Search

Deep-sea decarbonization remains an enigma as the world scrambles to reduce global emissions. This study looks at near-term decarbonization solutions for deep-sea shipping. Pathways are defined, which are appealing to ship owners and major world economies alike. The economic and environmental viability of several of the most advanced near-term technologies for deep-sea decarbonization are revealed. The environmental analysis suggests the necessity of new emission intensity metrics. The economic analysis indicates that the carbon tax could be a great motivator to invest in decarbonization technologies. Standalone decarbonization technologies can provide a maximum of 20% emissions reduction. Hence, to meet IMO 2050 targets of 50% emissions reduction, several solutions need to be utilized in tandem. This study reaches the conclusion that alternative fuels are the crucial step to achieve a net zero carbon economy, although bunkering, infrastructure, and economic hurdles need to be overcome for the widespread implementation of carbon-neutral fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ultra-short pulse laser machining and micro/surface processing, accurate simulation of laser ablation is important for understanding laser-target interaction and improving ablation performance, but it remains challenging. This work aims to develop a numerical model to improve the accuracy of the ablation depth calculation. A grid deformation scheme is proposed based on energy conservation and considering contributions to instant material removal from both the electron and lattice subsystems. By incorporating this scheme with the two-temperature model (TTM), a reasonable prediction of the instant target surface profile during laser ablation has been achieved. In the case of single-pulse femtosecond laser ablation of Ti6Al4V, the calculated ablation depth ranges from 0.06 to 0.56 μm for laser energy from 1.0 to 10.0 μJ. For single-pulse picosecond laser ablation of stainless steel, as laser energy increases from 6.0 to 18.5 μJ, the predicted ablation crater deepens accordingly from 40 to 87 nm. In addition, for multi-pulse picosecond laser ablation of stainless steel, a linear dependence of the ablation depth on the pulse number is observed up to a depth of about 803 nm at 6.0 μJ and 20 pulses. In all the above-mentioned cases, the calculation results are in better agreement with experimental measurements than conventional TTM or other material removal schemes, validating the accuracy of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzyme clustering is widely used in many organisms to increase the catalytic efficiency of cascade reactions. Inspired by nature, organizing enzymes within a cascade reaction also draws much attention in both basic research and industrial processes. An important step for organizing enzymes precisely in vitro is enzyme modification. However, modifying enzymes without sacrificing their activity remains challenging until now. For example, labeling enzymes with DNA, one of the well-established enzyme modification methods, has been shown to significantly reduce the enzymatic activity. Herein we report an enzyme conjugation method that can rescue the reduction of enzymatic activity caused by DNA labeling. We demonstrate that immobilizing DNA-modified enzymes on the vertex of TDNs (tetrahedral DNA nanostructures) enhances the enzymatic activity compared with their unmodified counterparts. Using this strategy, we have further developed an ultra-sensitive and high-throughput electrochemical biosensor for sarcosine detection, which holds great promise for prostate cancer screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repurposing the RNA‐guided endonuclease Cas9 to develop artificial CRISPR molecular machines represents a new direction toward synthetic molecular information processing. The operation of CRISPR‐Cas9‐based machines, nevertheless, relies on the molecular recognition of freely diffused sgRNA/Cas9, making it practically challenging to perform spatially regulated localized searching or navigation. Here, we develop a DNA origami‐based single‐molecule CRISPR machine that can perform spatially resolved DNA cleavage via either free or localized searching modes. When triggered at a specific site on the DNA origami with nanoscale accuracy, the free searching mode leads to searching activity that gradually decays with the distance, whereas the localized mode generates spatially‐confined searching activity. Our work expands the function of CRISPR molecular machines and lays foundations to develop integrated molecular circuits and high‐throughput nucleic acid detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repurposing the RNA‐guided endonuclease Cas9 to develop artificial CRISPR molecular machines represents a new direction toward synthetic molecular information processing. The operation of CRISPR‐Cas9‐based machines, nevertheless, relies on the molecular recognition of freely diffused sgRNA/Cas9, making it practically challenging to perform spatially regulated localized searching or navigation. Here, we develop a DNA origami‐based single‐molecule CRISPR machine that can perform spatially resolved DNA cleavage via either free or localized searching modes. When triggered at a specific site on the DNA origami with nanoscale accuracy, the free searching mode leads to searching activity that gradually decays with the distance, whereas the localized mode generates spatially‐confined searching activity. Our work expands the function of CRISPR molecular machines and lays foundations to develop integrated molecular circuits and high‐throughput nucleic acid detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Joule cycle Linear Engine Generator (LEG) is a promising power generation technology with the potential to achieve zero carbon emissions. However, the LEG expander valve actuation system presents unique challenges due to its lack of a traditional crankshaft, the need for swift valve lift and reversal, and variable lift. This paper presents a Linear Variable Valve Actuation (LVVA) system for a LEG prototype. The LVVA system is powered by voice coil motors. Rigorous experimental investigations were conducted to analyze crucial performance factors, including energy consumption, force balance, energy flow distribution, and the relationship between valve lift duration and energy consumption. The results show that the LVVA system can achieve the desired valve lift and timing, as well as very small variations in LEG performance compared to the model using an ideal lift curve. The LVVA accounts for approximately 3.59 % of the LEG power output. The energy consumption of 1.607 J per valve stroke provides a slight advantage over traditional actuation systems. The obtained optimal lift curves were used to refine the LEG model. The influence of valve lift curves on LEG performance was evaluated which reveals rapid valve openings and relatively short duration contributing to improved LEG performance. [Display omitted] • Valve actuation validation contributes to a 1D Linear Engine model. • The valve actuation system consumes about 1.607 J per valve lift cycle. • Valve openings durations improves energy consumption of valves and engine performance. • The valve actuation energy demands 3.59 % of Linear Engine's power output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Introducing the development of DNA computing. • Reviewing programmable biomolecular interactions on surfaces. • Describing monitoring techniques for solution and surface DNA computing. • Discussing advantages and challenges for surface-confined DNA computing. DNA-based molecular computing has evolved to encompass a diverse range of functions, demonstrating substantial promise for both highly parallel computing and various biomedical applications. Recent advances in DNA computing systems based on surface reactions have demonstrated improved levels of specificity and computational speed compared to their solution-based counterparts that depend on three-dimensional molecular collisions. Herein, computational biomolecular interactions confined by various surfaces such as DNA origamis, nanoparticles, lipid membranes and chips are systematically reviewed, along with their manipulation methodologies. Monitoring techniques and applications for these surface-based computing systems are also described. The advantages and challenges of surface-confined DNA computing are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the play "Tempest" by William Shakespeare, particularly on whether the word used in line 1786 should be 'wife' or 'wise.' Also cited are the move by Nicholas Rowe to emend the line in 1709 to use 'wife,' the analysis by Jeanne Addison Roberts of the editorial history of the work in her 1978 article "'Wife' or 'Wise'--The Tempest l. 1786," and Peter W. M. Blayney's opposition of Roberts' findings.

Tunable grain boundaries with head-to-head polarization configurations are fabricated in BiFeO 3 thin films templated on SrTiO 3 bicrystal substrates. The width of grain boundaries is about 1 nm without any amorphous structure. Such polarization configurations should lead to accumulation of charge at the grain boundaries. The ability to fabricate tunable two-dimensional charged interfaces via grain boundary engineering provides new possibilities for applications of multiferroics in nanoelectronics. [Display omitted] Confined low dimensional charges with high density such as two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at interfaces and charged domain walls in ferroelectrics show great potential to serve as functional elements in future nanoelectronics. However, stabilization and control of low dimensional charges is challenging, as they are usually subject to enormous depolarization fields. Here, we demonstrate a method to fabricate tunable charged interfaces with ~77°, 86° and 94° head-to-head polarization configurations in multiferroic BiFeO 3 thin films by grain boundary engineering. The adjacent grains are cohesively bonded and the boundary is about 1 nm in width and devoid of any amorphous region. Remarkably, the polarization remains almost unchanged near the grain boundaries, indicating the polarization charges are well compensated, i.e., there should be two-dimensional charge gas confined at grain boundaries. Adjusting the tilt angle of the grain boundaries enables tuning the angle of polarization configurations from 71° to 109°, which in turn allows the control of charge density at the grain boundaries. This general and feasible method opens new doors for the application of charged interfaces in next generation nanoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces air, argon, and helium used as working fluids in a first-of-its-kind closed-loop Linear Engine Generator (LEG) to reveal its performance map, energy flow, exergy destruction, and exergy efficiency. Properties of the working fluids affect the LEG designs, e.g., compression ratio and applicable temperature range, in turn, impacting system efficiency and power output. A comparison is made between open-loop and closed-loop models using air at a peak temperature below 1095 K, based on a laboratory prototype of an open-loop LEG. The closed-loop models using air, argon, and helium achieve impressive efficiencies of 43.92%, 43.74%, and 51.30%, respectively, at the intake pressure of 0.85 bar and intake temperature of 225 K. The LEG using air shows the highest power output of 2448 W, while the helium version generates 2044 W and the argon version 1850 W. The exhaust energy loss is one of the major energy losses, which is comparable to the mechanical power output, while the friction loss ranges from 7.4% to 9.3%. The compressor and expander have low exergy destructions and high exergy efficiencies of more than 96%. In the closed-loop systems, the maximum exergy destruction rate is seen at the condenser affected by the coolant's low temperature. • A closed-loop Linear Engine Generator improves thermal efficiency and power output. • Sub-atmospheric pressure and cryogenic temperature intake enhance thermal efficiency. • A helium system has better thermal efficiency, less exergy destruction than air/argon. • Exhaust losses are comparable to the mechanical power output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-performance nickel cathode material HPMo/Ni(OH)2 for the Ni–Zn cell is developed by using phosphomolybdic acid (HPMo) as a structure-directing agent. Its three-dimensional porous flower-like structure makes the active material possess the advantages of high specific surface areas, rich active sites, easy electrolyte accesses, and fast electron transfer. Combined with these advantages, the Ni–Zn cell of HPMo/Ni(OH)2 as the cathode, ZnO as the anode, exhibits a high specific capacity of 277.5 mAh g− 1 (cut off 1.5 V), and even up to 346.9 mAh g− 1 during deep discharge (cut off 0.5 V) at 2.5 A g− 1. When the ZnO/graphene as the anode, the cycle life of HPMo/Ni(OH)2 can extend to 10,000 at 5 A g− 1. Besides, this is the first time that the three-dimensional nickel hydroxide is produced in large quantities with simple preparation process using phosphomolybdic acid as a structure directing agent. This also provides a new synthesis strategy for the self-assembly of 3D nanomaterials, and presents new prospects for the development of more advanced energy storage materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domain walls are of increasing interest in ferroelectrics because of their unique properties and potential applications in future nanoelectronics. However, the thickness of ferroelastic domain walls remains elusive due to the challenges in experimental characterization. Here, we determine the atomic structure of ferroelastic domain walls and precisely measure the polarization and domain wall thickness at picometer scale using annular bright field imaging from an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. We find that the domain wall thickness in PbZr 0.2 Ti 0.8 O 3 and PbTiO 3 thin films is typically about one unit cell, across which the oxygen octahedron distortion behavior is in excellent agreement with previous first-principles calculations. Remarkably, wider domain walls about two unit cells in thickness are also observed for those domains walls are coupled with dislocations and underwent a compressive strain. These results suggest that the thickness of ferroelastic domain walls highly depends on their atomic environments. This study can help us to understand the past debatable experimental results and provide further insights into control of domain wall thickness via strain engineering for their possible applications in nanoelectronics. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reversible switching of non-180° ferroelastic domains that largely alters the local strain distribution enables many electromechanical, electromagnetic and electroacoustic applications. However, in thin films, the ferroelastic domain walls are usually believed to be immobile because of the interface clamping and/or dislocation pinning. Here, using in situ and aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, we directly observe reversible switching of individual 90° domains in dislocation-free PbTiO 3 thin films and uncover the weakened interface clamping effect. We find the tetragonality is suppressed to ∼1.017 while the polarization vectors rotate 45° in the a -domain near the interface. These huge structural distortions at the interface is mainly responsible for the weakened clamping effect and thus the ability to switch ferroelastic domains. The switching is fully reversible (i.e., either electric field or mechanical stress can re-establish the erased domain) regardless of polarization orientation of the c -domain matrix. Phase-field modeling also shows excellent agreement with experimental observations. Our study reveals the mechanism of controllable and reversible ferroelastic domain switching, enabling the design of new actuators, sensors, and electromagnetic devices. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Point defects commonly exist in artificially prepared ferroelectric oxide films. Here, the local polarization characteristics around a single point defect of Bi substitution in the Fe sites (antisite Bi, Bi Fe) in BiFeO 3 (BFO) thin film, are studied at an atomic scale. Both first-principles theory and atomically resolved scanning transmission electron microscopy images show that a single point defect expands the lattice (∼2.4% in-plane direction and 0.8% along out-of-plane direction) but suppresses the surrounding polarization by more than ∼27%. The suppression of polarization is due to the formation of a single unit cell of non-ferroelectric Bi 2 O 3 , across which the accumulation of polarization bound charge induces a strong depolarization field. Therefore, structure relaxation makes the Bi 2 O 3 coherently polarized and meanwhile suppresses the surrounding polarization. Such point defects act as a pinning center to domain wall motion, which gives rise to incomplete switching, fatigue, and aging of ferroelectric devices. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • ZnO/carbon nanotube composites as anode materials are synthesized by physical mixing and chemical filling methods. Electrochemical performance of the Ni-Zn batteries synthesized by chemical filling method is far better than that by the physical mixing method • The discharge capacity and cycle life of the newly designed Ni-Zn batteries can reach 410 mAh/g and 600 times, respectively. Abstract The cycle life of Ni-Zn secondary batteries is largely affected by the dissolution of zinc anode active substances. ZnO/carbon nanotube composites as anode materials are synthesized by physical mixing and chemical filling methods to reduce the dissolution of active substances and improve the electrochemical performance of Ni-Zn batteries. By performing electrochemical testing to the Ni-Zn batteries with anode materials of ZnO/carbon nanotube composites prepared by the two different synthesis methods, we find that the electrochemical performance of the Ni-Zn batteries with anode materials of ZnO/carbon nanotube composites synthesized by chemical filling method is far better than that synthesized by the physical mixing method, with discharge capacity of 410 mA h/g and achievable cycle life of about 600 times. The experimental results pave the way for applications of carbon nanomaterials to the optimal design of zinc anode of Ni-Zn secondary batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: CRISPR/Cas9 technology enables targeted gene editing; yet, the efficiency and specificity remain unsatisfactory, particularly for the nonvirally delivered, plasmid‐based CRISPR/Cas9 system. To tackle this, a self‐assembled micelle is developed and evaluated for human papillomavirus (HPV) E7 oncogene disruption. The optimized micelle enables effective delivery of Cas9 plasmid with a transient transgene expression profile, benefiting the specificity of Cas9 recognition. Furthermore, the feasibility of using the micelle is explored for another nucleic acid‐guided nuclease system, Natronobacterium gregoryi Argonaute (NgAgo). Both systems are tested in vitro and in vivo to evaluate their therapeutic potential. Cas9‐mediated E7 knockout leads to significant inhibition of HPV‐induced cancerous activity both in vitro and in vivo, while NgAgo does not show significant E7 inhibition on the xenograft mouse model. Collectively, this micelle represents an efficient delivery system for nonviral gene editing, adding to the armamentarium of gene editing tools to advance safe and effective precision medicine‐based therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyze the effect of the discrete number of velocity directions of the phonon on thermal conductivity prediction in the cross-plane direction of superlattices based on solving the phonon Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) numerically. The simulation shows that the accuracy of the calculation is mainly affected by discretization number of polar angle ( N θ ). To improve the efficiency in the two-dimensional situation, choosing a proper discrete number of velocity directions of the phonon can be used. Besides, the relationship between the control angle (M) and Knudsen ( Kn ) number is concluded when the relative error is less than 5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO) is a versatile platform for drug delivery, but poor accumulation at the tumor site limits the translation of this technology. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on the other hand is tumor trophic but is limited to delivering only protein-based drugs. Our solution is to combine the individual attributes of GO and MSC by loading GO on the surface of MSC to create a unique drug delivery platform wherein, GO can be used to load a range of therapeutics and MSC can carry the drug effectively to the site of the tumor. Here, we demonstrated that GO can be loaded with two types of chemo drugs, doxorubicin and mitoxantrone, with similar efficiency (>30%). The drug-GO complex was loaded on MSC without affecting the MSC viability significantly. On exposure to GO-mitoxantrone, 87% of MSC survived while only 28% of the cancer cells (LN18) survived, demonstrating the selective killing of the cancer cells but not MSC. Furthermore, drug-GO loading did not affect the tumor trophic property of MSC, and co-culture of the drug-GO loaded MSC with LN18 showed a dose-dependent killing of LN18. Together, these results show the feasibility of using drug-GO loaded MSC as an effective carrier for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome editing offers promising solutions to genetic disorders by editing DNA sequences or modulating gene expression. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) technology can be used to edit single or multiple genes in a wide variety of cell types and organisms in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we review the rapidly developing CRISPR/Cas9-based technologies for disease modeling and gene correction and recent progress toward Cas9/guide RNA (gRNA) delivery based on viral and nonviral vectors. We discuss the relative merits of delivering the genome editing elements in the form of DNA, mRNA, or protein, and the opportunities of combining viral delivery of a transgene encoding Cas9 with nonviral delivery of gRNA. We highlight the lessons learned from nonviral gene delivery in the past three decades and consider their applicability for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery. We also include a discussion of bioinformatics tools for gRNA design and chemical modifications of gRNA. Finally, we consider the extracellular and intracellular barriers to nonviral CRISPR/Cas9 delivery and propose strategies that may overcome these barriers to realize the clinical potential of CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our work, we propose a method to apply KF water-in-salt electrolyte in Cu-Zn battery, construct a battery system based on the shuttle of fluoride-ion. Due to the new anode conversion mechanism, the discharge platform is improved to 1.9V and the battery work steady for 1600 cycles. The battery takes the advantage of high conversion voltage of metal fluoride, while remains the Cu-Zn batteries' characteristics: low price, environmentally friendly etc. Our work not only avoid the generation of zinc dendrites, but also provide a new strategy to make Cu -Zn battery rechargeable. [Display omitted] • A method to apply KF water-in-salt electrolyte in Cu-Zn battery, • The discharge platform is improved to 1.9 V and the battery work steady for 1600 cycles. • The battery takes the advantage of high conversion voltage of metal fluoride, while remains the Cu-Zn batteries' characteristics: low price, environmentally friendly etc. • The stability window extends to about 2.1 V with the KF water-in-salt electrolyte. • A method of adjusting the solubility of electrode active material through adding ions that can not coexist in solution to eliminate zinc dendrites. Due to the high electronegativity and low weight, fluorine is an ideal element to design ion shuttle battery system. However, most fluoride-ion batteries apply solid electrolytes (SEs), it seems difficult to adopt water-based electrolyte in fluoride-ion batteries because of the narrow voltage window. In our work, we propose a method to apply KF water-in-salt electrolyte in Cu-Zn battery, construct a battery system based on the shuttle of fluoride-ion. Due to the new anode conversion mechanism, the discharge platform is improved to 1.9 V and the battery work steady for 1600 cycles. The battery takes the advantage of high conversion voltage of metal fluoride, while remains the Cu-Zn batteries' characteristics: low price, environmentally friendly etc. Our work not only avoid the generation of zinc dendrites, but also provide a new strategy to make Cu -Zn battery rechargeable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane curvature reflects physical forces operating on the lipid membrane, which plays important roles in cellular processes. Here, we design a mechanosensitive DNA (MSD) nanomachine that mimics natural mechanosensitive PIEZO channels to convert the membrane tension changes of lipid vesicles with different sizes into fluorescence signals in real time. The MSD nanomachine consists of an archetypical six‐helix‐bundle DNA nanopore, cholesterol‐based membrane anchors, and a solvatochromic fluorophore, spiropyran (SP). We find that the DNA nanopore effectively amplifies subtle variations of the membrane tension, which effectively induces the isomerization of weakly emissive SP into highly emissive merocyanine isomers for visualizing membrane tension changes. By measuring the membrane tension via the fluorescence of MSD nanomachine, we establish the correlation between the membrane tension and the curvature that follows the Young‐Laplace equation. This DNA nanotechnology‐enabled strategy opens new routes to studying membrane mechanics in physiological and pathological settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane curvature reflects physical forces operating on the lipid membrane, which plays important roles in cellular processes. Here, we design a mechanosensitive DNA (MSD) nanomachine that mimics natural mechanosensitive PIEZO channels to convert the membrane tension changes of lipid vesicles with different sizes into fluorescence signals in real time. The MSD nanomachine consists of an archetypical six‐helix‐bundle DNA nanopore, cholesterol‐based membrane anchors, and a solvatochromic fluorophore, spiropyran (SP). We find that the DNA nanopore effectively amplifies subtle variations of the membrane tension, which effectively induces the isomerization of weakly emissive SP into highly emissive merocyanine isomers for visualizing membrane tension changes. By measuring the membrane tension via the fluorescence of MSD nanomachine, we establish the correlation between the membrane tension and the curvature that follows the Young‐Laplace equation. This DNA nanotechnology‐enabled strategy opens new routes to studying membrane mechanics in physiological and pathological settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To advance emulsion droplet technology, we synthesize functional derivatives of Pluronic F127 that can simultaneously act as surfactants and as reactive sites for droplet surface decoration. The amine-, carboxyl-, N-hydroxysuccinimide ester-, maleimide- and biotin-terminated Pluronic F127 allows ligand immobilization on single-emulsion or double-emulsion droplets via electrostatic adsorption, covalent conjugation or site-specific avidin–biotin interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early detection of breast cancer is a critical component in patient prognosis and establishing effective therapy regimens. Here, we developed an easily accessible yet potentially powerful sensor to detect cancer cell targets by utilizing seven dual-ligand cofunctionalized gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) as both effective cell recognition elements and signal transducers. On the basis of this AuNC multichannel sensor, we have successfully distinguished healthy, cancerous and metastatic human breast cells with excellent reproducibility and high sensitivity. Triple negative breast cancer cells (TNBCs), which exhibit low expression of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, were identified. The high accuracy of the blind breast cell sample tests further validates the practical application of the sensor array. In addition, the versatility of the sensor array is further justified by identifying amongst distinct cell types, different cell concentrations and cell mixtures. Notably, the drug-resistant cancer cells can also be efficiently discriminated. Furthermore, the dual-ligand cofunctionalized AuNCs can efficiently differentiate different cells from the peripheral blood of tumor-free and tumor-bearing mice. Taken together, this fluorescent AuNCs based array provides a powerful cell analysis tool with potential applications in biomedical diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regeneration of diseased tissue is one of the foremost concerns for millions of patients who suffer from tissue damage each year. Local delivery of cell-laden hydrogels offers an attractive approach for tissue repair. However, due to the typical macroscopic size of these cell constructs, the encapsulated cells often suffer from poor nutrient exchange. These issues can be mitigated by incorporating cells into microscopic hydrogels, or microgels, whose large surface-to-volume ratio promotes efficient mass transport and enhanced cell–matrix interactions. Using microfluidic technology, monodisperse cell-laden microgels with tunable sizes can be generated in a high-throughput manner, making them useful building blocks that can be assembled into tissue constructs with spatially controlled physicochemical properties. In this review, we examine microfluidics-generated cell-laden microgels for tissue regeneration applications. We provide a brief overview of the common biomaterials, gelation mechanisms, and microfluidic device designs that are used to generate these microgels, and summarize the most recent works on how they are applied to tissue regeneration. Finally, we discuss future applications of microfluidic cell-laden microgels as well as existing challenges that should be resolved to stimulate their clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A huge amount of coal with high content of Na and K in ash was found in Xinjiang Province, China. However, the most serious ash fouling/slagging problems of that kind of coal usually cause the increasing of operating costs and energy consumption in a power plant. In order to clarify the mechanism of the effect on ash deposition behavior on different material surfaces, the experimental study, as well as quantum chemistry calculation, was used in this study. The results show that the nickel-based material can significantly alleviate the ash deposition of high-alkali coal. The adsorption energy between Na atom and NiO is much higher than that between Na atom and Fe2O3. The much lower system energy between Na atom and Fe2O3 will cause more stable system of Na-Fe2O3. However, for nickel-based material, the electrons of Na-NiO system are being at a higher energy status, which will cause the system to stay at a relative unstable status. The quantum chemistry calculation results can well explain the phenomena of the experimental result. Furthermore, the interaction mechanisms between Na and Al-based materials were also calculated to predict the effect of Al-based material on preventing ash fouling and slagging. Copyright © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal nanoclusters, composed of several to a few hundred metal atoms, have received worldwide attention due to their extraordinary physical and chemical characteristics. Recently, great efforts have been devoted to the exploration of the potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of metal nanoclusters. Here we focus on the recent advances and new horizons in this area, and introduce the rising progress on the use of metal nanoclusters for biological analysis, biological imaging, therapeutic applications, DNA assembly and logic gate construction, enzyme mimic catalysis, as well as thermometers and pH meters. Furthermore, the future challenges in the construction of biofunctional metal nanoclusters for diagnostic and therapeutic applications are also discussed. We expect that the rapidly growing interest in metal nanocluster-based theranostic applications will certainly not only fuel the excitement and stimulate research in this highly active field, but also inspire broader concerns across various disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the joint efforts of our team, a new type of water-based rechargeable zinc-ion battery is proposed, which is composed of a zinc anode, a cathode mixed by carbon black, manganese dioxide, and Prussian blue. With 330 mAh g−1 of reversible specific capacity, the battery has a stability of up to 1450 cycles thanks to the stability of Fe (CN) 6 4-. Through X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we have proved that the reversible deintercalation-intercalation of Zn2+ in the cathode is the reaction mechanism of the battery. • A novel zinc ion battery based on MnO 2 -Prussian blue material de-intercalation/intercalation. • The cycle life of the Zn2+ aqueous ion battery is more than 1450 times. • The stability of Fe[(CN) 6 ]3- is beneficial to the long life of the battery. • This zinc ion battery provides a new idea to explore high stability electrolytes of zinc-based batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informal payment for medical services is a common phenomenon in China. Patients make informal payments, in cash or in kind, to physicians in addition to official charges billed for medical services. This paper assesses the associations between patients' perceptions of the physician as an agent for the patient's interests (physician agency problem) and informal payment behavior. Using data of 24,000 and 6700 rural households respectively from the Health Development of Rural China Program database (collected in 2008) and Ningxia data source (collected in 2015), we find that patients' concern about physician agency problems is significantly associated with informal payments. The data shows that patients are more likely to make informal payments when they show low trust towards their physicians. For example, in the surgical cases, among patients who strongly distrusted the physicians, 17.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]:]: 13.5, 22.3) initiated informal payments, compared to 8.0% (95% CI: 5.1, 10.9) who expressed "strong trust" in their physicians. Poor communication was also significantly associated with an increase in the informal payment rate. For example, in the non-surgical setting, among the patients who rated the physicians' explaining skills as "poor," 5.9% (95% CI: 5.0, 6.9) of them made informal payments, significantly higher than the patients who rated "excellent" (of whom 1.8% made informal payments 95% CI, 0.9, 2.7). In this study, we provide an explanation for this finding: patients may initiate informal payments to physicians in order to mitigate the physician agency problem. It suggests that to mitigate informal payments, improving alignment between doctors' incentives and patients' interests would be essential. • Informal payments were directly related to patients' concerns about physicians' behavior. • Patients were more likely to make informal payments when they showed low trust towards their physicians. • Poor communication between patients and physicians was related to informal payment rate. • Informal payment might be viewed as an effort by the patients to align the physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a synergistic drug combination, doxorubicin-loaded cisplatin crosslinked polysaccharide-based nanoparticles (Dex-SA-DOX-CDDP) have demonstrated enhanced antitumor efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity via optimized biodistribution, controlled drug release, prolonged blood circulation, and improved tolerability, compared to the non-crosslinked nanoparticles or free doxorubicin. Herein, we apply the Dex-SA-DOX-CDDP nanoparticles as an efficient antitumor agent to treat colorectal and breast tumors in three different in vivo models, i.e. subcutaneously implanted colorectal carcinoma, dimethylhydrazine-induced autochthonous colorectal carcinoma, and metastatic mammary carcinoma, which more closely simulate the natural milieu of the original tumor with intact pathological and immunological responses. Based on the properties of this combination in higher tumor accumulation and penetrating efficiency, the Dex-SA-DOX-CDDP nanoparticles significantly decreased the tumor sizes in CT26 cell line xenograft tumors compared to control. In addition, the affected animals' lifespan was significantly extended after the Dex-SA-DOX-CDDP treatment, in the autochthonous colon cancer model. Moreover, with the aid of iRGD, Dex-SA-DOX-CDDP could effectively block primary tumor growth and prevent the metastasis of 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma. In conclusion, Dex-SA-DOX-CDDP nanoparticles remarkably inhibit growth of colorectal carcinoma and metastasis of mammary carcinoma in vivo , which provides potential application as a safe and efficient antitumor agent in treatment of these cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dislocations in perovskite oxides have important impacts on their physical and chemical properties, which are determined by their unique atomic environments. In the present study, the structure of dislocations in a 10° low-angle grain boundary of SrTiO3 that was fabricated in an N2 annealing atmosphere is characterized by spherical aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopy. We find that the dislocation cores are deficient in titanium (Ti) due to Sr substitution and under Ti occupancy. This differs from previously reported dislocation cores fabricated in an air annealing atmosphere, which show Ti enrichment. The presence of oxygen vacancies and partially reduced Ti are also detected in these Ti-deficient dislocation cores. These findings indicate that atomic structures of dislocations can be very different even when they have the same Burgers vectors. Controllable element segregation in the dislocations and grain boundaries via bicrystal engineering should be very useful for designing devices with novel functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic interactions of enzymes, including programmable configuration and cycling of enzymes, play important roles in the regulation of cellular metabolism. Here, we constructed a super DNA‐enzymes molecule (SDEM) that comprises at least two cascade enzymes and multiple linked DNA strands to control and detect metabolism. We found that the programmable SDEM, which comprises glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), has a 20‐fold lower detection limit and a 1.6‐fold higher reaction rate than free enzymes. An SDEM can be assembled and disassembled using a hairpin structure and a displacement DNA strand to complete multiple cycles. An entropically driven catalytic assembly (catassembly) enables different SDEMs to switch from an SDEM with GOx and HRP cascades to an SDEM with sarcosine oxidase (SOX) and HRP cascades in over six orders of magnitude less time than without the catassembly to detect different metabolisms (GO and sarcosine) on demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic interactions of enzymes, including programmable configuration and cycling of enzymes, play important roles in the regulation of cellular metabolism. Here, we constructed a super DNA‐enzymes molecule (SDEM) that comprises at least two cascade enzymes and multiple linked DNA strands to control and detect metabolism. We found that the programmable SDEM, which comprises glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), has a 20‐fold lower detection limit and a 1.6‐fold higher reaction rate than free enzymes. An SDEM can be assembled and disassembled using a hairpin structure and a displacement DNA strand to complete multiple cycles. An entropically driven catalytic assembly (catassembly) enables different SDEMs to switch from an SDEM with GOx and HRP cascades to an SDEM with sarcosine oxidase (SOX) and HRP cascades in over six orders of magnitude less time than without the catassembly to detect different metabolisms (GO and sarcosine) on demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: pH responsive cisplatin prodrug crosslinked polysaccharide-based nanoparticles were developed from succinic acid decorated dextran (Dex-SA) for active loading and triggered intracellular release of doxorubicin (DOX). Nanoparticles with uniform size were formed spontaneously in aqueous medium via electrostatic interaction between anionic Dex-SA and cationic DOX, and subsequently transformed into crosslinked nanoparticles (CL-Nanoparticles) in situ by readily crosslinking the micelles via chelate interactions between the ionic polymeric carrier and the platinum (II) antitumor drug. This strategy eliminated the need of organic solvents and sophisticated processes in the drug loading procedure. The in vitro release studies showed that DOX was released from the CL-Nanoparticles in a controlled and pH-dependent manner. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution investigations indicated that, as compared to the non-crosslinked nanoparticles (NCL-Nanoparticles) and free DOX, the CL-Nanoparticles significantly prolonged the blood circulation time of drug, decreased accumulation in the normal tissues and enriched drug into the tumors. As a consequence, the DOX-loaded CL-Nanoparticles exhibited enhanced therapeutic efficacy in tumor-bearing mice compared with the NCL-Nanoparticles and free DOX, which were further confirmed by the histological and immunohistochemical analyses. These cisplatin prodrug crosslinked polysaccharide nanoparticles proved to be a promising nanomedicine drug delivery system for tumor-targeted delivery of DOX. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A decomposition method for solving large-scale box constrained optimization is proposed. The algorithm is motivated by the successful use of the decomposition method presented by Joachims for training support vector machines. In particular, a new technique, based on the new definition “KKT-violating index”, is introduced for working set identification. Finally, the numerical experiments and implementation details show that this method is practical for large-scale problems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present experiments were carried out to investigate the expression of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST) in medulla oblongata of rats and effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on its expression. Sprague Dawley adult rats were randomly divided into two groups, including control (Con) group and CIH group. The endogenous production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in medulla oblongata tissue homogenates was measured using the methylene blue assay method, 3MST mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively, and the expression of 3MST in the neurons of respiratory-related nuclei in medulla oblongata of rats was investigated with immunohistochemical technique. CIH elevated the endogenous H2S production in rat medulla oblongata (P <0.01). The RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses showed that 3MST mRNA and protein were expressed in the medulla oblongata of rats and CIH promoted their expression (P <0.01). Immunohistochemical staining indicated that 3MST existed in the neurons of pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötC), hypoglossal nucleus (12N), ambiguous nucleus (Amb), facial nucleus (FN) and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in the animals and the mean optical densities of 3MST-positive neurons in the pre-BötC, 12N and Amb, but not in FN and NTS, were significantly increased in CIH group (P <0.05). In conclusion, 3MST exists in the neurons of medullary respiratory nuclei and its expression can be up-regulated by CIH in adult rat, suggesting that 3MST–H2S pathway may be involved in regulation of respiration and protection on medullary respiratory centers from injury induced by CIH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have proposed a zinc-based chlorine ion battery improved by ZnSe-modified anode. The new type of modified anode improved the capacity to 177.4mAh g−1 and expanded the cycle life to 2500 times. We provide a new strategy to match the electrolyte with electrode and have a reference significance to zinc ion battery. [Display omitted] • A new type of ZnSe-modified anode is designed for chlorine ion battery. • The capacity is released to 177mAh g−1 and the cycle life is expanded to 2500 times. • The water-in-salt electrolyte system broaden the electrochemical window of aqueous electrolyte. • A method to match electrolyte with electrode is proposed and has significance to zinc ion battery. Chloride ion battery (CIB) is a novel anionic battery first reported in 2013. The high open circuit voltage and high theoretical capacity have attracted wide attention. However, its low cycle life imposes restrictions on its application. Since the electrochemical performance of zinc anode in chloride ion batteries is different from zinc ion batteries, we attempted to modify the zinc anode with kinds of strategies or addictives to match the zinc electrode with the zinc-free electrolyte and finally found the positive influence of ZnSe. The zinc selenide-modified anode improved the capacity to 177.4mAh g−1 and expanded the cycle life to 2500 times. Besides, our work may also have reference significance for other zinc based batteries. The mechanism of anode was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as well as high-definition scanning electron microscopy (HD SEM) and simulated by adsorption models. The electrochemical performance of the anode was tested by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and the full cell was test on BTS4000 battery program-control test system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloride ion battery (CIB) is considered as one of the potential objects to replace lithium ion battery because of its high discharge platform and high theoretical capacity. However, traditional CIB still has many problems because it can not solve the problem of matching the positive and negative active materials with the electrolyte. The main performance is poor cycle life, and low battery capacity, and it cannot meet the needs of real life. In our work, we first propose the application of graphite paper as cathode material and aqueous electrolyte in CIB, and reconstruct a new system of CIB. With zinc anode, the cycle life of the battery is more than 4000 times, and the cycle life of the electrolyte is more than 10,000 times under the promotion of lithium salt. At the same time, we synthesize flexible-solid-electrolyte, and first assemble flexible CIB, which broadens the application field of CIB. The breakthrough of flexible chloride ion battery changes the structure of the battery, which can be applied to the car as a part of the car shell to save the material cost. Secondly, chloride ion battery in high temperature environment do not produce safety hazards, which greatly improves the safety. • A novel rechargeable chloride ion battery. • The cycle life of battery is more than 10,000 times. • Graphite paper is stabilized as the cathode of the battery. • Flexible-solid-electrolyte was synthesized and flexible chloride ion battery was assembled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new type of bromine-based battery based on MoS 2 -NF adsorption/desorption. • The cycle life of bromine-based battery is more than 5000 times. • Alkaline water-based derivative electrolyte improves electrochemical performance. • The research fills the gap in bromine ion adsorbent and bromine-based battery. As one of the most important elements in the halogen family, bromine has a theoretical specific capacity of 335 mAh g−1, which makes it a very suitable active material for rechargeable batteries. In this study, we use the superb Br- ion storage of MoS 2 nano-flowers, which achieve high specific capacity (1 5 1 mAh g Mo S 2 - 1 ) and excellent stability (more than 5000 cycles). Through a series of characterization analyses, it is proved bromine ions are intercalate in MoS 2 during the charging process. During discharge, Br- deintercalates from MoS 2 and moves to the anode. This reversible and stable chemical action provides feasibility for the intercalation/deintercalation of bromine-based batteries. There is no doubt that this research will provide researchers with new strategies for bromine-based batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Composite membranes based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and silicon dioxide (PTFE/SiO2 × HPO3) are fabricated to act as a fuel cell membrane for operation at temperatures from 120 to 200°C. A porous PTFE membrane is used as the membrane supporting structure and SiO2 × HPO3 sol as the proton conductor. SEM and EDX show that the sol clusters are connected together and adhered to the PTFE polymer. This structure completely fills the pores of the PTFE and minimises the gas cross-over. The PTFE/SiO2 × HPO3 membrane has a high proton conductivity, up to 0.14 S cm−1 at a relative humidity lower than 0.5%. The PTFE/SiO2 × HPO3 composite membrane gives the modest performance when it is tested in a hydrogen fuel cell although it is a potential material for the intermediate-temperature proton-conducting membrane fuel cell. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The quaternary 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane (DABCO) polysulfone (QDPSU) was synthesised. A thin (30 μm) composite membrane based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and QDPSU was obtained by impregnation method of QDPSU solution in PTFE support. SEM images revealed a dense and homogenous structure of PTFE-QDPSU membrane. The PTFE-QDPSU composite membrane showed good mechanical strength (a 32 MPa maximum load), and a water uptake of 61 ± 3% and a 17 ± 2% swelling degree. An ionic conductivity of 0.051 S cm−1 was achieved at 50 °C and 100% RH. Preliminary data of a single MEA gave power outputs of 146 and 103 mW cm−2 with oxygen and air respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/quaternized polysulfone (QNPSU) composite membrane has been fabricated for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The composite membrane is made by immobilizing a QNPSU solution into a hydrophobic porous PTFE membrane. The structure of the composite membrane is examined by SEM and EDX. The ionic conductivity of the PTFE/QNPSU membrane, at a relative humidity lower than 0.5% and a temperature of 180°C, is greater than 0.3Scm−1, when loaded with 400% H3PO4. A hydrogen fuel cell with this membrane operating at 2.0 atmosphere absolute (atma) pressure and 175°C gives voltages >0.4V at current densities of 1.0Acm−2 using oxygen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) PTFE/PBI composite membranes doped with H3PO4 were fabricated to improve the performance of high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC). The composite membranes were fabricated by immobilising polybenzimidazole (PBI) solution into a hydrophobic porous PTFE membrane. The mechanical strength of the membrane was good exhibiting a maximum load of 35.19MPa. After doping with the phosphoric acid, the composite membrane had a larger proton conductivity than that of PBI doped with phosphoric acid. The PTFE/PBI membrane conductivity was greater than 0.3Scm−1 at a relative humidity 8.4% and temperature of 180°C with a 300% H3PO4 doping level. Use of the membrane in a fuel cell with oxygen, at 1bar overpressure gave a peak power density of 1.2Wcm−2 at cell voltages >0.4V and current densities of 3.0Acm−2. The PTFE/PBI/H3PO4 composite membrane did not exhibit significant degradation after 50h of intermittent operation at 150°C. These results indicate that the composite membrane is a promising material for vehicles driven by high temperature PEMFCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A poly(R1R2R3)–N+/H3PO4 composite membrane has been developed for use in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC). The quaternized polysulfone (QNPSU) membrane doped with H3PO4 showed high proton conductivity (0.12Scm−1) at 160°C and gave good performance in a single fuel cell tests. The peak power density with the QNPSU/H3PO4 composite membrane (at 150°C, with dry H2/O2) was greater than 0.7Wcm−2. The effect of the phosphoric acid doping level on fuel cell performances with the QNPSU membrane was investigated. The data show that the QNPSU/H3PO4 composite membrane is promising for higher temperature PEMFC applications. The study demonstrated that the poly(R1R2R3)–N+/H3PO4 composite system produced an effective method to connect phosphoric acid to a non-conducting polymer structure, to produce a promising membrane for phosphoric acid polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Charge transfer multiplayer films have been prepared by layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. The films incorporate the rare-earth-containing polyoxometalate K11[Eu{PW11O39}2]·nH2O and the rich electron polyelectrolyte poly(3-viny-1-methyl-pyridine) quaternary ammonium and display a linear increase in the absorption and film thickness with the number of deposition cycles. Ultraviolet and visible absorption spectra, atomic force micrographs, small-angle X-ray reflectivity measurements, and photoluminescence spectra were used to determine the structure of films. Linear and regular multilayer growth was observed. We can observe the formation of charge transfer complex compound in multiplayer by layer-by-layer assembly method. Most importantly, the luminescence spectra show the charge transfer band in assembly films, which suggest that energy could be effectively transferred to rare earth ions in assembly multiplayer films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A nanosized polyoxometalate-based inorganic–organic hybrid material, NaH8[PDA]5 [PW9Co3O37]·13H2O (PDA=p-phenylene diamine), has been synthesized and characterized by the elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analysis, 31P solid-state MAS NMR, Far-IR, X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS), UV–VIS spectra and Powder X-ray diffraction. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrograph of the hybrid material indicates that the size ranges of the nanoparticles are between 20 and 50 nm. A catalytic probe reaction of the oxidation of acetaldehyde into acetic acid with H2O2 using the hybrid material as the catalyst was performed, showing that the hybrid material has a high oxidative catalytic activity in the reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A new type of sulfur ion battery based on carbon material absorption/desorption. • The cycle life of SFIB is more than 1000 times. • Ethylene glycol has a good promoting effect on the transportation of sulfur ions. • SFIB fills the gap in metal-sulfur batteries and sulfur-based batteries. Sulfur with high theoretical specific capacity has been widely used in the secondary battery field. In this study, based on the principle of sulfur ion absorption/desorption, we proposed a new secondary sulfur ion battery (SFIB) for the first time through a novel and simple design method. Through the absorption of carbon black (cb), the battery has excellent working performance with a specific energy of up to 132 mAh g cb −1 when using zinc foil, and a capacity retention rate of about 70% (93 mAh g cb −1), reaching more than 1000 times and setting a new record in the electrochemical performance of sulfur-based batteries. The SFIB system has important theoretical significance in opening up a new path for metal-sulfur batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we examined the utilization of the orthogonal noncovalent interaction to program the self-assembly of amphiphilic DNA frameworks (am-FNAs). By finely controlling reaction parameters such as ionic strength, the length of amphiphilic DNA, and mechanical agitation, we constructed a series of amphiphilic DNA-based primary logic gates (NOT, AND, OR and INH) and a secondary logic gate (NOT-OR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we utilized the thermal hysteresis method to directly probe the self-assembly process of amphiphilic DNA nanostructures, with the use of an amphiphilic tetrahedral DNA framework (am-TDF) as a model system. The analysis of the reaction rate surfaces under different ionic strengths revealed that strands of amphiphilic DNA first formed metastable micelles via an entropy-driven process, which were then enthalpically transformed into am-TDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have designed a bromine-ion battery based on a water-in-salt electrolyte. This bromine-ion battery features multiple coordination metal anodes, exhibiting broad adaptability, and does not generate elemental bromine during the charging and discharging processes. [Display omitted] • The water-in-salt electrolyte was introduced into bromine-ion batteries for the first time. • For the first time, lead and In 2 O 3 were used as the anode in the bromine-ion battery. • The bromine-ion battery principle was explained based on the adsorption/desorption of AlCl3Br- by graphite paper. • No Br 2 was generated during the charging and discharging processes. In this study, we introduce a novel "water-in-salt" electrolyte for Bromine-ion batteries (BIBs) for the first time: 3M AlCl 3 + 1M NH 4 Br. The 3M AlCl 3 establishes the "water-in-salt" system, while 1M NH 4 Br supplies Br- ions. Employing flexible graphite paper as the cathode, during charging, Br- cooperates with AlCl 3 , forming AlCl 3 Br- ions that embed into the graphite paper, resulting in reversible reactions during discharge. The anode utilizes various metals such as Zn, Cu, Pb, In 2 O 3 , undergoing reversible redox reactions in the charge–discharge process. The designed electrolyte effectively prevents elemental bromine generation, presenting a safe, green, and environmentally friendly aqueous electrolyte suitable for BIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]