Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes Research Articles

Investigation of conductivity, SEM, XRD studies of Mg2+ ion based TiO2 nanocomposite PVDF-HFP polymer electrolyte and application in a dye sensitized solar cell

Abstract The potential effect of nano TiO2 in poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) based polymer electrolyte and their application in a dye sensitized solar cell have been investigated. The solution casting process was used for fabrication of nano TiO2 loaded in Mg 2+ ion based PVDF-HFP solid polymer electrolyte (SPE), and characterized using conductivity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photovoltaic studies. XRD investigations reveal the broadening of specific peaks, which shows the occurrence of α, β and γ polymorphous phase transitions that commence the amorphous character and ion mobility. The SEM pictures revealed an interconnecting network of micro-porous nature, and an average diameter of the pores of ∼0.38 µm was obtained by using Gaussian curve fitting. Ion transport is facilitated by the high concentration of pores, which is responsible for the efficient absorption of a significant amount of electrolyte. The photovoltaic characteristics of dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) estimated efficiency (η) is 9.9999%, and the fill factor is 0.84. Furthermore, the stability performance of the nanocomposite polymer electrolyte was improved and sufficient for use over an extended length of time, suggesting potential applications as a separator in solid state ionic conductors.

A review on nano composite polymer electrolytes for high-performance batteries

Polymer electrolytes (PEs) are lightweight, flexible, non-flammable solutions and provide a feasible way to replace organic liquid electrolytes because of the safety issues faced by energy storage devices. Inorganic nanofillers are vital in enhancing ionic conductivity by creating additional pathways in polymer-based nanocomposite solid electrolytes. The advances in polymer electrolytes play an essential role in developing the energy storage devices such as batteries. This article briefly summarises the preparation techniques of different polymer electrolytes, developing and focusing on fundamental properties such as surface morphology, electrolyte phases, and the influence of dopants, fillers, and plasticizers on the ionic charge transfer, ionic conductivity, dielectric properties, and transport properties using impedance spectroscopy. We anticipate that gives clear direction for developing energy storage devices.

Preparation of matrix-grafted graphene/poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) nanocomposite gel polymer electrolytes by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization for lithium ion batteries

A structural design and appropriate morphology of polymer-functionalized graphene oxide are occupied to optimize nanocomposite polymer electrolytes. The nanocomposite gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) based on poly(poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate and RAFT agent-functionalized graphene oxide [P(PEGMA/GO-S-(thiobenzoyl)thioglycolic acid (STTA))] have been successfully prepared by in-situ polymerization method in different ratio of GO-STTA and crosslinking by poly(ethylene glycol) diallyl (PEGDA). The P(PEGMA/GO-STTA) GPE with 0.5 wt% of GO-STTA exhibited a high ionic conductivity of 5.5 mS cm−1 at room temperature, a superior lithium transfer number (t+) value of 0.61, and electrochemical window up 4.7 V. The GPE based P(PEGMA/GO-STTA0.5%) indicated 92% coulombic efficiency, the charge capacity value of 191.7 mAh g−1, and capacity retention was about 92% after 100 cycles at 0.1C. P(PEGMA/GO-STTA) GPEs showed great potential for lithium ion battery with high safety and long cycle life.

Substantial Proton Ion Conduction in Methylcellulose/Pectin/Ammonium Chloride Based Solid Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes: Effect of ZnO Nanofiller

In this research, nanocomposite solid polymer electrolytes (NCSPEs) comprising methylcellulose/pectin (MC/PC) blend as host polymer, ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) as an ion source, and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as nanofillers were synthesized via a solution cast methodology. Techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were employed to characterize the electrolyte. FTIR confirmed that the polymers, NH4Cl salt, and ZnO nanofiller interact with one another appreciably. EIS demonstrated the feasibility of achieving a conductivity of 3.13 × 10−4 Scm−1 for the optimum electrolyte at room temperature. Using the dielectric formalism technique, the dielectric properties, energy modulus, and relaxation time of NH4Cl in MC/PC/NH4Cl and MC/PC/NH4Cl/ZnO systems were determined. The contribution of chain dynamics and ion mobility was acknowledged by the presence of a peak in the imaginary portion of the modulus study. The LSV measurement yielded 4.55 V for the comparatively highest conductivity NCSPE.

Structural, thermal, and electrochemical studies on PVA-LiTf-TiO2 nanocomposite polymer electrolyte and the performance on electric double layer capacitor application

Structural, thermal, and electrochemical studies on PVA-LiTf-TiO2 nanocomposite polymer electrolyte and the performance on electric double layer capacitor application

Nanoarchitecture of Novel 3D Ion Transferring Channel Containing Composite Solid Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Based on Holey Graphene Oxide and Chitosan Biopolymer

In three-dimensional (3D) nanoarchitecture arena, two-dimensional (2D) nanostructured graphene oxide (GO) and its derivatives have been emerged as a promising choice of advanced additive materials due to their outstanding properties: high specific surface area (2630 m2g-1), flexibility, light weight, diverse functionality, super mechanical and thermal stability. Particularly, holey graphene oxide (HGO)—single atom thick unique 2D porous nanosheet is obtained from exfoliation of functional GO—a class of graphene sheet with abundant nanopore in their plane; can potentially be used for designing, fabricating and evaluating advanced 3D nanocomposite materials for the development of demandable renewable energy technologies including next generation of solid-state Li+ and Na+ rechargeable batteries. Having been the most significant, momentous, and effectual commercial energy storage devices over the past decade, however, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have some key limitations: flammability, poor thermal, and mechanical stability. To overcome these existing limitations, incorporation of ceramic or polymer-based solid-state electrolytes into the LIBs are being explosively focused by the energy storage research community because of their full solid-state condition and tunable molecular level engineering scope.In this research work, a novel 3D nanocomposite solid polymer electrolyte membrane (SPEM) has been successfully developed based on 2D-HGO and chitosan (CH) biopolymer—naturally occurring only alkaline polysaccharide obtained from industrial shrimp shells, super cheap, nanostructured, non-toxic, completely biodegradable, also abundant in nature. In addition, a facial and cost-effective solution-casting technique has been utilized to fabricate SPEM and applied as a solid-state polymer electrolyte for next generation of flexible and wearable rechargeable LIB technology. To investigate the structural, morphological, thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical performance of as prepared SPEM, so far, a comprehensive characterization has been done with the help of SEM, TEM, XRD, TGA, DSC, FTIR, Raman, elemental analysis, tensile strength test, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The SEM analysis of as-prepared flexible, wearable, free-standing, and super thin (~0.08 mm) SPEM depicts the coherently aligned 2D-HGO nanosheets formed a uniform and strong interconnecting 3D ion transfer channels with the host CH biopolymer. Moreover, 1wt% HGO, almost evenly distributed nanofiller SiO2 particles along with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer binder played an important role to generate better mechanical and electrochemical properties in SPEM. Thus, SPEM exhibited impressive ionic conductivity (6.44 x 10-3 Scm-1 at 23.1 oC and 1.02×10-2 Scm-1 at 70oC), a high level of tensile strength (5.87 MPa) as well as 672% and 93.7% increase of tensile strength than that of without HGO additive and GO based nanocomposite membranes respectively. In fact, very low activation energy (Ea = 0.08 eV) value shows the approval of easy lithium-ion diffusion capability in the SPEM system. In addition, fast ion transfer mechanism in SPEM has been investigated with an in-depth dielectric study that tells us the mainly hopping mechanism is dominating in the novel 3D architecture of SPEM. Besides, the obtained impressive electrochemical and mechanical properties of as-prepared SPEM could assist to understand the further fundamental aspects and impacts of SPEM in the application of LIB technology.

Effect of ZnO nanoparticle content on the amorphousness of conducting jackfruit seed starch-PVA blend polymer electrolyte

Nanocomposite polymer electrolyte films based on a blend of two polymers jackfruit seed starch (JSS) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) complexed with nano-particle zinc oxide (ZnO) (i.e., (50 wt% JSS/50 wt% PVA) + x wt% ZnO where x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14) were prepared by using the casting solution method. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been employed between the frequencies of 10 Hz and 1 MHz to get the optimum values of the conductivity of the prepared polymer electrolyte films. The effect of ZnO nano-filler concentration on the chemical bonding, crystallinity, morphology, and ionic conductivity has been studied. The maximum ionic conductivity at ambient temperature of 1.10 × 10–6 S cm−1 was obtained for (50 wt% JSS/50 wt% PVA) + 10 wt% ZnO JSS-PVA blend film and it is attributed to the highest amorphous content.

Electrical Conductivity Properties of Solid Polymer Electrolytes PEO-PVP-NaIO4 Filled with TiO2 Nanoparticles

Frequency-dependent conductivity and conduction relaxation in nanocomposite solid polymer electrolyte films consisting of poly(ethylene oxide) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone blend as host matrix, NaIO4 as ions dopant, and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles of average size 10 nm, were studied. The films were characterized using measurements of complex electrical impedance spectra in the frequency range from 1 Hz to 1 MHz, at room temperature. The concentration of the salt NaIO4 was 10 wt%, the TiO2 percentage varied from 1 wt% to 5 wt%. The frequency spectra of both alternating-current (AC) conductivity and electric modulus were analyzed in order to elucidate the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the electrical transport properties of the examined electrolyte thin films with a thickness of 150 μm.

Ternary metal oxide filled PEO-based polymer electrolyte for solid-state lithium metal battery: The role of filler particle size

Composite polymer electrolytes with fillers exhibit appealing properties, such as high ionic conductivity, good flexibility, and low cost. However, poor compatibility and electrochemical instability, especially at high current rates, are the disadvantages of these electrolytes. In this study, we report the influence of particle size of Li2O. SiO2. TiO2. P2O5 (LSTP) on polyethylene oxide (PEO)-matrix towards the fabrication of Li-metal batteries with a LiFePO4 cathode. Compared to micron-sized particles, the high surface area of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrix is beneficial for improved electrochemical stability at 0.1 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the nanosized particulates facilitate faster ionic conductivity (1.09 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 80 °C) and excellent stability at higher voltage >4.5 V. Our results clearly indicate the role of filler morphology in enhancing the ionic conductivity and stability. Finally, the full cell made of metallic Li anode and LiFePO4 cathode displays a capacity of 110 mAh g−1 (after 100 cycles under 1C at 60 °C) with a reasonable cycle life using such a nanocomposite solid polymer electrolyte.

Investigation of ZnO nano-filler-dispersed nano-composite polymer electrolytes and their ion transport property

Investigation of ZnO nano-filler-dispersed nano-composite polymer electrolytes and their ion transport property

High‐Voltage‐driven Li/Mn‐rich Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2 Cathode with nanocomposite blend gel polymer electrolyte for long cyclic stability of rechargeable Li‐battery

AbstractLi/Mn‐rich layered oxide is an attractive cathode material for Li‐ion battery due to its low cost, high specific capacity, and high working potential. In this paper, the high capacity layered Li/Mn‐rich NMC cathode (Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2) and nanocomposite blend gel polymer electrolytes (NBGPEs) are synthesized by using the sol‐gel method and solution casting technique, respectively. XRD results confirm that the cathode material has a well‐defined hexagonal layered structure. It is observed that the synthesized NBGPE containing 2 wt.% SiO2 nanofiller exhibits maximum ionic conductivity (5.2 mS cm−1), Li‐ion conductivity (~2.40 mS cm−1), and wide electrochemical stability (~5.4 V vs Li/Li+) at 30°C. The electrochemical performance of the cell (Li/NBGPE#1/Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.1Co0.1O2) has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge measurement. The cell delivers maximum specific discharge capacity of 212.0 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and good rate performance within 2.0‐4.8 V. At 0.2C, the cell shows stable coulombic efficiency ~98% after 200th cycle due to better interfacial stability between NBGPE#1 and the electrode.

High-performance solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor based on Co3V2O8/carbon nanotube nanocomposite and gel polymer electrolyte

Binary metal oxides have promise in several fields due to their tunable structure properties and high stabilities. Moreover, gel polymer electrolytes allow the fabrication of solid-state supercapacitors. In this work, to get higher specific capacitances in solid-state supercapacitors, Co3V2O8/carbon nanotube (Co3V2O8/CNT) nanocomposite with porous structure is proposed as the positive electrode material with appropriate morphological feature. The improved charge transfer rate at the electrode surface and quick ion diffusion due to the interconnected mesoporous channels of Co3V2O8/CNT nanocomposite result in extraordinary specific capacitance of 1959.92 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1. The performance of the proposed electrode is investigated in various electrolytes including aqueous, organic, and gel polymer electrolytes. Finally, a hybrid asymmetric solid-state device is constructed with Co3V2O8/CNT as positive electrode, activated carbon (AC) as negative electrode, and polyvinyl alcohol/H2SO4 (PVA/H2SO4) as gel polymer electrolyte. The specific capacitance for the device is 120.17 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and the energy density of 37.55 Wh kg−1, which is higher than the capacitance for the KOH and organic electrolyte-based devices. The solid-state device with gel polymer maintains excellent cycling stability with retention of 95.26% after 3000 cycles.

Tuning of composition and morphology of LiFePO4 cathode for applications in all solid-state lithium metal batteries

All solid-state rechargeable lithium metal batteries (SS-LMBs) are gaining more and more importance because of their higher safety and higher energy densities in comparison to their liquid-based counterparts. In spite of this potential, their low discharge capacities and poor rate performances limit them to be used as state-of-the-art SS-LMBs. This arise due to the low intrinsic ionic and electronic transport pathways within the solid components in the cathode during the fast charge/discharge processes. Therefore, it is necessary to have a cathode with good electron conducting channels to increase the active material utilization without blocking the movement of lithium ions. Since SS-LMBs require a different morphology and composition of the cathode, we selected LiFePO4 (LFP) as a prototype and, we have systematically studied the influence of the cathode composition by varying the contents of active material LFP, conductive additives (super C65 conductive carbon black and conductive graphite), ion conducting components (PEO and LiTFSI) in order to elucidate the best ion as well as electron conduction morphology in the cathode. In addition, a comparative study on different cathode slurry preparation methods was made, wherein ball milling was found to reduce the particle size and increase the homogeneity of LFP which further aids fast Li ion transport throughout the electrode. The SEM analysis of the resulting calendered electrode shows the formation of non-porous and crack-free structures with the presence of conductive graphite throughout the electrode. As a result, the optimum LFP cathode composition with solid polymer nanocomposite electrolyte (SPNE) delivered higher initial discharge capacities of 114 mAh g-1 at 0.2C rate at 30 °C and 141 mAh g-1 at 1C rate at 70 °C. When the current rate was increased to 2C, the electrode still delivered high discharge capacity of 82 mAh g-1 even after 500 cycle, which indicates that the optimum cathode formulation is one of the important parameters in building high rate and long cycle performing SS-LMBs.

Ion Conductivity of Nanocomposite Solid Polymer Electrolyte PEO-PVP-NaIO4 with Added TiO2 Nanoparticles

We studied the effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2)nanoparticles (NPs)on ion conductivity of Na+ ion-conducting nanocomposite solid polymer electrolyte (NCSPE) composed of polymers poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), sodium metaperiodate (NaIO4)at concentration 10 wt%, and with added TiO2NPs of average size ∼ 10 nm at concentration from 1 wt% to 5 wt%. The electrical response of thin films (150μm) of PEO/PVP/NaIO4/TiO2 was characterized by employing the complex electrical impedance spectroscopy. The changes in ion-conducting properties of the examined NCSPEs induced from the included TiO2 NPs, were explained.

Review on the recent progress in the nanocomposite polymer electrolytes on the performance of lithium‐ion batteries

In the recent decade, lithium-ion batteries have flourished in the mobile market to a greater extent. Despite its versatile commercial applications in various fields, it faces critical issues that restrict by safety concerns including leakage, combusting, or even explosions because of the low boiling point of liquid organic electrolytes. In order to mitigate these difficulties, solid electrolytes can be a potential choice. Polymer-based solid Li-ion batteries have been attracting researchers for accomplishing high performance. However, poor mechanical strength and low transport of Li+ ions inside the cell remain prominent challenges for its commercialization. To solve these issues and enhance the overall performance, polymer-based nanocomposite electrolytes developed by incorporating the nanofillers into the polymer matrix have been investigated to a greater extent. This review briefly elaborates on the recent progress of polymer nanocomposite electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries, factors affecting its performance, and various models used in the interpretation of its performance.

Impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical cell studies of Mg+2 ion conducting with dispersed ZrO2 nano filler in PVDF-HFP based nano composite solid polymer electrolytes

Nano composite polymer electrolytes with different concentrations of ZrO2 nanofillers added in PVDF-HFP:Mg(ClO4)2are prepared using classical solution casting technique.The incorporation of ZrO2 nanofillers into the PVDF-HFP: Mg(ClO4)2improved conductivity by making more ions available for conduction. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy was used to investigate the electrical conductivity, ohmic resistance(RΩ), polarisation resistance(Rp), and Warburg impedance W to understand ion transportation behaviour. And the composition-dependent ionic conductivity was determined and the optimum found σion=6.62×10-2SCm-1 at the PSZr12. The nanocomposite polymer electrolyte is used to prepare an electro chemical cell, and its open circuit voltage is found to be1.8 V and its short circuit current is 180 mA.

Synthesis and ion transport property studies of a new K+ ion conducting nanocomposite polymer electrolytes

Synthesis and ion transport property studies of a new K+ ion conducting nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPEs): (1 − x) (70PEO:30KCl) + x TiO2 where 0 ≤ x ≤ 20 wt%, are reported. The present NCPEs films have been synthesized using a recently developed hot-press method. The maximum ionic conductivity (σ ∼ 5.3 × 10−5 S·cm−1) have been obtained at the composition: [95(70PEO:30KCl) + 5 TiO2] and this has been referred to as optimum conducting composition (OCC). Materials characterization have been done with the help of scanning electron micrograph (SEM), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) studies. Ion transport properties have been explained with the help of some basic ionic parameters viz. ionic conductivity (σ), ionic mobility (μ), mobile ion concentration (n) and ionic transference number (tion). To compute the activation energy (Ea) values of different samples, temperature dependent ionic conductivity studies have been done.

Poly(Acrylic Acid)-Based Nanocomposite Gel Polymer Electrolyte with High Mechanical Strength and Ionic Conductivity Towards Long-Cycle-Life Flexible Zinc–Air Battery

Poly(Acrylic Acid)-Based Nanocomposite Gel Polymer Electrolyte with High Mechanical Strength and Ionic Conductivity Towards Long-Cycle-Life Flexible Zinc–Air Battery

Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes for Zinc and Magnesium Batteries: From Synthetic to Biopolymers.

The diversification of current forms of energy storage and the reduction of fossil fuel consumption are issues of high importance for reducing environmental pollution. Zinc and magnesium are multivalent ions suitable for the development of environmentally friendly rechargeable batteries. Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPEs) are currently being researched as part of electrochemical devices because of the advantages of dispersed fillers. This article aims to review and compile the trends of different types of the latest NCPEs. It briefly summarizes the desirable properties the electrolytes should possess to be considered for later uses. The first section is devoted to NCPEs composed of poly(vinylidene Fluoride-co-Hexafluoropropylene). The second section centers its attention on discussing the electrolytes composed of poly(ethylene oxide). The third section reviews the studies of NCPEs based on different synthetic polymers. The fourth section discusses the results of electrolytes based on biopolymers. The addition of nanofillers improves both the mechanical performance and the ionic conductivity; key points to be explored in the production of batteries. These results set an essential path for upcoming studies in the field. These attempts need to be further developed to get practical applications for industry in large-scale polymer-based electrolyte batteries.

A comparative study on gamma and carbon ion irradiations induced modification in structural and electrical properties of PVA/H3PO4/SiO2 nanocomposite polymer electrolyte

A comparative study on the effects of gamma and 90 MeV carbon ion irradiations on structural and electrical properties of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based nanocomposite polymer electrolyte were investigated. The nanocomposite polymer electrolyte matrices have been prepared by the solution casting technique. The XRD and FTIR analyses showed that the structure of polymer electrolytes becomes amorphous due to the incorporation of nanofillers and under both types of irradiations. The frequency dependence electrical properties were investigated using impedance spectroscopy in the range of 20 Hz to 1 MHz at room temperature. The ionic conductivity showed a strong dependency on the concentration of nanofillers and irradiation doses. The reduction in surface roughness of polymeric films after irradiations is revealed from AFM studies. The high electrical conductivity after irradiations suggests that this polymeric material has the potential for battery application.