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Composite solid-state electrolyte (CSSE) with integrated strengths avoids the weaknesses of organic and inorganic electrolytes, and thus become a better choice for all-solid-state lithium battery (ASSLB). However, the poor dispersion of inorganic fillers and the organic/inorganic nature difference leads to their interface incompatibility, which greatly destroys the performance of CSSE and ASSLB. Herein, silane coupling agent (SCA) aminopropyl triethoxysilane (ATS) is introduced to tailor the organic/inorganic interfaces in CSSE by the common chemical bridging effect of SCA and the special amino effect (hydrogen bond and lone pair electron effects). It is found that the hydrogen bond interaction between -NH

High-voltage and low-cost manganese-based P2-type oxides show real promise as promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). But the P2−O2 phase transformation and Na+/vacancy ordering results in the inferior structural stability and Na+ diffusion coefficient, which further leads to rapid decay of capacity and poor rate capability. Herein, in consideration of the synergetic effects of dual cationic doping, electrochemically inactive Li+ and active Co3+ co-doping are proposed to solve the above issues. The novel two-step doping strategy, Co doping during synthesis of precursors via co-precipitation reaction followed by Li doping during solid-state reaction, are rationally developed. As anticipated, the Li, Co co-doped P2-type oxide exhibits the absence of P2−O2 phase transformation and Na+/vacancy disordering, which gives rise to an outstanding cycling stability (86.7% capacity retention within 100 cycles at 0.1C) and high-rate capability (reversible capacity of 109 mAh g−1 even at 10C). In addition, the full-cells composed of the co-doped P2-type positive and hard carbon negative show high energy-density, good lifespan and high-rate property. This proposed cationic co-doping provides an effective and scalable tactics for modulating the structural properties of high-voltage P2-type cathodes for advanced SIBs.

Solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) with the advantages of brilliant safety, superior energy density, and improved thermal stability are regarded as one of the most promising energy storage devices. However, intrinsic defects of the solid–solid rigid interface, such as insufficient wettability and compatibility manifesting as poor interfacial contact, side reactions, space charge layer (SCL) effect, etc., lead to a rapid degradation in interfacial stability. This yields unsatisfactory electrochemical performance of SSLMBs. In this review, the origin of inferior stability and kinetics on solid–solid interfaces are first clarified. Second, recent achievements in stabilizing the interfacial stability using an interfacial buffer layer, composite electrode, liquid phase therapy, etc. are summarized from the physical and chemical/electrochemical aspects. In particular, issues related to electrode–electrolyte interfaces such as lithium dendrites, SCL effect, deficient physical contact, and parasitic reactions are emphasized. Finally, remaining challenges such as the degradation mechanism, advanced characterization techniques, and commercialization, as well as future development directions, are prospected. This review will provide certain new insights for formulating target-oriented studies on high-performance SSLMBs.

Increasing attention has been paid to layered high-Ni oxides with high capacity as a promising cathode for high-energy lithium-ion batteries. However, the undesirable microcracks in secondary particles usually occur due to the volume changes of anisotropic primary grains during cycles, which lead to the decay of electrochemical performance. Here, for the first time, a functional electrolyte with di-sec-butoxyaluminoxytriethoxysilane additive integrating the functions of silane and aluminate is proposed to in situ form the binder-like filler between anisotropic primary grains for mitigating the microcracks of high-Ni oxides. It is demonstrated that Li-containing aluminosilicate as a glue layer between the gaps of grains and as a coating layer on the surface of the grains is generated, and these features further enhance the interfacial bonding and surface stability of anisotropic primary grains. Consequently, the microcracks along with side reactions and phase transitions of high-Ni oxides are mitigated. As anticipated, the electrochemical performance and thermal stability of high-Ni oxides are improved, and there is also a capacity retention of 75.4% even after 300 cycles and large reversible capacity of ∼160 mA h g-1 at 5 C. The functional electrolyte offers a simple, efficient, and scalable method to promote the electrochemical properties and applicability of high-Ni oxide cathodes in high-energy lithium-ion batteries.

Increasing evidence shows that smoking-obtained nicotine is indicated to improve cognition and mitigate certain symptoms of schizophrenia. In this study, we investigated whether chronic nicotine treatment alleviated MK-801-induced schizophrenia-like symptoms and cognitive impairment in mice. Mice were injected with MK-801 (0.2 mg/kg, i.p.), and the behavioral deficits were assessed using prepulse inhibition (PPI) and T-maze tests. We showed that MK-801 caused cognitive impairment accompanied by increased expression of PDZ and LIM domain 5 (Pdlim5), an adaptor protein that is critically associated with schizophrenia, in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Pretreatment with nicotine (0.2 mg · kg

Astrocytes are the most common glial type in the central nervous system (CNS). They play pivotal roles in neurophysiological and neuropathological processes. Mounting evidence indicates that astrocytes may act as neural stem cells and contribute to adult neurogenesis. In previous reports, freshly isolated O-2A progenitors were shown to revert to neural stem-like cells (NSLCs) when cultured with a serum-containing glial medium or bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) for 3 days and with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) consecutively. NSLCs possess self-renewal and multipotential capacities that can give rise to neurons and glial cells, which suggests that they have stem cell-like properties. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and cell fate commitment when exposed to a neural conditioned medium remain obscure. In this study, we demonstrated that NSLCs grown in the serum-containing neurobasal medium can differentiate into induced neural-like cells (iNLCs). It was noteworthy that astroglia mixed in these cells, particularly in iNLCs, were gradually replaced by neural phenotypes during this glia-neuron conversion. Remarkably, these glial cells can maintain high levels of proliferation and self-renewal ability by activating the NF-κB and MAPK signals. Finally, we found that Notch, STAT3, autophagy, bHLH and Wnt signals appear to be critical modulators of these intricate events. Altogether, these data demonstrate that O-2A lineage astroglia can function as neural stem cells and display neurogenic plasticity. Dissecting the regulatory pathways involved in these processes is essential to the understanding of glial cell fate and its precise functions. This finding may foster a better understanding of astrocytic heterogeneity and lead to innovative ways to readily apply stem-like astroglia cells as candidate cell sources for neural repair.

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with limited available drugs for treatment. Enhancing autophagy attenuates AD pathology in various AD model mice. Thus, development of potential drugs enhancing autophagy may bring beneficial effects in AD therapy. Methods: In the present study, we showed clemastine, a first-generation histamine H1R antagonist and being originally marketed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, ameliorates AD pathogenesis in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Chronic treatment with clemastine orally reduced amyloid-β (Aβ) load, neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits of APP/PS1 transgenic mice as shown by immunohistochemistry and behavioral analysis. We further analyzed the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of clemastine with using the combination of both in vivo and in vitro experiments. We observed that clemastine decreased Aβ generation via reducing the levels of BACE1, CTFs of APP. Clemastine enhanced autophagy concomitant with a suppression of mTOR signaling. Conclusion: Therefore, we propose that clemastine attenuates AD pathology via enhancing mTOR-mediated autophagy.

High voltage P2-Na2/3[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 is regarded as a promising cathode for high-energy sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, the undesired P2-O2 phase transition at high voltages above 4.0 V leads to a large volume change and further causes the rapid decay of capacity. Herein, an electrochemical-active Co3+ substitution is introduced to suppress the P2-O2 phase transformation but not at the cost of capacity. The spherical, Co3+ substituted P2-Na2/3[Ni0.3Co0.1Mn0.6]O2 with a high tap-density of 1.86 g cm-3 is successfully synthesized by co-precipitation and solid-state reactions. As anticipated, it delivers a large specific capacity of 161.6 mA h g-1 with a high median-voltage of 3.64 V (vs. Na/Na+), translated into a high energy-density of ∼590 W h kg-1, which is comparable to that of the commercialized LiCoO2 cathode in lithium-ion batteries. Apart from improved cycling stability ascribed to the mitigated P2-O2 transition, this cathode also shows a better rate property compared with those modified by Li+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, and Ti4+ doping and Al2O3 coating. Besides, the P2-Na2/3[Ni0.3Co0.1Mn0.6]O2|hard carbon full-cells deliver a reversible capacity of 150.6 mA h g-1 and have enhanced cycle-life and high-rate capability. These gratifying achievements indicate that this P2-Na2/3[Ni0.3Co0.1Mn0.6]O2 is a very promising candidate as a high energy-density cathode for SIBs.

Increasing attention has been paid to layered high-Ni oxides with high capacity as a promising cathode for high-energy lithium-ion batteries. However, the undesirable microcracks in secondary particles usually occur due to the volume changes of anisotropic primary grains during cycles, which lead to the decay of electrochemical performance. Here, for the first time, a functional electrolyte with di-sec-butoxyaluminoxytriethoxysilane additive integrating the functions of silane and aluminate is proposed to

Nickel-rich layered oxides with their large reversible capacity are considered to be some of the most promising cathode materials for high-energy Li-ion batteries. However, the fast decay of capaci...

The rational design of concentration-gradient (CG) structure is demonstrated as an available approach to improve the electrochemical performances of high-energy nickel-rich cathodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the complicated preparing processes, especially the CG-precursors, generally result in the less-than-ideal repeatability and consistency that is regarded as an extreme challenge for the widespread commercialization. Thus, the innovative strategy with facile steps and the feasibility of large-scale preparation for commercialized applications should be urgently developed. Herein, through the temperature-tunable cation diffusion, the feasibility of controllable preparation of nickel-rich CG-LiNi0.7Co0.15Mn0.15O2 (NCM) from multishell precursors is first demonstrated. As expected, the Li/CG-NCM half cells show much enhanced cycle-life, rate property, and safety because of the mitigated side-reactions and fast Li+ kinetics. Besides, the Li4Ti5O12/CG-NCM full cells also exhibit long-term li...

Biomineralization technology is a feasible and promising route to fabricate phosphate cathode materials with hierarchical nanostructure for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, to improve the electrochemical performance of LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4 (LMFP), hierarchical LMFP/carbon nanospheres are wrapped in situ with N-doped graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) via biomineralization by using yeast cells as the nucleating agent, self-assembly template, and carbon source. Such LMFP nanospheres are assembled by more fine nanocrystals with an average size of 18.3 nm. Moreover, the preferential crystal orientation along the [010] direction and certain antisite lattice defects can be identified in LMFP nanocrystals, which promote rapid diffusion of Li ions and generate more active sites for the electrochemical reaction. Moreover, such N-doped GNR networks, wrapped between LMFP/carbon nanospheres, are beneficial to the fast mobility of electrons and good penetration of the electrolyte. As expected, the as-p...

Low-cost layered lithium transition metal oxides delivering high capacity and moderate rate capability are considered as promising cathodes for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the low stacking and compressed density results in lower volumetric energy density of such LIBs compared with that of the first commercialized LiCoO2-based battery. Herein, for the first time, a new strategy is rationally proposed to prepare micron-sized monocrystalline LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2via stepwise addition of lithium sources into hydroxide/oxide precursors. As anticipated, the as-prepared 4–8 μm-thick monocrystalline cathode exhibits comparable stacking/compressed density with LiCoO2 electrode, achieving ultrahigh volumetric energy density exceeding 2600 W h L−1, enhanced structural stability and high rate capability in half-cells. Moreover, in full-cell configuration, by using this monocrystalline LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 as the cathode and mesocarbon microbeads as the anode, higher volumetric energy density exceeding 660 W h L−1, enhanced cycling stability and high rate capability are achieved, indicating the expectant merits of the micron-sized monocrystalline cathodes. It is also confirmed that this monocrystalline cathode can mitigate side reactions occurring at the electrode/electrolyte interface and maintain the stability of layered structures upon cycling. This facile tactic provides an innovative insight into preparing high-volumetric-energy-density lithium transition metal oxide cathodes with enhanced electrochemical properties. Moreover, this approach can be readily extended to prepare other types of layered and spinel monocrystalline cathodes with improved volumetric energy density.

High-Ni layered oxides are potential cathodes for high energy Li-ion batteries due to their large specific capacity advantage. However, the fast capacity fade by undesirable structural degradation in liquid electrolyte during long-term cycling is a stumbling block for the commercial application of high-Ni oxides. In this work, a functional gel polymer electrolyte, grafted with sodium alginate, is introduced to increase the stability of high-Ni oxide cathodes at the levels of both the particle and electrode. An in situ generated ion-conducting layer appears on the interface through the chemical interaction between transition-metal cations of the cathode and the metalophilic reticulum group in sodium alginate. Such a tailoring layer can not only enhance the interfacial compatibility on the cathode/electrolyte interface, reducing the interfacial resistance, but also inhibit the HF corrosion, suppressing the dissolution of transition-metal cations and harmful gradient distribution of components through the oxide cathode at the electrode level. Meanwhile, detrimental microcracks in oxide microspheres and between primary crystallites are impressively inhibited at the particle level. The high-Ni oxide cathode with the metalophilic gel polymer electrolyte shows excellent cycle stability with large initial capacity of 204.9 mA h g-1 at a 1.0 C rate and high discharge capacity retention within 300 cycles at high temperature.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with limited available drugs for treatment. Enhancing autophagy attenuates AD pathology in various AD model mice. Thus, development of potential drugs which enhance autophagy may bring beneficial effects in AD therapy. In the present study, we show clemastine, a first-generation histamine H1R antagonist and being originally marketed for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, ameliorates AD pathogenesis in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Chronic treatment with clemastine orally reduced amyloid-β (Aβ) load, neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Clemastine decreases Aβ generation via reducing the levels of BACE1, CTFs of APP. Mechanistically, clemastine enhances autophagy concomitant with a suppression of mTOR signaling. Therefore, we propose that clemastine attenuates AD pathology via enhancing mTOR-mediated autophagy.

The phase transition behaviors of the shocked water are investigated by employing an optical transmittance in-situ detection system. Based on the light scattering theory and phase transformation kinetics, the phase transition mechanism of the water under multiple shocks is discussed. The experimental data indicate that the evolution of the transmittance of the shocked water can be broadly divided into three stages: relaxation stage, decline stage, and recovery stage. In the early stage of the phase transition, the new phase particles began to form around the quartz/window interface. It should be mentioned that the water/ice phase boundary seems to move toward the liquid region in one experiment of this work. Due to the new phase core being much smaller than the wavelength of the incident light, the transmittance of the sample within the relaxation stage remains steady. The decline stage can be divided into the rapid descent stage and the slow descent stage in this work, which is considered as the different growth rates of the new phase particle under different shock loadings. The recovery stage is attributed to the emergence of the new phase particles which are bigger than the critical value. However, the influence of the size growth and the population growth of the new phase particles on the transmittance restrict each other, which may be responsible for the phenomenon that the transmittance curve does not return to the initial level.

Biomineralization is a green and skillful approach to prepare Li-rich layered oxides with hierarchical micro/nano structure as high-performance cathode for lithium-ion batteries. In this work, to e...

Biomineralization technology is a feasible and promising route to fabricate phosphate cathode materials with hierarchical nanostructure for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, to improve the electrochemical performance of LiMn

The condensed H2O systems at the pressure above 2 GPa are very different from common water. Since they may exist in the deep of some celestial bodies, the research on these H2O systems are essential to the further discussion of the physical states, elements' distribution, geological evolutions and even the origins of these celestial bodies (including our earth). In addition, as the condensed H2O system is one of the main detonation products, the research on it is also significant to the development of the higher performance explosives. As a result, the condensed H2O systems have been extensively studied by several theoretical and experimental methods in recent decades. Many achievements about the systems have been obtained in the last decades, but there are still some open questions. A brief review of the achievements of the structural and physical properties of the condensed H2O systems up to 2 GPa is included in this paper, as well as some open questions about them are also presented herein.

LiBr, as a representative of highly soluble electrochemically active materials, is fixed in nanopores of conductive carbon black (CCB). The Li/LiBr–CCB battery exhibits excellent high-rate capability to avoid slow solid-phase diffusion of Li ions in traditional solid cathode materials. The success will broaden the range of alternative materials for cathodes in LIBs and make them capable of providing both high power density and energy density.

Local hydrogen-bonding environments have important influences on the intra-molecular O–H stretchings of H2O molecules. The relationship between the contributions of intra-molecular O–H stretching and the local hydrogen-bonding environments is investigated using ab initio simulation for a condensed H2O system at 300 K, 1.7 g/cm3, and calculated/estimated pressure of approximately 9 GPa. The calculation results demonstrate that the local hydrogen-bonding environments around the two intra-molecular hydrogen atoms are not always similar. The existence of asymmetric local hydrogen environments will result in decoupling of the intra-molecular O–H stretchings in the molecule; thus, the broad O–H stretching band may be decomposed into a sum that includes isolated intra-molecular O–H stretchings but not symmetric stretching and asymmetric stretching. This research serves as a reminder to pay attention to the influence of an asymmetric local hydrogen-bonding environment on the vibrational details of the H2O molecul...

Using the first-principles calculations, we have investigated the structural, elastic and electronic properties of N4H4 compounds. The calculated structural parameters of three structures are in agreement with the available theoretical and experimental data. The independent elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, and Poisson’s ratio of three structures have been calculated and are shown to understand their elastic and mechanical properties. The electronic band structures, density of states and charge density distributions of three structures have been studied, indicating that there are covalent N N and N H bonds.

Emission from sapphire window material was measured by spontaneous spectroscopic and multi-wavelength pyrometer techniques. The spectral distribution as a function of wavelength fit well to the grey-body spectrum. We analyzed the emissions and discovered that they arise from shear banding, which is a typical thermal radiation. It was found that the color temperature of shocked sapphire changes linearly and regularly with stress increases from 40 GPa to 59 GPa but becomes monotonic for stresses from 87 GPa to 120 GPa. The change in behavior indicates that a shock-induced phase transformation occurs between 59 GPa and 87 GPa.

Using first-principles density-functional theory, we have investigated the pressure-induced phase transition in hydronitrogen compound N 4 H 4 and discussed the potential tetragonal structure. We find that tetragonal structure with P 4 2 / n space group is mechanically stable and ductile. The thermodynamic stability of P m n a > P 1 ¯ > P 4 2 / n > P 2 1 / m has been obtained. With increasing pressure, the phase transition pressures of T P m n a → P 4 2 / n , T P 4 2 / n → P m n a , T P m n a → P 1 ¯ and T P 1 ¯ → P 2 1 / m are 5.6, 15.0, 30.0 and 69.2 GPa, respectively, which are in agreement with the available data. Moreover, the mechanical stability of four structures under pressure has been analyzed.