This thesis makes significant advances in the design of electrolytes and interfaces in electrochemical cells that utilize reactive metals as anodes. Such cells are of contemporary interest because they offer substantially higher charge storage capacity than state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery technology. Batteries based on metallic anodes are currently considered impractical and unsafe because recharge of the anode causes physical and chemical instabilities that produce dendritic deposition of the metal leading to catastrophic failure via thermal runaway. This thesis utilizes a combination of chemical synthesis, physical & electrochemical analysis, and materials theory to investigate structure, ion transport properties, and electrochemical behaviors of hybrid electrolytes and interfacial phases designed to prevent such instabilities. In particular, it demonstrates that relatively low-modulus electrolytes composed of cross-linked networks of polymer-grafted nanoparticles stabilize electrodeposition of reactive metals by multiple processes, including screening electrode electrolyte interactions at electrochemical interfaces and by regulating ion transport in tortuous nanopores. This discovery is significant because it overturns a longstanding perception in the field of nanoparticle-polymer hybrid electrolytes that only solid electrolytes with mechanical modulus higher than that of the metal electrode are able to stabilize electrodeposition of reactive metals.

This thesis makes significant advances in the design of electrolytes and interfaces in electrochemical cells that utilize reactive metals as anodes. Such cells are of contemporary interest because they offer substantially higher charge storage capacity than state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery technology. Batteries based on metallic anodes are currently considered impractical and unsafe because recharge of the anode causes physical and chemical instabilities that produce dendritic deposition of the metal leading to catastrophic failure via thermal runaway. This thesis utilizes a combination of chemical synthesis, physical & electrochemical analysis, and materials theory to investigate structure, ion transport properties, and electrochemical behaviors of hybrid electrolytes and interfacial phases designed to prevent such instabilities. In particular, it demonstrates that relatively low-modulus electrolytes composed of cross-linked networks of polymer-grafted nanoparticles stabilize electrodeposition of reactive metals by multiple processes, including screening electrode electrolyte interactions at electrochemical interfaces and by regulating ion transport in tortuous nanopores. This discovery is significant because it overturns a longstanding perception in the field of nanoparticle-polymer hybrid electrolytes that only solid electrolytes with mechanical modulus higher than that of the metal electrode are able to stabilize electrodeposition of reactive metals.

Nanostructured Lithium-ion Battery Materials: Synthesis and Applications provides a detailed overview of nanostructured materials for application in Li-ion batteries, supporting improvements in materials selection and battery performance. The book begins by presenting the fundamentals of Lithium-ion batteries, including electrochemistry and reaction mechanism, advantages and disadvantages of Li-ion batteries, and characterization methods. Subsequent sections provide in-depth coverage of a range of nanostructured materials as applied to cathodes, electrolytes, separators, and anodes. Finally, other key aspects are discussed, including industrial scale-up, safety, life cycle analysis, recycling, and future research trends. This is a valuable resource for researchers, faculty, and advanced students across nanotechnology, materials science, battery technology, energy storage, chemistry, applied physics, chemical engineering, and electrical engineering. In an industrial setting, this book will be of interest to scientists, engineers, and R&D professionals working with advanced materials for Li-ion batteries and other energy storage applications. - Introduces fundamental of Lithium-ion batteries, electrochemistry, and characterization methods - Offers in-depth information on nanostructured cathode, electrolyte, separator, and anode materials - Addresses lab to industry challenges, safety, lifecycle analysis, recycling, and future opportunities

This book provides an overview of functional membranes for efficient ion/molecule transfer and separation. It first presents the design, fabrication, structure, and performance of several kinds of membranes. Then, the application of membrane technology in organic solvent nanofiltration, hydrogen fuel cells, and solid-state lithium batteries is introduced. Furthermore, the book proposes strategies of strengthening the ion/molecular-level separation and transfer process in membrane processes. It also analyzes the development status, existing problems, and optimization methods in the field of membranes and membrane processes. Finally, it highlights the construction strategy of membrane structures, the structure–performance relationships as well as the transfer and separation mechanisms. The target group of this book is academics and researchers in materials science, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, and other related fields.

Polymer-Based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications provides a comprehensive and updated review of major innovations in the field of polymer-based nanocomposites for energy and environmental applications. It covers properties and applications, including the synthesis of polymer based nanocomposites from different sources and tactics on the efficacy and major challenges associated with successful scale-up fabrication. The chapters provide cutting-edge, up-to-date research findings on the use of polymer based nanocomposites in energy and environmental applications, while also detailing how to achieve material's characteristics and significant enhancements in physical, chemical, mechanical and thermal properties. It is an essential reference for future research in polymer based nanocomposites as topics such as sustainable, recyclable and eco-friendly methods for highly innovative and applied materials are current topics of importance. - Covers a wide range of research on polymer based nanocomposites - Provides updates on the most relevant polymer based nanocomposites and their prodigious potential in the fields of energy and the environment - Demonstrates systematic approaches and investigations from the design, synthesis, characterization and applications of polymer based nanocomposites - Presents a useful reference and technical guide for university academics and postgraduate students (Masters and Ph.D.)

Polymer Matrix Wave-Transparent Composites One-stop reference on important recent research accomplishments in the field of polymer matrix wave-transparent composites Polymer Matrix Wave-Transparent Composites: Materials, Properties, and Applications is a unique book that focuses on polymer matrix wave-transparent composites for electromagnetic wave transmission of a certain frequency, discussing various aspects of design, fabrication, structure, properties, measurement methods, and mechanisms, along with practical applications of functional polymer composites in industrial fields ranging from aircraft radomes, to radomes for ground, shipborne, and airborne purposes, to radomes for 5G communication, to printed circuit boards and beyond. Edited by four highly qualified academics and contributed to by well-known experts in the field, Polymer Matrix Wave-Transparent Composites includes detailed discussion on sample topics such as: Interface between the reinforced fiber and polymer matrix, including basic concepts, characterization, and the most common method of functionalization for the interface Mechanism of wave-transparent, factors that influence wave-transparent performance, and fabrication techniques Processes of hand paste molding, pressure bag molding, laminated molding, resin transfer molding (RTM), and winding molding Physical and chemical properties of the inorganic fibers (glass fibers and quartz fibers) and organic fibers (aramid fibers, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers and poly-p-phenylene benzobisoxazole fibers) Polymer Matrix Wave-Transparent Composites is an essential reference on the latest research in the field for researchers and related professionals, as well as for individuals who are not familiar with the field and wish to gain a holistic understanding in one place.

This book provides the first complete and up-to-date summary of the state of the art in HAXPES and motivates readers to harness its powerful capabilities in their own research. The chapters are written by experts. They include historical work, modern instrumentation, theory and applications. This book spans from physics to chemistry and materials science and engineering. In consideration of the rapid development of the technique, several chapters include highlights illustrating future opportunities as well.

The papers included in this issue of ECS Transactions were originally presented in the symposium ¿Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage¿, held during the 212th meeting of The Electrochemical Society, in Washington, DC, from October 7 to 12, 2007.

A lithium-ion battery comprises essentially three components: two intercalation compounds as positive and negative electrodes, separated by an ionic-electronic electrolyte. Each component is discussed in sufficient detail to give the practising engineer an understanding of the subject, providing guidance on the selection of suitable materials in actual applications. Each topic covered is written by an expert, reflecting many years of experience in research and applications. Each topic is provided with an extensive list of references, allowing easy access to further information. Readership: Research students and engineers seeking an expert review. Graduate courses in electrical drives can also be designed around the book by selecting sections for discussion. The coverage and treatment make the book indispensable for the lithium battery community.