The reduction of the diameter of the 1D materials from 1000 nm by the factor of 10-100 can dramatically increase their mechanical properties. In particular, the Al2O3 1D materials with the diameters of the sub 50 nm are believed to exhibit superior tensile strength and modulus, as predicted theoretically (tensile strength 20 GPa), which is of tremendous importance to the field of engineered composites, especially taking into account availability of alumina, its lightweight and low cost. However, the synthesis of ceramic 1D materials embraces outstanding challenges with the use of complicated reaction techniques. Here, we demonstrate an unexpected discovery of the synthesis of metal-organic Al and Mg alkoxide NWs with tunable diameters (40-1000 nm) and high aspect ratios (1,000+) upon exposure of bulk bimetallic Al-Li or Mg-Li alloys to alcohols at ambient temperatures and pressures without the use of any catalysts, porous templates, corrosive chemicals or external stimuli. We demonstrate the conversion of metal-organic Al and Mg alkoxide NWs to the corresponding ceramic Al2O3 and MgO NWs upon heating. We demonstrate the crucial parameters of the controllable growth of the metal-organic NWs, such as the composition of the alloy, molecular structure of the NWs, and the strain energy minimization of alloy grains at the reactive interface. By utilizing the solution and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, we provide sufficient characterization rigor of the molecular structure of the metal-organic NWs. We will also demonstrate the technology of the replacement of conventional polymer separators for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) by thermally stable, flexible, and wettable binder-free Al2O3 NWs fabric.

Transformation of bulk alloys to inorganic nanowires

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.