Abstract: The synthesis of layered freestanding papers composed of acid-functionalized, few-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) flakes for use as a binder-free conducting electrode in NIB applications are described. The mechanical and electrochemical performance of the layered freestanding papers is also described. Synthesis was achieved through vacuum filtration of highly homogenous dispersions comprising varying weight percentages of exfoliated MoS2 flakes in graphene oxide in DI water, followed by thermal reduction. The electrochemical behavior of the composite paper was evaluated as a counter electrode against pure Na foil in a half-cell configuration. In addition, the uniaxial tensile testing of the composite papers demonstrated their exceptionally high fracture strength.

Abstract: A composite material comprising graphene or reduced graphene oxide and a polymer-derived ceramic material, such as SiOC, is provided. The composite materials can be used to construct anodes (16), which can be used in batteries (10), particularly lithium ion batteries. The anodes exhibit relatively high charge capacities at various current densities. Moreover, the charge capacity of the anodes appears exceptionally stable even after numerous charging cycles, even at high current densities.

Abstract: The synthesis of layered freestanding papers composed of acid-functionalized, few-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) flakes for use as a binder-free conducting electrode in NIB applications are described. The mechanical and electrochemical performance of the layered freestanding papers is also described. Synthesis was achieved through vacuum filtration of highly homogenous dispersions comprising varying weight percentages of exfoliated MoS2 flakes in graphene oxide in DI water, followed by thermal reduction. The electrochemical behavior of the composite paper was evaluated as a counter electrode against pure Na foil in a half-cell configuration. In addition, the unaxial tensile testing of the composite papers demonstrated their exceptionally high fracture strength.

Abstract: Polymer-derived ceramic composites are described herein. The composites are formed using hexagonal boron nitride nanosheet-functionalized silicon-based ceramic precursor polymers. The composites a matrix of a polymer-derived ceramic and hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets embedded therein. Silicon-derived ceramic precursors such as polysilazane and/or polysiloxane are used to create improved SiCN and/or SiOC ceramic composites.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing aluminum-modified silazanes, their use as polymer-derived ceramic precursors, and polymer-derived ceramics and carbon nanotube core/shell nanocomposites formed therefrom are disclosed.

Abstract: Polymer-derived ceramic composites are described herein. The composites are formed using hexagonal boron nitride nanosheet-functionalized silicon-based ceramic precursor polymers. The composites a matrix of a polymer-derived ceramic and hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets embedded therein. Silicon-derived ceramic precursors such as polysilazane and/or polysiloxane are used to create improved SiCN and/or SiOC ceramic composites.

Abstract: The synthesis of layered free-standing papers, films, tapes, and painted coatings. composed of acid-functionalized, few-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) flakes for use as a binder-free conducting electrode in NIB applications are described. The mechanical and electrochemical performance of the layered free-standing papers is also described. Synthesis was achieved through vacuum filtration of highly homogenous dispersions comprising varying weight percentages of exfoliated MoS2 flakes in graphene oxide in DI water, followed by thermal reduction. The electrochemical behavior of the composite paper was evaluated as a counter electrode against pure Na foil in a half-cell configuration. In addition, the unaxial tensile testing of the composite papers demonstrated their exceptionally high fracture strength.

Abstract: A composite material comprising graphene or reduced to graphene oxide and a polymer-derived ceramic material, such as SiOC, is provided. The composite materials can be used to construct anodes (16), which can be used in batteries (10), particularly lithium ion batteries. The anodes exhibit relatively high charge capacities at various current densities. Moreover, the charge capacity of the anodes appears exceptionally stable even after numerous charging cycles, even at high current densities.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing aluminum-modified silazanes, their use as polymer-derived ceramic precursors, and polymer-derived ceramics and carbon nanotube core/shell nanocomposites formed therefrom are disclosed.