Development of Kovacs model for electrical conductivity of carbon nanofiber-polymer systems

This study develops a model for electrical conductivity of polymer carbon nanofiber (CNF) nanocomposites (PCNFs), which includes two steps. In the first step, Kovacs model is developed to consider the CNF, interphase and tunneling regions as dissimilar zones in the system. In the second step, simple equations are expressed to estimate the resistances of interphase and tunnels, the volume fraction of CNF and percolation onset. Although some earlier models were proposed to predict the electrical conductivity of PCNFs, developing of Kovacs model causes a better understanding of the effects of main factors on the nanocomposite conductivity. The developed model is supported by logical influences of all factors on the conductivity and by experimented conductivity of several samples. The calculations show good accordance to the experimented data and all factors rationally manage the conductivity of PCNFs. The highest conductivity of PCNF is gained as 0.019 S/m at the lowest ranges of polymer tunnel resistivity (ρ = 500 Ω m) and tunneling distance (d = 2 nm), whereas the highest levels of these factors (ρ > 3000 Ω m and d > 6 nm) cannot cause a conductive sample. Also, high CNF volume fraction, poor waviness, long and thin CNF, low "k", thick interphase, high CNF conduction, high percentage of percolated CNFs, low percolation onset and high interphase conductivity cause an outstanding conductivity in PCNF.

2D Silicate Materials for Composite Polymer Electrolytes

Two-dimensional (2D) silicate materials have become one of the promising candidates for constructing composite polymer electrolytes due to their advantages of low cost, high stability, good mechanical property, high ionic conductivity and potential to inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites. However, the application of 2D silicate materials in composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) is still at the infancy stage and facing a lot of challenges. In this minireview, we summarize the structures and properties of 2D silicate materials that have been applied in CPEs, the processing methods of composite electrolytes based on 2D silicates, and the recent process of 2D silicate materials in CPEs. We hope this review could present a general overview of the 2D silicates for CPEs and promote the further study for potential applications.