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There are lots of scientific innovations taking place in lithium-ion battery technology and the introduction of lithium metal oxide as cathode material is one of them. Among them, LiCoO2 is considered as a potential candidate for advanced applications due to its higher electrochemical performance. But it suffers some problems related to storage efficiency, safety, and cost. To improve the properties of LiCoO2, there is a lot of research carried out in this field and mainly focuses on its structural modification. Implementing new synthetic approaches, such as electrospinning is found to be more attractive in recent years for developing nanomaterial with improved physical and chemical properties. Electrospinning is a low-cost and simple procedure for the fabrication of 1D nanostructure. Electrospun LiCoO2 nanostructures exhibit high specific surface area, short ionic and electronic diffusion pathways, and mechanical stability, which can enhance the specific capacity and thus the battery performance and safety. This chapter reviews different morphologies of electrospun LiCoO2 nanostructures, structural modification by coating, and different electrospun LiCoO2 composites.

As long as the energy consumption is intended to be more economical and more environmental friendly, electrochemical energy production is under serious consideration as an alternative energy/power source. Among different energy/power storage devices, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the best commercially available devices. However, the enhancement of properties such as ionic conductivity and cyclic performances is needed for high-level applications. In search for better electrolyte materials for LIBs, scientists have been investigating on composite polymer electrolytes such as PAN-, PMMA-, PVdF-, PVdF-co-HFP- and PEO-based electrolytes. By electrospinning method of preparation of composite polymer electrolytes, significant improvement in properties can be seen. The sole reason for this is the better surface morphology and interfacial stability exhibited by electrolytes prepared by using this method. The composite polymer electrolytes are electrospun with ceramic fillers such as Al2O3, BaTiO3, MgO and TiO2 to improve the performances of lithium cell for better transportation of ions.

Designing a safer and secure battery technology is always a serious concern for the development of more reliable system. Lithium-ion batteries are considered to be the best battery technology that can deliver better electrochemical performance. Low boiling liquid electrolytes with low volatility threaten the use of lithium-ion batteries due to its explosive nature. For developing safer electrolyte systems swapping of liquid electrolytes are made with polymer based systems. Polyacrylonitrile-based polymer electrolytes are seeking much attention due its high ionic conductivity, thermal stability and its oxidative stability. For developing flexible as well as porous PAN based electrolyte membrane, electrospinning is considered as the effective. It is versatile methods that can results highly porous nanostructures with superior electrochemical properties. This chapter will light up to the development and significance of electrospunned PAN based polymer electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries.

The demand for the energy was upturned the development of energy storage devices that can effectively be utilized for the storage and supply of energy that generated from the green and sustainable energy sources. Among the different energy storage systems explored, lithium ion batteries (LIBs) play a significant role since it can offer better and best electrochemical properties. Fabrication of battery components is noteworthy in order to ensure enhanced battery performance. Anodes which serve as the positive electrode in LIBs play a major role, and currently, carbonaceous anodes are mostly used in LIBs. Even if they can deliver high electronic conductivity, low electrochemical potential and high safety than the lithium metal, the specific capacity exhibited by this material is observed to be low. In order to meet this major challenge in next-generation LIBs, transition metal oxide-based anodes are extensively studied because of their large reversible lithium storage properties. Iron oxide (Fe2O3 and Fe3O4) based anodes are one of the bests owing to their high theoretical capacity (1007 mAh g−1) which is attributed by the reversible conversion reaction that taking place between the lithium ion and metal oxides. Moreover, the environmental friendliness and low cost make it suitable anode in LIBs. However, the low electronic conductivity, large volume change during cycling that results in poor capacity retention and formation of unstable SEI are the serious concern with this anode material. One of the effective methods that used for resolving these issues is electrospinning which is considered as the most versatile technique for the fabrication of nanosized transition metal oxides. Fabrication of nanosized and nano-morphological structures as well as the structural modification can completely improvise the electrochemical performance of iron oxide-based anodes. The different aspects for the structural modification of iron oxide-based anodes and their electrochemical performance in LIBs will discuss in detail in this chapter.

Electrolytes play a crucial role in the development of an efficient batteries. There are different techniques for the fabrication of such polymer electrolytes that are essential since polymer membrane depends on it. A versatile and simple technique or the preparation of such matrix is electrospinning. Polymeric fibres of non-woven membrane offer high ionic conductivity as well as good cycling performance. Electrospun PVdF attained greater attention due to its higher dielectric constant, chemical stability as well as thermal stabilities. Morphology, cycling performance, electrochemical stabilities, etc., were investigated for the improved performance of lithium ion battery. Electrospun polymer blends as well composite polymer electrolytes are promising candidates that are suitable for lithium ion batteries.

Electrolytes are regarded as the key ingredient of batteries. The need for safe and reliable energy storage devices has led to the development of polymer electrolytes. The crystallinity of polymers used as electrolytes influences the ionic conductivity of the electrolytes. The enhancement of ionic conductivity can be achieved by decreasing the crystallinity of the polymers which can be achieved by the incorporation of organic and inorganic fillers. Electrospinning is one of the best methods for the synthesis of polymer membranes for lithium-ion batteries. The present chapter investigates the thermal, physical, mechanical, and electrochemical changes in the polymer electrolytes on the incorporation of the inorganic filler (SiO2). The polymer membranes synthesized by electrospinning is found to be superior in performance owing to the interlinked network structure. A detailed review of the electrospun polymer membrane with silica nanofillers by varying compositions, mode of addition, and complexes have been investigated.

The requirement of an energy storage system that can perform efficiently is under serious consideration. These requirements accelerate the research over the lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) that can ensure high system performance. Among different cathodes introduced, vanadium oxides are very promising family of materials for LIBs due to the safety that it can ensures even at extreme thermal conditions. Apart from this, the tunable oxidation state and layered structure warrant the proper intercalation mechanism in this material and promote it as one of the best choices of cathode. However, the low structural stability and slow electrochemical kinetics lead to poor cycle stability that limits its practical application. For enhancing the electrochemical properties of vanadium oxide cathodes, new breakthroughs are made with the introduction of electrospinning. Electrospinning is a versatile method that is used for the development of electrodes, especially cathodes and electrolytes in LIBs. Electrospinning can produce one-dimensional nanofibers that can guarantee a better battery performance. This chapter focuses on the synthesis, modifications and applications of electrospunned vanadium pentoxide cathodes for LIBs.

Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-co-HFP)-based fibers generated through the well-known technique of electrospinning have remained an attractive class of materials utilized as separators as well as solid electrolytes in lithium-ion battery (LIB) systems. In comparison to commercial separators based off polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), PVdF-co-HFP serves as an advantageous co-polymer, owing to enhanced properties such as high porosities, ionic conductivities as high as of 1 × 10−1 S·cm−1, and capacities higher than 100 mAh g−1 when incorporated into LIBs. The nature of PVdF-co-HFP also allows for facile processing via electrospinning, which in turn leads to fine tunability of properties such as porosity and wettability, which are crucial for superior separator performance. In addition, other properties pertaining to separator stability (i.e., mechanical, thermal, and electrochemical stabilities) can be further improved through the incorporation of ceramic fillers and surface modifications such as plasma treatment and other coating methods. The following chapter is meant to serve as a comprehensive review for the recent progress and state of the art of PVdF-co-HFP’s use in LIBs.

Lithium-ion batteries are crucial among the energy storage devices due to the best performance it can deliver. The performance of these batteries is highly influenced by the components with which it has been made. For the development of best performing lithium-ion batteries, the research was extended over the development of different components of the batteries that can ensure excellent electrochemical performance. Among the different components used, cathodes are important in determining the electrochemical performance. Different cathode materials were explored for lithium-ion batteries among which lithium iron phosphates having an orthorhombic olivine structure seek much attention due to its high theoretical capacity, non-toxicity, and thermal stability. The main issues related with the LFP cathodes are its low electronic conductivity. In order to resolve these issues, different modifications over the cathode are adopted. The best among this is electrospinning which is a fascinating technique for the development of nanofibers. This chapter will emphasize the preparation and the electrochemical performance of electrospun LFP cathodes and their influence over the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries

As long as the energy consumption is intended to be more economical and more environment friendly, electrochemical energy production is under serious consideration as an alternative energy/power source. Among different energy/power storage devices, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the best commercially available devices. However, there are safety issues to be investigated even when it is operating at room temperature since there have been various incidents reported. From that point of view, effective research has been going on to develop LIBs that are viable to operate safely at higher temperatures. In the search for better cathode materials for LIBs, researchers have been investigating a new class of iron-based compounds called polyanions such as (SO4)2−, (PO4)3,− or (AsO4)3−. Orthorhombic LiFePO4 (LFP), which has an ordered olivine structure, has attracted particular interest due to its high-power capability, non-toxicity, and thermal stability. This material has relatively high theoretical capacity of 170 mAhg−1 when compared with other cathode materials. The major drawbacks of the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode include its relatively low average potential, weak electronic conductivity, poor rate capability, low Li+-ion diffusion coefficient, and low volumetric specific capacity. Hence, this chapter clearly emphasizes the role and progress of LFP as efficient cathode material for LIBs and their ways to overcome the existing drawbacks which include the optimization of their synthesis methods, controlling the diffusion rate, and modification strategies. The use of conventional electrolytes with LFP caused iron dissolution on the cathode surface, which catalyzed the electrolyte decomposition, which then contributed to the formation of thick obstructive solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) films. Use of electrolyte additives is one of the most effective methods to protect against LiFePO4 dissolution. The thermal stability of these materials can be accounted by the high Li+ ion diffusion rate and the electron transfer activity. Even at elevated temperatures up to 340 °C, charged LFP and electrolyte didn’t show any kind of chemical reactions, which makes this material thermally more feasible than other cathode materials like LiCoO2, LiNiO2, and LiMn2O4.

Overexploitation of fossil fuel leads to the serious energy crisis. Alternate source in the post-fossil fuel era is the usage of electrical energy; thus, there is a huge technological research and development in this field. In the field of energy storage systems, lithium-ion batteries have received much attention for a wide variety of applications ranging from electronic devices such as laptops, digital cameras and cell phones. Working procedure of a lithium-ion battery involves as follows: During charging, an external electrical power source forces the current pass in the reverse direction and makes lithium ions migrate from the cathode to the anode across the electrolyte. Among the electrolyte, polymer electrolytes (PE) are the most promising one. These electrolytes are composed of polymers single or as blends with suitable salts giving safety and characteristics to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Electrospinning technique is one of the widely used techniques in preparing the electrolyte for LIBs. Electrospun membrane with good mechanical strength and porosity exhibits high uptake when activated with the liquid electrolyte of lithium salt in a mixture of organic solvents and thus help in charge transport. However, crystallinity of single polymer system makes it difficult for charge transport. To reduce the crystallinity and hence to improve the ionic conductivity, polymeric blend-based electrolytes are done by electrospinning technique. This chapter highlights recent advancements and newer trends in electrospun blend PEs by providing an overview of various blend electrolytes prepared by electrospinning technique for application in LIBs.

The versatility and ability of formation of one-dimensional nanostructures make electrospinning one of the promising methods to fabricate the components of energy storage devices. Electrospinning is widely explored in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) for the development of electrodes as well as electrolytes. Electrospun electrodes, both anodes and cathodes, are widely studied because they can deliver excellent electrochemical performance and are stable and freestanding even without using binders. For the best performance of LIBs, different materials were examined as electrodes, especially as the anodes, which serve as the negative electrode in LIBs. Metal oxides and carbon are considered to be the most favored anode material in LIBs. Among the different metal oxides studied, iron oxide-based anodes are emerging materials under serious research due to its superior properties which make them to deliver better properties than other materials commonly used. High specific capacity and large lithium storage through a conversion mechanism make iron oxide a promising anode than that of carbon-based ones. However, poor capacity retention, higher operating potential, and large polarization limit its application in LIBs. Electrospinning can resolve these issues by the formation of nano-sized structures. For achieving the better and best electrochemical properties, different structural and morphological modifications were carried out using electrospinning. Porous/hollow iron oxide-based nanotubes and nanorods are found to be delivering good electrochemical performance than the pristine-based anodes. Further enhancement is also done by the formation of composites with conducting dopants. The significance of iron oxide-based anodes and the methods for the enhancement of its electrochemical properties will be discussed in detail in this chapter.

Supercapacitor is a promising energy storage device, which has many advantages including long service lifetime, great power density, fast charge-discharge processes, and green environmental protection. The properties and performance of supercapacitors are greatly dependent on the electrode materials; hence the selection of the electrode material is crucial. There are many metal oxides which have been reported for supercapacitors and ultracapacitors; however, its performance is not that as expected. Thus high-performance electrode materials with large surface area and specific capacitance have been a topic of interest for the development of high-performance supercapacitors. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides having layered structures, such as MoS2, VS2, SnS2, CoS2, and WS2, have received significant attention because they offer good energy density, power density, and cycling stability. Among them, the layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is considered to have great potential for its applications as supercapacitors. MoS2 nanosheet is composed of one Mo atomic layer sandwiched between two S layers by covalent bonding, and with these triple layers stacked together to form a layered structure, is expected to act as an excellent energy storage material. It is because of the 2D electron–electron correlations among Mo atoms which would aid in enhancing planar electric transportation properties. MoS2 nanosheets can deliver excellent pseudocapacitance because of the Mo ions having oxidation states ranging from +2 to +6, which enable them to be used as high-performance electrode materials in supercapacitors. Indeed, as a graphene analogue, MoS2 nanosheets exhibit unique physical, optical, and electrical properties correlated with its 2D ultra-thin atomic layer structure and high surface area, making it very interesting for its use as electrodes in high-performance supercapacitors and also a promising supporting material to stabilize metal nanoparticles (NPs), forming hierarchical composites. The specific capacitance of MoS2 is still very limited in alone for energy storage applications. The combination of MoS2 and other conducting materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), or ceramic nanomaterials such a zirconium (Zr) may overcome these deficiencies. This chapter gives a clear picture of the applications of MoS2 as high-performance electrode in supercapacitors.

The effect of blending polyethylene oxide with poly (vinylidene fluoride)–lithium aluminum germanium phosphate (LAGP) composite and in-situ porosity generation on the electrochemical performance of polymer electrolytes based on non-woven fibrous mats is studied. Electrospinning process parameters are controlled to get a fibrous membrane consisting of bead-free, multilayered, three dimensional network structure of ultrafine fibers. The electrospun membranes are subjected to a preferential polymer dissolution process to prepare a highly porous structure. The membranes show high surface roughness with uniformly sized and distributed pores on the fibers. The membranes with good mechanical strength, thermal stability and high porosity exhibit high swelling when activated with liquid electrolyte. The prepared composite polymer electrolytes show high ionic conductivity. The addition of the glass ceramic improves the mechanical and thermal stability, while blending and in-situ porosity generation improves the ionic conductivity, charge–discharge performance, cycling stability, interface properties and compatibility with lithium electrode.

The advantageous properties of both solid soft matter electrolytes and polymer gel electrolytes (PGEs) are combined to develop a electrospun polymer composite electrolyte (PCE) for lithium ion batteries , based on addition of butanedinitrile (BDN, the plastic crystal) to poly(vinylidenefluoride- co -hexafluoropropylene) {P(VdF- co -HFP)} (semi crystalline polymer). Polymer composite electrolytes are prepared by activating the fibrous membrane with 1 M LiPF 6 in EC/DEC. The electrochemical characterization shows that the addition of BDN significantly improves the ionic conductivity of composite electrolytes even at lower temperatures due to the active role played by BDN in ion conduction. Also the compatibility of the polymer composite electrolyte with lithium electrode improves by incorporation of BDN. Galvanostatic cycling test demonstrates the suitability of these polymer composite electrolytes for lithium ion batteries in both Li/PCE/LiFePO 4 (half cell) and LTO/PCE/LiFePO 4 (full cell) configurations. The addition of BDN improves the charge discharge performance and cycling stability of the polymer composite electrolytes.

Here we report the fabrication and performance of a superoleophilic and anti-bacterial nonwoven nanofibrous poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene-co-styrene) [ABS]/ZnO electrospun nanocomposite membrane. The electrospun ABS membrane was decorated with floral ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) by a post-treatment method. The pristine ABS and nanocomposite membranes showed super oleophilic nature and could selectively separate different oils from the oil–water mixture by a gravity-driven technique. The ZnO NPs in the nanofiber could enhance the oil flux and also imparted anti-bacterial activity to electrospun ABS membrane against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The current nanofibrous system can be a good candidate for multi-functional oil-water separation.

Effect of poly(ethylene oxide) on the electrochemical properties of polymer electrolyte based on electrospun, non-woven membrane of PVdF is demonstrated. Electrospinning process parameters are controlled to get a fibrous membrane consisting of bead-free, uniformly dispersed thin fibers with diameter in the range of 1.5–1.9 μm. The membrane with good mechanical strength and porosity exhibits high uptake when activated with the liquid electrolyte of lithium salt in a mixture of organic solvents. The polymer gel electrolyte shows ionic conductivity of 4.9 × 10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature. Electrochemical performance of the polymer gel electrolyte is evaluated in Li/polymer electrolyte/LiFePO4 coin cell. Good performance with low capacity fading on charge–discharge cycling is demonstrated.

Two distinct mesoporous nanostructures, that is, rod and sheet cobalt oxalate (CoC2O4), have been synthesized via facile chimie douce precipitation technique. The selective interaction between solvent type and crystallographic planes of the metal ion is the key factor in morphological variations. The morphology and microstructure are studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Structural characterization of the materials has been carried out by X-ray diffraction and confirmed phase pure CoC2O4·2H2O formation. The critical dehydration process of CoC2O4·2H2O led to anhydrous CoC2O4, and its thermal properties are investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. Electrochemical properties of anhydrous CoC2O4 in half-cells are studied by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The studies showed that initial discharge capacity of anhydrous CoC2O4 nanorods and sheets is 1599 and 1518 mA h g–1, respectively, at 1C-rate. Anhydrous CoC2O4...

Hybrid organic–inorganic polymer gel electrolytes (PGEs) based on polymer–clay nanocomposite microporous membrane containing 1 M lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) in ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate (EC/DEC) are fabricated and their electrochemical characteristics in lithium ion batteries are studied. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF)–clay nanocomposite membrane containing different clay loading are prepared by phase inversion method. Aqueous suspension of montmorrillonite (MMT) clay in dimethyl acetamide (DMAc) is used as the nano-clay. The morphology of the clay dispersion with sonication time is studied by environmental scanning electron microscope (E-SEM). The intercalation/exfoliation of polymer–clay nanocomposite is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis are used for the evaluation of thermal properties. DSC analysis shows that crystallinity of nanocomposite decreases with increasing nano-clay content. The effect of clay on the membrane morphology, ionic conductivity and electrochemical properties of the PGEs in lithium ion rechargeable batteries are studied and results are compared. Incorporation of 2 wt.% nano-clay in PGE enhances its ionic conductivity from 0.78 to 3.08 mS cm−1 at room temperature. Li-ion half cell comprising of Li/PVdF–clay(2 wt.%)-PGE/LiMn2O4 delivers high charge–discharge capacity (∼120 mAh g−1) and shows stable cycle performance.

A new approach for fabricating polymer gel electrolytes (PGEs) based on electrospun poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) {P(VdF-co-HFP)} incorporated with layered nanoclay has been employed to enhance the ionic conductivity and electrochemical properties of P(VdF-co-HFP) without compromising its mechanical strength. The effect of layered nanoclay on properties of membranes has been evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Surface morphology of the membranes has been studied using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Polymer gel electrolytes are prepared by soaking the fibrous membrane into 1 M LiPF6 in EC/DEC. The electrochemical studies show that incorporation of layered nanoclay into the polymer matrix greatly enhanced the ionic conductivity and compatibility with lithium electrodes. The charge–discharge properties and cycling performance of Li/LiFePO4 cells comprising nanocomposite polymer gel electrolytes have been evaluated at room temperature.

One dimensional TiO2-B nanorods are synthesized by a conventional hydrothermal approach under highly concentrated alkali hydroxide solutions. Various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Raman studies, BET surface area measurements, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are utilized. Electrochemical Li-insertion properties are evaluated by means of half-cell configuration (Li/TiO2-B) which delivered a discharge capacity of 195 mA h g−1 at a current density of 150 mA g−1 under ambient temperature conditions. The test cell, Li/TiO2-B, displayed good cycling profiles up to 500 cycles with columbic efficiency over 99.5%. Full-cell, LiMn2O4/TiO2-B, is fabricated and tested both in conventional liquid and PVdF-HFP membranes at a current density of 150 mA g−1 and exhibited an excellent cycleability up to 1000 cycles at an operating potential of ∼2.5 V. The results demonstrate the improved electrochemical performance and durability of one dimensional nanostructures i.e. TiO2-B nanorods and electrospun membranes during prolonged cycling. In addition, ex-situ TEM analysis revealed the retention of nanorod morphology along with the crystalline structure after 1000 cycles in full-cell assembly, which ensures excellent long-term cycleability of TiO2-B anodes.

Mesoporous iron oxalate (FeC(2)O(4)) with two distinct morphologies, i.e., cocoon and rod, has been synthesized via a simple, scalable chimie douce precipitation method. The solvent plays a key role in determining the morphology and microstructure of iron oxalate, which are studied by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Crystallographic characterization of the materials has been carried out by X-ray diffraction and confirmed phase-pure FeC(2)O(4)·2H(2)O formation. The critical dehydration process of FeC(2)O(4)·2H(2)O resulted in anhydrous FeC(2)O(4), and its thermal properties are studied by thermogravimetric analysis. The electrochemical properties of anhydrous FeC(2)O(4) in Li/FeC(2)O(4) cells are evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The studies showed that the initial discharge capacities of anhydrous FeC(2)O(4) cocoons and rods are 1288 and 1326 mA h g(-1), respectively, at 1C rate. Anhydrous FeC(2)O(4) cocoons exhibited stable capacity even at high C rates (11C). The electrochemical performance of anhydrous FeC(2)O(4) is found to be greatly influenced by the number of accessible reaction sites, morphology, and size effects.

Increasing demand for higher energy density and higher-power energy-storage devices from the portable power market and the automobile and telecommunication industries have led to the search for novel materials for electrodes or electrolytes that offer higher capacities and energy densities and better performance than the electrochemical energy-storage devices available today. It is recognized that these requirements cannot be met solely by the capabilities of conventional systems and energy materials. Nanomaterials, a cutting-edge technology, can serve as an alternative to traditional materials. Among these, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their hybrid nanostructures have been extensively studied in electrochemical energy storage devices such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), supercapacitors, solar cells, and fuel cells as ideal electrode materials. This is because of their unique, one-dimensional (1D) tubular structure and high surface area, aspect ratio, chemical stability, electrical, and thermal conductivities, along with their extremely high mechanical strength. Studies show that CNTs are capable of greatly improving the electrochemical characteristics of energy-storage systems, with enhanced energy conversion and storage capacities. This chapter discusses recent advances in lithium-ion/air batteries based on CNTs and their functionalized derivatives for electrochemical energy storage.

This chapter mainly reviews the concept, properties and processing, and design method of the eco-friendly polymer nanocomposite (EPN), which is generally biodegradable and renewable. The major attractions of EPN are that they are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and degradable. These polymer composites can be easily composted or disposed without harming the environment. Some efforts have been made on attaining biodegradable reinforcing fillers giving improved performance of composites. Another concern is focused on employing recyclable synthetic fibers with thermoplastic composites to reduce the waste of fillers, and also some research is devoted to reusing or recycling the whole composites for the similar purpose. Simultaneously, people also would like to make composites manufactured with traditional production process become eco-friendly by extra reprocessing. Throughout the stages of development––design, appraisal, manufacture, use, reuse–recycling, and disposal––researchers are supposed to be fully engaged in reducing waste as much as possible, keeping in mind the environment all the time. A series of natural or synthetic materials have been used, such as cellulose, thermoplastic starch, etc. The challenge posed by eco-friendly composites also needs considerable attention in terms of poor bonding between matrix and fillers, loose control of fiber orientation, and difficulty in shaping nanoscale particles.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit a unique combination of electrical, mechanical, and magnetic properties as well as nanometer-scale diameter and high aspect ratio, which make them an ideal reinforcing agent for high-strength polymer composites. However, there is still challenge to achieve the simple and economical method for improving the dispersion and solubilization of CNTs. To improve the dispersion of CNTs, several approaches have been applied by using covalent and noncovalent functionalization methods. Herein, in particular, we focused on CNT functionalization using dendritic polymer and click chemistry approach. The impact of CNT dispersion on the property improvement of composite materials is discussed. In particular, the polyurethane block copolymer-CNT composites are discussed in details.

Unique cocoon- and rod-shaped alpha-phase ferric oxide, hematite (α-Fe2O3) is prepared by a simple, scalable and surfactant-free chimie douce synthesis. The structure and morphology is confirmed by x-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties of α-Fe2O3 anodes are investigated using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The mesoporous α-Fe2O3 exhibited an initial discharge capacity >1741 mAh/g with excellent cycling performance and rate capabilities. The solvent used for the preparation of α-Fe2O3 plays a key role in determining the morphology of the materials, which greatly influenced its electrochemical properties. Published version

The aim of the present work is to prepare a novel polymer electrolyte (PE) based on multi component polymer blend of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) with varying compositions by electrospinning. Structural characterization is carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The thermal and crystalline properties of the blend are studied by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Morphology of the membrane is examined by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The voids and cavities generated by the interlaying of the fibers are effectively utilized for the preparation of PE by loading with lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) dissolved in ethylene carbonate (EC)/diethyl carbonate (DEC). The ionic conductivity of the polymer blend electrolyte is studied by varying the PMMA and PS content in the PAN matrix. The blend polymer electrolyte shows ionic conductivity of about 3.9 × 10(−3) S cm(−1). The performance evaluation in coin cells show good charge–discharge properties and stable cycle performance under the test conditions. The result shows that the prepared polymer blend electrolytes are promising materials for lithium ion batteries. Accepted version