The electrolyte is a crucial part of any lithium battery, strongly affecting longevity and safety. It has to survive rather severe conditions, not the least at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces. Current commercial electrolytes based on 1 M LiPF 6 in a mixture of organic solvents balance the requirements on conductivity and electrochemical stability, but they are volatile and degrade when operated at temperatures above ca. 70°C. The salt could potentially be replaced with e.g. LiTFSI, but corrosion of the aluminium current collector is an issue. Replacing the graphite negative electrode by Li metal for large gains in energy density challenges the electrolyte further by exposing it to freshly deposited Li, leading to poor coulombic efficiency (CE) and consumption of both Li and electrolyte. Highly concentrated electrolytes (up to > 4 M) have emerged as a possible remedy, by a changed solvation structure such that all solvent molecules are coordinated to cations – leading to a lowered volatility and melting point, an increased charge carrier density and electrochemical stability, but a higher viscosity and a lower ionic conductivity. Here two approaches to highly concentrated electrolytes are evaluated. First, LiTFSI and acetonitrile electrolytes with respect to increased electrochemical stability and in particular the passivating solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the anode is studied using electrochemical techniques and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Second, lowering the liquidus temperature by high salt concentration is utilized to create an electrolyte solely of LiTFSI and ethylene carbonate, tested for application in Li metal batteries by characterizing the morphology of plated Li using scanning electron microscopy and the CE by galvanostatic polarization. While the first approach shows dramatic improvements, the inherent weaknesses cannot be completely avoided, the second approach provides some promising cycling results for Li metal based cells. This points towards further investigations of the SEI, and possibly long-term safe cycling of Li metal anodes. / Elektrolyten är en fundamental del av ett litiumbatteri som starkt påverkar livslängden och säkerheten. Den måste utstå svåra förhållanden, inte minst vid gränsytan mot elektroderna. Dagens kommersiella elektrolyter är baserade på 1 M LiPF 6 i en blandning av organiska lösningsmedel. De balanserar kraven på elektrokemisk stabilitet och jonledningsförmåga, men de är lättflyktiga och bryts ned när de används vid temperaturer över ca. 70°C. Saltet skulle kunna bytas ut mot t.ex. LiTFSI, vilket ökar värmetåligheten avsevärt, men istället uppstår problem med korrosion på den strömsamlare av aluminium som används för katoden. Genom att byta ut grafitanoden i ett Li-jonbatteri mot en folie av litiummetall kan man öka energitätheten, men då litium pläteras bildas ständigt nya Li-ytor som kan reagera med elektrolyten. Detta leder till en låg coulombisk effektivitet genom nedbrytning av både Li och elektrolyt. Högkoncentrerade elektrolyter har en mycket hög saltkoncentration, ofta över 4 M, och har lags fram som en möjlig lösning på många av de problem som plågar denna och nästa generations batterier. Dessa elektrolyter har en annorlunda lösningsstruktur, sådan att alla lösningsmedelsmolekyler koordinerar till katjoner – vilket leder till att de blir mindre lättflyktiga, får en ökad täthet av laddningsbärare, och en ökad elektrokemisk stabilitet. Samtidigt får de en högre viskositet och lägre jonledningsförmåga. Här har två angreppssätt för högkoncentrerade elektrolyter utvärderats. I det första har acetonitril, som har begränsad elektrokemisk stabilitet och ett högt ångtryck, blandats med LiTFSI för en uppsättning av elektrolyter med varierande koncentration. Dessa har testats i Li-jonbatterier och i synnerhet den passiverande ytan på grafitelektroder har undersökts med både röntgen-fotoelektronspektroskopi (XPS) och elektrokemiska metoder. En markant förbättring av den elektrokemiska stabiliteten observeras, men de inneboende bristerna hos elektrolyten kan inte kompenseras fullständigt, vilket skapar tvivel på hur väl detta kan fungera i en kommersiell cell. Med det andra angreppssättet har hög saltkoncentration nyttjats för sänka smältpunkten för en elektrolyt baserad på etylenkarbonat, som annars inte kan används som enda lösningsmedel. Dessa elektrolyter har testats för användning i Limetall-batterier genom långtidstest, mätning av den coulombiska effektiviteten och analys av deponerade Li-ytor med svepelektronmikroskop. Resultaten är lovande, med över 250 cykler på 0.5 mAh/cm2 och en effektivitet på över 94%, men framförallt observeras en mycket jämnare deponerad Li-yta, vilket kan möjliggöra säker cykling av Li-metall-batterier. Ett logiskt nästa steg är studier av Liytan med t.ex. XPS för att utröna vad som skiljer den från ytan som bildats i en 1 M referenselektrolyt.

The goal of this thesis is to generate fundamental understandings of charge transport behaviors of composites consisting of garnet structured Al substituted Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) electrolyte and LiCoO2 electrode. In order to take full advantage of all-solid-state batteries, bulk type composite electrodes should be introduced to increase energy and power density. However, the charge utilization of bulk type composite electrodes is quite low. Understanding ionic conduction behavior is, therefore, important for improving the performance of all-solid-state batteries, because ion conduction within solids depends on effective pathways. Electronic conductivity can be easily compensated by adding carbon black, but ionic conductivity can only depend on composites electrode itself. Here, we show that electronic and ionic conductivities of composites consisting of LiCoO2 and Al doped LLZO can be achieved separately. 3D reconstructed image obtained from focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM) demonstrates that porosity, percolation, and grain boundaries often play antagonistic roles in controlling the charge transport behaviors in the composite electrodes, resulting in an overall conductivity dominated by electrons. This work suggests an approach to optimize electronic and ionic conductivities for bulk type composite electrodes, which may eventually be utilized in all-solid-state batteries.

The complete understanding of a clusters electronic structure, the primary mechanisms for its properties and stabilization is necessary in order to functionalize them for use as building blocks within novel materials. First principle theoretical studies have been carried out upon the electronic properties of CrxTey (x = 1 – 6, y = 0 – 8, x + y ≤ 14), as well as for the larger triethylphosphine (PEt3) ligated cluster system of Cr6Te8(PEt3)6. Together, we aim to use the information garnered from the smaller clusters to address the underlying behavior of the ligated Cr6Te8(PEt3)6. Additionally, the properties of this larger cluster will be used to further understand its role when paired with C60 within the binary cluster assembled material. The stability and macroscopic properties of the Cr6Te8(PEt3)6 cluster, have been found to be sensitive to type of passivating ligand. As will be shown, the ground state structures of Crn atoms are sensitive to both the number and position of bonded Te atoms. Moreover, that this sensitivity carries over into larger cluster sizes, and at several size intervals produces clusters with high magnetization. To this, we add the investigation into the manipulation of the Cr6Te8 cluster geometry and its properties through various ligands, such as PH3, CO, and CN. It will show, that in altering these ligands there is a modification to the clusters valence shell count, which in turn alters its ionization potential and electron affinity. Additionally, although the ionization potential and electron affinity have changed for the Cr6Te8(PEt3)6 cluster, it has been found that its high magnetization does not.

EPDM and R-EPDM granules are used as infill on all of the artificial football fields in Uppsala. The aim of the study was to establish possible health risks related to the infill for players on artificial turf in Uppsala. Furthermore the aim was to investigate the possible ecotoxicological effect on surrounding waterways by the infill material. A comparative analysis concerning health and ecotoxicological effects for these materials was carried out. Eight different granules from the artificial turf in Uppsala was collected and analysed using TGA. The TGA results were modelled in two different scenarios to show possible air concentrations of 100-300 µg/m3 VOC over artificial football fields with EPDM granules. Calculations based on the tolerable daily dose of substances found in the granules were carried out. The conclusions of the study shows that the EPDM granules used today are safe from a health perspective. SBR granules from recycled tires does not constitute to any health risks either. The ecotoxicological risk for surrounding waterways is low. EPDM is less cost and energy efficient compared to SBR from recycled tires. Reduction of granular spill is very important from an environmental and cost point of view, regardless of the choice of material for artificial turf.

EPDM and R-EPDM granules are used as infill on all of the artificial football fields in Uppsala. The aim of the study was to establish possible health risks related to the infill for players on artificial turf in Uppsala. Furthermore the aim was to investigate the possible ecotoxicological effect on surrounding waterways by the infill material. A comparative analysis concerning health and ecotoxicological effects for these materials was carried out. Eight different granules from the artificial turf in Uppsala was collected and analysed using TGA. The TGA results were modelled in two different scenarios to show possible air concentrations of 100-300 µg/m3 VOC over artificial football fields with EPDM granules. Calculations based on the tolerable daily dose of substances found in the granules were carried out. The conclusions of the study shows that the EPDM granules used today are safe from a health perspective. SBR granules from recycled tires does not constitute to any health risks either. The ecotoxicological risk for surrounding waterways is low. EPDM is less cost and energy efficient compared to SBR from recycled tires. Reduction of granular spill is very important from an environmental and cost point of view, regardless of the choice of material for artificial turf.

Permanent magnets are classified as hard magnetic materials with the main purpose of generating flux for applications such as electric motors, turbines, and hard drives. High coercivity, magnetic remanence, and saturation values with high stability are some of the requirements for permanent magnets. Rare-earth magnets including neodymium and samarium based magnets are known to have superior magnetic properties due to their high magnetocrystalline anisotropy. However, due to the price of rare-earth materials development of alternate permanent magnets composed of inexpensive materials is an ongoing process. Previously cobalt carbide (CoxC) have shown promise as a potential rare-earth free magnet alternative with magnetic properties comparable to that of hexaferrite materials. Unfortunately, CoxC magnets have a low magnetic saturation (50 emu g-1) which drastically lowers its energy product. Alternatively, iron carbide has a rather high bulk magnetization value of 140 emu g-1 and is composed of naturally abundant materials. The sole issue of iron carbide is that it is considered an intermediate magnet with properties between those of a hard and a soft magnetic material. The main focus of this work is the enhancement of the hard magnetic properties of iron carbide through size effect, shape anisotropy, magnetocrystalline anisotropy and exchange anisotropy. First a wet synthesis method was developed which utilized hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride to control particle size, shape, and crystal structure to manipulate the magnetic properties of iron carbide. With this method a semi-hard 50 nm orthorhombic Fe3C phase and a magnetically soft single crystal hexagonal Fe7C3 structure with texture-induced magnetic properties were developed. The properties for both materials were further enhanced through formation of exchange bias Fe3C/CoO nanoaggregates and spring exchange coupling of the ferromagnetically hard and soft phases of Fe7C3/SrFe12O19. A 33% increase in coercivity was observed at room temperature for the antiferro/ferromagnetic Fe3C/CoO in comparison to the bare Fe3C. While iron carbide enhanced the magnetic saturation and remanence of strontium ferrite. This work concludes that with further development of iron carbide nanocomposites they may be employed as future alternative permanent magnets.

Exposure to arsenic (As) in water, the ubiquitous toxin that poses adverse health risks to tens of millions, is the result of both anthropogenic and geochemical mobilization. Despite recent publicity and an increased public awareness, the dangers associated with arsenic exposure rank among the top priorities of public health agencies globally. Existing sequestration applications mainly include reductions and adsorption with zero-valent metals and their oxides. The performance of adsorption media is known to preferentially favor aqueous As(V) over As(III) due to the charge of the dissolved oxyanion. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) have been the focus of multidisciplinary research efforts for the removal of aqueous toxic metals and metalloids since they can be magnetically separated from the treated water. This improves isolation and allows for regeneration of the MNP, reducing cost and resource consumption. This research is focused on As(III & V) sequestration through the use of synthetic ligands N,N’bis(2-mercaptoethyl)isophthalamide (abbreviated BDTH2) and 2,2’- (isophthaloybis(azanaediyl))bis-3-mercaptopropanoic acid (abbreviated ABDTH2). Additionally, As(III) sequestration with ABDTH2 functionalized on silica core-shell MNP (ABDTH2 MNP), magnetite MNP (ABDTH2@MNP), and commercial silica beads (ABDTH2 Si60) is demonstrated. Both BDTH2 and ABDTH2are effective precipitation agents for the removal of As(III) through the formation of S-As covalent bonds. ABDTH2MNP reduced a 200 ppb As(III) batch solution to below 10 ppb at pH 5,7, and 9. Additionally, complete removal was achieved in the presence of anions at concentrations of 200, 500, and 1000 ppb. This system was evaluated for the removal of total arsenic from industrial solutions accumulated during the production of renewable biogas in landfills. Direct precipitation with BDTH2 and ABDTH2 was inhibited by the complex matrix. However, batch removal with ABDTH2@MNP was effective in removing 82% of the inorganic arsenic. Sequestration of arsenic and speciation from these industrial solutions remains a challenge.

The use of porous sorbents for physisorptive capture of CO2 from gas mixtures has been deemed attractive due to the low energy penalty associated with recycling of such materials. Porous organic polymers (POPs) have emerged as promising candidates with potential in the treatment of pre- and post- fuel combustion processes to separate CO2 from gas mixtures. Concurrently, significant advances have been made in establishing calculation methods that evaluate the practicality of porous sorbents for targeted gas separation applications. However, these methods rely on single gas adsorption isotherms without accounting for the dynamic gas mixtures encountered in real-life applications. To this end, the design and application of a dynamic gas mixture breakthrough apparatus to assess the CO2 separation performance of a new class of heteroatom (N and O) doped porous carbons derived from a Pyrazole precursor from flue gas mixtures is presented. Here in, two new benzimidazole linked polymers (BILPs) have been designed and synthesized. These polymers display high surface while their imidazole functionality and microporous nature resulted in high CO2 uptakes and isosteric heat of adsorption (Qst). BILP-30 displayed very good selectivity for CO2 in flue gas while BILP-31 was superior in CO­2 separation from landfill gas mixtures at 298 K and 1 bar. Additionally, a new POP incorporating a highly conjugated pyrene core into a polymer framework linked by azo-bonds is presented. Azo-Py displays a nanofibrous morphology induced by the π-π stacking of the electron rich pyrene core. Due to its high surface area and microporous nature, Azo-Py displays impressive CO2 uptakes at 298 K and 1 bar. Evaluation of the S value for CO2 separation of Azo-Py revealed competitive values for flue gas and landfill gas at 298 K and 1 bar. Finally, a highly cross-linked benzimidazole linked polymer, BILP-4, was successfully incorporated into Matrimid® polymer to form a series of new mixed matrix membranes. The surface functionality of BILP-4 was exploited to enhance the interaction with Matrimid® polymer matrix to produce robust MMMs which displayed significantly improved CO2 gas permeabilities and ideal selectivities for CO2/N2.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Chemistry / Peter M. Sherwood / This work is a detailed study of the interaction between two phosphorous-containing acids and the metals chromium and 316L stainless steel. The objective of this work is to investigate the formation of unique thin films on the two metals and to probe the surface chemistry of these films through the use of core level and valence band X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Chromium forms a wide array of oxides and can exist at several valencies. Valence band XPS is used in conjunction with band structure and multiple scattered wave X[alpha] calculations to distinguish which states are present in the resultant films. Both 99.99% chromium and 316L stainless steel foils were treated with orthophosphoric acid and 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, otherwise known as etidronic acid. Two methods developed in the Sherwood research laboratory for forming oxide-free films on metal surfaces are utilized in this work. Core level XPS results did not provide sufficient information to draw conclusions regarding the products formed in the reactions. The valence band results showed clear evidence of multiple forms of phosphates forming on the metal surfaces as evidenced by the subtle differences in separation between the phosphorous 3p and 3s peaks as well as differences in separation between the O2s and phosphorous 3s peaks. The Valence Band XPS results were interpreted by X-[alpha] cluster and band structure calculations. Films formed on chromium foil from the orthophosphoric acid were found to be condensed phosphates that are stable in air. Etidronic acid formed very thin phosphate films on chromium with both treatment methods as well as on 316L stainless steel when the bench top method was applied. Treatment of etched 316L steel in the anaerobic cell generated an etidronate film. This sample was the only etidronate film formed, all other etidronate-based films were generated from disassembled portions of the etidronate ion to form phosphate films.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are small pieces of graphene oxide whose physical dimensions are so confined (a few to a few tens nm) that they have a finite bandgap due to a quantum confinement effect. The finite bandgap of GQDs grants them pronounced absorption bands and a substantial photoluminescence. These optical properties are rarely observed in traditional carbon materials, since most of carbon materials are metallic with a near-zero bandgap and thus have broad absorption spectra with no photoluminescence. The unique optical properties of GQDs, along with GQDs’ inherited advantages from carbon material family (cheap, abundant, non-toxic), make GQDs an attractive material for various applications such as bio-imaging, photoinduced therapy, chemical and metal ion sensors, and photovoltaic devices. Despite of their great potential, several great challenges need to be overcome to enable wider applications. One challenge is the fact that GQDs prepared by typical chemical methods possess significant inhomogeneity, so the precise control of the dimension and surface functionalities is very difficult. Due to the inhomogeneity of GQDs in terms of dimensions and surface functionalities, it is challengeable to establish a precise structure-property relationship. As of today, it is still under debate how surface functional groups of GQDs are responsible for the photoluminescence mechanism, photophysics, and photochemistry. This dissertation is mainly to provide a dedicated study about the photoluminescence mechanism and structure-property relations of GQDs.