Topical Presentation:    

Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites Used in Lithium Rechargeable Systems   

 
Speaker:     Dr. Giselle Sandi         
Chemistry Division
Argonne National Laboratory

Please Note:   Our originally scheduled speaker has had to cancel and Dr. Sandi has graciously agreed to speak in his place.


Date: Friday, November 21, 2003
Location:   Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, The English Room
(Same as main meeting)
  Times:
Topical Group: 5:30-6:30 P.M.
Social Hour: 6:00- 7:00 P.M.
Dinner: 7:00 P.M.
Meeting: 8:00 P.M.

Abstract:

Nanocomposites containing PEO intercalated in the layers of hectorite clays have been prepared and characterized for use in lithium rechargeable systems. In hectorite, isomorphous substitutions in the lattice of Li(I) for Mg (II) in the octahedral layers cause an overall negative charge that is compensated by the presence of interlayer cations. A significant amount of interlayer water is also present and the cations are easily exchangeable. A large degree of preferential orientation in films prepared by natural occurring clays tends to occur, however, due to their large platelet size (up to 1 µm). This can lead to non-conducting planes being perpendicular to the current path and thus reduce the conductivity. To avoid this problem, a method was followed which involves direct hydrothermal synthesis and crystallization of hectorite with smaller platelet size, termed synthetic lithium hectorite (SLH). Organic molecules can be either incorporated directly from the gel or by subsequent intercalation. Electrochemical characterization indicates that these nanocomposites exhibit excellent conductivity at room temperature, making them good candidates for hybrid systems.

Biography:

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS Research and development of new materials used for energy storage and rechargeable systems. Responsibilities include the synthesis, physical, chemical, and electrochemical determination of novel materials.

Dr. Sandi was educated in San José, Costa Rica, and received her Ph.D. in electrochemistry from Northiern Illinois University in DeKalb.

Included among her awards are:
  • Electrochemical Society Award. Sensors Workshop of the Electrochemical Society, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. 1992.
  • Invited book chapters in Recent Research Developments in Electroanalytical Chemistry (1999) and Lithium-Ion Batteries: Solid-Electrolyte Interphase (2003).
  • Distinguished Nominee for the HENAAC 2003 Award for Excellence in Science and Engineering. July 1, 2003.






Updated 11/16/03