. With the aim to elucidate the contribution of β cyclodextrin-containing groups in the removal of azo dyes, sorption of methyl red and alizarin yellow on synthesized silicas was studied from phosphate buffer solutions in dependence of contact duration, equilibrium concentration, and pH of medium. The results were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson equations. It has been found that equilibrium sorption of methyl red and alizarin yellow on parent silica and silica with chemically immobilized β cyclodextrin containing groups is described by the Redlich-Peterson model.

Simultaneous control of size and surface functionality of silica particle via growing method

Although silane treatment has been studied asa simple and powerful tool to modify the surface of silica particle, there are still several difficulties in terms of controlling surface functionality and size of nanoparticles. Here we develop a growing method to overcome above drawback. The method was processed by continuously injecting precursor using syringe pump. According to the continuous injection, the concentration of precursors in media are properly controlled, and then the continuous injection of precursor promotes the growth of silica particles. When the functional silanes (silane coupling agents) are used, the method can control the amount of surficial functional groups on the silica particle, and can adjust diameter of the particle simultaneously. Furthermore, well-controlled functional silica particles made by growing method are used for catalytic reaction, Knoevenagel reaction, asa solid state catalyst.

Fundamental Understanding of the Effect of Polymer Binder on the Interfacial Properties of Si-Electrode Model Systems

Research and development efforts have been focused on improving the performance of existing Li-ion battery systems and developing new systems to various applications. Si based electrodes have high theoretical capacities (nearly 4200 mAh/g) compared to the widely used carbon-based electrodes (372 mAh/g), which makes them a promising candidate to replace graphite electrodes [1]. However, Si experiences substantial volume changes (~320%) during the charging and discharging processes, which lead to the problems of particle cracking, particle isolation, and electrode delamination. This, in turn, affects not only the SEI stability but also results in the loss of electrode integrity. In order to overcome the loss of electronic connectivity and mechanical integrity of the bulk electrode during extended charge-discharge cycles, it is critical to identify an effective polymer binder. Consequently, it is essential to understand the effect of polymer binder on the electrochemical performance for Si/C anodes. In the current study, we examine the adhesion properties and chemical stabilities of the binder before and during cycling. Thin films of the binder polymers are spin coated onto the B-doped Si (100) wafers to achieve the thicknesses of the same order of magnitude as those calculated for composite electrodes (20 nm). For comparison, thin films of the binder polymers are also spin coated on Cu substrate and analyzed. For adhesion measurement, saturated solutions of polymer binders in NMP (poly(1-pyrenemethyl methacrylate (PPy) and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF)) or H2O (poly (acrylic acid lithium (PAALi)) are sandwiched between two 1 cm2 Si or Si/Cu wafers by drop casting. To break down the cell components to Si, binder and electrolyte for electrochemical testing, model electrodes are prepared by spin coating PPy binder onto Si wafers. Electrochemical cycling is performed for pristine, and PPy coated Si (Si/PPy) wafers using 1.2 M LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate (EC): diethyl carbonate (DEC) (3:7 wt.%) solvent systems. The PPy film surface exposed to the electrolyte as well as the substrate/binder interface are analyzed in terms of chemical and morphology changes using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. PPy showed superior adhesion toward Si and Cu. The strong adhesion of the PPy to the Si surface provide improved interparticle connection vs. other binders. Electrochemical testing results of the Si and Si/PPy electrodes are shown in Figure 1. The cathodic current between 2 V and 0.3 V shows the presence of approximately ten times more electrolyte reduction on the PPy coated Si on the first sweep compared to pristine Si electrode. The charge consumed in this region (0.028 C/cm2) is much higher than the charge needed for complete decomposition of PPy (0.012 C/cm2) [2]. Moreover, ex-situ analysis by XAS and XPS depth profiling indicates the electrochemical stability of PPy upon cycling. The induced electronic conductivity of the PPy may exacerbate the electrolyte reduction reactions relative to the uncoated surface. Below 0.05 V, the cathodic current becomes significantly higher on the pristine Si due to the onset of lithiation of the silicon as confirmed by the corresponding delithiation anodic peaks. No similar anodic behavior was observed for the PPy coated Si electrode on the first and following cycles. However, electrode polartization due to charge and/or mass transport limitation through the PPy film can be responsible for this effect. The ex-situ FTIR analysis indicates the major products of the reduction reactions on the first few cycles have alkyl silane (SiOCH2CH3 and SiOCH3) functionality. We propose that these products come from the selective reduction of DEC at the Si/PPy interface. These reduction products do not function as SEI since they appear to show inferior passivating behavior of Si/PPy as compared to Si wafer and block Li+ insertion into the Si lattice. We have learned that, to be effective in a composite electrode, PPy needs to act as a “glue” between particles (Si or graphite) and not a “coating” of the Si particles, and electrode preparation should be tailored this function. By understanding the surface change and their significance regarding cell life, effective new binder candidates can be developed, which can lead to more efficient LIB systems. Acknowledgements This work was supported by the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Office of Vehicle Technologies of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231, under the Applied Battery Research for Transportation (ABR) Program and Award Number DE-EE0006443.