Methyl Acetate Research Articles

Perovskite solar cells prepared by processing CsPbBr<sub>3</sub> nanocrystalline films in low temperature solution

<sec>In the process of preparing perovskite polycrystalline films by solution method, toxic solvents are used, and heat treatment is still the main way to induce perovskite grain growth, which not only increases energy consumption, but also hinders the development of flexible solar cells. In order to avoid the use of toxic solvents and high-temperature process, CsPbBr<sub>3</sub> nanocrystal films are treated with low temperature solution to obtain corresponding polycrystalline thin films, which are applied to solar cells. Firstly, CsPbBr<sub>3</sub> nanocrystalline (nanocrystalline NC) ink precursor is prepared by hot injection method, and nanocrystalline film is prepared by spinning coating method. In atmospheric environment, CsPbBr<sub>3</sub> nanocrystalline films are prepared by saturated solution of Pb(SCN)<sub>2</sub> and NH<sub>4</sub>Br methyl acetate. Using the CsPbBr<sub>3</sub> nanocrystalline film as an absorbing layer, the perovskite solar cell is prepared and the performance of the cell is effectively improved, and the efficiency of the cell reaches 8.43%. The results show that the saturated solution of Pb(SCN)<sub>2</sub> and NH<sub>4</sub>Br methyl acetate (MA) can not only continue the nanocrystalline crystallization, but also effectively passivate the defects in the perovskite films. In the process of preparing CsPbBr<sub>3</sub> polycrystalline films, neither high temperature treatment nor the high boiling point toxic solvent is used, which is suitable for the preparation rigid and flexible solar cells.</sec><sec>The inorganic halide perovskite nanocrystals are developed and used as “ink” to fabricate fully air-processed, electrically stable solar cells. Although the prepared film is composed of mosaic nanocrystals capped with a large number of organic ligands and surface traps, this method provides a new approach for single-step, large-scale fabrication of inorganic perovskite devices. Moreover, the flexible control of the material composition provides a platform for uncovering the optimal conditions for optoelectronics and photonics.</sec>

Photocatalytic nanomaterials and their implications towards biomass conversion for renewable chemical and fuel production.

Photocatalytic processes have recently gained popularity as a sustainable and energy-efficient method for converting biomass. This article gives a comprehensive overview of recent improvements in the photocatalytic conversion of biomass into useful chemicals and fuels utilizing various photocatalytic materials. The work delves into the assessment of diverse biomass sources and their preparation techniques, in addition to the synthesis of plasmonic nanoparticles as photocatalysts from biomass, offering a thorough examination. This review article provides detailed techniques for fabricating and synthesizing plasmonic nanoparticles. Furthermore, the study discusses advancements in coupling photo-oxidation alongside the hydrogen evolution mechanism for water splitting. Furthermore, prospective research topics are suggested, such as conducting a systematic analysis of photocatalysis's redox potential, developing more effective catalysts, broadening the variety of reaction types, and establishing industrial-scale photocatalytic production. Plasmonic photocatalysts have been utilized to convert biomass into H2 for energy, and to explore hypothesized molecular routes for the photocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which may then be converted into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). This review also discusses the surface functionalization of nanophotocatalysts with -COOH, NH2, and OH groups to increase their reactivity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed on the surface of nanophotocatalysts under UV or solar light play a crucial role in photocatalytic reactions. Our review has shown many challenges and difficulties related to CO2 hydrogenation reactions in the presence of sustainable H2, powered by renewable energy sources. This is very critical for achieving a transition to net-zero emissions. These technologies will drive forward the development of biomass conversion processes into CO2-based fuels. This paper explores recent advancements in the conversion of biomass-derived CO2 into valuable chemicals using plasmonic nanophotocatalysts. In addition to this, density functional theory (DFT) calculations also reveal how functional groups help stabilize these nanoparticles and enhance electron density through photo-adsorption. This study provides a remarkable and significant review that examines current trends, future directions, and ongoing debates in this field, focusing on reaction conditions, catalyst design, and proposed mechanisms for producing valuable chemicals. These chemicals include single-carbon compounds like formaldehyde, formic acid, and methanol, as well as C2 + compounds such as acetic acid, ethanol, methyl formate, and oxyethylene ethers. Additionally, it addresses the current state of liquid-phase CO2 hydrogenation in the presence of photocatalysts, highlighting existing challenges and potential research paths. The paper also provides an overview of the advances and challenges in the electro- and photocatalytic oxidation of HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural), detailing strategies for creating high-value chemicals through these oxidation processes. These methods, which may involve reactions like the hydrogen evolution reaction, organic substrate reduction, CO2 reduction reaction, or N2 reduction reaction, are summarized and analyzed. Furthermore, the catalytic efficiency and mechanisms of various catalyst types in these conversion systems are introduced and discussed. Electron paramagnetic resonance and scavenger studies reveal the major active species (˙OH and ˙O2 -) in the photocatalytic conversion of biomass to different value-added products.

Comprehensive analysis of the 2R‐MYB family in Nicotiana tabacum and functional characterization of NtMYB35 in pigment metabolism

AbstractMYB transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in plant growth and development, metabolic regulation, and stress responses. In the current study, 258 2R‐MYB TFs were identified in Nicotiana tabacum and systemically analyzed. The 2R‐NtMYB TFs were unevenly distributed on 23 chromosomes and were classified into 33 subgroups according to the Arabidopsis thaliana 2R‐MYB classification. The promoters of the 2R‐NtMYB harbor numerous potential cis‐acting elements involved in plant growth, metabolism, hormone signaling, and stress responsiveness. Chip‐based expression profiling of different tissues and growth stages revealed that the 2R‐NtMYBs showed constitutive or spatiotemporally specific expressions. RNA‐sequencing data indicated that some 2R‐NtMYBs, including NtMYB16, NtMYB27, NtMYB35, and NtMYB170, are involved in the response to one or several abiotic and biotic stresses, namely drought and resistance to black shank and bacterial wilt. Quantitative PCR results further revealed that NtMYBs respond to different hormones (abscisic acid, indole acetic acid, gibberellic acid, methyl jasmonate, and salicylic acid) and confirmed their involvement in abiotic stress responses like heat, drought, and salt. NtMYB35 overexpression and mutant lines generated using CRISPR‐Cas9 gene editing were used to verify the important role of NtMYB35 in regulating tobacco growth, pigment metabolism, and aphid resistance. These results provide a detailed overview of this TF family in N. tabacum and valuable insights for future functional analyses of NtMYB TFs.

Unveiling the Launaea nudicaulis (L.) Hook medicinal bioactivities: phytochemical analysis, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anticancer activities.

Commonly used antimicrobial agents are no longer effective due to their overuse or misuse. In addition, many medicinal plant extracts can combat infectious diseases due to their main active constituents or secondary metabolites. The current study aimed to assess the bioactivities of Launaea nudicaulis (LN) leaf extract (LE) against different multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolates. The ethyl acetate extract of a Launaea nudicaulis (LN) leaf was analyzed using GC-MS, which identified 27 key bioactive compounds. The major constituents found were as follows: 7-acetyl-6-ethyl-1,1,4,4-tetramethyltetralin, isopropyl myristate, thiocarbamic acid, N,N-dimethyl, S-1,3-diphenyl-2-butenyl ester, hahnfett, cyclopentane acetic acid, 3-oxo-2-pentyl-, methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, and dotriacontane. Our study demonstrated that the LN leaf was a rich source of other important phytochemicals, including phenolic acids, tannins, saponins, and steroids. The relative biosafety of the L. nudicaulis LE was determined from the elevated inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of 262 μg/mL, as calculated from the cytotoxicity assay against the Wi-38 normal cell line. Conversely, 12.7 and 24.5 μg/mL were the recorded low IC50 values for the tested extract against the MCF-7 and Hep-G2 cancerous cell lines, respectively, reflecting its potent activity against the tested cancerous cell lines. Microbiologically, the susceptible P. aeruginosa isolates to the tested extract showed a growth inhibition zone diameter, in the well diffusion assay, ranging from 11.34 ± 0.47 to 26.67 ± 0.47 mm, and a percent inhibition (PI) value of 50-106.2%, reflecting its acceptable activity. In addition, the broth microdilution assay recorded minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) in the ranges of 15.625-1,000 μg/mL and 125-1,000 μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the L. nudicaulis LE revealed showed promising activity and high selectivity against P. aeruginosa. Moreover, the extract exhibited natural anticancer activities with safe low concentrations, indicating its potential as a superior candidate for future studies of its active constituents.

Boron-incorporated nanosized SUZ-4 zeolite for DME carbonylation.

Boron-incorporated nanosized HB-SUZ-4 showcased a noteworthy 24% boost in dimethyl ether carbonylation, with an elevation in methyl acetate selectivity from 91.8% to 96.0%. The improved performance is attributed to shortened diffusion lengths along the 8-member ring channels, decreased Brønsted acidity in the 10-member ring channels, and Lewis acid sites stabilizing CO.

Unraveling the mechanism of methyl acetate additive for reinforcing the solid electrolyte interface on graphite anodes

A stable ultrathin SEI with an inorganic/organic bilayer structure is in situ formed with addition of methyl acetate, the formation and evolution process are investigated by in situ scanning electrochemical microscopy and atomic force microscopy.

Machine learning predictions on the output parameters of CRDI engines fueled with ternary blend

This study aims to employ a machine learning algorithm (MLA) to predict CRDI engine emissions and performance using alternative feedstock. This study started with a diesel-SCOME- Methyl Acetate ternary mix. The engine was tested with fuel injection time (FIT) of 23?, 21?, and 19? bTDC with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) levels of 10%, 15%, and 20% at estimated power productivity. Retard injection time and increasing EGR rates reduced in-cylinder peak pressure. Operating conditions with the maximum BTE were 21? bTDC and 10% EGR. Adjusting injection time and EGR reduced nitrogen oxide relative to the baseline. Smoke opacity was 1% lower at 21? bTDC and 10% exhaust gas recirculation than in conventional diesel operation. Retard injection time and exhaust gas recirculation increased HC and CO emissions. However, MLAs predict CI engine operation and discharge properties. The long short-term memory (LSTM) Model predicts engine output characteristics with a squared correlation (R2) of 0.92 to 0.961. At the same time, mean relative error (MRE) values ranged from 1.74 to 4.68%. These results show that the LSTM models provide superior predictive capabilities in this investigation, particularly when considering numerous variables to analyse engine responses.

Mechanistic insights into methanol carbonylation to methyl acetate over an efficient organic template-free Cu-exchanged mordenite

A new approach for determining the mechanism of methanol carbonylation to methyl acetate over a green template-free Cu-MOR solid catalyst.

Dissolution behavior, thermodynamic analysis and molecular simulation of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide in organic solvent at 273.15 K to 313.15 K

The solubility of LiFSI in ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate at 273.15 K to 313.15 K were determined. Elevated temperatures can actuate the continued mixing of LIFSI in the 11 fluids outlined above. In comparison, the addition of an alkyl group to the carbon chain of a structurally similar solvent molecule will result in a smaller solubility of LiFSI. Overall the molar solubility of LiFSI in esters are significantly higher than the other four alcohols. Besides, the corresponding theoretical results were mounted by fitting the classical equation. The deviation of the fitted values from the measured values showed that the Apelblat equation and Yaws model was more effectively in fitting the solubility of LiFSI. Then, The ΔsolHo, ΔsolGo, ΔsolSo of electrolyte solution were discussed by Van’t Hoff equation. Their fruits implied that the dissolution of LiFSI is found to be accompanied by heat absorption and entropy gain processes. Finally, the solvent molecular polarity index and solvation free energy were calculated by molecular visualization analysis and molecular dynamics simulation, and the correlation analysis with solubility order was carried out to illustrate the role of molecular features on the LiFSI solubility was explained. Electrostatic interactions and molecular polarity are the leading players in determining its solubility limit. These results will provide valuable reference for the purification of LiFSI and the development of new electrolyte solutions.

Experimental studies of a continuous catalytic distillation column from startup to steady state for the production of methyl acetate

Abstract Esterification of acetic acid with methanol to produce methyl acetate and water has been studied in a continuous packed bed catalytic reactive distillation. The key challenge is the startup method of the experiments fora continuous reactive distillation as well as reactive zone height selection. In the present study, the effect of various operating conditions on the methyl acetate composition (mole fraction) is studied. Indion 180 ion-exchange resin solid catalyst is used in the reactive zone. The catalyst is immobilized by using a novel equivalent Katapak-S in the reactive section. Experiments were performed under different operating conditions to find the high purity methyl acetate product in the distillation. The experiments were performed for various conditions like total feed flow rate, reboiler temperature, reflux ratio, methanol to acetic acid mole ratio and catalyst loading with the time. The experiments were carried out till the system reaches to the steady state under different conditions. The maximum methyl acetate concentration is obtained at 80 °C reboiler temperature, 2.01 reflux ratio, 16.3 g/min flow rate, 60 g catalyst loading and 1 mol ratio of methanol to acetic acid. The highest purity of methyl acetate obtained under optimal condition is 95 % by mole.

Dynamic controlled atmosphere monitored by respiratory quotient as a new method to store pears: Effect on the volatile compounds profile and general quality

Pears (Pyrus communis) are climacteric fruit that require storage under appropriate conditions to extend availability and delay ripening. This study evaluated the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the physicochemical quality of ‘Santa Maria’ and ‘Rocha’ pears after storage in a controlled atmosphere (CA) or dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA), monitored by respiratory quotient (RQ). The pears, harvested from an orchard in São Joaquim (Santa Catarina State), were stored at − 0.5 °C in CA (2.0 kPa O2) and DCA with RQ levels of 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4, all under 1.0 kPa CO2. ‘Santa Maria’ pears were stored for four months, and ‘Rocha’ pears for six months, followed by seven days at 20 °C before quality analysis. Storage of ‘Santa Maria’ pears in CA resulted in fruit with a more yellow skin color, lower flesh firmness, and higher ethylene production, while ‘Rocha’ pears in CA retained higher flesh firmness and produced less ethylene at 4 and 7 days at 20 °C compared to DCA conditions. Storage conditions did not significantly affect soluble solids and acidity. In ‘Rocha’ pears, DCA, regardless of RQ, suppressed the production of butyl acetate, hexyl acetate, pentyl acetate, methyl acetate, and propyl acetate, while in ‘Santa Maria’ pears, esters such as butyl acetate and hexyl acetate were less affected. In conclusion, no significant differences were found between the DCA-RQ levels evaluated in this research in maintaining physicochemical quality and VOCs production. However, DCA suppressed VOCs production in both ‘Santa Maria’ and ‘Rocha’ pears compared with CA storage.

2,3-Dichloropyridine solubility in 14 pure solvents: Determination, correlation, Hansen solubility parameter, solvent effect and thermodynamic analysis

The solid–liquid equilibrium data of 2,3-dichloropyridine(23DCP) in 14 pure solvents were measured making use of the laser dynamic monitoring at 278.15/283.15/288.15 K − 313.15 K with 0.1 MPa. The findings of this study showed that the solubility increase of 23DCP in 14 pure solvents had a positive relation with temperature, and the solubility order was 1,4-dioxane > dichloromethane > n-butyl acetate > ethyl acetate > methyl acetate > acetonitrile > n-butanol > isobutyl alcohol > n-propanol > isopropanol > ethanol > cyclohexane > methanol > n-hexane. The solubility data of 23DCP was operated by seven models (Van't Hoff, modified Apelblat, λh, Yaws, NRTL, NRTL-SAC, Wilson) to correlate. And the average ARD values were 1.684 %,1.058 %, 1.031 %, 0.905 %, 0.937 %, 1.012 %, 2.062 % and the average 103RMSD values were 1.978, 1.396, 1.542, 1.221, 1.758, 1.658 and 1.883, respectively. In addition, Hansen solubility parameters were well evaluated to appraise the miscibility of 23DCP in 14 pure solvents. And the interactions between molecules were studied by means of molecular electrostatic potential surface, Hirshfeld surface analysis and density functional theory calculation. Finally, according to Van't Hoff equation, ΔsolG°, ΔsolH° and ΔsolS° of 23DCP in 14 pure solvents were got. ΔsolH° and ΔsolS° were bigger than zero, representing that this was a dissolution process of endothermic and entropy increase.

TO ISSUE INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE MASS TRANSFER PROCESS IN AGITATORS

This study investigates the impact of impeller design on the rate of esterification reaction in a batch reactor. Different impeller designs were tested and compared, including Backswept impeller, C-shaped, Double Blade impeller, and Pitched impeller. The results showed that the choice of impeller design has a significant effect on the rate of esterification reaction, with the Backswept impeller proving to be the most effective. In this work, it is aimed to investigate the esterification of acetic acid and methanol in a batch stirred reactor for the synthesis of methyl acetate. The temperature range of 303.15 K is examined, with sulphuric acid used as the homogeneous catalyst in varying concentrations of 0.0633 mol·L1 to 0.3268 mol·L-1. The feed molar ratio of acetic acid to methanol also varied from 1:1 to 1:4 to observe its influence on the reaction rate. The research delves into the effects of temperature, catalyst concentration, and reactant concentration on the reaction rate. The experimental data is correlated using a second-order kinetic rate equation, and the forward and backward reaction rate constants and activation energies are determined from the Arrhenius plot. The developed kinetic model is compared with previous models in literature. In order to find the most effective impeller for esterification reaction, diameter of impellers was accepted same in the constant volume and dimension of batch reactor. The obtained kinetic equation proves useful for the simulation of a reactive distillation column for the synthesis of methyl acetate. Keywords: the batch reactor, impeller, esterification, effectivity, mass transfer, mixing, mechanical mixers, Logarithmic Shear Rate, Eddy Diffusivity.

Thermodynamic properties of binary mixtures of methyl acetate and some selected ketonesat varying compositions and temperatures

Density and viscosity measurements of binary mixtures of methyl acetate with propanone, butan-2-one and pentan-2-one were carried out at varying compositions (0 to 1) of methyl acetate and temperatures of 25, 30, 35 and 40◦C. The experimental data obtained were correlated with the Redlich-Kister polynomial equation from where excess molar volumes (VE ), excess viscosities (ηE), excess Gibbs free energies of activation for viscous flow (ΔG*E ), fitting coefficients and standard deviations of the mixtures were calculated. The ηE values were positive for mixtures of butan-2-one and pentan-2-one at all compositions and temperatures but gradually decrease with increasing composition and temperature. The mixtures of methyl acetate with propanone showed negative values of excess viscosity at all compositions of methyl acetate. The negative values are observed to be directly proportional to temperature. The values of VE for mixtures of methyl acetate + propanone system display positive deviations at lower compositions (0-0.4) and negative for higher mole fractions. The excess molar volumes of mixtures of butan-2-one and pentan-2-one are negative at the studied compositions and temperatures with a minimum at 0.3 composition and subsequent gradual decrease in negativity with increasing composition. The excess Gibbs free energy of activation for viscous flow (ΔG*E ) are positive at all compositions and temperatures and reaches a maximum at 0.3 composition above which it decreases. These results have been interpreted on the basis of the type and nature of interactions as well as differences in molecular architecture between the solvent mixtures.

Methyl acetate production by reactive distillation using a vertical plate microdistillator

Methyl acetate production by reactive distillation using a vertical plate microdistillator

Potential Endophytic Fungi from the Leaves of Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) and Their Secondary Metabolite

Endophytic fungi coexist without harms in the host in some parts or all parts of its lifecycle. Endophytic fungi excrete specialized bioactive compounds beneficial for of its host; the compound itself can be different from what can be found on their host. Endophytic fungi are capable to excrete biologically significant secondary metabolites acting as antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytostatic agents. Endophytic fungi existence are common across different plants; including Syzygium zeylanicum that can be found in Indonesia. This study aims to isolate endophytic fungi found in leaves of Syzygium zeylanicum, L., to elucidate their characterized morphologically, and to examine its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties in addition to their chemical structures. Characterization of endophytic fungi was conducted by their macroscopic and microscopic features, followed by molecular characterization of highly bioactive metabolites. Antimicrobial activities were measured by disc diffusion method. Antioxidant properties were measured with DPPH. Secondary metabolites were chromatographically isolated and identified with spectroscopy techniques (NMR ID and 2D). Four endophytic fungi isolates were obtained: Penicillium citrinum (SZ1), Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (SZ2), Aspergillus nidulan (SZ3), Scopulariopsis asperula (SZ4). Penicillium citrinum (SZ1) showed antimicrobial activities against four different bacteria (71.3% against E. coli; 74.1% against S. aureus; 76.2% against S. typhi; and dan76.9% against B. subtilis). Antioxidant activity ini all ekstrak of endophytic fungi showed very activity (IC50 SZ3 extract = 3.85 µg/mL). Potential endophytic fungi SZ1 was molecularly identified as Penicillium citrinum. Extracts from SZ1 fungi contains bioactive 4-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ɣ-butyrolactone-3-yl) methyl acetate. The newly obtained substance could be developed into antimicrobial and antioxidant agents in further studies.

The microstructure characteristics of the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate–methyl acetate−methanol systems

The ionic liquid (IL) has demonstrated promising potential as an entrainer in efficiently separating the methyl acetate−methanol azeotropic mixture using extractive distillation. However, comprehending the fundamental mechanism responsible for azeotropism vanished by an IL entrainer is crucial for its large-scale applications. This study aims to explore the microstructure characteristics of the 1-ethyl-3-metfighylimidazolium thiocyanate ([EMIM][SCN])–methyl acetate−methanol systems using FTIR and DFT calculations. The focus is on understanding the fundamental reasons behind azeotrope breaking facilitated by the IL entrainer. Initially, the v(aromatic C–H) region of the imidazolium cation was analyzed to evaluate the interaction strength between the entrainer and methyl acetate/methanol. The results indicated stronger interactions between [EMIM][SCN] and methanol. As a consequence of this variation in interaction strength, the relative vapor pressure of the two constituents was impacted, ultimately resulting in the disturbance of the azeotrope. Subsequently, the v(C=O) region of methyl acetate was utilized to detect interaction complexes in various systems, assisted by excess spectra. Various interaction species, including methyl acetate–methanol/2methanol and methyl acetate–ion cluster/ion pair/cation were found. Notably, when the mole fraction of IL exceeded 0.087, the IL effectively disrupted the interaction complex between methyl acetate and methanol, thereby eliminating azeotropy in the methyl acetate–methanol system.

Comments on “Solubility measurement, correlation, and dissolution thermodynamics of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane_1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane (2HNIW_HMX) co-crystal in two binary solvent mixtures”

The reported solubility 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane_1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane (2HNIW_HMX) co-crystal in methyl acetate + ethanol/1,2-dichloroethane has been evaluated from viewpoint of the thermodynamic solubility determination and solution stability of co-crystals. The solution stability of the co-crystal is a critical point which should be considered in the determination and calculation of thermodynamic parameters.

The preparation of cellulose acetate capsules using emulsification techniques: high-shear bulk mixing and microfluidics

Abstract This work describes an emulsification-solvent-evaporation method for the preparation of liquid-filled capsules made from cellulose acetate. Two different emulsification techniques were applied: bulk emulsification by high-shear mixing, and droplet generation using microfluidics. The bulk emulsification method resulted in the formation of oil-in-water emulsions composed of an organic mixture of isooctane and cellulose acetate in methyl acetate, and an aqueous phase of high-molecular-weight polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Upon the solvent evaporation, the emulsion droplets evolved into isooctane-filled cellulose acetate capsules. In contrast, microfluidics led to the formation of monodisperse droplets composed of the aqueous PVA solution dispersed in the organic phase. Upon the solvent evaporation, the emulsion droplets evolved into water-filled cellulose acetate capsules. Owing to the thermoplastic properties of the cellulose acetate, the capsules formed with the bulk mixing demonstrated a significant expansion when exposed to an increased temperature. Such expanded capsules hold great promise as building blocks in lightweight materials.

Nonflammable cosolvent enables methyl acetate-based electrolyte for 4.6 V-class lithium-ion batteries operating at −60 °C

The operational demands of electronic devices in extreme environments present a significant challenge for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) to function effectively at low temperatures. To address this challenge, methyl acetate (MA) has been considered as a potential electrolyte solvent. However, MA-based electrolytes show poor compatibility with graphite anodes and high flammability, which affects battery cycle life and brings safety risks. Herein, an advanced non-flammable MA-based diluted highly concentrated electrolyte (DHCE) is designed incorporating ethoxy (pentafluoro) cyclotriphosphazene (PFPN) as a multifunctional diluent. The MA-based DHCE forms an anion-dominated solvation structure with improved thermodynamic stability. Moreover, PFPN synergizes with anions to form a protective LiF-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which effectively prevents continuous solvent decomposition. More importantly, PFPN can quench the free radical reaction and stop the spread of flames. This electrolyte enables LiNi0.65Co0.15Mn0.2O2 (NCM65)/graphite full cell to maintain 94.6 % capacity retention after 300 cycles at 1 C and −20 °C. Moreover, it allows NCM65/graphite full cell to operate at a high voltage of 4.6 V and −60 °C. This work demonstrates the importance of co-solvents for electrolyte design and provides new routes for the development of LIBs operating in harsh conditions.