batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Na-containing bilayer vanadium oxides offer outstanding storage capabilities for lithium and sodium batteries, but a multistep process for chemical pre-intercalation of Na-ion exposes a limitation for the application. Herein, we propose a facile one-pot hydrothermal approach to synthesize well crystallized bilayer Na x V2O5·nH2O with ketjen black as conductive dense-network. As a cathode in sodium-ion batteries, the resultant NaxV2O5·nH2O/ketjen black nanocomposite exhibits a high specific capacity of 239 mA h g-1 at a current density of 20 mA g−1 as well as an enhanced rate performance at high current rates up to 640 mA g−1. Ex situ XRD and XPS analysis are conducted to demonstrate the high specific capacity and investigate the changes in structure. Moreover, it is noticeable that two pronounced voltage plateaus reflect the high electrochemical activity of V4+/V5+, contributing to a remarkable energy density of 597 Wh kg−1, which is one of the highest records for cathode of sodium-ion batteries ever reported.
To improve the high-rate capacity and cycle ability, minor Li2ZrO3 successfully coat the nanoparticles of 0.4Li2MnO3·0.6LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (LMO) via sol–gel method. The crystal structure and electrochemical properties of the bare and coated material are studied by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), and charge–discharge tests. The lithium diffusion coefficient of LMO increases one to two orders of magnitude after Li2ZrO3 coating. Li2ZrO3 coating improves the rate capability and cycling stability of LMO. Within the cut-off voltage of 2.5–4.8 V, the initial discharge capacity of Li2ZrO3-coated 0.4Li2MnO3·0.6LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (LZO-LMO) reaches to 264 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C rate, and the capacity remains 235 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. At the current rates of 1, 2, 5 and 10 C, the maximum discharge capacities of LZO-LMO are 205.6, 161, 153.8 and 106 mAh g−1, respectively. Minor Li2ZrO3 modification plays an important role to enhance the high-rate capability and cycle ability of LMO.
It is common for some healthy older adults to obtain low test scores when a battery of neuropsychological tests is administered, which increases the risk of the clinician misdiagnosing cognitive impairment. Thus, base rates of healthy individuals’ low scores are required to more accurately interpret neuropsychological results. At present, this information is not available for the German version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease-Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (CERAD-NAB), a frequently used battery in the USA and in German-speaking Europe. This study aimed to determine the base rates of low scores for the CERAD-NAB and to tabulate a summary figure of cut-off scores and numbers of low scores to aid in clinical decision making. The base rates of low scores on the ten German CERAD-NAB subscores were calculated from the German CERAD-NAB normative sample (N = 1,081) using six different cut-off scores (i.e., 1st, 2.5th, 7th, 10th, 16th, and 25th percentile). Results indicate that high percentages of one or more “abnormal” scores were obtained, irrespective of the cut-off criterion. For example, 60.6 % of the normative sample obtained one or more scores at or below the 10th percentile. These findings illustrate the importance of considering the prevalence of low scores in healthy individuals. The summary figure of CERAD-NAB base rates is an important supplement for test interpretation and can be used to improve the diagnostic accuracy of neurocognitive disorders.
Na3PS4 has been demonstrated to be a promising solid electrolyte for all solid-state sodium ion batteries. Its high intrinsic ionic conductivity makes it ideal for high power battery applications. Although much research has been conducted on studying its structural and electrochemical properties, there is still no consensus on an optimal synthesis protocol despite a variety of reported Na3PS4 synthesis methods available. Here, we investigate the key parameters required to achieve single-step scalable synthesis of Na3PS4 solid electrolyte from its starting precursors. We determine that Na3PS4 solid electrolyte with high ionic conductivity (∼0.2 mS cm−1) can be easily achieved in 20 min using a single synthesis step, representing a significant improvement over other existing energy-intensive multiple-step methods. The all solid-state battery constructed with this highly conductive Na3PS4 is able to deliver 185 mAh g−1 capacity on the first discharge and excellent rate performance with a TiS2 cathode and a Na15Sn4 anode.
Railway transport is a source of pollution to soils and living organisms by e.g. PAHs, PCBs, oil-derived products, pesticides and heavy metals. Soil toxicity evaluation requires chemical analyses, indicating the type and content of particular pollutants, as well as biological analyses, which allow assessing the reaction of organisms to these pollutants. This paper is focused on a multi-aspect evaluation of the degree of toxicity and pollution of soil in selected railway areas from north-eastern Poland by application of numerous biotests and chemical analyses. The soils were sampled on railway tracks from the following railway stations: Białystok Fabryczny, Siemianówka, Hajnówka, Iława Główna and Waliły. The most toxic soils occur on the railway tracks at Białystok Fabryczny and Siemianówka. They had a significant toxic effect on test organisms from various trophic levels. The contents of PAHs, PCBs, heavy metals, oil-derived hydrocarbons and pesticide residues were determined in the examined soils. In all cases the detected pollutants did not exceed the admissible levels. The highest content of oil-derived substances was noted in soils from Białystok Fabryczny and concentrations were moderate in soils from Siemianówka. Although the pollutants determined in soils from railway tracks did not exceed the admissible values, they had a toxic effect on numerous test organisms from different trophic levels. This suggests a synergistic effect of low concentrations (within the admissible levels) of several pollutants together, which resulted in a toxic effect on the organisms. Thus, there is a strong need of not only chemical, but also ecotoxicological analyses during the evaluation of environmental conditions. Based on data obtained from biological and chemical analyses, we concluded that railway transport may pose a hazard to the natural environment to a larger extent that hitherto expected.
Diverse strategies have been used to address the irreversible structural collapse issues of Ge-based anodes associated with lithium insertion/extraction. In this research, the hollow C-Ge and C-Si core-shell (Ge@C and Si@C) anode materials are successfully synthesized through a facile chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method onto hollow carbon nanoboxes. Compared with the Si@C nanoboxes anode, the Ge@C nanoboxes display better cycling performance, which is attributed to the Ge intrinsic favorable electronic/ionic conductivities and the distinctive Ge anode configurations. In addition, the conductive carbon nanobox supporting structure not only effectively accommodates the volume change of the amorphous Ge nanoparticles during the repeated cycling, but also significantly enhances the reaction kinetics of the Ge active material due to the enlarged surface area. More importantly, the nanoarchitecture of this un-protective Ge shell layer anode can be well maintained even after long-term cycling and the LiCoO2||Separator(LiPF6+EC + DEC)||Ge@C full battery also display superior cyclability.
Spinel LiMn2O4 as a cathode material for lithium rechargeable batteries is economically prepared by a novel eutectic self-mixing method without any artificial mixing procedures of reactants. The phase transitions of lithium manganese oxide are found three times on the preparation. Thus, those process controls are discussed and emphasized. The prepared LiMn2O4 exhibits the initial discharge capacity of 124.8mAhg−1 and the discharge capacity retention of 98.2% after 20 cycles.
The details of a potentiostatic preparation method for a composite of iron(III) hexacyanoferrate and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) on a platinum electrode are reported. The heterogeneous electron transfer processes involving the composite and its stability are examined in aqueous and acetonitrile solutions. Cyclic voltammetrical studies show that in aqueous solution poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is in its neutral state (non oxidised state) in the potential range where iron(III) hexacyanoferrate is electroactive. On the other hand, in acetonitrile solution, we show that iron(III) hexacyanoferrate is not electroactive. Thus, the faradaic response of the composite is due only to the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) in this organic medium. This behaviour allows us to study separately the electrochemical behaviour of each part of the composite in the two solvents. A cooperative effect (synergy) is observed within the composite. This is reflected by the increase of the faradaic and the capacitive responses of the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) in acetonitrile solution in the presence of iron(III) hexacyanoferrate. Moreover, the stability of the iron(III) hexacyanoferrate in the composite material is enhanced in aqueous solution.
Electrodes with novel architectures may enable the construction of high power density batteries with ultrafast charge/discharge performances, which are fundamental for todays power tools, medical devices and transportation systems. Hereby, we demonstrate the application of vertically arranged multilayered-graphene, namely carbon nanowalls (CNW), as a potential high power anode to be used in Li-ion secondary batteries. CNWs are deposited onto Cu foils using microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPE-CVD) technique. MPE-CVD is a simple and rapid technique, which is effectively proven to produce self-standing layered anodes by single step processing. The direct deposition over Cu avoids the addition of foreign ingredients such as binders and conductive agents. This opens up the possibility to reduce the number of processing steps and processing time, which are key aspects when upscaling is sought. The superior cycling behaviour of the newly elaborated CNWs is demonstrated in lab-scale Li-metal and Li-ion cells (LiFePO4 cathode) capable of very stable and prolonged reversible cycling with excellent durability (>1000 cycles), good specific capacity and capacity retention when subjected to ultrafast current regimes.
Li ion kinetics in the O2-phase layered manganese oxides, Li2/3(Co0.15Mn0.85)O2 (O2(Li)) and Li(2/3)+x (Co0.15Mn0.85)O2 (x=1/3 (O2(Li+x))), has been studied by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) at room temperature and the results were correlated with the observed cathodic behaviour. Both compounds show a reversible capacity of ∼180 mA h/g at low current density (∼5 mA/g). EIS studies as a function of cycle number show an increased contribution of resistance associated with surface film formation and bulk contribution which is in agreement with the increased capacity fading observed in O2(Li+x) after 10–15 cycles. The Li ion diffusion coefficient (D Li) vs voltage plots show minima during the first charge cycle coinciding with the irreversible plateau of the voltage vs capacity profiles reflecting the irreversible phase change in both the compounds. The values of D Li (GITT method) observed for the second and subsequent cycles (≤6) in the full voltage range (3.0–4.4 V) are 2×10−11–10×10−11 cm2/s for O2(Li+x) and 0.5×10−10–3.0×10−10 cm2/s for O2(Li). Variation of D Li as a function of cycle number (up to 35) indicates that, in addition to the interface kinetics, changes in the D Li values with cycling also contribute to the capacity fading of the compounds, especially in O2(Li+x).
The gel electrolyte for the zinc–air cell was prepared by mixing hydroponics gel with a 6M potassium hydroxide aqueous solution. The self-discharge of cells was characterized by measuring the open-circuit voltage. The effect of a discharge rate of 50mA constant current on cell voltage and plateau hour, as well as the voltage–current and current density–power density were measured and analysed. The electrode degradation after discharge cycling was characterized by structural and surface methods. The oxidation of the electrode surface further blocked the utilization of the Zn anode and was identified as a cause for the failure of the cell.
A free-standing ceramic separator for lithium-ion batteries based on synthesized and surface-functionalized boehmite nanoparticles (AlO(OH)) was prepared by means of a pilot coating machine. For this composite membrane, polyvinylidene difluoride (PVdF) homopolymer was used as a binder. The separator displays a homogeneous morphology with a thickness of 22 µm. The mean pore size of the separator is 64 nm and the MacMullin number is 5.1. The constant current cycling behavior and C-rate capability up to 5 C are comparable to those of a commercial tri-layer polyolefin separator. Even though the mechanical properties of the ceramic separator are in some regards comparable to those of the polyolefin separator, however, they need to be improved so that the ceramic separator is able to withstand the stressful cell assembly process. Moreover, the boehmite-based ceramic separator displays a superior wettability and thermal stability compared to state-of-the-art polyolefin separators and is, therefore very promising for application in lithium-ion batteries.
Information on early recovery after arthroplasty is needed to help benchmark progress and make appropriate decisions concerning patient rehabilitation needs. The purpose of this study was to model early recovery of physical function in patients undergoing total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty, using physical performance and self-report measures.
MoS2 has been extensively investigated as anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the poor stability of MoS2 due to the weak interaction with conductive support and current collector significantly hinders its performance in LIBs. In this work, the Ni3S2 interlayer was successfully in-situ formed between MoS2 and Ni foam by decomposing MoS2 precurors ((NH4)2MoS4) on Ni foam (denoted as MoS2/Ni3S2/Ni). The presence of Ni3S2 interlayer significantly enhanced the interaction between MoS2 and Ni foam support, resulting in excellent stability in lithium-ion batteries. In addition, the foam structure facilitates the ion diffusion and electron transport properties of the electrode materials, leading to high-rate and highly durable performance. The as-prepared MoS2/Ni3S2/Ni reveals a capacity of 1263mAhg−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1Ag−1. On the other hand, it shows excellent rate performance, and it’s capacity can maintain at 740mAhg−1 even at a high current density of 10Ag−1. The interlayer strategy provides a novel principle for the design of durable electrode materials in electrochemical energy storage devices. In this work, for the first time, the Ni3S2 interlayer was successfully in-situ formed between MoS2 and Ni foam by decomposing MoS2 precursors ((NH4)2MoS4) on Ni foam resulting in excellent performance in lithium-ion batteries. The interlayer strategy provides a novel principle for the design of electrode materials in electrochemical energy storage devices.
We present a technology that efficiently harnesses the energy content of hydrocarbon fuels in a volume that is only a fraction of a cubic inch. A propane-fueled microcombustor heats a photonic crystal emitter to incandescence and the resulting spectrally-confined thermal radiation drives low-bandgap PV cells to generate electricity. We overcome the technical challenges that are currently limiting thermophotovoltaics in the following ways: we develop new fabrication processes; we adopt high-temperature alloys to improve the thermo-mechanical stability; we adopt commercial polycrystalline tantalum to fabricate large-area photonic crystals; and finally, we develop a passivation coating for improved thermo-chemical stability. We demonstrate unprecedented heat-to-electricity efficiencies exceeding 4%, greater than the 2–3% efficiencies that were previously thought to be the practical limit, and we predict that over 12% efficiency is achievable with only engineering optimization. For reference, a 1.5% efficiency corresponds to the energy density of lithium ion batteries. This work opens new opportunities to free portable electronics, robots, and small drones from the constraints of bulky power sources.
The cognitive phenotyping of mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) currently focuses on impairments in learning and memory. However, AD is not simply a memory disorder, but other cognitive domains, and in particular attention, can also be impaired even at very early stages of the disease. In this review we argue for the benefits of including other constructs, and in particular attention, in preclinical studies to identify drug targets and disease mechanisms of AD in mouse models. First we give a brief account of the evidence for attentional deficits in AD; we then summarise methods to assess equivalent aspects of attention in mice, followed by a review of recent evidence for attentional impairments in widely used mouse models of AD. We conclude by suggesting that a multidimensional approach to cognitive assessment in preclinical models, in which a number of aspects of cognition are investigated while confounding factors are minimized, is becoming increasingly feasible and may contribute significantly towards the development of more targeted therapeutic interventions.
The present study performs an analysis of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) as a reference point that diagnoses the feasibility of current status and future roadmap to nurture the renewable energy sector in Pakistan. The results identify the social, economic and environmental impacts on the sustainable development of the renewable energy sector through explicit and categorical investigation of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in local perspective. Hence, strengths of the renewable sector in terms of available renewable energy potential, validated resource maps, environment friendliness, and the growing private investors are explored, whereas inefficient technologies, huge capital investment, immature institutional framework, and technology-related environmental hazards are found to be the internal weaknesses that need to be fixed. Main opportunities that are found mandatory to be capitalized for the sustainable development are: untapped potential, micro and mini-installations, off-grid energy systems and efficiency improvements, whereas associated threats to be defended for the sustainability of the renewable energy sector are: policy implications, lack of grid connection, and the competitive energy resources. Furthermore, to cope with the energy crisis under the current scenario, policy-based strategies are suggested to ensure the retainability of the renewable energy sector towards secure and sustainable Pakistan.
Well-ordered high-temperature LiCoO2 (HT-LiCoO2) is synthesized by mechanical alloying (MA) of LiOH·H2O and Co(OH)2 powders and subsequent firing. Its electrochemical properties are investigated. The maximum discharge capacity of a sample mechanically alloyed and fired at 600°C for 2h is 152mAhg−1 at the C/40 rate, which is comparable to that obtained from a sample made by conventional solid state reactions. The cycleability is inferior, however, due to a relatively low crystallinity. When the firing temperature is increased to 850°C, the first discharge capacity of 142mAhg−1 at the C/5 rate is increased by more than 10%, and retains 93% of its maximum value after 30 cycles. These cycling properties are about the same, or slightly higher, than those synthesized by firing a sample mixture of the same starting materials at 600°C for 8h and then at 850°C for 24h. Consequently, given the lower firing temperature and/or reduced reaction time, MA could prove a promising synthetic process for cathode materials used in rechargeable lithium batteries.
Previous evidence has shown a link between neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), and melatonin. The data in the literature about the impact of the hormone under different experimental PD conditions are quite controversial, and its effect on memory impairment in the disease is very poorly explored. The current research was aimed at investigating the role of melatonin pretreatment on memory and motor behavior in healthy rats and those with the partial 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of PD. All rodents were pretreated with melatonin (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for 5 days. At 24 h and 7 days after the first treatment for healthy rats, and at the second and third week post-lesion for those with PD, the animals were tested behaviorally (apomorphine-induced rotations, rotarod, and passive avoidance tests). The neurochemical levels of dopamine (DA), acetylcholine (ACh), noradrenaline (NA), and serotonin (Sero) in the brain were also determined. The results showed that in healthy animals, melatonin pretreatment had amnestic and motor-suppressive effects and did not change the levels of measured brain neurotransmitters. In animals with PD, melatonin pretreatment exerted a neuroprotective effect, manifested as a significantly decreased number of apomorphine-induced rotations, reduced number of falls in the rotarod test, and improved memory performance. The brain DA and ACh concentrations in the same animals were restored to the control levels, and those of NA and Sero did not change. Our results demonstrate a beneficial effect of melatonin on memory and motor disturbance in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats.
In this paper, the wind energy potential of Vesleskarvet in Antarctica is assessed and the possibility of meeting the energy needs of South African׳s SANAE IV located in Vesleskarvet using the wind resource of the site is presented. The data used for the study consists of daily average wind speed, temperature and atmospheric pressure collected over a period of eleven years (2001–2012) at an anemometer height of 10m. The data is obtained from South African Weather Services and the analysis is performed using statistical approach. Some commercially available wind turbine ranging from 10kW to 1650kW are simulated using HOMER simulation software in different scenario to determine the combination of wind turbine, battery and power electronic converter that could meet the electrical energy demand of SANAE IV with lowest Net Present Cost (NPC) and the Cost of Energy (COE) over 25 year life cycle of the project. The results show that Vesleskarvet has exceptional wind resource with average wind speed of 10.9m/s and standard deviation of 6.3m/s. The minimum wind speed in the period under study is 0m/s and maximum value of 41.9m/s. The average wind potential density (2001–2001) is 1650W/m2. The HOMER optimization result reveals that 15 numbers of PGE20/25 wind turbine with rated power of 25kW, hub height of 25m, cut in wind speed of 3.5m/s, rated wind speed of 9m/s and cut-out wind speed of 25m/s seems suitable to meet the electrical energy demand of SANAE IV with NPC of $1,336,262, operating cost of $976,500 and COE of $0.102.
This work presents the construction and evaluation of a membraneless nanofluidic fuel cell made with fiberglass using flow-through porous electrodes based on Toray paper, coupled with a microelectronic interface to supply energy to low-power demand applications. The device performance is optimized for different operating conditions related with flow rate, stoichiometry and concentration and employing formic acid as fuel. Evaluation tests were performed with a homemade testing station using a commercial varying resistance.