Phase-separated solvothermal high yields recovery of lithium and cobalt cathode precursors from end-of-life LiCoO lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) recycling is one of the most urgent challenges affecting this technological sector. Indeed, their continuously growing production and demand is already leading to the creation of large volumes of end-of-life LIBs (EoL-LIBs). At the same time, the growing demand for LIBs is not sustainable from the point of view of supply of the critical raw materials needed to produce the essential components of LIBs.

Polymer Hydrogels and Frontal Polymerization: A Winning Coupling.

Polymer hydrogels are 3D networks consisting of hydrophilic crosslinked macromolecular chains, allowing them to swell and retain water. Since their invention in the 1960s, they have become an outstanding pillar in the design, development, and application of engineered polymer systems suitable for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications (such as drug or cell delivery, the regeneration of hard and soft tissues, wound healing, and bleeding prevention, among others). Despite several well-established synthetic routes for developing polymer hydrogels based on batch polymerization techniques, about fifteen years ago, researchers started to look for alternative methods involving simpler reaction paths, shorter reaction times, and lower energy consumption.

Structural Evolution of Air-Exposed Layered Oxide Cathodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries: An Example of Ni-doped NaMnO.

Sodium-ion batteries have recently aroused the interest of industries as possible replacements for lithium-ion batteries in some areas. With their high theoretical capacities and competitive prices, P2-type layered oxides (NaTMO) are among the obvious choices in terms of cathode materials. On the other hand, many of these materials are unstable in air due to their reactivity toward water and carbon dioxide.

Highly Reversible Ti/Sn Oxide Nanocomposite Electrodes for Lithium Ion Batteries Obtained by Oxidation of Ti Al Sn C Phases.

Among the materials for the negative electrodes in Li-ion batteries, oxides capable of reacting with Li via intercalation/conversion/alloying are extremely interesting due to their high specific capacities but suffer from poor mechanical stability. A new way to design nanocomposites based on the (Ti/Sn)O system is the partial oxidation of the tin-containing MAX phase of Ti Al Sn O composition. Exploiting this strategy, this work develops composite electrodes of (Ti/Sn)O and MAX phase capable of withstanding over 600 cycles in half cells with charge efficiencies higher than 99.

Tuning the Activity of a Hybrid Polymer-Oxocluster Catalyst: A Composition-Selectivity Correlation.

Zr-based oxoclusters MO(OR)(OOR') are promising catalysts for the activation of hydrogen peroxide. However, they need to be integrated into suitable matrices to increase their hydrolytic stability and allow for their recovery after use. Polymeric materials can be successfully employed for this aim, since they modify the properties of the resulting hybrid materials, in terms of polarity and chemical affinity for the substrates, improving the catalytic activity.

The Missing Piece: The Structure of the TiCT MXene and Its Behavior as Negative Electrode in Sodium Ion Batteries.

The most common MXene composition TiCT (T = F, O) shows outstanding stability as anode for sodium ion batteries (100% of capacity retention after 530 cycles with charge efficiency >99.7%). However, the reversibility of the intercalation/deintercalation process is strongly affected by the synthesis parameters determining, in turn, significant differences in the material structure.

Systematic Exploration of the Synthetic Parameters for the Production of Dynamic VO(M1).

Thermochromic dynamic cool materials present a reversible change of their properties wherein by increasing the temperature, the reflectance, conductivity, and transmittance change due to a reversible crystalline phase transition. In particular, vanadium (IV) dioxide shows a reversible phase transition, accompanied by a change in optical properties, from monoclinic VO(M1) to tetragonal VO(R). In this paper, we report on a systematic exploration of the parameters for the synthesis of vanadium dioxide VO(M1) via an easy, sustainable, reproducible, fast, scalable, and low-cost hydrothermal route without hazardous chemicals, followed by an annealing treatment.

Stable Coloured Micrometric Films from Highly Concentrated Nano-Silver Sols: The Role of the Stabilizing Agents.

The synthesis of highly concentrated aqueous silver nanoparticles (NPs), exploiting different types of polymeric stabilizing agents, has been extensively investigated, especially for the stabilization of spherical yellow nanoparticles. In this context, here, a successful and easy wet chemical method was adopted to synthesize concentrated primary colored (yellow, red, blue and green) sols. The influence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in affecting the final stability was finely investigating via UV/Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, TEM and colorimetric analysis.

Bionanocomposite Blown Films: Insights on the Rheological and Mechanical Behavior.

In this work, bionanocomposites based on two different types of biopolymers belonging to the MaterBi family and containing two kinds of modified nanoclays were compounded in a twin-screw extruder and then subjected to a film blowing process, aiming at obtaining sustainable films potentially suitable for packaging applications. The preliminary characterization of the extruded bionanocomposites allowed establishing some correlations between the obtained morphology and the material rheological and mechanical behavior. More specifically, the morphological analysis showed that, regardless of the type of biopolymeric matrix, a homogeneous nanofiller dispersion was achieved; furthermore, the established biopolymer/nanofiller interactions caused a restrain of the dynamics of the biopolymer chains, thus inducing a significant modification of the material rheological response, which involves the appearance of an apparent yield stress and the amplification of the elastic feature of the viscoelastic behavior.

Understanding Solid-Gas Reaction Mechanisms by Operando Soft X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy at Ambient Pressure.

Ambient-pressure operando soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (soft-XAS) was applied to study the reactivity of hydroxylated SnO nanoparticles toward reducing gases. H was first used as a test case, showing that the gas phase and surface states can be simultaneously probed: Soft-XAS at the O K-edge gains sensitivity toward the gas phase, while at the Sn M-edges, tin surface states are explicitly probed. Results obtained by flowing hydrocarbons (CH and CHCHCH) unequivocally show that these gases react with surface hydroxyl groups to produce water without producing carbon oxides and release electrons that localize on Sn to eventually form SnO.

Design of New Polyacrylate Microcapsules to Modify the Water-Soluble Active Substances Release.

Despite the poor photochemical stability of capsules walls, polyacrylate is one of the most successful polymers for microencapsulation. To improve polyacrylate performance, the combined use of different acrylate-based polymers could be exploited. Herein butyl methacrylate (BUMA)-based lattices were obtained via free radical polymerization in water by adding (i) methacrylic acid (MA)/methyl methacrylate (MMA) and (ii) methacrylamide (MAC) respectively, as an aqueous phase in Pickering emulsions, thanks to both the excellent polymer shells' stability and the high encapsulation efficiency.

Role of Doping Agent Degree of Sulfonation and Casting Solvent on the Electrical Conductivity and Morphology of PEDOT:SPAES Thin Films.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) plays a key role in the field of electrically conducting materials, despite its poor solubility and processability. Various molecules and polymers carrying sulfonic groups can be used to enhance PEDOT's electrical conductivity. Among all, sulfonated polyarylether sulfone (SPAES), prepared via homogenous synthesis with controlled degree of sulfonation (DS), is a very promising PEDOT doping agent.

ORR in Non-Aqueous Solvent for Li-Air Batteries: The Influence of Doped MnO-Nanoelectrocatalyst.

One of the major drawbacks in Lithium-air batteries is the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this context, better performances can be achieved by adopting a suitable electrocatalyst, such as MnO. Herein, we tried to design nano-MnO tuning the final ORR electroactivity by tailoring the doping agent (Co or Fe) and its content (2% or 5% molar ratios).

Breakthroughs in the Design of Novel Carbon-Based Metal Oxides Nanocomposites for VOCs Gas Sensing.

Nowadays, the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at trace levels (down to ppb) is feasible by exploiting ultra-sensitive and highly selective chemoresistors, especially in the field of medical diagnosis. By coupling metal oxide semiconductors (MOS e.g.

Role of Synthetic Parameters on the Structural and Optical Properties of N,Sn-Copromoted Nanostructured TiO: A Combined Ti K-Edge and Sn L-Edges X-ray Absorption Investigation.

Sn-modification of TiO photocatalysts has been recently proposed as a suitable strategy to improve pollutant degradation as well as hydrogen production. In particular, visible light activity could be promoted by doping with Sn species, which are, however, thermally unstable. Co-promotion with N and Sn has been shown to lead to synergistic effects in terms of visible light activity, but the underlying mechanism has, so far, been poorly understood due to the system complexity.

Exploring SnTiO Solid Solutions Grown onto Graphene Oxide (GO) as Selective Toluene Gas Sensors.

The major drawback of oxide-based sensors is the lack of selectivity. In this context, SnTiO/graphene oxide (GO)-based materials were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal route, varying the titanium content in the tin dioxide matrix. Then, toluene and acetone gas sensing performances of the as-prepared sensors were systematically investigated.

Stabilization by Configurational Entropy of the Cu(II) Active Site during CO Oxidation on MgCoNiCuZnO.

The mechanisms of CO oxidation on the MgCoNiCuZnO high-entropy oxide were studied by means of operando soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy. We found that Cu is the active metal and that Cu(II) can be rapidly reduced to Cu(I) by CO when the temperature is higher than 130 °C. Co and Ni do not have any role in this respect.

Development of injectable and durable kefiran hydro-alcoholic gels.

Injectable, in-situ forming kefiran gels have been developed for potential applications as implantable drug delivery devices or scaffolds for tissue regeneration. Concentrated solutions (4, 5 and 6%w) of kefiran, extracted from kefir grains, have been assessed in term of viscosity and injectability through G26 syringe needles, and for their ability to undergo gelation upon mixing with different alcohols. Propylene glycol (PG) has been selected as gelling agent because it ensures homogenous gelation in relatively short times (from few minutes up to 6 h).

PA6 and Halloysite Nanotubes Composites with Improved Hydrothermal Ageing Resistance: Role of Filler Physicochemical Properties, Functionalization and Dispersion Technique.

Polyamide 6 (PA6) suffers from fast degradation in humid conditions due to hydrolysis of amide bonds, which limits its durability. The addition of nanotubular fillers represents a viable strategy for overcoming this issue, although the additive/polymer interface at high filler content can become privileged site for moisture accumulation. As a cost-effective and versatile material, halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were investigated to prepare PA6 nanocomposites with very low loadings (1-45% w/w).

Towards Novel Fluorinated Methacrylic Coatings for Cultural Heritage: A Combined Polymers and Surfaces Chemistry Study.

In this work, new co- and ter-polymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), and -butyl methacrylate (nBuMA), containing just 1% mol × mol of a fluorinated co-monomer, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluoro-octyl methacrylate (POMA), were synthesized. After an UV accelerated aging test, the photo-chemical stability of the polymers prepared was determined by H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry and wettability measurements. The polymers were applied to Botticino tiles to achieve better performances in terms of water repellency and consequently deterioration resistance.

A Combined XRD, Solvatochromic, and Cyclic Voltammetric Study of Poly (3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) Doped with Sulfonated Polyarylethersulfones: Towards New Conducting Polymers.

Despite the poor solubility in organic solvents, poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is one of the most successful conducting polymers. To improve PEDOT conductivity, the dopants commonly used are molecules/polymers carrying sulfonic functionalities. In addition to these species, sulfonated polyarylethersulfone (SPAES), obtained via homogeneous synthesis with different degrees of sulfonation (DS), can be used thanks to both the tight control over the DS and the charge separation present in SPAES structure.

Micro-TiO coated glass surfaces safely abate drugs in surface water.

The ingredients of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) persist in water and conventional treatment plants are not able to remove them efficiently. Sonochemical treatment is insufficient to mineralize organics such as ibuprofen into CO and HO. TiO degrades ibuprofen (IBP) under UV light; however, it does not reach a high grade of conversion.

TiO₂-Based Photocatalytic Geopolymers for Nitric Oxide Degradation.

This study presents an experimental overview for the development of photocatalytic materials based on geopolymer binders as catalyst support matrices. Particularly, geopolymer matrices obtained from different solid precursors (fly ash and metakaolin), composite systems (siloxane-hybrid, foamed hybrid), and curing temperatures (room temperature and 60 °C) were investigated for the same photocatalyst content (i.e.

Mode Robustness in Raman Optical Activity.

By reformulating Raman and ROA invariants we provide ground for the definition of robust modes in ROA spectroscopy. Introduction of two parameters defining robustness helps characterization and assignment of ROA bands. Application and use of robustness parameters to [n]helicenes and oxirane/thiirane derivatives are presented.

Recycling of MSWI fly ash by means of cementitious double step cold bonding pelletization: Technological assessment for the production of lightweight artificial aggregates.

In this work, an extensive study on the recycling of municipal solid waste incinerator fly ash by means of cold bonding pelletization is presented. The ash comes from an incineration plant equipped with rotary and stoker furnaces, in which municipal, hospital and industrial wastes are treated. Fly ash from waste incineration is classified as hazardous and cannot be utilized or even landfilled without prior treatment.