Sulfonic Acid Groups Research Articles

Investigations of Microstructures and Properties of SPEEK‐[BMIm][OTf] Ionic Liquid Composite Membrane for Fuel Cells

AbstractUtilizing ionic liquids in proton exchange membranes can greatly enhance the performance of fuel cells, enabling their application in high‐temperature and dry conditions. Further advancements in this field depend on a fundamental comprehension of their structural characteristics. This study focuses on the sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK)‐1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate [BMIm][OTf] composite membrane system. Effects of sulfonation degree, ionic liquid content, and temperature on the structure and conductivity of the composite membrane are investigated by dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Results show that [BMIm][OTf] is predominantly distributed around the sulfonic acid groups of SPEEK. At an optimal sulfonation degree and ionic liquid content, interconnected ionic liquid channels can be formed. Nevertheless, an excessively high sulfonation degree may jeopardize the stability of the membrane structure. Moreover, the aggregation of ionic liquid occurs at a high level of ionic liquid content, which hinders the efficient transfer of protons. Generally, increasing the temperature is more conducive to the formation of monodisperse ionic liquid channels within the SPEEK‐[BMIm][OTf] composite membrane; however, overhigh temperature may compromise the integrity of the composite membrane structure. The findings of this study offer molecular insights for the development of high‐temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems.

Magnetic nano-sized solid acid catalyst bearing sulfonic acid groups for biodiesel synthesis and oxidation of sulfides

In this study, the AlFe2O4@n-Pr@Et-SO3H heterogeneous catalyst was successfully synthesized and utilized to produce biodiesel from oleic acid through an esterification process and to oxidize sulfides. To examine the physicochemical characteristics of the AlFe2O4@n-Pr@Et-SO3H nanomaterial, a variety of advanced techniques were employed, including Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Elemental Mapping, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The AlFe2O4@n-Pr@Et-SO3H materials demonstrated excellent performance in both the esterification of oleic acid and the oxidation of sulfides. Moreover, the catalyst can be easily recovered and reused multiple times without a significant reduction in its effectiveness.

Synergistic oxidative modification and covalent cross-linking for the construction of sesbania gum-based high efficiency dust suppression foam sols.

To effectively utilize sesbania gum in coal dust control and address the limitations of excessive viscosity and mediocre strength, oxidation treatment was used to improve its fluidity. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium trimetaphosphite (STMP) were used to enhance oxidized sesbania gum OSG, and crosslinking technology was used to improve its mechanical stability. This study developed a novel foam dust suppressant OSG-PVA/SDBS by response surface design, and the optimized dust suppressant material exhibited excellent adhesion and curing properties. It was found that sulfonic acid groups (-SO3H) of SDBS gradually congregate to occupy the binding site on the OSG-PVA polymer chain, bolstering the water-locking capacity of the liquid film and the foam stability. Concurrently, the hydrophobic tail chains in SDBS adsorb onto the hydrophobic points on the coal surface, establishing a dual adsorption mechanism. Simulation revealed that the thickness of water molecule absorption layer increased by 11.3 Å under this dual adsorption, strengthening the interaction between coal and water. After repeated wind erosion and rain washing, the coal samples sprayed with OSG-PVA/SDBS exhibited low wind erosion rate (22.64 %) and rain erosion rate (23.22 %). Moreover, the dust suppression rate surpassed 95 % following outdoor application of the suppressant foam. These results offer innovative perspectives and strategies for the research and mitigation of coal dust pollution.

Multifunctional Organic Molecule for Defect Passivation of Perovskite for High-Performance Indoor Solar Cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) can utilize the residual photons from indoor light and continuously supplement the energy supply for low-power electron devices, thereby showing the great potential for sustainable energy ecosystems. However, the solution-processed perovskites suffer from serious defect stacking within crystal lattices, compromising the low-light efficiency and operational stability. In this study, we designed a multifunctional organometallic salt named sodium sulfanilate (4-ABS), containing both electron-donating amine and sulfonic acid groups to effectively passivate the positively-charged defects, like under-coordinated Pb ions and iodine vacancies. The strong chemical coordination of 4-ABS with the octahedra framework can further regulate the crystallization kinetics of perovskite, facilitating the enlarged crystal sizes with mitigated grain boundaries within films. The synergistic optimization effects on trap suppression and crystallization modulation upon 4-ABS addition can reduce energy loss and mitigate ionic migration under low-light conditions. As a result, the optimized device demonstrated an improved power conversion efficiency from 22.48% to 24.34% and achieved an impressive efficiency of 41.11% under 1000 lux weak light conditions. This research provides an effective defect modulation strategy for synergistically boosting the device efficiency under standard and weak light irradiations.

A New Type of Bioprosthetic Heart Valve: Synergistic Modification with Anticoagulant Polysaccharides and Anti-inflammatory Drugs.

Valvular heart disease (VHD) poses a significant threat to human health, and the transcatheter heart valve replacement (THVR) is the best treatment for severe VHD. Currently, the glutaraldehyde cross-linked commercial bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) remain the first choice for THVR. However, the cross-linking by glutaraldehyde exhibits several drawbacks, including calcification, inflammatory reactions, and difficult endothelialization, which limits the longevity and applicability of BHVs. In this study, λ-carrageenan with anticoagulant function was modified by carboxymethylation into carboxymethyl λ-carrageenan (CM-λC); subsequently, CM-λC was used as a cross-linking agent to stabilize decellularized bovine pericardial tissue through amide bonds formed by a 1-(3-(Dimethylamino)propyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide/N-Hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS)-catalyzed reaction between the amino functional groups within pericardium and the carboxyl group located on CM-λC. Lastly, the inclusion complex (CD/Rutin) (formed by encapsulating the rutin molecule through the hydrophobic cavity of the mono-(6-ethylenediamine-6-deoxy)-β-cyclodextrin) was immobilized onto above BHVs materials (λCar-BP) through the amidation reaction. The treated sample exhibited mechanical properties and collagen stability similar to those of GA-BP, except for improved flexibility. Because of the presence of sulfonic acid groups and absence of aldehyde group as well as the Rutin release from CD/Rutin immobilized onto BHVs, the hemocompatibility, anti-inflammatory, HUVEC-cytocompatibility, and anticalcification properties, of the CM-λC-fixed BP modified with CD/Rutin was significantly better than that of GA-BP. In summary, this nonaldehyde-based natural polysaccharide cross-linking strategy utilizing the combination of CM-λC and CD/Rutin provides a novel solution to obtain BHVs with durable and stable anticoagulant, anticalcification, and anti-inflammatory properties, and has a wide range of potential applications in improving the various properties of BHVs.

Adsorption and separation of lead ions in phosphoric acid by co-doped carbon nanotubes with sulfur, oxygen, and manganese

The purpose of this study was to prepare a novel and efficient adsorbent for the removal of trace Pb(II) from phosphoric acid. Manganese oxide/sulfur-oxygen doped carbon nanotube composites (CNTs-S-O-Mn) were prepared from multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified with nitric acid, mercaptoacetic acid, acetic anhydride, concentrated sulfuric acid and potassium permanganate. Characterisation revealed that CNTs-S-O-Mn contained hydroxyl, sulphonate groups, MnO and Mn3O4. At 298 K, 15.362 mg·L-1 initial concentration of lead ions, and 18.4 % phosphoric acid concentration, the adsorption capacity of the composites for lead ions was 38.65 mg·g−1, which was higher than that of the unmodified CNTs, 8.04 mg·g−1. The adsorption kinetic data at 298 K conformed to the quasi-second-order kinetic equation, R2 = 0.997; 298, adsorption isotherms at 308 and 318 K conformed to the Langmuir equation, R2 = 0.990–––0.991. The adsorption capacity increased with decreasing phosphoric acid concentration. In this system, the adsorption is affected by a certain concentration of lead ions. Adsorption occurs via chemisorption and is exothermic. Sulfonic acid groups and hydroxyl groups on manganese oxides play an important role in the adsorption of Pb (II) through surface complexation with Pb (II). These results indicate that the removal of trace Pb (II) from phosphoric acid by modified carbon nanotubes is feasible, revealing a new use of carbon nanotubes for phosphoric acid purification.

Synergistic dual-layer passivation boosts efficiency and stability in perovskite solar cells using naphthol sulfonate.

The performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are critically influenced by the interfacial properties between the perovskite absorption layer and the electron transport layer (ETL). This study introduces a novel interfacial engineering approach using dipotassium 7-hydroxynaphthalene-1,3-disulfonate (K-NDS) as a multifunctional passivator to enhance both the SnO2 ETL and the perovskite absorber layer. The sulfonic acid groups (-SO3-) in K-NDS effectively fill oxygen vacancies on the SnO2 surface, while the hydroxyl groups (-OH) passivate dangling bonds, improving the crystallinity of the perovskite film. Additionally, the diffusion of K+ from the SnO2 ETL into the perovskite layer optimizes energy level alignment, thereby enhancing charge carrier extraction and transport. This bifacial passivation strategy has significantly improved both the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long-term stability of PSCs. The modified devices achieved a champion PCE of 23.00% and an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.172 V. Furthermore, these devices maintained 75% of their initial PCE even after 1000 hours of storage under indoor environmental conditions. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of synergistic interfacial passivation in advancing the performance and durability of PSCs.

Hemocompatible nucleosome-inspired heparin-mimicking hydrogel microspheres for safe and efficient extracorporeal removal of circulating histones in critically ill patients.

Circulating histones have been identified as essential mediators that lead to hyperinflammation, platelet aggregation, coagulation cascade activation, endothelial cell injury, multiple organ dysfunction, and death in severe patients with sepsis, multiple trauma, COVID-19, acute liver failure, and pancreatitis. Clinical evidence suggests that plasma levels of circulating histones are positively associated with disease severity and survival in patients with such critical diseases. However, safe and efficient therapeutic strategies targeting circulating histones are lacking in current clinical practice. Extracorporeal blood purification, a widely used life support technique in intensive care units, is a promising therapeutic option for eliminating circulating histones. Inspired by electrostatic interactions between DNA chains and histones in natural nucleosomes, we propose a "one stone kills two birds" strategy to combat histone-related critical diseases by developing heparin-mimicking hydrogel microspheres (RCHMs). On one hand, the heparin-mimicking hydrogel structure inside RCHMs contains a large number of carboxyl and sulphonic acid groups by in situ cross-linking polymerization, which endows the RCHMs with excellent hemocompatibility. On the other hand, the RCHMs can adsorb circulating histones through electrostatic interactions. Our results demonstrate that the RCHMs do not cause significant hemolysis, blood cell activation and complement activation, with improved anti-protein contamination properties. The tailored RCHM microspheres (A3M1) can efficiently and selectively adsorb 91.16% of calf thymus histones with an adsorption capacity of 20.47 μg mg-1 within 4 h. Moreover, the RCHMs significantly attenuate histone-mediated thrombocytopenia, platelet aggregation, and endothelial cell death. Therefore, the RCHMs are promising hemoperfusion adsorbents for extracorporeal removal of circulating histones from the blood of critically ill patients, providing a new insight into the management of multiple histone-related disorders.

Efficient construction of high-quality sulfonated porous aromatic frameworks by optimizing the swelling state of porous structures.

Conventional post-modification methods usually face the fundamental challenge of balancing the high content of functional groups and large surface area for porous organic polymers (POPs). The reason, presumably, stems from ineffective and insufficient swelling of the porous structure of POP materials, which is detrimental to mass transfer and modification of functional groups, especially with large-sized ones. It is important to note that significant differences exist in the porous structures of POP materials in a solvent-free state after thermal activation and solvent swelling state. Herein, we propose that the improvement of the swelling state of the porous structure of POP materials is more conducive to obtaining high-quality sulfonated POP materials, and employ a one-pot modification strategy for preparing sulfonated porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) to prove the proposal. These results show that the specific surface area of the resulting polymer is 580 m2 g-1 with a sulfur content of up to 13.2 wt%, which is superior to most sulfonated porous materials and the control sample. More importantly, we have also shown that the same conclusion is reached by performing similar treatments on hyper-crosslinked polymers (HCPs) and conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs), proving that our hypothesis is effective and feasible when compared to the conventional post-sulfonation method. The excellent hydrophilicity, rich content of sulfonic acid groups, high specific surface area and hierarchical pore structure make the resulting polymer an ideal adsorbent for micro-pollutants in water. The maximum adsorption capacities for Rhodamine B (RhB), Methylene Blue (MB), Tetracycline (TC) and Ciprofloxacin (CIP) are 1075 mg g-1, 1020 mg g-1, 826 mg g-1 and 1134 mg g-1, respectively. This study not only demonstrates the preparation of efficient sulfonated porous adsorbents for the efficient removal of cationic dyes and antibiotics but also illustrates an effective method for constructing high-quality functional POP materials by optimizing the swelling state of the porous structure.

Nanocellulose-reinforced nanofiber composite poly(aryl ether ketone) polymer electrolyte for advanced lithium batteries.

Solid polymer batteries (SPEs) are highly desirable for energy storage because of the urgent need for higher energy density and safer lithium ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, the single-ion lithium salt PAEK50-LiCPSI was synthesized by grafting 3-chloropropanesulfonyl trifluoromethanesulimide lithium (LiCPSI) onto poly(aryl ether ketone)50 (PAEK50). Nanocellulose (NCC), PAEK50-LiCPSI, and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF-HFP) were compounded to obtain NCC reinforced high-performance nanofiber composite polymer electrolytes (NCC/PAEK/PVDF) through electrospinning, which presented tensile strength of 15.35MPa, ionic conductivity of 1.13×10-4Scm-1, and Li+ transfer number as high as 0.80 at 25°C. The assembled LIBs with NCC/PAEK/PVDF illustrated an initial discharge specific capacity of 155.2 mAh g-1 at 0.2C, and the capacity retention rate was close to 93% after cycling 700cycles at 25°C. Furthermore, its initial specific discharge capacity at -20°C was 103.4 mAh g-1, and can cycle over 300cycles. The NCC with sulfonic acid group reinforced the mechanical performance, promoted the dissociation of Li+, and synergized with PAEK50-LiCPSI and PVDF-HFP to form a 3D nanofiber ionic bridge network through hydrogen bond, which promoted the more stable and faster Li+ transportation. This work suggested that the NCC/PAEK/PVDF can be a good choice of solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) for the next generation of LIBs, even working at low-temperatures.

Nanophase Structure and Performances of Proton‐Exchange Membranes Based on Perfluorinated Sulfonic Acid Ionomer and Carboxylated Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)

ABSTRACTProton‐exchange membranes (PEMs) with high proton conductivity and low methanol uptake would find potential application in direct methanol fuel cells. Herein, PEMs based on perfluorinated sulfonic acid ionomer (PFSA) and carboxylated poly(vinyl alcohol) (CPVA) were prepared by in situ acetalization of poly(vinyl alcohol) with 4‐carboxybenzaldehyde and casting of PFSA/CPVA dispersions. Effects of acetalization degree of CPVA on the hydrogen‐bond action, phase structure, and properties of PEMs have been investigated. The water domains for proton conduction are formed mainly through the aggregation of sulfonic acid groups of PFSA, uncrosslinked remained hydroxyl, and additional carboxyl groups of CPVA, while the hydrophobic domains are formed through the aggregation of fluorocarbon chains of PFSA, PVA‐PVA hydrogen bonds, and actually acetalized CPVA units. PEM containing CPVA with an acetalization degree of 30% exhibits good comprehensive performances, that is, much lower methanol uptake, similar proton conductivity (150.4 mS cm−1 at 80°C and 100% relative humidity), and single‐cell performance (43.0 mW cm−2 at 80°C) to PFSA membrane. In addition to the competitive performances, the modified PEM exhibits reduced cost due to the incorporation of cheap PVA‐based polymer.

Wet chemical synthesis of nanohydroxyapatite within poly(sodium sulfonated butylene fumarate‐co‐acrylic acid) as bone scaffold: effects of sulfonate and carboxylic acid groups

AbstractThis study investigates the synthesis, nucleation and modification of biodegradable poly(sodium sulfonated butylene fumarate‐co‐acrylic acid)/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, with a focus on the effects of incorporating hydrophilic sulfonate and carboxylic acid groups. Poly(butylene fumarate) was sulfonated at varying degrees and used to form nanocomposites through in situ nucleation of nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) in a simulated body fluid solution. Critical parameters such as water absorption, swelling behavior, mechanical properties, nanoparticle dispersion and biocompatibility were evaluated. Water uptake ratios ranged from 2.72 to 6.88 g g−1, while compressive modulus values increased up to 25.9 times compared with the corresponding homopolymers, demonstrating improved mechanical stability. Despite the formation of over 80% nanoparticles, well‐distributed nHA, with sizes averaging 39 ± 13 nm, was achieved through the incorporation of sulfonated groups, preventing nanoparticle agglomeration within the scaffold matrix. Additionally, the scaffolds supported human dermal fibroblast adhesion and proliferation, with cell viability remaining high throughout the culture period. These results suggest that the developed nanocomposite scaffolds offer enhanced biocompatibility, mechanical strength and osteogenic potential, making them promising candidates for bone tissue regeneration applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synthesis and adsorption performance of Cu-BTC microspheres for Methylene Blue Dye

The MOFs, copper–1,3,5- benzenetricarboxylate (Cu-BTC) samples were synthesized by immersing self-assembled films in solutions of copper nitrate and trimesic acid through a biomimetic mineralization method. During the synthesis, self-assembled monolayers with different end groups acted as templates, facilitating the nucleation and growth of Cu-BTC crystals. The resulting products were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The influence of the synthesized materials on the adsorption performance of methylene blue (MB) dye was systematically investigated. The results show that the Cu-BTC compound microspheres, induced by sulfonic acid groups, have a uniform morphology and exhibit effective adsorption of MB dye. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of these microspheres for MB dye is 75.6 mg·g–1. The adsorption data from this process are consistent with both the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. After four adsorption-regeneration cycles, the microspheres retained a high adsorption efficiency for MB dye.

Trivalent Ionic Molecular Bridges as Efficient Charge-Trapping Method for All-Solid-State Organic Synaptic Transistors toward Neuromorphic Signal Processing Applications.

Achieving high retention of memory state is crucial in artificial synapse devices for neuromorphic computing systems. Of various memorizing methods, a charge-trapping method provides fast response times when it comes to the smallest size of electrons. Here, for the first time, it is demonstrated that trivalent molecular bridges with three ionic bond sites in the polymeric films can efficiently trap electrons in the organic synaptic transistors (OSTRs). A water-soluble polymer with sulfonic acid groups, poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) (PAMPSA), is reacted with melamine (ML) to make trivalent molecular bridges with three ionic bond sites for the application of charge-trapping and gate-insulating layer in all-solid-state OSTRs. The OSTRs with the PAMPSA:ML layers are operated at low voltages (≤5V) with pronounced hysteresis and high memory retention characteristics (ML = 25 mol%) and delivered excellent potentiation/depression performances under modulation of gate pulse frequency. The optimized OSTRs could successfully process analog (Morse/Braile) signals to synaptic current datasets for recognition/prediction logics with an accuracy of >95%, supporting strong potential as all-solid-state synaptic devices for neuromorphic systems in artificial intelligence applications.

Grafting Buffer Layer Strategy onto the Nanofiltration Membrane to Enhance Antifouling Properties toward Highly Efficient Desalination.

Water treatment and seawater desalination are two areas in which nanofiltration (NF) membranes have gained significant attention. The permeability and contamination resistance of NF membranes are crucial for their application in ion separation. Herein, a zwitterion monomeric N-sulfobutylpiperazine (PIPBS) was designed and synthesized through an in situ ring-opening reaction between 1,4-butylsulfonic acid lactone and piperazine. A new hydrophilic structure is formed when PIPBS is chemically grafted with piperazine-trimesoyl chloride (PIP-TMC) onto the surface of the NF membrane, increasing the water flux and improving antifouling properties. NF performance was systematically investigated with respect to both the PIPBS concentration and reaction time. In addition to higher salt retention for NaSO4 (97.3%) and MgSO4 (94.1%), the optimized PTPM also displayed better ion selectivity for Na2SO4/NaCl. Sulfonic acid groups make membranes more hydrophilic, reducing contamination, deposition, and membrane pore plugging by direct contact with contaminants. In comparison to untreated NF membranes, due to the hydration of PIPBS on the membrane surface, the water flux increased by 2.3 times with a 13.6% grafting ratio for PTPM-1. Furthermore, PTPM had superior protein fouling resistance and an excellent ability to recover flux after contamination experiments and could withstand continuous filtration operations for 60 h with a stable flux of 10.98 L m-2 h-1 bar-1. The as-prepared NF membrane's excellent water flux, selective rejection of salts, and outstanding fouling resistance make it ideal for efficient desalination, and it also provides novel insights into the design of antifouling membranes.

Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells by Introducing a Multifunctional Surface Modulator

Simultaneously passivating the perovskite surface defects (VI, Pbi) and suppressing Li+ ions diffusion of hole transport layer (HTL) are still challenging issues. Herein, we report an effective “ three birds with one stone ” strategy by utilizing sodium 4,4'‐(1,4‐phenylenebis(oxy))bis(butane‐1‐sulfonate) (ZR3) containing sulfonic acid groups (SO3−) and Na+ ions as a multifunctional surface treatment modulator to simultaneously address the above issues. It is found that ZR3 is not only capable of passivating the Pb‐related defects at the surface of perovskite by the SO3‐ group, but also possesses the remarkable ability to passivate the halide defects with Na+ ions. Meanwhile, ZR3 treatment enables the enhanced exciton dissociation of perovskite, better energy level alignment with hole transport layer (HTL), improved hole extraction/transfer from perovskite layer into HTL, and reduced charge carrier recombination in device. Therefore, it results in the enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.34% in ZR3‐based n‐i‐p device from 22.97% for the control device. Specifically, p‐i‐n PSCs with ZR3 also achieves an improved PCE of 25.96% with respect to the pristine one (23.99%), proving the universality of ZR3 for PSCs. Moreover, the stabilities of ZR3‐treated devices are significantly enhanced owing to Li+ ions migration suppressing and perovskite defects reduction.

Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells by Introducing a Multifunctional Surface Modulator.

Simultaneously passivating the perovskite surface defects (VI, Pbi) and suppressing Li+ ions diffusion of hole transport layer (HTL) are still challenging issues. Herein, we report an effective " three birds with one stone " strategy by utilizing sodium 4,4'-(1,4-phenylenebis(oxy))bis(butane-1-sulfonate) (ZR3) containing sulfonic acid groups (SO3-) and Na+ ions as a multifunctional surface treatment modulator to simultaneously address the above issues. It is found that ZR3 is not only capable of passivating the Pb-related defects at the surface of perovskite by the SO3- group, but also possesses the remarkable ability to passivate the halide defects with Na+ ions. Meanwhile, ZR3 treatment enables the enhanced exciton dissociation of perovskite, better energy level alignment with hole transport layer (HTL), improved hole extraction/transfer from perovskite layer into HTL, and reduced charge carrier recombination in device. Therefore, it results in the enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.34% in ZR3-based n-i-p device from 22.97% for the control device. Specifically, p-i-n PSCs with ZR3 also achieves an improved PCE of 25.96% with respect to the pristine one (23.99%), proving the universality of ZR3 for PSCs. Moreover, the stabilities of ZR3-treated devices are significantly enhanced owing to Li+ ions migration suppressing and perovskite defects reduction.

Wide-temperature zinc-iodine batteries enabling by a Zn-ion conducting covalent organic framework buffer layer

Aqueous zinc-iodine batteries (ZIBs) are attractive energy storage devices owing to their safety and low cost, but polyiodide shuttling and poor wide-temperature operation limit their scalability. Herein, a sulfonated zinc-grafted covalent organic framework (COF) (denoted TpPa-Zn) was designed and served as the buffer layer on the surface of glass fiber (GF) to enhance ZIBs’ performance. The TpPa-Zn structure exhibits single zinc-ion conductivity, with its nanopores and sulfonic acid groups effectively suppressing polyiodide shuttling. In-situ Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy tests revealed that the TpPa-Zn modified separator promotes polyiodide conversion, reducing self-discharge and enhancing cycle stability. The upgraded ZIBs were demonstrated with ultra-stable operation over a wide temperature ranging from 0 to 65 ℃, retaining 90.5 % and 90.7 % capacity retention rate at 65 ℃ (500 cycles) and 0 ℃ (2000 cycles), respectively. Moreover, high-iodine-loading tests demonstrated practical applicability, with a retention rate of 87 % at 3 mg cm−2 and 93 % at 5 mg cm−2. This study elucidates that the TpPa-Zn buffer layer significantly improves the temperature adaptability of ZIBs, potentially inspiring the rational design of COF-based wide-temperature batteries.

Cashew Phenol Modified Lignosulfonate Strategy for the Preparation of High-performance Dye Dispersants.

Lignin-based dye dispersants (LDD), as one of the most common lignin resource end-application product, is difficult to meet the rapidly developing needs of modern fiber dyeing due to their inherent structural defects. The efficient upgrading and modification of LDD is of great significance to the value-added application of lignin resources and the expansion of LDD sinking market. In this study, using industrial kraft lignin as raw material, cashew phenol was introduced into lignosulfonate in the form of CC bonds by ingenious utilizing the structural characteristics of lignin disordered condensation. Aromatic ring in cashew phenol could provide sufficient sulfonic acid group grafting sites, while C15 fatty chain could enhance steric hindrance effect. In the dispersibility test, the dispersing power showed 99.09%, and the low/high temperature dispersion (LTD/HTD) were 5s/4 and 6s/4, respectively, higher than the dispersibility level of LDD in the market, has great commercial value and industrial potential. Combined with FTIR, 1H NMR, GPC and ICP, the structural properties of lignin were analyzed in detail, and the degree of sulfonation-condensation was balanced-optimized. The CC bond condensation process between cashew phenol and lignin was revealed, and the mechanism of action on dye particles was elucidated.

Effect of Density of Acrylic Acid Ester on Sulfonate-Modified Polycarboxylate Superplasticizers on Cementitious Systems.

To tackle high viscosity in fresh concretes, especially high-performance concrete, the research of polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs) is relevant. By designing the molecular structure of PCEs, problems such as pumping difficulties in high viscosity of high-performance concrete can be solved. Therefore, in this paper, a suite of novel viscosity reducing PCEs containing sulfonic acid groups and different acrylate densities were synthesized on the basis of inventive molecular structure design, and characterized to determine the predicted structure. The maximum adsorption, the best fluidity, and the Minimum zeta potential value can be seen for PCEs with a small number of ester groups (PCE-MA0.5) due to the combination of the rigidity of its backbone and the density of the adsorption groups. Moreover, the investigation of working mechanism showed the introduction of ester groups can significantly reduce viscosity, but also reduces the adsorption capacity. This research aims to propose a feasible method for synthesizing PCE with superior processability and viscosity reduction capability in cement and concrete.