batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Efficient electron transfer (ET) between microbes and electrodes is a key factor for electricity generation in microbial fuel cell (MFC). The utilization of reversible redox electron-mediator can enhance such extracellular ET but could result in environmental contamination and low cost-effectiveness. These limitations may be overcome by immobilizing electron-mediator molecules on electrode surface. In this paper, we present a stepwise amidation procedure to covalently immobilize neutral red (NR), which has been proved to be an appropriate mediator to harvest microbial metabolic electrons due to its excellent electrochemical reversibility and compatible redox potential to the major metabolic electron carriers (e.g., of NADH/NAD+), on carbon electrodes. In this procedure, immobilization of NR is realized by acylchlorination of the carboxylated carbon surface with thionyl chloride followed by amidation reaction with NR. It is shown that such a stepwise amidation procedure can significantly increase the amounts of NR molecules immobilized on carbon surface without altering their redox properties. In addition, the use of NR-immobilized carbon electrodes as MFC anode can significantly increase the power output and the utilization of carbon sources (organic fuel).
Hydrogen transport through such metal-hydride electrodes as Mm(Ni3.6Co0.7Mn0.4Al0.3)1.12 and Zr0.65Ti0.35Ni1.2V0.4Mn0.4 was investigated in 6M KOH solution by using potentiostatic current transient technique. From the shape of the anodic current transient and the dependence of the initial current density on the discharging potential, the boundary conditions at the electrode surface were established during hydrogen extraction from the as-annealed and as-surface-treated electrodes. Especially, it was experimentally confirmed that the diffusion-limited boundary condition is no longer valid at the electrode surface during hydrogen transport in case hydrogen diffusion is coupled with either the interfacial charge transfer reaction or the hydrogen transfer reaction between adsorbed state on the electrode surface and absorbed state at the electrode sub-surface. From the transition behaviour of the boundary condition, it was further recognised that the boundary condition at the electrode surface during hydrogen transport is not fixed at the specific electrode/electrolyte system by itself, but it is rather simultaneously determined even at any electrode/electrolyte system by the potential step and the nature of the electrode surface, depending upon e.g. the presence or absence of the surface oxide scales.
The greatest challenges towards the worldwide success of battery-powered electric vehicles revolve around the safety and energy density of the battery. Single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes address both challenges by replacing the flammable and unstable liquid electrolytes and enabling dendrite-free cycling of high-energy lithium metal anodes. To date, however, their commercial use has been hindered by insufficient ionic conductivities at ambient temperature (commonly not exceeding 10−6 S cm−1) and the limited electrochemical stability towards oxidation, in particular when incorporating ether-type building blocks, limiting their application to rather low-voltage cathode materials like LiFePO4. Here, we introduce ether-free, nanostructured multi-block copolymers as single-ion conducting electrolytes, providing high thermal stability and self-extinguishing properties and, if plasticized with ethylene carbonate, ionic conductivities exceeding 10−3 S cm−1 above 30 °C, i.e., approaching that of state-of-the-art liquid electrolytes. Moreover, these single-ion conducting ionomers present highly reversible lithium cycling for more than 1000 h and, as a result of their excellent electrochemical stability, highly stable cycling of Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 cathodes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first polymer electrolyte that presents such remarkable ionic conductivity and outstanding electrochemical stability towards both reduction and oxidation, thus, paving the way for advanced high-energy lithium metal batteries. Remarkably, the realization of well-defined continuous ionic domains appears to be the key to efficient charge transport through the electrolyte bulk and across the electrode/electrolyte interface, highlighting the importance of the self-assembling nanostructure. The latter is achieved by carefully (i) designing the copolymer structure, i.e., introducing alternating ionic blocks with a very regular distribution of weakly coordinating anions along the polymer chain and rigid blocks, which are completely immiscible with ethylene carbonate, and (ii) choosing the processing solvent, taking into account its interaction with the different copolymer blocks.
Speech and voice disorders are one of the most common adverse effects in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients treated with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS). However, the pathophysiology of voice and laryngeal dysfunction after STN-DBS remains unclear. We assessed 47 PD patients (22 treated with bilateral STN-DBS (PD-DBS) and 25 treated medically (PD-Med); all patients in both groups matched by age, sex, disease duration, and motor and cognitive function) using the objective and subjective voice assessment batteries (GRBAS scale and Voice Handicap Index), and laryngoscopy. Laryngoscopic examinations revealed that PD-DBS patients showed a significantly higher incidence of incomplete glottal closure (77 vs 48 %; p = 0.039), hyperadduction of the false vocal folds (73 vs 44 %; p = 0.047), anteroposterior hypercompression (50 vs 20 %; p = 0.030) and asymmetrical glottal movement (50 vs 16 %; p = 0.002) than PD-Med patients. On- and off-stimulation assessment revealed that STN-DBS could induce or aggravate incomplete glottal closure, hyperadduction of the false vocal folds, anteroposterior hypercompression, and asymmetrical glottal movement. Incomplete glottal closure and hyperadduction of the false vocal folds significantly correlated with breathiness and strained voice, respectively (r = 0.590 and 0.539). We should adjust patients’ DBS settings in consideration of voice and laryngeal functions as well as motor function.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide; they are mainly due to vascular obstructions which, in turn, are mainly caused by thrombi and atherosclerotic plaques. Although a variety of removal strategies has been developed for the considered obstructions, none of them is free from limitations and conclusive. The present paper analyzes the physical mechanisms underlying state-of-art removal strategies and classifies them into chemical, mechanical, laser and hybrid (namely chemo-mechanical and mechano-chemical) approaches, while also reviewing corresponding commercial/research tools/devices and procedures. Furthermore, challenges and opportunities for interventional micro/nanodevices are highlighted. In this spirit, the present review should support engineers, researchers active in the micro/nanotechnology field, as well as medical doctors in the development of innovative biomedical solutions for treating vascular obstructions. Data were collected by using the ISI Web of Knowledge portal, buyer’s guides and FDA databases; devices not reported on scientific publications, as well as commercial devices no more for sale were discarded. Nearly 70% of the references were published since 2006, 55% since 2008; these percentages respectively raise to 85% and 65% as regards the section specifically reviewing state-of-art removal tools/devices and procedures.
The relationship between the structure-specific capacitance (Fg−1) of a composite electrode consisting of activated coconut-shell carbon and hydrous ruthenium oxide (RuO x (OH) y ) has been evaluated by impregnating various amounts of RuO x (OH) y into activated carbon that is specially prepared with optimum pore-size distribution. The composite electrode shows an enhanced specific capacitance of 250Fg−1 in 1M H2SO4 with 9wt.% ruthenium incorporated. Chemical and structural characterization of the composites reveals a homogeneous distribution of amorphous RuO x (OH) y throughout the porous network of the activated carbon. Electrochemical characterization indicates an almost linear dependence of capacitance on the amount of ruthenium owing to its pseudocapacitive nature.
To understand the effects of increased levels of CO2 on the marine realm, it is possible to study areas where, for natural reasons, there are emissions of CO2 from the seabed. One of these areas is located east of Panarea Island (Aeolian Islands – Southern Tyrrhenian Sea – Italy). Here, the volcanic activity that characterizes the Aeolian archipelago causes a continuous release of CO2 (up to 98% of the total gas) from several vents on the seafloor in shallow water. This area was studied by means of surface techniques and direct SCUBA diving surveys; the data presented refers to a field campaign performed in 2008. To collect the necessary data, some dedicated sampling and measuring techniques were developed for use in an underwater environment. The chemistry of the fluids and their influence on the water body was determined via logs and transects in the field and by gas-chromatographic and liquid-chromatographic laboratory analysis. The flux from some of the main gas vents was also measured directly underwater. Furthermore, some laboratory experiments in a two-layer stratified fluid were conducted to understand the main features of the physical interaction of a gas plume with the surrounding environment. Both field and laboratory experiments show that there is a development of a pseudo-convective cell around the rising plume with the formation of vortices that act as a physical barrier thus reducing the interaction between the plume and the surrounding water.
Several studies have suggested that battery storage co-located with solar photovoltaics (PV) benefits electricity distributors in maintaining system voltages within acceptable limits. However, without careful coordination, these potential benefits might not be realized. In this paper we propose an optimization-based algorithm for the scheduling of residential battery storage co-located with solar PV, in the context of PV incentives such as feed-in tariffs. Our objective is to maximize the daily operational savings that accrue to customers, while penalizing large voltage swings stemming from reverse power flow and peak load. To achieve this objective we present a quadratic program (QP)-based algorithm. To complete our assessment of the customer benefit, the QP-based scheduling algorithm is applied to measured load and generation data from 145 residential customers located in an Australian distribution network. The results of this case study confirm the QP-based scheduling algorithm significantly penalizes reverse power flow and peak loads corresponding to peak time-of-use billing. In the context of feed-in tariffs, the majority of customers exhibited operational savings when QP energy-shifting.
Nano-crystalline LiMn2O4 materials were obtained by three different methods: thermal decomposition of mixtures of corresponding metal carbonates or nitrates, Pechini method and self-combustion reaction (SCR) method using common sugar—sucrose as a fuel. Phase composition, morphology, crystallite- and particle sizes of materials were studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Contrary to thermal decomposition of metal carbonates or nitrates mixtures, Pechini and SCR methods allowed synthesis of a single-phase product at 400°C, but the optimal temperature range for preparing of LiMn2O4 spinel with good electrochemical properties was found to be 600–650°C. Both latter methods provided good control of the chemical composition and microstructure of the active material. The SCR method yields a fine LiMn2O4 spinel, having high initial specific capacity of 116mAh/g and low capacity fade during cycling. The simple procedure of self-combustion method is time and energy saving, and thus is promising for commercial application.
The effects of the coating characteristics of Y(OH)3 on the high-temperature performance of spherical Ni(OH)2 were studied. The coating was performed by chemical surface precipitation under different conditions, and the characterization of Y(OH)3-coating layer was evaluated accordingly. The electrochemical properties of three as-prepared samples with different coating surface were characterized and compared at different temperature. The results reveal that the sample with dense and porous surface retains the excellent performance at elevated temperatures, and the necessary coating amount is only 0.55at.%. The mechanism analysis suggests that the chemical nature and morphology of the coating layer plays an important role in oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The coating surface with dense and porous morphology, larger relative surface content and higher utilization ratio of yttrium is more effective on controlling OER and improving the high-temperature performance of Ni(OH)2 electrode for nickel–metal hydride (Ni/MH) batteries.
Li x MnO2 (x =0.302) was synthesized by chemical lithiation, using a formaldehyde reducing agent and a LiOH lithium source in an aqueous media. The electrochemical properties and structural stability of the product were characterized by X-ray diffraction and charge–discharge measurements. The chemically lithiated Li x MnO2 had a first charge and discharge capacity of 86.2 and 265mAh/g, respectively, with good cycling behavior. Based on the electrochemical results of the first charge, a two-step mechanism of Li x MnO2 lithiation is proposed. γ-MnO2 is first oxidized by formaldehyde, and then Li diffuses into the γ-MnO2 lattice.
ABSTRACT This paper examines the influence of vehicle usage pattern on the CO2 emissions of a small passenger car, using a correlated drive-cycle simulation. A variety of drive-cycles will be used to illustrate how variation in daily driving range and mean vehicle speed influence the optimum driveline configuration. Several interesting driveline configurations, including series and parallel electric hybrids, are analysed using a variety of logged usage patterns and legislative drive-cycles. The results show which vehicle architecture yields the lowest tail-pipe CO2, well to wheel CO2 and total life-cycle CO2.
To compare cyclic performances of different Sn based materials as anodes for Li ion battery and minimize the influence from processing conditions, the SnO/Sn/Cu6Sn5 three-layer film was prepared by a facile method of annealing the electrodeposited thick Sn film on Cu substrate at 200°C in atmosphere for 48h. Microstructure and morphology of the three-layer film were characterized by X-ray diffraction and SEM. Both the Sn film and three-layer film were assembled as anodes in Li-ion battery. Their electrochemical properties were studied by charge/discharge, cyclic voltammetry and ac impedance spectra. Compared with Sn anode, SnO/Sn/Cu6Sn5 three-layer anode shows much smaller SEI film, charge transfer and diffusion resistance. Capacities of SnO, Sn and Cu6Sn5 phases were obtained from analysis of charge/discharge curves. Among all three phases, Cu6Sn5 shows both the highest capacity and capacity retention.
In this paper, we investigate the impact of government control on investors’ valuation of cash held by listed firms in China. We find strong and robust evidence that government control leads to a lower value of cash. Further evidence suggests that this negative impact is associated with significant agency costs of political expropriation rather than low financial constraints of the soft-budget effect. Moreover, our extended analyses reveal that the negative impact of government control on the value of cash depends on regional institutional development. In particular, in regions with high institutional development, government control reduces the value of cash, while in areas that are less developed, this negative impact is attenuated to some extent. Overall, our findings shed new light and add a further dimension to the literature, broadening our understanding of the impact of government intervention on the listed firms under its control.
To examine how self-regulation and social-regulation surrounding type 1 diabetes (T1D) management are coordinated during early emerging adulthood and whether classes of coordination relate to HbA1c and executive functioning (EF). Emerging adult participants (N = 212) with T1D (M age = 18.8 years, SD = .40) completed a 14-day diary to capture components of self-regulation and social-regulation. A mixture multi-level latent coordination model first determined the separate but coordinated factor structure of self- and social-regulation, then determined the number of distinct classes of coordination and how those classes linked to HbA1c and EF. The best-fitting model included three coordinative factors (self, mother, and father) of regulation and two distinct classes. The class with lower HbA1c and higher EF had more stable self- and social-regulation, more connections between self- and social-regulation and reflected more adaptive patterns, consistent with medical management goals. Social connection with parents may aid in regulation during this at-risk transitional time of emerging adulthood.
Objective Many individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia have significant neurocognitive deficits, especially in the areas of attention, memory, and executive function. These deficits may exacerbate patients' psychiatric symptoms. Cognitive remediation has shown efficacy in improving neurocognitive functioning and may lead to amelioration of psychiatric symptoms in persons with schizophrenia. Method Forty-two schizophrenic inpatients were randomly assigned to either a cognitive remediation group (n=21) or a control group (n=21) and were assessed using a neuropsychological battery and symptom scales for depression, anxiety, and positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia at baseline and after two months of participation in a cognitive remediation program. Results The intervention group showed significant improvements in neuropsychological functioning, depression and negative symptoms of schizophrenia after the intervention compared to the control group. Conclusion Results of the study provide support for cognitive remediation as an efficacious intervention to improve neurocognitive functioning and decrease psychiatric symptoms of schizophrenia.
In the present work, combined synchrotron X-ray tomography/diffraction analyses are performed along the 1st and 10th cycles of a Si-based anode made with nanocrystalline/amorphous Si particles synthetized by ball-milling. We are using a porous C paper as a current collector instead of a conventional Cu foil and graphene nanoplatelets as a conductive additive instead of usual carbon black. It is shown that this specific formulation has a major impact on the structural changes of the electrode occurring upon cycling by (i) preventing its macroscopic cracking and related electrical disconnections, (ii) limiting its volume expansion and improving its reversibility, indicative of limited permanent damage in the electrode architecture, (iii) preventing the formation of c-Li15Si4 which is known to be detrimental for the electrode cyclability. However, the capacity fade with cycling remains significant. It can result from the accumulation of SEI products with cycling, progressively obstructing the porous network of the electrode, as supported by a significant decrease of the electrode porosity from 48% to 21% between the 1st and 10th cycle. The displacement and/or micro-cracking of the Si particles can also induce some electrical disconnections and irreversibility of the lithiation reaction. However, this degradation process occurring at the particle scale cannot be clearly identified from the present in-situ XRCT measurements due to spatial resolution limitation.
The performance characteristics of high-performance Ni-YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia) anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are examined under typical fuel cell operating conditions over a period of ∼3000 h when hydrogen contaminated with different concentrations of H2S was used as the fuel. Analyses reveal some new insights into the sulfur poisoning behavior of a Ni-YSZ anode. First, an initial drop in power output upon exposure to H2S-contaminated fuels is more dramatic in an anode-supported cell (with small cell resistance) than in electrolyte-supported cell (with large cell resistance), creating an illusion that a high-performance cell appears to be less sulfur tolerant than a low-performance cell. Second, the transition time for this rapid performance drop to cease is much longer for an anode-supported cell (with a thicker anode) than an electrolyte-supported cell (with a thinner anode). Third, the degree of sulfur poisoning (or the cell resistance increase due to sulfur poisoning) diminishes with operating cell current density, suggesting that the water produced at the active sites on anode surface from electro-oxidation of hydrogen (or oxygen ions) may promote the oxidation and removal of adsorbed sulfur. This effect becomes less pronounced at higher concentration of H2S, but still significant at ∼1 ppm of H2S. Fourth, the subsequent slow degradation in performance after the rapid performance drop upon initial exposure to H2S can be avoided, indicating that the previously reported slow degradation is unlikely the inherent behavior of a Ni-YSZ anode, but associated with other complications. This further implies that sulfur poisoning may be reversible and the performance drop could be fully recovered when the fuel is switched back to clean hydrogen.
Mg2Ni alloy prepared by vacuum induction melting is rapidly quenched in the presence of an external magnetic field. The effects of magnetic field on the microstructure and electrochemical hydrogen storage behavior of Mg2Ni alloy are well investigated for the first time. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) studies show that the applied magnetic field results in a preferred orientation growth during the rapid solidification of alloy melt, which induces the generation of columnar crystals. Meanwhile, decreased grain size and increased internal strain are noted for this alloy, as well as the eliminated composition segregation. It is found on the charge–discharge experiments that the as-prepared alloy displays an increased capacity and improved cycle stability compared to the alloys without magnetic field treatment. The potentiodynamic polarization results indicate that the Mg2Ni alloy exhibits relatively high corrosion resistance against the alkaline solution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) results demonstrate enhanced electrochemical kinetics for the treated Mg2Ni alloy, consistent with the enhanced electrochemical properties.
In the present work, nanostructured Cu2O films are directly grown from a Cu metal foil by means of a rapid thermal oxidation process. The structural characteristics of the films are investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. The electrochemical behaviour is investigated in both lithium (liquid electrolyte) and all-solid lithium polymer cells. At a discharge/charge rate of C/5, the films can provide a specific capacity greater than 220 mAh g-1 in the all-solid configuration, with excellent cycling stability and capacity retention after prolonged cycling. High surface area, short diffusion path and good conduction of the Cu2O films are considered to be responsible for the good electrochemical performance, along with the use of the polymeric electrolyte which is directly formed in situ on the electrode film surface. The present findings can provide a new and easy approach to fabricate nanocomposite films with interesting performance as negative electrode particularly for the next generation of flexible all-solid-state Li-ion microbatteries.