Facile synthesis and performance of polypyrrole-coated sulfur nanocomposite as cathode materials for lithium/sulfur batteries

In situ chemical oxidation polymerization of pyrrole on the surface of sulfur particles was carried out to synthesize a sulfur/polypyrrole （SIPPy） nanocomposite with core-shell structure. The composite was characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical measurements. XRD and FTIR results showed that sulfur well dispersed in the core-shell structure and PPy structure was successfully obtained via in situ oxidative polymerization of pyrrole on the surface of sulfur particles. TEM observation revealed that PPy was formed and fixed to the surface of sulfur nanoparticle after polymerization, developing a well-defined core-shell structure and the thickness of PPy coating layer was in the range of 20-30 nm. In the composite, PPy worked as a conducting matrix as well as a coating agent, which confined the active materials within the electrode. Consequently, the as prepared SIPPy composite cathode exhibited good cycling and rate performances for rechargeable lithium/sulfur batteries. The resulting cell containing SIPPy composite cathode yields a discharge capacity of 1039 mAh·g^-1 at the initial cycle and retains 59% of this value over 50 cycles at 0.1 C rate. At 1 C rate, the SIPPy composite showed good cycle stability, and the discharge capacity was 475 mAh·g^-1 after 50 cycles.

A polypyrrole-coated acetylene black/sulfur composite cathode material for lithium–sulfur batteries

Lithium–sulfur batteries are promising next-generation energy storage devices beyond conventional lithium ion batteries. However, it suffers from rapid capacity fading and poor cyclic stability. Here we report a facile in situ sulfur deposition and chemical oxidative polymerization method for preparing acetylene black/sulfur@polypyrrole（AB/S@PPy） composite as a cathode material for lithium–sulfur batteries. It is demonstrated that PPy is covered uniformly onto the surface of the AB/S composite forming a core–shell structure. In the structure, AB in the matrix and PPy on the surface acts as a combined conductive framework to provide ions and electrons transport pathways, and to inhibit the dissolution or diffusion of polysulfide into the electrolyte. The as-designed AB/S@PPy composite exhibits excellent rate capability and cyclic stability. The initial discharge specific capacity is as high as 1179.4 m Ah/g, and remains at769.3 m Ah/g after 80 cycles at 0.2 C. Even at a high rate（0.5 C）, a maximum discharge capacity of 811.1 m Ah/g is still achieved for the AB/S@PPy composite after activation, and the capacity retention is over62.5% after 200 cycles.

Preparation, Electrochemical Property and Application in Bulk-modified Electrode of Dawson-type Phospho-molybdate-doped Polypyrrole Composite Nanoparticles

A kind of inorganic-organic hybrid semiconductor composite nanoparticles： Dawson-type phosphomolybdate- doped polypyrrole （P2Mo18-PPy） was designed and prepared using microemulsion oxidation-polymerization at room temperature and characterized by TEM and IR. The P2Mo18-PPy was used as a bulk-modifier to fabricate a chemically modified carbon paste electrode（CPE） by direct mixing, which represents the example of polyoxometalates（ POMs）- doped semiconductor polymer nanoparticles modified electrode. Both the advantage of POMs-doped polymer and the surface-renewal property of the CPE were fully utilized. The electrochemical behavior of the P2Mo18-PPY bulk-modified CPE（P2Mo18-PPy-CPE） was investigated with cyclic voltammetry. Three couples of reversible redox peaks were observed in the range from ＋ 800 to 0 mV, which corresponded to the reduction and oxidation through two-, four- and six-electron processes, respectively. The P2 Mo18-PPY-CPE showed a high electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of nitrite, which expanded the application of POMs-doped semiconductor polymer nanoparticles.

A Hydrogen Peroxide Biosensor Combined HRP Doped Polypyrrole with Ferrocene Modified Sol-gel Derived Composite Carbon Electrode

A novel amperometric biosensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide is described. The biosensor was constructed by electrodepositing HRP/PPy membrane on the surface of ferrocenecarboxylic acid mediated sol-gel derived composite carbon electrode. The biosensor gives response to hydrogen peroxide in a few seconds with detection limit of 5×10-7 mol·L-1 （based on signal : noise=3）. Linear range is up to 0.2 mmol·L-1.

REMOVAL OF MERCURY FROM WATER USING POLYPYRROLE AND ITS COMPOSITES

One of the suitable methods for removing heavy metals from water is by using surface adsorption process. In this paper, the preparation of polypyrrole and its composites as adsorbents are discussed and the capability of separating mercury from water is investigated. The results indicated that the polypyrrole and its composites are able to remove mercury from aqueous media. Furthermore the adsorption percentage is related to the surface morphology, type of additives and its concentration.

THE STUDY ON CHLORINATED POLYPROPYLENE (PPCI)-POLYPYRROLE (PPy) COMPOSITE FILM

The chlorinated polypropylene-polypyrrole composite film was synthesized by means of a newmethod for the first time. The effects of various conditions on polymerization and the electric con-ductivity of PPCl-PPy composite film were investigated. It was found that PPCl-FeCl3 mixturehad an excellent film-forming ability and PPCl-PPy composite film could attain high conductivityat low content of polypyrrole and was stable for heat and atmosphere.

PREPARATION,CHARACTERIZATION AND ELECTROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYPYRROLE-POLYSTYRENE SULFONIC ACID COMPOSITE FILM

Polypyrrole-polystyrene sulfonic acid(PPy-PSSA)composite films have been electrosynthesized in an aqueoussolution of PSSA.The electro-active films exhibit cation exchange during the redox process.Infrared,Raman and energy-dispersive spectroscopic results demonstrated that the polyanion of PSS^- is co-deposited into the PPy matrix and couldn't bestripped fiom the film extensively by dedoping.The doping level together with dipolaron content of the PPy-PSSAcomposite film increases during electrochemical polymerization process.SEM images revealed that the composite film hassmooth and compact morphology and AFM pictures suggested that PPy chains are possibly grown perpendicular to theelectrode surface.TGA tests indicated that the composite films has much better thermal stability than that of pure PPy.Furthermore,electrochemical studies showed that the relaxation process at certain holding potential has great effect on theshape of the cyclic voltammetric curves of PPy-PSSA composite film.The composite film exhibits cation and anionexchange during the redox process after undergoing the relaxation step.It is more difficult for divalent anion to enter thepolymer matrix than a univalent ion,and a large cation such as(CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2)_4N^+ cannot be involved in the ionexchange process.

Multi-porous electroactive poly(L-lactic acid)/ polypyrrole composite micro/nano fibrous scaffolds promote neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells

In this study, poly（L-lactic acid）/ammonium persulfate doped-polypyrrole composite fibrous scaffolds with moderate conductivity were produced by combining electrospinning with in situ polymerization. PC12 cells were cultured on these fibrous scaffolds and their growth following electrical stimulation （0-20.0 μA stimulus intensity, for 1-4 days） was observed using inverted light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with the MTT cell viability test. The results demonstrated that the poly（L-lactic acid）/ammonium persulfate doped-polypyrrole fibrous scaffold was a dual multi-porous micro/nano fibrous scaffold. An electrical stimulation with a current intensity 5.0- 10.0 μAfor about 2 days enhanced neuronal growth and neurite outgrowth, while a high current intensity （over 15.0 μA） suppressed them. These results indicate that electrical stimulation with a moderate current intensity for an optimum time frame can promote neuronal growth and neurite outgrowth in an intensity- and time-dependent manner.

CONDUCTIVE COMPOSITES FROM POLYPYRROLE ELECTROPOLYMERIZED IN A POLYURETHANE MATRIX

In order to improve the mechanical properties of polypyrrole, composites were made by electropolymerizing polypyrrole in a polyurethane matrix. Polypyrrole/polyurethane (PPY/PU) composite films containing CLO_4^-, BF_4^- or CH_3-C_6H_4-SO_3^- counter ions were made in a variety of solvent systems and characterized by SEM, electronic conductivity, FTIR, and mechanical properties. Composite films showing much greater fiexibility than pure polypyrrole were obtained, but their electronic conductivities were substantially lower. Measured eonductivities ranged from 0.001 to 8 S/cm, tensile strengths from 44 to 592 psi, and elongation to failure from 3 to 70%.

Polypyrrole Chitosan Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles Composite Layer for Measuring the Low Concentration of Fluorene Using Surface Plasmon Resonance

Fluorene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, which is a hazardous toxic chemical in the environment. The measurement of low concentrations of fluorene is a subject of intense interest in chemistry and in the environment. Polypyrrole chitosan cobalt ferrite nanoparticles are prepared using the electrochemical method. The prepared layers are characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The layers are used to detect fluorene using the surface plasmon resonance technique at room temperature. The composite layer is evaluated after detection of fluorene using atomic force microscopy. The fluorene is bound on the layer, and the shift of the resonance angle is about 0.0052°, corresponding to the limitation of 0.01 ppm.

Electrochemical performance of sulfur composite cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries

The structure and characteristic of carbon materials have a direct influence on the electrochemical performance of sulfur-carbon composite electrode materials for lithium-sulfur battery. In this paper, sulfur composite has been synthesized by heating a mixture of elemental sulfur and activated carbon, which is characterized as high specific surface area and microporous structure. The composite, contained 70% sulfur, as cathode in a lithium cell based on organic liquid electrolyte was tested at room temperature. It showed two reduction peaks at 2.05 V and 2.35 V, one oxidation peak at 2.4 V during cyclic voltammogram test. The initial discharge specific capacity was 1180.8 mAh g-1 and the utilization of electrochemically active sulfur was about 70.6% assuming a complete reaction to the product of Li2S. The specific capacity still kept as high as 720.4 mAh g^-1 after 60 cycles retaining 61% of the initial discharge capacity.

Housing Sulfur in Polymer Composite Frameworks for Li–S Batteries

Extensive efforts have been devoted to the design of micro-, nano-, and/or molecular structures of sulfur hosts to address the challenges of lithium–sulfur(Li–S) batteries, yet comparatively little research has been carried out on the binders in Li–S batteries. Herein, we systematically review the polymer composite frameworks that confine the sulfur within the sulfur electrode, taking the roles of sulfur hosts and functions of binders into consideration. In particular, we investigate the binding mechanism between the binder and sulfur host(such as mechanical interlocking and interfacial interactions), the chemical interactions between the polymer binder and sulfur(such as covalent bonding, electrostatic bonding, etc.), as well as the beneficial functions that polymer binders can impart on Li–S cathodes, such as conductive binders, electrolyte intake, adhesion strength etc. This work could provide a more comprehensive strategy in designing sulfur electrodes for long-life, large-capacity and high-rate Li–S battery.

Sulfur/carbon composites prepared with ordered porous carbon for Li-S battery cathode

Ordered porous cabon with a 2-D hexagonal structure,high specific surface area and large pore volume was synthesized through a twostep heating method using tri-block copolymer as template and phenolic resin as carbon precursor.The results indicated the electrochemical performance of the sulfur/carbon composites prepared with the ordered porous carbon was significantly affected by the pore structure of the carbon.Both the specific capacity and cycling stability of the sulfur/carbon composites were improved using the bimodal micro/meso-porous carbon frameworks with high surface area.Its initial discharge capacity can be as high as 1200 mAh·g-1 at a current density of 167.5 mA·g-1The improved capacity retention was obtained during the cell cycling as well.

Two-Step Synthesis of Sulfur/Graphene Composite Cathode for Rechargeable Lithium Sulfur Batteries

Sulfur/graphene composites with different sulfur contents were prepared by two-step synthesis, where graphene was regarded as a carrier of sulfur active substance. The surface structure and crystal form of the composites obtained were characterized and compared by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. It was found that sulfur was partially coated by graphene. The graphene folds provided more nano-pores and electron transport channels for sulfur. From TGA results, the sulfur contents of the sulfur/graphene compositcs measured were about 42.32 wt%, 54.94 wt%, and 65.23 wt%. Electrochemical tests demonstrated that sulfur/graphene composite （x=54.94 wt%） cathode exhibited better capacity retention （40.13%） compared with the pure cathode （20.46%）, where an initial discharge capacity was up to 1 500 mAh.g-t and it remained about 600 mAh·g-1 after 30 cycles. Furthermore, the electrochemical reaction mechanism and the state of reaction interface for Li/S battery were analyzed by cyclic voltammogram and AC-impedance spectra. The results indicated that the sulfur/graphene composite with a sulfur content of 54.94 wt%, based on a two-step synthesis, contributed to improving electrochemical properties of lithium/sulfur battery

Separation of Sulfur/Gasoline Mixture with Polydimethylsiloxane/ Polyetherimide Composite Membranes by Pervaporatlon

Worldwide environment has resulted in a limit on the sulfur content of gasoline.It is urgent to investigate the desulfurization of gasoline.The polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)/polyetherimide(PEI)composite membranes were prepared by casting a PDMS solution onto porous PEI substrates and characterized by scanning electron microscope(SEM).The membranes were used for sulfur removal from gasoline by pervaporation.The effects of feed temperature,sulfur content in the feed and PDMS layer thickness on membrane performance were investigated,and an activation energy of permeation was obtained.Experimental results indicated that higher feed temperature yielded higher total flux and lower sulfur enrichment factor.The total flux varied little with the increase of sulfur content in the feed,but the sulfur enrichment factor first increased with the amount of thiophene added into the gasoline,and then the variation was little.The increase of PDMS layer thickness resulted in a smaller flux but a larger sulfur enrichment factor.The result indicates that the PDMS/PEI composite membranes are promising for desulfurization by pervaporation.

STUDY ON CONCENTRATING SULFURIC ACID SOLUTION BY MEMBRANE DISTILLATION WITH METAL - PTFE COMPOSITE MEMBRANE

concentrating sulfuric acid by membrane distillation in a flat sheet direct contact membrane distillation device with a self made metal PTFE composite membrane has been studied. The effect of sulfuric acid concentration of feed, the flowrate and liquor temperature in high temperature side and low temperature side on the flux and separation efficiency is investigated. The stability of this composite membrane is also inspected. The experimental results show that the metal PTFE composite membrane can be used in membrane distillation, and its properties are very stable. It is feasible to concentrate sulfuric acid by membrane distillation with this membrane.

Large-scale fabrication of re duce d graphene oxide-sulfur composite films for flexible lithium-sulfur batteries

The rapid development of flexible electronic devices requires the design of flexible energy-storage devices. Lithium-sulfur(Li-S) batteries are attracting much interest due to their high energy density. Therefore, flexible Li-S batteries with high areal capacity are desired. Herein, we fabricated freestanding reduced graphene oxide-sulfur(RGO@S) composite films with a cross-linked structure using a blade coating technique, followed by a subsequent chemical reduction. The porous cross-linked structure endows the composite films with excellent electrochemical performance. The batteries based on RGO@S composite films could exhibit a high discharge capacity of 1381 m Ah/g at 0.1 C and excellent cycle stability. Furthermore, the freestanding composite film possesses excellent conductivity and high mechanical strength. Therefore, they can be used as the cathodes of flexible Li-S batteries. As a proof of concept, soft-packaged Li-S batteries were assembled and remained stable electrochemical performance under different bending states.

CNTs@S composite as cathode for all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries with ultralong cycle life

The main challenges in development of traditional liquid lithium-sulfur batteries are the shuttle effect at the cathode caused by the polysulfide and the safety concern at the Li metal anode arose from the dendrite formation.All-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries have been proposed to solve the shuttle effect and prevent short circuits.However,solid-solid contacts between the electrodes and the electrolyte increase the interface resistance and stress/strain,which could result in the limited electrochemical performances.In this work,the cathode of all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries is prepared by depositing sulfur on the surface of the carbon nanotubes(CNTs@S)and further mixing with Li10GeP2S12 electrolyte and acetylene black agents.At 60℃,CNTs@S electrode exhibits superior electrochemical performance,delivering the reversible discharge capacities of 1193.3,959.5,813.1,569.6 and 395.5 mAhg^-1 at the rate of 0.1,0.5,1,2 and 5 C,respectively.Moreover,the CNTs@S is able to demonstrate superior high-rate capability of 660.3 mAhg^-1 and cycling stability of 400 cycles at a high rate of 1.0 C.Such uniform distribution of the CNTs,S and Li10GeP2S12 electrolyte increase the electronic and ionic conductivity between the cathode and the electrolyte hence improves the rate performance and capacity retention.

Fabrication of Fe_2O_3@polypyrrole Nanotubes and the Catalytic Properties Under the Ultrasound

Fe2O3@polypyrrole nanotubes （Fe2O3@PPy nanotubes） have been successfully prepared by in-situ polymerization of the pyrrole on the surface of Fe2O3 nanotubes （Fe2O3-NTs）, via using L-Lysine as modified surfactant. Hollow PPy nanotubes were also produced by dissolution of the Fe2O3 core from the core/shell composite nanotubes with 1 mol,L-1 HC1. Scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, transmission electron microscope （TEM）, selective-area electron diffraction （SAED）, X-ray powder diffraction （XRD）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS） and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy（FT-IR） confirmed the formation of Fe2O3-NTs and Fe2O3@PPy core/shell nanotubes. Its catalytic properties were investigated under the ultrasound. The results of UV-vis spectroscopy （UV） demonstrated Rhodamine B （RhB） can be efficiently degraded by Fe2O3 @PPy nanotubes.