Comparative Study on the Hydration, Mechanical Properties, and Energy Storage Performance of MPC-Based Solid...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Cement Chemistry

Background:

• Polyacrylamides (PAMs) are versatile polymers with varying molecular structures.
• Their impact as cement modifiers on macro- and micro-properties is not fully understood.
• Investigating PAMs in magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) is crucial for advanced material development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of anionic (APAM), cationic (CPAM), and nonionic (NPAM) polyacrylamides on MPC.
• To analyze the influence of PAMs on MPC's microstructure, hydration, mechanical properties, and electrochemical energy storage.
• To evaluate the performance of PAM-modified MPC as an electrolyte for supercapacitors.

Main Methods:

• Microstructural analysis using Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
• Hydration and mechanical property assessment of modified MPC.
• Electrochemical characterization via Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Galvanostatic Charge-Discharge (GCD), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS).

Main Results:

• All three PAMs (APAM, CPAM, NPAM) retarded MPC hydration but optimized pore size distribution and increased compressive strength.
• Ionic conductivity trends varied between NPAM/APAM and CPAM with increasing dosage.
• Supercapacitors utilizing PAM-modified MPC electrolytes achieved high areal capacitance (up to 1060 mF cm⁻²) and energy density (0.147 mWh cm⁻²).

Conclusions:

• Polyacrylamides significantly modify magnesium phosphate cement properties, enhancing both structural integrity and electrochemical performance.
• Specific PAM types and dosages are optimal for improving MPC-based supercapacitor electrolytes.
• This research offers insights into developing advanced cementitious materials for energy storage applications.