As the CEO of RoCo, a small research company focused on ionic liquids of just four dedicated individuals, this holiday season offers the perfect moment to pause and reflect on a year that has been as challenging as it has been rewarding. When 2024 began, I truly believed that RoCo might not survive. Broken equipment, financial uncertainty, and personal health struggles loomed large. But today, as I look back, I see a year defined by resilience, growth, and the incredible power of relationships.

Navigating a World in Crisis

This year wasn’t just shaped by internal challenges; the world around us felt heavy. The ongoing war in Ukraine and the devastating conflict in Gaza reminded us daily of the fragility of peace and the interconnectedness of global systems. These crises reverberated through the supply chain, created economic pressures, and made us acutely aware of our own vulnerabilities. Yet, they also underscored the importance of our work. As a company rooted in innovation and sustainability, we feel a deep responsibility to contribute solutions to global challenges, no matter how small our role may seem.

The Challenges of January

Closer to home, we faced uncertainty. Equipment failures and mounting financial pressures cast a long shadow, and I wasn’t sure we’d make it through the first quarter. Yet, even in those dark times, our team’s unwavering commitment was a light. Ken Medlin, our laboratory manager, exemplified this spirit. His steadfast belief in RoCo’s mission—and in me—gave me the strength to keep going. Leadership isn’t about never feeling doubt; it’s about showing up even when doubt is overwhelming.

A Pivotal February

February brought a lifeline: a major sale of ionic liquids. This single event gave us the breathing room to push forward. Without it, I’m not sure we would have survived. That sale wasn’t just about numbers; it was a validation of the hard work and trust that defines RoCo.

Turning Points and Triumphs

As the year progressed, optimism—a trait both my greatest strength and occasional fault—proved invaluable. We secured two NASA subaward contracts for the development of groundbreaking ionic liquid technologies. Our sales tripled year over year, bolstered by strong relationships with major corporations and our trusted partner, IoLiTec GmbH.

We also welcomed Clarissa Crafton, a talented Carnegie Mellon graduate, to our team, strengthening our capabilities in polymer recycling. Her fresh perspective and expertise brought new energy to our work. Additionally, we maximized our laboratory space, expanding into new services and securing funding from the Mattress Recycling Council to explore innovative recycling processes.

The Power of Relationships

If there’s a single theme that defines 2024, it’s this: relationships matter. Our partnerships with Rochester Institute of Technology and Prof. Carlos Diaz have been instrumental in our success. Collaborating with Faraday and being part of the USRIA cohort opened new doors, reaffirming that strong connections are the foundation of any journey. Whether it’s with team members, partners, or customers, these bonds make every struggle and success worthwhile.

Investing in the Future

With the momentum we built, we invested in new equipment, including state-of-the-art Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Thermogravimetric Analysis units. These tools will allow us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation, particularly in carbon composites using our ionic liquid technologies.

Looking Ahead

When 2024 began, I feared for the future—not just for RoCo, but for the world. The conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, economic uncertainty, and global polarization weighed heavily on my mind. Yet, through it all, I’ve found hope. These challenges have taught me that even in the darkest moments, there is light to be found in the strength of a committed team, the support of valued partners, and the resilience of an idea worth fighting for.

To everyone who has been part of our journey—our team, partners, and customers—thank you. As we step into 2025, I look forward to continuing this incredible journey together.

What challenges have you overcome this year? Who has been your greatest support?

Happy holidays to all,
Batool Nulwala
CEO, RoCo

Ionic liquids have transformative potential across industries, particularly in green solvents and liquid electrolytes development. Our advances in polymer composites and ionic liquids have been lately focused on developing sustainable polymer recycling solutions.

First, ionic liquids are not liquids in the traditional sense. Yes, they flow, but something that flows doesn’t make it a liquid. The name ionic liquids has caught on, so we will stick with it. However, I want to clarify that they should not be considered, treated or thought of as liquids. Ionic liquids are highly ordered, flowing solids. I want to clarify this before jumping into applications. They are just the coolest class of materials there are.

Figure: 1: As the chain length of the ionic liquid increases specific structures are formed mainly due to segregation.

Di Cola’s work on 1-alkyl-3-methyl imidazolium Cl salts shows nanometer-scale structures, as observed using X-ray diffraction. The size of these structures depends on the length of the alkyl chains. This supports molecular simulations that suggest alkyl chains tend to group and then likely form clusters of ionic moieties, resulting in nanostructures. The size of these structures changes with temperature. However, above its glass transition temperature Tg , the behavior becomes very complex. These findings offer insights into room-temperature ionic liquids’ unique physical and chemical properties.

It is well known that ionic interactions are orders of magnitude stronger than Van der Waals interactions and it gives insight into the very low vapor pressure of these materials. That said as these are very strong interactions, we can design systems that improve materials’ properties overall and open a new frontier in material science. At RoCo, we enjoy working with ionic liquids; the structural flexibility of these materials excites us.

Indeed, ionic liquids reshape industrial processes by offering non-toxic, sustainable, and highly effective solutions for persistent corrosion prevention and polymer recycling challenges. Dr. Hunaid Nulwala and Ms. Nulwala recently shared their technical work about RoCo® and LumiShield at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The polymer work was carried out in collaboration with Prof. Carlos Diaz, with funding from the US Department of Energy, to create the next generation of compatibilizers. These ionic liquid solvents have transformative potential across industries, particularly in green solvents and liquid electrolytes development.

Our advances in polymer composites and ionic liquids structure support sustainable polymer recycling solutions.

Collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology has been pivotal for our entrepreneurship initiatives to commercialize sustainable solutions. Lets now look at the problem of polymeric blends.

The Problem: Polymers Don’t Mix — An Entropy and Enthalpy Perspective

The immiscibility of most polymers is a balance play between entropy and enthalpy contributions, as described by the Gibbs free energy of mixing:

∆𝐺𝑚𝑖𝑥 = ∆𝐻𝑚𝑖𝑥 − 𝑇∆𝑆𝑚𝑖𝑥
Where:
∆𝐺𝑚𝑖𝑥: Gibbs free energy of mixing
∆𝐻𝑚𝑖𝑥 : Enthalpy of mixing
∆𝑆𝑚𝑖𝑥: Entropy of mixing
𝑇: Temperature

For polymers to mix, they must be negative. However, in most cases, this condition is not met due to the following factors:

1. Low Entropy of Mixing ∆𝑆𝑚𝑖𝑥:

Entropy is the measure of randomness or disorder in a system. For small
molecules, mixing significantly increases entropy because the molecules can distribute freely among one another. This is not the case with polymers. Polymers are bound together so they are difficult to mix. Couple that with the size and the volume they occupy. What this means is that they have few configurations to mix. Hence, there is a very low Entropy of mixing.

Basically, the entropy gained from mixing polymers is negligible due to their size and restricted configurational freedom.

2. Positive Enthalpy of Mixing ∆𝐻𝑚𝑖𝑥

Interactions between polymer molecules when they mix. For most polymers ∆𝐻𝑚𝑖𝑥 The enthalpy of mixing represents the energy change associated with the is positive due to Incompatible Intermolecular Interactions, as most polymers have weak interactions (Van der Waals forces) between their chains. These weaker interactions do not compensate for the energy required to break the stronger self- interactions and the solvent bonds within each polymer type. The bottom line is that both Entropy and Enthalpy favor phase separation.
The combination of a negligible entropy gains and a positive enthalpy of mixing leads to a situation where is positive. This makes the mixing of polymers thermodynamically unfavorable, and they remain immiscible.

Even when we look at similar molecules, such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene (PP), they are not miscible with each other. Overcoming immiscibility is a multi-billion-dollar opportunity.

Implications in Industry

The immiscibility of polymers is a critical challenge in composites, recycling and materials science. In recycling, it limits the ability to reuse mixed polymer waste. One way is to make the interfaces ionic, thus improving the use of ionic bonds and phase segregation to make polymeric blends that provide significant value.

Polymer Recycling with Reactive Ionic Liquids: The ionic liquids developed at RoCo have improved mixed PP/HDPE systems, overcoming both tensile and impact properties. These ionic liquids have transformative potential across industries, particularly in green solvents and liquid electrolytes development. Our advances in polymer composites and ionic liquid’s structure support sustainable polymer recycling solutions.

To build on the theme of ionic liquid as a compatibilizer, RoCo technology works by introducing ionic interaction at the interface of the phase separation and also modifies the polymers.

Figure 2: Introducing Ionic moieties at the interface significantly improves the phase separation strength.

Our initial results show that using reactive ionic liquid improves both tensile strength and properties. Our study used 0.5 wt.% ionic liquid, which improved the impact and tensile properties.

improvement in both impact and tensile properties

Figure 3: We see improvement in both impact and tensile properties.

Conclusion:

Ionic liquids offer significant advantages as a compatibilizer. However, this technology is nascent, and RoCo will keep working on this to take it to the market. These ionic liquid solvents have transformative potential across industries, particularly in green solvents and liquid electrolytes development.

If you develop battery technology, the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), together with RoCo®, is looking for battery researchers and manufacturers interested in decreasing their carbon footprint in energy storage devices and incorporating state-of-the-art electrolytes and battery salts.

A Sustainable Solution for High-Performance Batteries
In the quest for sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions, recent research led by Dr. Ram Gupta at Pittsburg State University’s National Institute for Materials Advancement (NIMA) funded by MRC has demonstrated that carbon derived from recycled mattress components serves as an excellent feedstock for battery and supercapacitor electrodes. This is a promising alternative to traditional graphite, which has a high carbon footprint.

Innovative Carbon Production Process
The process involves carbonizing mattress foam at temperatures below 900°C, significantly lower than the 3000°C typically required for graphite production. This innovative process recycles mattress foam into a high-performance,high-surface-area electrode material. The carbon derived from this process yields carbon with excellent energy storage and retention properties. The work carried out at NIMA has shown that carbon is comparable in performance to conventional materials, making it a viable and eco-friendly alternative.

Electrochemical Stability and Efficiency
The research highlights the electrochemical stability of devices made from recycled mattress materials. Tested devices show stability up to 10,000 charge-discharge cycles and nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency. The use of different electrolytes, including aqueous and organic, has further enhanced the performance of these devices.

Applications in Li-S Batteries
One of the most significant advancements from this research is the development of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries using carbon derived from recycled mattressmaterials. Li-S batteries offer a theoretical specific energy of around 2600 Wh/kg, five times higher than conventional Li-ion batteries. The carbon-based materials help mitigate common issues such as the shuttling effect and volume expansion, enhancing the overall performance and stability of Li-S batteries.

Title: Enhancing the Li2S/S Reaction in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: The Role of Halide such as bromide and iodide Incorporation

Summary and Opinion by Hunaid Nulwala Ph.D.

Introduction: Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation energy storage systems due to their high specific energy capacity and density. ​ However, challenges such as sulfur’s insulating nature and the large volume change of S/Li2S during discharge/charge processes hinder the full utilization of sulfur in Li-S batteries. ​

halide on lithium sulfur batteries

Figure 1: The addition of halides in the MOS2 results in improved Lithium Sulfur battery performance.

To overcome these limitations, researchers have been exploring various strategies to improve the Li2S/S reaction and enhance the overall performance of Li-S batteries. One such approach is the incorporation of bromine (Br) and iodine (I) into Li2S with carbon black. This work was quite interesting because halides are known to be found in many ionic liquids. It makes me think that not all halide is likely detrimental, and certainly, there is some synergy. However, the control of halide content is important. The work performed by Wang et al, 1 caught my attention. After ball-milling carbon black and MoS2 with LiI-LiBr, the particle size of MoS2 with LiI-LiBr is reduced. Overall, they observed enhanced electronic conductivity and improved MoS2 reversibility and kinetics.

My thoughts stem from varied research results found in the battery space by various research groups. I firmly believe that halides play a significant role in all energy storage devices that use ionic liquids. I have come to believe that the incorporation of various halides as additives in ionic liquids can significantly improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries.

A note of caution: Significant side reactions can occur. One must think about the whole system, not just the components.

Potential implication of a small amount of halide in a Li-S battery:

  1. Complex Defect Formation: ​ When Br/I is introduced into Li2S, complex defects are formed, including Li vacancies, along with Br-on-S or I-on-S substitutions. ​ These arise due to valence inconsistencies between Br/I and S. The formation of these defects plays a crucial role in enhancing the Li2S/S reaction, this can enhance kinetics.
  2. Reduced Li-S Bond Strength: The complex defects formed by Br/I incorporation reduce the bonding strength of the Li-S bond. ​ In this paper, Crystal Orbital Hamilton Population (COHP) analysis reveals that the bonding state of the Li-S bond around complex defects decreases, leading to a weakened Li-S bond. ​ This weakened bond facilitates the delithiation of Li2S during the discharge process.
  3. Enhanced Li-Ion Conductivity: ​ Incorporating Br/I into Li2S significantly improves ionic conductivity. ​ Li2S typically exhibits low ionic conductivity (10^-13 S cm^-1). ​ However, introducing LiI alone increases the ionic conductivity to 6.4 × 10^-8 S cm^-1 in the Li2S@LiI composite. ​ Furthermore, incorporating the LiI-LiBr compound further enhances the ionic conductivity, resulting in 7 orders of magnitude increase (1.08 × 10^-6 S cm^-1) compared to Li2S. ​One can think about the size of halides. But there is not enough information to guess or provide insight.
  4. Unknown side reactions: Halides are reactive, and if not properly handled, they can result in unwanted side reactions that harm the device and can be a major safety concern. One has to use halides as an additive in a controlled manner.

The authors in this publication also performed Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to support the experimental findings. They show that LiI-LiBr incorporation reduces the formation energy of complex defects in Li2S. The lower formation energy indicates the stability and effectiveness of these complex defects in improving the Li2S/S reaction. ​

Conclusion: Br/I incorporation in Li2S is a promising strategy for enhancing the Li2S/S reaction in lithium-sulfur batteries. ​ The formation of complex defects, the weakened Li-S bond strength, and the improved Li-ion conductivity contribute to the overall improvement in the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries. These advancements bring us closer to realizing the full potential of Li-S batteries as a high-capacity and energy-dense energy storage solution.

Numerous strategies can be incorporated to improve lithium-based batteries. Indeed, controlled impurities of halides other than fluoride can significantly improve battery performance.

At RoCo, we are developing carbon specifically enhanced with ionic liquids to improve battery performance. These materials will be added to our store to be purchased shortly for improving your battery research.

Reference:

(1) Wan, H.; Zhang, B.; Liu, S.; Zhang, J.; Yao, X.; Wang, C. Understanding LiI-LiBr Catalyst Activity for Solid State Li2S/S Reactions in an All-Solid-State Lithium Battery. Nano Lett 2021, 21 (19), 8488–8494. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c03415.

Carbon Blade to Develop Renewable Energy-Powered, Zero-Waste CO2 Removal Systems utilizing RoCo® IP. 

Dateline: PITTSBURGH, PA,  November 6, 2023

RoCo®, an advanced materials company, has recently sold its innovative Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology to Carbon Blade, a California-based firm. The revolutionary DAC technology allows solvent regeneration without heat, which fosters the creation of smaller, renewable energy-powered modules. This represents a significant stride forward in carbon dioxide removal (CDR).

 

Carbon Blade is a climate technology company creating devices to transform global perspectives on CDR. The company is developing innovative, containerized, small-footprint systems that can be deployed virtually anywhere. Powered entirely by renewable energy, these systems will facilitate the capture and removal of CO2 without the need for energy-intensive, centralized removal facilities that require expensive support infrastructure to transport the captured CO2 to sequestration sites. According to Josh Franklin, CEO of Carbon Blade, “The acquisition of this technology is key to achieving our goal of being a disrupter and a price leader in the CDR space.”

 

“The sale of its intellectual property demonstrates RoCo’s® continued dedication to promoting innovative solutions that reduce the cost of carbon capture and contribute to environmental conservation,” said Batool Nulwala, CEO of RoCo®. Furthermore, the company believes this sale will allow both companies to focus on their core competencies, as Carbon Blade is better suited for scaling up the technology.

RoCo®, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, is a leading materials technology innovator focused on developing and scaling sustainable technologies that promote clean air, clean water, clean energy, and a better environment for future generations.

 

Carbon Blade is a California-based climate technology company that develops hardware solutions to capture CO2 directly from the air as a climate mitigation strategy. We believe climate action is the existential challenge for our generation, and the reduction of CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere, both from decarbonization and CDR, is key to success in this endeavor. As such, we develop renewable energy-powered, cost-efficient CDR solutions that can lower atmospheric CO2 concentrations at scale.

 

Media Contact Information:

For RoCo®:

www.roco.global

Phone: 724-315-9170

Email: info@roco.global

 

For Carbon-Blade:

www.carbon-blade.com

Phone: 773-531-8526

Email: Christinia.marc@carbon-blade.com

The ABCs of Ionic Liquids

A is for…Additives. Ionic Liquids have multiple uses as an additive for polymer processing, electrolytes, and antimicrobials.

B is for…Batteries. Ionic liquids hold the potential to overcome the high voltage problems associated with Dual-Ion Batteries and can also be used in the development of metal-free energy storage devices.

C is for…Corrosion inhibitor. Our partner, IoLiTec GmBH, has tested several ionic liquids as promising corrosion inhibitors. In this work, IoLiTec obtained optimal results with several acetate-based ILs.

D is for…Desalination. New research shows that ionic liquids can be used to desalinate seawater. This is critical for solving global water shortages.

E is for…Energy storage applications. At RoCo®, we have worked with industry giants in battery chemistry and developed electropolymerized ionic liquids to form SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interphase) layers. These materials can improve the SEI layer and significantly improve the safety of lithium-ion batteries.

F is for…Fuel cells. Multiple ionic liquids have found uses as an electrolyte in fuel cells.

G is for…Green Solvent. Ionic liquids are considered more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional solvents due to their low toxicity and ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds. They can be used as greener replacements for volatile organic solvents in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and materials. ILs can be made from amino acids, which can be non-toxic.

H is for…Hydrophobic or Hydrophilic. ILs can be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic, depending on their chemical structure. The number of possible ionic liquids that can be accessed synthetically is estimated to be 1018. That is a huge number! Commercially, you can buy ~1000 ILs.

I is for…Imidazolium. This class of Ionic Liquids is just one of many, but one of the most popular, due to their wide variety of applications.

J is for…Joule. It is the unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI). The use of ILs can save significant Joules in terms of energy consumption. That directly translates to $$

K is for…Potassium (K). Ionic Liquids have found applications in Potassium-Ion Batteries(KIB). Potassium-ion batteries are noteworthy for their abundant raw materials, high energy density, fast ion transport in the electrolyte, and lower cost. An advantage of potassium-ion batteries is that they can use more inexpensive and abundant materials such as potassium, iron, and aluminum instead of expensive ones like lithium, cobalt, and copper. Additionally, KIBs have a lower fire risk than lithium batteries, making them a safer option.

L is for…Lubricants. In recent years, ILs have found new applications as an additive to lubricants due to their strong adsorption properties.

M is for…Metal Salts. Metal Salts, specifically Lithium, are becoming very popular. These products have a variety of uses, including battery applications and energy storage.

N is for…Non-Volatile. One property of ILs is that they are non-volatile, meaning they do not disperse VOC (volatile organic compounds) into the atmosphere. ILs are being used to develop to produce O2 in space applications using lunar regolith.

O is for…Organic. The structure of an Ionic Liquid is an organic cation combined with either an organic or inorganic anion. ILs have found use in organic synthesis.

P is for…Polarity. ILs are polar and non-polar groups coupled together. This coupling of polar and non-polar groups together gives them unique solubility properties.

Q is for… Quinine. Quinine is a medication used to treat malaria and babesiosis. There have been six ionic liquids synthesized from a Quinine base. Who knows what applications they may bring?

R is for…RoCo. Our company has years of expertise in researching and developing ionic liquids, and we can create customizable ILs and Poly ILs. We are also the North American supplier of IoLiTec GmbH.

S is for…Sensors. Ionic liquid-based skin sensors are an emerging type of pressure sensor capable of perceiving external stimuli of pressure, strain, and torsion and turning them into electrical signals. These ionic liquid sensors can be encapsulated in silicone and worn directly. When connected with smart devices, it effectively expands the ability of human beings to perceive and evaluate the external environment.

T is for…Thermal stability. Their thermal stability makes them ideal for various industries, such as energy storage, catalysis, and electrochemistry.

U is for…Upcycling. RoCo® is committed to finding a solution to Polypropylene (PP) Recycling by developing innovative technologies that will aid in upcycling PP. Over 80 million metric tons of PP were made in 2021, and less than 2% was recycled. We are currently working on an ionic compatibilizer that is halide-free, non-toxic, and miscible with polyolefins, which make PP resilient to contaminants. This results in the upcycling of PP upon recycling.

V is for…Vapor pressure. Traditional solvents can easily evaporate into the air, while ionic liquids remain in the liquid state even under atmospheric conditions due to their negligible vapor pressure.

W is for…Wide liquid range. Unlike most substances that have a specific melting and boiling point, ionic liquids can exist as liquids over a broad temperature range. Their liquid range can extend from below -100°C to well above 200°C, depending on the specific composition of the ionic liquid.

X is for… X-ray scattering. Small-angle X-ray scattering is an ideal technique for examining the structures of ILs due to its ability to review a relatively large sample volume. Scientists have found nano-scale segregation in ionic liquids using X-ray techniques.

Y is for…Ylide. Ylides are neutral dipolar molecules containing a negatively charged atom directly attached to a positively charged heteroatom. Phosphonium ylides are used in the Wittig reaction, a method used to convert ketones and especially aldehydes to alkenes. Ylides are a bit crazy 😊

Z is for…Zwitterion. A zwitterion is a molecule that contains both positively and negatively charged functional groups. These molecules are being used in a novel class of ILs for use in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

 

 

Rethinking Power: The Rise of Sodium(Na-ion) and Potassium (PIB) Batteries and the Need for U.S. Engagement 

Blog By Hunaid Nulwala, Ph.D 

Lithium-ion batteries have long been the standard for energy storage, powering a vast array of devices from smartphones to electric vehicles and the electric grid. However, lithium’s limited availability and exorbitant cost are causing significant concerns in the supply chain. Fortunately, promising alternatives such as Sodium-ion (Na-ion) and Potassium-ion (PIB) batteries can effectively address lithium shortages and be a dependable option for large-scale energy storage. 

Sodium-Ion Batteries: A Bright Prospect 

Na-ion batteries are a more affordable and widely available alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Due to their similar electrochemistry, they are becoming an increasingly popular choice. The abundance of sodium makes these batteries an even better option. Over the past ten years, Na-ion batteries have made significant progress and can replace lithium-ion batteries in specific applications, such as stationary storage. 

Chinese companies and automakers have made impressive progress in developing sodium-ion battery technology. JAC Motors, a Chinese automaker, recently revealed a vehicle powered by a 25-kilowatt-hour sodium-ion battery produced by HiNa Battery. The car can travel up to 250 kilometers (155 miles) on a single charge. CATL, China’s biggest EV (Electric Vehicle) battery maker, has also developed a sodium-ion battery for use in a Chery vehicle. 

Scientists are working on developing anode-free sodium (Na) metal batteries that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The goal is to create energy storage systems comparable to lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density and safety while reducing environmental impact. With their low cost, high safety, broad temperature range, and sustainability, these Na metal batteries have the potential to become a viable commercial option. 

 

Potassium-Ion Batteries: Full of Potential 

Potassium-ion batteries are noteworthy for their abundant raw materials, high energy density, fast ion transport in the electrolyte, and lower cost. An advantage of potassium-ion batteries is that they can use more inexpensive and abundant materials such as potassium, iron, and aluminum instead of expensive ones like lithium, cobalt, and copper. Additionally, PIBs have a lower fire risk than lithium batteries, making them a safer option. 

To give you a visual, here is a handy comparison of ionic and conductivity among potassium, sodium, and lithium: 

Table 1: Difference in ionic radius, stokes radius, and ionic conductivity. 1 

Information Table of Potassium and Sodium Batteries vs Lithium 

Adopting sodium-ion and potassium-ion batteries could significantly lessen the demand for lithium, cobalt, and nickel, freeing up these resources for next-generation high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. Potassium (K+) is larger than sodium (Na+) and lithium (Li+); therefore, it has a lower charge density. However, let’s consider its transport behavior, as shown in Table 1. K+ has the lowest energy of solvation/desolvation of the three, as reported by Okoshi.2  This lower energy enables a fast desolvation process at the electrode-electrolyte interface with beneficial effects on rate capability. In LIBs, Abe et al. demonstrated that one of the critical rate-limiting processes of Li intercalation into the graphite electrode is the desolation process, suggesting that potassium ion batteries may be more suitable for high-power applications.3 Also, K+ in solution typically has a smaller stokes radius due to weaker interactions with solvent molecules which may facilitate higher ion transport.  

The United States must prioritize improving its sodium and potassium-ion battery technology to keep up with China’s advancements in non-lithium battery technologies. There are numerous sodium and potassium salts and ionic liquids that show great promise for the development of these batteries. With advances in battery chemistry, cell engineering, and system integration, sodium and potassium batteries could become widely used within the next decade. These batteries could drastically transform the energy landscape, from portable electronics to electric vehicles and grid energy storage. Promising materials and ionic liquids such as Potassium trifluoromethanesulfonamide, sodium trifluoromethanesulfonamide, Sodium tricyanomethanide, Sodium dicyanamide, N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (Pyr13FSI), 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (EMim FSI), and 1-Butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (PYR14 TFSI) can be used for developing such batteries.  

Sodium and potassium batteries have the potential to be widely used in various applications such as portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid energy storage. With the proper support, including advancements in battery chemistry, cell engineering, and system integration, these batteries could be put into operation within the next ten years. This is expected to impact our society’s energy landscape significantly. 

 

 References:

(1) Hosaka, T.; Kubota, K.; Hameed, A. S.; Komaba, S. Research Development on K-Ion Batteries. Chem Rev 2020, 120 (14), 6358–6466. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00463

(2) Okoshi, M.; Yamada, Y.; Komaba, S.; Yamada, A.; Nakai, H. Theoretical Analysis of Interactions between Potassium Ions and Organic Electrolyte Solvents: A Comparison with Lithium, Sodium, and Magnesium Ions. J Electrochem Soc 2017, 164 (2), A54–A60. https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0211702jes

(3) Abe, T.; Fukuda, H.; Iriyama, Y.; Ogumi, Z. Solvated Li-Ion Transfer at Interface Between Graphite and Electrolyte. J Electrochem Soc 2004, 151 (8), A1120. https://doi.org/10.1149/1.1763141

 

Role of Polymers in Packaging: Ensuring Sustainability for the Future 

Blog by Hunaid Nulwala, PhD 

Packaging materials have become essential to our daily lives, from plastic bags at the grocery store to tetra packs holding our favorite drinks. The development of polymers has revolutionized packaging materials, making it possible for food to have a longer shelf life and enabling us to handle and store necessary and unnecessary items efficiently. Polymers have also led to the creation of numerous products that have transformed our world, and imagining where we would be without them is difficult. 

Polymers have numerous advantages compared to other packaging materials. They have exceptional barrier properties to water and oxygen, which are crucial in preserving perishable items like food. Moreover, plastics are transparent, enabling us to see the contents of the package. They are versatile as they can be colored and printed on. The lightness of plastics makes them suitable for all packaging purposes, including shipping and storage. The advent of plastics has significantly revolutionized various industries worldwide. 

Throughout history, packaging materials have been an essential component of human society. From the early days of woven baskets and earthenware pots to the industrial revolution’s development of tin cans, the need for packaging has always existed. However, the packaging industry underwent a significant transformation in the mid-20th century by introducing synthetic polymers, which have become a vital component of modern-day packaging. These versatile materials have revolutionized the industry, providing unparalleled strength, durability, and flexibility to support the needs of an ever-changing world. Today, synthetic polymers continue to play an indispensable role in packaging, enabling us to transport and store goods safely and efficiently. However, they lack polymer sustainability. 

I remember vividly from childhood when I was around 4-5 years old, standing in a classic 1978- Honda 50 motorcycle basket to get milk from the Nagori milk shop in Karachi, Pakistan. My siblings would sometimes join me in the basket, where there was a stainless-steel canister to hold the milk in this “bring milk home” joy ride. It was a daily chore for my dad to get milk. As soon as the milk arrived, my mom would boil it right away, and the cream would rise above the milk (something that doesn’t happen in pasteurized milk), and we would eat it with honey and parathas. However, plastic bags and tetra packs took over by the late 20th century, and my early morning trips to the milk shop became just a memory. 

Image of Honda Motor Bike

Plastic bottles made it extremely easy and convenient for the dairy industry to deliver milk to every household. It curbed spoilage, simplified the supply chain, and brought the product to consumers in a way that was never possible. The famous line from the movie “The Graduate,” “Plastics” certainly rang true.  

Despite their numerous advantages, plastic polymers present significant environmental challenges. Plastic waste is a major problem worldwide, and much of it ends up in the oceans and landfills, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose. This has led to a growing movement towards more sustainable packaging solutions, such as recycling, upcycling, and biodegradable and compostable materials. As we progress, we must think beyond convenience and focus on sustainability. From an application perspective, an item used in agriculture (such as ag films) can become a part of the soil. Plastics used in shampoos and personal hygiene should be targeted to be upcycled into higher-value components, such as automotive parts and durable products. 

The good news is that sustainable packaging is seeing many exciting innovations that offer hope for the future. Some companies now use bioplastics made from renewable resources, such as cornstarch, which can be composted after use. Others are utilizing plant-based materials like mushrooms or seaweed to create eco-friendly packaging options. Additionally, advanced recycling (upcycling) methods are being developed to generate higher-value products. It is essential to consider the end-use application perspective, and we need to develop innovations specifically for food packaging made entirely from starch and starch-based polymers that can be easily segregated and composted. We should also look into creating 100% edible food packaging, which can become part of the environment even when thrown away. On the recycling side, we need to use computational science, artificial intelligence, and chemical intuition to make more informed decisions about the types of polymers used in future products to make component recycling more accessible. 

As individuals, we hold the power to promote sustainability by demanding eco-friendly packaging and supporting companies that prioritize sustainability. We can also urge legislators to pass laws that impose carbon taxes and prioritize environmental values, especially on products that are difficult to recycle or decompose. Additionally, researchers and scientists can contribute to sustainability efforts by developing innovative materials and processes for sustainable packaging. Making small changes in our daily lives, such as using reusable bags and containers, can also significantly reduce our environmental impact. By taking these steps, we can all play a vital role in ensuring a sustainable future. 

It is imperative that we work together to maintain the advantageous contributions of polymers and packaging toward our societal and personal advancements. However, we must also guarantee that we do so in a sustainable manner that ensures the prosperity and well-being of future generations. 

Polymer Upcycling is a Solution to Circular Economy  

Blog by Hunaid Nulwala, Ph.D. 

The concept of a circular economy involves designing products and systems to minimize waste and maximize the use of resources, to create a closed-loop system in which waste is eliminated or repurposed into new products. 

One of the biggest challenges in transitioning to a circular economy is overcoming the significant inertia and resistance to change that exists in many companies and individuals. Many businesses and consumers are used to the linear model of take, make, and waste, and switching to a circular model requires a shift in mindset and business practices. In addition, the economic incentives of the linear economy often prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability and social responsibility. 

Another challenge is the need for more infrastructure and technology to support a circular economy. Efficient recycling and waste management systems and innovative technologies to transform waste into valuable resources are essential for a circular economy. However, these systems and technologies still need to be implemented in many regions of the world. 

Furthermore, regulatory frameworks and policies are often not designed to support a circular economy. Tax incentives, for example, may need to be put in place to encourage companies to adopt circular business models or prioritize sustainable practices. In addition, many consumers need to be made aware of the benefits of a circular economy or how they can participate in it, which can limit demand for sustainable products and services. 

Addressing these challenges will require collaboration among all stakeholders, including government, industry, and consumers. Governments can implement policies and regulations encouraging circular practices, such as tax incentives or extended producer responsibility programs. Industries can invest in research and development to create new technologies that support a circular economy and communicate the benefits of circular practices to consumers. Consumers can also play a role by demanding sustainable products and services and trying to recycle and dispose of waste responsibly. 

Using post-consumer resin (PCR) content in plastic packaging is one effective way to move towards a circular economy. This approach can help to build and stabilize recycled markets by creating a demand for recycled materials and improving innovation. It can also level the competitive playing field by creating a need for recycled materials that compete with virgin materials. Additionally, using PCR content in plastic packaging can provide an environment for end-market investment, innovation, and growth, as companies can develop new products and processes that utilize recycled materials. 

Designing packaging and materials to be easily recyclable is crucial to creating a more sustainable economy. Plastics that can be easily comingled, for example, make sorting and separating materials easier and more efficient, which can help overcome some of the challenges associated with recycling and reduce contamination of the recycling stream. Selecting additives, fillers, and polymer treatments that improve the recyclability of plastic products can also increase the value of recycled materials and make them more attractive to end markets. 

Incorporating these design strategies into the development of packaging and materials can help to create a more sustainable and circular economy. By designing for recyclability, we can reduce waste and support the growth of recycling programs while creating new opportunities for innovation and investment in the recycling industry. Ultimately, transitioning to a circular economy will require a significant shift in mindset and practices, but it is necessary for a more sustainable future. 

Polypropylene Recycling

For decades, we have been hearing about recycling, especially plastics. Education on recycling for most of us in our 40s started in elementary school, with programs, ads, etc., promoting its benefits and how you can help mitigate the effects of climate change. Unfortunately, we are now learning that most plastics are not recycled. We now know that media and corporations lied to us about the recycling programs they created, doping us into using more plastics than needed.

Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are the most used polymers. Over 80 million metric tons of PP were made in 2021, and less than 2% was recycled. A study published by Greenpeace found that no plastics, including soda bottles which are the most common items, meet the requirements to be called “recyclable.” Over 827,000 tons are collected annually from American households, and almost all of it is sent to landfills.

Proper recycling reduces carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change. Increasing the PP recycling rate to 50% would mean taking 7.5 million cars off U.S. highways, avoiding 34,607,544 tons of CO2 emitted annually.  That said, PP is a difficult polymer to recycle.

RoCo is committed to finding a solution by developing innovative technologies that will aid in the upcycling of PP. The most common containment observed in PP is PE. We are currently working on an ionic compatibilizer that is halide free, non-toxic, and miscible with polyolefins. This ionic compatibilizer overcomes phase separation.  Our work is promising and has already demonstrated that a small amount of ionic compatibilizer ~0.5 wt.% significantly improves mechanical and impact properties and overcomes the stiffness-impact trade-off observed in PP contaminated with PE. The ionic nature of the compatibilizer provides an interface to form highly miscible domains resulting in overcoming phase separation.

In addition, we have observed a 30% improvement in mechanical properties in glass-fibered filled PP. If we successfully commercialize this technology, it will improve recycling rates and provide upcycled PP in the market. Based on our initial estimates, the ionic compatibilizer cost will be much lower per Kg of polymer, providing a cost-effective methodology compared to the current block copolymer approach.

Polypropylene compatability

Polypropylene does not like to be mixed with other polymers. Small amounts of contaminants impact PP properties dramatically.

We are working on this goal to develop ionic compatibilizers which make PP resilient to contaminants. This results in upcycling of PP upon recycling. This would allow us to engage with industry leaders and fast-track the commercialization of this technology.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at info@roco.global for more information.