Search Results (420)

Over the past few decades, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have gained significant attention due to their inherent potential for environmental sustainability and unparalleled energy storage efficiency. Meanwhile, polymer electrolytes have gained popularity in several fields due to their ability to adapt to various battery geometries, enhanced safety features, greater thermal stability, and effectiveness in reducing dendrite growth on the anode. However, their relatively low ionic conductivity compared to liquid electrolytes has limited their application in high-performance devices. This limitation has led to recent studies revolving around the development of poly(ionic liquids) (PILs), particularly imidazolium-mediated polymer backbones as novel electrolyte materials, which can increase the conductivity with fine-tuning structural benefits, while maintaining the advantages of both solid and gel electrolytes. In this study, a curated dataset of 120 data points representing eight different polymers was used to predict ionic conductivity in imidazolium-based PILs as well as the emerging ionene substructures. For this purpose, four ML models: CatBoost, Random Forest, XGBoost, and LightGBM were employed by incorporating chemical structure and temperature as the models’ inputs. The best-performing model was further employed to estimate the conductivity of novel ionenes, offering insights into the potential of advanced polymer architectures for next-generation LIB electrolytes. This approach provides a cost-effective and intelligent pathway to accelerate the design of high-performance electrolyte materials. Full article

High safety gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is used in lithium metal solid state batteries, which has the advantages of high energy density, wide temperature range, high safety, and is considered as a subversive new generation battery technology. However, solid-state lithium batteries with multiple layers and large capacity currently have poor cycle life and a large gap between the actual output cycle capacity retention rate and the theoretical level. In this paper, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN)—lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄)—lithium lanthanum zirconium tantalate (LLZTO) gel polymer electrolytes was prepared by UV curing process using a UV curing machine at a speed of 0.01 m/min for 10 s, with the temperature controlled at 30 °C and wavelength 365 nm. In order to study the performance and failure mechanism of multilayer solid state batteries, single and three layers of solid state batteries with ceramic/polymer composite gel electrolyte were assembled. The results show that the rate and cycle performance of single-layer solid state battery with gel electrolyte are better than those of three-layer solid state battery. As the number of cycles increases, the interface impedance of both single-layer and three-layer electrolyte membrane solid-state batteries shows an increasing trend. Specifically, the three-layer battery impedance increased from 17 Ω to 42 Ω after 100 cycles, while the single-layer battery showed a smaller increase, from 2.2 Ω to 4.8 Ω, indicating better interfacial stability. After 100 cycles, the interface impedance of multi-layer solid-state batteries increases by 9.61 times that of single-layer batteries. After 100 cycles, the corresponding capacity retention rates were 48.9% and 15.6%, respectively. This work provides a new strategy for large capacity solid state batteries with gel electrolyte design. Full article

Electrochromic (EC) devices are gaining increasing attention for next-generation smart windows and low-power displays due to their reversible color modulation, low operating voltage, and flexible form factors. Recently, electrochromic energy storage devices (EESDs) have emerged as a promising class of multifunctional systems, enabling simultaneous energy storage and real-time visual monitoring. In this study, we report a flexible dual-functional EESD constructed using polyaniline (PANI) films doped with anthraquinone-1-sulfonic acid sodium salt (AQS), coupled with a redox-active PVA-based gel electrolyte also incorporating AQS. The incorporation of AQS into both the polymer matrix and the gel electrolyte introduces synergistic redox activity, facilitating bidirectional Faradaic reactions at the film–electrolyte interface and within the bulk gel phase. The resulting vertically aligned PANI-AQS nanoneedle films provide high surface area and efficient ion pathways, while the AQS-doped gel electrolyte contributes to enhanced ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability. The device exhibits rapid and reversible color switching from light green to deep black (within 2 s), along with a high areal capacitance of 194.2 mF·cm⁻² at 1 mA·cm⁻² and 72.1% capacitance retention over 5000 cycles—representing a 31.5% improvement over undoped systems. These results highlight the critical role of redox-functionalized gel electrolytes in enhancing both the energy storage and optical performance of EESDs, offering a scalable strategy for multifunctional, gel-based electrochemical systems in wearable and smart electronics. Full article

We present a theoretical model for the electrophoresis of a weakly charged oil drop migrating through an uncharged polymer gel medium saturated with an aqueous electrolyte solution. The surface charge of the drop arises from the specific adsorption of ions onto its interface. Unlike solid particles, liquid drops exhibit internal fluidity and interfacial dynamics, leading to distinct electrokinetic behavior. In this study, the drop motion is driven by long-range hydrodynamic effects from the surrounding gel, which are treated using the Debye–Bueche–Brinkman continuum framework. A simplified version of the Baygents–Saville theory is adopted, assuming that no ions are present inside the drop and that the surface charge distribution results from linear ion adsorption. An approximate analytical expression is derived for the electrophoretic mobility of the drop under the condition of low zeta potential. Importantly, the derived expression explicitly includes the Marangoni effect, which arises from spatial variations in interfacial tension due to non-uniform ion adsorption. This model provides a physically consistent and mathematically tractable basis for understanding the electrophoretic transport of oil drops in soft porous media such as hydrogels, with potential applications in microfluidics, separation processes, and biomimetic systems. These results also show that the theory could be applied to more complicated or biologically important soft materials. Full article

Fish gelatin (FG) has garnered significant attention as an alternative to mammalian gelatin, primarily attributed to its distinct advantages. These include the absence of epidemic transmission risks and the lack of religious restrictions, making it a more universally acceptable and safer option. However, its application is limited due to shortcomings such as insufficient gel properties (such as rheological properties, gel strength, etc.). In this study, flaxseed gum (FFG) of 0–1.2% w/v was used to modify FG. The rheological properties, structural characteristics, and chemical bond changes of FG before and after modification were systematically analyzed using instruments such as a rheometer, infrared spectrometer, and Zeta potential analyzer. The results revealed that an appropriate amount of FFG could increase the gel strength of FG, but excessive FFG (>0.4%) reduced its gel strength. Moreover, FFG could increase the gelation transition temperature and apparent viscosity of the composite gel. FTIR confirmed that FFG and FG were bound through hydrogen bonding, β-sheet structure formation, and multi-electrolyte complexation. The ESEM showed that FFG promoted the formation of a denser network structure of FG. This study laid a theoretical foundation for the application and development of FG in the field of high-gel foods. Full article

Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) have emerged as a promising solution for next-generation lithium-ion batteries due to their excellent safety and high energy density. However, their practical application is still hindered by critical challenges such as their low ionic conductivity and high interfacial resistance at room temperature. The innovative application of 3D printing in the field of electrochemistry, particularly in solid-state electrolytes, endows energy storage devices with attractive characteristics. In this study, ceramic-in-gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) based on PVDF-HFP/PAN@LLZTO were fabricated using a direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing technique. Under the optimal printing conditions (printing speed of 40 mm/s and fill density of 70%), the printed electrolyte exhibited a uniform and dense sponge-like porous structure, achieving a high ionic conductivity of 5.77 × 10⁻⁴ S·cm⁻¹, which effectively facilitated lithium-ion transport. A structural analysis indicated that the LLZTO fillers were uniformly dispersed within the polymer matrix, significantly enhancing the electrochemical stability of the electrolyte. When applied in a LiFePO₄|GPEs|Li cell configuration, the electrolyte delivered excellent electrochemical performance, with high initial discharge capacities of 168 mAh·g⁻¹ at 0.1 C and 166 mAh·g⁻¹ at 0.2 C, and retained 92.8% of its capacity after 100 cycles at 0.2 C. This work demonstrates the great potential of 3D printing technology in fabricating high-performance GPEs. It provides a novel strategy for the structural design and industrial scalability of lithium-ion batteries. Full article

Gel-polymer electrolytes offer a promising route toward safer and more stable sodium-ion batteries, but conventional polymer systems often suffer from low ionic conductivity and limited voltage stability. In this study, we developed composite GPEs by embedding methylammonium lead chloride (CH₃NH₃PbCl₃, MPCl) into a UV-crosslinked ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate (ETPTA) matrix, with sodium alginate (SA) as an ionic conduction enhancer. Three types of membranes—GPE-P, GPE-El, and GPE-Eh—were synthesized and systematically compared. Among them, the high-MPCl formulation (GPE-Eh) exhibited the best performance, achieving a high ionic conductivity of 2.14 × 10⁻³ S·cm⁻¹, a sodium-ion transference number of 0.66, and a wide electrochemical window of approximately 4.9 V vs. Na⁺/Na. In symmetric Na|GPE|Na cells, GPE-Eh enabled stable sodium plating/stripping for over 600 h with low polarization. In Na|GPE|NVP cells, it delivered a high capacity retention of ~79% after 500 cycles and recovered ~89% of its initial capacity after high-rate cycling. These findings demonstrate that the perovskite–polymer composite structure significantly improves ion transport, interfacial stability, and electrochemical durability, offering a viable path for the development of next-generation quasi-solid-state sodium-ion batteries. Full article

In polymer-based lithium batteries, polymer electrolytes (PEs) exhibit limited ionic conductivity at room temperature (25 °C). To address this issue, this paper describes a hexagonal-structure-based single-ion conducting gel polymer electrolyte (h-SICGPE) framework with a robust and efficient cross-linked polymer network, applicable to polymer-based batteries even at 25 °C. The proposed cross-linked polymer network backbone of the h-SICGPE, as a semisolid-state thin film type, has the homogeneous honeycomb structure incorporating anion receptor(s) inside each of its hexagonal closed cells and is obtained by cross-linking between trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate in a newly synthesized anion–receptor solution. The excellent structural capability of the h-SICGPE incorporating Li⁺/TFSI⁻ can enhance ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability by suppressing crystallinity and expanding free volume. Further, the anion receptor in its free volume helps to effectively increase the lithium-ion transference number by immobilizing counter-anions. Experimental results demonstrate dramatically superior performance at 25 °C, such as ionic conductivity (2.46 mS cm⁻¹), oxidative stability (4.9 V vs. Li/Li⁺), coulombic efficiency (97.65%), and capacity retention (88.3%). These results confirm the developed h-SICGPE as a promising polymer electrolyte for high-performance polymer-based lithium batteries operable at 25 °C. Full article

Nanostructured bimetallic IrSn composites deposited on the natural aluminosilicate montmorillonite were synthesized and evaluated as anode electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis cells (PEMECs). The test series prepared via the sol–gel method consisted of samples with 30 wt. % total metal content and varying Ir:Sn ratio. The performed X-ray diffraction analysis and high-resolution transmission electron icroscopy registered very fine nanostructure of the composites with metal particles size of 2–3 nm homogeneously dispersed on the support surface and also intercalated in the basal space of its layered structure. The electrochemical behavior was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and steady-state polarization techniques. The initial screening was performed in 0.5 M H₂SO₄. Then, the catalysts were integrated as anodes in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and tested in a custom-made PEMEC. The electrochemical tests revealed that the catalysts with Ir:Sn ratio 15:15 and 18:12 wt. % demonstrated high efficiency toward the oxygen evolution reaction during repetitive potential cycling and sustainable performance with current density in the range 140–120 mA cm⁻² at 1.6 V vs. RHE during long-term stability tests. The results obtained give credence to the studied IrSn/MMT nanocomposites to be considered promising, cost-efficient catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Full article

Laser patterning of sol–gel-derived TiO₂ coatings offers a promising route for fabricating TiO₂-based devices. Conventional approaches require high-power CO₂ lasers, whereas herein is demonstrated an alternative method using a low-cost, blue laser (λ = 445 nm, 1250 mW) to pattern TiO₂ layers derived from a visible-light-absorbing titanium salicylate sol. Grid-shaped TiO₂ patterns (~250 μm line, 500 μm pitch) were fabricated on indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrates via dip-coating, laser patterning, selective solvent removal, and annealing at 450 °C. Photocatalytic performance was enhanced through Ag photodeposition from a 5 mM Ag⁺ aqueous electrolyte under UV doses of 5, 10, and 20 J cm⁻². Structural and compositional analysis (XRD, SEM-EDS, AFM, UV–Vis, Raman) confirmed the formation of crystalline anatase TiO₂ and Ag incorporation proportional to the dose. Methylene blue (MB) photooxidation experiments revealed that Ag-functionalized samples showed up to 20% higher degradation efficiency and improved photocatalytic stability across eight consecutive MB oxidation cycles. Additional photoelectrochemical measurements confirmed the formation of a TiO₂/Ag Schottky junction, while surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals observed on Ag/TiO₂ grids enabled the detection of MB adsorbates. Full article

Gel electrolytes (GEs) play a pivotal role in the advancement of lithium metal batteries by offering high energy density and enhanced rate capability. Nevertheless, their real-world application is hampered by relatively low ionic conductivity and significant interfacial resistance at room temperatures. In this work, we developed a gel electrolyte membrane (GEM) by embedding Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) material into a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) matrix through UV curing. The composite membrane, with 4 wt% ZIF-8, exhibited an ionic conductivity of 1.17 × 10⁻³ S/cm, an electrochemical stability window of 4.7 V, and a lithium-ion transference number of 0.7. The test results indicate that the electrochemical performance of LFP//GEM//Li battery has an initial specific capacity of 168 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C rate. At 1 C, the discharge capacity was 88 mAh g⁻¹, and at 2 C, it was 68 mAh g⁻¹. Enhanced ionic transport, improved electrochemical stability, and optimized lithium-ion migration collectively contributed to superior rate performance and prolonged cycle life. This study offers novel insights and methodological advances for next-generation lithium metal batteries technologies. Full article

The interest in flexible and wearable electronics is increasing in both scientific research and in multiple industry sectors, such as medicine and healthcare, sports, and fashion. Thus, compatible power sources are needed to develop secondary batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, sensors, and dye-sensitized solar cells. Traditional liquid electrolytes pose challenges in the development of textile-based electronics due to their potential for leakage, flammability, and limited flexibility. On the other hand, gel electrolytes offer solutions to these issues, making them suitable choices for these applications. There are several advantages to using gel electrolytes in textile-based electronics, namely higher safety, leak resistance, mechanical flexibility, improved interface compatibility, higher energy density, customizable properties, scalability, and easy integration into manufacturing processes. However, it is also essential to consider some challenges associated with these gels, such as lower conductivity and long-term stability. This review highlights the application of gel electrolytes to textile materials in various forms (e.g., fibers, yarns, woven, knit, and non-woven), along with the strategies for their integration and their resulting properties. While challenges remain in optimizing key parameters, the integration of gel electrolytes into textiles holds immense potential to enhance conductivity, flexibility, and energy storage, paving the way for advanced electronic textiles. Full article

Nimesulide is a popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor available in more than 50 countries worldwide. A rapid and simple method for nimesulide determination is presented. Experimental parameters based on a previously published work were revised and adopted into a method with significantly better performance: pH was shifted from 8.10 to 9.25, borate background electrolyte concentration from 10 to 60 mM—resulting in a run time less than 4 min, and number of theoretical plates greater than 100,000. The method was validated and applied for the determination of nimesulide in three formulations with the active substance of nimesulide: tablets, gel, and powder (in sachets for oral suspension). Also, the tablets were tested for uniformity of content of single-dose preparations according to Ph. Eur. Full article

The poor thermal stability of polypropylene (PP) separators poses risks of electrolyte leakage and battery short-circuiting, limiting their application in lithium metal batteries (LMBs). To address these challenges, a gel polymer membrane was designed using polymer blending technology. This membrane effectively retains the electrolyte, provides a stable environment, enhances thermal stability, and significantly decreases the risk of battery explosions and side reactions between the lithium metal and the electrolyte. Compared to commercial PP separators, the developed blend-type gel polymer electrolyte (b-GPE) demonstrates a superior performance, including structural stability at temperatures up to 150 °C and a high lithium-ion transference number ($t_{{Li}^{+}}$) of 0.513. Furthermore, a cell with a LiCoO₂ cathode operated at a 1 C rate retains 97.4% of its capacity after 300 cycles. After exposure to 120 °C, the b-GPE-120 demonstrates that its performance is comparable to that of the b-GPE, such as a $t_{{Li}^{+}}$ of 0.506, a high electrolyte absorption rate, and a wide electrochemical window of 5.2 V. Full article

This study aims to enhance the sustainable utilization of electrolytic manganese residue (EMR), an industrial solid waste rich in sulfates and pollutants, by modifying it with appropriate proportions of granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and carbide slag (CS) and evaluating its potential as a cement retarder. The influence of both the GBFS/CS ratio and the dosage of modified EMR on the performance of cement mortar was systematically investigated, focusing on workability, mechanical properties, hydration behavior, leaching toxicity, and carbon emissions. Results showed that GBFS and CS significantly reduced pollutant concentrations in EMR while improving gypsum crystallinity. Modified EMR exhibited retarding properties, extending the initial and final setting times of cement mortar from 98 min and 226 min to 169 min and 298 min. With an 8 wt.% dosage, the 28-day compressive strength reached 58.76 MPa, a 1.3-fold increase compared to cement mortar (45.21 MPa). The content of reactive SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Ca(OH)₂, and CaSO₄·2H₂O promoted secondary hydration of cement and generated significant ettringite (AFt) and calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gels, forming a dense microstructure. Pollutants in the modified EMR-cement mortar were reduced through precipitation, substitution, and encapsulation, meeting leaching toxicity standards. This study highlights the feasibility and environmental benefits of employing modified EMR as a cement retarder, demonstrating its potential in sustainable building materials. Full article