Polymer Binder Research Articles

Improving the Efficiency of Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cell Using Down-Conversion Coating.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated exceptional efficiency, yet surpassing theoretical performance limits requires innovative methodologies. Among these, down-conversion techniques are pivotal in reducing optical losses and enhancing energy conversion efficiency. In this study, optical modeling, including a generalized transfer-matrix optical model, was employed to meticulously assess optical losses in semitransparent PSCs illuminated from the front and rear sides of the device. To reduce these losses, two down-conversion layers, made of N,N-diphenyl-4-(1,2,2-triphenylethenyl)-benzenamine and 4-(N,N-diphenylamino)benzaldehyde mixed with polymeric binder, were developed, showcasing initial photoluminescence quantum yields of 60% and 50% as films, respectively. The materials luminescence relies on the effect of aggregation-induced emission, which enhances the fluorescence of the dyes within the binder, providing their films with a unique behavior beneficial for photovoltaic applications. An optimization of these layers was performed, which aimed to reduce UV optical losses by adjusting the film thickness atop the PSCs. The refined down-conversion layers yielded a notable increase in the power conversion efficiency by approximately 0.4% for both the front and rear sides of the PSCs, demonstrating their significant potential in pushing the boundaries of solar cell performance.

Si anodes via dual strategies of coating Si with a rigid polymer and employing a polymer binder with improved mechanical properties

Si undergoes significant volume change over cycles which degrades the structural integrity and stability of the electrode. This volume change is the primary barrier to the commercialization of Si anodes, and it is more pronounced for Si particle sizes over 150 nm. In this study, a crosslinked polymer binder is developed using poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) (PAAM) with enhanced elasticity compared to the widely used poly(acrylic acid). PAAM is further grafted with boronic acid and dopamine, yielding PAAM-B-D, a binder with improved adhesion due to its 3D crosslinked network. Additionally, 350-nm Si is coated with cyclized polyacrylonitrile (cPAN) and heat-treated to form a conjugated structure. The cPAN-coated Si (cSi) exhibits enhanced conductivity and mechanical stiffness and is used as an active material. The developed Si anode effectively combines cPAN-coated Si with the crosslinked network formed in the PAAM-B-D polymer for enhanced adhesion. The cSi@PAAM-B-D electrode sufficiently maintains its structural integrity and mitigates the Si volume change even with the large-sized 350-nm Si. The cSi@PAAM-B-D exhibits a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 86.5 %, at a Si mass loading of 2 mg cm−2. It also shows a capacity retention of 83.6 % and a high areal capacity of 3 mAh cm−2 after 50 cycles.

Eco-friendly and cost-effective epoxy binder for polymer mortar utilizing oregano oil-based hardener

Polymer mortar, consisting of a polymer binder and aggregates, offers superior properties such as enhanced strength, durability, and corrosion resistance compared to the traditional cement-based mortars. Within the polymer-based mortar, epoxy resin is one of the most commonly used resins owing to its high performance. However, its widespread adoption is hindered by costs and environmental concerns, particularly the dependence of bisphenol A-containing epoxide, a substance harmful to human health. In this work, a novel epoxy hardener derived from oregano oil (OEO) was developed to create a more eco-friendly and cost-effective binder for polymer mortar. The inclusion of OEO-based hardeners reduced the viscosity of the binder and accelerated the curing process. The Mannich base structure of the hardener induced more reactive sites in the epoxy system, resulting in a denser crosslinked network. Polymer mortars fabricated with this novel hardener exhibited improved mechanical properties, bonding strength, and corrosion resistance compared to conventional epoxy mortars. Scanning electron microscopy images also revealed a stronger interfacial bond between the epoxy resin and the aggregates. This study demonstrates the potential of OEO-based hardeners to enhance the performance of epoxy binders, providing a sustainable alternative for polymer-based mortar applications.

Poly (Propylene Carbonate) with Extremely Alternating Structure Used as Binders for High-Loading Cathodes by Solvent-Free Method in High-Performance NCM811 Batteries

The cathode affects the capacity, working voltage, and cost of lithium-ion batteries. Although the binder is a small part of the cathode material, it is particularly important to the performance of the batteries. Therefore, the design and development of polymer binders with different structures and characteristics is an important topic. In this paper, an NCM811 cathode (PPC-NCM) was prepared by a solvent-free method using poly (propylene carbonate) (PPC) as the binder, with an active substance loading of 10 mg/cm2. To explore the effect of the PPC binder on the electrochemical performance of the NCM811 cathode, the discharge capacity was 112.2 mAh/g with a 76.1% capacity retention after cycling more than 200 cycles at 1 C, which has a significantly better cycling performance than that of a PVDF-NCM/Li battery. The PPC/NCM/graphite full cells were also assembled to demonstrate the practical application potential of this work. It was shown that PPC as a binder can improve the cycling stability of NCM811/Li and NCM811/graphite full cells. The PPC binder used in the NCM811 cathode not only makes it extremely easy to prepare dry electrodes, but also makes it very simple to recover the electrode material by heating in the case of battery failure. This paper provides a new idea for the industrialization and development of a novel binder.

Flexible Inverse Opal Structural Color Films with High Strength and Harsh Environment Stability.

Flexible photonic crystals (PCs) constructed by PCs and special polymers are very promising to achieve a combination of vivid structural colors, mechanical robustness, and environment stability. However, PCs that incorporate polymer binders are still susceptible to destruction and subsequent loss of structural color when subjected to significant external forces or harsh environments. Besides, because most of these polymers are highly flammable, crucial fire safety is difficult to be guaranteed in the application of these materials. In this study, we report a poly(m-phenyleneisophthalamide) inverse opal (PMIA IO) structural color film through a SiO2 PC template sacrificing method. Benefiting from the high rigid PMIA molecular structural configuration, the PMIA IO films are able to maintain their structural colors even in harsh conditions, such as large tensile stress, high and low temperatures, potent acids and bases, and ultraviolet radiation. More attractively, the PMIA IO films demonstrate excellent flame retardancy, with the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and flame retardant rating reaching 28 vol % and V0, respectively. We believe that the flexible structural color films with high strength, harsh environment stability, and flame retardancy, which are difficult for other structural color materials to possess simultaneously, have great potential for special applications in fire protection, national defense, aviation, marine, and aerospace fields.

Comparative Study of Different Polymeric Binders in Electrochemical CO Reduction

Comparative Study of Different Polymeric Binders in Electrochemical CO Reduction

Resistive Heating and Thermal Decomposition of an Additively Manufacturable Electrically Conductive Explosive

AbstractThe ability to transmit electrical signals through high explosive charges without using dense metal conductors could enable continuous monitoring of explosive charges with internally embedded sensors. With the sensor materials themselves being energetic, the impact on the intended detonation performance of the charge can be minimized. Embedded sensors enable real time, in‐situ measurements of conditions relevant to ageing assessments. Additionally, dynamic material property sensing can provide detonation performance data, enabling measurement of dynamic shock position. One proposed method to allow for electronic signal transfer through high explosives is to use electrically conductive explosive composites consisting of an electrically conductive polymer binder mixed with high explosive crystals. These conductive energetic pathways also serve as independently reactive elements and can provide additional functionality via dynamic sensor removal through resistive heating and subsequent decomposition. This work discusses the resistive heating of a previously developed, poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) based, electrically conductive extrudable explosive composite. Experimental samples of the conductive explosive material were subjected to a range of direct current applications and the resulting heating and decomposition of the material is discussed.

Formation of Superhydrophobic Coatings Based on Dispersion Compositions of Hexyl Methacrylate Copolymers with Glycidyl Methacrylate and Silica Nanoparticles.

In the last decade, the task of developing environmentally friendly and cost-effective methods for obtaining stable superhydrophobic coatings has become topical. In this study, we examined the effect of the concentrations of filler and polymer binder on the hydrophobic properties and surface roughness of composite coatings made from organic-aqueous compositions based on hexyl methacrylate (HMA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) copolymers. Silicon dioxide nanoparticles were used as a filler. A single-stage "all-in-one" aerosol application method was used to form the coatings without additional intermediate steps for attaching the adhesive layer or texturing the substrate surface, as well as pre-modification of the surface of filler nanoparticles. As the ratio of the mass fraction of polymer binder (Wn) to filler (Wp) increases, the coatings show the lowest roll-off angles among the whole range of samples studied. Coatings with an optimal mass fraction ratio (Wn/Wp = 1.2 ÷ 1.6) of the filler to polymer binder maintained superhydrophobic properties for 24 h in contact with a drop of water in a chamber saturated with water vapor and exhibited roll-off angles of 6.1° ± 1°.

Modulation of ZrO2-Ag2O-MoO3 nanocomposite into ultrasensitive hydrazine electrochemical sensor for environmental remediation

Herein, a facile single-step wet chemical approach was executed for the composition of semiconductor ternary metal oxides (TMO) i.e., ZrO2-Ag2O-MoO3 nanocomposite (NC)in an alkaline medium. For structural as well as morphological elucidation, the calcined nanocomposite was characterized through ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), powdered X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. Later, the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified into a highly responsive as well as selective hydrazine (HDZN) electrochemical probe (ZrO2-Ag2O-MoO3-NC/PEDOT:PSS/GCE) by the fabrication of thin layered ZrO2-Ag2O-MoO3NC onto GCE facilitated by 5 % PEDOT:PSS as conducting polymer binder. While examining the analytical parameters through novel current–potential (I-V) electrochemical approach, for the first time, the newly designed electrochemical probe, as selective hydrazine sensor, happened to own the low detection limit (LOD; 0.028 pM) with greater sensitivity (33.86 μAμM−1cm−2) and broad linear dynamic range (LDR; 0.1 M–1.0 nM) in addition to coefficient of correlation (r)/r2 square (r = 0.9941, r2 = 0.9882) and low limit of quantification (LOQ; 0.093 pM).Furthermore, reproducibility as well as prolonged stability of this newly proposed probe towards hydrazine were also assessed and found to be reliable in short response time. Hence, this work presents an inaugural report about the sensing of HDZN through the newly designed non reported ZrO2-Ag2O-MoO3-NC/PEDOT:PSS/GCE via an economical as well as novel electrochemical, current–potential (I-V),approach. Additionally, this proposed method is equally responsive towards both environmental and extracted real samples analysis on large scale.

Poly(Acrylic Acid)-Based Polymer Binders for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries: From Structure to Properties.

Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and its derivatives have emerged as promising candidates for enhancing the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as binder materials. Recent research has focused on evaluating their ability to improve adhesion with silicon (Si) particles and facilitate ion transport while maintaining electrode integrity. Various strategies, including mixing modifications and copolymerization methods, are highlighted and the structural and physicochemical properties of these binders are examined. Additionally, the interaction mechanisms between PAA-based binders and active materials and their impact on key electrochemical properties such as initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and cycle stability are discussed. The findings underscore the efficacy of tailored PAA-based binders in enhancing the electrochemical properties of LIBs, offering insights into the design principles and practical implications for advanced battery materials. These advancements hold promise for developing high-performance lithium batteries capable of meeting future energy storage demands.

Phase-Transition-Promoted Interfacial Anchoring of Sulfide Solid Electrolyte Membranes for High-Performance All-Solid-State Lithium Battery.

Solvent-free manufacturing is crucial for fabricating high-performance sulfide-electrolyte-based all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs), with advantages including side reaction inhibition, less contamination, and practical scalability. However, the fabricated sulfide electrolytes commonly suffer from brittleness, limited ion transport, and unsatisfactory interfacial stability due to the uncontrolled dispersion of the sulfide particles within the polymer binder matrix. Herein, a "solid-to-liquid" phase transition strategy is reported to fabricate flexible Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) electrolytes. The polycaprolactone (PCL)-based binder (PLI) with phase-transition characteristics fills the gap of LPSCl particles and tightly grafts on the particle surface via ion-dipole interaction, bringing a thin and compact electrolyte membrane (80µm). The simultaneously high Li-ion conducting and electron insulating nature of PLI binder facilitates Li-ion transport and ensures good interfacial stability between electrolyte and anode. Consequently, the sulfide electrolyte membrane exhibits high ionic conductivity (8.5×10-4 S cm-1), enabling symmetric and full cells with 10 and 2.5 times longer cycling life compared with that of the cells with pristine LPSCl electrolyte, respectively. The demonstrated strategy is versatile and can be extended to ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) that also brings enhanced electrochemical performance. The thin sulfide electrolyte with high interfacial stability potentially facilitates dendrite-free ASSLBs with high energy density.

Flexible All-Carbon Nanoarchitecture Built from In Situ Formation of Nanoporous Graphene Within "Skeletal-Capillary" Carbon Nanotube Networks for Supercapacitors.

It is difficult for carbonaceous materials to combine a large specific surface area with flexibility. Here, a flexible all-carbon nanoarchitecture based on the in situ growth of nanoporous graphene within "skeletal-capillary" carbon nanotube (CNT) networks has been achieved by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Multi-path long-range conductivity is established, and the porous graphene provides a large specific surface area for charge storage. The flexibility of the films allows them to be directly used as binder-free electrodes for supercapacitors. Since the polymeric binders are saved, the supercapacitors exhibit a higher overall storage density.

3D printing of metal parts using a highly-filled thermoplastic filament

Purpose This study aims to develop a highly loaded filament with spherical metallic particles for fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology. The research focuses on optimizing powder loading, printing parameters and final processes, including debinding and sintering, to produce successful metal parts. Design/methodology/approach The optimal powder loading was identified by measuring mixing torque and viscosity at various temperatures. The filament was extruded, and printing parameters − particularly printing speed to ensure proper material flow − were optimized. Different filling patterns were also examined. After printing, the polymeric binder was removed and the parts were sintered to form the final metal components. Findings The optimal powder loading was determined to be 55 vol.%. The best surface quality was achieved with an optimized printing speed of 5 mm/s. Parts printed with various infill patterns were studied for differences in open, closed and total porosity, showing a strong link between porosity and infill pattern. Originality/value This comprehensive study provides new insights into manufacturing metal parts using FFF technology. It fills a gap in the literature regarding feedstock viscosity and shear rate in highly loaded metal filaments during FFF. Additionally, it uniquely examines the open, closed and total porosity of metal parts printed with different infill patterns.

Crucial role of polymeric binders in enhancing energy density of supercapacitors

Crucial role of polymeric binders in enhancing energy density of supercapacitors

Oxidized λ-Carrageenan as an Aqueous Silicon-Anode Polymer Binder with Reduced Viscosity for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Oxidized λ-Carrageenan as an Aqueous Silicon-Anode Polymer Binder with Reduced Viscosity for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Research on fabrication technology of PVV-5AVN explosive for explosive reactive armor

PVV-5AVN explosive is a type of polymer-bonded explosive (PBX that typically comprises a mixture of RDX (hexogen), a high-explosive compound, and a polymer binder such as polyisobutylene. It finds extensive application in various generations of explosive reactive armor. This study investigates factors influencing the quality and specifications of PVV-5AVN explosives, including solvent choice, solvent ratio, mixing time, and ingredient proportions. Specifically, the RDX content is 85 ÷ 91%, and the binder system content is 9 ÷ 15% (with a DOS/PIB mass ratio of 2.75). These findings establish a fabricating process for laboratory-scale PVV-5AVN explosives that meets technical standards comparable to existing literature.

Alkali activated binders based on rock sawing sludges: Synthesis, characterization and future perspectives

In this work, the finest waste resulting from rock cutting and polishing processes, i.e., sawing sludges, is used as precursor to produce inorganic polymeric binders known as alkaline activated materials. The selected mix designs were characterized from a mineralogical, microstructural, chemical, physical (pH and electrical conductivity) and mechanical (compressive and flexural strength) point of view with satisfying results. The obtained outcomes give a complete overview of their potential application in the construction and conservation/restoration fields, promoting the valorisation of industrial wastes in the optic of circular economy and sustainability.

Regulating Anode-Electrolyte Interphasial Reactions by Zwitterionic Binder Chemistry in Lithium-Ion Batteries with High-Nickel Layered Oxide Cathodes and Silicon-Graphite Anodes.

The practical application of silicon (Si)-based anodes faces challenges due to severe structural and interphasial degradations. These challenges are exacerbated in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) employing Si-based anodes with high-nickel layered oxide cathodes, as significant transition-metal crossover catalyzes serious parasitic side reactions, leading to faster cell failure. While enhancing the mechanical properties of polymer binders has been acknowledged as an effective means of improving solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) stability on Si-based anodes, an in-depth understanding of how the binder chemistry influences the SEI is lacking. Herein, a zwitterionic binder with an ability to manipulate the chemical composition and spatial distribution of the SEI layer is designed for Si-based anodes. It is evidenced that the electrically charged microenvironment created by the zwitterionic species alters the solvation environment on the Si-based anode, featuring rich anions and weakened Li+-solvent interactions. Such a binder-regulated solvation environment induces a thin, uniform, robust SEI on Si-based anodes, which is found to be the key to withstanding transition-metal deposition and minimizing their detrimental impact on catalyzing electrolyte decomposition and devitalizing bulk Si. As a result, albeit possessing comparable mechanical properties to those of commercial binders, the zwitterionic binder enables superior cycling performances in high-energy-density LIBs under demanding operating conditions.

Improving Friction Sensitivity of Molecular Perovskite Energetic Material DAP‐4 by Polymer Binders Coated

AbstractThe high detonation and thermostability of the molecular perovskite energetic material DAP‐4 attracted a lot of interest, but its high friction sensitivity hindered its applicability. It is critical to minimize the friction sensitivity of DAP‐4 for future applications. DAP‐4‐based composites with core‐shell structures coated by polymer binders were devised and manufactured in this study. DAP‐4 was discovered to be polymer binder compatible, and the thermal breakdown temperature remained constant at 380°C. The friction sensitivity of DAP‐4‐based core‐shell composites increased from 36 N (raw DAP‐4) to 60 N (DAP‐4@Estane‐5703, DAP‐4@F2602, and DAP‐4@F2311) when 10% polymer binders were added as shell‐structured layers. Furthermore, their theoretical detonation performance was calculated, and each sample demonstrated superior performance. Among them, the theoretical detonation velocity of DAP‐4@F2602 reached 8081 m/s, and the heat of detonation was 5.118 kJ/kg. This provided proof‐of‐concept work for increasing the mechanical safety of molecular perovskite energetic materials.

Interaction of Boron-Based Cross-Linkers with Polymer Binders for Silicon Anodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Interaction of Boron-Based Cross-Linkers with Polymer Binders for Silicon Anodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries