ZnO-Embedded Expanded Graphite Composite Anodes with Controlled Charge Storage Mechanism Enabling Operation of Lithium-Ion Batteries at Ultra-Low Temperatures

As lithium(Li)-ion batteries expand their applications,operating over a wide temperature range becomes increasingly important.However,the lowtemperature performance of conventional graphite anodes is severely hampered by the poor diffusion kinetics of Li ions(Li^(+)).Here,zinc oxide(ZnO) nanoparticles are incorporated into the expanded graphite to improve Li^(+)diffusion kinetics,resulting in a significant improvement in lowtemperature performance.The ZnO-embedded expanded graphite anodes are investigated with different amounts of ZnO to establish the structurecharge storage mechanism-performance relationship with a focus on lowtemperature applications.Electrochemical analysis reveals that the ZnOembedded expanded graphite anode with nano-sized ZnO maintains a large portion of the diffusion-controlled charge storage mechanism at an ultra-low temperature of-50℃ Due to this significantly enhanced Li^(+)diffusion rate,a full cell with the ZnO-embedded expanded graphite anode and a LiNi_(0.88)Co_(0.09)Al_(0.03)O_(2)cathode delivers high capacities of 176 mAh g^(-1)at20℃ and 86 mAh g^(-1)at-50℃ at a high rate of 1 C.The outstanding low-temperature performance of the composite anode by improving the Li^(+)diffusion kinetics provides important scientific insights into the fundamental design principles of anodes for low-temperature Li-ion battery operation.

Formation of NiFe_2O_4/Expanded Graphite Nanocomposites with Superior Lithium Storage Properties

A Ni Fe_2O_4/expanded graphite(Ni Fe_2O_4/EG)nanocomposite was prepared via a simple and inexpensive synthesis method. Its lithium storage properties were studied with the goal of applying it as an anode in a lithium-ion battery. The obtained nanocomposite exhibited a good cycle performance, with a capacity of 601 m Ah g^(-1)at a current of 1 A g^(-1)after 800 cycles. This good performance may beattributed to the enhanced electrical conductivity and layered structure of the EG. Its high mechanical strength could postpone the disintegration of the nanocomposite structure,efficiently accommodate volume changes in the Ni Fe_2O_4-based anodes, and alleviate aggregation of Ni Fe_2O_4 nanoparticles.

Preparation of Expanded Graphite-based Composites by One Step Impregnation

A new method for preparing expanded graphite-based composites （EGCs） was developed.The obtained samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）,transmission electron microscope （TEM） and nitrogen adsorption.The experimental results indicated that the EGCs was not simply mechanical mixture of EG and activated carbon,instead the activated carbon was coated on the surface of interior and external pores of the EG in the form of thin carbon layer.The thickness of the activated carbon layer was nearly one hundred nanometers by calculation.It was shown that the higher the impregnation ratio and the activation temperature were,the easier the porosity development would be.And the BET surface area and the total pore volume were as high as 1978 m2/g and 0.9917 cm3/g respectively at 350℃ with an impregnation ratio of 0.9.

Electrical Properties of Expanded Graphite Intercalation Compounds

The intercalation compounds of CuCl2 were synthesized with expanded graphite, whose magni-tude of the electrical conductivity is about 103S.cm1. Their electrical conductivity is 3-6 times as high as that of the expanded graphite, and about 10 times as high as that of GIC made of the non-expanded graphite. The microanalysis results of chemical compounds by X-ray energy spectrum scanning of TEM testified that the atomic ratio of chloride and cupric is nonstoichoi-metric. The multivalence and exchange of electrovalence of the cupric ion was confirmed by the XPS-ESCA. Vacancy of chlorine anion increases the concentration of charge carrier. The special stage structure, made of graphite and chloride, produces a weak chemical bond belt and provides a carrier space in the direction of GIC layer. These factors develop the electrical properties.

Mechanism of Fume Suppression and Performance on Asphalt of Expanded Graphite for Pavement under High Temperature Condition

Fume suppression mechanisms and the effect of expanded graphite on the performance of asphalt were studied by applying infrared spectroscopy（FT-IR）, X-ray diffraction（XRD）, scanning electron microscopy（SEM） and comprehensive thermal analysis（TG, DSC）. The experimental results confirm that asphalt which is mixed with expandable graphite will expand in the process of hot mix, and the expanded graphite layer will swell by the light component in the asphalt. The light component in the asphalt and PAHs adsorption on expanded graphite surface or part of the plug in the expanded graphite layer between plates made nucleation crystallization growth. And the Van der Waals force and the bonding of the lattice can effectively restrain the asphalt fume release. Meanwhile, the expanding agent with oxidative can spread into the asphalt, leading to asphalt oxygenated and plastic abate, while the ductility decreases. Expanded graphite, SBS modifier and environment- friendly plasticizers are used to composite modified asphalt. According to asphalt fume release experiment, normal test of asphalt performance, Brookfield viscosity test, RTFOT test and asphalt mixture tests（high temperature stability, low temperature stability, water stability）, it has been proven that the modified asphalt’s performance is better than that of matrix asphalt and equivalent to that of SBS modified asphalt. Furthermore, it has good fume suppression effect.

Insights on the mechanism of Na-ion storage in expanded graphite anode

Currently,Na-ion battery(NIB) has become one of the most potential alternatives for Li-ion batteries due to the safety and low cost.As a promising anode for Na-ion storage,expanded graphite has attracted considerable attention.However,the sodiation-desodiation process is still unclear.In our work,we obtain expanded graphite through slight modified Hummer's method and subsequent thermal treatment,which exhibits excellent cycling stability.Even at a high current density of 1 A g^(-1),our expanded graphite still remains a high reversible capacity of 100 mA h g^(-1) after 2600 cycles.Furthermore,we also investigate the electrochemical mechanism of our expanded graphite for Na-ion storage by operando Raman technique,which illuminate the electrochemical reaction during different sodiation-desodiation processes.

Preparation and Characterization of TiO_2/Expanded Graphite

In order to obtain anatase TiO2/expanded graphite with high expansion volume, titania gel was introduced to expandable graphite surface by sol-gel process, and then the composite was expanded and calcined at high temperature. The samples were analysed by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction(XRD), energy disperse spectroscopy(EDS), and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC). The optimal conditions for preparation are as follows: the molar ratio of tetrabutyl orthotitanate to triethanolamine is 1∶0.4, and the calcination and expansion temperature is in the range of 650-750 °C. Under such conditions, the expansion volume of composites could reach 98 mL/g, and the mass loss ratio is less than 5%. The analysis shows that lower temperature and smaller particle size of graphite are helpful to the formation of anatase-type of TiO2, but larger particle size will lead to lower mass loss ratio, and higher temperature and larger particle size will lead to higher expansion volume.

A M?ssbauer investigation of nano-NiFe alloy/expanded graphite for electromagnetic shielding

A new material is prepared by impregnating the expanded graphite(EG) into ethanol solutions of metal acetate and then drying and reducing it in H2.It contains the EG and the nanoparticles of the magnetic Ni–Fe alloy for the electromagnetic shielding.Its morphology,phase structure,magnetic properties,and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness(SE) are investigated in our experiment.It shows that the morphology,the phase structure,and the magnetic property of the composite can be modified by altering the Ni content in the alloy nanoparticles.Interestingly,the SE can be enhanced to 54–70 d B at low frequencies(300 kHz–10 MHz) by dispersing the magnetic nanoparticles onto EG.

Research on Complex Refraction Indices of Expanded Graphite

The expanded graphite (EG) with a low density and better extinction performance can be used in military as passive jamming material in IR and MMW bands. Its complex refractive index is a significant parameter for the extinction property. This paper presents a method to calculate the complex refractive index of EG. The reflection spectra of EG pellets were measured in the 0.24-2.6μm and 2.5-25μm bands, respectively. Based on the measurement results, the complex refractive index of EG in 5-10μm band was calculated by using Kramers-Kronig(K-K) relation and Bruggeman effective medium theory, and then the errors were analyzed. The results indicate that it is feasible to calculate the complex refractive index of EG based on its IR reflection spectra data.

Preparation and Properties of 1-octadecanol/1,3:2,4-di-(3,4-dimethyl) Benzylidene Sorbitol/Expanded Graphite Form-stable Composite Phase Change Material

A 1 -octadecanol (OD)/1,3:2,4-di-(3,4-dimethyl) benzylidene sorbitol (DMDBS)/expander graphite (EG) composite was prepared as a form-stable phase change material (PCM) by vacuum melting method. The results of field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed that 1 -octadecanol was restricted in the three-dimensional network formed by DMDBS and the honeycomb network formed by EG. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results showed that no chemical reaction occurred among the components of composite PCM in the preparation process. The gel-to-sol transition temperature of the composite PCMs containing DMDBS was much higher than the melting point of pure 1-octadecanol. The improvements in preventing leakage and thermal stability limits were mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of the three-dimensional network formed by DMDBS and the honeycomb network formed by EG. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used to determine the latent heat and phase change temperature of the composite PCMs. During melting and freezing process the latent heat values of the PCM with the composition of 91% OD/3% DMDBS/6% EG were 214.9 and 185.9 kJ kg'1, respectively. Its degree of supercooling was only 0.1 °C. Thermal constant analyzer results showed that its thermal conductivity (k) changed up to roughly 10 times over that of OD/DMDBS matrix.

A novel approach for synthesis of expanded graphite and its enhanced lithium storage properties

Relying on the great success in portable and smart devices,lithium ion batteries(LIBs)have been considered as one of the leading technologies in electric vehicles(EVs)and stationary energy storage systems(ESSs).With the rapid development of EVs and ESSs,the technology upgrading of LIBs is highly demanded.As expected,it requires LIBs with improved power and energy densities[1].

A graphitized expanded graphite cathode for aluminum-ion battery with excellent rate capability

Aluminum-ion battery(AIB)is very promising for its safety and large current charge–discharge.However,it is challenging to build a high-performance AIB system based on low-cost materials especially cathode&electrolyte.Despite the low-cost expanded graphite-triethylaminehydrochloride(EG-ET)system has been improved in cycle performance,its rate capability still remains a gap with the expensive graphene-alkylimidazoliumchloride AIB system.In this work,we treated the cheap EG appropriately through an industrial high-temperature process,employed the obtained EG3K(treated at 3000℃)cathode with AlCl_(3)-ET electrolyte,and built a novel,high-rate capability and double-cheap AIB system.The new EG3K-ET system achieved the cathode capacity of average 110 m Ah g^(-1)at 1 A g^(-1)with 18,000cycles,and retained the cathode capacity of 100 m Ah g^(-1)at 5 A g^(-1)with 27,500 cycles(fast charging of 72 s).Impressively,we demonstrated that a battery pack(EG3K-ET system,12 m Ah)had successfully driven the Model car running 100 m long.In addition,it was confirmed that the improvement of rate capability in the EG3K-ET system was mainly derived by deposition,and its capacity contribution ratio was about 53.7%.This work further promoted the application potential of the low-cost EG-ET AIB system.

Palmitic Acid-Lauric Acid/Expanded Graphite as Form-Stable Composite Phase Change Material for Low-Temperature Energy Storage Applications

Low thermal conductivity of binary fatty acid mixture of palmitic and lauric acids(PA-LA)within the value range of 0.15-0.17 W/(m·K)restricts its wide utilization as thermal energy storage material in the active regime of solar heating applications at low operating temperatures.Nevertheless,this mixture as phase change material(PCM)has a suitable phase-change temperature and heat of 36℃and 176.3 J/g,respectively.Hence,the objective of this study is to formulate a novel form-stable composite PCM with the PA-LA mixture and expanded graphite(EG)as a thermal enhancer.PA-LA eutectic mixture with varied concentrations of EG was prepared and characterized.The thermal conductivity of PA-LA/EG increased gradually with the mass of EG.Optimum thermal properties were observed in PA-LA/(5%EG)composite,where its melting(T_(m)),freezing temperature(T_(t)),latent melting heat and thermal conductivity was 35.53℃,34.84℃,174 J/g,and 1.19 W/(m·K),respectively.Also,the composite PCM is characterized by good chemical-thermal stability and thermal reliability for long-term usage.In conclusion,it can be utilized as a prospective form-stable PCM for thermal energy storage in solar heating systems,overheat treatment systems,and other thermal storage applications at low operating temperatures.

Boosting of reversible capacity delivered at a low voltage below 0.5 V in mildly expanded graphitized needle coke anode for a high-energy lithium ion battery

The rate performance and cycle stability of graphitized needle coke(GNC)as anode are still limited by the sluggish kinetics and volume expansion during the Li ions intercalation and de-intercalation process.Especially,the output of energy density for lithium ion batteries(LIBs)is directly affected by the delithiation capacity below 0.5 V.Here,the mildly expanded graphitized needle coke(MEGNC)with the enlarged interlayer spacing from 0.346 to 0.352 nm is obtained by the two-step mild oxidation intercalation modification.The voltage plateau of MEGNC anode below 0.5 V is obviously broadened as compared to the initial GNC anode,contributing to the enhancement of Li storage below the low voltage plateau.Moreover,the coin full cell and pouch full cell configured with MEGNC anode exhibit much enhanced Li storage ability,energy density and better cycling stability than those full cells configured with GNC and commercial graphite anodes,demonstrating the practical application value of MEGNC.The superior anode behaviors of MEGNC including the increased effective capacity at low voltage and superior cyclic stability are mainly benefited from the enlarged interlayer spacing,which not only accelerates the Li ions diffusion rate,but also effectively alleviates the volume expansion and fragmentation during the Li ions intercalation process.In addition,the above result is further confirmed by the density functional theory simulation.This work provides an effective modification strategy for the NC-based graphite to enhance the delithiation capacity at a low voltage plateau,dedicated to improving the energy density and durability of LIBs.

Synergistic effects of expandable graphite and dimethyl methyl phosphonate on the mechanical properties, fire behavior, and thermal stability of a polyisocyanurate-polyurethane foam

In this study, a series of flame-retardant polyisocyanurate-polyurethane (PIR-PUR) foams were prepared using various concentrations (0-25% by weight) of expandable graphite (EG) and dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP) (0-7% by weight). The effect of these additives on the properties of the PIR-PUR foams, including physico-mechanical, morphological, flame retardancy, and thermal stability, was studied. Increasing amounts of EG in the PIR-PUR foam caused a significant drop in the compression strength. However, DMMP caused the mechanical properties of PIR-PUR foam to improve compared to foam filled with EG alone. The flame retardancy of PIR-PUR foams containing both EG and DMMP was enhanced significantly compared to EG filled foams. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that EG enhances the thermal stability of PIR-PUR foams but that DMMP decreased it. The morphology of the residual char provided conclusive evidence for the weak thermal stability of foams filled with DMMP.

Poly(lactic acid)-starch/Expandable Graphite (PLA-starch/EG) Flame Retardant Composites

This work reports on the effect of commercial expandable graphite(EG)on the flammability and thermal decomposition properties of PLA-starch blend.The PLA-starch/EG composites were prepared by melt-mixing and their thermal stability,volatile pyrolysis products and flammability characteristics were investigated.The char residues of the composites,after combustion in a cone calorimeter,were analyzed with environmental scanning electron microscopy(ESEM).The thermal decomposition stability of the composites improved in the presence of EG.However,the char content was less than expected as per the combination of the wt%EG added into PLA-starch and the%residue of PLA-starch.The flammability performance of the PLA-starch/EG composites improved,especially at 15 wt%EG content,due to a thick and strong worm-like char structure.The peak heat release rate(PHRR)improved by 74%,the total smoke production(TSP)by 40%and the specific extinction area(SEA)by 55%.The improvements are attributed to the ability of EG to exfoliate at increased temperatures during which time three effects occurred:(i)cooling due to an endothermic exfoliation process,(ii)dilution due to release of H2O,SO2 and CO2 gases,and (iii)formation of a protective intumescent char layer.However,the CO and CO2 yields were found to be unfavorably high due to the presence of EG.

Effect of dosage of expandable graphite,dimethyl methylphosphonate,triethanolamine,and isocyanate on fluidity,mechanical,and flame retardant properties of polyurethane materials in coal reinforcement

In this study,orthogonal experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of expandable graphite(EG),dimethyl methylphosphonate(DMMP),triethanolamine(TEA),and isocyanate content on the compressive and bonding strengths,oxygen index,and fluidity of rigid polyurethane foam(RPUF).The results revealed that EG significantly increased the oxygen index of RPUF,enlarged the diameter of foam cells,and decreased the cell-closed content in foam;thus,leading to a pressure drop in RPUF.However,excessive EG was capable of reducing the fluidity of polyurethane slurry.TEA exhibited significant influence on the compressive strength of RPUF,which dropped initially,and then increased.DMMP had a remarkable effect on the flame retardant property and compressive strength of RPUF.Compressive strength of RPUF initially displayed an increase followed by a decrease with increasing dosage of DMMP,and achieved the maximum value at DMMP dosage of 4%.DMMP could effectively reduce the diameter of RPUF cells leading to an increase in the percentage of close area in foam.DMMP displayed the flame-retardation effects mainly in the gas phase leading to a significant enhancement in the oxygen index of RPUF.Moreover,the compressive strength and bonding strength of RPUF decrease significantly with the increase of isocyanate content due to the increased blowing efficiency by the CO_2.The oxygen index and flowing length of foam increased with the increase in isocyanate dosage.