Synergistic Effect of Carbon Nanotubes and Layered Double Hydroxides on the Mechanical Reinforcement of Nylon-6 Nanocomposites

Synergistic effect in network formation of nylon-6 （PA6） nanocomposites containing one dimensional （ID） multi-walled carbon nanotubes （CNTs） and two dimensional （2D） layered double hydroxide （LDH） platelets on improving the mechanical properties has been studied. Mechanical tests show that, with incorporation of 1 wt% LDHs and 0.5 wt% CNTs, the tensile modulus, the yield strength as well as the hardness of the ternary composite are greatly improved by about 230%, 128% and 110% respectively, as compared with neat PA6. This is mainly attributed to the unique, strong interactions between the CNTs and the LDHs as well as the jammed network-like structure thus formed between the nanofillers, as confirmed by the morphological observations. As compared with the binary nanocomposites, a much enhanced solid-like behavior in the terminal region of the rheological curves can clearly be observed for the ternary system, which also indicates the formation of a percolating filler network.

Electroactive polymeric nanofibrous composite to drive in situ construction of lithiophilic SEI for stable lithium metal anodes

Uncontrolled lithium dendrite growth hinders the practical application of lithium metal batteries(LMBs).Herein,we report a novel Li^(+) flux distributor achieved by placing an electroactive polyvinylidene fluoride/polymethyl methacrylate(PVDF/PMMA)composite nanofiber interlayer on a current collector,inducing uniform lithium deposition to mitigate the dendrite problem.Specifically,the released PMMA reacts with Liþto form abundant C–O–Li bonds and generate in situ a stable lithiophilic PMMA-Li solid electrolyte interphase layer.Theoretical calculations reveal that polar C–F groups in the PVDF framework and lithiophilic PMMA-Li provide homo-dispersed Li^(+) migration pathways with low energy barriers.Consequently,uniform Li nucleation is achieved at the molecular level,resulting in ultrahigh cycling stability with dendrite-free Li deposition at 5 mA cm^(-2) and 5 mAh cm^(-2)for over 500 h.The PVDF/PMMA||Li||LiFePO_(4)(LFP)full cell presents an increased rate capacity of 110 mAh g^(-1) at 10 C.In addition,a soft-package battery demonstrates a high energy density of 289 Wh kg^(-1).This work provides a facile design for stable lithium metal anodes to promote the practical use of LMBs and other alkali metal batteries.