Ionic polymer-metal nanocomposites

Implantable Heart-Assist and Compression Devices Employing an Active Network of Electrically-Controllable Ionic Polymer-Metal Nanocomposites... 

Two active species such as a free radical and a hydrated electron generated during y-irradiation were used in preparing polymer nanocomposites. Various polymer-clay nanocomposites using y-ray polymerization of the desired monomers can be prepared in a one-step process at room temperature and ambient pressure. The polymer-clay nanocomposites have enhanced moduK, decreased thermal expansion coefficients, reduced gas permeabiUty and increased ionic conductivity. Precious metals have been studied most extensively among polymer-metal nanocomposites and used as catalysts in sensors, photochromic and electrochromic devices and recording materials. Various functional groups can be introduced on the CNT surface by y-irradiation polymerization as a one-step process. The polymer-CNT nanocomposites can be used as supports to immobilize biomolecules in biosensors. 

A polymer electrolyte with acceptable conductivity, mechanical properties and electrochemical stability has yet to be developed and commercialized on a large scale. The main issues which are still to be resolved for a completely successful operation of these materials are the reactivity of their interface with the lithium metal electrode and the decay of their conductivity at temperatures below 70 °C. Croce et al. found an effective approach for reaching both of these goals by dispersing low particle size ceramic powders in the polymer electrolyte bulk. They claimed that this new nanocomposite polymer electrolytes had a very stable lithium electrode interface and an enhanced ionic conductivity at low temperature. combined with good mechanical properties. Fan et al. has also developed a new type of composite electrolyte by dispersing fumed silica into low to moderate molecular weight PEO. 

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