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.

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.

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.)