Physicochemical Research Articles

Electrolyte Engineering of Hard Carbon for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: From Mechanism Analysis to Design Strategies

AbstractThe hard carbon (HC) anodes with desirable electrochemical performances including high initial Coulombic efficiency, superior rate performance and long‐term cycling play an indispensable role in the practical application of sodium ion batteries (SIBs), which are closely related to the electrolytes them matched. Fully analyzing the mechanism of electrolyte engineering for HC anodes is crucial for promoting the commercialization of SIBs, but is still lacking. In this review, the correlation between physicochemical properties of the electrolyte and the electrochemical performance of HC is first summarized. And point out the crucial role of electrolyte properties, including ion conductivity, de‐solvation energy, and interface passivation ability for the Na+ storage in HC. Then, the formation process, composition, as well as structure of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on HC surface are mainly discussed, and the structure‐activity relationship of SEI is analyzed in depth. Moreover, based on the mechanism analysis, relevant electrolyte design strategies have been summarized. Finally, the challenges and future development directions of the electrolyte engineering of HC are proposed. This review is expected to provide professional theoretical guidance for the development of electrolyte and contribute to the rational design of high‐performance HC anodes, promoting the industrialization of SIBs.

Environmentally friendly shape memory biofoams

AbstractSearching for renewable raw materials that would comply with the requirements of Green Chemistry and the assumptions of sustainable development is an ongoing and important problem. In the present article, an attempt was made to obtain biopolyols from selected solid plant fats, i.e., babassu, cocoa, coconut, mango, palm, or shea oil. In the research performed, modification of plant oil was provided by a one-step and solvent-free transesterification method, to obtain biopolyols characterized by hydroxyl numbers from 360 to 460 mgKOH/g. Biopolyols from plant oils were subsequently used to obtain polyurethane viscoelastic foams (PUVFs). Biopolyols were applied in the amount of 10%, 20%, and 30% relative to the total weight of the polyols used to prepare PUVFs. The obtained materials were characterized by an apparent density of about 100 kg/m3, a hardness of about 2–3 kPa, a comfort factor of about 2.5, and a resilience of less than 10%, which may be interesting to the industrial sector for applications such foams as the materials able to energy absorbing. The study analyzed the effect of the chemical structure of the oils on the physicochemical properties of the obtained biopolyols, as well as the physical and mechanical properties of PUVFs.

Aerosol Fluorescent Labeling via Probe Molecule Volatilization.

The physicochemical properties of aerosols, including hygroscopicity, phase state, pH, and viscosity, influence important processes ranging from virus transmission and pulmonary drug delivery to atmospheric light scattering and chemical reactivity. Despite their importance, measurements of these key properties in aerosols remain experimentally challenging due to small particle sizes and low mass densities in air. Fluorescence probe spectroscopy is one of the only analytical techniques that is capable of experimentally determining these properties in situ in a nondestructive and minimally perturbative manner. However, the application of fluorescence probe spectroscopy to important classes of aerosols including exhaled respiratory and ambient atmospheric aerosols has been limited due to a typical reliance on premixing the probe molecule with particle constituents prior to particle generation, which is not always possible. Here, a method for aerosol fluorescent labeling based on probe molecule volatilization is developed. The method is first applied to label model polyethylene glycol (PEG) aerosols with two different polarity-sensitive probes, Nile red and Prodan. The similarity of the relative humidity-dependent fluorescent emission of each probe between prelabeled and volatilized-probe PEG particles validated the methodology. A preliminary application of the technique to indicate the hygroscopicity of artificial saliva respiratory particles and model atmospheric secondary organic aerosol particles is demonstrated. The methodology developed here paves the way for future studies applying powerful fluorescent probe-based analytical techniques to study exhaled or natural aerosols for which fluorescent prelabeling is not possible.

Enhanced Stability and Prolonged Insect-Repellent Action of Essential Oil-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers

Mosquito-borne diseases are a global health concern, necessitating effective and long-lasting insect repellents. This study investigated the physicochemical properties, stability, release kinetics, and efficacy of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and conventional emulsions (CEs) containing essential oils (NLC EOs) for insect-repellent applications. The droplet size of the CE was 18.46 ± 1.78 μm (Span 0.27 ± 0.06), while the NLC measured 136 ± 10.7 nm (PDI 0.26 ± 0.2) with a ζ-potential of –68 mV ± 2.2 mV (width 4.3 ± 0.1). EO incorporation did not significantly alter droplet size or ζ-potential. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry confirmed an EO content of 8.57 ± 0.15 mg/mL in the CE EO and 7.75 ± 0.05 mg/mL in the NLC EO, with the NLC retaining a higher EO content over 90 days. Stability tests demonstrated consistent droplet sizes and ζ-potential for both formulations during storage. Release kinetics revealed diffusion-based release mechanisms, with the NLC providing a more sustained release than the CE. In a field test against mosquito species most frequently found in Greece, the NLC EO exhibited a significantly longer complete protection time (CPT) of 45 min, demonstrating more effective, long-lasting insect-repellent action. These findings revealed the NLC’s ability to retain volatile EO components efficiently, offering promising implications for long-lasting insect-repellent action.

Bifunctional Oxaliplatin (IV) Prodrug Based pH-Sensitive PEGylated Liposomes for Synergistic Anticancer Action Against Triple Negative Breast cancer.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits higher susceptibility towards oxaliplatin (OXA) due to a faulty DNA damage repair system. However, the unfavorable physicochemical properties and risk of toxicities limit the clinical utility of OXA. Therefore, to impart kinetic inertness, site-specific delivery, and multidrug action, an octahedral Pt(IV) prodrug was developed by using chlorambucil (CBL) as a choice of ligand. The combination of OXA and CBL exhibited synergistic anti-cancer action in TNBC cell lines. Further, to maximize tumor-specific delivery, intracellular accumulation, and in-vivo performance, the developed prodrug (OXA-CBL) was encapsulated in pH-sensitive PEGylated liposomes into (OXA-CBL/PEG-Liposomes). The fabricated liposomes had smaller particle size < 200nm and higher drug loading (~ 4.26 ± 0.18%). In-vitro release displayed pH-dependent sustained release for up to 48h. Cellular internalization revealed maximal uptake via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The cytotoxicity assay showed reduced IC50 in the 4T1 (~ 1.559-fold) and MDA-MB-231 (~ 1.539-fold) cell lines than free OXA-CBL. In-vivo efficacy in 4T1-induced TNBC model revealed a marked increase in % tumor inhibition rate, while diminished % tumor burden in OXA-CBL/BSA-NPs treated animals. Toxicity assessment displayed no signs of systemic and hemolytic toxicity. Overall, delivery of Pt (IV) prodrug as a pH-sensitive PEGylated liposomes offers a safer and efficient system to manage TNBC.

Synthesis and Application of SAPO-11 Molecular Sieves Prepared from Reaction Gels with Various Templates in the Hydroisomerization of Hexadecane

Among the most selective catalytic systems for the hydroisomerization of C16+ n-paraffins, catalytic systems based on SAPO-11 are quite promising. In order to increase the activity and selectivity of these bifunctional catalysts, it is necessary to reduce the diffusion restrictions for the reacting molecules and their products in the microporous structure of SAPO-11 by reducing the crystal size. To solve this problem, we have studied the influence of different templates (diethylamine, dipropylamine, diisopropylamine, and dibutylamine) on the physicochemical properties of reaction gels and SAPO-11 silicoaluminophosphates during their crystallization. Using XRD, SEM, and NMR techniques, we found that regardless of the template used, the reaction gel after the aging process at 90 °C is an AlPO4·2H2O hydroaluminophosphate. At the same time, the nature of the template affects the morphology and crystal sizes of the intermediate alumophosphate, AlPO4·2H2O, and the molecular sieves, SAPO-11. The acidic properties and the porous structure characteristics of SAPO-11 are also affected by the template. A template was proposed to enable the synthesis of nanoscale SAPO-11 crystals. The influence of the morphology and crystal size of SAPO-11 on the catalytic properties of a bifunctional catalyst based on SAPO-11 in the hydroisomerization of hexadecane was investigated.

Obtaining Cellulose Nanocrystals in a Medium of Primary Monohydric Alcohols

The lack of a universal method for isolating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) has encouraged researchers to look for new methods and approaches as alternatives to traditional sulfuric acid hydrolysis. Acid alcoholysis has long been actively used in cellulose depolymerization processes to obtain a variety of alkyl glycosides and further alcoholysis products. In the present article, the authors continue their earlier research on the synthesis of CNCs in the presence of a sulfuric acid catalyst in an alcoholic environment. In this work, CNCs were obtained from sulfate-bleached pulp in a medium of primary monohydric alcohols (СnH2n+1OH, n = 5–8). A maximum CNC yield of 60 % was achieved with pentanol-1 at a sulfuric acid concentration of 50 %. The work revealed that the alcohols studied can be ranked in descending order based on both the acid concentration corresponding to the maximum CNC yield and the yield itself, as follows: pentanol-1, hexanol‑1, heptanol-1, and octanol-1. For octanol-1 the maximum CNC yield was 20 % at an acid concentration of 40 %. The physicochemical properties of the isolated CNCs were studied. No surface alkylation of the synthesized CNCs was found to occur during cellulose treatment in the media of the alcohols studied, as the properties of the CNCs, in general, were similar to those of CNCs obtained by standard sulfuric acid hydrolysis. This study broadens the scope of alternative methods to traditional sulfuric acid hydrolysis, and is likely to appeal to researchers engaged in developing novel approaches for CNC extraction.

Combining crystallographic and binding affinity data towards a novel dataset of small molecule overlays

Although small molecule superposition is a standard technique in drug discovery, a rigorous performance assessment of the corresponding methods is currently challenging. Datasets in this field are sparse, small, tailored to specific applications, unavailable, or outdated. The newly developed LOBSTER set described herein offers a publicly available and method-independent dataset for benchmarking and method optimization. LOBSTER stands for “Ligand Overlays from Binding SiTe Ensemble Representatives”. All ligands were derived from the PDB in a fully automated workflow, including a ligand efficiency filter. So-called ligand ensembles were assembled by aligning identical binding sites. Thus, the ligands within the ensembles are superimposed according to their experimentally determined binding orientation and conformation. Overall, 671 representative ligand ensembles comprise 3583 ligands from 3521 proteins. Altogether, 72,734 ligand pairs based on the ensembles were grouped into ten distinct subsets based on their volume overlap, for the benefit of introducing different degrees of difficulty for evaluating superposition methods. Statistics on the physicochemical properties of the compounds indicate that the dataset represents drug-like compounds. Consensus Diversity Plots show predominantly high Bemis–Murcko scaffold diversity and low median MACCS fingerprint similarity for each ensemble. An analysis of the underlying protein classes further demonstrates the heterogeneity within our dataset. The LOBSTER set offers a variety of applications like benchmarking multiple as well as pairwise alignments, generating training and test sets, for example based on time splits, or empirical software performance evaluation studies. The LOBSTER set is publicly available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12658320, representing a stable and versioned data resource. The Python scripts are available at https://github.com/rareylab/LOBSTER, open-source, and allow for updating or recreating superposition sets with different data sources. Graphical abstractSimplified illustration of the LOBSTER dataset generation.

Interesterification of fat blends containing high oleic oils: Physical properties and dialkyl‐ketones formation assessment

AbstractIn view of the nutritional disadvantages of partial hydrogenation (production of unhealthy trans fats) interesterification (IE) has emerged to produce suitable fats for trans‐free formulations that have improved physicochemical properties. In this context, both chemical (CIE) and enzymatic (EIE) interesterification techniques can be used. However, it has been found that CIE technology may produce process‐related by‐products known as dialkyl‐ketones (DAK). The current study aims at investigating the formation of DAK during IE. Therefore, five edible oils and fats were selected based on their potential use in IE: Elaeis Guineensis palm stearin (POSt), high oleic palm stearin (HOPSt), palm kernel stearin (PKSt), high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) and high oleic palm oil (HOPO). The investigated blends were divided into HOPO‐based blends (POSt:HOPO 50:50, PKSt:HOPO 50:50, HOPSt:HOPO 50:50 and 30:70 wt:wt%) and HOSO‐based blends (POSt:HOSO 30:70, 50:50 and 70:30 wt:wt%). They were all subjected to both CIE (using sodium methoxide) and EIE (using TLIM lipase as catalyst); analyses of physical properties and determination of DAK content were performed before and after IE. This study demonstrates that DAK were not formed during the EIE process regardless of the investigated matrix, whereas they were produced during CIE, and that they require sufficient rearrangement of triglycerides (TAG) to be formed. It has also been shown that unsaturated fatty acids are more prone to form DAK regardless of the fat matrix. However, there is no linear relationship between the amount of DAK and the amount of unsaturated fat in the matrix.

Optimizing Ligand Valency to Maximize Tendon Accumulation of Peptide-Targeted Nanoparticles.

In many tissues, including musculoskeletal tissues such as tendon, systemic delivery typically results in poor targeting of free drugs. Hence, we previously developed a targeted drug delivery nanoparticle (NP) system for tendon healing, leveraging a tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) binding peptide (TBP) ligand. The greatest tendon targeting was observed with NPs functionalized with 30 000 TBP ligands per NP at day 7 during the proliferative healing phase, relative to the inflammatory (day 3) and early remodeling (day 14) phases of healing. Nevertheless, TRAP activity varies throughout healing and, therefore, may offer an opportunity for optimizing temporal therapeutic targeting through multivalent interactions. Hence, in this study, we hypothesized that the ligand density (9000-55,000 TBPs per NP) can optimize tendon accumulation on the basis of variable TRAP levels. The multivalent nanoparticles were loaded with three different fluorophores. In vitro, the ligand density and fluorophore had no effect on the physicochemical properties of the NPs, including size, charge, polydispersity index, or dye loading efficiency; however, the TRAP binding affinity correlated positively with the ligand density. In vivo, the ligand density correlated positively with NP homing and retention in the tendon, establishing opportunities to leverage ligand density for tendon targeting across the tendon healing cascade, during aging, and in other tendon pathologies, including tendinopathies.

Thermochromic Solid–Solid Phase Transition δ-CsPbI3 → α-CsPbI3 Studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Direct Visual Observation─An Undergraduate Physical Chemistry Lab Experiment

Thermochromic Solid–Solid Phase Transition δ-CsPbI₃ → α-CsPbI₃ Studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Direct Visual Observation─An Undergraduate Physical Chemistry Lab Experiment

Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry to Measure the Energetic Properties of Residual Sludge and Catalysts from the Textile, Tannery, and Galvanic Industries

This research delved into the energetic properties of catalysts synthesized from residual sludge from the textile, galvanic, and tannery industries. The experimental process consisted of an initial heat treatment to activate their catalytic properties and a thermal analysis employing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This technique permitted the investigation of the materials’ thermal behavior as a function of temperature, ranging from 142 to 550 °C, effectively controlling the heating rates and pressure conditions. The data gathered were the input for constructing specific heat models through polynomial regression employing the least squares method. These models were subsequently used to estimate variations in the enthalpy and entropy for both the sludge and catalysts through integration. Third-degree polynomials primarily characterized the specific heat models that accurately represented the samples’ thermal behavior, considering variations in their physicochemical properties that influenced it. The catalysts derived from residual sludge from the textile industry exhibited the models with the most robust statistical fit. Concurrently, the catalysts from the galvanic industry displayed noteworthy similarities with the bibliographic data across various temperature points. The mathematical models determined the specific heat (Cp) as a function of temperature, which, in turn, was used to estimate the enthalpy and entropy variations in the sludge and catalysts under study. The highest enthalpy value corresponded to the sludge and catalyst obtained from the tannery industry, with a Cp of 5.60 J/g-K at 603 K and 2.45 J/g-K at 445.6 K. Finally, the third-degree polynomials showed the best mathematical models since (1) they considered the variations in the physicochemical properties that intervened in the behavior of Cp as a function of temperature; (2) they presented a better statistical fit; and (3) they showed consistency with the existing information in the literature for the textile industry and the galvanic industries.

The effect of fermentation temperature and duration on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory attributes of kocho

Although Kocho is a traditional fermented food widely consumed in Ethiopia, improper fermentation conditions continue to pose a significant challenge. This study aimed to examine the impact of fermentation temperature and duration on kocho quality, utilizing a completely randomized design (CRD). Standard methodologies were employed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, microbial composition, and sensory characteristics of kocho. Data analysis was conducted using Minitab software version 19.2. The fermentation conditions had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory attributes of kocho. Across all fermentation conditions, crude protein content ranged from 3.82 to 4.98%, crude fat content ranged from 0.76 to 1.18%, crude fiber content ranged from 1.71 to 3.18%, total ash content ranged from 1.86 to 2.32%, and carbohydrate content was between 85.74 and 87.86%. The recorded pH values were between 4.10 and 5.88, with titratable acidity (TA) ranging from 0.16 to 0.49%. Microbial analysis revealed varying levels of total mesophilic bacteria (TMB), yeast and mold, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which ranged from 4.96 to 8.48 log cfu/g, 2.43–6.05 log cfu/g, and 4.54–8.85 log cfu/g, respectively. The kocho sample fermented for 12 days at 32 °C achieved the highest mean scores in sensory attributes, including color (4.2), odor (4.1), taste (4.3), appearance (4.4), and overall acceptance (4.3). The optimal sensory quality of kocho was attained using a 2% fermented kocho starter culture at a fermentation temperature of 32 °C for 12 days.

Photocatalytic Composites Based on Biochar for Antibiotic and Dye Removal in Water Treatment

Many semiconductor photocatalysts are characterized by high photostability and non-toxicity but suffer from the limited excitation in the UV part of the spectrum and the fast recombination of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs. To improve the above properties, biochar-supported composite photocatalysts have recently attracted much attention. Compared with the pure photocatalyst, the biochar-enriched catalyst has superior specific surface area and high porosity, catalytic efficiency, stability, and recoverability. Biochar can be obtained from various carbon-rich plant or animal wastes by different thermochemical processes such as pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonization, torrefaction, and gasification. The main features of biochar are its low price, non-toxicity, and the large number of surface functional groups. This paper systematically presents the latest research results on the method of preparation of various composites in terms of the choice of photoactive species and the source of biomass, their physico-chemical properties, the mechanism of the photocatalytic activity, and degradation efficiency in the treatment of organic contaminants (dyes and antibiotics) in an aquatic environment. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the role of biochar in improving the photocatalytic activity of photoactive species.

Effects of Rhizobium Inoculation on Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Communities, Physicochemical Properties, and Enzyme Activities in Caucasian Clover Under Field Conditions

Excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture has become a major global source of pollution, leading to issues such as soil compaction, reduced fertility, eutrophication of water bodies, and air pollution. To address these challenges, the application of biofertilizers, such as rhizobial inoculants, has gradually become an effective, low-cost, and sustainable solution. In this study, the variety Trifolium ambiguum Bieb. (Mengnong clover No. 1) was used as the test material, and two rhizobial strains (R1 and R2) were employed for field inoculation trials. In April 2022, Caucasian clover was planted in an experimental field at Inner Mongolia Agricultural University. Each plot measured 3 m × 4 m and was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. In the regreening stage of 2023, rhizobial inoculation treatments were applied, with a control group included for comparison. This research examined the effects of rhizobial inoculation on the growth indicators of Caucasian clover, soil physicochemical properties, soil enzyme activities, and soil microbial communities. The results showed that rhizobial treatment increased the plant height and yield of Caucasian clover, improved soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities, and positively affected soil microbial diversity and abundance. These changes enhanced soil fertility and optimized microbial community structure, promoting plant growth. The inoculation effect of strain R1 was superior to R2. In conclusion, rhizobial inoculants R1 and R2 can serve as effective biofertilizers for agricultural production.

Application of Ordered Porous Silica Materials in Drug Delivery: A Review

Nanotechnology has significantly advanced various fields, including therapeutic delivery, through the use of nanomaterials as drug carriers. The biocompatibility of ordered porous silica materials makes them promising candidates for drug delivery systems, particularly in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. This review summarizes the use of microporous zeolites and mesoporous silica materials in drug delivery, focusing on their physicochemical properties and applications as drug carriers. Special emphasis is placed on strategies for encapsulation and functionalization, highlighting their role in enhancing drug loading and enabling targeted delivery. In conclusion, while ordered porous silica materials hold great potential for drug delivery systems, certain challenges remain.

Catalytic Intermolecular Asymmetric [2π + 2σ] Cycloadditions of Bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes: Practical Synthesis of Enantioenriched Highly Substituted Bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes.

The high percentage of sp3-hybridized carbons and the presence of chiral carbon centers could contribute to increased molecular complexity, enhancing the likelihood of clinical success of drug candidates. Three-dimensional (3D) bridged motifs have recently garnered significant interest in medicinal chemistry. Bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes (BCHs) are emerging 3D benzene bioisosteres, but the synthesis of chiral, highly substituted BCHs has been underexplored. Herein, we disclose the Lewis acid-catalyzed asymmetric intermolecular [2π + 2σ] cycloaddition of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes with coumarins, 2-pyrone, or chromenes to access diverse enantioenriched 1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted BCHs bearing vicinal tertiary-quaternary stereocenters. The key to success is the introduction of chiral bisoxazoline ligands to effectively suppress the side reactions, inhibit significant racemic background reactions, and fine-tune the reactivity and regio-, enantio-, and diastereoselectivities of the reactions. The resulting BCHs hold significant potential as benzene bioisosteres in the synthesis of chiral BCHex-Sonidegib and BCHex-BMS-202, mimicking the anticancer drug Sonidegib and the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor BMS-202, respectively. The outcome highlights the positive impact of bioisosteric replacement on physicochemical properties, while maintaining comparable antitumor activity to their aryl-containing counterparts.

Anti-acne preparations containing tetracycline, azelaic acid and azeloglycine: Optimization of stability and physicochemical properties.

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin condition affecting almost 85% of the adolescent and young adult population. The etiopathogenesis of this dermatosis involves an imbalance in the skin microbiome, leading to inflammation of both the skin and hair follicles. The aim of this study was to develop topical anti-acne formulations with increased therapeutic efficacy and reduced risk of developing antibiotic resistance. Six hydrogel formulations containing azelaic acid or its derivative, azeloglycine, in combination with tetracycline hydrochloride were prepared as part of the study. The investigated formulations were prepared using an Eprus U500 pharmaceutical mixer and the pH was determined using an ERH-11S electrode designed for dense substances and a CPC-505 Elmetron pH-meter. The formulations were analyzed for tetracycline stability in the presence of additional active ingredients and varying pH over a period of 35 days using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, the effects of azeloglycine and azelaic acid on the viscosity of the prepared formulations were evaluated using a Brookfield DV2T rotational viscometer. Chromatographic analysis showed significant stability of tetracycline in most formulations, with azeloglycine-containing formulations showing less degradation of the antibiotic than azelaic acid-containing preparations. In addition, azeloglycine-containing gels exhibited more favorable rheological properties, which may facilitate better application and be more beneficial to patients. The results suggest that formulations containing azeloglycine and tetracycline may be a promising strategy for acne therapy, offering increased tetracycline stability and an optimal rheological profile, which may result in prolonged therapeutic effect and more effective drug delivery to the skin.

Physicochemical properties and flame retardancy of irradiated EPDM nanocomposites and possible application as insulating materials

This work aims to develop a new kind of ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) to be utilized as insulator in electrical cables. This type was incorporated with Al(OH)3, Al2O3, and graphene oxide (GO) to decrease the flammability of the rubber. Al2O3 nanoparticle was synthesized via Sol-Gel route. The produced nano Al2O3 powder was characterized using X-ray diffraction and FTIR absorption. The morphologies were studied using SEM and TEM. The characterization demonstrated that the particle size of the prepared Al2O3 a nano-spheres had an average diameter of 19–30 nm. Gamma radiation affected the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. The incorporated rubber consisted of homogenous nanoparticles. Additionally, the samples flammability was examined utilizing limited oxygen index (L.O.I) and the effect of γ- radiation on the flammability was investigated. The analysis of the obtained values reveals that the additive materials will be incorporated with rubber. Also, the influence of γ- radiation on the mechanical and thermal behavior indicates that a little positive effect accompanied the γ- radiation of the samples. The evaluation of the prepared samples as flame retardant for rubber indicate that the value of L.O.I = 20.5 for native rubber and increased to 27.1 for the composite EPDM/Al(OH)3/2%Al2O3/1% GO. This value candidates this composite to be used as insulator in the electrical cable because the addition of Al component and graphene restricted the spread of the flame and dispersed the smoke.

Effect of the Physicochemical Properties of PVdF on Dry-Sprayed Graphite Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Vehicle Applications

Abstract We investigated the fabrication of graphite/PVdF anodes using electrostatic dry spray-coating, employing two different PVdF binders with different physicochemical properties such as primary particle size, crystallinity, melting temperature, and viscosity. We examine and compare the morphological, mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical properties of the dry-sprayed electrodes (DSEs). Significant differences were observed, particularly in terms of adhesion/cohesion, electrical resistivity, tortuosity, and electrochemical performance, with the PVdF binder characterized by a smaller particle size (178 nm) and a slightly higher melting temperature range (165–172°C), demonstrating superior long-term cycling stability. Specifically, the best electrode made with this binder achieved 188.3 mAh g-1 with over 94.9% capacity retention after 200 cycles. In contrast, the best electrode made with the PVdF binder with a larger particle size (270 nm) and a lower melting temperature range (155–172°C), showed a performance of 173.9 mAh g-1 with 88.3% capacity retention under the same conditions. Our findings highlight the necessity of adjusting fabrication conditions according to the specific characteristics of each PVdF binder to optimize the overall performance of the DSEs.