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Novel alginate-based binders containing either catechol (d-Alg) or sulfonate (s-Alg) functional groups were developed and characterized to improve the capacity decay performance and better stability of Li-ion batteries. The electrochemical performance of silicon-graphite (Si/Gr) anode with alginate-based binder was compared to the commonly used CMC/SBR binder. The active material in the anodes was the ball-milled Si/Gr (20:80 wt%) powder mixture. A comprehensive electrochemical study was carried out through rate capability test, cycle test, differential capacity analysis (dQ/dV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The functionalized s-Alg binder showed the lowest electrolyte uptake (11.5%) and the highest tensile strength (97 MPa). Anodes with s-Alg exhibited high initial capacity (1250 mAh g− 1) and improved decay performance (580 mAh g− 1 at 0.2 C), by ~ 65% higher compared to CMC/SBR binder. The influence of pH value of s-Alg binder preparation showed that anodes prepared at pH 3 of s-Alg exhibit better performance, reaching 800 and 750 mAh g− 1 at 0.1 C and 0.2 C, respectively due to the stronger bonding formation and compactness of anode layer which providing low charge transfer and solid electrolyte interface resistance.

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Purpose: Refractory life, in Al-casting processes such as alloy wheel production, is obviously affected by the inclusions formed in the transfer ladles and holding/melting furnaces in which melting, fluxing and degassing operations are carried out. The short refractory life affects, adversely, the economical aspect of the process. Therefore, a study on the physical and chemical properties of the above mentioned inclusions has been started. The main purpose of the study is to understand the relationships among the metallurgical processes taking place during casting, properties of the refractories used and the formation of inclusions.Design/methodology/approach: During this industry-university joint study, experimental studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and optical microscopy were used to investigate the nature and properties of the inclusions. Also, corrosion behaviour of six different refractories was investigated by exposing them to molten aluminium.