Yun-Sheng Ye

A new graphene-modified protic ionic liquid-based composite membrane for solid polymer electrolytes

The production of a solid polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and mechanical properties is the main fabrication challenge in application of polymer electrolyte membranes. This paper describes a novel polymer electrolyte membrane using protic ionic liquids (PILs) with ionic liquid polymer modified graphene (G) sheets [denoted PIL(NTFSI)-G] that exhibit dramatic enhancements in ionic conductivity (257.4%) and mechanical properties (345% improvement in tensile strength and a near 25-fold increase in modulus were achieved at 150 °C) with a minimal loading of PIL(NTFSI)-G (0.5 wt%). The addition of graphene, by sparing the high-cost PIL addition, gives a 20% cost-saving. The homogeneous distribution of graphene sheets as a 3D network through the polymer matrix in the composite membrane provides a high degree of continuous and interconnected transfer channels to facilitate ion transfer and enhance nanofiller–matrix adhesion to reinforce mechanical properties. This newly developed material provides a potential route toward the design and fabrication of polymer electrolytes.

Facile synthesis of SnO2-embedded carbon nanomaterials viaglucose-mediated oxidation of Sn particles

An unusual oxidative reaction of micron-sized Sn particles to form highly dispersed SnO2 nanoparticles, embedded in a carbon matrix, during hydrothermal treatment in glucose solution is disclosed in this study. The reaction mechanism is proposed to result from the promotion of glucose decomposition by Sn. The work also discloses a green process with a yield of 5∼10-fold higher than the commonly employed hydrothermal process. The embedded SnO2 nanoparticles are electrochemically stable for Li storage during the charging–discharging process, which suggests a promised strategy for the stabilization of Sn-based anode materials for Li-ion batteries. It also implies that the unusual oxidative reaction holds great potential for the synthesis of various nano-sized inorganic oxides embedded in carbon matrices to specific applications.