Interphase Properties Research Articles

1,3,6-Hexanetricarbonitrile as electrolyte additive to inhibit sodium dendrites in sodium-metal batteries

Sodium-metal batteries (SMBs) offer substantial competitiveness owing to their wide elemental distribution and high specific capacity. However, SMBs face safety issues such as unstable properties of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) layer due to irregular sodium dendrites. In this paper, we constructed a stable and uniform SEI layer by introducing the 1,3,6-Hexanetricarbonitrile (HTCN) electrolyte additive, replacing the conventional, insoluble nitrate. HTCN facilitates the generation of substances like Na3N with high electrical conductivity on the Na anode surface. This accelerates Na+ shuttling and provides high-flux nucleation sites. Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to elucidate the solvated structure of electrolyte and radial distribution of Na+ after HTCN addition. Moreover, in-situ optical microscopy revealed a stable and robust SEI layer, effectively inhibiting the disorderly growth of sodium dendrites. The superior cycling performance of the Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP)/Na full cell further demonstrates the addition of HTCN.

Unravelling the ion transport and the interphase properties of a mixed olivine cathode for Na-ion battery

The replacement of Li by Na in an analogue battery to the commercial Li-ion one appears a sustainable strategy to overcome the several concerns triggered by the increased demand for the electrochemical energy storage. However, the apparently simple change of the alkali metal represents a challenging step which requires notable and dedicated studies. Therefore, we investigate herein the features of a NaFe0.6Mn0.4PO4 (NFMP) cathode with triphylite structure achieved from the conversion of a LiFe0.6Mn0.4PO4 (LFMP) olivine for application in Na-ion battery. The work initially characterizes the structure, morphology and performances in sodium cell of NFMP, achieving a maximum capacity exceeding 100 mAh g−1 at a temperature of 55 °C, adequate rate capability, and suitable retention confirmed by ex-situ measurements. Subsequently, the study compares in parallel key parameters of the NFMP and LFMP such as Na+/Li+ ions diffusion, interfacial characteristics, and reaction mechanism in Na/Li cells using various electrochemical techniques. The data reveal that relatively limited modifications of NFMP chemistry, structure and morphology compared to LFMP greatly impact the reaction mechanism, kinetics and electrochemical features. These changes are ascribed to the different physical and chemical features of the two compounds, the slower mobility of Na+ with respect to Li+, and a more resistive electrode/electrolyte interphase of sodium compared with lithium. Relevantly, the study reveals analogue trends of the charge transfer resistance and the ion diffusion coefficient in NFMP and LFMP during the electrochemical process in half-cell. Hence, the NFMP achieved herein is suggested as a possible candidate for application in a low-cost, efficient, and environmentally friendly Na-ion battery.

Simulation of tensile strength for polymer hydroxyapatite nanocomposites by interphase and nanofiller dimensions

AbstractSeveral models have been used in literature studies to describe the mechanical behavior of hydroxyapatite (HA) polymer nanocomposites. However, previous models have often overlooked the size of HA and the properties of the interphase. In this study, we further develop an equation originally proposed by Kolarik. This advanced equation predicts the tensile strength of polymer/HA nanocomposites by considering the interphase parameter (A), rod‐like HA size, HA concentration, and interphase properties, including depth and strength. We validate our method using experimental data from various examples and through parametric inspections. Both the strength and the depth of the interphase directly affect the ‘A’ value and, consequently, the strength of the nanocomposites. For instance, an HA radius (R) of 6 nm yields the highest ‘A’ value of 4.97, enhancing the nanocomposite strength by up to 250%. In contrast, ‘R’ value of 20 nm fails to reinforce the samples effectively. Additionally, the thickness of the interphase (t) and the concentration of HA directly handle the nanocomposite strength. The strength of the samples significantly improves by 137% and 160% with an interphase thickness of 50 nm and an HA volume fraction of 0.2, respectively. Generally, the length of HA and interphase characteristics (thickness and strength) directly control the strength of samples, but the HA radius has an inverse relationship with nanocomposite strength.Highlights Kolarik equation is developed to predict the tensile strength of polymer HA nanocomposites. Interphase parameter, HA size, HA concentration and interphase properties are considered. HA radius of 6 nm produces the maximum enhancement of nanocomposite strength by 250%. Interphase properties and concentration of HA directly control the nanocomposite strength. All parameters reasonably influence the strength of samples confirming the developed model.

Multiscale Modeling and Characterization of Graphene Epoxy Nanocomposite.

This study aims to characterize graphene epoxy nanocomposite properties using multiscale modeling. Molecular dynamics was used to study the nanocomposite at the nanoscale and finite element analysis at the macroscale to complete the multiscale modeling. The coupling of these two scales was carried out using the Irving-Kirkwood averaging method. First, the functionalization of graphene was carried and 6% grafted graphene was selected based on Young's modulus and the tensile strength of the grafted graphene sheet. Functionalized graphene with weight fractions of 1.8, 3.7, and 5.6 wt.% were reinforced with epoxy polymer to form a graphene epoxy nanocomposite. The results showed that the graphene with 3.7 wt.% achieved the highest modulus. Subsequently, a functionalized graphene sheet with an epoxy matrix was developed to obtain the interphase properties using the MD modeling technique. The normal and shear forces at the interphase region of the graphene epoxy nanocomposite were investigated using a traction-separation test to analyze the mechanical properties including Young's modulus and traction forces. The mean stiffness of numerically tested samples with 1.8, 3.7, and 5.6 wt.% graphene and the stiffness obtained from experimental results from the literature were compared. The experimental results are lower than the multiscale model results because the experiments cannot replicate the molecular-scale behavior. However, a similar trend could be observed for the addition of up to 3.7 wt.% graphene. This demonstrated that the graphene with 3.7 wt.% shows improved interphase properties. The macroscale properties of the graphene epoxy nanocomposite models with 1.8 and 3.7 wt.% were comparatively higher.

A Multi-Scale Analysis of Unidirectional Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite

In this paper, a multi-scale computational analysis is conducted based on representative volume element (RVE) modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composite micropillar. The fiber distribution in the micropillar was obtained from a specimen manufactured for real micropillar mechanical testing. Based on the failure modes directly observed from the micropillar testing, the RVE model aims to capture the major failure mechanism, which is the fiber/matrix interface failure of the composite. In the finite element model, the properties of each individual phase, namely, the fiber and the matrix are first identified. Then, cohesive elements are incorporated into the interphase region between the fiber and matrix to capture the interphase debonding. Finally, the global stress–strain relation of the composites is obtained and compared to experimental results. A good correlation was found. Due to convergence difficulties associated with stiffness degradation, the simulation was performed in the commercial software ABAQUS/Explicit. A Molecular dynamics simulation is performed to investigate the stress–strain relation and shear strength of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites at nanoscale. The compressive strength and stiffness obtained from MD simulation were lower than that observed from experiments. Interface debonding is a critical failure mode, of which the failure strength is determined from fiber pull-out simulation. The results can be used in RVE simulation to deduce the interphase properties. The modeling method allows the detailed failure mechanisms of the composite microstructure to be captured and a correlation between the micro-properties and macro-properties of the material to be established.

Effect of bench size on the strength and deformation properties of interphase between benched bedrock and soil-rock mixtures

Effect of bench size on the strength and deformation properties of interphase between benched bedrock and soil-rock mixtures

On the Origin of Anode and Cathode Contributions to the Impedance of All‐Solid‐State Batteries

AbstractAll‐solid‐state‐batteries (ASSBs) are considered as promising next‐generation batteries in order to achieve improvements in both energy density and safety. The complex electrochemical processes in ASSBs taking place on different time scales can be probed by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. However, the separation of anode and cathode contributions to the impedance and the understanding of the underlying electrochemical processes in both electrodes is a challenging task. Here, we compare the impedance spectrum of a prototypical full ASSB to those of symmetric cells anode | separator | anode and cathode | separator | cathode. We use Ni‐rich polycrystalline LiNi0.85Co0.10Mn0.05O2 particles as active material inside the composite cathode and an indium‐lithium alloy as anode. Based on the comparison, we show that the charge transfer process inside the cathode is remarkably fast, i. e., even faster than observed for cathodes of batteries with liquid electrolyte. Our results give indication that the differences in the time scales of cathode and anode processes are related to the distinct transport properties of interphases inside the cathode and at the anode | separator interface, respectively.

Impact of degradation mechanisms at the cathode/electrolyte interface of garnet-based all-solid-state batteries

All-solid-state batteries have the potential to improve the safety, energy-, and power density of lithium-ion batteries. However, the limited stability of rigid solid-solid interfaces remains a key challenge. The cathode/electrolyte interface is particularly prone to degradation during high-temperature sintering and electrochemical cycling, forming secondary phases that impede charge transport and limit cell performance. Experimental analysis of these phases is challenging since they result in thin resistive films that are sensitive to typical characterization techniques. In this study, we use structure-resolved electrochemical simulations to investigate the impact of resistive phases at the cathode/electrolyte interface on cell performance and identify dominant degradation mechanisms. We extend our simulation framework with a novel resistive film model that accounts for the additional charge transfer resistance at the interface based on interphase properties. Our approach combines continuum simulations with insights from density functional theory and experimental data, including secondary ion mass spectrometry measurements. This allows us, for the first time, to assess the impact of resistive films on the degradation of full-cell performance.

Stabilizing cathode-electrolyte interphase by localized high-concentration electrolytes for high-voltage sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) operating under high-voltages suffer from unstable cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) formed on the cathode surface, resulting in continuous electrolyte decomposition, surface reconstruction, transition metal dissolution, and eventually capacity decay. Therefore, designing high-voltage electrolyte and constructing the robust CEI are critical for high-energy SIBs. Herein, a localized high-concentration electrolyte (LHCE) is fabricated by dissolving sodium hexafluorophosphate in methyl ethyl carbonate, fluorinated ethylene carbonate and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether, which demonstrates oxidative stability exceeding 6 V relative to Na+/Na. The dense and homogeneous inorganics-rich CEIs are generated by the preferential decomposition of PF6− anions during the electrochemical charge to 4.4 V, which lower interface impedance, facilitate Na+ transportation and suppress subsequent side reactions. Consequently, the cell integrating high-voltage P2-Na0.7Li0.03Mg0.03Ni0.27Mn0.6Ti0.07O2 cathode and Na anode exhibits a capacity retention of 87.3% after 200 cycles and a high-rate discharge capacity of 84 mA h g−1 at 20 C under a high cut-off voltage of 4.4 V. This work offers a feasible pathway to tailor electrolyte chemistry and interphase properties for practical next generation high-voltage SIBs.

Comparative Study of Carbon Nanotubes and Lignosulfonate as Polyvinyl Acetate (PVAc) Wood Adhesive-Reinforcing Agents

This study aimed to reinforce a polyvinyl acetate-D3 (PVAc-D3) adhesive to improve its mechanical and thermal properties. The goal was to reach a polyvinyl acetate-D4 (PVAc-D4) adhesive performance that could make PVAc-D3 more attractive and add value to wood products. PVAc-D3 was modified by adding 0.05% and 0.5% (wt.) of multi-walled carbon nanotube particles (MWCNTs) as well as 0.5% and 2.5% (wt.) of lignosulfonate (LIGNO) particles. Adhesive blends were compared to neat PVAc-D3 and PVAc-D4, evaluating their physical–chemical properties. Also, they were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and mechanical dynamic analysis (DMA) with a storage module (E′). The blends were used to fabricate laminated wood pieces, pressed at 60 and 120 min (min), to be tested at shear strength under dry, elevated temperature and vacuum-pressure conditions. Delamination and adhesive penetration were determined by microscopy. Incorporating fillers into PVAc resulted in a decrease in viscosity. FT-IR evidenced that the PVAc-D4 adhesive had a bigger cross-linked degree than the other adhesive samples. The DMA showed that LIGNO and MWCNT fillers help increase E′ at the bond line, reaching a higher stiffness level than neat PVAc-D3. In dry conditions, specimens glued with D3-LIGNO 0.5% at 120 min reached shear strengths that were 100%, 28%, and 3% higher than the standard requirement, PVAc-D4, and neat PVAc-D3, respectively. Also, those glued with D3-MWNTC 0.05% reached shear strengths that were 91%, 21%, and 3% higher than the standard requirement, D4, and neat D3, respectively. Only PVAc-D4 reached the standard requirement for elevated temperature and vacuum-pressure conditions. Delamination of ≤5% (standard requirement) was achieved by wood specimens glued with neat PVAc-D3, D3-MWNTC 0.5%, D3-LIGNO 0.5%, and PVAc D4 adhesive samples. In this study, it was found specific ranges of average penetration (AP) to ensure a glue line good quality. To conclude, LIGNO and MWCNT particles improved the PVAc-D3 adhesive’s performance in dry conditions, but they were not very relevant to the D3 adhesive’s behavior. At high temperatures, the LIGNO filler worked very well as a thermic stabilizer compared to the MWCNT filler. The solubility of the reinforcing agent can affect an adhesive’s blend quality and its cohesion properties. An adequate penetration depth procures a good quality bond between an adhesive and substrate with less possibilities of delamination. An extensive pressing time may cause a weak interphase and poor mechanical properties in an adhesive bond in the presence of humidity.

Strategies to Stabilize the Sodium metal anode for High-energy Room-temperature Sodium-Sulfur Batteries

Room temperature sodium-sulfur batteries possess higher specific energy and improved inherent safety compared to their high-temperature analogs used in stationary grid storage. The viability of room temperature sodium batteries depends critically on the mechanical and ionic transport properties of the solid electrolyte interphase. Solid electrolyte interphases address a number of concomitant challenges, including large volume change, low ionic conductivity, rapid dendrite growth, and high chemical reactivity, which limit the viability of sodium anodes. In this presentation, novel strategies to stabilize the sodium metal anode are discussed that enable a high-rate cycling of sodium anodes. A solid-vapor growth approach is developed to fabricate a variety of artificial interphases directly on the surface of the sodium metal anode. As a result, the metal anode could be cycled for over 600 cycles at relatively higher currents. A room-temperature sodium-sulfur cell comprising modified sodium metal anode and sulfur cathode could be cycled for over 500 cycles with minimal capacity decay per cycle.

Eco-friendly calcium alginate microspheres enable enhanced profile control and oil displacement

Polymer microspheres (PMs), such as polyacrylamide, have been widely applied for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), yet with environmental concerns. Here, we report a microfluid displacement technology containing a bio-based eco-friendly material, i.e., calcium alginate (CaAlg) microspheres for EOR. Two dominant mechanisms responsible for EOR over CaAlg fluid have been verified, including the microscopic oil displacement efficacy augmented by regulating capillary force (determined by the joint action of interfacial tension and wettability between different phases) and macroscopic sweep volume increment through profile control and mobility ratio reduction. This comprehensive effectiveness can be further impacted when the CaAlg microsphere is embellished ulteriorly by using appropriate amount of sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS). The core flooding and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tests demonstrate that CaAlg-SDS microsphere can balance the interphase property regulation (wettability alteration and IFT reduction) and rheology properties, enabling simultaneous profile control and oil displacement. Excessive introduction of SDS will have a negative impact on rheological properties, which is not favored for EOR. Our results show that the involvement of 4-mM SDS will provide the best behavior, with an EOR rate of 34.38%. This cost-effective and environmentally-friendly bio-microsphere-based microfluidic displacement technology is expected to achieve “green” oil recovery in future oilfield exploitation.

Distinctive interphasial properties and high structural reversibility endowed by B-/CN– electrolyte additive and its superior electrochemical performance for graphite/LiCoO2 pouch cells

The exploration of high energy density batteries requires cathodes with a high specific capacity and high voltage. LiCoO2 (LCO), a prospective cathode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), displays a decent capacity but without a compatible electrolyte to withstand its high voltage. To create an enduring cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI), a novel electrolyte additive, 2-cyanophenylboronic acid (CBB), which possesses both cyano (CN–) and boronic acid (B-) functional group, is firstly put forward to be applied in LCO/Li cells as well as graphite/LCO pouch cell. Data from experimental and theoretical research both reveal that CBB preferentially decomposes on LCO surface, constructing a thin, robust and homogeneous CEI film rich in B-F/B-O species with fast kinetics and low impedance, suppressing the LCO surface transformation upon cycling due to the alleviated Co dissolution. CBB additive can enhance the structural reversibility (in-situ X-ray diffraction), decrease the electrolyte decomposition and eliminate the HF formation, constructing a much smoother surface than base electrolyte. LCO/Li cells with 1% CBB deliver more excellent capacity retention (96%) and a much superior rate capability (145 mAh/g, 5C) than that of base electrolyte (67%, 115 mAh/g). Intriguingly, graphite/LCO pouch batteries containing 1% CBB for 300 cycles deliver more outstanding capacity retention of 80% than that of base electrolyte (2%). This work reveals that CBB can function as an efficient electrolyte additive for high voltage LCO cathode, of which its distinctive CEI modification on the LCO surface provides valuable perspectives for its commercial application towards high energy density LIBs.

Theoretical investigation on structure, mechanical performance and oxidation resistance of the boron-doped PyC interphase in SiCf/SiC composites

Pyrolytic carbon (PyC) is widely used as the interphase in SiCf/SiC composites because of the crack deflection capability originating from its weakly bonded layered structure. However, the poor oxidation resistance limits its application in SiCf/SiC. Boron doping can improve oxidation resistance due to the crack-healing effects of boron oxide. To explore the optimal boron doping content in PyC interphase, structure characters and mechanical properties of C128−xBx (x = 8, 20, 32, 44, 64) were simulated by ab-initio molecular dynamics. Modeling results suggest a transition of C128−xBx from layered to amorphous accompanied by a change of its elasticity tensor from strongly anisotropic to nearly isotropic. The predicted optimal boron content is near 34 at%, at which the B-doped PyC maintains a layered structure with a high crack deflection potential according to the Cook & Gordon model while having a high crack-healing capability with a large volume expansion factor.

Impact of lithium nitrate additives on the solid electrolyte interphase in lithium metal batteries

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) represent a promising frontier in energy storage technology, offering high energy density but facing significant challenges. In this work, we address the critical challenge of lithium dendrite formation in LMBs, a key barrier to their efficiency and safety. Focusing on the potential of electrolyte additives, specifically lithium nitrate, to inhibit dendritic growth, we employ advanced multi-scale simulation techniques to explore the formation and properties of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the anode surface. Our study introduces a novel hybrid simulation methodology, HAIR (Hybrid ab initio and Reactive force field Molecular Dynamics), which combines ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) and reactive force field molecular dynamics (RMD). This approach allows for a more precise and reliable examination of the interaction mechanisms of nitrate additives within LMBs. Our findings demonstrate that lithium nitrate contributes to the formation of a stable and fast ionic conductor interface, effectively suppressing dendrite growth. These insights not only advance our understanding of dendrite formation and mitigation strategies in lithium metal batteries, but also highlight the efficacy of HAIR as a pioneering tool for simulating complex chemical interactions in battery materials, offering significant implications for the broader field of energy storage technology.

Unraveling the Solvent Effect on Solid-Electrolyte Interphase Formation for Sodium Metal Batteries.

Ether-based electrolytes are considered as an ideal electrolyte system for sodium metal batteries (SMBs) due to their superior compatibility with the sodium metal anode (SMA). However, the selection principle of ether solvents and the impact on solid electrolyte interphase formation are still unclear. Herein, we systematically compare the chain ether-based electrolyte and understand the relationship between the solvation structure and the interphasial properties. The linear ether solvent molecules with different terminal group lengths demonstrate remarkably distinct solvation effects, thus leading to different electrochemical performance as well as deposition morphologies for SMBs. Computational calculations and comprehensive characterizations indicate that the terminal group length significantly regulates the electrolyte solvation structure and consequently influences the interfacial reaction mechanism of electrolytes on SMA. Cryogenic electron microscopy clearly reveals the difference in solid electrolyte interphase in various ether-based electrolytes. As a result, the 1,2-diethoxyethane-based electrolyte enables a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.9 %, which also realizes the stable cycling of Na||Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 full cell with a mass loading of ≈9 mg cm-2 over 500 cycles.

Towards stable electrode–electrolyte interphases: Regulating solvation structures in electrolytes for rechargeable batteries

AbstractRechargeable batteries are highly in demand to power various electronic devices and future smart electric grid energy storage. The electrode–electrolyte interphases play a crucial role in influencing the electrochemical performance of batteries, with the solvation chemistries of the electrolyte being particularly significant in regulating these interfacial reactions. However, the reaction mechanisms of electrolyte solvation and their specific functions in batteries are not yet fully understood. In this review, we embark on an exploration of the fundamental principles governing solvation and present a comprehensive overview of how solvation structures impact interfacial reactions at the electrode–electrolyte interface. We underscore the significance of interactions among cations, anions, and solvents in shaping electrolyte solvation structures. The primary strategies for controlling solvation structures are also discussed, including the optimization of salt concentrations, solvent interactions, and the introduction of functional cosolvents. Furthermore, we elucidate the oxidation/reduction reaction mechanisms of electrolyte components in different solvation structures and the new understanding of electrolyte additives in modulating interfacial chemistries in batteries. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of incorporating new characterization techniques and theoretical simulations to attain a deeper understanding of the intricate processes taking place within batteries. This review provides an in‐depth understanding in solvations and interphasial properties and new ideas for designing advanced functional electrolytes for rechargeable batteries.

Impacts of nanofiller shapes on the interface confinement effect in polymer nanocomposites

Shape effect of nanofillers (NFs) on the properties of nanocomposites has attracted considerable attention in recent research. The present study aims to examine how NF shapes influence the confinement effect of polymer-NF interface on the physical properties of nearby polymer (the interphase). Herein molecular dynamics simulations are performed to capture the shift of interphase properties when NFs change from nanosphere to nanocylinder and nanofilm geometry. A stress analysis is then carried out in the interphase to identify a key parameter for characterizing the stress-property coupling and revealing the pathway of the NF shapes to impact the interphase properties. It is shown that the peak hydrostatic stress σhyd quantifies the effect of internal stresses on the properties of the interphase. Specifically, the shape transition considered can substantially enhance the peak σhyd by flattening the stress space in the interphase without largely affecting the polymer-NF interaction. Increased peak σhyd in turn upshifts the interphase properties and thus, leads to the coupling between the NF shapes and interface confinement effect.

Unraveling the Mechanism of Very Initial Dendritic Growth Under Lithium Ion Transport Control in Lithium Metal Anodes.

Lithium metal deposition is strongly affected by the intrinsic properties of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) and working electrolyte, but a relevant understanding is far from complete. Here, by employing multiple electrochemical techniques and the design of SEI and electrolyte, we elucidate the electrochemistry of Li deposition under mass transport control. It is discovered that SEIs with a lower Li ion transference number and/or conductivity induce a distinctive current transition even under moderate potentiostatic polarization, which is associated with the control regime transition of Li ion transport from the SEI to the electrolyte. Furthermore, our findings help reveal the creation of a space-charge layer at the electrode/SEI interface due to the involvement of the diffusion process of Li ions through the SEI, which promotes the formation of dendrite embryos that develop and eventually trigger SEI breakage and the control regime transition of Li ion transport. Our insight into the very initial dendritic growth mechanism offers a bridge toward design and control for superior SEIs.

Prediction of carbon nanotubes reinforced interphase properties in fuzzy fibre reinforced polymer via inverse analysis and optimisation

This paper presents the parameter identification procedure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced interphase in fuzzy fibre reinforced polymer (FFRP). The procedure was completed with ANSYS Workbench 19.2 software by combining Mechanical ADPL and Goal-Driven Optimisation. Firstly, a three-phase representative volume element (RVE) containing carbon fibre, CNTs reinforced interphase and epoxy resin was developed as a collection of Mechanical APDL commands. This RVE model was simulated to evaluate the elastic constants of FFRP lamina. CNTs reinforced interphase was characterised by transversely isotropic model. Interphase properties were parametrised and became input parameters in the Goal-Driven Optimisation. FFRP lamina elastic constants were set as the output parameters. Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) was used to identify the interphase properties, so that the output FFRP lamina elastic constants match the objective and constraints. The optimisation algorithm converged after 585 evaluations. Five potential candidate point, which met required objectives and constraints, were found. The identified interphase properties agreed well with the literature (an average percentage error of around 2%). This inverse procedure shows the potential to identify the interphase properties in nano-engineered composites, which are extremely difficult to measure experimentally.