A Self-Standing Binder-Free Biomimetic Cathode Based on LMO/CNT Enhanced with Graphene and PANI for Aqueous Rechargeable Batteries.

The electrochemical parameters of a novel binder-free self-standing biomimetic cathode based on lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) for rechargeable Lithium-ion aqueous batteries (ReLIAB) are improved using polyaniline (PANI) core-shell in situ polymerization and graphene (Gr). The fabricated cathode material exhibits the so-called "tectonic plate island bridge" biomimetic structure. This constitution is created by combining three components as shown by a SEM and a TEM analysis: the Gr substrates support an entangled matrix of conductive CNT which connect island of non-conductive inorganic material composed of LMO.

Polymerization of aniline on polyaniline membranes.

When solutions of aniline hydrochloride and ammonium peroxydisulfate were separated by a semipermeable cellulose membrane, the reactants met at the membrane and produced a polyaniline (PANI) membrane at the interface. The oxidative polymerization of aniline then proceeded in situ on the PANI-cellulose composite membrane. PANI was produced entirely at the monomer side of the membrane; about 80% conversion of aniline to PANI was observed after 24 h.

In situ polymerized polyaniline films. 4. Film formation in dispersion polymerization of aniline.

Polyaniline films were grown on glass supports during dispersion polymerizations of aniline using poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) and hydroxypropylcellulose as stabilizers. The initiation of polyaniline chains is proposed to be heterogeneously catalyzed by the surfaces immersed in the reaction mixture. Film formations in dispersion and precipitation polymerizations are compared.

On the origin of colloidal particles in the dispersion polymerization of aniline.

When aniline is oxidized in an aqueous medium in the presence of a steric stabilizer, colloidal polyaniline (PANI) dispersions are obtained. The generally accepted model of the stabilization assumes that the macromolecules of the water-soluble steric stabilizer are adsorbed at the polymer, precipitating during the dispersion polymerization, and provide steric protection against further aggregation. An alternative mechanism of conducting-polymer particle formation is proposed in the present study.