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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,225 records · Page 68
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

A new bismuth-based coordination polymer as an efficient visible light responding photocatalyst under white LED irradiation

A new bismuth-based polymer, [Hbpe][Bi(Hpydc){sub 2}(pydc)]·H{sub 2}O (H{sub 2}pydc=pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid, bpe=trans-bis(4-pyridyl) ethylene) has been hydrothermally synthesized. Transient photocurrent response and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies indicate that the synthesized polymer with efficient charge separation and transportation can be used as a potential photocatalyst. So we use it for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye wastewater under visible light. The comparative study on commercial Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} shows [Hbpe][Bi(Hpydc){sub 2}(pydc)]·H{sub 2}O has the higher photocatalytic performance, with the degradation rate of 97% and 2% within 100 min for [Hbpe][Bi(Hpydc){sub 2}(pydc)]·H{sub 2}O and commercial Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} respectively. Additionally, the five cycle reproducibility results of [Hbpe][Bi(Hpydc){sub 2}(pydc)]·H{sub 2}O implies that it can be used as a stable photocatalyst. - Graphical abstract: We report a new 1D coordination polymer [Hbpe][Bi(Hpydc){sub 2}(pydc)]·H{sub 2}O by a facile hydrothermal method. The Bi-CP shows good photoelectric property and photocatalytic activity for RhB degradation under visible white LED lamp irradiation. And the stability of the visible-light-responsive bismuth-based coordination polymer has also been examined. - Highlights: • A new Bi(III) coordination polymer is hydrothermally synthesized. • The Bi-CP shows good photoelectric and photocatalytic properties. • Bi-CP shows higher activity than the commercial Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} for RhB degradation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of cobalt(II) and nickel(II) coordination polymers based on a V-shaped ligand

Two coordination polymers [Co{sub 2}(TA)(4,4′-bipy){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]·H{sub 2}O (1) and [Ni{sub 2}(TA)(4,4′-bipy){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}]·3H{sub 2}O (2) were prepared by hydrothermal reactions of MCl{sub 2}·6H{sub 2}O (M = Co, Ni) with a V-shaped ligand TDPA (3,3′,4,4′-thiodiphthalic anhydride) and a I-shaped N-donor co-ligand (4,4′-bipy). They were characterized by elemental analyses, thermogravinetric analyses, and magnetic behavior. As is expected, TDPA hydrolyzes into the corresponding tetra-carboxylate acid H{sub 4}TA (3,3′,4,4′-thiodiphthalic acid) during the reactions. Co{sub 2} dimer and Ni mononuclear center are connected into two-dimensional (2D) layers by H{sub 4}TA and 4,4′-bipy bridge in 1 and 2, respectively. The most amazing feature is that 1 and 2 exhibit interesting spin-canting metamagnetism and weak ferromagnetic behavior, respectively, with the critical Néel temperature of T{sub N} =4 K for 1 and T{sub N} =13 K for 2, based on variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. In low mono- or dinuclear metal system, such magnetic behaviors have rare been observed. Furthermore, complex 1 will be a potential metamagnet material. - Graphical abstract: Two Co(II) and Ni(II) coordination polymers were synthesized by hydrothermal reactions from a V-shape ligand (3,3′,4,4′-thiodiphthalic anhydride) and a I-shape ligand (4,4′-bipy), which were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, thermogravinetric analyses, and magnetic behavior, and exhibit interesting spin-canting metamagnetism and weak ferromagnetic behavior, respectively. - Highlights: • Two Co(II) and Ni(II) coordination polymers were successfully synthesized. • Co(II) coordination polymer shows an interesting spin-canting metamagnetism. • Ni(II) coordination polymer exhibits a weak ferromagnetic behavior.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Nitroaromatic-detecting zinc and cadmium coordination polymers with methyl-substituted aliphatic dicarboxylate and 4,4′-dipyridylamine ligands and diverse topologies

Highlights: • Zinc and cadmium aliphatic coordination polymers with 4,4′-dipyridylamine. • Mutual inclined, 4-fold dia, and 2-fold pcu interpenetrated topologies. • “turn-off” luminescence detection of nitroaromatics in ethanol suspension. - Abstract: Hydrothermal reaction of a metal nitrate, a methyl-substituted aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, and the hydrogen-bonding capable 4,4′-dipyridylamine (dpa) ligand afforded four crystalline coordination polymers whose dimensionality, topology, and interpenetration scheme depends on the aliphatic tether length, methyl group position, and coordination geometry at the metal. The four new phases were structurally characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. [Zn(22dmg)(dpa)]{sub n} (1, 22dmg = 2,2-dimethylglutarate) displays a system of mutually inclined interpenetrated (4,4) grid coordination polymer layers. [Zn(33dmg)(dpa)]{sub n} (2, 33dmg = 3,3-dimethylglutarate), in contrast to 1, displays a stacked arrangement of pairs of (4,4) grid coordination polymer layers, without any interpenetration. [Zn(3mad)(dpa)]{sub n} (3, 3mad = 3-methyladipate) possesses a system of four-fold interpenetrated 6{sup 6} dia topology coordination polymer networks. [Cd(33dmg)(dpa)]{sub n} (4) displays a 2-fold interpenetrated 4{sup 12}6{sup 3} pcu 3D topology, based on pillaring of dimer-based [Cd{sub 2}(33dmg){sub 2}]{sub n} layers by pairs of dpa ligands. Luminescent behavior in 1–4 is attributed to intra-ligand molecular orbital transitions within the dpa aromatic pyridyl rings. The new phases were also surveyed for the ability to detect nitroaromatics in ethanol suspension, with 4 providing optimum response for nitrobenzene detection. Thermal decomposition behavior is also discussed herein.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Dual phase polymer gel electrolyte based on non-woven poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)–layered clay nanocomposite fibrous membranes for lithium ion batteries

Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Highlights: ► P(VdF-co-HFP)–clay nanocomposite based electrospun membranes are prepared. ► The membranes are used as polymer gel electrolyte (PGE) in lithium ion batteries. ► The composite PGE shows ionic conductivity of 5.5 mS cm{sup −1} at room temperature. ► Li/PGE/LiFePO{sub 4} cell delivers initial discharge capacity of 160 mAh g{sup −1}. ► The use of prepared electrolyte significantly improved the cell performance. -- Abstract: A new approach for fabricating polymer gel electrolytes (PGEs) based on electrospun poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VdF-co-HFP)) incorporated with layered nanoclay has been employed to enhance the ionic conductivity and electrochemical properties of P(VdF-co-HFP) without compromising its mechanical strength. The effect of layered nanoclay on properties of membranes has been evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Surface morphology of the membranes has been studied using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Polymer gel electrolytes are prepared by soaking the fibrous membrane into 1 M LiPF{sub 6} in EC/DEC. The electrochemical studies show that incorporation of layered nanoclay into the polymer matrix greatly enhanced the ionic conductivity and compatibility with lithium electrodes. The charge–discharge properties and cycling performance of Li/LiFePO{sub 4} cells comprising nanocomposite polymer gel electrolytes have been evaluated at room temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Revisiting group contribution theory for estimating fractional free volume of microporous polymer membranes

Fractional free volume (FFV) is a commonly used metric for the development of structure–property relationships for polymer membranes. The most common method to calculate FFV uses Bondi's group contribution method, first introduced in 1964. While updated in 1997, there has not been a significant compilation of new structural motifs since the advent of linear microporous polymers. Here, in this study, we critically examined the assumptions in Bondi's original method and provide four recommendations to streamline and improve the accuracy of calculating van der Waals volume (V W ) for any group. Using these recommendations, we created an updated list of (V W ) values for structural groups commonly present in microporous polymers. The (V W ) and FFV values were then calculated for a database of 123 microporous and high free volume polymers from the literature, showing an average 7% decrease in (V W ) and corresponding increase in FFV by a factor of 24% when compared to prior group contribution correlations in the literature. The significant apparent increase in estimated FFV provides a new perspective to understand and interpret the role of free volume on the separation performance of linear microporous polymers. Additionally, standardization of the group contribution method allows for the direct comparison of FFV values across studies.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Glassy polymers: Historical findings, membrane applications, and unresolved questions regarding physical aging

Polymers below their glass transition temperature (Tg) are non-equilibrium glasses because excess free volume “frozen” between kinetically-restricted polymer chains slowly relaxes over time towards equilibrium via local, segmental chain motion. This process, known as physical aging, is observed through time-dependent decreases in a polymer's specific volume, enthalpy, etc. This article focuses on the history of glassy polymers in membrane separation applications. Open questions regarding the influence of thickness (e.g., membrane geometry) and temperature on physical aging in glassy polymers are highlighted.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Direct comparison of gamma, electron beam and X-ray irradiation doses on characteristics of low-density polyethylene, polypropylene homopolymer, polyolefin elastomer and chlorobutyl rubber medical device polymers

There is a growing need for increased efficiency in the sterilization of single use medical devices and other products that contain polymer components. Gamma radiation is widely used for devices suited for radiation sterilization; however, safety, throughput and cobalt-60 source availability are challenging the prospect of relying on gamma radiation to meet the anticipated needs of the industry. Use of electron beam (e-beam) and X-rays as alternatives to gamma for radiation sterilization have been hampered in part by a concern that these modalities may adversely affect polymer integrity and performance relative to the gamma method, for which the industry has had much more experience. To address this concern, the effects of sterilization-relevant doses of ebeam, X-ray and gamma radiation were directly compared using common medical device polymers found in two prototypical commercial devices currently sterilized using cobalt-60 gamma irradiation. The Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) Vacutainer™ Plus tube contains low-density polyethylene and chlorobutyl rubber components, while the BD Vacutainer™ Push Button Blood Collection Set contains polypropylene homopolymer and polyolefin elastomer components. Injection-molded samples prepared from the polymers used in these products were exposed to target doses of 15, 35, 50 and 80 kGy using gamma, e-beam and X-ray radiation. Changes in coloration, tensile properties and hardness were measured for each condition, and the effects of e-beam and X-ray irradiation compared with the effects of gamma irradiation on these properties. Both e-beam and X-ray appear as viable alternatives to gamma irradiation for sterilization of the polymers tested.

sterilization, gamma, X-ray, electron beam, radiat↗
DOE OSTI2024

Gamma, electron beam and X-ray irradiation effects on polymers in an advanced bone cement mixer device

The medical device industry has been investigating ways to increase the use of alternatives to cobalt-60 gamma radiation and ethylene-oxide gas sterilization, such as electron beam (E-beam) and X-ray radiation, due to regulatory and market pressures. One impediment to switching to E-beam or X-ray technology for sterilization is the lack of data on the effects of these radiation sources on medical device polymers. To provide such data this work considers irradiation and testing of a common single-use medical bone cement mixing system, the Stryker Advanced Cement Mixer (ACM®), that is composed of seven polymer materials. The ACM® devices considered here were processed to sterilization-relevant doses (15, 25, 50, and 70 kGy) using three radiation technologies: gamma, E-beam, and X-ray. The system and its polymer components were tested for product functionality, as well as mechanical and visual properties to determine how exposure effects may be influenced by radiation technology and dose level. We found that although there were instances of statistically significant differences in effects between the gamma-irradiated products and those irradiated with E-beam and X-ray, those effects were negligible in terms of retained functionality of the product and retained mechanical properties of the polymer components. Overall, results of this study demonstrate that, for of the effects studied, E-beam and X-ray are viable alternatives to cobalt-60 gamma radiation for sterilization of the polymer-based device investigated.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advancements in active filler-contained polymer solid-state electrolytes for lithium-metal batteries: A concise review

Lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) usually are regarded as the pinnacle of next-generation energy storage due to the high specific capacity and low redox potential of the Li-metal anode. However, their development is hindered by safety hazards related to flammable electrolytes and uncontrolled side reactions within the battery. Both polymer and solid-state inorganic electrolytes, despite their potential, exhibit shortcomings that limit their practical applications. Active filler-containing polymer electrolytes (AFPEs) offer a promising solution by combining the benefits of both types. Enhanced by supramolecular interactions between the polymer matrix and active fillers, AFPEs demonstrate superior electrochemical performance over traditional polymer electrolytes. This review discusses the progress in active fillers and various polymer matrices, examining the factors that enhance performance, particularly ionic conductivity. It also outlines the future research directions of AFPEs, aiming to broaden the application of solid electrolytes in high-performance LMBs.

All solid-state batteries↗
DOE OSTI2025

Design of robust and versatile hydrocarbon-based single-ion-conducting polymer electrolytes

Hydrocarbon-based polymers offer several advantages, including lower environmental impacts, cost effectiveness, and the ability to finely tune properties. Here, we have developed trifluoromethanesulfonimide (TFSI)-functionalized poly(norbornene) (PNB) polymers utilizing a specifically designed oxa-Michael addition of a vinyl TFSI anion to an alcohol. Our results reveal that PNB-TFSI derivatives exhibit superior thermal stability and mechanical robustness compared with Nafion. The optimized PNB-TFSI-H-48 polymer (IEC 1.86 mmol/g) exhibits equivalent performance to Nafion as an anode ionomer in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Exchanging the counter ion to Li + enables PNB-TFSI to be used for Li-ion battery applications. Propylene carbonate plasticized PNB-TFSI derivatives achieve an Li-ion conductivity of over 10 −5 S/cm at 30°C. This Li polymer electrolyte exhibits excellent electrochemical stability (5 V vs. Li + /Li) and good cycling in a Li symmetric cell. These results highlight the potential and rational design of PNB-TFSI polymers for next-generation energy storage and conversion technologies.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Confocal Raman Microscopy as an In Situ Probe of Volume Change in Hydration-Sensitive Polymer Membranes

An approach is described for measuring hydration-induced volume change within ion conductive polymer membranes and thin films by adapting the technique of confocal Raman microscopy. With careful consideration of factors that affect excitation and scattering within the confocal probe volume region, material swelling and deswelling were estimated from the intensities of polymer matrix spectral features. A high numerical aperture oil-immersion objective was used to achieve tight focusing within samples and the efficient collection of Raman scattered light. The approach is demonstrated for a fluorinated cation-exchange ionomer (Nafion) and the hydrocarbon anion-exchange ionomer Sustainion. Samples were monitored while under a nitrogen atmosphere that was cycled between dry and humid (∼50% relative humidity, RH) states. The volume changes estimated from the Raman spectra were in close agreement with those derived from conventional measurements. The reported work advances understanding needed to adapt confocal Raman microscopy for quantitative in situ and operando studies of ionomers within electrochemical devices, such as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells and electrolyzers, and lays a foundation for broader applications in the study of hydration-induced polymer swelling and the associated molecular level water and polymer framework structural changes.

Absorption↗
DOE OSTI2023

Self-Driving Laboratory for Polymer Electronics

Owing to the chemical pluripotency and viscoelastic nature of electronic polymers, polymer electronics have shown unique advances in many emerging applications such as skin-like electronics, large-area printed energy devices, and neuromorphic computing devices, but their development period is years-long. Recent advancements in automation, robotics, and learning algorithms have led to a growing number of self-driving (autonomous) laboratories that have begun to revolutionize the development and accelerated discovery of materials. In this perspective, we first introduce the current state of autonomous laboratories. Then we analyze why it is challenging to conduct polymer electronics research by an autonomous laboratory and highlight the needs. Here, we further discuss our efforts in building an autonomous laboratory, namely Polybot, for the automated synthesis and characterization of electronic polymers and their processing and fabrication into electronic devices. Finally, we share our vision in using a self-driving laboratory for different types of polymer electronics research.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Three-Dimensional Microphase Separation and Synergistic Permeability in Stacked Lipid–Polymer Hybrid Membranes

Here, we present new structures of soft-material thin films that augment the functionality of substrate-mediated delivery systems. A hybrid material composed of phospholipids and block copolymers adopts a multilayered membrane structure supported on a solid surface. The hybrid films comprise intentional intramembrane heterogeneities that register across multilayers. These stacked domains convey unprecedented enhancement and control of permeability of solutes across micrometer-thick films. Using grazing incidence X-ray scattering, phase contrast atomic force microscopy, and confocal microscopy, we observed that in each lamella, lipid and polymers partition unevenly within the membrane plane segregating into lipid- or polymer-rich domains. Interestingly, we found evidence that like-domains align in registry across multilayers, thereby making phase separation three-dimensional. Phase boundaries exist over extended length scales to compensate the height mismatch between lipid and polymer molecules. We show that microphase separation in hybrid films can be exploited to augment the capability of drug-eluting substrates. Lipid–polymer hybrid films loaded with paclitaxel show synergistic permeability of drug compared to single-component counterparts. We present a thorough structural study of stacked lipid–polymer hybrid membranes and propose that the presence of registered domains and domain boundaries impart enhanced drug release functionality. This work offers new perspectives in designing thin films for controlled delivery applications

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Nanoporous Polymer Networks Templated by Gemini Surfactant Lyotropic Liquid Crystals

Nanoporous polymers with periodic, ordered structures have attracted significant interest for their potential applications as drug delivery vehicles, biomaterials, separations membranes, and materials for energy storage. Inducing polymer nanostructure through lyotropic liquid crystal-templated (LLC-templated) cross-linking photopolymerizations offers a promising means for morphological control at smaller length scales, which are difficult to access by other established strategies. In this paper we report the synthesis of a gemini dicarboxylate surfactant that self-assembles in water to form various aqueous LLC mesophases over a broad range of amphiphile concentrations, with an especially strong propensity to form the coveted bicontinuous double gyroid (GI) network mesophase. Aqueous GI LLCs surprisingly persist upon incorporation of as much as 10–37 wt % hexane-1,6-diol dimethacrylate (HDDMA) into the hydrophobic domains of these supramolecular surfactant assemblies, and cross-linking photopolymerization of the HDDMA unexpectedly proceeds with retention of this intricate LLC nanostructure. The nanoporous nature of the resulting templated polymers remains after surfactant removal by solvent extraction, as manifested by increased swelling ratios in water and 2-propanol as compared to isotropic materials of similar compositions. The exquisite level of control over polymer network porosity provided by templating within GI phases furnishes a promising new route toward nanostructured hydrophobic polymers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Spectral Signatures of a Negative Polaron in a Doped Polymer Semiconductor: Energy Levels and Hubbard U Interactions

The modern picture of negative charge carriers on conjugated polymers invokes the formation of a singly occupied (spin-up/spin-down) level within the polymer gap and a corresponding unoccupied level above the polymer conduction band edge. The energy splitting between these sublevels is related to on-site Coulomb interactions between electrons, commonly termed Hubbard U. However, spectral evidence for both sublevels and experimental access to the U value is still missing. Here, in this work, we provide evidence by n-doping the polymer P(NDI 2 OD-T 2 ) with [RhCp*Cp] 2 , [N-DMBI] 2 , and cesium. Changes in the electronic structure after doping are studied with ultraviolet photoelectron and low-energy inverse photoemission spectroscopies (UPS, LEIPES). UPS data show an additional density of states (DOS) in the former empty polymer gap while LEIPES data show an additional DOS above the conduction band edge. These DOS are assigned to the singly occupied and unoccupied sublevels, allowing determination of a U value of ~1 eV.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

All-Atom Modeling and Simulation of Biopolymer Interface: Dual Role of Antifouling Polymer Brushes

Antifouling polymer brushes are well-known for their exceptional resistance to unwanted protein adsorption. While experimental studies have extensively characterized protein–polymer brush interactions, computational investigations remain limited, largely due to the challenges in accurately modeling and integrating these complex, multicomponent systems without resorting to oversimplification. To address this challenge, this study presents one of the most comprehensive and realistic model systems to date, comprising the substrate, grafted polymers, and proteins. Our work interprets the interactions between polymer brush and protein based on realistic modeling without simplification. In particular, this study utilizes molecular modeling and simulation of polycationic and polyzwitterionic brushes─poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA), poly(2-(N-oxide-N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PNOMA), and poly(2-(N-3-sulfopropyl-N,N-dimethylammonium)ethyl methacrylate) (PSBMA)─grafted onto α-quartz substrates via polymerization initiator linkers. The brush models were developed to closely replicate experimentally synthesized samples and to provide detailed insights into structural and dynamical changes at the molecular level during protein adsorption. Using steered molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the PSBMA brush, due to its high local density, exhibits the greatest resistance to protein insertion. Cα root-mean-square deviation and interaction pattern analyses further reveal that the PSBMA brush also induces the most significant destabilization of lysozyme, while the PDMAEMA brush enhances protein stability through ion-mediated interactions. The PNOMA brush, while requiring the lowest force for protein adsorption, induces greater protein destabilization than the PDMAEMA brush, primarily due to electrostatic repulsion caused by a short carbon spacer length. Hydration analysis reveals that both the PSBMA brush and the lysozyme interacting with it exhibit the most rapid dehydration, attributed to the brush’s high local chain density, which results in the greatest lysozyme destabilization and the highest adsorption force. These findings highlight the dual role of antifouling polymer brushes: resisting protein adsorption and modulating protein structural dynamics. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights for the rational design of next-generation antifouling materials and offers a framework for realistic model development in complex multicomponent systems.

Adsorption↗
DOE OSTI2020

Strong Reduction in Amplitude of the Interfacial Segmental Dynamics in Polymer Nanocomposites

Despite the wide use of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) in various applications, our understanding of the microscopic parameters controlling their macroscopic properties remains limited. In this study, we examine the dielectric strength of segmental dynamics, Δε IL (T) in the interfacial polymer layer surrounding the nanoparticles in PNCs. The presented analysis reveals a significant drop in Δε IL (T) and its anomalous temperature dependence in the polymer layer adsorbed to nanoparticles. The drop in Δε IL (T) was observed in all samples regardless of whether segmental relaxation time in the interfacial layer was slower or faster than in the bulk polymer, excluding interpretation of the “dead” layer. We ascribe the observed decrease in the dielectric strength to the restricted amplitude of segmental relaxation in the interfacial/adsorbed layer. Our results provide a new perspective on discussion of dynamics in the interfacial layer in PNCs and thin polymer films, demonstrating that not only segmental relaxation time but also its amplitude can be strongly affected by the interface.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Exploring the Ion Solvation Environments in Solid-State Polymer Electrolytes through Free-Energy Sampling

The success of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in solid-state polymer electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries is well established. Recently, in order to understand this success and to explore possible alternatives, we studied polyacetal electrolytes to deepen the understanding of the effect of the local chemical structure on ion transport. Advanced molecular dynamics techniques using newly developed, tailored interaction potentials have helped elucidate the various coordination environments of ions in these systems. In particular, the competition between cation-Anion pairing and coordination by the polymer has been explored using free-energy sampling (metadynamics). At equivalent reduced temperatures, with respect to the polymer-specific glass-Transition temperature, two-dimensional free-energy plots reveal the existence of multiple coordination environments for the lithium (Li) ions in these systems and their relative stabilities. Furthermore, we observe that the Li-ion movement in PEO follows a serial, stepwise pathway when moving from one coordination state to another, whereas this happens in a more continuous and concerted fashion in a polyacetal such as poly(1,3-dioxalane) [P(EO-MO)]. The implication is that interconversion between coordination states of the Li ions may be easier in P(EO-MO). However, the overarching observation from our free-energy analysis is that Li-ion coordination is dominated by the polymer (in either case) and contact-ion pairs are rare. We rationalize the observed higher increase in glass-Transition temperature (Tg) with salt loading in polyacetals as due to intermolecular Li-ion coordination involving multiple polymer chains, rather than just one chain for PEO-based electrolytes. This interchain coupling in the polyacetals, resulting in the higher Tg, works against any gains due to variations in Li-ion coordination that might enhance transport processes over PEO. Further research is required to overcome the interdependence between local coordination and macroscopic properties to compete with PEO electrolytes at the same absolute working temperature.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗