batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Rational design of advanced cost-effective electrocatalysts is vital for the development of water electrolysis. Herein, we report a novel binder-free efficient Co9S8@Co3O4 core/shell electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) via a combined hydrothermal-sulfurization method. The sulfurized net-like Co9S8 nanoflakes are strongly anchored on the Co3O4 nanowire core forming self-supported binder-free core/shell electrocatalysts. Positive advantages including larger active surface area of Co9S8 nanoflakes, and reinforced structural stability are achieved in the Co9S8@Co3O4 core/shell arrays. The OER performances of the Co9S8@Co3O4 core/shell arrays are thoroughly tested and enhanced electrocatalytic performance with lower over-potential (260 mV at 20 mA cm−2) and smaller Tafel slopes (56 mV dec−1) as well as long-term durability are demonstrated in alkaline medium. Our proposed core/shell smart design may provide a new way to construct other advanced binder-free electrocatalysts for applications in electrochemical catalysis.
Pb2+ exposure in humans occurs mainly through air inhalation, food and water uptake which has been shown to be generally associated with numerous body functions such as the central and peripheral nervous systems, the red blood cells, the kidneys and the liver. It has been reported that the liver is the storage site and an important primary target in Pb2+ toxicity, and the hepatotoxicity of Pb2+ could be resulted from the impairment of the liver mitochondria. In this study, several mitochondrial dysfunctions following the addition of Pb2+ (10–160 μM) were investigated. We found that Pb2+ inhibited the enzyme activities of mitochondrial respiratory complexes and complex III was the major source of Pb2+-induced significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. As a consequence, our results showed that Pb2+ induced significant progress in mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) consumption and glutathione (GSH) oxidation. On the other hand, Pb2+ induced marked changes in mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) accompanied by mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, mitochondrial membrane fluidity decrease and cytochrome c (Cyt c) release. Additionally, several mitochondrial MPT inhibitors and chelators were utilized to determine the possible interaction sites of Pb2+ on mitochondria. In general, our data supported that the Pb2+-induced liver toxicity was a result of the disruptive effect on the mitochondrial respiratory complexes. This disruptive effect caused oxidative stress and MPT, which led to mitochondrial dysfunctions and even cell death signalling via mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening and Cyt c release.
Background China has the largest population of children with hearing impairments and cochlear implantation is gaining popularity there. However, the vocabulary development in this population is largely unexplored. Aims This study examined early vocabulary outcomes, factors influencing early vocabulary development and the relationship between speech perception and vocabulary development in Mandarin-speaking children during the first year of cochlear implant use. Methods and procedures A battery of vocabulary tests was administered to 80 children before implantation and 3, 6, and 12 months after implantation. Demographic information was obtained to evaluate their relationships with vocabulary outcomes. Outcomes and results The Mandarin-speaking children, who received their cochlear implants before 3 years of age, developed vocabulary at a rate faster than that of their same-aged peers with normal hearing. Better pre-implant hearing levels, younger age at implantation, and higher maternal education level contributed to the early vocabulary development. The trajectories of speech perception development highly correlated with those of vocabulary development during 3 to 12 months of CI use. Conclusions and Implications: These findings imply that the vocabulary development of children implanted before 3 years of age may catch up with that of their hearing peers.
Over the past several decades, there has been much interest regarding the effects of video game play. Research has evaluated the behavioral, cognitive, and psychological effects of video game play, and found individuals who play games using complex and dynamic game settings and require focused attention with quick responses, such as action video games, demonstrate improved cognitive performance. Action video game training has also yielded rehabilitation efficacy for a myriad of patients, such as stroke patients and individuals with vestibular and balance deficits. Recently, new technology platforms have been developed such as mixed reality (MR); however, little to no research has been conducted examining the effects of advanced technology platforms. The purpose of the current study was to explore whether MR game training improved visuo-motor reaction time and balance performances. Fourteen participants (11 male; 18–50 years of age) underwent baseline and post-intervention assessments, and then complete 8 h of MR action game training. Visuo-motor reaction times were obtained via computerized Automated Neurocognitive Assessment Metric testing and balance measures were obtained via Sensory Organizational Testing. Baseline and post-intervention comparisons were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Baseline and post-intervention visuo-motor reaction time and balance comparisons revealed that MR game training yielded significant reaction time improvements (p < 0.05) and vestibular performances (p < 0.05) following game training. Our results suggest visuo-motor reaction time and balance performances were significantly improved following of 8 h of action MR game training.
The development of graphene-based electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of great significance. Herein, we report a swelling-induced approach based on the thermal condensation of dicyandiamide (DCDA) to convert the porous sucrose-derived sphere (PSS) into nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) via facile one-step pyrolysis. The polycondensation of DCDA creates the volume expansion that results in the rupture of PSS and the formation of NG after high-temperature nitrogen doping and carbonization processes. This method allows for the facile optimization of the nitrogen doping level and graphitization degree by adjusting the annealing temperature. In alkaline media, the NG exhibits an excellent electrocatalytic ORR activity comparable to commercial Pt/C catalyst in terms of four-electron transfer pathway, low overpotential and high kinetic-limiting current density of 15.29mAcm−2 at 0.665V (vs. RHE), together with its better durability. The high ORR performance of NG is attributed to the synergetic effects between optimal nitrogen doping (moderate total nitrogne content with high proportion of graphitic nitrogen) and enhanced electronic conductivity, which offers the highly active and dense centers and facilitates the electron transfer for ORR process, respectively. This finding is useful for producing novel nanocarbon and propelling the application of clean energy systems.
Since most first-generation antihistamines have undesirable sedative effects on the central nervous systems (CNS), newer (second-generation) antihistamines have been developed to improve patients’ quality of life. However, there are few reports that directly compare the antihistaminic efficacy and impairment of psychomotor functions. We designed a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover study to concurrently compare the clinical effectiveness of promethazine, a first-generation antihistamine, and fexofenadine and olopatadine, second-generation antihistamines, by measuring their potency as peripheral inhibitors of histamine-induced wheal and flare. Further, we investigated their sedative effects on the CNS using a battery of psychomotor tests. When single therapeutic doses of fexofenadine (60 mg), olopatadine (5 mg) and promethazine (25 mg) were given in a double-blind manner to 24 healthy volunteers, all antihistamines produced a significant reduction in the wheal and flare responses induced by histamine. In the comparison among antihistamines, olopatadine showed a rapid inhibitory effect compared with fexofenadine and promethazine, and had a potent effect compared with promethazine. In a battery of psychomotor assessments using critical flicker fusion, choice reaction time, compensatory tracking, rapid visual information processing and a line analogue rating scale as a subjective assessment of sedation, promethazine significantly impaired psychomotor function. Fexofenadine and olopatadine had no significant effect in any of the psychomotor tests. Promethazine, fexofenadine and olopatadine did not affect behavioral activity, as measured by wrist actigraphy. These results suggest that olopatadine at a therapeutic dose has greater antihistaminergic activity than promethazine, and olopatadine and fexofenadine did not cause cognitive or psychomotor impairment.
The design, construction and testing of valve-regulated lead/acid cells with grid designs optimised for high-rate partial state-of-charge cycling for hybrid electric vehicles are described. Computer modelling was used to develop the grid designs. This showed that designs with opposed tabs and terminals on the top and bottom of the cell were likely to have the best performance not only in terms of grid conductivity but also for uniformity of active material utilisation. Prototype cells were built and tested. Low rate performance was in line with the designs and the high-rate performance was substantially enhanced compared with conventional constructions. The cells were then tested to a shallow cycling regime and to a simplified hybrid electric vehicle cycle. The results showed excellent life under these conditions without the benefit of carbon or graphite additives to the negative active material that have also been shown to improve cycle life under these conditions.
Free-standing MWCNTs/V2O5 nanobelts composite architecture electrodes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are prepared based on hydrothermal method, electrostatic self-assembly approach and vacuum filtration deposition technique. Such kind of nanoarchitecture enhances the electrochemical kinetics and structural stability of V2O5 cathodes. The distribution and evolution features of plane strains in free-standing MWCNTs/V2O5 cathodes surface are in-operando monitored by using digital image correlation method and systematically discussed. The strain results show that the evolution of strain against potential obeys general Arrhenius relation under galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling. Considering the effect of lithium ion concentration, the elastic modulus of 20 wt% MWCNTs/V2O5 electrode is confirmed via nanoindentation. The evolutions of average plane stresses in the free-standing MWCNTs/V2O5 electrodes, as well as the contributions of mechanical and electrochemical components, are evaluated and discussed by mechano-electrochemical constitutive equation during electrochemical process. The analytical methods used in this article are universal for revealing the electrode mechano-electrochemical failure mechanism in LIBs.
Redox-active films have been generated via electrochemical reduction in a solution containing palladium(II) acetate and [C60]fullerene, or derivatives of C60. The C60 derivatives include piperazine (piperazine-C60), pyrrolidine (CH3-pyr-C60), and a pyrrolidine salt, [(CH3)2-pyr-C60]+ attached to the fullerene unit. In these films, fullerene moieties are covalently bonded to palladium atoms to form a polymeric network. The polymer yields involving the piperazine and pyrrolidine derivatives of C60 are significantly lower than the yield of the C60/Pd film. The CH3-pyr-C60/Pd and [(CH3)2-pyr-C60]+/Pd films are electrochemically active in the negative potential region due to the reduction of the fullerene moiety. Reduction of the CH3-pyr-C60/Pd film is accompanied by the transport of supporting electrolyte cations from the solution into the film. In the first reduction step of the [(CH3)2-pyr-C60]+/Pd film, both cations and anions of the supporting electrolyte are involved. The piperazine-C60/Pd film exhibits electrochemical activity at both negative and positive potentials. In the negative potential region, reduction of the fullerene cage takes place. Oxidation of the piperazine moiety is responsible for the observed current in the positive potential range. Here, the oxidation process of this polymer is significantly influenced by the presence of metallic palladium particles in the film.
High power Na-ion rechargeable batteries have attracted much interest recently. In particular, the development of nanostructured electrode materials is essentially required, because the large surface area and short Na-ion diffusion length could provide the high power density. In this paper, we report on the fabrication of single-crystalline Na0.44MnO2 nanowire, and the application to Na-ion rechargeable batteries. The single phase Na0.44MnO2 was successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The SEM and TEM experiments proved that hydrothermally synthesized Na0.44MnO2 has single-crystalline nanowire morphology. The single-crystalline Na0.44MnO2 nanowire electrode in Na-ion batteries showed both the excellent cycle stability and high-charge/discharge-rate capability.
Hybrid solar-battery power source is essential in the nexus of plug-in electric vehicle (PEV), renewables, and smart building. This paper devises an optimization framework for efficient energy management and components sizing of a single smart home with home battery, PEV, and potovoltatic (PV) arrays. We seek to maximize the home economy, while satisfying home power demand and PEV driving. Based on the structure and system models of the smart home nanogrid, a convex programming (CP) problem is formulated to rapidly and efficiently optimize both the control decision and parameters of the home battery energy storage system (BESS). Considering different time horizons of optimization, home BESS prices, types and control modes of PEVs, the parameters of home BESS and electric cost are systematically investigated. Based on the developed CP control law in home to vehicle (H2V) mode and vehicle to home (V2H) mode, the home with BESS does not buy electric energy from the grid during the electric price's peak periods.
Well-crystallized, homogeneous nanocomposites of lithium iron(II) phosphate and carbon was synthesized by solid state reaction, and the obtained particles are spherical. Measurement of both CV and EIS shows that the lithium ion diffusion coefficient in the nanocomposites is affected by the incorporated carbon, and markedly increases with the carbon content. Meanwhile, the kinetics of lithium intercalation and de-intercalation is greatly ameliorated. These data provide strong evidence of the potential use of this kind of nanocomposite cathode in lithium ion battery.
The kinetics of lithium transport through vanadium pentoxide composite and film electrodes have been investigated in a 1M solution of LiClO4 in propylene carbonate using current transient technique. In the case of the vanadium pentoxide composite electrode, all the cathodic and anodic current transients experimentally measured hardly followed the Cottrell behaviour and the relation between initial current level in current transient and applied potential step held Ohmic law. Lithium transport through the composite electrode was theoretically analysed by means of the numerical simulation of the current transient under the assumption of the ‘cell-impedance controlled’ lithium transport. The current transients theoretically calculated shared quantitatively well those experimentally measured. In contrast, all the cathodic and anodic current transients experimentally obtained from the film electrode, exhibited clearly a linear relationship between logarithmic current and logarithmic time, followed by an exponential decay. From the results, it is suggested that lithium transport through the film electrode proceeds under the ‘diffusion controlled’ lithium transport towards rough (fractal) interface. The difference in the mechanism of lithium transport between through vanadium pentoxide composite electrode and through film electrode was discussed in terms of the chemical diffusivity of lithium ion and ‘cell-impedance’ of the two electrodes.
Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) lies at the heart of many renewable energy technologies. Development of facile approaches toward highly active carbon materials for ORR is urgently desirable. We accidentally discovered a method for preparing heteroatom-doped carbon catalyst through an in situ self-templating and self-sacrificing strategy during the carbonization of a single polymer precursor. The prepared N,S co-doped and hierarchical porous carbon possesses a large specific surface area up to 2446 m2 g−1, which is the state-of-the-art among the porous carbons prepared by direct pyrolysis of linear polymer precursors. The use of in situ nanoarchitecturing and active-site engineering ensures that the N,S co-doped porous carbon catalyst has sufficient active sites for charge/mass transport and catalysis. As expected, as-prepared carbonaceous electrocatalyst exhibited superior ORR activity in both alkaline and acidic electrolytes and outperformed the state-of-the-art benchmark Pt/C and the best carbonaceous electrocatalysts for ORR in aqueous media so far. Moreover, the N,S co-doped carbon catalyst was demonstrated to be a highly efficient air cathode for Zn–air batteries. Thus, this study provides a new and economical method of fabricating feasible carbon electrocatalysts with exceptional catalytic activities for energy conversion and storage.
This paper is theoretically suggested to describe the combined effects of diffusion induced stress and dislocation induced stress in a cylinder lithium ion battery electrode on the nucleation and propagation of cracks under galvanostatic or potentiostatic solute insertion and extraction. By the conventional assumption, we develop this model accounting for dislocation mechanics in a cylindrical electrode under axisymmetric diffusion induced stress, focusing on the dislocation and size effects on the magnitude and distribution of the combined DIS during galvanostatic or potentiostatic condition. The results show that dislocation induced stress can decrease tensile stress, and converts the state of stress from tensile to compressive. The trend of the crack nucleation and propagation can be prevented as the cylindrical particle radius drops down to nanoscale range. Dislocation induced stress suppressing the crack nucleation, however, provides a novel way of mitigating internal damage in a cylindrical lithium ion battery during cycling. It may be used in conjunction with the methods of nano-engineering to create microstructures tailored to maximize suppressing the crack nucleation, yielding new strategy to improve battery life and avoid failure.
A diffusive solar cell window was designed and fabricated with uniformly distributed nanocomposite particles in a light diffusive plate that was sandwiched between two glass layers. The entire composite construction transfers light radiation to solar cells at the edge of the windows. It is based on a new combination of existing technologies because of it uses mature, mass-produced components - solar cells - as well as nanocomposite particles that are embedded inside the light-guide plate. They are integrated using an inexpensive and widely used method for making building windows. The result is an inexpensive, strong, stable, view quality-preserving solar energy-harvesting window that has no close competition. The diffusive solar cell window does not suffer from aging, and products that are made using diffusive solar cell window technology will be new entries to the solar power generation window market.
We have developed a novel route to make new batteries from spent ones, in which we obtain and regenerate the active materials of positive electrode and negative electrode respectively. For the spent lead acid batteries, the positive electrode active materials contain both PbSO4 and PbO2. To make full use of them, we have to investigate the treatment of the mixtures rather than only PbO2, which we have reported previously. Here we report our investigation on three mixtures of PbSO4 and PbO2 in different mole ratios, as well as the electrode materials directly from the spent batteries. The mixtures are firstly desulphated, and then solvothermally processed in methanol at 140 °C for 24 h. The as-obtained solids contain both PbO·PbCO3 and PbCO3, which have been calcined to form α-PbO. The α-PbO powders are similar irregular particles and highly electrochemically active, which discharge around 170 mAh g−1 at 5 mA g−1, 80 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 and 60 mAh g−1 at 400 mA g−1 with excellent cyclic stability in 50 cycles.
Advances in hydrometallurgy are providing increasingly simple means for controlling the entire lead chain from concentrate to recycled lead. Used in parallel with pyrometallurgy, these processes allow furnace temperatures to be reduced to the minimum, which is essential for casting or alloying. Fumes and atmospheric pollution are minimized, furnace slags are digested, and most residues (other than purification cements) are non-toxic and convertible into marketable products. These new processes provide the cleanest and healthiest practicable means for recycling lead from batteries. By substituting melting for smelting, the heat requirement and cycle time per charge are reduced by more than half. A new hydrometallurgical plant could be installed alongside an existing pyrometallurgical plant without interference, doubling its potential capacity when operational (and more, if electrowinning is used). Over 99.5% of the lead originally present is recovered in tests of a combined PLACID–pyro plant. The average purity of electrowon PLACID lead is 99.995%. Results from the PLINT process should be similar. The purity of the lead chain can thereby be sustained through recycling. Perfect solid/paste separation is not mandatory, and PLINT-type plant units can be of any size. Such processes constitute a good basis for development of clean processes, which are suitable for use in Asian societies.
A composite cathode, consisting of Ba(Zr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2)O3−δ (BZCY) and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF), has shown high catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction, demonstrating a peak power density of 855mWcm−2 at 750°C. The chemical compatibility between BZCY and LSCF is excellent since there was no evidence of chemical reaction between the two after being fired at 1100°C for 10h. The stability of the composite cathode is further shown in single cells operated at 750 and 600°C for 100h without observable degradation in performance.
A wind-hydrogen hybrid system with carbon physisorption storage has been developed and implemented within a dynamic model-based software environment. Numerical simulations have been applied to synthetic and real data to evaluate its operations and performance over a 6-months period. Hydrogen is yielded by electrolysis with energy converted from wind, and load is powered either by direct turbine connection, by battery or a fuel cell. Surplus hydrogen is stored by physisorption in a cluster of nitrogen-cooled tanks filled with activated carbons. Physisorption has been modeled after the Ono-Kondo isotherm from laboratory data available in literature. The operating cycle is composed of four transformations: isobar pre-charging at 0.1 MPa, isothermal charging at 77 K, isobar pre-discharging at 6 MPa, and isothermal discharging at 153 K. From our simulation runs, the system can operate as stand-alone granting total independence from the grid. The storage system has good gravimetric and volumetric capacity (10.8% and 32.5 g/l at 6 MPa). Overall system efficiency is estimated to be around 10%. Hydrogen physisorption on carbon seems a potentially feasible storage technique for hydrogen with tanks that are compact and safe, hence apt for stationary and some non-stationary applications.