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Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanofibers (VNF) are synthesized by electrospinning technique and homogeneously coated with carbon by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The morphological features of the VNF are analyzed by field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of carbon layer over the VNF crystallites. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the calcined nanofibers reveal the formation of V2O5 phase. Electrochemical Li-insertion behaviors of VNFs are explored as cathode in half-cell configuration by means of both potentiostatic and galvanostatic measurements. Carbon-coated VNF (C-VNF) showed the slightly less initial discharge capacity of ∼300mAhg−1 with improved capacity retention of >65% after 50 cycles at 0.1C rate, whereas native VNF showed only ∼40% capacity retention under the same testing conditions. Enhanced high rate and elevated temperature performance of C-VNF is noted with overall capacity and capacity retention (>60%) characteristics than native fibers. Carbon-coating enables improved electronic conductivity profiles and prevents undesired side reactions with electrolyte counterpart without hindering the Li-ion mobility reflected in the superior battery performance of C-VNF.
Here we report the use of LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3−δ/carbon nanotube (LNF/CNT) hybrids as novel and robust anode catalysts that are in situ fabricated by exposure of nano-scale LNF perovskite oxide catalysts to slightly humidified methane. TEM observations confirm the formation of CNTs with the inner diameter and the wall thickness both at ≈15 nm. Combined XRD and EDX analyses show that LNF oxides decompose into a mixture of La2O3, FeNi3 alloy and LaFeO3, where FeNi3 alloy particles have an average diameter of 45 nm, largely exist outside of these CNTs and are surrounded by nano-scale La2O3 and LaFeO3 oxides. The LNF/CNT hybrids exhibit superior catalytic activities for methane oxidation reactions, yielding low anode polarization resistances of 0.22 Ω cm2 at 800 °C and 0.44 Ω cm2 at 750 °C. Impregnated fuel cells with such hybrid anodes display stable and excellent power densities in methane fuels. e.g., 1.00 W cm−2 at 800 °C and 0.73 W cm−2 at 750 °C.
Recent years have seen the successful development and deployment of a range of small scale renewable energy systems. Driven in part by improving technical capability and by ambitious carbon emissions reduction targets, there has been the beginning of a shift towards a more distributed energy generation model, capable of delivering a range of potential benefits, but also presenting a number of social and technical challenges. One area of society where the benefits can be seen as being both highly applicable and highly relevant is at the community level and at this scale in particular, increased levels of energy autonomy can deliver a host of social, financial and environmental benefits. Therefore, the concept of energy autonomy is widely regarded as an effective tool in the push towards sustainable development, with ‘sustainable communities' often highlighted as particularly relevant for applying its principles. Given its significance and its broad interdisciplinary relevance, the issue, and the challenges it poses, has been the subject of a significant level of research interest in recent years. This study therefore presents a state of the art review of current research relating to energy autonomy in sustainable communities and identifies a number of central issues which are regarded as being of critical importance. Demand Side Management is identified as one particular area in need of further research and development, along with the need for receptive social, political and regulatory environments.
For positive electrodes in Lithium ion batteries LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (NCM) is widely used as an active material. The performance of the electrodes in different applications is mainly influenced through the electrode manufacturing process. This work aims to contribute to a better understanding of the relation between microstructure development caused by the densification of the electrodes and its influence on electrochemical behaviour as well as ageing. Therefore, NCM-based cathodes were compacted in several interstages down to a porosity of 18%. By detailed microscopic analyses and Hg porosimetry we provide important insights concerning the electrodes microstructure, its evolution during densification and the correlation to the electrochemical performance. In doing so it will become obvious that major microstructural changes take place when electrodes are compacted to porosities below 22–25% which goes along with a significant decline of the capacity and energy density at current rates of 2C and more. However, at current rates below 1C the highest energy density is observed for cathodes with even lower porosities. Additionally, the microscopic analyses provide important information about how this problem can be tackled.
In this work, cobalt sulphide/functionalised carbon nanotube (CoS2/fCNT) nanocomposites were synthesized via solvothermal method followed by annealing sulphidation. The nanocomposites were composed of fine nanoparticles (2–10nm) coated along the surfaces of fCNT as well as nanoclusters (30–60nm) formed by the nanoparticles which intertwined with the fCNT network. The as-synthesized CoS2/fCNT nanocomposites exhibited excellent electrochemical performance as an anode material in Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), such as superior specific capacity, enhanced rate capability, outstanding cycling stability and near 100% Coulombic efficiency. CoS2/fCNT hybrid nanocomposite electrodes were able to deliver high reversible capacities of 783.4mAhg−1 and 337.8mAhg−1 at the current densities of 50 and 1000mAg−1, respectively. Furthermore, the electrode sustained an impressive capacity retention of 84.1% after unprecedented 1000 discharge-charge cycles at a high current density of 1000mAhg−1 The ultra-long cycle stability is much higher than all other reported cobalt sulphide anodes so far. The excellent electrochemical performance of CoS2/fCNT nanocomposite is attributed to the synergistic effects of CoS2 and fCNT. The outstanding stability of the CoS2/fCNT nanocomposites makes it a highly promising anode material to instead of the conventional graphite for future generation LIBs.
Dais Analytic Corp, a commercial nanotechnology materials business that focuses on the worldwide energy and water markets, is preparing to release Version 4 of its Aqualyte material.
We present the conceptual design and construction of a mini x-ray computed tomography (mini-CT) scanner designed and built for in vivo small-animal imaging. The imaging system includes an x-ray tube with 0.5 mm focal spot size and a flat panel detector that provides an active area of 41 × 41 cm2 with 200 µm × 200 µm pixel size. The scanner, designed based on the rotating sample idea, features variable imaging magnification and field-of-view (FOV). To this end, the detector and x-ray tube are mounted on linear motion systems, such that the object to detector or object to x-ray source distance can be easily changed. The variable magnification enables to acquire images at different spatial resolution depending on the size of the object being imaged. This design provides a trade-off between the scanner's FOV and imaging spatial resolution in which small objects are imaged at relatively high spatial resolution as smaller FOVs are required. Conversely, larger objects can also be imaged as the scanner's FOV is adjustable at the expense of spatial resolution degradation. The scanner's FOV varies from 43 cm down to 9 cm (in diameter) with a spatial resolution improving from 3.9 cycle/mm up to 14.4 cycle/mm, respectively. This mini-CT scanner is a self-standing versatile imager suitable for various preclinical imaging applications.
Poly(ethylethylenimine), PEEI, was prepared from poly(ethylenimine) by reductive alkylation with acetaldehyde. Samples of PEEI and poly(methylenimine), PMEI, complexed with LiCF3SO3 were prepared and characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and FT-IR. Small differences in the room temperature spectra of the two complexes were noted; these differences were due to the presence of a CH2 group in the side chain of PEEI. The predominant form of cation–anion interactions was a contact ion pair. As the samples were heated, a transition from ion pairs to “free” ions was observed, with most of the change occurring between 140 and 150°C in both PEEI and PMEI complexes. Thermal cycling established that the transition was irreversible in the time frame of the cycling experiments. Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy did not show any significant intensity or frequency changes in bands sensitive to cation–polymer interactions during any heating or cooling cycle.
Si is one of the most attractive anode materials because of its extremely high theoretical capacity. In this study, we find that the (111) plane of crystalline Si in the anode is still present after 100cycles and infer that it is the intercalation site of Li+ ions. We believe that Li+ ions are inserted into the tetrahedral sites of crystalline Si, and the (111) plane of Si collapses; meanwhile, expansion parallel to 〈220〉 crystal orientation occurs. After full lithiation, the crystalline Si is converted to amorphous silicon. In a Si/ composite anode, although the addition of amorphous carbon may improve the cycling performance of Si anode, the activation process is prolonged as the amount of amorphous carbon increased. We determine that amorphous carbon may reduce the diffusion of Li+, which increases the overpotential and results in the lower formation of the saturated Li/Si alloy.
Today, with the massive application of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) in the portable devices and electric vehicles, to supply the active materials with high-performances and then to recycle their wastes are two core issues for the development of LIBs. In this paper, the spent graphite (SG) in LIBs is used as raw materials to fabricate two comparative high-capacity graphite anode materials. Based on a microsurgery-like physical reconstruction, the reconstructed graphite (RG) with a sp2+sp3 carbon surface is prepared through a microwave exfoliation and subsequent spray drying process. In contrast, the neural-network-like amorphous sp2+sp3 carbon-coated graphite (AC@G) is synthesized using a self-reconfigurable chemical reaction strategy. Compared with SG and commercial graphite (CG), both RG and AC@G have enhanced specific capacities, from 311.2 mAh g−1 and 360.7 mAh g−1 to 409.7 mAh g−1 and 420.0 mAh g−1, at 0.1C after 100 cycles. In addition, they exhibit comparable cycling stability, rate capability, and voltage plateau with CG. Because the synthesis of RG and AC@G represents two typical physical and chemical methods for the recycling of SG, these results on the sp2+sp3 carbon layer coating bulk graphite also reveal an approach for the preparation of high-performance graphite anode materials derived from SG.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) powders are introduced as carbon sources to prepare Si–SnSb alloy based on carbothermal method. Then the as-prepared alloy was mixed with pyrolytic polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to synthesize a composite anode of Si–SnSb/ pyrolytic polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with the pyrolysis of PAN at 400°C and 600°C. The material exhibits a high-specific capacity and a good-cycling stability due to its multiphase characteristics. The Si–SnSb blended with PAN pyrolyzed at 600°C shows better electrochemical performance, its initial Coulombic efficiency is 62.6%, and the specific capacity is 658.4mAhg−1 after the 10th cycle. The pyrolytic PAN improves the performance of the Si–SnSb alloy by means of dispersing the alloy efficiently, and the pyrolytic PAN enhances the performance of the pure alloy simultaneously.
This study considered the range of ethical issues and potential stakeholder priorities associated with the application of genomic technologies applied to animal production systems, in particular those which utilised genomic technologies in accelerated breeding rather than the application of genetic modification. A literature review was used to inform the development of an ethical matrix, which was used to scope the potential perspectives of different agents regarding the acceptability of genomic technologies, as opposed to genetic modification (GM) techniques applied to animal production systems. There are very few studies carried out on stakeholder (including consumer) attitudes regarding the application of genomics to animal production in the human food chain and it may be that this technology is perceived as no more than an extension of traditional breeding techniques. While this is an area which needs more research, it would appear from this study that genomics, because it avoids many of the disadvantages and consumer perceptions associated with GM, is likely to prove a more publicly acceptable route than is GM for the development of healthier and more productive animals. However, stakeholders also need to have an approach to the moral status of the animals involved that finds credibility and acceptability with civil society.
Publisher Summary This chapter examines environmental inflammatory factors in vascular disease and dementia with a focus on infections, environmental inflammogens, and drugs that modulate both vascular disease and dementia. Infections and blood levels of inflammatory proteins are risk factors for future coronary events and possibly for dementia. When early age mortality is high, the survivors carry long-term infections that impair growth and accelerate mortality at later ages (“cohort morbidity phenotype”). Chronic infections, which are endured by most of the world's human and animal populations, cause energy reallocation for host defense. Infections and inflammation may impair stem cell generation, with consequences to arterial and brain aging. Diet may introduce glycotoxins that stimulate inflammation. Some anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant drugs may protect against coronary artery disease and certain cancers, and possibly also for Alzheimer disease. These “pharmacopleiotropies” implicate shared mechanisms in diverse diseases of aging.
Well-adapted and validated quality-of-life measurement models for the nursing home population are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the psychometrical properties of the OPQoL-brief questionnaire among cognitively intact nursing home residents. The research question addressed evidence related to the dimensionality, reliability and construct validity, all of which considered interrelated measurement properties.
Motor abnormalities (MAs) may be already evidenced long before the beginning of illness and are highly prevalent in psychosis. However, the extent to which the whole range of MAs are related to cognitive impairment in psychosis remains understudied. This study aimed to examine comparatively the relationships between the whole range of motor abnormalities and cognitive impairments in the first-episode of psychosis (FEP), their unaffected siblings and healthy control subjects. Fifty FEP patients, 21 of their healthy siblings and 24 age- and sex matched healthy controls were included. Motor assessment included catatonic, extrapyramidal and neurological soft signs (NSS) by means of standardized instruments. An exhaustive neuropsychological battery was also performed to extract the 7 cognitive dimensions of MATRICS initiative. Higher scores on NSS but not on extrapyramidal and catatonic signs showed significant associations with worse cognitive performance in the three study groups. However, the pattern of associations regarding specific cognitive functions was different among the three groups. Moreover, extrapyramidal signs showed significant associations with cognitive impairment only in FEP patients but not in their unaffected siblings and healthy controls. Catatonic signs did not show any significant association with cognitive functioning in the three study groups. These findings add evidence to the associations between motor abnormalities, particularly NSS and extrapyramidal signs, and cognitive impairment in first-episode psychosis patients. In addition, our results suggest that the specific pattern of associations between MAs and cognitive functioning is different in FEP patients from those of the unaffected siblings and healthy subjects.
Iron-air rechargeable oxide batteries (ROB) comprising solid oxide cells (SOC) as energy converters and Fe/metal-oxide redox couples were characterized using planar SOC stacks. The charge and discharge of the battery correspond to the operations in the electrolysis and fuel cell modes, respectively, but with a stagnant atmosphere consisting of hydrogen and steam. A novel method was employed to establish the stagnant atmosphere for battery testing during normal SOC operation without complicated modification to the test bench and stack/battery concept. Manipulation of the gas compositions during battery operation was not necessary, but the influence of the leakage current from the testing system had to be considered. Batteries incorporating Fe2O3/8YSZ, Fe2O3/CaO and Fe2O3/ZrO2 storage materials were characterized at 800 °C. A maximum charge capacity of 30.4 Ah per layer (with an 80 cm2 active cell area) with ∼0.5 mol Fe was reached with a current of 12 A. The charge capacity lost 11% after ∼130 ROB cycles due to the increased agglomeration of active materials and formation of a dense oxide layer on the surface. The round trip efficiencies of the tested batteries were ≤84% due to the large internal resistance. With state-of-the-art cells, the round trip efficiency can be further improved.
A study of the corrosion of Al, used as a current collector for the cathode of rechargeable lithium batteries, has been carried out using the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). An aluminum film was highly corroded in 1M LiTFSI (lithium trifluorosulfonimide (LiTFSI), LiN(SO2CF3)2)/EC+DMC electrolyte at 2–5V versus Li/Li+ with the formation of large pits, while the corrosion was clearly suppressed by adding LiBF4 salt into the imide electrolyte. Depression of corrosion on adding LiBF4 was attributed to the formation of a stable passive layer on the surface of aluminum due to the reaction of aluminum with electrolyte and the decomposition of electrolyte solvent at high potentials. The resulting data may help clarify the corrosion mechanism of aluminum metal in imide electrolyte and give insight into enhancing the performance of lithium ion batteries.
Zn-air battery, as an ideal energy conversion and storage device, is always limited by the expensive and less-than-ideal air electrode materials. The coupling of outstanding oxygen evolution reaction (OER) active sites (oxides derived from Co-Fe nitrides) and superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) active centers (metal-N-C and graphitic N) to acquire high-performance and low-cost catalysts is an ideal solution. Herein, we have successfully combined cobalt-iron bimetallic nitrides with N-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Co-Fe-N@MWCNT) as a robust bifunctional material. Benefiting from the synergistic effect between Co, Fe and MWCNTs, Co-Fe-N@MWCNT not only possesses large electrochemically active surface area and effective transport path, but also realizes the integration of superior OER and ORR active sites. Only a low overpotential (290mV) is needed to achieve a current density of 10mA cm-2 for OER and the ORR catalytic activity is close to that of the commercial Pt/C. Additionally, Co-Fe-N@MWCNT as an ideal air electrode material can also be applied in Zn-air battery, which exhibits low voltage drop and favorable stability. The voltage gap has a slight change (about 0.03V) even after 100 cycles of galvanostatic charge-discharge. More importantly, the synthetic strategy in our work may facilitate the design of more high-efficient bifunctional catalysts in various domains.
A 1-D phenomenological force model of a Li-ion battery pack is proposed to enhance the control performance of Li-ion battery cells in pack conditions for efficient performance and health management. The force model accounts for multiple swelling sources under the operational environment of electric vehicles to predict swelling-induced forces in pack conditions, i.e. mechanically constrained. The proposed force model not only incorporates structural nonlinearities due to Li-ion intercalation swelling, but also separates the overall range of states of charge into three ranges to account for phase transitions. Moreover, an approach to study cell-to-cell variations in pack conditions is proposed with serial and parallel combinations of linear and nonlinear stiffness, which account for battery cells and other components in the battery pack. The model is shown not only to accurately estimate the reaction force caused by swelling as a function of the state of charge, battery temperature and environmental temperature, but also to account for cell-to-cell variations due to temperature variations, SOC differences, and local degradation in a wide range of operational conditions of electric vehicles. Considering that the force model of Li-ion battery packs can account for many possible situations in actual operation, the proposed approach and model offer potential utility for the enhancement of current battery management systems and power management strategies.
AZD3480 is a selective agonist of α4β2 central neuronal nicotinic receptors (NNRs). This study investigated its effects on cognition, relative to placebo, in 440 patients with stable schizophrenia who were taking a single atypical antipsychotic medication and who were active cigarette smokers. Mean age was 41 (range 19 to 55) years and the majority of patients (88%) had a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. Patients were randomized to one of 3 doses of AZD3480: 5mg, 20mg, and 35/100mg (depending on CYP2D6 metabolic status), or to placebo. Treatment was given once daily for 12weeks. The primary outcome measure was change in cognitive function from baseline to Week 12, as measured by IntegNeuro computerized test battery of cognitive function scores. Secondary outcome measures included assessment of functional capacity (University of California at San Diego Performance Based Skills Assessment [UPSA2]) and adaptive function (Social Functioning Scale [SFS]). AZD3480 failed to improve cognition relative to placebo in this population of patients or in subpopulations defined by disposition, metabolic status, antipsychotic treatment, age, age of illness onset, and sex. Likewise, no improvement relative to placebo was observed in either the SFS measure of adaptive functioning or the UPSA2 measure of functional capacity. AZD3480 was generally well tolerated in the population studied.
Although rigid silicon panels dominate the solar power market, they are unsuitable for niche applications such as portable charging or drones, where thin-film and flexible technologies would be advantageous. This Analysis examines the needs of niche markets and the packaging weights that would be required to enable such photovoltaic devices to enter them.