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The application of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is still limited by their rapid capacity fading. The pulverization of the sulfur positive electrode after the lithiation and the consequence dissolution of long chain polysulfides in organic solvents lead to the shuttle effect. To address these issues, here we report the mechanochemical preparation of ZIF-8 (Zeolitic Imidazole Framework-8)-based composites as sulfur hosts for positive electrodes in Li-S batteries. We studied different methods for the incorporation of conductive carbon. Also, the replacement of Zn2+ metal centers by other bivalent metals (Cu2+, Co2+ and Ni2+), enabled the preparation of other ZIF-8-based materials. The positive electrode ZIF-8/C/S8 showed initial discharges of 772 mA h g−1 while the pristine one, ZIF-8/S8, displayed 502 mA h g−1. The enhanced performance of 54% for ZIF-8/C/S8 indicates that the direct mechanochemical synthesis of ZIF-8 with conductive carbon is beneficial at initials charge/discharge process in comparison to traditional slurry preparation (ZIF-8/S8). Also, the Li2S6 absorption tests shows 87% of discoloration with ZIF-8/C/S8, confirming the better polysulfides absorption.
Current time-resolved in situ approaches limit the scope of mechanochemical investigations possible. Here we develop a new, general approach to simultaneously follow the evolution of bulk atomic and electronic structure during a mechanochemical synthesis. This is achieved by coupling two complementary synchrotron-based X-ray methods: X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray diffraction. We apply this method to investigate the bottom-up mechanosynthesis of technologically important Au micro and nanoparticles in the presence of three different reducing agents, hydroquinone, sodium citrate, and NaBH4. Moreover, we show how XAS offers new insight into the early stage generation of growth species (e.g. monomers and clusters), which lead to the subsequent formation of nanoparticles. These processes are beyond the detection capabilities of diffraction methods. This combined X-ray approach paves the way to new directions in mechanochemical research of advanced electronic materials.
Control over the bottom up synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NP) depends on many experimental factors, including the choice of stabilising and reducing agents. By selectively manipulating these species, it is possible to control NP characteristics through solution-phase synthesis strategies. It is not known, however, whether NPs produced from mechanochemical syntheses are governed by the same rules. Using the Au NPs mechanosynthesis as a model system, we investigate how a series of common reducing agents affect both the reduction kinetics and size of Au NPs. It is shown that the relative effects of reducing agents on mechanochemical NP synthesis differ significantly from their role in analogous solution-phase reactions. Hence, strategies developed for control over NP growth in solution are not directly transferrable to environmentally benign mechanochemical approaches. This work demonstrates a clear need for dedicated, systematic studies on NP mechanosynthesis.
Challenges and opportunities in the bottom-up mechanochemical synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles
(2020)
Mechanochemistry is a promising alternative to solution-based protocols across the chemical sciences, enabling different types of chemistries in solvent-free and environmentally benign conditions. The use of mechanical energy to promote physical and chemical transformations has reached a high level of refinement, allowing for the design of sophisticated molecules and nanostructured materials. Among them, the synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles deserves special attention due to their catalytic applications. In this review, we discuss the recent progress on the development of mechanochemical strategies for the controlled synthesis of noble metal nanostructures. We start by covering the fundamentals of different preparation routes, namely top-down and bottom-up approaches. Next, we focus on the key examples of the mechanochemical synthesis of non-supported and supported metal nanoparticles as well as hybrid nanomaterials containing noble metals. In these examples, in addition to the principles and synthesis mechanisms, their performances in catalysis are discussed. Finally, a perspective of the field is given, where we discuss the opportunities for future work and the challenges of mechanochemical synthesis to produce well-defined noble metal nanoparticles.