batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Esters co-solvent has been used in ternary system electrolytes for electrochemical storage using LiTFSI as salt. Three linear esters have been studied: methyl propanoate (MP), ethyl propanoate (EP) and ethyl butanoate (EB). The ionic conductivity, viscosity, and electrochemical performances of ethylene carbonate (EC)/ester/dimethyl carbonate (DMC) mixtures have been determined and compared to the reference ternary mixture: EC/propylene carbonate (PC)/DMC in proportion (1/1/3) by volume. These electrolytes have been tested in half cells of the type: Li | electrolyte | activated carbon (AC) or graphite (Gr). These active materials are designed to be used in hybrid Li-ion capacitors. Electrochemical results show that MP presents the best performances at the AC electrode in terms of capacitance, especially at low temperatures (−10°C). However, MP based electrolytes give the higher irreversible capacity when used with the Gr electrode, and are the most corrosive toward the aluminum current collector. This problem has been resolved by adding a small amount of LiPF6 (1% in mol) to the electrolyte solution as a passivating additive. Thus, MP based electrolytes exhibit the best performances in terms of capacity at the Gr electrode and capacitance at the AC electrode.
Carbon encapsulated core-shell Fe@CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (Fe@CoFe2O4@C) are produced by using Kirkendall effect method and used as the anode material for lithium-ion batteries. During the discharge process, Fe and Co particles are synthesized at the shell of the nanoparticles and are pulverized to smaller grains in the low potential regions. These pulverized particles not only increase the contact area between electrolyte and active materials, but also shortens the transfer distance of Li+ and electron, leading to an enhanced capacity. In addition, the structure stability and electrical conductivity of CoFe2O4 (CFO) shell are improved by the thin carbon layer coated on the surface of the shell. Due to this special structure, the Fe@CoFe2O4@C electrode exhibits excellent cycle performance, delivering a capacity of 1911mAhg−1 after 500cycles at 0.3C (1C=1000mAg−1). It also shows superior rate capacities of 760.8, 735.6, 672.2, and 596.5mAhg−1 at the current densities of 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0C, respectively.
In this work, we report the feasibility to achieve high lithium storage capacity and rate capability of Co3O4 anode materials by preparing hierarchically mesoporous structure. The resultant mesoporous Co3O4 hierarchical nanobundles exhibit a high specific capacity and favorable high-rate performance when used as an anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The reversible specific capacity could be kept at 1667.6 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 after 60 cycles. Even at high current densities of 1 A g−1 and 5 A g−1, the Co3O4 electrodes still could deliver a remarkable discharge capacity of 1264.8 and 603.0 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, respectively. The unique mesoporous hierarchical structure should be responsible for the superior electrochemical performance. The good rate capability demonstrates the mesoporous Co3O4 hierarchical nanobundles have a great potential as a high-rate anode material in LIBs.
Lithium–polymer batteries using vanadium oxide-based composite electrodes and operating at moderate temperatures (∼90°C) have been investigated. The work was developed within the advanced lithium–polymer batteries for electric vehicles (ALPE) project, an Italian integrated project, devoted to the realization of lithium–polymer batteries for electric vehicle applications.
Nickel-rich cathode material has received marked attention as an advanced cathode material, however, its inferior surface property limits the achievement of high performance in lithium-ion batteries. We propose the use of a bi-functional additive of triphenyl borate (TPB) for improvement of the safety and electrochemical performance of Ni-rich cathode materials. First, TPB removes residual lithium species from the Ni-rich cathode surface via chemical binding with anion part of residual lithium species, and effectively reduces swelling behavior of the cell. Second, TPB creates effective cathode−electrolyte interphase (CEI) layers on the electrode surface by an electrochemical reaction, and greatly enhances the surface stability of the nickel-rich cathode. This work demonstrate that a cell cycled with the TPB additive exhibits a remarkable retention of 88.6% at 60 °C after 100 cycles for an NCM721 cathode material. We suggest a working mechanism for TPB based on systematic analyses, including in-situ and ex-situ experiments.
Background Neurocognitive (NC) changes in heart failure patients receiving left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to document changes in the cognitive performance of patients with the continuous-flow HeartMate II LVAD as a bridge to transplant (BTT). Methods A NC protocol was used to evaluate patient performance at 1, 3 and 6 months after LVAD implantation at 11 centers. A total of 239 test sessions were completed in 93 patients including paired evaluations in 51 to 57 patients from 1 to 3 months, and in 20 to 28 patients with results from 1, 3 and 6 months. Five NC domains were assessed, including visual spatial perception, auditory and visual memory, executive functions, language and processing speed. Results There were statistically significant (p < 0.05), but limited improvements between 1, 3 and 6 months in NC domain performances as seen in visual memory, executive functions, visual spatial perception and processing speed. There were no significant declines in any neurocognitive test in any domain over these time periods. Conclusions The cognitive performance of advanced heart failure patients remained stable or showed slight improvements from Month 1 to Month 6 of continuous-blood-flow support with the HeartMate II LVAD.
We report on an all-solid-state battery that employs a closo-type complex hydride solid electrolyte and a LiCoO2 cathode. Interfacial modification between the solid electrolyte and cathode with a LiNbO3 buffer layer enables reversible charge-discharge cycling with a cell voltage of 3.9 V (vs. Li+/Li) at room temperature. Electrochemical analyses clarify that the given modification effectively suppresses side reactions at the cathode/solid electrolyte interface. The interfacial resistance is lowered by ca. 10 times with a 5 nm thick LiNbO3 buffer layer compared to that without a buffer layer, so that a discharge capacity of 109 mAh g−1 is achieved. These results suggest that interfacial modification can be a viable approach to the development of high-voltage all-solid-state batteries using closo-type complex hydride solid electrolytes and oxide cathodes.
Driven by the growing demands of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), high energy density Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have attracted extensive attentions. Enlarging the charge cut-off voltage (COV) is one of the most effective strategies to improve the energy density of LIBs. In this paper, the electrochemical performances of monocrystalline LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (MNCM523)/artificial graphite (AGr) pouch Lithium-ion cells charged to 4.30 V, 4.35 V and 4.40 V are studied. The results show that with the increase in the COV, the electrochemical performances including capacity, median voltage and energy density of the cell are all improved with the increases of ohmic resistance simultaneously, while the rate capabilities, high and low temperature (HT&LT) discharge performances and storage performance become slightly worse. The cycle performance of the cells at different charge voltages has no significant difference within 800 cycles but deteriorates after 1000 cycles. The capacity retention gradually decreases with the increasing of COV. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and incremental capacity analysis (ICA) are adopt to explain the possible reasons of capacity fading, which is considered caused by continuous loss of active materials and lithium inventory due to the deterioration of the electrode-electrolyte interfaces and the increase of charge transfer resistance. The results give a guidance for the design and application.
Building energy reduction requires highly advanced low heat loss, heat gain and comfortable daylight allowing glazing. Presently available glazing systems are classified mainly in two categories, controlling solar heat gain and controlling low heat loss. Low heat loss through glazing systems can be achieved by (i) suppression of convection in the air between the outer panes by use of multiple glass panes or aerogels, (ii) having an inert gas or vacuum between the panes to reduce or eliminate respectively convective heat transfer. In all these systems, low emissivity coatings are also required to reduce the radiative heat transfer. Low heat glazing allows large areas of a building façade to be glazed without large attendant heat losses. However, they require the addition of an ability to switch from transparent to opaque to avoid excessive solar heat gain and to control glare. Electrically actuated electrochromic, liquid crystal and suspended particle device glazing systems and non-electrically-actuated thermochromic, thermotropic, and gasochromic glazing systems offer control of solar heat gain control and daylight. Recent relevant developments are reviewed with the contemporary status of each technology provided.
This paper examines municipal solid waste management in Uganda under the decentralisation policy. The aim is to analyse devolved solid waste management and the constraints on achieving sustainable waste management. To achieve the objectives, waste characteristics, generation rate, collection, disposal and stakeholder roles and waste management responsibilities were analysed. Results indicate the waste is predominantly biodegradable (78%) with generation rate of 0.55 (0.3–0.66) kg/capita/day and collection coverage of 43.7%. Urban Councils are under capacity to handle waste management demands and where services are poor or nonexistent the community have developed onsite waste management methods. Waste recovery, recycling, re-use, and composting are being practiced by the urban community. The national strategy for solid waste management is failing because environmental management is not mainstreamed into local development plans and weak resource mobilisation, due to the lack of fiscal decentralisation and lack of participatory approach to the decentralisation process. Waste management receives less than 10% of urban council budgets compared to other policy areas. In conclusion, for effective waste management there is need for genuine decentralisation where urban councils are empowered, have capacity for resource mobilisation and apply participatory planning.
LiFePO4/C composite cathode materials with carbon nano-interconnect structures were synthesized by one-step solid state reaction using low-cost asphalt as both carbon source and reducing agent. Based on the thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, a growth model was proposed to illustrate the formation of the carbon nano-interconnect between the LiFePO4 grains. The LiFePO4/C composite shows enhanced discharge capacity (150mAhg−1) with excellent capacity retention compared with the bare LiFePO4 (41mAhg−1) due to the electronically conductive nanoscale networking provided by the asphalt-based carbon. The results prove that the asphalt is a perfect carbon source and reduction agent for cost-effective production of high performance LiFePO4/C composite.
The nanoporous honeycomb like binary α-Sm2S3 material is used as supercapacitor electrode. The soft chemical, successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method is employed for the α-Sm2S3 thin film growth. The synthesised films are characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for structural and morphological studies. Electrochemical behaviour is studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The observed specific and interfacial capacitance (C s and C i ) values in 1 M LiClO4–propylene carbonate (PC) electrolyte are 294 F g−1 and 0.0238 F cm−2, respectively at the scan rate of 5 mV s−1. An electrode stability of 89% retained after 1000 cycles. A galvanostatic charge–discharge and EIS study show ideal capacitive behaviour of α-Sm2S3 electrode.
Composite layers of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and diamond nanoparticles were prepared by an electrocodeposition procedure from an electrolyte containing the monomer 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene and a suspension of diamond nanoparticles in acetonitrile/water mixtures. For the in situ monitoring of the deposition process we used piezoelectric quartz crystals with gold electrodes as substrates (electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, EQCM). The inclusion of the diamond particles increases the stiffness of the layers. This effect can be directly quantified via the electroacoustic impedance of the quartz crystal. We use a mean field model for the interpretation of our EQCM data which yields the complex shear modulus of the composite layers. The volume fraction of diamond (as determined by ex situ XPS) enters as a parameter in the evaluation procedure. Finally, we could estimate the solvent content of the composite layers and the shear moduli of the pure dry PEDOT matrix.
The aim of the study was to identify chromosomal regions that may harbor putative genetic variants influencing age at onset in familial late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). Data from a genome-wide scan that included genotyping of APOE were analyzed in 1,161 individuals from 209 families of Caribbean Hispanic ancestry with a mean age at onset of 73.3 years multiply affected by LOAD. Two-point and multipoint analyses were conducted using variance component methods using 376 microsatellite markers with an average intermarker distance of 9.3 cM. Family-based test of association was also conducted for the same set of markers. Age at onset of symptoms among affected individuals was used as the quantitative trait. Our results showed that the presence of APOE-ɛ4 lowered the age at onset by 3 years. Several candidate loci were identified. Using linkage analysis strategy, the highest logarithm of odds (LOD) scores were obtained using a conservative definition of LOAD at 5q15 (LOD = 3.1), 17q25.1 (LOD = 2.94), 14q32.12 (LOD = 2.36), and 7q36.3 (LOD = 2.29) in a model that adjusted for APOE-ɛ4 and other covariates. Both linkage and family-based association identified 17p13 as a candidate region. Family-based association analysis showed markers at 12q13 (p = 0.00002), 13q33 (p = 0.00043), and 14q23 (p = 0.00046) to be significantly associated with age at onset. The current study supports the hypothesis that there are additional genetic loci that could influence age at onset of late onset Alzheimer’s disease. The novel loci at 5q15, 17q25.1, 13q33, and 17p13 and the previously reported loci at 7q36.3, 12q13, 14q23, and 14q32 need further investigation.
Water wave energy is one of the tremendous clean energy reserves on earth. The utilization of wave power has long been focused but at limited scope due to challenges such as cost and durability in severe ocean environment. Here, a macroscopic self-assembly network of encapsulated triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) is proposed for the first time for water wave energy harvesting. By a rationally designed self-adaptive magnetic joints, the network demonstrated capabilities of self-assembly, self-healing and facile reconfiguration, greatly improving the autonomy and robustness of the system. A three-dimensional electrode structure boosts the output of the TENG unit, with an average power density of 8.69 W m−3 under ideal agitations and 2.05 W m−3 in water waves, which is more than 18 times of the power of the reported ball-shell structured device despite lower agitation frequency here. The self-assembly TENG network as a robust and high-performance structure should provide a reliable route towards large-scale utilization of the water wave energy, enabling self-powered systems in ocean.
Utilized as an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst for magnesium-air battery, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) supported PdSn bimetallic catalyst was synthesized by a facile borohydride reduction method. Heat-treatment was applied to improve the catalytic activity and stability by tailoring the alloying content and surface components of the catalyst. Results illustrated that the 24 h heat-treated PdSn/MWCNTs exhibited best alkaline ORR performance with low over-potential, high diffusion-limited current density and superior stability. A magnesium-air battery employing the 24 h heat-treated PdSn/MWCNTs as cathodic catalyst showed higher discharging power density and enhanced durability compared with those employing the unheated sample and commercial Pd/C catalyst.
In this work, a unique artificial interface combing characteristics of both high ionic and electronic conductivities has been successfully constructed at the surface of Ni-rich LiNi0 · 8Co0 · 1Mn0 · 1O2 (NCM811). The ionic conductor layer is fabricated through reacting H3PO4 with the lithium residuals on the surface of NCM811 to form Li3PO4. The interface with high electronic conductivity is constructed by attaching graphene fragments to the NCM811 spherical particles. Due to the synergistic effect of the Li3PO4 coating layer and the graphene network, the modified sample (GN-LPO-NCM811) exhibits high capacity retention of 94.3% after 150 cycles at 0.5C between 3.0 and 4.3 V, while the pristine material shows a much lower retention of only 88.1%. In addition, the GN-LPO-NCM811 also presents improved cycling stability at elevated temperature of 55 °C. Even at an extremely high rate of 10C, the GN-LPO-NCM811 still remains 70% of its original capacity, while the pristine NCM811 only delivers 50% of the capacity. The stable cycling performance of GN-LPO-NCM811 is demonstrated in a full cell with graphite anode at ambient temperatures. Importantly, the thermal stability of the modified samples is also greatly enhanced. This study provides an effective method to improve the electrochemical performance of LiNi0 · 8Co0 · 1Mn0 · 1O2.
The high voltage layered Li[Li0.2Mn0.56Ni0.16Co0.08]O2 cathode material, which is a solid solution between Li2MnO3 and LiMn0.4Ni0.4Co0.2O2, has been synthesized by co-precipitation method followed by high temperature annealing at 900°C. XRD and SEM characterizations proved that the as prepared powder is constituted of small and homogenous particles (100–300nm), which are seen to enhance the material rate capability. After the initial decay, no obvious capacity fading was observed when cycling the material at different rates. Steady-state reversible capacities of 220mAhg−1 at 0.2C, 190mAhg−1 at 1C, 155mAhg−1 at 5C and 110mAhg−1 at 20C were achieved in long-term cycle tests within the voltage cutoff limits of 2.5 and 4.8V at 20°C.
Layered structure Ni-rich LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode has been considered as a higher energy density candidate, but the problems of poor interface stability and cyclic performance restrain its further application. Herein, a functional vinyl (CC) group allylboronic acid pinacol ester (ABAPE) is introduced as a film forming additive. Linear sweep voltammetry test shows ABAPE could be oxidized prior to blank electrolyte on the cathode and prevent the electrolyte decomposition. The LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2/graphite pouch cells which contained 1.5% ABAPE shows remarkable cyclic performance of 87.7% capacity retention compared with 71.8% of blank electrolyte after 500cycles. This is attributed to the protective surface layer which prevents the further decomposition of electrolyte and transition metal ion dissolution, thus stabilizing the electrode-electrolyte interface. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results also demonstrate that there are less unwanted lithium compounds on the additive-contained cathode.
Parents and children have converging as well as diverging interests with respect to the latter’s mate choices. Diverging interests frequently result in children choosing mates who do not gain the approval of their parents. Manipulation then arises wherein parents try to drive away undesirable prospective sons- and daughters-in-law, and the latter employ counter manipulation to make the former to change their minds. The present research aims to identify and measure the effectiveness of manipulation tactics that individuals employ to influence their partners’ parents to accept them as mates for their daughters and sons. Study 1 recruited a sample of 106 Greek-Cypriots and, using open-ended questionnaires, identified 41 acts that individuals employ on their partners’ parents. Using principal-components analysis, in a sample of 738 Greek-Cypriots, Study 2 classified these acts into seven broader manipulation tactics and identified the ones that are more and the ones that are less likely to be employed. Study 3 examined in a sample of 414 Greek-Cypriots the effectiveness of these tactics in altering parents’ minds and finds a moderate effectiveness, with some tactics being more effective than others. The implications of these findings are discussed.
The working memory (WM) processes that underlie young children’s (ages 6–8 years) mathematical precociousness were examined. A battery of tests that assessed components of WM (phonological loop, visual–spatial sketchpad, and central executive), naming speed, random generation, and fluency was administered to mathematically precocious and average-achieving children. The results showed that (a) precocious children performed better on executive processing, inhibition, and naming speed tasks than did average-achieving children, although the two groups were statistically comparable on measures of the phonological loop and visual–spatial sketchpad, and (b) the executive component of WM predicted mathematical accuracy independent of chronological age, reading, inhibition, and naming speed. The results support the notion that the executive system is an important predictor of children’s mathematical precociousness and that this system can operate independent of individual differences in the phonological loop, inhibition, and reading in predicting mathematical accuracy.
MicroRNAs have been proposed to be a class of biomarkers of disease as expression levels are significantly altered in various tissues and body fluids when compared to healthy controls. As such, the detection and quantification of microRNAs is imperative. While many methods have been established for quantification of microRNAs, they typically rely on time consuming handling such as RNA extraction, purification, or ligation. Here we describe a novel method for quantification of microRNAs using direct amplification in body fluids without upstream sample preparation. Tested with a point-of-care device (termed Gene-Z), the presence of microRNA promotes base-stacking hybridization, and subsequent amplification between two universal strands. The base-stacking approach, which was achieved in <60 min, provided a sensitivity of 1.4 fmol per reaction. Tested in various percentages of whole blood, plasma, and faeces, precision (coefficient of variation = 2.6%) was maintained and comparable to amplification in pristine samples. Overall, the developed method represents a significant step towards rapid, one-step detection of microRNAs.
Experts recommend physical activity (PA) to optimize bariatric surgery (BS) results. However, evidence on the effect of PA before BS is missing. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of adding a Pre-Surgical Exercise Training (PreSET) to an interdisciplinary lifestyle intervention on physical fitness, quality of life, PA barriers, and anthropometric parameters of subjects awaiting BS.