Conductive Cellulose Composites with Low Percolation Threshold for 3D Printed Electronics

We are reporting a 3D printable composite paste having strong thixotropic rheology. The composite has been designed and investigated with highly conductive silver nanowires. The optimized electrical percolation threshold from both simulation and experiment is shown from 0.7 vol. % of silver nanowires which is significantly lower than other composites using conductive nano-materials. Reliable conductivity of 1.19 × 102 S/cm has been achieved from the demonstrated 3D printable composite with 1.9 vol. % loading of silver nanowires. Utilizing the high conductivity of the printable composites, 3D printing of designed battery electrode pastes is demonstrated. Rheology study shows superior printability of the electrode pastes aided by the cellulose\u27s strong thixotropic rheology. The designed anode, electrolyte, and cathode pastes are sequentially printed to form a three-layered lithium battery for the demonstration of a charging profile. This study opens opportunities of 3D printable conductive materials to create printed electronics with the next generation additive manufacturing process

Mineralogical characterization of zeolites present on basaltic rocks from Combia geological formation, La Pintada (Colombia)

The present study report the presence of natural zeolites, which were found in the andesitic basalts from the Combia geological formation, municipality of La Pintada, Antioquia department (Colombia). The collected samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with detector X-ray energy dispersive (SEM/EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized light optical microscopy (PLOM). The results shown the presence of an associated zeolites heulandite group with predominance of heulandite phase rich in calcium and potassium, with prevalence of platy habit and in a lesser extent the habit coffin type, tabular and block were also evidenced. The presence of chabazite, phillipsite and mordenite, were evidenced as minority zeolites phases. Based on the zeolites properties, the phases founded in Combia formation could be an interest materials for technological applications in areas such agriculture, catalysis or gas separation applications. Especially in Colombia this kind of mineral can be important because much of the current consumption is imported from other territories