Search

Selenium cathode attracts great attention due to its high theoretical volumetric capacity and better electrical conductivity than sulfur cathode. Herein, N/S co-doped microporous carbon (NS-K-PC) is designed and prepared as Se host by a spray drying process of the poly(styrenesulfonic acid)-melamine salt solution followed by carbonization and activation process. The as-prepared NS-K-PC shows a very high micropore contribution of 94.8% in the total surface area, and a total N/S heteroatom doping level of 2.5 wt% in the carbon matrix. The NS-K-PC/Se cathode delivers a high reversible capacity of 499.2 mA h g

Tuned tin chalcogenides rooted in hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) with N-carbon coating layers are prepared by thermal shock under various temperatures (denoted as HPC-SnS2-PAN-Various T). With the increase of annealing temperature, the morphology and phase structure of SnS2, as well as the cyclization degree of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), are significantly changed, which leads to the formation of rod-like SnS and ordered structure of conductive N-carbon layer. By combining HPC, N-carbon coating derived from the cyclization of PAN, with 1D SnS nanorods generated from structural phase transformation of SnS2, the optimized composite (HPC-SnS2-PAN-500) as anode for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) provides buffer space for volume changes during alloying/dealloying process, builds a highly conductive network as well as decreases irreversible capacity from solid electrolyte interphase and enhances the ion/electron transport. Attributed to the above merits from composition regulation and architecture modification by sulfur depletion and PAN cyclization, this target anode exhibits an extraordinary cycling stability with a high specific capacity of 652.5 mA h/g at 0.5 A/g after 900 cycles. It suggests that rod-like SnS embedded in HPC with cyclized PAN layers by thermal treatment approach renders a potential structural design of anode materials for LIBs.

The growth of IMCs at solder/substrate interface becomes more important with the sustaining advancement of integrated circuit technology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphology and growth kinetics of the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formed on the diverse copper lines (including electroless copper, electroplated copper, sputtered copper) of printed circuit board under different conditions (counting isothermal aging, thermal shock and multiple reflow). And the influence of IMCs on signal integrity after isothermal aging treatment was also discussed. The results indicate that IMCs emerged on copper lines with discrepant microstructure have evident differences in morphology and thickness while the microstructure, composition and growth thickness of the IMCs naturally get changed during variational conditions. And overgrown IMCs will further aggravate the signal transmission loss for the microstrip transmission line. These interesting evolutions in IMCs introduce advantageous assistance for further investigation of solder joint reliability in electronic packaging technology.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Abnormal ovarian folliculogenesis is the main factor responsible for PCOS. Iron metabolism plays a vital role in endocrine disorder. This study aimed to investigate the potentials of iron metabolism in PCOS and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Mice were injected with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to establish the PCOS model in-vivo. H & E staining was performed for histological analysis; qRT-PCR and western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein expressions. Immunofluorescence was used for mitochondrial staining. Cellular functions were detected using CCK-8 and PI staining assays. Ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) activates the transferrin receptor (TFRC), increases the iron content, and suppresses the cell viability of the human granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN). However, TFRC knockdown suppressed ferroptosis of KGN cells. Iron uptake mediated the activation of NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) signaling, which induced the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial damage. Moreover, TFRC activated PTEN induced kinase 1 (PINK1) signaling and induced mitophagy; iron-uptake-induced upregulation of acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4) was required for mitophagy activation and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) degradation. Additionally, FAC increased iron uptake and suppressed the folliculogenesis in-vivo. In conclusion, TFRC increased the iron content, mediated the release of ROS, activated mitophagy, and induced lipid peroxidation, which further promoted the ferroptosis of KGN cells. Therefore, the inhibitory effects of TFRC/NOX1/PINK1/ACSL4 signaling on folliculogenesis can be a potential target for PCOS.[Figure: see text].

Gas–solid interface engineered ultrahigh-pore-volume F-doped hierarchical porous hollow carbon nanospheres for high-sulfur-content Li–S batteries.

Tin sulfides have attracted great attention as promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical specific capacity. However, the rapid capacity decay, resulting from...

Lithium sulfur batteries provide one of the most attractive opportunities for next generation energy storage devices benefiting from their particularly high energy density. However, the obstacle ma...

Nanocubic lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12, N-LTO) has been synthesized by a modified solid-state reaction using H-titanate nanotubes as titanium source and lithium carbonate as lithium source. The as-prepared N-LTO was highly crystalline with size ranging from 50 nm to 200 nm. The electrochemical performance of the N-LTO was investigated and compared with commercial nanoscale lithium titanate (C-LTO). The N-LTO electrode showed an initial discharge capacity of 181.0 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C with capacity retention of 86.7% after 200 cycles. At a high rate of 10 C, the N-LTO electrode retained a high reversible capacity of 149.2 mAh g−1, considerably higher compared with the value of 117.1 mAh g−1 for C-LTO. The N-LTO electrode exhibited excellent long-term cycling stability with capacity retention of 82.6% at 5 C after 1000 cycles. A full cell of LiFePO4/N-LTO was tested, showing capacity retention of 78.7% at 1 C after 100 cycles.

Objective To study the effects of ibuprofen on androgen production, gene expression, and cell viability in rat theca–interstitial cells exposed to the proinflammatory stimuli interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Design Animal study. Setting University-based research laboratory. Patient(s)/Animal(s) Theca-interstitial cells were isolated from 30 day old female Sprague Dawley rats. Intervention(s) Theca cells were cultured with pro-inflammatory media containing IL-1β and LPS and compared with cells cultured in control media. Main Outcome Measure(s) Androstenedione quantification was performed on conditioned cell culture medium using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Theca cell viability was assessed using PrestoBlue cell viability assay. The gene expression of Cyp17a1, Cyp11a1, and Hsd3b was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Result(s) Both proinflammatory stimuli IL-1β and LPS increased androstenedione concentration in cell culture medium, and these effects were mitigated with ibuprofen. Both inflammatory agents in addition increased the expression of key genes involved in androgen synthesis: Cyp17a1, Cyp11a1, and Hsd3b; the addition of ibuprofen to the culture medium inhibited these effects. Theca cell viability increased with IL-1β and LPS. Ibuprofen inhibited the IL-1β-mediated increase in cell viability but did not reverse the effects of LPS. Conclusion(s) In conclusion, our findings support the hypothesis that many of the alterations induced by inflammatory stimuli in theca–interstitial cells are abrogated by the addition of ibuprofen.

Selenium–sulfur solid solutions show unique advantages beyond sulfur and selenium as cathode materials for lithium batteries. Herein, we propose a dual-confined SexSy-based cathode with a three-dimensional (3D) network structure where Se0.4S0.6 is first encapsulated in double-layered hollow carbon spheres (DLHCs) and embedded by 3D graphene-like material (3DG) shells. The dissolution of polysulfides/ polyselenides in the cathode is effectively inhibited through dual confinement from DLHCs and 3DG as well as chemical binding between sulfur and selenium. Benefiting from the indispensable advantages of Se0.4S0.6 and the uniquely designed host architecture, the 3DG-DLHC-Se0.4S0.6 cathode delivers a high reversible capacity of 627 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 200 cycles, good rate capability of 533 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1, and outstanding long cycling stability over 500 cycles with Coulombic efficiency almost reaching 100%.

In this work, the V2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) with ultrathin carbon shells were synthesized by a facile solvothermal process. The V2O3 NPs were about 30 nm and contained a carbon shell of about 2 nm thick. The V2O3 NPs were homogeneously dispersed and loosely packed. When used as anode material, the V2O3 core-shell NPs showed a reversible capacity up to 525 mA h g−1 at 200 mA g−1 over 200 cycles with good cycle stability and rate capability. The excellent electrochemical performance promotes its practical application in lithium-ion batteries.

CN(CH2)2Si(CH3)(OCH2CH2OCH3)2 (BNS) is used as electrolyte solvent to improve the safety for LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (NCM)/graphite battery. BNS increases the thermal stability of the carbonate-based electrolyte with (de) lithiated cathode/anode and the electrochemical stability of coin cells. By using an optimal BNS-based electrolyte formula, 13 Ah NCM/graphite prismatic cell achieves 95.8% retain of capacity at 2 C/3 C (charge/discharge) rate after 600 cycles. Meanwhile, 13 Ah prismatic cell exhibits improved safety performance in the nail penetration test.

Constitutive activation of MAPK (RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK) pathway is frequently observed in many tumors and thus has become an interesting therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Despite the successful development of BRAF and MEK inhibitors in clinic treatment, resistance often appears to re-enhance ERK1/2 signaling. Inspired by the central role of the ERK1/2 signaling cascade in cancer, we describe the scaffold-hopping generation of a series of isoindolin-1-one ERK1/2 inhibitors. Our new compounds could inhibit proliferation of KRAS and BRAF mutant cells lines at low nanomolar concentrations. Compound 22a possesses acceptable pharmacokinetic profiles and showed considerable in vivo antitumor efficacy in a HCT-116 xenograft model, providing a promising basis for further optimization towards clinical ERK1/2 inhibitors.

Berberine (BBR) is currently explored in the oral treatment of many disorders, especially in those involving inflammatory processes. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are emerging as an effective approach for improving the poor oral absorption/bioavailability of BBR. To optimize the BBR immunoregulatory effects on a specific part of the gastrointestinal tract, here we describe a micro- and nanoencapsulated hybrid delivery system (MNEHDS) for colon-targeted oral delivery of BBR and test its therapeutic efficacy in a murine colitis model. The MNEHDS is formed by encapsulation of BBR-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles into a pH-sensitive, BBR-pre-entrapped Eudragit FS30D matrix to form a hybrid microparticle composed of the BBR and BBR nanoparticles. Once in the colonic environment, the microencapsulated BBR is almost completely released for immediate action, while BBR nanoparticles can provide sustained release of BBR subsequent to their intestinal absorption. One dose of oral MNEHDS/BBR treatment results in significant attenuation of acute colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium. The MNEHDS/BBR also proves to be effective during chronically induced colitis with two doses given 1 week apart. The improved efficacy is accompanied by decreased production of colon inflammation. Comparatively, oral treatment with one or two 7-day courses of free BBR has less effect on ameliorating either acute or chronic colitis. Thus, MNEHDS represents a novel delivery system for BBR, and potentially other therapeutic agents, to treat inflammatory bowel disease.

Background Acquisition and distribution of zinc supports a number of biological processes. Various molecular factors are involved in zinc metabolism but not fully explored. Basic procedures Spontaneous mutants were generated in yeast with excess zinc culture followed by whole genome DNA sequencing to discover zinc metabolism related genes by bioinformatics. An identified mutant was characterized through metallomic and molecular biology methods. Main findings Here we reported that MTM1 knockout cells displayed much stronger zinc tolerance than wild type cells on SC medium when exposed to excess zinc. Zn accumulation of mtm1Δ cells was dramatically decreased compared to wild type cells under excessive zinc condition due to MTM1 deletion reduced zinc uptake. ZRC1 mRNA level of mtm1Δ cells was significantly higher than that in the wild-type strain leading to increased vacuolar zinc accumulations in mtm1Δ cells. The mRNA levels of ZRT1 and ZAP1 decreased in mtm1Δ cells contributing to less Zn uptake. The zrc1Δmtm1Δ double knockout strain exhibited Zn sensitivity. MTM1 knockout did not afford resistance to excess zinc through an effect mediated through an influence on levels of ROS. Superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2p) activity in mtm1Δ cells was severely impaired and not restored through Zn supplementation. Meanwhile, additional Zn showed no significant effect on the localization and expression of Mtm1p. Principal conclusions Our study reveals the MTM1 gene plays an important role in the regulation of zinc homeostasis in yeast cells via changing zinc uptake and distribution. This discovery provides new insights for better understanding biochemical communication between vacuole and mitochondrial in relation to zinc-metabolism.

We have recently described Pz-1, a benzimidazole-based type-2 RET and VEGFR2 inhibitor. Based on a kinome scan, here we show that Pz-1 is also a potent (IC50 50 ~ 1 nM), with a negligible effect against RET- and TRKA-negative cells. By testing mutations, known to mediate resistance to other compounds, RET G810R/S, but not L730I/V, E732K, V738A and Y806N, showed some degree of resistance to Pz-1. In the case of TRKA, G595R and F589L, but not G667C, showed some degree of resistance. In xenograft models, orally administered Pz-1 almost completely inhibited RET- and TRKA-mutant tumours at 1–3 mg/kg/day but showed a reduced effect on RET/TRKA-negative cancer models. The activity, albeit reduced, on RET/TRKA-negative tumours may be justified by VEGFR2 inhibition. Tumours induced by NIH3T3 cells transfected by RET G810R and TRKA G595R featured resistance to Pz-1, demonstrating that RET or TRKA inhibition is critical for its anti-tumourigenic effect. In conclusion, Pz-1 represents a new powerful kinase inhibitor with distinct activity towards cancers induced by oncogenic RET and TRKA variants, including some mutants displaying resistance to other drugs.

Summary: The NLRP3 inflammasome, a critical component of the innate immune system, induces caspase-1 activation and interleukin (IL)-1β maturation in response to microbial infection and cellular damage. However, aberrant activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to the pathogenesis of several inflammatory disorders, including cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Here, we identify the receptor for activated protein C kinase 1 (RACK1) as a component of the NLRP3 complexes in macrophages. RACK1 interacts with NLRP3 and NEK7 but not ASC. Suppression of RACK1 expression abrogates caspase-1 activation and IL-1β release in response to NLRP3- but not NLRC4- or AIM2-activating stimuli. This RACK1 function is independent of its ribosomal binding activity. Mechanistically, RACK1 promotes the active conformation of NLRP3 induced by activating stimuli and subsequent inflammasome assembly. These results demonstrate that RACK1 is a critical mediator for NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Paracrine interactions between ovarian theca-interstitial cells (TICs) and granulosa cells (GCs) play an important role in the regulation of follicular steroidogenesis. Androgens serve as substrates for aromatization as well as affect GC function. This study evaluated the effects of co-culture of GC with TICs and the role of testosterone (T) and 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol (E2) in modulation of GC expression of genes involved in the production of progesterone: 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ(5–4) isomerase (Hsd3b) and cholesterol side-chain cleavage (Cyp11). GCs obtained from immature Sprague-Dawley rats and were cultured in chemically defined media without or with TICs, DHT, or T. Hsd3b and Cyp11 transcripts were analyzed by qt-PCR. Co-culture of GCs with TICs stimulated Hsd3b and CYP11 expression in GCs. DHT and T induced a concentration-dependent upregulation of Hsd3b and CYP11 expression, as well as increased progesterone concentrations in spent media. E2 also increased expression of Hsd3b, and Cyp11. Effects of androgens were abrogated in the presence of an anti-androgen bicalutamide and the antiestrogen ICI 182780 (ICI). In conclusion, present findings demonstrate that androgens upregulate production of progesterone in GCs; these effects are likely due to a combination of direct action on androgen receptors and effects mediated by estrogen receptors.

The olfactory system receives extensive serotonergic inputs from the dorsal raphe, a nucleus involved in control of behavior, regulation of mood, and modulation of sensory processing. Although many studies have investigated how serotonin modulates the olfactory bulb, few have focused on the anterior piriform cortex (aPC), a region important for olfactory learning and encoding of odor identity and intensity. Specifically, the mechanism and functional significance of serotonergic modulation of the aPC remain largely unknown. Here we used pharmacologic, optogenetic, and fiber photometry techniques to examine the serotonergic modulation of neural activity in the aPC in vitro and in vivo. We found that serotonin (5-HT) reduces the excitability of pyramidal neurons directly via 5-HT 2C receptors, phospholipase C, and calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels. Furthermore, endogenous serotonin attenuates odor-evoked calcium responses in aPC pyramidal neurons. These findings identify the mechanism underlying serotonergic modulation of the aPC and shed light on its potential role.

Selenium disulfide (SeS2) exhibits attractive advantages beyond naked selenium and sulfur as an electroactive material for lithium storage. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) interconnected, sulfur-doped mesoporous carbon (ISMC) with a sulfur content of 9.3 wt% has been prepared by a simple in-situ constructing strategy to confine SeS2 for lithium batteries. The sulfur doping enhances the conductivity of the carbon matrix and inhibits the diffusion of polysulfides and polyselenides, while the 3D mesoporous network facilitates fast electron and ion transport. Benefiting from the synergy between sulfur doping and 3D network architecture, the SeS2@ISMC composite displays a high reversible capacity of 486 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 A g−1 and outstanding rate capability of 465 mAh g−1 at 4 A g−1.

Polyvinyl alcohol grafted poly (acrylic acid) (PVA-g-PAA) is synthesized through graft polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) onto PVA backbone via a free radical reaction. PVA-g-PAA is used as a water-soluble binder for silicon (Si) anodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The enhanced adhesion strength, excellent flexibility and high electrolyte uptake after grafting reaction render PVA-g-PAA a robust binder for Si anodes. Compared to linear PVA, PAA and CMC, optimal Si-PVA-g-10PAA electrode exhibits better cycle stability, higher Coulombic efficiency and more excellent rate capability, possessing a high electrical conductivity, low SEI/charge transfer resistance and fast lithium-ion diffusion coefficient. PVA-g-PAA binder not only maintains the electrode's mechanical and electrical integrity, facilitates a favorable electrochemical kinetics, but also assists in forming a stable SEI layer on Si surface upon long-term cycling. Such a strategy sheds light on the design of novel polymer binders for practical applications of high-capacity active materials with great volume change.

N-cyanoethyl polyethylenimine (CN-PEI) is synthesized by modifying polyethylenimine (PEI) with acrylonitrile through a Michael addition reaction. Depending on cyanoethylation level, CN-PEI can be obtained as a form of solution, micro-emulsion or emulsion in water. CN-PEI micro-emulsion is investigated as water-soluble binder for the application of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode in lithium-ion batteries. CN-PEI binder not only maintains the outstanding dispersion capability of PEI but also exhibits an excellent adhesion strength and higher ionic conductivity because of the introduction of polar cyano groups. As a result, CN-PEI binder can effectively maintain the mechanical integrity and decrease the polarization of LFP electrode during the operation of the battery. LFP electrode with CN-PEI binder exhibits good cycle stability and enhanced rate performance delivering a capacity of 99.6% at a rate of 0.5 C after 100 cycles and a high discharge capacity of 102.4 mAh g−1 at 5 C.

Poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene): tosylate (PEDOT: Tos) is synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as stabilizer in organic solvent. The effects of different molecular weight and additive amount of PVP stabilizer, various volume ratios of propylene carbonate (PC) to ethanol in organic system, different oxidative agents and various polymerization temperature/time on as-prepared PEDOT dispersion are taken into consideration and investigated systematically. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), film-forming property and electrical conductivity are studied and compared among different reaction conditions. The optimal polymerization scenario is to prepare PEDOT particles with 2 wt.% PVP (M.w. = 58,000) stabilizer and Fe2(SO4)3 oxidant at 80 °C for 24 h in organic system of PC and ethanol (volume ratio = 1: 3). Optimal PEDOT with PVP possesses more homogeneous particle size, better particle-particle connectivity in film and higher electrical conductivity (1.67*10−2 s cm−1) than that of PEDOT without PVP (5.2*10−4 s cm−1) and commercial organic PEDOT (4.7*10−4 s cm−1). The morphology and elemental composition of PEDOT particles with PVP are also investigated and compared with that of commercial organic PEDOT and aqueous PEDOT/PSS dispersion.

A dual-confined nanostructured reactor, featured with the small-sized platinum nanoparticles embedded in dendritic mesoporous silica nanospheres with a hierarchical porous graphene-like carbon protection shell, is designed and synthesized as an efficient SeS2 host for high-performance lithium-selenium/sulfur batteries. The rationally designed host framework, which combines the merits of strong chemical interaction effect, abundant catalytic active sites, and excellent conducting network, can realize efficient anchoring and fast conversion of lithium polysulfides/polyselenides during the electrochemical processes. Thus, this SeS2-based cathode shows a high initial capacity of 1013 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and an outstanding cycling stability, with a capacity of 426 mAh g−1 over 500 cycles at 2 A g−1, corresponding to a low capacity decay of 0.07% per cycle. This study demonstrates a novel and efficient approach to overcome the hurdles of current lithium-sulfur systems for stable rechargeable batteries.

A novel molybdenum disulfide/carbon (MoS2/C) nanocomposite is synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method using glucose as a carbon source and Pluronic F127 as promoting agent in presence of MoS2 nanoparticles and followed by carbonization. Pluronic F127 is used as an essential agent which inhibits the spontaneous formation of carbon microspheres during the hydrothermal reaction. The composite electrode exhibits excellent cycling stability and rate capability, delivering a reversible capacity of 882.6 mA h g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 and a capacity retention of 82.8% after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1. At a higher current density of 300/500 mA g−1, it still retains a capacity of 603.6/461.6 mA h g−1 respectively, as compared to 295.6/228.4 mA h g−1 for the pristine MoS2 electrode. The composite shows favorable electrochemical kinetics compared with pristine MoS2 due to the incorporation of homogenous conductive carbon layer and its nanostructured morphology.

Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped hierarchical porous carbon (N,S-HPC) is synthesized by using polyaniline and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) as doping sources and polytetrafluoroethylene as the silica template removal agent for lithium-sulfur batteries. N,S-HPC shows the interconnected hierarchical porous network, which enables sulfur to be uniformly dispersed in the carbon matrix thus accelerating the transport of electrons and lithium ions. The S@N,S-HPC composite cathode exhibits a high capacity utilization of 1106 mA h/g at 0.2 C, together with excellent rate capacity of 600 mA h/g at 2 C, and also superior cycle life over 500 cycles with a capacity decay of 0.08 % per cycle at 1 C. The outstanding electrochemical performances for S@N,S-HPC cathode are mainly ascribed to the hierarchical porous structure of carbon and N/S co-doping, which offers sufficient interface for the deposition of solid discharge products and impedes the diffusion of polysulfides due to both physical confinement and chemical interaction by porous carbon matrix and N/S atoms.

High voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode material was prepared by two steps solid-state method with additive PEG dispersant. XRD, SEM, XPS and electrochemical tests have been carried out, and the results show that the PEG can promote the pyrolysis of MnO2 and limit the impurities formation. The secondary particle can also be effectively restrained in the pre-calcination of MnO2 and NiO, and the effect can be last to the final product. The capacity from Mn3+/Mn4+ couple was reduced and the whole capacity can reach 140.7 mAh g−1 with the retention rate of 81.33% after 100 cycles at 0.2C. Meanwhile, the product has better rate performance and surface stability than those prepared by traditional two-step solid-state method.

Nickel hydroxides with hierarchical micro-nano structures are prepared by a facile homogeneous precipitation method with different nickel salts (Ni(NO3)2·6H2O, NiCl2·6H2O, and NiSO4·6H2O) as raw materials. The effect of nickel sources on the microstructure and lithium storage performance of the nickel hydroxides is studied. It is found that all the three prepared samples are α-nickel hydroxide. The nickel hydroxides synthesized with Ni(NO3)2·6H2 or NiCl2·6H2O show a similar particle size of 20–30 μm and are composed of very thin nano-sheets, while the nickel hydroxide synthesized with Ni(SO4)2·6H2O shows a larger particle size (30–50 μm) and consists of very thin nano-walls. When applied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the nickel hydroxide synthesized with NiSO4·6H2O exhibits the highest discharge capacity, but its cyclic stability is very poor. The nickel hydroxides synthesized with NiCl2·6H2O exhibit higher discharge capacity than the nickel hydroxides synthesized with Ni(NO3)2·6H2O, and both of them show much improved cyclic stability and rate capability as compared to the nickel hydroxide synthesized with Ni(SO4)2·6H2O. Moreover, pseudocapacitive behavior makes a great contribution to the electrochemical energy storage of the three samples. The discrepancies of lithium storage performance of the three samples are analyzed by ex-situ XRD, FT-IR, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests.

A novel core–shell structured Si/S-doped-carbon composite with buffering voids (Si/v-SC), was prepared by a facile hydrothermal method using glucose as carbon source and simultaneously chemical polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) in the presence of Si@SiO2 nanoparticles, and followed by carbonization and removal of the SiO2 layer. The results showed that the Si nanoparticles were embedded in the S-doped-carbon buffer space to form a core–shell structure. Compared to the Si/carbon composite (Si/v-C) without S-doping in carbon layer, the Si/v-SC composite electrode showed improved cycling and rate performance, exhibiting a reversible capacity of 664 mA h g−1 over 300 cycles at the current of 0.4 A g−1 and a high capacity of 537 mA h g−1 even at 10 A g−1. The effects of S-doping on the properties of carbon material were further investigated. XRD and Raman test revealed that the S-doping increased the interspace of carbon crystal face, and improved the amorphous structure of carbon and thus the initial coulombic efficiency.

Two fluorosilanes with oligo(ethylene oxide) unites were synthesized through hydrosilylation of chlorosilane with allyl substituted oligo(ethylene oxide) ether followed by fluorination with potassium fluoride. The synthesized fluorosilane compounds exhibited lower viscosity, higher dielectric constant and higher oxidation potential, compared with their non-fluorination counterparts. Difluoro(3-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)propyl)methylsilane (DFSM 2 ), one of the two compounds, was evaluated as high-voltage and thermal stable electrolyte co-solvent with the conventional carbonate-based electrolytes. Using an optimized electrolyte of 1M LiPF 6 in EC/DFSM 2 /EMC (2/3/5 in vol .) with addition of 5 wt % fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), high-voltage LiCoO 2 (LCO)/graphite full cell displayed outstanding cycling stability of 92.5% capacity retention after 135 cycles at 4.4 V upper cutoff voltage. Characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, the DFSM 2 -based electrolyte demonstrated higher thermal stability with lithiated graphite anode and delithiated LCO cathode, thus better safety feature compared with the conventional electrolyte.

Structural hierarchy of porous carbon has been a key role in the sulfur hosts for lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Herein, coral-like hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) is developed by a dual alkaline activation process. The production of HPC is inexpensive and scalable, which gives a great promise as sulfur host for the future application of Li-S batteries. Moreover, the as-prepared material achieves an admirable interconnected conductive network, hierarchical pore size distribution and notably high pore volume. This architecture contributes to ultrafast ion diffusion, rapid mass transport, robust electrode configuration as well as effective physical adsorption for soluble polysulfide, thus enabling a favorable scaffold for Li-S battery cathodes with high sulfur utilization and exceptionally electrochemical stability. As a consequence, the HPC based sulfur cathode manifests high areal capacity of 7.5mAh/cm2 with a high sulfur loading and superb cycling stability over 500 cycles with lower sulfur loading. The classification of alkali significantly affects on the hierarchical porosity of the resultant carbon. And the correlation between the pore size distribution and electrochemical performance is revealed. This work offers a hierarchical material engineering of a sulfur host material for restricting the mobile polysulfide moieties, thus achieving a high efficiency and stable Li-S battery.

Silicon oxycarbonitride (SiOCN) composites with different carbon contents were synthesized by pyrolysis of precursors generated from aldimine condensation of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) with different aldehydes and simultaneous hydrolysis of APTES. Both SiOCN-1 and SiOCN-5 composites, derived from formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde respectively, display similar bulky structure composed by aggregated nanospheres with a diameter of 70–100 nm. SiOCN-5 has a higher carbon content of 30.4% than 15.9% for SiOCN-1, while a lower specific surface area of 38.2 m2 g−1 than 76.0 m2 g−1 for SiOCN-1. SiOCN/S cathodes with sulfur loading of 1.2–1.5 mg cm−2 were fabricated using SiOCN as sulfur host on different current collector of aluminum foil (AL) or carbon paper (CP). When using aluminum foil as current collector, SiOCN-5/S-AL cathode exhibits better electrochemical performance than SiOCN-1/S-AL, primarily due to the higher electrical conductivity of SiOCN-5 comparing with SiOCN-1. When using porous carbon paper as current collector, SiOCN-5/S-CP cathode shows the best cycling performance with a discharge capacity of 648.9 mA h g−1 at 0.2C after 100 cycles. Even at a high rate of 1C, SiOCN-5/S-CP also exhibits an excellent cycling stability, delivering a reversible discharge capacity of 374.5 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles with a capacity retention of 73.0%.

Nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) have received much attention as a kind of toxic and important light-absorbing components in atmospheric PM2.5. In order to clarify the chemical composition, concentration levels and sources of NACs in the atmosphere, PM2.5 samples were collected from April 2016 to April 2017 in Beijing. Selective and non-targeted analytical method based on liquid chromatography-Orbitrap MS (LC-Orbitrap MS) was used to characterize atmospheric NACs for the first time. A total of 190 NACs were quantified and semi-quantified with authentic standards or surrogates, of which 165 NACs were identified tentatively. Nitro-polyaromatic compounds (NPCs) were identified and semi-quantified for the first time, including nitronaphthol, nitroacenaphthenol, nitrofluorenol, nitroaceanthrylenol, nitropyrenol and their methyl derivatives, etc. The seasonal average concentrations of total NACs were from 10.8 in summer to 100 ng/m3 in winter, which was higher than in many other areas. Nitrophenols (NP) and nitrocatechols (NC) were the most abundant NACs species, and the proportion to total NACs were 31% and 32%, respectively. The seasonal average concentration of NPCs ranged from 1.5 in summer to 9.6 ng/m3 in winter with an annual average contribution of 12%, which cannot be ignored. In winter, the contribution of NACs to organic matter (OM) and PM2.5 were up to 2.88‰ and 1.59‰, respectively. Four major sources were assigned, coal combustion and secondary formation had the highest contribution of 35%, followed by biomass combustion (32%), dust (18%), and transportation (6%).

s Arabic gum grafted poly (acrylic acid) (GA-g-PAA) is prepared through a free radical graft polymerization of acrylic acid onto Arabic gum. Crosslinkable aqueous binder is developed by combining GA-g-PAA and branched polyols (pentaerythrotol, PER; triethanolamine, TEOA) as crosslinking agent for Si anodes of lithium-ion batteries. The aqueous composite binder undergoes crosslinking at about 110 °C to form robust crosslinked networks, matching well with the processing temperature of the electrode sheet in industry. GA-g-PAA/PER binder displays higher adhesion strength than GA-g-PAA and GA-g-PAA/TEOA. The Si electrode with GA-g-PAA/PER exhibits a slightly better cycling stability at 0.2C for 100 cycles, better rate capability than GA-g-PAA and GA-g-PAA/TEOA. At a high rate of 1C, Si electrode with GA-g-PAA/P delivers a higher specific capacity of 1968.1 mAhg−1 with a better capacity retention of 57.5% when compared with those with GA-g-PAA and GA-g-PAA/T binder.

Novel the bilayered electrospun biosheet with rapid cell mimiciking and proliferative efficacy will be suitable for wound healing application. The optimized concentration of gelatin (G) and sodium alginate (A) biosheet with nanofibrous Poly (3-hydroxybutyric acid) (P) as a bilayered elctrospun matrix through electrospinning. The engineered GAP bilayered biosheet involves tissue formation at extra cellular matrix (ECM) which further characterized its function in vitro and invivo. Here we fabricated GAP which exhibit better physiochemical properties, biological and mechanical properties with superior prosomes it enhance air passable at skin wounds. The Bilayered biosheet matrix possess better biocompatibility, cell adherence, fructuous and cell to cell interactions evaluated using cell lines. Furthermore, GAP bilayered matrix regulates growth factors to attain maximum wound closure efficiency during invivo. Thus, the fabricated GAP electrospun biosheet would be a possible wound dressing for skin wound applications.

Oligo(ethylene oxide)-functionalized trialkoxysilanes can be used as novel electrolytes for high-voltage cathode, such as LiCoO2 (4.35 V) and Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 (4.6 V); however, they are not well compatible with graphite anode. In this study, a synergistic solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film-forming effect between [3-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]propyl]-trimethoxysilane (TMSM2) and propylene carbonate (PC) on graphite electrode was investigated. Excellent SEI film-forming capability and cycling performance was observed in graphite/Li cells using the electrolyte of 1 M LiPF6 in the binary solvent of TMSM2 and PC, with the PC content in the range of 10–30 vol.%. Meanwhile, the graphite/Li cells delivered higher specific capacity and better capacity retention in the electrolyte of 1 M LiPF6 in TMSM2 and PC (TMSM2:PC = 9:1, by vol.), compared with those in the electrolyte of 1 M LiPF6 in TMSM2 and EC (TMSM2:EC = 9:1, by vol.). The synergistic SEI film-forming properties of TMSM2 and PC on the surface of graphite anode was characterized by electrolyte solution structure analysis through Raman spectroscopy and surface analysis detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis.

Three choline-based ionic liquids functionalized with trimethylsilyl, allyl, and cynoethyl groups are synthesized in an inexpensive route as safe electrolytes for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. The thermal stabilities, viscosities, conductivities, and electrochemical windows of these ILs are reported. Hybrid electrolytes were formulated by doping with 0.6 M LiPF6/0.4 M lithium oxalydifluoroborate (LiODFB) as salts and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as co-solvent. By using 0.6 M LiPF6/0.4 M LiODFB trimethylsilylated choline-based IL (SN1IL-TFSI)/DMC as electrolyte, LiCoO2/graphite full cell showed excellent cycling performance with a capacity of 152 mAh g-1 and 99% capacity retention over 90 cycles at a cut-off voltage of 4.4 V. The propagation rate of SN1IL-TFSI)/DMC electrolyte is only one quarter of the commercial electrolyte (1 M LiPF6 EC/DEC/DMC, v/v/v = 1/1/1), suggesting a better safety feature.

Synthesis of a novel small molecule accepter with perylenediimide linked through thiophene ring with triphenylamine is described. Introducing thiophene unit leads to extending the molecular absorption spectrum to the range of 330 nm–700 nm. The molecule showed the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level (LUMO) of −3.80 eV and the highest occupied molecular orbital level (HOMO) of −5.60 eV. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) spectra confirmed that the molecule self-assemble in the solid phase by edge-to-face aromatic interaction, and the addition of 1, 8-diiodooctane in the solvent can adjust its stacking, and thus improve the crystallinity and electron mobility. Solution-processed bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells constructed using the small molecule as acceptor and the polymer of PBDTTT-C-T as donor showed the best efficiency of 1.92%.

To improve corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy AZ91D, y-Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS) was assembled on the surface of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treated magnesium alloy by self-assembly membrane (SAM) technique. The surface morphology and chemical components of the MAO/SAM composite coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The corrosion resistance of samples was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and total immersion tests in a 3.5 wt % NaCl solution. The measured EIS data were simulated by an equivalent circuit. Also the molecular dynamic simulation was used to study the adsorption behavior at the molecular level. The results showed that the surface of magnesium alloy was well covered by the MAO/SAM composite coatings with a better corrosion resistance. Chemical adsorption was formed between the organic molecules and the surface of the MAO coating. The approach presented here afforded an effective alternative for surface modification of magnesium-based materials to meet the many aspects of the application requirements.

Al-substituted Ni(OH) 2 samples with Al 3+ /Ni 2+ mole ratio of 0%, 10% and 20% have been prepared by a very facile chemical co-precipitation method. The microstructure of the prepared samples are analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results reveal that the pure Ni(OH) 2 sample is β -Ni(OH) 2 with nanosheets hierarchical structure; the sample with 10% Al is mixed phase α / β- Ni(OH) 2 with hybrid nanosheets/nanoparticles hierarchical structure; the sample with 20% Al is α- Ni(OH) 2 with irregular nanoparticles hierarchical structure. The lithium storage performances of the prepared samples are characterized by cyclic voltammograms (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and charge–discharge tests. The results demonstrate that Al substitution could improve the lithium storage performances of nickel hydroxide. In particular, the mixed phase α / β- Ni(OH) 2 with 10% Al exhibited the highest electrochemical activity, the best rate performance, and superior cycling stability. For example, after 30 charge/discharge cycles under a current density of 200 mA g −1 , the mixed phase α / β- Ni(OH) 2 with 10% Al can still deliver a specific discharge capacity of 964 mAh g −1 , much higher than of for the α- Ni(OH) 2 with 20% Al (681 mAh g −1 ) and the pure Ni(OH) 2 (419 mAh g −1 ).

CdS nanoparticles with high uniformity have been synthesized through a new liquid–liquid approach, using dimethyl sulfoxide and the mixture of oleyl amine and oleic acid as separate solvents, more convenient inorganic cadmium salt as cadmium source, and sulfur powder as sulfur source. The process can be conducted under mild conditions. It is found that the initial Cd/S molar ratio of precursor plays important role in controlling particle size. Higher concentration of sulfur precursor results in the larger particle size. The obtained colloidal CdS nanocrystals show obvious absorption and fluorescence in visible light region. When using methylene blue as degradation agent, the obtained CdS nanoparticles exhibit high photocatalytic ability.

A novel organosilicon-based ionic plastic crystal, N,N,N,-diethylmethyl-N-[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]ammonium bistrifluoromethane sulfonimide ([DTMA][TFSI]) was designed and synthesized as solid-state electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries. The chemical structure and the physical and electrochemical properties were characterized in detail. The ionic conductivity of [DTMA][TFSI] was improved significantly by doping with lithium oxalyldifluoroborate (LiODFB) and propylene carbonate (PC). An optimized plastic crystal composite ([DTMA][TFSI]:LiODFB:PC=8:1:1 in molar ratio) as a solid-state electrolyte exhibited a decent cycling stability in LiFePO4/Li half-cell, with a specific discharge capacity of 144 mA·h/g and capacity retention of 94% after 50 cycles at C/20.

Aliovalently Ce 3+ -doped Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 (LTO) is firstly synthesized by a sol-gel method using Ce(CH 3 COOH) 3 as the dopant and CH 3 COOLi/(C 4 H 9 O ) 4 Ti as starting materials. The structure and morphology of Ce 3+ -doped LTO with various doping level (Li 4 Ti 5-x Ce x O 12 ; x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20) are characterized by XRD, EDX, Raman, XPS, SEM and TEM. Pure phase Ce 3+ -doped Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 is obtained when x ≤ 0.10, while CeO 2 impurity is observed when x > 0.10. The Ce 3+ -doped LTO with appropriate content of CeO 2 impurity shows much improved rate capability and specific capacity compared with the pristine and Ce 3+ -doped LTO without CeO 2 impurity. Particularly, the Li 4 Ti 5-x Ce x O 12 (x = 0.15) electrode exhibits the best rate capability and long-term cycling stability among all samples, delivering a capacity of 120.0 mAh g −1 at 5C even after 1000 cycles. This work demonstrates that aliovalently Ce 3+ -doping is an effective approach for enhancing LTO’s rate-performance.

This work reports on a newly observed synergistic inhibition between indigo carmine and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) on 1045 carbon steel (CS) corroded in a 0.5 M HCl solution. The results of electrochemical measurements showed that CTAB could change indigo carmine in a manner that would accelerate corrosion and produce an effective inhibitor. The maximal protection efficiency was significantly greater than 0.985, with the concentration of the combination inhibitors reaching approximately 5 × 10 −5 M. The microstructure of the CS corrosion surface demonstrated that the indigo disulfonate anions and cetyltrimethylammonium cations were adsorbed simultaneously on the CS surface to protect it from corrosion. Diffusion coefficient analysis and the surface concentration profiles of the corrosive species were used to investigate the synergistic effect of the indigo carmine/CTAB combination inhibitors, and the results demonstrate the existence of synergy.

Driven by intriguingly high energy density up to 2600 Wh/kg, lithium sulfur (Li-S) battery is considered as one of the most promising energy storage devices compared with conventional lithium ion battery. The main obstructions plaguing Li-S batteries associated with the electrical resistivity of sulfur/lithium sulfides, the dissolution of polysulfides in ether-based electrolyte and the large volume variation, result in poor cycling performance and rate capability. Here, we develop a polymer optimized cathode that is polydopamine layer coated on the surface of sulfur loaded hierarchical porous graphitic carbon composites (HPGC-S-PD) by a simple in-situ polymerization method toward the highly suppressed shuttle effect, thus the significantly improved cell performance. Attributed to the superiorities of the structure engineering including the strengthened polysulfide trapping, accelerated ionic conductivity and stable electrode construction, this cathode can deliver an excellent cycling performance over 700 cycles at 1 C, a high areal capacity of 7.25 mAh/cm2 with raised sulfur loading as high as 5.15 mg/cm2. Meanwhile, the obtained cathode can work well with a lower E/S ratio compared with the non-coated cell, which suggests the immense possibility for yielding a practically Li-S battery with high energy density based on this electrode architecture. Strikingly, the pouch cell with optimized cathode material can realize an energy density of 272 Wh/kg after 40 cycles at 0.1 C. This rational design of sulfur cathode combining HPGC with polymer coating by a scalable strategy provides a comprehensive understanding of the structural engineering for sulfur cathodes in pursuit of practically high performance Li-S batteries.