Binders are one of the crucial components in batteries that provide adhesion for active materials and substrates. However, binders have always been the least studied materials compared with cathodes, anodes, and electrolytes. Here, a semicrystalline poly(methyl methacrylate) grafted natural rubber (MG49) was independently used and studied as a standalone rubber-based binder for graphite-based anode in Li-ion batteries. A comprehensive investigation of physicochemical and electrochemical performances of these electrodes consisting of the MG49 binder was done. The X-ray diffraction analysis found that the MG49-based electrodes showed good crystalline peaks that belong to the graphite compared with PVDF- and SBR + CMC-based electrodes. Similarly, the surface morphology and topography results of MG49-based electrodes and blank SBR + CMC displayed a better distribution of graphite and Super P. This led to an enhanced diffusion coefficient for the optimum electrode and a low charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 153.4 Ω, which is comparable to those of SBR + CMC (129.4 Ω) and PVDF (570.5 Ω). Equally, the MG49-based electrode possessed a good reversibility redox reaction and low polarization. The evaluation of battery performance showed good resilient cycling stability and capacity retention (84.7%), and their Coulombic efficiency was maintained at >98.5%, underlying the potential use of MG49 rubber as a binder in Li-ion battery applications.
Abstract: Using ab initio calculations supported by experimental transport measurements, we present the first credible candidate for the realization of a disorder-induced Topological Anderson Insulator in a real material system. High energy reactive ball-milling produces a polymorph of Cu2ZnSnS4 with high cation disorder, which shows an inverted ordering of bands at the Brillouin zone center, in contrast to its ordered phase. Adiabatic continuity arguments establish that this disordered Cu2ZnSnS4 can be connected to the closely related Cu2ZnSnSe4, previously predicted to be a 3D topological insulator. Band structure calculations with a slab geometry reveal the presence of robust surface states, while impedance spectroscopy coupled with resistivity measurements point to the surface-dominated transport which such states would imply; thus making a strong case in favor of a novel topological phase. As such, this study opens up a window to understanding and potentially exploiting topological behavior in a rich class of easily-synthesized multinary, disordered compounds.
In this study, DL-phenylalanine modified with a multiwall carbon nanotube paste electrode is used as advanced electrochemical sensor for analysing of 0.1 mM caffeic acid (CFA) with simultaneous detection of riboflavin (RFN). The developed sensors include electrochemically polymerized DL-phenylalanine (DL-PA) modified multiwall carbon nanotube paste electrode [DL-PAMMCNTPE] and bare multiwall carbon nanotube paste electrode [BMCNTPE]. The increasing stability in the developed electrochemical sensor for the quantification of CFA is highlighted in detail, along with its characterization using voltammetric techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique was used to studied the structural analysis of BMCNTPE and DL-PAMMCNTPE surface. The investigation of 0.1 mM CFA in 0.2 M phosphate buffered solution (PBS) using a 7.0 pH at 0.1 V/s scan rate was highlighted using DL-PAMMCNTPE, which shows good electrochemical responses compared to BMCNTPE. This work characterizes the voltammetric responses by inspecting the pH effect, scan rate effect, and concentration difference of CFA at the DL-PAMMCNTPE surface. The CFA responses specify that the scan rate progress is adsorption controlled. The concentration of CFA detection was started from 20 μM to 600 μM using DPV method, with lower limit of detection (LOD) of 0.280 μM and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.936 μM. And for CV method concentration range 20 to 550 μM, with LOD of 0.198 μM and LOQ of 0.702 μM. Furthermore, the developed electrochemical sensor responses are shows good stability, repeatability, and reproducibility, for CFA. The analytical applicability of CFA in apple juice and coffee powder samples was also evaluated.
Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanocrystals in oleylamine (OLA) and 1-dodecanethiol (1-DDT) solvents were successfully prepared via hot-injection method, to produce inks for the deposition of absorber layers in photovoltaic cells. In this process, 1-DDT acts as a coordinating ligand to control the nucleation and growth of CZTS nanocrystals, whereas lower amounts of OLA promote a homogeneous growth of the grains in the absorber layer. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) revealed both tetragonal and hexagonal phases of CTZS in films obtained after soft thermal treatments (labeled TT0). In particular, 1-DDT is responsible for the formation of a greater percentage of the hexagonal phase (ZnS-wurtzite type) than that formed when only OLA is used. The thermal treatments have been varied from 500 °C to 600 °C for improving crystallization and eliminating secondary phases. Both features are known to promote CZTS thin films with band gap values typical of CZTS (1.5-1.6 eV) and suitable resistivity. This study let to compare also the CZTS post-annealing without (TT1) and with sulfur vapor (TT2) in a tubular furnace. Only tetragonal CZTS phase is observed in the XRD pattern of CZTS thin films after TT2. A small presence of localized residues of secondary phases on the same samples was revealed by μRaman measurements. The best values of band gap (1.50 eV) and resistivity (1.05 ohm.cm) were obtained after thermal treatment at 500 °C, which is suitable for absorber layer in photovoltaic application.
This study proved the potential of disaccharides as plasticisers for polymer electrolyte system-based chitosan as they can increase the flexibility of chitosan molecular chains, thus enhancing the conductivity and dissociation of ions.
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