Effects of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane on the activation of zerovalent-nickel complex in the addition polymerization of norbornene

The effects of B(C₆F₅)₃ on the activation of the Ni(0) and Ni(II) complexes were studied in the polymerization of norbornene. The Ni(0) complex, such as bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)nickel (Ni(COD)₂ (1), biacetylbis(2,6-diisopropylphenylimmine)(1,3-butadiene)nickel (2), or tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)nickel (5), in combination with B(C₆F₅)₃, was determined to have high activity in the polymerization of norbornene. On the other hand, the Ni(II) complex with B(C₆F₅)₃ did not provide any activity at all under analogous conditions regardless of the structure of the Ni(II) complex. The use of other borane compounds, such as B(C₆H₅)₃, BEt₃, and BF₃ etherate, with Ni(COD)₂ (1) in place of B(C₆F₅)₃ clearly showed the main functions of B(C₆F₅)₃. The high Lewis acidity of B(C₆F₅)₃ enabled it to activate catalytic complexes, thus inducing polymerization. The study of the ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹⁹F NMR spectra of the polynorbornene produced with Ni(COD)₂ (1) and B(C₆F₅)₃, in the presence or absence of ethylene, showed that the initiation of addition polymerization occurred through the insertion of the exo face of the norbornene into the Ni-C bond of the C₆F₅ ligand. A new polymerization mechanism was proposed in norbornene polymerization, wherein the active complex formed from Ni(COD)₂ (1) and B(C₆F₅)₃ acts as a catalyst.     

Cp2ZrCl2/三异丁基铝/B(C6F5)3催化体系催化1-辛烯聚合

用Cp₂ZrCl₂/三异丁基铝/B(C₆F₅)₃催化体系对1-辛烯的聚合进行研究,考察催化剂用量、反应温度、反应时间、Al与Zr物质的量比和B与Zr物质的量比等工艺条件的影响。确定1-辛烯齐聚的最佳工艺条件为：催化剂用量0.028 7 mmol,反应温度60 ℃,反应时间60 min,Al与Zr物质的量比为110,B与Zr物质的量比为1.5。     

Oligomer and Polymer Formation in Hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D<Subscript>3</Subscript>) – Hydrosilane Systems Under Catalysis by tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane

Summary Reactions of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, D₃, with 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane, ^HMM^H, 1,1,1,3,3-pentamethyldisiloxane, ^HMM, phenyldimethylsilane and phenylmethylsilane catalyzed by tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane were studied. These reactions lead to ring opening of D₃ by the SiH reactant producing open chain oligomers with hydrosilane functionality at one or both chain ends. The reactivity of the hydrosilanes toward D₃ decreases in the series: PhMeSiH₂ > ^HMM^H > PhMe₂SiH > ^HMM. Competitive self-oligomerization of ^HMM^H and ^HMM also occurs. Primary products of these processes are able to enter into reactions with the SiH and D₃ reactants; some also undergo cyclization. Thus, consecutive and competitive processes lead to a series of various oligohomologues. Gas chromatography in conjunction with chemical ionization mass spectroscopy permitted identification of structure and determination of the basic directions of these oligomerization processes. Polysiloxanes of higher molecular weight may be also formed in some of these systems. The reactions, which occur in the systems studied, are rationalized on the basis of the mechanism involving the hydride transfer from silicon to trivalent boron. This includes the transient formation of tertiary trisilyloxonium borate which decomposes by the hydride transfer to one of the silicon atoms of the trisilyloxonium center. Footnote: This paper is dedicated to Professor Ian Manners in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of organometallic polymers.     

Effect of tris(methoxy diethylene glycol) borate on ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability of ethylene carbonate-based electrolyte

The effect of tris(methoxy diethylene glycol) borate (TMDGB) on the coordination structure between ethylene carbonate (EC) solvents with high permittivity and ClO₄⁻ anions has been investigated by using a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The results of FT-IR analyses manifested that the boron atom of TMDGB anion receptor forms the complex with ClO₄⁻ anions. Even though Lewis acid-base interaction between the TMDGB anion receptor and ClO₄⁻ anions in the electrolyte solution lead to the prominent enhancement of both the dissociation degree of lithium salts and the lithium ion transference number, the ionic conductivity of the EC-based electrolyte solution decreased due to the trap of ClO₄⁻ anions by introducing the TMDGB anion receptor.The electrochemical stability of gel polymer electrolyte based on semi-interpenetrating network (IPN) structure with tris(pentafluoro phenyl) borane (TPFPB) or TMDGB anion receptor was obviously improved.     

Improvement in ionic conductivity of self-supported P(MMA-AN-VAc) gel electrolyte by fumed silica for lithium ion batteries

Fumed silica was used as a dopant in the preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-vinyl acetate) (P(MMA-AN-VAc)) to improve the ionic conductivity of the P(MMA-AN-VAc)-based gel polymer electrolyte (GPE). The performance of the P(MMA-AN-VAc) membrane and its GPE for lithium ion battery use were studied by XRD, SEM, TGA, LSV, CA, EIS, and charge/discharge test. It is found that the doping of fumed silica in the P(MMA-AN-VAc) changes the membrane from semi-crystal to amorphous state and the pore structure of the membrane. By the doping of 10 wt.% fumed silica in the membrane, the porosity of the membrane increases with the pore dispersed more uniformly and interconnected and having higher electrolyte uptake, resulting in the improvement in ionic conductivity of the GPE from 3.48 × 10⁻³ to 5.13 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at ambient temperature. On the other hand, the thermal stability of the membrane, the electrochemical stability of the GPE, and the cyclic performance of the battery are also improved.     

Ionic conductivity enhancement of the plasticized PMMA/LiClO4 polymer nanocomposite electrolyte containing clay

This work has demonstrated that the addition of an optimum content of dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride (DDAC)-modified montmorillonite clay (Dclay) enhances the ionic conductivity of the plasticized poly(methyl methacrylate)-based electrolyte by nearly 40 times higher than the plain system. Specific interactions among silicate layer, carbonyl group (CO) and lithium cation have been investigated using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), solid-state NMR, alternating current impedance. The FTIR characterization confirms that both of the relative fractions of ‘complexed’ CO sites and ‘free’ anions increase with the increase of the Dclay content, indicating that strong interaction exists between the CO group and the lithium salt. In addition, the solid-state NMR demonstrates that the interaction between the PMMA and the clay mineral is insignificant. The addition of clay mineral promotes the dissociation of the lithium salt and thus, the specific interaction can be enhanced between the CO and the free lithium cation. However, the balanced attractive forces among silicate layers, CO groups, lithium cations and anions is critical to result in the higher ionic conductivity.     

Solid polymer electrolytes VIII: effect of LiClO4-doped level on the microstructure and ionic conductivity of a chemical-covalently polyether-siloxane hybrid electrolyte

A new hybrid polymer electrolyte system based on chemical-covalently polyether and siloxane phases is designed and prepared in the presence of lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄) which acted as both ionic source and the epoxide ring-opening catalyst. The effect of salt-doped level on the microstructure and ionic conductivity of these composite electrolytes were investigated by means of Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis, a.c. impedance and multinuclear solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. DSC results indicate that the formation of transient cross-links between Li⁺ ions and the ether oxygens on complexation with LiClO₄ results in an increase in polyether segment T_g. However, the polyether segment T_g decreases at the highest salt concentration (5.0 mmol LiClO₄/g PEGDE), ascribing to the plasticizing effect. The behavior of ion transport is coupled with the segmental motions of polymer chains and also correlated with the interactions between ions and polymer host.     

Solid polymer electrolytes V: microstructure and ionic conductivity of epoxide-crosslinked polyether networks doped with LiClO4

A crosslinked polyether network was prepared from poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDE) cured with poly(propylene oxide) polyamine. Significant interactions between ions and polymer host have been observed for the crosslinked polyether network in the presence of LiClO₄ by means of FT-IR, DSC, TGA, and ⁷Li MAS solid-state NMR. Thermal stability and ionic conductivity of these complexes were also investigated by TGA and AC impedance measurements. The results of FT-IR, DSC, TGA and ⁷Li MAS solid-state NMR measurements indicate the formation of different types of complexes through the interaction of ions with different coordination sites of polymer electrolyte networks. The dependence of ionic conductivity was investigated as a function of temperature, LiClO₄ concentration and the molecular weight of polyether curing agents. It is observed that the behavior of ion transport follows the empirical Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher (VTF) type relationship for all the samples, implying the diffusion of charge carrier is assisted by the segmental motions of polymer chains. Moreover, the conductivity is also correlated with the interactions between ions and polymer host, and the maximum ionic conductivity occurs at the LiClO₄ concentration of [O]/[Li⁺]=15.     

Ionic transport behavior in poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) and LiClO4 complex

The effect of LiClO₄ on the ionic transport behavior in poly(ethylene oxide)₂₀-poly(propylene oxide)₇₀-poly(ethylene oxide)₂₀ (P123) polymer electrolyte was studied. Its conductivity reaches maximum as molar ratio between ether O atoms and lithium ions [n(O)/n(Li)] equals 8. The results show that LiClO₄ could interact with P123 well and has impacts on polymer organization and chain dynamics. As LiClO₄ concentration decreases, the glass transition temperature (T_g) decreases and the free ion percentage increases. The tendency of conductivity with LiClO₄ concentration is the result of competing effects between polymer chain mobility and free charge carrier concentration.     

Effect of modified montmorillonites on the ionic conductivity of (PEO)16LiClO4 electrolytes

Three kinds of modified montmorillonites were prepared by ion exchange method, and added into (PEO)₁₆LiClO₄ matrix to study the effect on the ionic conductivity of (PEO)₁₆LiClO₄ electrolytes. The structure of the modified montmorillonites and polymer composites were characterized by wide-angle X-ray diffraction. HP 4192A was used to measure the ionic conductivity of the polymer electrolytes. The results show that the addition of optimum content of 250-Li-mont enhances the ionic conductivity of the PEO based electrolyte by nearly 30 times more than the plain system and that is much higher than the other two modified montmorillonites. The difference of enhancement in conductivity caused by adding these three montmorillonites can be attributed to the difference in structure of the samples as characterized by wide-angle X-ray diffraction.     

Polyterthiophene/CNT composite as a cathode material for lithium batteries employing an ionic liquid electrolyte

A polyterthiophene (PTTh)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) composite was synthesised by in situ chemical polymerisation and used as an active cathode material in lithium cells assembled with an ionic liquid (IL) or conventional liquid electrolyte, LiBF₄/EC-DMC-DEC. The IL electrolyte consisted of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIBF₄) containing LiBF₄ and a small amount of vinylene carbonate (VC). The lithium cells were characterised by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling. The specific capacity of the cells with IL and conventional liquid electrolytes after the 1st cycle was 50 and 47 mAh g⁻¹ (based on PTTh weight), respectively at the C/5 rate. The capacity retention after the 100th cycle was 78% and 53%, respectively. The lithium cell assembled with a PTTh/CNT composite cathode and a non-flammable IL electrolyte exhibited a mean discharge voltage of 3.8 V vs Li⁺/Li and is a promising candidate for high-voltage power sources with enhanced safety.     

Transition behavior and ionic conductivity of lithium perchlorate-doped polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine)

We report the transition behavior and the ionic conductivity of ion-doped amorphous block copolymer, based on two compositionally different polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) copolymers (PS-b-P2VPs) that can self-assemble into nanostructures, where P2VP block is ionophilic to lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄). The transition temperatures of LiClO₄-doped PS-b-P2VP, like the order-to-disorder transition (T_ODT), were measured by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and depolarized light scattering (DPLS). The selective ionic coordination to the nitrogen units of P2VP block leads to the increase of the repulsive interactions between two block components from weak- to strong-segregation regime with increasing amount of LiClO₄, which results subsequently in the increased T_ODT. However, for a compositionally asymmetric PS-b-P2VP under lamellar morphology, the ionic conductivity by the addition of LiClO₄ was remarkably increased at higher temperatures, representing that the effective ionic coordination at the greater volume fraction of P2VP block component improves the ionic conductivity as the temperature approaches to a rubbery phase.     

Influence of metal coordination on conductivity behavior in poly(butadiene-acrylonitrile)-CoCl2 system

The metal complex formation and the electrical properties of amorphous solid polymer electrolytes, based on poly(butadiene-acrylonitrile) copolymer (PBAN) and CoCl₂, have been studied over the homogeneity region of the system limited by the CoCl₂ concentration of 1.89 mol kg⁻¹. It has been found that ionic conductivity is carried out by the unipolar anion transfer at lower CoCl₂ concentrations (up to 0.10 mol kg⁻¹). As the CoCl₂ concentration increases, electronic conductivity appears in addition to ionic conductivity, and the former becomes dominant, starting from 0.38 mol kg⁻¹. It has been shown that the nature of charge carriers is determined by the composition of metal complexes formed by CoCl₂ and the macromolecular solvent PBAN. At lower concentrations, the [Co₂L₂Cl₄]⁰ dimers are the predominant species (L being macromolecule side groups CN), and their dissociation is followed by the formation of mobile Cl⁻ anions and immobile binuclear [Co₂Cl₃]⁺ complexes. As CoCl₂ concentration increases, polynuclear [Co_nL₂Cl_2n]⁰ (n > 2) complexes appear (L being CN and CC groups of PBAN). Specific features of chemical bonds in π-complexes of transition metals result in the appearance of electronic charge carriers. The abrupt increase in conductivity observed at the highest CoCl₂ concentration is connected with the formation of a percolation network of polynuclear [Co_nL₂Cl_2n]⁰ complexes.     

Nanocomposite polymer electrolyte comprising PEO/LiClO4 and solid super acid: effect of sulphated-zirconia on the crystallization kinetics of PEO

A novel PEO-based nanocomposite polymer electrolyte is prepared by using solid super acid sulphated-zirconia (, SZ) as the filler. Polarized optical microscopy (POM) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) results show that part of SZ particles may act as the nucleus of PEO spherulites and thus increase the amount of PEO spherulites. On the other hand, other SZ particles, which do not act as the nucleus, can restrain the recrystallization tendency of PEO chains through Lewis acid-base interaction and hence decrease the growth speed of PEO spherulites. As a result, the PEO component in PEO-LiClO₄-SZ can maintain a high amorphous state for a long time. The room temperature ionic conductivity of PEO-LiClO₄-SZ is relative high and stable compared with pristine PEO-LiClO₄, indicating that it is promising for all solid-state rechargeable lithium ion batteries.     

Microstructure and ionic conductivity of Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 solid electrolyte prepared by spark plasma sintering

In this paper, the microstructure and ionic conductivity of Li_1.5Al_0.5Ge_1.5(PO₄)₃ (LAGP) solid electrolytes prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) were investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM and EIS, respectively. The results showed that as the sintering temperature was increased, both the relative density and the ionic conductivity of the sintered LAGP samples first increased and then decreased, achieving a maximum value of 97% and 2.12 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ simultaneously at 700 °C. At the same time, the crystallinity of the sintered samples was improved, while a few impurity phases, such as AlPO₄ and GeO₂, appeared in the samples. It was also found that carbon contamination and oxycarbide gas was be brought in during SPS. Carbon contamination could produce an extra grain boundary impedance to the samples and could be removed by annealing at 500 °C in an air atmosphere. Oxycarbide gas could affect the relative density of the sintered LAGP samples and could be mitigated by choosing a suitable SPS process. Moreover, the shear modulus of the sintered LAGP was measured to be 49.6 GPa, which exceeded the minimum value of 8.5 GPa that was necessary to suppress Li dendrite growth.     

1-Alkyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ionic liquids as highly safe electrolyte for Li/LiFePO4 battery

Several 1-alkyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ionic liquids (alkyl-DMimTFSI) were prepared by changing carbon chain lengths and configuration of the alkyl group, and their electrochemical properties and compatibility with Li/LiFePO₄ battery electrodes were investigated in detail. Experiments indicated the type of ionic liquid has a wide electrochemical window (−0.16 to 5.2 V vs. Li⁺/Li) and are theoretically feasible as an electrolyte for batteries with metallic lithium as anode. Addition of vinylene carbonate (VC) improves the compatibility of alkyl-DMimTFSI-based electrolytes towards lithium anode and LiFePO₄ cathode, and enhanced the formation of solid electrolyte interface to protect lithium anodes from corrosion. The electrochemical properties of the ionic liquids obviously depend on carbon chain length and configuration of the alkyl, including ionic conductivity, viscosity, and charge/discharge capacity etc. Among five alkyl-DMimTFSI-LiTFSI-VC electrolytes, Li/LiFePO₄ battery with the electrolyte-based on amyl-DMimTFSI shows best charge/discharge capacity and reversibility due to relatively high conductivity and low viscosity, its initial discharge capacity is about 152.6 mAh g⁻¹, which the value is near to theoretical specific capacity (170 mAh g⁻¹). Although the battery with electrolyte-based isooctyl-DMimTFSI has lowest initial discharge capacity (8.1 mAh g⁻¹) due to relatively poor conductivity and high viscosity, the value will be dramatically added to 129.6 mAh g⁻¹ when 10% propylene carbonate was introduced into the ternary electrolyte as diluent. These results clearly indicates this type of ionic liquids have fine application prospect for lithium batteries as highly safety electrolytes in the future.     

Influence of small amounts of gallium oxide addition on ionic conductivity of La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ solid electrolyte

The effects of small amounts of gallium oxide on intragrain and intergrain conductivity of La_0.9Sr_0.1Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O_3-δ are investigated by impedance spectroscopy in the 280–420 °C range. Bulk specimens with 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mol% gallium oxide are prepared by solid state reaction at 1350 °C. All specimens achieved relative density values higher than 95%. The additive promotes grain growth indicating solid solution formation. A small fraction of the additive remains at grain boundaries and increases the fraction of the gallium-rich, LaSrGa₃O₇, impurity phase. The intragrain conductivity of gallium oxide containing specimens is higher than that of the parent solid electrolyte. Similar effect is found for the intergrain conductivity, which is maximum for 1 mol% gallium oxide addition.     

Pyrolysis process for boron nitride fiber derived from tris(methylamino)borane: Evolution of the molecular structure

To provide molecular-scale insight into the structural evolution from tris(methylamino)borane to boron nitride (BN) fiber during the chemical thermal-treating process, polymeric green fiber is cured in hot synthetic air at 300°C and then treats to 400, 600, 800, and 1000°C in ammonia. The chemical composition and structure of the volatile compounds and residual products are analyzed during the pyrolysis process for the polymeric green fiber. It is demonstrated that oxygen can be used to cure polymeric green fiber rapidly under the premise of ensuring a final fiber content of less than 1 wt% carbon and 2 wt% oxygen while maintaining the fiber tensile strength at 1000°C. The molecular structure evolution during the pyrolysis process for polymeric green fiber after oxygen curing is determined. Specifically, in hot synthetic air, introducing oxygen and releasing methylamine generates a B–O six-membered ring structure in the polymer in the first stage. Then, the removal of methyl results in the formation of a B–N–O network in hot ammonia. Afterward, nitridation of the B–O six-membered ring promotes the evolution of the B–N six-membered ring structure with the release of water and carbon dioxide. Finally, the growth and rearrangement of the BN structure are achieved.     

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of α-LiVOPO4 as cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

Triclinic α-LiVOPO₄ with excellent electrochemical properties is prepared, using δ-VOPO₄, LiNO_3, and a highly conductive carbon material (acetylene black) as raw materials, by a two-step method, for the first time. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the synthesized nanoscale α-LiVOPO₄ is approximately 50–100?nm in size, and its surface is covered by 1.68?nm thick acetylene black, which not only improves the ionic conductivity of the material, but prevents material-size growth at high temperature, and particle agglomeration. In addition, the initial discharge capacity of α-LiVOPO₄ sintered at 600?°C over 10?h is the highest, reaching 111.7?mAh?g^?1 at 0.05?°C. The capacity retention rate is 95.1%, which is 106.3?mAh?g^?1 after 50 cycles.     

N-(triphenylphosphoranylidene) aniline as a novel electrolyte additive for high voltage LiCoO2 operations in lithium ion batteries

We report N-(triphenylphosphoranylidene) aniline (TPPA) as a new electrolyte additive for high performance lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) electrodes during high voltage operations. When cycled in the voltage range of 3.0–4.4 V, graphite-LiCoO₂ full cells with 0.2 wt% TPPA exhibited 10% increased discharge capacities after 200 cycles compared to those of control cells with no such additive. The enhanced cycling performance is attributed to the additive effect toward the modified surface films on LiCoO₂ electrodes that suppress the decomposition of both solvent and salt in the electrolyte. This additive effect was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).