Abstract: An anode for use in a lithium-ion battery consists of a polymeric gel binder made of at least two polymers having carboxylic acid groups and silicon particles. The polymers are chemically cross-linked to form a polymer network, and covalent ester bonds are formed between the polymer network and the silicon particles.

Abstract: A nanocomposite material formed of graphene and a mesoporous metal oxide having a demonstrated specific capacity of more than 200 F/g with particular utility when employed in supercapacitor applications. A method for making these nanocomposite materials by first forming a mixture of graphene, a surfactant, and a metal oxide precursor, precipitating the metal oxide precursor with the surfactant from the mixture to form a mesoporous metal oxide. The mesoporous metal oxide is then deposited onto a surface of the graphene.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method of producing micro-sized Si—C composites or doped Si—C and Si alloy-C with interconnected nanoscle Si and C building blocks through converting commercially available SiOx (0<x<2) to a silicon framework by calcination, followed by etching and then by carbon filling by thermal deposition of gas containing organic molecules that have carbon atoms.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a hybrid supercapacitor exhibiting high energy and power densities enabled by a high-performance lithium-alloy anode coupled with a porous carbon cathode in an electrolyte containing lithium salt. Embodiments include a size reduced silicon oxide anode, a boron-doped silicon oxide anode, and/or a carbon coated silicon oxide anode, which may improve cycling stability and rate performance. Further embodiments include a hybrid supercapacitor system using a Li-active anode in an electrolyte including LiPF6 in a mixture of ethylene carbonate, diethyl carbonate, and dimethyl carbonate (EC:DEC:DMC, 2:1:2 by vol.) and 10 wt % fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), which may reduce the self-discharge rate.

Abstract: We report a heteroatom-doped carbon framework that acts both as conductive network and polysulfide immobilizer for lithium-sulfur cathodes. The doped carbon forms chemical bonding with elemental sulfur and/or sulfur compound. This can significantly inhibit the diffusion of lithium polysulfides in the electrolyte, leading to high capacity retention and high coulombic efficiency.

Abstract: Nanocomposite materials comprising a metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene material. The nanocomposite materials exhibit a specific capacity of at least twice that of the metal oxide material without the graphene at a charge/discharge rate greater than about 10 C.

Abstract: Nanocatalysts and methods of using the same to obtain aromatic hydrocarbon compounds from a source of carbon atoms and a source of hydrogen atoms in a single reaction step is provided. The catalyst comprises an Fe/Fe3O4 nanocatalyst that may be supported on a non-reactive support material such as a zeolite or alumina CO2 and H2 are preferred sources of carbon and hydrogen atoms for the reaction. The aromatic hydrocarbon compounds produced are suitable for direct usage as fuel without need for further refining.

Abstract: Nanocomposite materials having at least two layers, each layer consisting of one metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene layer were developed. The nanocomposite materials will typically have many alternating layers of metal oxides and graphene layers, bonded in a sandwich type construction and will be incorporated into an electrochemical or energy storage device.

Abstract: We provide a mesoporous silicon material (PSi) prepared via a template-free and HF-free process. The production process is facile and scalable, and it may be conducted under mild reaction conditions. The silicon may be produced directly by the reduction of a silicon-halogenide precursor (for example, SiCl4) with an alkaline alloy (for example, NaK alloy). The resulting Si-salt matrix is then annealed for the pore formation and crystallite growth. Final product is obtained by removal of the salt by-products with water.

Abstract: Lithium ion battery anodes including graphenic carbon particles are disclosed. Lithium ion batteries containing such anodes are also disclosed. The anodes include mixtures of lithium-reactive metal particles such as silicon, graphenic carbon particles, and a binder. The use of graphenic carbon particles in the anodes results in improved performance of the lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: Nanocomposite materials having at least two layers, each layer consisting of one metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene layer were developed. The nanocomposite materials will typically have many alternating layers of metal oxides and graphene layers, bonded in a sandwich type construction and will be incorporated into an electrochemical or energy storage device.

Abstract: We provide a liquid electrolyte for a lithium-sulfur battery. Electrolytes of the invention may include a protecting additive; a lithium salt (in addition to LiNO3, if that is selected as the protecting additive); at least one electrolyte solvent; and a dissolved electrochemically active material comprising sulfur. In one embodiment an electrolyte includes 0.1-2 M of one or more of LiPF6, LiBF4, LiAsF6, LiClO4, LiCF3SO3, LiN(CF3SO2)2, 0.1-1 M LiNO3, at least one nonaqueous solvent; and dissolved electrochemically active material comprising sulfur in the form of at least one of a soluble lithium polysulfide and/or organodisulfide compounds, which is used in a lithium-sulfur cell and a battery having a plurality of lithium-sulfur cells.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method of producing micro-sized Si—C composites or doped Si—C and Si alloy-C with interconnected nanoscle Si and C building blocks through converting commercially available SiOx (0<x<2) to a silicon framework by calcination, followed by etching and then by carbon filling by thermal deposition of gas containing organic molecules that have carbon atoms.

Abstract: Nanocomposite materials comprising a metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene material. The nanocomposite materials exhibit a specific capacity of at least twice that of the metal oxide material without the graphene at a charge/discharge rate greater than about 10 C.

Abstract: We report a heteroatom-doped carbon framework that acts both as conductive network and polysulfide immobilizer for lithium-sulfur cathodes. The doped carbon forms chemical bonding with elemental sulfur and/or sulfur compound. This can significantly inhibit the diffusion of lithium polysulfides in the electrolyte, leading to high capacity retention and high coulombic efficiency.

Abstract: Compositions useful for preparing pressure sensitive adhesives, coatings, and/or films are provided, along with methods of making and using the same. The compositions are made from renewable, plant-based materials. The compositions comprise plant oil triglycerides that are polymerized and crosslinked to yield polymer matrices. Plant-based carriers and/or tackifiers can be used in the invention, including epoxidized plant oil triglycerides, acrylated epoxidized plant oil triglycerides, and dihydroxylated plant oil triglycerides. Natural tackifiers such as rosin esters and terpenes can also be used in the compositions. Dihydroxylated plant oil triglyceride tackifiers for use in biobased and synthetic adhesives are also provided.

Abstract: Nanocomposite materials having at least two layers, each layer consisting of one metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene layer were developed. The nanocomposite materials will typically have many alternating layers of metal oxides and graphene layers, bonded in a sandwich type construction and will be incorporated into an electrochemical or energy storage device.

Abstract: Nanocomposite materials comprising a metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene material. The nanocomposite materials exhibit a specific capacity of at least twice that of the metal oxide material without the graphene at a charge/discharge rate greater than about 10 C.

Abstract: Lithium ion batteries having an anode comprising at least one graphene layer in electrical communication with titania to form a nanocomposite material, a cathode comprising a lithium olivine structure, and an electrolyte. The graphene layer has a carbon to oxygen ratio of between 15 to 1 and 500 to 1 and a surface area of between 400 and 2630 m2/g. The nanocomposite material has a specific capacity at least twice that of a titania material without graphene material at a charge/discharge rate greater than about 10 C. The olivine structure of the cathode of the lithium ion battery of the present invention is LiMPO4 where M is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Co, Ni and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Nanocomposite materials having at least two layers, each layer consisting of one metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene layer were developed. The nanocomposite materials will typically have many alternating layers of metal oxides and graphene layers, bonded in a sandwich type construction and will be incorporated into an electrochemical or energy storage device.