batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Enzymes from hyperthermophilic archaea are potential candidates for industrial use because of their superior pH, thermal, and long-term stability, and are expected to improve the long-term stability of biofuel cells (BFCs). However, the reported multicopper oxidase (MCO) from hyperthermophilic archaea has lower redox potential than MCOs from other organisms, which leads to a decrease in the cell voltage of BFCs. In this study, we attempted to positively shift the redox potential of the MCO from hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrobaculum aerophilum (McoP). Mutations (M470L and M470F) were introduced into the axial ligand of the T1 copper atom of McoP, and the enzymatic chemistry and redox potentials were compared with that of the parent (M470). The redox potentials of M470L and M470F shifted positively by about 0.07 V compared with that of M470. In addition, the catalytic activity of the mutants towards 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) increased 1.2–1.3-fold. The thermal stability of the mutants and the electrocatalytic performance for O2 reduction of M470F was slightly reduced compared with that of M470. This research provides useful enzymes for application as biocathode catalysts for high-voltage BFCs.
Divergent thinking (DT) plays a critical role in many creative efforts. Tests of DT are useful estimates of the potential for creative problem solving. This chapter presents the basics of divergent thinking, covering theoretical support and an overview of the different kinds of DT tests and the various scoring methods. It then reviews the factors that can influence divergent thinking, such as knowledge, expertise, openness to experience, and training. Special emphasis is given to investigations related to DT in organizations. Interestingly, in the organizational studies, certain aspects of divergent thinking stand out more than in other domains. Evaluative and convergent processes, for example, are particularly important. The empirical research on evaluative and convergent processes, as they interact with DT, is reviewed. The distinction between interpersonal and intrapersonal evaluation of ideas is discussed, as are the implications for organizational creativity. Recommendations for further studies on divergent thinking are provided.
The purpose of the study was the investigation of VR-induced aftereffects on various basic cognitive abilities and its relationship with cybersickness. Previous studies suggest an adverse effect of VR exposure on simple reaction times. Aftereffects on other basic cognitive abilities have rarely been studied. Sixty participants performed a test battery, that consisted of five different tests, prior and after the immersion into a VR bike application. Participants were assigned to three different experimental conditions using different kinds of displays, motion control devices. Twenty additional participants acted as a control group. Reaction times of simple (χ2(3) = 140.77; p < .001) and choice reaction tasks (two choice: χ2(3) = 66.87; p < .001; four choice: χ2(3) = 55.48; p < .001) deteriorated after VR exposure but remained stable or improved in the control group not exposed to VR. Changes in performance were only weakly related to degrees of cybersickness (.04 < r < .28). We propose a general aftereffect of VR exposure on reaction times that is only slightly related to subjective degrees of cybersickness. Taken together, however, usage of VR systems, even if inducing moderate levels of cybersickness, leads only to minor decrements of cognitive performance.
Lithium-rich layered metal oxide Li1.1[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]0.9O2 was investigated as a potential positive electrode material for high-power batteries for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications. In order to evaluate the power and life characteristics of the graphite/Li1.1[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]0.9O2 cell chemistry, hybrid pulse power characterization (HPPC) and accelerated calendar life tests were conducted on several pouch cells containing electrolytes with and without additives. The data show that the cells containing 0.5wt% lithium bis(oxalate)borate (LiBOB) or vinyl ethyl carbonate (VEC) additives, or the novel lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) additive, have much improved cycle and calendar life performance.
Critical aspects affecting energy storage revenue include high penetrations of renewable generation such as photovoltaics (PV), and significant changes in patterns of demand as a result of widespread uptake of heat pumps. To assess the impact, an optimisation model using mixed integer linear programming (MILP) is proposed, to simultaneously determine the design and operation of battery energy storage for PV-battery systems featuring heat pumps. The annualised capital expenditure (CAPEX), annual operating expenditure (OPEX), self-consumption ratio (SCR), and internal rate of return (IRR) of PV-battery systems are calculated. Sensitivity analysis is carried out with a range of PV capacities and battery prices to understand the complex impact of heat pumps on PV-battery systems. It is shown that with a 3-tier time-of-use pricing tariff, the widespread use of heat pumps generally increases the SCR through the consumption of midday surplus PV, and decreases the optimal capacity of the battery storage. The sensitivity and scenario analysis provides evidence which negates the hypothesis that increased heat pump penetration leads to increased commercial return for PV-battery systems.
A new technique to produce Li2S/C composites and Li2S cathodes as well as their application in high-capacity Li–S batteries is demonstrated. The simple but effective method converts an easy-to-handle lithium salt-containing composite or electrode to Li2S using H2S. The main advantage is that the conversion to Li2S can be performed towards the final stage of the electrode preparation process, which significantly reduces the need of controlled atmosphere otherwise required for Li2S handling. LiOH is used to demonstrate the technique, and such fabricated Li2S electrode is successfully used in a Li–S battery (half-cell) where it shows discharge capacities of up to 770 mAh g−1 (Li2S) and retained >410 mAh g−1 (Li2S) after 100 cycles at C/5.
Uniformity of the crystal structure of battery electrodes inside a commercial prismatic Li-ion battery (LiCoO2|C) with a nominal capacity of 1200 mAh were examined by diffraction of a monochromatic photon beam (60 keV). Selected structural parameters related to lithium concentrations in the positive and negative electrodes were determined averaging over cell thickness on a 1 × 1 mm2 grid, thus resembling an experimental radiography technique with a pixel size of 1 mm2, where the diffraction signal is used instead of attenuation of the photon beam. Non-uniformities in a prismatic Li-ion battery were unambiguously revealed by remarkable differences of the diffraction signals and systematic deviations of structural properties at different scan positions. Observed lithium heterogeneities at nominal state-of-charge (SOC) = 100% state are attributed to SOC deviations caused by the current distribution inside the examined prismatic cell.
A sulfur cathode with enhanced electrochemical properties is prepared by a hydrogel binder owning three-dimensional polymeric network for Li–S batteries. The promising high-performance binder (Alg-Ca2+) is constructed by an in situ interconnection of alginate chains by additive divalent cation with a facile and self-assembly strategy. With the assistance of 3D network, the sulfur/activated carbon composite cathode exhibits a higher rate capability and cycling performance compared to poly(vinylidene fluoride) binder, and the capacity retention is up to 80.6 % after 200 cycles (0.5C, 1C = 1675 mA g−1). Additionally, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy also reveals a lower electrode resistance and better kinetic characteristics with Alg-Ca2+ as a binder. The improved electrochemical behaviors are assigned to the ability of maintaining the electrode stability due to the excellent mechanical property and amorphous structure.
In this work, the electrostatic self-assembly of LiFePO4 particles coated with polyelectrolytes on a three-dimensional carbon substrate is described. This new fabrication method allows precise control of ionic and electronic conduction pathways as well as the interfaces between the different electrode components, thus enabling new strategies for tailored electrode designs. Further, it is shown that the polyelectrolytes used to build up the electrode by electrostatic self-assembly can be converted into a conductive matrix by a simple carbonization step. This leads to a firmly adhering carbon film on the surface of LiFePO4, which further improves electron transport. The three-dimensional composite cathode exhibits a high specific capacity even at high current rates as well as a long cycle life. The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the improved three-dimensional structure of the electrode as well as to the obtained intrinsic carbon coating of LiFePO4 particles.
The research discussed in this paper focused on a systematic methodology to elucidate the controversy about transitions responsible for the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum from porous silicon (PSi) layers etched on a p-type Si wafer, to understand the nature of light emitting mechanisms from PSi. The PL spectrum of PSi, as a function of temperature, shows the existence of broad peaks, initially associated with stable surface states. However, the PL studies as a function of time, under continuous laser fluency, shows the presence of electronic states due to silicon columns (quantum confinement) and the metastable surface states. Finally, the PL studies, during which the laser was cut off for several hours, confirm that the surface states are metastable. Based on the information provided by these studies, the interpretation of the results indicates that the PL spectrum of PSi is a superposition of porous surface states and states originated in the porous layer considered as a pseudo lattice of the Si bulk.
Nanostructured titanium oxide films are fabricated directly by an anodic electrodeposition strategy at an aqueous TiCl3 solution. Surface morphology shows that the deposited films are consisted of fine particles having 15–25nm in diameter. Annealing temperature influences both the crystal structure and the electrochemical performance of the deposited titanium oxide. When the annealing temperature exceeds 300°C, the poorly crystalline titanium oxide converts into anatase phase. Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) show that the anatase titanium oxide films exhibit reversible insertion/de-insertion of lithium ion in an aqueous LiOH electrolyte. The formation of lithiated titanium oxide is confirmed from an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. An optimal annealing temperature is found to be about 400°C in terms of the CV peak current density. In addition, the diffusion coefficient of lithium ion in cathodic process (1.6×10−15 cm2 s−1) is higher than that of anodic process (9.4×10−16 cm2 s−1), probably due to the formation of higher O–Li bond strength during the lithium insertion.
Sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) is the main chemical component in several lubricant products used for soil conditioning in the mechanized excavation industry using Earth Pressure Balance-Tunnel Boring Machines. During the tunnelling process, huge amounts of excavated soil are produced and the SLES presence can affect the subsequent re-use of this material as a by-product. Currently, there is still no regulatory indication of reliable and sensitive bioassays for monitoring soil quality during the excavation process. The main objective of this work was to verify if the Vibrio fischeri screening test was suitable as a consistent and precautionary tool for this specific purpose. Firstly, the ecotoxicity (EC20 and EC50) of the SLES standard solution and three commercial products (SLES content from 10 to 50%) were evaluated to select the most environmental friendly product. Subsequently, soil samples from about 2 years of tunnelling in a real construction site, conditioned with the selected product, were evaluated for their environmental compatibility with the prescriptions of an Italian site-specific protocol. The latter established 2 mg/L as a threshold value for SLES concentration in soil water extracts and a no toxic response (≤20%) for the Vibrio fischeri test. The comparison of the bacterium bioluminescence inhibition values (%) with analytical determinations showed an ecotoxicity when SLES was >2 mg/L. The toxicity was directly related to SLES concentration, indicating that the V. fischeri test and the SLES analyses are suitable tools for assessing excavated soil as a by-product, ensuring its safe reuse in accordance with a green production process (circular economy).
Optimal PV based EV charging is performed either by predicting or by measuring PV output. However, due to the uncertainties associated with the variables involved, both the charging methods are not only disposed to significant voltage limit violations but also may cause PV energy harvest reduction. Hence, a methodology is proposed in this paper, which utilizes the measured PV output of a given sample and the supplied historical ramp to predict the PV output of the immediate next sample using a non-iterative method. The charging rates of the EV population are, subsequently, adjusted in the interval between the successive samples based on the predicted PV output with the help of a proposed SOC based charging strategy. The proposed methodology has been tested at the University of Queensland (UQ)’s solar and parking facilities coupled with its electric grid. The results show that aside from reducing the probability of voltage limit violations (PVV), the proposed methodology can increase the PV energy harvest. Moreover, it is cost-effective as compared to the conventional method such as onsite battery energy storage deployment.
Anodes derived from oxides of tin have, of late, been of considerable interest because, in principle, they can store over twice as much lithium as graphite. A nanometric matrix of Li2O generated in situ by the electrochemical reduction of SnO2 can provide a facile environment for the reversible alloying of lithium with tin to a maximum stoichiometry of Li4.4Sn. However, the generation of the matrix leads to a high first-cycle irreversible capacity. With a view to increasing the reversible capacity as well as to reduce the irreversible capacity and capacity fade upon cycling, tin–tin oxide mixtures were investigated. SnO2, synthesized by a chemical precipitation method, was mixed with tin powder at two compositions, viz., 1:2 and 2:1, ball-milled and subjected to cycling studies. A mixture of composition Sn:SnO2 =1:2 exhibited a specific capacity of 549mAhg−1 (13% higher than that for SnO2) with an irreversible capacity, which was 7% lower than that for SnO2 and a capacity fade of 1.4mAhg−1 cycle−1. Electrodes with this composition also exhibited a coulombic efficiency of 99% in the 40 cycles. It appears that a matrix in which tin can be distributed without aggregation is essential for realizing tin oxide anodes with high cyclability.
Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 powders were synthesized from co-precipitated spherical metal hydroxide, (Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)(OH)2. The preparation of metal hydroxide was significantly dependent on synthetic conditions, such as pH, amount of chelating agent, stirring speed, etc. The optimized condition resulted in (Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)(OH)2, of which the particle size distribution was uniform and the particle shape was spherical, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Calcination of the uniform metal hydroxide with LiOH at higher temperature led to a well-ordered layer-structured Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2, as confirmed by Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction pattern. Due to the homogeneity of the metal hydroxide, (Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)(OH)2, the final product, Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2, was also significantly uniform, i.e., the average particle size was of about 10μm in diameter and the distribution was relatively narrow. As a result, the corresponding tap-density was also high approximately 2.39gcm−3, of which the value is comparable to that of commercialized LiCoO2. In the voltage range of 2.8–4.3, 2.8–4.4, and 2.8–4.5V, the discharge capacities of Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 electrode were 159, 168, and 177mAhg−1, respectively. For elevated temperature operation (55°C), the resulted capacity was of about 168mAhg−1 with an excellent cyclability.
This paper reports on the cycling stability of Li plating/stripping on Li6.6La3Zr1.6Ta0.4O12 [LLZ(Ta0.4)] with high sintering density at 25, 60, and 100 °C. Plated/stripped Li thicknesses are sequentially increased to 200 nm, 1.0 μm, and 2.0 μm after every ten cycles. The overpotential gradually increases with cycling Li plating/stripping processes, and the cells eventually short-circuit at 25 and 60 °C. However, the cycling stability of Li plating/stripping significantly improves at 100 °C, and the short-circuiting is prevented perfectly. Moreover, the cycling stability of Li plating/stripping at 25 °C is dramatically improved by pre-cycling the cell at 100 °C. Only heating a cell with Li metal at 100 °C for the same duration does not improve the cycling stability of the cell. It is hence considered that forced migrations of Li atoms and ions across entire Li/LLZ(Ta0.4) interfaces at 100 °C change the properties of the interfacial regions even for the following plating/stripping cycles at 25 °C.
Language disturbance is one of the main diagnostic features in schizophrenia and abnormalities of brain language areas have been consistently found in schizophrenic patients. The main aim of this study was to describe the impairment of micro and macrolinguistic abilities in a group of twenty-nine schizophrenic patients during the phase of illness stability compared to forty-eight healthy participants matched for age, gender and educational level. Microlinguistic abilities refer to lexical and morpho-syntactic skills, whereas macrolinguistic abilities relate to pragmatic and discourse level processing. Secondary aims were to detect the effect of macrolinguistic on microlinguistic ability, and the neuropsychological impairment associated with the linguistic deficit. The linguistic assessment was performed on story-telling. Three narratives were elicited with the help of a single-picture stimulus and two cartoon stories with six pictures each. A modified version of the Mental Deterioration Battery was used to assess selective cognitive performances. A series of t-tests indicated that all the macrolinguistic variables were significantly impaired in schizophrenic patients in at least one of the three story-tellings. Furthermore, the limited impairment found in microlinguistic abilities was influenced by macrolinguistic performance. Multivariate stepwise regression analyses suggested that reduced attention performances and deficit in executive functions were predictors of linguistic impairment. Language production in schizophrenia is impaired mainly at the macrolinguistic level of processing. It is disordered and filled with irrelevant pieces of information and derailments. Such erratic discourse may be linked to the inability to use pragmatic rules and to cognitive deficits involving factors such as attention, action planning, ordering and sequencing.
Earth-abundant transition metal-based compounds are of high interest as catalysts for sustainable hydrogen fuel generation. The realization of effective electrolysis of water, however, is still limited by the requirement of a high sustainable driving potential above thermodynamic requirements. Here, we report dynamically self-optimized (DSO) NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets with promising bi-functional performance. Compared with pristine NiFe LDH, DSO NiFe LDH exhibits much lower overpotential for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), even outperforming platinum. Under 1 M KOH aqueous electrolyte, the bi-functional DSO catalysts show an overpotential of 184 and −59 mV without iR compensation for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and HER at 10 mA cm−2. The material system operates at 1.48 V and 1.29 V to reach 10 and 1 mA cm−2 in two-electrode measurements, corresponding to 83% and 95% electricity-to-fuel conversion efficiency with respect to the lower heating value of hydrogen. The material is seen to dynamically reform the active phase of the surface layer during HER and OER, where the pristine and activated catalysts are analyzed with ex situ XPS, SAED and EELS as well as with in situ Raman spectro-electrochemistry. The results show transformation into different active interfacial species during OER and HER, revealing a synergistic interplay between iron and nickel in facilitating water electrolysis.
The paper is devoted to the development of lithium-ion battery grade negative electrode active materials with higher reversible capacity than that offered by conventional graphite. The authors report on results of their experiments as related to the electrochemical performance of silicon-based materials for lithium-ion batteries. A commercial grade of spherically shaped natural graphite (FormulaBT™ SLA1025) was modified in a number of different ways with nano-sized silicon. The reversible capacity of SLA1025 modified by 9.2wt% of the nano-sized amorphous silicon was seen to be as high as 590mAhg−1. The irreversible capacity loss with this compound was 20%. Lithium-ion batteries using such material were observed to display sharp capacity decay during prolonged cycling. In contrast, the reversible capacity of another experimental grade, the SLA1025 modified by 7.9wt% of the carbon-coated Si was as high as 604mAhg−1. The irreversible capacity loss with this material was as low as 8.1%. This grade, also, was seen to display much better cycling performance than the baseline natural graphite. A series of full lithium-ion rechargeable cells were developed in the CR2016 coin cell configuration. Higher specific capacity of graphite modified by silicon was observed. This allowed decreasing graphite content in the lithium-ion cells by a factor of 1.6. The resultant lithium-ion batteries after optimization of their composition displayed approximately 20% higher gravimetric and volumetric specific energy densities than lithium-ion battery based on conventional natural graphite.
The precursor for a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) consisted of tetra (ethylene glycol) diacrylate monomer, benzoyl peroxide, and 1.1M LiPF6/EC:PC:EMC:DEC (30:20:30:20wt.%). LiCoO2/graphite cells were prepared and their electrochemical properties were evaluated at various current densities and temperatures. The viscosity of the precursor containing 5vol.% tetra (ethylene glycol) diacrylate monomer was around 4.6mPas. The ionic conductivity of the gel polymer electrolyte at 20°C was around 6.34×10−3 Scm−1. The gel polymer electrolyte had good electrochemical stability up to 4.5V versus Li/Li+. The capacity of the cell at 2.0C rate was 74% of the discharge capacity at 0.2C rate. The capacity of the cell at temperature of −10°C was 81% of the discharge capacity at temperature of 20°C. Discharge capacity of the cell with gel polymer electrolyte was stable with charge–discharge cycling.
The effects of Si particle size and the amount of carbon-based conductive additive (CA) on the performance of a Si anode in a Li-ion battery are investigated by adopting combinations of two different Si particle sizes (20 and 3μm on average) and CA contents (15 and 30wt.%), respectively. The CA contains graphitic flakes and nano-sized carbon black. Cyclic voltammetry, charge–discharge tests, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction establish that the CA content has a profound effect on the cycle-life and irreversible capacity of the Si anode. The former increases, while the latter decreases significantly with increasing CA content. Reducing the particle size of Si, on the other hand, facilitates the alloying/de-alloying kinetics. For instance a cycle-life of over 50 cycles with >96% capacity retention at a charge capacity of 600mAh per g-Si has been demonstrated by adopting of 30wt.% CA and 3μm Si particles.