Abstract: A lithium-sulfur battery cathode including conductive porous carbon particles vacuum infused with sulfur and a conductive collector substrate to which the sulfur infused porous carbon particles are deposited. The sulfur infused carbon particles are encapsulated by an encapsulation polymer, the encapsulation polymer having ionic conductivity, electronic conductivity, polysulfide affinity, or combinations thereof. A lithium-sulfur battery including the lithium-sulfur battery cathode, a lithium anode and an electrolyte disposed between the sulfur cathode and the lithium anode is also provided. Methods of producing the sulfur cathode for use in a lithium-sulfur battery by a hybrid vacuum-and-melt method are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of producing a carbon matrix composite are provided which include preparing a carbon matrix composite precursor comprising at least one carbon-based reinforcement material and a cured thermoset polymer matrix comprising a chemical composition in accordance with Formula I where n and m are integers, at least one of R1 or R2 comprises an aromatic moiety, and X is selected from the group consisting of CH2, NH, O, S, SO2, and combinations thereof. The methods further include heating the carbon matrix composite precursor in air to a first processing temperature of between 300° C. and 500° C. to form a carbon matrix composite intermediate, and heating the carbon matrix composite intermediate in nitrogen to a second processing temperature of between 900° C. to 1650° C. and holding at the second processing temperature for at least 1 hour in an inert gas environment to form the carbon matrix composite.

Abstract: Chemical compositions are provided having a structure in accordance with with the R group having a structure in accordance with R1 includes an alkyl group, R2 includes an alkylene group, and R3 includes an alkylene group in accordance with (CH2)x with x?2, and R4 includes the structure of Formula (II) or Formula (III). R5 includes a meta-substituted or para-substituted phenyl moiety. Additionally, elastomers produced by cross-linking the chemical composition of Formula (I) are provided.

Abstract: A lithium-sulfur battery cathode including conductive porous carbon particles vacuum infused with sulfur and a conductive collector substrate to which the sulfur infused porous carbon particles are deposited. The sulfur infused carbon particles are encapsulated by an encapsulation polymer, the encapsulation polymer having ionic conductivity, electronic conductivity, polysulfide affinity, or combinations thereof. A lithium-sulfur battery including the lithium-sulfur battery cathode, a lithium anode and an electrolyte disposed between the sulfur cathode and the lithium anode is also provided. Methods of producing the sulfur cathode for use in a lithium-sulfur battery by a hybrid vacuum-and-melt method are also provided.

Abstract: Chemical compositions are provided having a structure in accordance with with the R group having a structure in accordance with R1 includes an alkyl group, R2 includes an alkylene group, and R3 includes an alkylene group in accordance with (CH2), with x?2, and R4 includes the structure of Formula (II) or Formula (III). R5 includes a meta-substituted or para-substituted phenyl moiety. Additionally, elastomers produced by cross-linking the chemical composition of Formula (I) are provided.

Abstract: Chemical compositions are provided that include at least one of Formula I or Formula II: where n and m are integers, at least one of R1 or R2 comprises an aromatic moiety, and X is selected from the group consisting of CH2, NH, O, S, SO2, and combinations thereof. Composites formed from the chemical composition and at least one reinforcement material are also provided.