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A novel oxygen selective highly hydrophobic membrane is prepared by non-solvent induced phase separation in which a dextrin-based nanosponge is incorporated into a poly(vinylidene fluoride co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) matrix. The membrane presents high capability to entrap moisture from air as well as good hydrophobic behaviour. The membrane was assembled in a pouch type Li–air cell, which was cycled in a galvanostatic mode at curtailed capacity, in air with 17% relative humidity (RH). Owing to the protection of the membrane, the Li–air cell was able to discharge and re-charge for approximately 145 cycles, which correspond to about 1450 h of cell operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithiated vanadium oxides with polyelectrochromic behaviour are reported here for the first time. Electrochrome was obtained by means of a simple and solvent-free solid state reaction. Clear XPS evidence indicates that the electro-generation of the red color is due to the dismutation of surface-adsorbed O2− species with subsequent formation of red colored V5+–O22− complexes. The reaction is switched electrochemically by oxidation of the surface V4+ centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]