A preliminary study on the thermal degradation behavior and flame retardancy of high impact polystyrene/magnesium hydroxide/microencapsulated red phosphorus composite with a gradient structure

Novel Phosphorus-Nitrogen-Containing Ionic Liquid Modified Metal-Organic Framework as an Effective Flame Retardant for Epoxy Resin

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown great potential in flame retardant applications; however, strategies for fully exploiting the advantages of MOFs in order to further enhance the flame retardant performance are still in high demand. Herein, a novel MOF composite was designed through the generated cooperative role of MOF (NH₂-MIL-101(Al)) and a phosphorus-nitrogen-containing ionic liquid ([DPP-NC₃bim][PMO]). The ionic liquid (IL) was composed of imidazole cation modified with diphenylphosphinic group (DPP) and phosphomolybdic acid (PMoA) anions, which can trap the degrading polymer radicals and reduce the smoke emission. The MOF acts as a porous host and can avoid the agglomeration of ionic liquid. Meanwhile, the -NH₂ groups of NH₂-MIL-101(Al) can increase the compatibility with epoxy resin (EP). The framework is expected to act as an efficient insulating barrier to suppress the flame spread. It was demonstrated that the MOF composite (IL@NH₂-MIL-101(Al)) is able to effectively improve the fire safety of EP at low additions (3 wt. %). The LOI value of EP/IL@NH₂-MIL-101(Al) increased to 29.8%. The cone calorimeter results showed a decreased heat release rate (51.2%), smoke production rate (37.8%), and CO release rate (44.8%) of EP/IL@NH₂-MIL-101(Al) with respect to those of neat EP. This strategy can be extended to design other advanced materials for flame retardant.

Phosphorus-Graphene Nanosheet Hybrids as Lithium-Ion Anode with Exceptional High-Temperature Cycling Stability

A red phosphorus-graphene nanosheet hybrid is reported as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Graphene nanosheets form a sea-like, highly electronically conductive matrix, where the island-like phosphorus particles are dispersed. Benefiting from this structure and properties of phosphorus, the hybrid delivers high initial capacity and exhibits promising retention at 60 °C.