Currently, Si as an active material for LIBs has been attracting much attention due to its high theoretical specific capacity (3572 mAh g−1). However, a disadvantage when using a Si negative electrode for LIBs is the abrupt drop of its capabilities during the cycling process. Therefore, there have been a few studies of polymers such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) given that the robust structure of a polymeric binder to LIBs anodes is a promising means by which to enhance the performance of high-capacity anodes. These studies essentially focused mainly on modifying of the linear-polymer component or on copolymers dissolved in solvents. Cross-linking polymers as a binder may be preferred due to their good scratch resistance, excellent chemical resistance and high levels of adhesion and resilience. However, because these types of polymers (with a rigid structure and cross-linking points) are also insoluble in general organic solvents, applying these types in this capacity is virtually impossible.
Sulfonated polystyrene-block-poly(ethyl-ran-propylene)-block-polystyrene (S-polySEPS) was prepared by sulfonation at the phenyl groups of the polystyrene-block-poly(ethyl-ran-propylene)-block-polystyrene (polySEPS) containing 65% styrene groups for proton exchange membrane. High proton-conducting S-polySEPS/silica nanocomposite films were produced by direct-mixing of nanosilica particles with the S-polySEPS copolymer. The TEM image of the S-polySEPS/silica nanocomposite films showed that the silica particles were very-well dispersed within the S-polySEPS matrix. Also, the XRD patterns showed the presence of the nano-scaled silica particles. Moreover, the nano-scaled silica particles played an important role in the prepared organic/inorganic nanocomposite properties such as proton conductivity, thermal stability, water content and ion exchange capacity (IEC). The S-polySEPS/silica 1 wt% (1.41 x 10(-1) S/cm) and 2 wt% (9.9 x 10(-2) S/cm) nanocomposite films had higher proton conductivity than Nafion 117 (9.8 x 10(-2) S/cm) at the temperature of 90 degrees C. The FT-IR analysis was used to verify the sulfonation of the S-polySEPS copolymer. The TGA analysis was carried out to investigate the thermal stability of the S-polySEPS/silica nanocomposite films.
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