Explore the vast range of titles available.

Polymer electrolytes provide a safe solution for future solid-state high-energy-density batteries. Materials that meet the simultaneous requirement of high ionic conductivity and high transference number remain a challenge, in particular for new battery chemistries beyond lithium such as Na, K and Mg. Herein, we demonstrate the versatility of a polymeric ionic liquid (PolyIL) as a polymer solvent to achieve this goal for both Na and K. Using molecular simulations, we predict and elucidate fast alkali metal ion transport in PolyILs through a structural diffusion mechanism in a polymer-in-salt environment, facilitating a high metal ion transference number simultaneously. Experimental validation of these computationally designed Na and K polymer electrolytes shows good ionic conductivities up to 1.0 × 10 −3  S cm −1 at 80 °C and a Na + transference number of ~0.57. An electrochemical cycling test on a Na∣2:1 NaFSI/PolyIL∣Na symmetric cell also demonstrates an overpotential of 100 mV at a current density of 0.5 mA cm −2 and stable long-term Na plating/stripping performance of more than 100 hours. PolyIL-based polymer-in-salt strategies for new solid-state electrolytes thus offer an alternative route to design high-performance next-generation sustainable battery chemistries. Polymer electrolytes provide a safe solution for future solid-state high-energy-density batteries, but combining high ionic conductivity and a high transference number is a challenge. A polymeric ionic liquid used as a polymer solvent is now shown to be promising for both sodium and potassium batteries.

Before the debut of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in the commodity market, solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) were considered promising high-energy electrochemical energy storage systems before being almost abandoned in the late 1980s because of safety concerns. However, after three decades of development, LIB technologies are now approaching their energy content and safety limits imposed by the rocking chair chemistry. These aspects are prompting the revival of research activities in SSLMB technologies at both academic and industrial levels. In this perspective article, we present a personal reflection on solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), spanning from early development to their implementation in SSLMBs, highlighting key milestones. In particular, we discuss the SPEs’ characteristics taking into account the concept of coupled and decoupled SPEs proposed by C. Austen Angell in the early 1990s. Possible remedies to improve the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of SPEs are also examined. With this article, we also aim to highlight the missing blocks in building ideal SSLMBs and stimulate research towards innovative electrolyte materials for future rechargeable high-energy batteries. Polymer electrolytes are attractive candidates for rechargeable lithium metal batteries. Here, the authors give a personal reflection on the structural design of coupled and decoupled polymer electrolytes and possible routes to further enhance their performance in rechargeable batteries.

The air electrode, which reduces oxygen (O₂), is a critical component in energy generation and storage applications such as fuel cells and metal/air batteries. The highest current densities are achieved with platinum (Pt), but in addition to its cost and scarcity, Pt particles in composite electrodes tend to be inactivated by contact with carbon monoxide (CO) or by agglomeration. We describe an air electrode based on a porous material coated with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), which acts as an O₂ reduction catalyst. Continuous operation for 1500 hours was demonstrated without material degradation or deterioration in performance. O₂ conversion rates were comparable with those of Pt-catalyzed electrodes of the same geometry, and the electrode was not sensitive to CO. Operation was demonstrated as an air electrode and as a dissolved O₂ electrode in aqueous solution.

Polymer electrolytes continue to offer the opportunity for safer, high-performing next-generation battery technology. The benefits of a polymeric electrolyte system lie in its ease of processing and flexibility, while ion transport and mechanical strength have been highlighted for improvement. This report discusses how factors, specifically the chemistry and structure of the polymers, have driven the progression of these materials from the early days of PEO. The introduction of ionic polymers has led to advances in ionic conductivity while the use of block copolymers has also increased the mechanical properties and provided more flexibility in solid polymer electrolyte development. The combination of these two, ionic block copolymer materials, are still in their early stages but offer exciting possibilities for the future of this field.

Corrosion is a significant problem that negatively affects a wide range of structures and buildings, resulting in their premature failure, which causes safety hazards and significant economic loss. For this reason, various approaches have been developed to prevent or minimize the effects of corrosion, including corrosion inhibitors. Recently, biobased inhibitors have gained a certain interest thanks to their unique properties, eco-friendliness, and availability. Among all the green precursors, lignin is of particular interest, being a natural polymer that can be obtained from different sources including agricultural residues. Corrosion inhibitors based on ionic liquids (ILs) also present interesting advantages, such as low volatility and high tunability. If combined, it may be possible to obtain new lignin-based ILs that present interesting corrosion inhibitor properties. In this work, the inhibition properties of new biobased lignin ILs and the influence of anions and cations on the corrosion of mild steel in an aqueous solution of 0.01 M NaCl were investigated by Potentiostatic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (PEIS) and Cyclic Potentiodynamic Polarization (CPP). Moreover, the surface was characterized using SEM, EDS, and optical profilometry. The IL choline syringate showed promising performance, reducing the corrosion current after 24 h immersion in 0.01 M sodium chloride, from 1.66 µA/cm2 for the control to 0.066 µA/cm2 with 10 mM of the IL present. In addition to its performance as a corrosion inhibitor, both components of this IL also meet or exceed the current additional desired properties of such compounds, being readily available, and well tolerated in organisms and the environment.

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are an emerging next‐generation technology for sustainable energy storage. In this study, the synthesis and performance of carbon anode materials for SIBs, produced via direct co‐carbonisation of textile waste‐derived hard carbon (HC) and pitch‐derived soft carbon (SC) at various ratios, were investigated. It was found that, as the ratio of HC increased, the rate capacity of the composite carbon anode improved, with the best performing composite anode exhibiting a specific capacity of 334 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 which exceeded the specific capacity of 100 %HC and 100 %SC. The co carbonisation of the HC with the SC is critical to ensure the stabilisation of the pitch composite with in the new composite anode. A detailed examination of morphology, microstructure and electrochemical properties is reported here. This study presents a facile route to develop high‐performing carbon anodes by combining hard carbon (HC) and soft carbon (SC) precursors at varying ratios. The composite carbon anodes are synthesised via a one step direct carbonization route. The composite carbon anodes showed superior performance compared to individual HC and SC.

Chemical biocides remain the most effective mitigation strategy against microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), one of the costliest and most pervasive forms of corrosion in industry. However, toxicity and environmental concerns associated with these compounds are encouraging the development of more environmentally friendly MIC inhibitors. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial effect of a novel, multi-functional organic corrosion inhibitor (OCI) compound, cetrimonium trans-4-hydroxy-cinnamate (CTA-4OHcinn). Attachment of three bacterial strains, Shewanella chilikensis, Pseudomonas balearica and Klebsiella pneumoniae was evaluated on wet-ground (120 grit finish) and pre-oxidised carbon steel surfaces (AISI 1030), in the presence and absence of the new OCI compound. Our study revealed that all strains preferentially attached to pre-oxidised surfaces as indicated by confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and standard colony forming unit (CFU) quantification assays. The inhibitor compound at 10 mM demonstrated 100% reduction in S. chilikensis attachment independent of initial surface condition, while the other two strains were reduced by at least 99.7% of the original viable cell number. Our results demonstrate that CTA-4OHcinn is biocidal active and has promise as a multifunctional, environmentally sound MIC inhibitor for industrial applications.

Free‐standing hard carbon electrodes are produced from cotton biomass using a low‐cost, one‐step pathway. The free‐standing feature of the electrode eliminates the use of binders and toxic solvents. The electrochemical performance of the electrodes is tested to study the correlation between Na storage and the structural properties of the hard carbon material. A remarkable specific capacity of 272 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 is obtained with a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 75 % for the cotton fabric (CF) sample pyrolyzed at 1000 °C for 5 min (CF5 min). The excellent performance of the free‐standing electrode is attributed to a large interlayer spacing between the graphene layers, and a high number of oxygen‐containing functional groups on the surface. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) surface characterisation shows that a thin and uniformly distributed SEI (solid electrolyte interphase) layer, mainly composed of NaF and Na2O, is formed on the CF5 min surface, whereas a thick SEI layer with a long Na+ diffusion pathway is formed on the sample pyrolyzed at 1000 °C for 10 h (CF10 h), which leads to slower reaction kinetics and poor electrochemical performance. This work proposes a scalable and economically feasible strategy to produce sodium ion anode materials with a focus on environmental sustainability and value addition to waste streams. Cotton biomass for batteries: Free‐standing hard carbon electrodes prepared from cotton eliminates the use of binders or toxic solvents. The electrode carbonized at 1000 °C for 5 min (CF5 min) exhibits a remarkable specific capacity of 272 mAh g−1 with an initial coulombic efficiency of 75 % due to a large interlayer spacing and oxygen rich functional group on the surface, leading to a thin and uniformly distributed NaF/Na2O solid electrolyte interphase layer.

The use of water‐soluble binders enables the transition to more sustainable batteries by the replacement of toxic N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) by water. Herein, two new fluorine‐free poly(ionic liquid)s are proposed as binders for LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathodes, based on poly(diallyldimethylammonium) (PDADMA) and two‐phosphate counter anions, which are recognized as effective corrosion inhibitors and electrolyte additives. Due to their high ionic conductivity (10−6 S cm−1 at 25 °C) and ability to prevent degradation of NMC811 particles, the PDADMA phosphate cells are able to achieve a 91% of capacity retention after 90 cycles at 0.5C, similar to the organic fluorinated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) (96%) under the same conditions. However, aqueous sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na‐CMC) only provides 81% of capacity retention. Among the PDADMA‐based binders under study, PDADMA‐ diethyl phosphate (PDADMA‐DEP) delivers the highest discharge capacity (101.1 mAh g−1) at high C‐rate (5C). Degradation of Na‐CMC electrodes is observed in postmortem analysis and a notable increase in the charge transfer‐resistance. However, the NMC811 particles preserve their spherical shape when PDADMA‐phosphates are used as binders, also leading to lower polarization resistances and improved lithium diffusion. In conclusion, PDADMA‐phosphates manifest high performance as binders for sustainable NMC811 cathodes, while disposing of fluoropolymers and toxic solvents. The fabrication of electrodes in lithium‐ion batteries still relies on the use of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as binders. Herein, a new family of fluorine‐free and water‐soluble poly(ionic liquid)s based on poly(diallyldimethylammonium) (PDADMA) is presented, which are promising binders for an environmentally friendly processing of NMC811 cathodes.