Hybrid Silicon and Carbon-Based Polymers: Processing, Characterization and Properties

Partial thermal decomposition of hybrid Si- and C-based polymers has not been investigated. This approach has the potential to create materials with attractive properties including high surface area and high electrical... [ view full abstract ]

Partial thermal decomposition of hybrid Si- and C-based polymers has not been investigated. This approach has the potential to create materials with attractive properties including high surface area and high electrical conductivity.  One potential application is safer anodes for Li-ion batteries. In addition, this processing approach to make ceramics is more versatile, compared to conventional powder-based processing since a variety of forms (e.g. powders, films, fibers, foams and bulk materials) can be produced.  We are exploring the system composed of polysiloxane and polycarbosilane polymers as Si-based polymers and divinylbenzene (DVB) as C-based polymer. In this study effect of pyrolysis temperature on the resultant material’s microstructure and chemistry was investigated by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and BET Surface Area Analysis. Samples composed of polysiloxane and polycarbosilane polymers, with DVB, were pyrolyzed at temperatures ranging from 300 to 700 degrees Celsius at one hundred-degree increments. The weight percent of DVB was increased at 10wt% increments to cover a broad spectrum of Si:C ratio in the final material.