Functionalized TiO2 Nanoparticles Research Articles

Water-mediated chelation dynamics of dicarboxylic acid functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles for β-nucleation enhancement in isotactic polypropylene composites

ABSTRACT Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) is the most prominent form of polypropylene, and β-phase is the most resistant to impact compared to the crystalline forms. However, β-phase is the least frequently obtained under conventional operating conditions. TiO2 nanoparticles were functionalized with dicarboxylic acids as nucleating agents to promote β-crystal formation in iPP. The effects of three dicarboxylic acids – glutaric, pimelic, and azelaic – were characterized on TiO2-modified surfaces. Additionally, the interactions between TiO2 and water molecules, crucial for the formation of chelating or bridging linkages, were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. For pimelic and azelaic acids at the polymer processing temperature, the carboxyl group band disappeared, suggesting a transition of the acid-calcium union from a bridging to a chelating linkage due to the presence of water molecules. These molecules help maintain the stability of the chains during processing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed a higher content of β-crystalline structures in iPP when modified with pimelic and azelaic acids. The research indicates that water molecules, desorbed during manufacturing, facilitate the chelating form, thereby enhancing β-nucleation and improving the surface properties of iPP composites. These β-nucleated PP composites represent a promising material solution for medical device applications, offering a compelling combination of enhanced properties and cost-effectiveness.

Improvement of Cotton Fabric's Functional Performance by Using Various Polymeric Materials with Different Functional Groups and TiO2 Nanoparticles.

Improvement of Cotton Fabric's Functional Performance by Using Various Polymeric Materials with Different Functional Groups and TiO2 Nanoparticles.

TiO2/Polystyrene Nanocomposite Antibacterial Material as a Hemoperfusion Adsorbent for Efficient Bilirubin Removal and Prevention of Bacterial Infection.

The use of hemoperfusion adsorbents for the removal of bilirubin in patients with liver failure has become a critical treatment. However, the insufficient clearance of bilirubin and the possibility of bacterial infection during hemoperfusion limit the application. In this work, we designed a novel antibacterial bilirubin adsorbent (PSVT) through the suspension polymerization reaction between double-bond functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles and styrene. PSVT showed an excellent bilirubin adsorption ability and antibacterial performance, ensuring efficient clearance of bilirubin in liver failure patients during hemoperfusion and preventing bacterial infection. The experimental results indicated that TiO2 was uniformly dispersed in the microspheres, which improved the mesoporous structure and increased the specific surface area. Composite adsorbent PSVT showed an exceptional bilirubin adsorption capacity, with the maximum adsorption capacity reaching 24.3 mg/g. In addition, the introduction of TiO2 endowed PSVT with excellent antibacterial ability; the ultimate antibacterial rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus reached 97.31 and 96.47%, respectively. In summary, PSVT served as a novel antibacterial bilirubin adsorbent with excellent bilirubin clearance capacity and antibacterial performance, providing excellent application prospects for treating liver failure patients.

A Novel Polyester Varnish Nanocomposites for Electrical Machines with Improved Thermal and Dielectric Properties Using Functionalized TiO2 Nanoparticles.

Recently, there has been a growing interest in polymer insulating materials that incorporate nanoscale inorganic additives, as they have shown significantly improved dielectric, thermal, and mechanical properties, making them highly suitable for application in high-voltage insulating materials for electrical machines. This study aims to improve the dielectric and thermal properties of a commercial polyester varnish by incorporating different concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) with proper surface functionalization. Permafil 9637 dipping varnish is the varnish used for this investigation, and vinyl silane is the coupling agent used in the surface functionalization of TiO2 nanoparticles. First, nanoparticles are characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to validate the success of their surface functionalization. Then, varnish nanocomposites are characterized through field emission scanning electron microscopy to validate the dispersion and morphology of nanoparticles within the varnish matrix. Following characterization, varnish nanocomposites are evaluated for thermal and dielectric properties. Regarding thermal properties, the thermal conductivity of the prepared nanocomposites is assessed. Regarding dielectric properties, both permittivity and dielectric losses are evaluated over a wide frequency range, starting from 20 Hz up to 2 MHz. Moreover, the AC breakdown voltage is measured for varnish nanocomposites, and the obtained data are incorporated into a finite element method to obtain the dielectric breakdown strength. Finally, the physical mechanisms behind the obtained results are discussed, considering the role of nanoparticle loading and surface functionalization.

Chlorophyll sensitized and salicylic acid functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles as a stable and efficient catalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin with visible light

Developing efficient and stable visible light active photocatalyst has significant environmental applications. Though dye sensitization of TiO2 nanoparticles with natural chlorophyll pigments can potentially impart visible light activity, their long-term stability is a major concern. We investigated the functionalization of TiO2 with salicylic acid, and subsequent sensitization with chlorophylls to improve the catalyst stability for the photocatalytic degradation of Ciprofloxacin (CPX) under visible light. A significant improvement in the degradation efficiency and catalyst stability was observed for five reuse cycles. Further, an optimum CPX degradation of ∼75% was achieved with 0.75 g L−1 catalyst dosage of 0.1 chl/0.1 SA-TiO2, initial pH of 6, and 10 ppm of initial CPX for a visible light exposure of 2 h. The degradation followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics. In addition, the ciprofloxacin degradation was reduced in the wastewater matrix system due to the presence of other scavenging species such as chlorides, sulphates, and alkalinity. Significant reduction in the toxicity of degradation compounds after the photocatalytic degradation was observed in comparison to parent CPX. Further, the degradation pathway and plausible mechanism of degradation of CPX were also proposed.

A potent virucidal activity of functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles adsorbed with flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has caused a pandemic with > 550 millions of cases and > 6 millions of deaths worldwide. Medical management of COVID-19 relies on supportive care as no specific targeted therapies are available yet. Given its devastating effects on the economy and mental health, it is imperative to develop novel antivirals. An ideal candidate will be an agent that blocks the early events of viral attachment and cell entry, thereby preventing viral infection and spread. This work reports functionalized titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based nanoparticles adsorbed with flavonoids that block SARS-CoV-2 entry and fusion. Using molecular docking analysis, two flavonoids were chosen for their specific binding to critical regions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein that interacts with the host cell angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor. These flavonoids were adsorbed onto TiO2 functionalized nanoparticles (FTNP). This new nanoparticulate compound was assayed in vitro against two different coronaviruses; HCoV 229E and SARS-CoV-2, in both cases a clear antiviral effect was observed. Furthermore, using a reporter-based cell culture model, a potent antiviral activity is demonstrated. The adsorption of flavonoids to functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles induces a ~ threefold increase of that activity. These studies also indicate that FTNP interferes with the SARS-CoV-2 spike, impairing the cell fusion mechanism.Key points/Highlights• Unique TiO2nanoparticles displaying flavonoid showed potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.• The nanoparticles precisely targeting SARS-CoV-2 were quantitatively verified by cell infectivity in vitro.• Flavonoids on nanoparticles impair the interactions between the spike glycoprotein and ACE-2 receptor.Graphical abstract

Novel antibacterial polyurethane and cellulose acetate mixed matrix membrane modified with functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles for water treatment applications.

Bacterial contamination is one of the leading causes of water pollution. Antibacterial polyurethane/cellulose acetate membranes modified by functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles were processed and studied. TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared and ultraviolet (UV) irradiated to activate their photocatalytic activity against Escherichia coli (E. Coil) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. Functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles were incorporated in flat-sheet mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). These membranes were characterized for their different properties such as morphology, thermal stability, mechanical strength, surface wettability, water retention, salt rejection, water flux, and their antibacterial performance against E. Coil and MRSA was also tested. The activity of nanoparticles against MRSA and E. coli was analyzed using three different concentrations, 0.5wt%, 1.0wt% and 1.5wt% of nanoparticles and 0.5wt% of TiO2 nanoparticles showed maximum growth of bacteria. The maximum inhibition was observed in membranes with maximum nanoparticles when compared with other membranes. All these characteristics were strongly affected by increasing the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles in the prepared membranes and the duration of their UV exposure. Hence, it was proved from this analysis that these TiO2 modified membranes exhibit substantial antibacterial properties. The results are supporting the utilization of these materials for water purification purposes.

Effects of chemically functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles on the UV‐shielding characteristics of polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals

AbstractRecently, smart windows based on polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) composites have garnered enormous interest owing to their electrically switchable properties. However, the low UV‐shielding characteristics of these films limit their widespread application. Here, we reported novel PDLC composite films doped with functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance the UV‐shielding efficiency. The TiO2 NPs were chemically functionalized by 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) and 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS), respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed that APTS functionalized TiO2 NPs tended to cluster in the polymer network instead of liquid crystal droplets, and MPTS functionalized TiO2 NPs were independently and uniformly dispersed in the polymer network. Particularly, optical studies showed that the TiO2(MPTS)/PDLC composite film can effectively shield 95.9% UV light at on‐state, and 99.16% at off‐state. Furthermore, compared to traditional PDLC film (without TiO2 NPs), the total response time of the TiO2(MPTS)/PDLC film is reduced from 60.4 to 13.4 ms, and the contrast ratio (CR) was increased by more than twofold from 35.6 to 97.26.

Effect on hydrophobicity and antimicrobial behavior of epoxy resin due to silane functionalized TiO2 as nanofillers

4-Aminobutyltriethoxysilane functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2-ABTES) dispersed diglycidyl ethers of bisphenol-A (DGEBA-GY260) were studied for antimicrobial applications. Epoxy nano-hybrid coatings of four different concentrations (1, 3, 5 and 7 wt %) were developed using TiO2-ABTES as the dispersed phase and a commercially available DGEBA as the matrix phase. Triethylenetetramine (TETA) used to cure the nanocomposites films. The structural characteristics of these materials were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectral studies, Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscope analysis. The surface characteristics of the samples were estimated from contact angle measurements and calculated surface free energy and adhesion energy. The bacteriological tests were done using the agar diffusion method with different concentrations of TiO2-ABTES. The antimicrobial activity test noted that the antimicrobial activity of 7 wt% TiO2-ABTES nanoparticles loaded epoxy nanocomposite film has a better inhibition zone against all pathogens under study.

Removal of Cu(II) from water using Succinic Anhydride functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles

Removal of heavy metals from waste water is a need of the hour. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were functionalized using succinic anhydride (SA) and adsorption of copper (II) on SA functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles (TiOSA) was carried out. The adsorption of Cu (II) on TiOSA was estimated with respect to pH, contact time and adsorbent dose. The study confirms the best removal of Cu (II) using the said adsorbent is at pH 8. The Cu (II) concentration can be reduced to less than 1.1 mg/L at contact time of 180 min with initial 15 mg/L Cu (II) concentration using adsorbent dose of 0.6 g/50 mL. The study reveals that the adsorption process preferably follows the Langmuir isotherm model. Also, the thermodynamic parameters like entropy change (∆S°), enthalpy change (∆H°) and free energy change (∆G°) were calculated for the adsorption process. The pseudo-second order kinetic model was found to be better fitted to the adsorption.

Nanomaterials for subsurface application: study of particles retention in porous media

The ability to transport nanoparticles through porous media has interesting engineering applications, notably in reservoir capacity exploration and soil remediation. A series of core-flooding experiments were conducted for quantitative analysis of functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles transport through various porous media including calcite, dolomite, silica, and limestone rocks. The adsorption of surfactants on the rock surface and nanoparticle retention in pore walls were evaluated by chemical oxygen demand (COD) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. By applying TiO2 nanoparticles, 49.3 and 68.0 wt.% of surfactant adsorption reduction were observed in pore walls of dolomite and silica rock, respectively. Not surprisingly, the value of nanoparticle deposition for dolomite and silica rocks was near zero, implying that surfactant adsorption is proportional to nanoparticle deposition. On the other hand, surfactant adsorption was increased for other types of rock in presence of nanoparticles. 5.5, 13.5, and 22.4 wt.% of nanoparticle deposition was estimated for calcite, black and red limestone, respectively. By making a connection between physicochemical rock properties and nanoparticle deposition rates, we concluded that the surface roughness of rock has a significant influence on mechanical trapping and deposition of nanoparticles in pore-throats.

Deep eutectic solvent‐assisted synthesis of highly efficient nanocatalyst (n‐TiO2@TDI@DES (ZnCl2:urea)) for chemoselective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides

This study proposed a straightforward process to synthesize 2,4‐toluene diisocyanate (TDI)‐functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles in which a cost‐effective linker (TDI) with high reactivity was employed to couple nano‐TiO2 through covalent bonding to a deep eutectic solvent (DES). By this method, DES was successfully immobilized on the TiO2@TDI surface as an adsorbent and stabilizer. The structural, morphological, and physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized nanocatalysts were evaluated using various analytical methods including Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX), and elemental analysis. The heterogeneity of the catalyst was also examined by a hot filtration test. The obtained TiO2@TDI@DES nanoparticles offered superior catalytic behavior and excellent yield as well as recyclability for the chemoselective oxidation of sulfide into sulfoxide using a green oxidant (hydrogen peroxide). This catalyst exhibited excellent reusability as it can be recovered for six successive cycles with no significant leach or reduction of catalytic efficiency.

Development of an epoxy self-healing coating through the incorporation of acrylic acid-co-acrylamide copolymeric gel

In the current study, a self-healing coating was prepared by the synthesis of an absorbent copolymeric gel on the surfaces of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and its incorporation into epoxy resin. The preparation of the nanogel composite occurred in two steps; firstly, by using 3-(triethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (MPS) and then by the absorbent acrylamide (AAm) and acrylic acid (AA) copolymeric gel. The prepared nanogel composite was then added to the epoxy resin in different loading weight percentages (1, 2, and 4). The chemical structure of the synthesized TiO2 nanogel composite was evaluated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In order to investigate the thermal stability and morphology of the nanogel composite thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) were utilized, respectively. The result of the characterization tests verified the successful synthesis of the TiO2 nanogel composite. The efficacy of the incorporation of the TiO2 nanogel composite on the self-healing behavior of the epoxy coatings was assessed in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization. The prepared nanogel composite exhibited excellent barrier properties against corrosive media. Functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles were found to noticeably enhance the anticorrosive behavior of the epoxy coating. Furthermore, the results verified the epoxy resin containing 1 wt.% of TiO2 nanogel composite as the most anticorrosive sample with the healing efficiencies of 98 % and 94 % obtained from the EIS and potentiodynamic polarization tests, respectively.

Heteroacoagulation of lignocellulose fibers-based biotemplates and functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles to tailor film microstructures

The heterocoagulation of lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNFs) with functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) is presented as an innovative revalorization strategy for the exploitation of lignocellulose wastes. Their use as bio-templates could be considered a promising alternative in a current biorefinery scheme, since the massive production of porous materials in numerous nanotechnological applications, could offer new alternatives of exploitation. The surface modification of TiO2 NPs by adsorption of polyetilenimine (PEI) favors its anchorage with LCNFs through a peptide bond during heterocoagulation in aqueous suspension. The functionalization of LCNFs with TiO2 NPs results in organic–inorganic core–shell nanostructures, used to shape coatings by dipping, and sinter them at low temperature (450 °C). In this process, the LCNFs were used as endo-templates for shaping stable porous coatings, when they burn during the consolidation of the inorganic structure. In this work, the successful inclusion and homogeneous distribution of biomaterials (LCNF templates) in the semiconductor inorganic microstructure is discussed in terms of dye loading (by UV–Visible Spectroscopy), photovoltaic efficiency and charge transfer (by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, EIS) in a Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC). Results confirm that the TiO2/template network yielded better photoefficiency and electron transport properties than mesoporous films assembled only from TiO2 NPs. The preparation of TiO2-based photoanodes with enhanced performance (with an efficiency value around 6%, for a thickness of 8.7 µm) allows validating the successful colloidal procedure herein employed.

Stability, thermal conductivity and supercooling behavior of novel β-CD-TiO2-Ag cooling medium-based nanofluids for eco-friendly cold thermal energy storage

The functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles(β-CD-TiO2-Ag) were manufactured and their characteristics were studied. The thermal storage characteristics of β-CD-TiO2-Ag cooling medium-based nanofluids as an innovative kind of phase change material for eco-friendly cold thermal energy systems were investigated. Dispersion stability is an important research focus for the cooling medium with nanoparticles and this research demonstrated that cooling medium-based nanofluids had good stability. The thermal conductivity of cooling medium-based nanofluids was measured, which was an evident method to improve cold thermal energy storage characteristics. The supercooling behavior of cooling medium-based nanofluids containing β-CD-TiO2-Ag, TiO2 and pure cooling medium was investigated. The experimental results showed that β-CD-TiO2-Ag nanofluids had an observably lower supercooling degree than both of the pure cooling medium and TiO2 nanofluids with the same volume fraction. Moreover, the total freezing time of β-CD-TiO2-Ag nanofluids was less than that of pure cooling medium with volume fraction increased. Supercooling degree could decrease by 63% from 14.6 °C to 5.4 °C with the addition of 0.1 vol% β-CD-TiO2-Ag nanoparticles. These promising results indicated that this research has huge potential in improving the performance of eco-friendly cold thermal energy storage systems and saving resources protecting environment.

Highly Sensitive Detection of Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene Based on CoPP-Functionalized TiO2 Nanoparticles with Low Power Consumption.

Among various metal oxides, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has received considerable interest as a gas-sensing material owing to its high reliability at high operating temperatures. Nonetheless, TiO2 generally has low sensitivity to target gases. In particular, TiO2-based sensors have difficulty in sensitively detecting benzene, toluene, and xylene (referred to as BTX). Moreover, the reported TiO2-based sensors have not simultaneously satisfied the demand for tens of ppb BTX detection and operation with low power consumption. This work proposes a BTX sensor using cobalt porphyrin (CoPP)-functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles as a sensing material on a suspended microheater fabricated by bulk micromachining for low power consumption. TiO2 nanoparticles show an enhanced sensitivity (245%) to 10 ppm toluene with CoPP functionalization. The proposed sensor exhibits high sensitivity to BTX at concentrations ranging from 10 ppm down to several ppb. The high reliability of the sensor is also explored through the long-time operation with repeated exposure to 10 ppm toluene for 14 h.

Multiple Transfer of Layer-by-Layer Nanofunctional Films by Adhesion Controls.

Transfer methods to displace active functional layers onto desired surfaces have been developed for the fabrication of nanostructured thin film devices. However, multiple transfers with highly polar surfaces were not yet fully demonstrated presumably due to difficulty in the control of the competitive adhesions at interfaces. In this study, we present adhesion-assisted multiple transfer methods for the fabrication of highly ordered nanolaminated structures with layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled films composed of various functional nanomaterials. The interfacial adhesions were controlled with adhesive layers having a thickness of only 2.5 nm for the successful transfer of the LbL nanofunctional films from the donor substrates to the receiver substrates, which was determined mainly by the major functional moieties at the contact surfaces. The root-mean-square roughness should be lower than 200 nm for conformal contact in the transfer. The versatility of the proposed method was demonstrated with various functional Au, silica, ZnO, and TiO2 nanoparticles as constituent materials and various types of substrates including Si wafer, glass, and polyethylene terephthalate surfaces. The fabricated films with periodic depositions of two different materials could exhibit photoreflective properties with high-order reflection peaks, which were simply tunable by adjusting the order in the multiple transfer. This transfer method could effectively reduce the cost and time in the nanofabrication as it did not require costly equipment, harsh synthesis conditions, and hazardous solvents.

Use of Nano-TiO2 self-assembled flax fiber as a new initiative for immiscible oil/water separation

In this study, an environmental friendly, reusable and low-cost functionalized flax fiber was fabricated to separate immiscible oil and water. Flax fibers were modified by plasma-induced poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) polymerization followed by nano-TiO2 self-assembly. A two-level fractional factorial design was engaged to analyze the modification influencing parameters and their interactions. The modified fiber was comprehensively characterized by synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). For the first time, the concentration distribution of functional groups and TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) were explored on flax fiber surface. The TiO2 NPs were found unevenly fixed on flax fiber surface with high concentration on abundant substrate. The hydrophilicity of nano-TiO2 self-assembled flax fiber was significantly improved, with water contact angle decreasing from 97.4° to 25.9° and almost doubled maximum oil holding pressure. The modified flax fiber showed stable performance of oil/water separation in alkaline and salty conditions and could be used for multiple cycles. The modified flax fiber could be further constructed into oil barrier with special wettability to separate oil.

Fabrication of Robust Multifaceted Textiles by Application of Functionalized TiO2 Nanoparticles

Utilization of nanoparticles has increased significantly over last decade due to their extraordinary properties they offer. They are being used extensively in all fields including textiles but the biggest constraints of nanoparticles in textiles is their non-durability. One way to address this issue is the surface functionalization of nanoparticles for increasing their adhesion with textiles. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been used for making self-cleaning fabrics. In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles were functionalized with 3-(Trimethoxysilyl) propyl-N,N,N-dimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride and 3-Glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxy-silane to improve their adhesiveness when applied to textile substrates. Functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles and the treated cotton textiles were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), zeta potential analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet transmittance spectrophotometry. Water contact angle (WCA) was measured for superhydrophibicity assessment. Treated fabric showed WCA of 150.5° making it superhydrophibic. Photocatalytic dye degradation was observed by using UV–Vis NIR spectrometer. Antibacterial activity was examined against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, qualitatively and quantitatively. The prepared cotton fabric showed durable functionality up to 20 industrial laundering cycles making it potentially suitable for both outdoor and indoor applications.

Nanofluid Reinforced Polymer Electrolytes for Safe and High Energy Density Secondary Lithium Batteries

Using lithium metal anode comprising remarkably high theoretical capacity with lowest negative electrochemical potential is an attractive way to increase the low energy density of current lithium-ion batteries.However, the application of lithium metal in presence of conventional organic-solvent-based electrolytes is hindered by severe safety concerns such as leakage, electrode corrosion, flammability and the inevitable growth of lithium dendrite in the electrolytes during repeated Li deposition/dissolution processes. In this concern, gel polymer membranes as both separators and electrolytes have enabled tremendous recent research interest to achieve safer, high-energy density rechargeable batteries.Extending the research further, a novel class of nanocomposite gel polymer membrane electrolytes is prepared by blending poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) copolymer with a unique class of reinforcing agent, a highly conducting ionic liquid-based nanofluid, followed by soaking the resulted membranes into lithium salt dissolved liquid electrolyte. The conductivity of the nanofluids is optimized by dispersing different wt% of surface functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles in N-alkyl-N-butyl pyrrolidinium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (Pyr14TFSI) ionic liquid host. The best-conducting electrolyte containing 50wt% nanofluid shows excellent electrode/electrolyte interfacial stability when used in Li/LiFePO4 cell and delivers a discharge capacity of ~155 mAh g-1 at 25 °C at a considerably higher current density of 35 mAg-1. Excellent rate performance with superior capacity retention of the cell as compared to that comprising bare PY14TFSI ionic liquid reinforced gel polymer electrolyte indicates tremendous application potentiality of this novel class of electrolyte for safe and high energy density secondary lithium batteries.