Organic Plastic Research Articles

Structure and Dynamics in Solid Electrolyte Composites of the Organic Ionic Plastic Crystal HMGFSI and Lithium Sulphonamide Functional Acrylate Polymer Nanoparticles.

Solid electrolyte composites between organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) and polymers can potentially show enhanced mechanical properties and ion conduction. These properties can be determined by the formation of interfacial regions which affect the structure, thermal properties, and ion transport of the composite material. Here we studied the properties of composites between the OIPC hexamethylguanidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (HMGFSI) and acrylate polymer nanoparticles functionalised with lithium, using various techniques including solid-state NMR spectroscopy. An enhancement in ionic conductivity of three orders of magnitude as well as increased lithium and OIPC cation and anion dynamics were observed in the composite as prepared with 40 v% of polymer nanoparticles with respect to the pure OIPC at 50 °C. This was attributed to the increased overall structural disorder as a result of the formation of disordered interfacial regions, which were evidenced by solid-state NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the importance of the thermal history of these composites is highlighted, with differences in the conductivity and ion dynamics observed after melting and recrystallizing the OIPC component, leading to less disordered interfacial regions. This study enriches our fundamental understanding of the formation of interfacial regions in OIPC composites and their effect on the bulk properties of the electrolyte.

Phase transition and ionic conductivity of pyrrolidinium-based ionic plastic crystals with magnesium salts

Abstract Despite being safe for use in secondary Mg batteries, solid electrolytes exhibit lower ionic conductivities than those of traditional liquid electrolytes. Organic ionic plastic crystals—soft crystals with excellent thermal and electrochemical stabilities and ionic conductivities—are promising solid electrolytes. Herein, we investigated the effects of various anion species and Mg salt concentrations on the properties of pyrrolidinium-based organic ionic plastic crystals (N,N-diethylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide [[C2epyr][FSA]] and N,N-diethylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide [[C2epyr][TFSA]]) upon Mg(TFSA)2 addition. The Mg-ion transference number (tMg2+) was measured using the Vincent–Bruce method; ionic conductivity via impedance measurements; and phase transition via differential scanning calorimetry. The phase transition behavior, dissociation state of the Mg salt, and electrochemical properties varied with the organic ionic plastic crystal anionic structure. The FSA system became liquid when the Mg salt concentration exceeded 15 mol%. The ionic conductivity of the pyrrolidinium-based organic ionic plastic crystals increased substantially with the Mg salt concentration. In the solid state, [C2epyr][FSA]/Mg(TFSA)2 (5 mol%) (FT5) showed the highest ionic conductivity (2.9 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C). The tMg2+ of FT5 at 60 °C was 0.29. Mg exhibited redox behavior in FT5 but not in [C2epyr][TFSA]/Mg(TFSA)2 (5 mol%). The FSA− structure is suitable for Mg electrochemistry and will aid in developing high-performance secondary Mg batteries.

The Role of Asymmetry of Perfluoro anion in Ionic Liquids: From Basic Physical Properties to the Application in Lithium Batteries

Room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) have attracted significant attention as non-volatile, non-flammable electrolytes over the past three decades. While the synthesis of cationic species is relatively well-established through the quaternization reaction of tertiary amines, the synthesis of perfluoro anions is much more difficult, resulting in a more limited variety compared to cations. In this study, we explore the influence of anionic species on both fundamental properties, such as thermal properties and transport properties, and on the performance of lithium-ion batteries, particularly their rate capabilities. Furthermore, we highlight how novel anionic species not only improve the properties of RTILs but also lead to the development of unique electrolyte systems, such as organic ionic plastic crystals and medium-low temperature lithium molten salts. Through our research results, we would like to demonstrate the importance of developing new anionic species from fundamental studies to practical applications in RTILs.

Composite organic ionic plastic crystal membranes: The effect of ether-functionalized cations on light-gas separation performance

In light of increasing concerns about climate change, there is a growing need for innovative solutions to address CO2 emissions. Addressing this urgency, this work presents a unique approach to CO2 separation utilizing composite membranes of organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) with ether-functionalized cations and poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP). Here we report the gas separation performance of OIPC-based membranes of 3,3-dimethyloxazolidinium [C1moxa]+, 4-ethyl-4-methylmorpholinium [C2mmor]+ and 4-isopropyl-4-methylmorpholinium [Ci3mmor]+ cations paired with the bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide [FSI]- anion. These composites demonstrated very good gas separation properties, especially [C1moxa][FSI] which produced a permeability of 63 barrer for CO2 and an overall selectivity (CO2/N2) of 205, which is the highest amongst all the OIPCs reported so far. Additionally, a large change in separation performance was observed for the [Ci3mmor][FSI] membrane upon heating above the solid-solid phase transition (II - I) at 48 °C; the CO2 permeability increased from 7 to 163 barrer and an approximately 3-fold increase in selectivity was observed. These findings advance the design of composite membranes based on OIPCs towards increased selectivity and sustained effectiveness in the separation of light gases.

Heterogeneous dynamics of diffusive motion in organic ionic plastic crystal studied using spin–spin relaxation time: N,N-diethylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide

Abstract The temperature dependences of the spin–spin relaxation times (T2) of 1H and 19F nuclei were measured for N,N-diethylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide with a plastic crystal phase. In the plastic crystal phase, 2 types of T2 were observed in both 1H and 19F experiments, which were considered to be the appearance of heterogeneous dynamics of diffusive motion. By examining temperature dependences of the T2 values and the existence ratios, the following conclusions were reached. (i) The prepared plastic crystal sample was in a polycrystalline state, and each crystallite comprised 2 phases: the core phase (plastic crystal phase) and the surface phase formed to relieve surface stress. (ii) The 1H-T2 (19F-T2) values of the 2 phases differed, and ions in the surface phase were more mobile. The 1H-T2 (19F-T2) values for the 2 phases increased with temperature rise. In particular, the 1H-T2 (19F-T2) values of the surface phase were smoothly connected to the liquid T2 values. (iii) The cations and anions exhibited a cooperative diffusive motion. (iv) When the temperature was considerably lower than the melting point, the ratio of the surface phase did not significantly differ from when it first formed. However, it rapidly increased near the melting point and became liquid.

Organic Ionic Plastic Crystal/Polymer Composite Electrolyte Prepared By Solution Casting Method for Solid-State Lithium Batteries

Solid-state electrolytes have been considered as a promising candidate to address the safety issues for next-generation lithium batteries. Organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) are attracting increasing interests as solid electrolyte materials due to their unique advantages, such as plasticity, nonflammability, good thermal and electrochemical stability. In this study, an OIPC-based composite electrolyte consisting of the OIPC 1-ethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Pyr12TFSI), lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and the polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) has been developed by a facile solution casting strategy. A free-standing and flexible OIPC/polymer composite membrane was fabricated by the solution casting method, which not only provides flexibility and better electrode/electrolyte contact, but also is more compatible with current battery processing methods. The composite membrane used in Li/Li symmetric cell was cycled stably over 900 h at a current density of 0.1 mA cm−2 at 50 °C, demonstrating that the OIPC/polymer composite electrolyte enabled the reversible and stable lithium plating and stripping behaviors. Further tests of the OIPC/polymer composite as solid electrolyte in LiFePO4/Li cell presented a high specific capacity of 149 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and a long cycle life of over 440 cycles with capacity retention of 89% at 0.5 C at 50 °C, which showed improved rate capability and cycling stability in comparison with the composites with similar compositions but obtained by powder pressing method. This study demonstrated the potential of the OIPC/polymer composite solid electrolyte prepared by solution casting method and will promote the development of high-performance OIPC-based composite electrolytes for solid-state batteries.

Study of time resolution measurements and prospects for energy resolution of an ultra-compact sampling calorimeter (RADiCAL) module at EM shower maximum over the energy range 25 GeV 150 GeV

The RADiCAL Collaboration is conducting R&D on high performance electromagnetic (EM) calorimetry to address the challenges expected in future collider experiments under conditions of high luminosity and/or high irradiation (FCC-ee, FCC-hh, fixed target and forward physics environments). Under development is a sampling calorimeter approach, known as RADiCAL modules, based on scintillation, wavelength-shifting (WLS) technologies and photosensor, including SiPM or SiPM-like technology. The modules discussed herein consist of alternating layers of very dense tungsten (W) absorber and scintillating crystal Lutetium Yttrium Orthosilicate LYSO(Ce) plates, assembled to a depth of 25 X0. The scintillation signals produced by the EM showers in the region of EM shower maximum (shower max) are transmitted to SiPM located at the upstream/downstream ends of the modules via quartz capillaries which penetrate the full length of the module. The capillaries contain DSB1 organic plastic WLS filaments positioned within the region of shower max, where the shower energy deposition is greatest, then fused with quartz rod elsewhere. The wavelength shifted light from this spatially-localized shower max region is then propagated to the photosensors. This paper presents the results of an initial measurement of the time resolution of a RADiCAL module over the energy range 25 GeV ≤ E ≤ 150 GeV using the H2 electron beam at CERN. The data indicate an energy dependence of the time resolution that follows the functional form: σt=a/E⊕b, where a = 256 GeV ps and b = 17.5 ps. The time resolution measured at the highest electron beam energy for which data was currently recorded (150 GeV) was found to be σt = 27 ps.

The effect of silicon dioxide on the structural, thermal and transport properties of an organic ionic plastic crystal (n-C4H9)4NBF4

Composite solid electrolytes based on an organic ionic plastic crystal (n-C4H9)4NBF4 with highly dispersed SiO2 with specific surface area of Ss = 324±10 m2/g have been studied for the first time. By methods of X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry, it was found that the introduction of SiO2 leads to amorphization of the salt. An unusual size effect was observed in the composites: the temperature of the polymorphic transition of the salt shifted from 67 °C to 60 °C, while the melting point did not change. The 0.15(n-C4H9)4NBF4–0.85SiO2 composite was found to possess the highest electrical conductivity (σ = 2∙10–5 S/cm at 150 °C), which is 1.5 orders of magnitude higher than that of the initial salt. Modelling of the concentration dependences of the electrical conductivity of composites using the mixing equation showed that the reason for the increase in electrical conductivity is the formation of an amorphous layer of salt, the electrical conductivity of which is 3 orders of magnitude higher than that of the crystalline phase (n-C4H9)4NBF4. The obtained results can be used for the design of high-performance composites based on organic ionic plastic crystals for application in electrochemical devices.

Sistem Monitoring dan Controlling “Smart waste” berbasis Internet of Things menggunakan modul ESP 32

The development of technology is one of the things that is currently popular and has become an innovation for our daily lives. The Internet of Things is a technology that combines electronic devices with the Internet and becomes an innovation for various kinds of problems that often occur. The problem that continues to happen and is difficult to handle is waste. Every day, the amount of waste increases, and the waste processing process is still a job that takes a long time and often becomes a source of disease. So, through these developments and problems, researchers created an innovation for handling waste using the Internet of Things, where this system can monitor and control the sorting of waste based on the categories of organic waste and plastic waste. The waste sorting results will be put into the waste shredding process, and raw materials for fertilizer will be produced from organic waste and plastic pellets from shredding plastic waste. Users can control and receive notification results if the enumeration storage area weighs more than 4 kg. Testing of the "Smart waste" Monitoring and Controlling System based on the Internet of Things using the ESP 32 module was carried out 30 times and obtained a successful result of 86.67%. Keywords: Internet of Things, Smart waste, Monitoring, Controlling, Esp 32

Open dumping site as a point source of microplastics and plastic additives: A case study in Thailand

Microplastics (MPs) and plastic additive chemicals are emerging pollutants of great concerns around the world. Open dumping sites can be important sources of those pollutants in emerging countries, but little is known about their occurrence, distribution, transport pathway, and remediation approach. This study aimed to obtain the comprehensive dataset on plastic pollution in an open dumping site in Thailand, including (1) the polymer types and organic/inorganic plastic additives in plastic garbage, (2) horizontal distribution of MPs and plastic additives in the surface soil, (3) the effects of soil-capping treatment, and (4) the vertical transport. First, thirty-two plastic garbage collected from the dumping site were analyzed, and a total of 40 organic chemicals (mean: 1400,000 ng/g dw) and 7 heavy metals (mean: 2,030,000 ng/g dw) were identified. The burdens stored in the dumping site were estimated to reach to 3.3–18 tons for organic additives and 4.9–26 tons for heavy metals. In the surface soil analysis, 13 types of polymers in MPs, 20 elements, and 37 organic plastic additives were detected. The pollution levels were significantly higher near the dumping site than at control sites, indicating that the open dumping site is a point source of MPs and plastic additives. Interestingly, a significantly positive correlation was found between the concentrations of MPs and organic additives in soil. This suggests that MPs act as carriers of plastic-derived chemicals. Soil-capping treatment (including removal of some trash) drastically mitigated the contaminant levels in the surface soil, indicating this treatment is one of the effective approaches to control the horizontal distribution of MPs and plastic additives. However, soil core analyzes implied that the vertical transport is still continued even after soil-capping treatment. Our findings provided the comprehensive dataset to support for understanding plastic pollution in the open dumping site.

Heat capacities and role of defects in ion transfer of quinuclidinium hexafluorophosphate plastic crystal

To study the phase behavior and role of defects in the ion conduction of a well-investigated plastic crystal electrolyte, we measured the low-temperature heat capacities of quinuclidinium hexafluorophosphate ([HQ]PF6) plastic crystal and the defects of pure [HQ]PF6 and its mixtures containing lithium ions and chloride ions. The heat capacities of the pure material show two solid‒solid phase transitions at room temperature and a low temperature. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) revealed the phase dependence of the defect size for both the pure material and the mixtures. The defects in these two mixtures expand largely to approximately 2 (with Li+) and 2.5 (with Cl−) times larger than those in the pure material. The relationships between the ionic conductivity and vacancy volume of the pure material and the mixtures obey the Cohen−Turnbull free volume model, which is also phase dependent. This work help elucidate defect-assisted ion transfer in organic ionic plastic crystals.

Boosting the Ionic Conductivity of Pyrrolidinium-Based Ionic Plastic Crystals by LLZO Fillers.

Organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) have attracted attention as novel organic solid electrolyte materials, but their insufficient mechanical strength and ionic conductivity have prevented their application. In this study, a lithium salt, lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide (LiFSA), and an inorganic solid electrolyte, Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO), were added to an OIPC, N,N-diethylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide ([C2epyr][FSA]). The fabricated organic-inorganic hybrid solid electrolytes were evaluated thermally, mechanically, and electrochemically to reveal which factors affect the properties of the electrolytes. All samples showed excellent thermal stability regardless of LiFSA or LLZO concentration, and they were found to be highly plastic and ion-conductive solids at a wide range of temperatures. It was also revealed that the addition of LLZO raised the nanoindentation stiffness (HIT) of the [C2epyr][FSA]/LiFSA composites. The ionic conductivity of the hybrid electrolytes was higher than that of the pristine OIPC, reaching a value of 2.1 × 10-4 S cm-1 at 25 °C upon addition of appropriate amounts of LiFSA and LLZO. Overall, samples with higher LiFSA concentration and moderate LLZO concentration exhibited higher ionic conductivity. Cyclic voltammetry results showed that the [C2epyr][FSA]/LiFSA/LLZO composites were lithium-ion conductors. These findings indicate that by optimizing the concentrations of lithium salt and LLZO, it would be possible to realize their applications as solid electrolytes.

Unveiling the dynamic change in the ionic conductivity of a solid-state binary mixture comprising an organic ionic plastic crystal and LiBF4

The binary composites of organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) and lithium salts are a promising new class of solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). One of the primary areas of research to enable their application into battery devices is to understand their complex physicochemical features, in particular their phase behaviors in response to changing compositions and the ensuing correlation with ionic conductivities. Herein, the phase behaviors and transport properties of binary OIPC–lithium-salt composites are reported over the full compositional window using N-ethyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium tetrafluoroborate ([C2mpyr][BF4]) and lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4). The phase diagram of the Lix[C2mpyr]1–x[BF4] electrolyte was constructed and used to not only provide valuable insights into the key composition–property relationships but also guide the selection of Li+ concentrations in OIPC composites for Li+-based ASSBs. Differential scanning calorimetry and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy revealed the emergence of intermediate secondary phases as the composition was varied. Significant and sudden variations in ionic conductivity at or near the Li+-concentration-driven phase transitions were attributed to the presence of these intermediate phases which ultimately provide the dominant contribution to the ionic conductivity of the Lix[C2mpyr]1–x[BF4] electrolyte.

Unexpected Energy Applications of Ionic Liquids.

Ionic liquids and their various analogues are without doubt the scientific sensation of the last few decades, paving the way to a more sustainable society. Their versatile suite of properties, originating from an almost inconceivably large number of possible cation and anion combinations, allows tuning of the structure to serve a desired purpose. Ionic liquids hence offer a myriad of useful applications from solvents to catalysts, through to lubricants, gas absorbers, and azeotrope breakers. The purpose of this review is to explore the more unexpected of these applications, particularly in the energy space. It guides the reader through the application of ionic liquids and their analogues as i) phase change materials for thermal energy storage, ii) organic ionic plastic crystals, which have been studied as battery electrolytes and in gas separation, iii) key components in the nitrogen reduction reaction for sustainable ammonia generation, iv) as electrolytes in aluminum-ion batteries, and v) in other emerging technologies. It is concluded that there is tremendous scope for further optimizing and tuning of the ionic liquid in its task, subject to sustainability imperatives in line with current global priorities, assisted by artificial intelligence.

Temporal evolution of plastic additive contents over the last decades in two major European rivers (Rhone and Rhine) from sediment cores analyses

Although global plastic distribution is at the heart of 21st century environmental concerns, little information is available concerning how organic plastic additives contaminate freshwater sediments, which are often subject to strong anthropogenic pressure. Here, sediment core samples were collected in the Rhone and the Rhine watersheds (France), dated using 137Cs and 210Pbxs methods and analysed for nine phthalates (PAEs) and seven organophosphate esters (OPEs). The distribution of these organic contaminants was used to establish a chronological archive of plastic additive pollution from 1860 (Rhine) and 1930 (Rhone) until today. Sediment grain size and parameters related to organic matter (OM) were also measured as potential factors that may affect the temporal distribution of OPEs and PAEs in sediments. Our results show that OPE and PAE levels increased continuously in Rhone and Rhine sediments since the first records. In both rivers, ∑PAEs levels (from 9.1 ± 1.7 to 487.3 ± 27.0 ng g−1 dry weight (dw) ± standard deviation and from 4.6 ± 1.3 to 65.2 ± 11.2 ng g−1 dw, for the Rhine and the Rhone rivers, respectively) were higher than ∑OPEs levels (from 0.1 ± 0.1 to 79.1 ± 13.7 ng g−1 dw and from 0.6 ± 0.1 to 17.8 ± 2.3 ng g−1 dw, for Rhine and Rhone rivers, respectively). In both rivers, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was the most abundant PAE, followed by diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), while tris (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) was the most abundant OPE. No relationship was found between granulometry and additives concentrations, while organic matter helps explain the vertical distribution of PAEs and OPEs in the sediment cores. This study thus establishes a temporal trajectory of PAEs and OPEs contents over the last decades, leading to a better understanding of historical pollution in these two Western European rivers.

Investigation of the benefits of the oxazolidinium cation for plastic crystal and ionic liquid electrolytes

Organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) are promising for developing safer energy storage electrolytes. However, there remains a significant knowledge gap regarding how different cation-anion combinations influence their core properties, and cyclic ether-based cations have received limited attention. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of OIPCs based on the N-ethyl-N-methyl-oxazolidinium cation [C2moxa]+ and demonstrates the first instance of oxazolidinium OIPCs being combined with lithium salts to create electrolytes. The [C2moxa]+ cation was paired with [FSI]-, [TFSI]-, [BF4]-, [PF6]- and [FTFSI]- anions. A study of the thermal, transport and electrochemical properties was performed. Among the new salts developed, [C2moxa][BF4] exhibited the most promising characteristics, including the lowest entropy of melting (ΔS = 7 J mol−1 K−1), an extended phase I range (10°C–130°C), the highest conductivity of 8 x 10−6 S cm−1 at 30°C, and an electrochemical stability window of 4.8 V. When the [C2moxa][BF4] and [C2moxa][FSI] were mixed with lithium salts (10, 20 and 50 mol% Li+) of the same anion, the highest conductivity of 2 x 10−3 S cm−1 at 30°C was found for the 20 mol% LiFSI/[C2moxa][FSI] electrolyte. Finally, preliminary lithium plating/stripping experiments and coulombic efficiency (CE) measurements demonstrate stability for lithium cycling for all four [C2moxa]+ electrolytes.

Tailoring Silicon Composite Anodes with Li+-Containing Organic Ionic Plastic Crystals for Solid-State Batteries

Silicon is one of the highest-capacity anode active materials and, therefore, its use in solid-state batteries (SSBs) is expected to provide both high energy density and safety. Although the creation of solid-state Si electrodes via a scalable method is important from the perspective of battery production, the effect of electrode-preparation methods on electrochemical performance of electrodes with Li+-containing organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) as solid electrolytes has yet to be investigated. Here, we prepared various Si−OIPC composite electrodes using four different methods and measured their electrochemical performance to decipher the method−structure−property relationship for high-performing SSBs. Si−OIPC composite electrodes containing 50 mol% LiFSI in N-ethyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ([C2mpyr][FSI]) showed the highest initial Coulombic efficiency and cyclability. Three out of the four methods provided the Si−Li0.50[C2mpyr]0.50[FSI] electrodes with relatively large capacity retentions that were close to that of the Si electrode in a liquid electrolyte solution. Elemental analysis of electrode cross-sections showed homogeneous distribution of Li0.50[C2mpyr]0.50[FSI], except for those prepared by the drop-cast method, suggesting that well-designed methods can establish the long-range ion-conduction network in the electrode necessary to improve the electrochemical stability of Si during cycling. This study clarifies the importance of the OIPC-incorporation method in fabricating highly functional OIPC-based electrodes for SSBs.

Succinonitrile-Lithium Salt Complexes as Solid Catholytes for LLZO-Based Solid-State Batteries

The thermal and electrochemical properties of several succinonitrile (SN)-based organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) containing lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), lithium bis(oxalate) borate (LiBOB) or mixtures of the two salts, were investigated with the goal of determining which is most promising for use as a catholyte in solid-state lithium batteries. The best combination of properties for this use was found for the mixture containing 3 mol% LiTFSI and 2 mol% LiBOB in SN. Based on these observations, several solid-state cells containing Al-substituted Li7La3Zr2O12 separators with composite cathodes consisting of LiNi0.33Mn0.33Co0.33O2 (NMC111), carbon black, and the succinonitrile-salt mixtures were assembled and cycled at room temperature, without exogenous pressure, using a simple design.

A plastic scintillation muon veto for sub-Kelvin temperatures

Rare-event search experiments located on-surface, such as short-baseline reactor neutrino experiments, are often limited by muon-induced background events. Highly efficient muon vetos are essential to reduce the detector background and to reach the sensitivity goals. We demonstrate the feasibility of deploying organic plastic scintillators at sub-Kelvin temperatures. For the NUCLEUS experiment, we developed a cryogenic muon veto equipped with wavelength shifting fibers and a silicon photo multiplier operating inside a dilution refrigerator. The achievable compactness of cryostat-internal integration is a key factor in keeping the muon rate to a minimum while maximizing coverage. The thermal and light output properties of a plastic scintillation detector were examined. We report first data on the thermal conductivity and heat capacity of the polystyrene-based scintillator UPS-923A over a wide range of temperatures extending below one Kelvin. The light output was measured down to 0.8 K and observed to increase by a factor of 1.61 ± 0.05 compared to 300 K. The development of an organic plastic scintillation muon veto operating in sub-Kelvin temperature environments opens new perspectives for rare-event searches with cryogenic detectors at sites lacking substantial overburden.

Composite lithium conducting solid electrolytes based on zwitterionic plastic crystals and polymer nanoparticles

Zwitterion-based composites, formed using lithium sulfonamide-functionalized polymer nanoparticles, are promising materials for the development of solid-state electrolytes for next-generation energy storage devices, with improved safety.