bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heterointerfaces Chemistry of Transition Metal-Shielded Zinc Anode for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Yu Jingya , Xu Zheng-Long 
Published: August 2024

Aqueous zinc metal batteries confront impediments such as severe side reactions and dendrite formation on the zinc metal anode, impeding its commercialization. Although various metals and zinc-metal alloys aim to optimize the zinc anode, the preferential order and reaction mechanisms at the metal/electrolyte interface remain unclear. Here, we utilized magnetron sputtering to create nanolayered metal coatings (Cu, Ti, Ag, Au, Al) on the zinc surface. Notably, the Cu@Zn anode exhibited moderate binding energy with Zn atoms and lower nucleation overpotential than bare Zn, resulting in excellent cycling life (1600 h) and rate performance. Even at a high depth of discharge (80%), the cycling life can still over 200h. In full cells, Cu@Zn//VO2 demonstrated outstanding stability, retaining 95.5% capacity after 600 cycles. Comparison with other metal-coated zinc anodes revealed that Cu@Zn excels due to its moderate binding energy and superior kinetic properties. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing the heterointerface chemistry in zinc anodes, offering general guidelines to regulate various metal anodes suffering the similar challenges.
Keywords: Aqueous Zinc ion battery, Metal-nanolayer, Magnetron sputtering, High Zn utilization
(Battery Student Slam 8 Award Winner) A Simple and Fast Method to Assemble Flexible and Stable Quasi-Solid-State Zn Ion Pouch Cell
Authors: Wang Peng , Andrei Petru 
Published: August 2024

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have been investigated intensively as effective energy storage devices that are environmentally friendly, safe, and have a lower cost than current Li-ion batteries.[1-5] Being outstandingly safe due to usage of non-organic electrolyte, AZIBs could also be used as power supply for wearable electronics. This also put high standard requirements in terms of flexibility, stability and electrochemical performance to AZIBs. On the other hand, the general challenges, such as the formation of the dendrites on the Zn anodes, hydrogen evolution and side reactions, have been obstructing the practical application of AZIBs. In this presentation, a simple method to assemble quasi-solid-state Zn ion pouch cell with excellent mechanical performance, flexibility and electrochemical performance was developed, combining in-situ electrodeposition of MnO2 cathode and aramid nano fiber-based hydrogel with Zn plate as anode. In-situ and cycling measurements of the electrodeposition of MnO2 on carbon nanotube mat shows excellent capacitance and superior cycling stability. In addition, Kevlar derivatized aramid nanofiber-based hydrogel shows extremely strong strength when combined with polyvinyl alcohol, which prolonged the lifetime of the cell by preventing Zn dendrite growth largely.[5,6] Moreover, the method to assemble the AZIBs pouch cell enables us to optimize the process, decrease the steps, and save time effectively by taking advantage of hydrogel formation stage and avoiding conventional verbose slurry-casting-drying steps. This work paves an efficient path to assemble flexible and stable AZIBs pouch cells with high capacity and cycling stability.
[1] Tang, Boya, et al. "Issues and opportunities facing aqueous zinc-ion batteries." Energy & Environmental Science 12.11 (2019): 3288-3304.
[2] Li, Chang, et al. "Toward practical aqueous zinc-ion batteries for electrochemical energy storage." Joule 6.8 (2022): 1733-1738.
[3] Yu, Feng, et al. "An aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion battery on basis of an organic pigment." Rare Metals 41.7 (2022): 2230-2236.
[4] Lin, Yuexing, et al. "Dendrite-free Zn anode enabled by anionic surfactant-induced horizontal growth for highly-stable aqueous Zn-ion pouch cells." Energy & Environmental Science 16.2 (2023): 687-697.
[5] Wang, Peng, and Petru Andrei. "High Performance Separator and Hydrogel Based on Aramid Fibers for Zn Ion Batteries." Electrochemical Society Meeting Abstracts 242. No. 4. The Electrochemical Society, Inc., 2022.
[6] Xu, Lizhi, et al. "Water‐rich biomimetic composites with abiotic self‐organizing nanofiber network." Advanced Materials 30.1 (2018): 1703343.
A 3D Printed Pumpless Nonaqueous Organic Redox Flow Cell
Authors: Bhuiyan Shaikh Al Mahmud , Kaur Aman Preet , Risko Chad M. , Trinkle Christine A. 
Published: August 2024

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) have considerable promise in addressing the ever-increasing demands for robust energy storage devices. The nature of these devices makes it possible to create storage with potential applicability at multiple size scales1. However, conventional RFBs require energy to pump the liquid electrolyte, reducing the overall system efficiency, and limiting its viability to mid- and large-scale operations only2. Eliminating the pumping load can improve overall efficiency and create opportunities for mobile applications. In this work, we demonstrate a 3D printed prototype of a pumpless non-aqueous organic RFB that induces flow in the electrolyte from sinusoidal rocking motion. The body of the flow cell was created using 3D printing, allowing us to modify and adapt geometry easily during testing.
First, the compatibility of the 3D-printed material was studied by testing the chemical stability of widely available additive manufacturing materials under RFB conditions. Then, we evaluated the performance of this pumpless system using an easily scalable, soluble, and stable one electron donor phenothiazine derivative, N-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl)phenothiazine (MEEPT) which has been widely studied for RFB applications3. We used 0.25 M MEEPT and its bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide radical cation salt (MEEPT-TFSI) as a redox-active couple in 0.5 M tetraethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TEATFSI)/acetonitrile (MeCN). Our results suggest an inversely proportional empirical relationship between limiting current density and the frequency of sinusoidal motion due to varying mass transfer rates. After 100 cycles in this symmetric cell with an area specific resistance of 2.62 Ωcm2, we achieved a capacity retention of 63% and an average Coulombic efficiency of 96%, with minimal sign of decomposition of the redox couple when analyzed post-cell cycling.
The results of this study can be used for 3D printing material selection in numerous electrochemical devices that use organic solvents, including flow cells, supercapacitors, and lithium-ion batteries. Using sinusoidal motion to drive electrolytes instead of a pump can increase the theoretical efficiency and decrease the overall size of a flow cell. This makes it attractive in wearable applications where biomechanical motion can be harnessed.
1 Wang, W. et al. Recent Progress in Redox Flow Battery Research and Development. Advanced Functional Materials
23, 970-986 (2013). https://doi.org:10.1002/adfm.201200694
2 Tian, C. H., Chein, R., Hsueh, K. L., Wu, C. H. & Tsau, F. H. Design and modeling of electrolyte pumping power reduction in redox flow cells. Rare Metals
30, 16-21 (2011). https://doi.org:10.1007/s12598-011-0229-1
3 Milshtein, J. D. et al. High current density, long duration cycling of soluble organic active species for non-aqueous redox flow batteries. Energy & Environmental Science
9, 3531-3543 (2016). https://doi.org:10.1039/C6EE02027E
Preparation of Biomass-Derived High Specific Surface Area Carbon with Titanium Nitride Nanoparticles for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Dangaliyeva Akmaral , Sultanov Fail , Urazgaliyeva Aimira , Tatykayev Batukhan , Bakenov Zhumabay , Mentbayeva Almagul 
Published: August 2024

The widespread challenges facing lithium-sulfur batteries, including the low electrical conductivity of sulfur and its species, electrode volume fluctuations during cycling, and the lithium polysulfides shuttle effect, have hindered their commercialization and practical utility [1,2].
Our study addresses these issues by incorporating titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles onto high specific surface area porous carbon, exploring this composite's potential as both a sulfur cathode host and separator modifier. The synthesis of the carbon/TiN composite involved two key stages: firstly, the in-situ growth of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on the carbon surface utilizing titanium tetrachloride as a precursor; secondly, the conversion of the TiO2 nanoparticles to TiN nanoparticles through carbothermal nitridization (thermal treatment at 1400 ℃ for 4 hours in a nitrogen medium) [3,4].
The lithium-sulfur cell employing the prepared C/TiN-25%@S cathode exhibited an initial discharge capacity of 1155 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C, maintaining a capacity exceeding 700 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles. Notably, the lithium-sulfur cell utilizing the C/TiN-25%@S cathode and a C/TiN-modified separator demonstrated enhanced cycling performance, delivering an initial discharge capacity of 1623 mAh g-1 with retention of over 1126 mAh g-1 after 100 charge/discharge cycles at 0.2 C.

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. AP19677708).

References

[1] D.-W. Wang, Q. Zeng, G. Zhou, L. Yin, F. Li, H.-M. Cheng, I.R. Gentle, G.Q.M. Lu, Carbon–sulfur composites for Li–S batteries: status and prospects, J. Mater. Chem. A 1 (2013) 9382. https://doi.org/10.1039/c3ta11045a.
[2] M. Wang, X. Xia, Y. Zhong, J. Wu, R. Xu, Z. Yao, D. Wang, W. Tang, X. Wang, J. Tu, Porous Carbon Hosts for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries, Chem. Eur. J. 25 (2019) 3710–3725. https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201803153.
[3] S.A. Rezan, G. Zhang, O. Ostrovski, Effect of Gas Atmosphere on Carbothermal Reduction and Nitridation of Titanium Dioxide, Metall Mater Trans B 43 (2012) 73–81. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11663-011-9574-6.
[4] X. Qin, J. Zhang, C. Ke, H. Chen, L. Zhao, Preparation of TiN ultrafine powders from sol-gel by Fe-catalyzed carbothermal reduction nitridation, Inorganic Chemistry Communications 148 (2023) 110278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2022.110278.
The Influence of Calendering Process on the Graphite Anode
Authors: Zhu Wendi , Seo Minja , Liu Xin , Lim Soo Yoen , Rashti Ali , Jazowski Claudia , Oh Hyukkeun 
Published: August 2024

Calendering, or pressing, is the final property-defining process for battery electrode manufacturing to maximize the volumetric capacity of the cell through the compaction of an electrode between two large calender rollers12. On one hand, it can reduce the porosity of battery materials thus increase the conductivity of the materials. On the other hand, it can control the thickness of the electrodes, making sure it is uniform and proper thickness to guarantee the minimal variation in the cell thickness, reaching even stack pressure for module assembly and impacting the thermal management [3]. The calendering process significantly influence the performance of lithium-ion battery (LIB).
Graphite anode coating on Cu foil was chosen as our baseline coating for this calendering process investigation. The slurry was mixed in a planetary and dispersive mixer and then coated using reverse comma coating method by a scale-up coater with drying zones of 70 °C. Then the coating was calendered by a calendering machine at various conditions.
Calendering, though seemingly a simply process, is influenced by several different parameters significantly. In this study, we systematically investigated the calendering process by carrying-out a Design-of-experiment (DOE). The following calendering parameters were investigated: the parameters of calendering machine gap size, calendering pressure, and the speed of the coating web. The calendered graphite coating was then measured for the morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the pore size change by BET surface area measurement, and Direct current internal resistance (DCIR) by building half cells and cycling and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) at 50% State-of-Charge (SOC).
The result showed that pressure is the most critical parameter for calendering and the internal resistance and ionic conductivity changes in response to the calendering parameters. The half-cell with calendering at the pressure of 37 MPa, gap size targeted for 30% porosity, the BET surface area around 0.75 m2/g showed highest cell capacity and lowest internal resistance.
Exploring Sodium Gadolinium Silicate as a Solid Electrolyte for Next-Generation Sodium Batteries
Authors: Sivakumaran Abinaya , Samson Alfred Junio , Bristi Afshana Afroj , Surendran Vishnu , Butler Shantel , Reid Samuel , Thangadurai Venkataraman 
Published: August 2024

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) represent a promising alternative to commercially prevalent Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), primarily attributed to the economic feasibility and widespread availability of sodium resources. Solid-State Sodium Batteries (SSSBs) have garnered significant attention owing to their capacity to mitigate safety risks associated with organic liquid electrolytes by utilizing solid electrolytes. Additionally, they offer higher energy density and wide operational temperature for next-generation, cost-effective battery technology.[
1
] Sodium rare-earth silicates are emerging as a solid electrolyte with enhanced ionic conductivity of 10-3 S cm-1 at room temperature (RT), alongside notable mechanical stability and a wide electrochemical window, attributed to their three-dimensional framework structure.[
2
] In this study, sodium gadolinium silicates were synthesized through a conventional solid-state method followed by high-temperature sintering. The highest ionic conductivity of 7.25 x 10-4 S cm-1 at room temperature was achieved through sintering at 1075 °C. Galvanostatic cycling experiments were conducted to assess the compatibility of Na metal with the silicate solid electrolyte, achieving a critical current density (CCD) of 0.4 mA cm-2 and long-term stability for 6000 h at 0.1 mA cm-2. Charge-discharge studies employed a battery configuration comprising Na metal anode, silicate solid electrolyte, and Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode, demonstrating excellent capacity retention of 98% after 100 charge-discharge cycles at 0.1 C.[
3
] These findings highlight the potential of sodium gadolinium silicate as a promising solid electrolyte for next-generation sodium batteries, characterized by its high ion conductivity and stable interface compatibility.

References

[1] C. Zhou, S. Bag and V. Thangadurai, ACS Energy Lett., 2018, 3, 2181–2198.
[2] A. Sivakumaran, A. J. Samson and V. Thangadurai, Energy Technol., 2023, 2201323.
[3] A. Sivakumaran, A. J. Samson, A. A. Bristi, V. Surendran, S. Butler, S. Reid and V. Thangadurai, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023, 11, 15792–15801.
Insights into the Synaptic Properties of Dopamine Release Revealed by Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Biosensors
Authors: Bulumulla Chandima , Beyene Abraham G. 
Published: August 2024

It is thought that there are two distinct modes of chemical neurotransmission, referred to as fast (synaptic) transmission and slow (volume) transmission. Fast transmission, mediated by ligand-gated ionotropic receptors, operate with millisecond temporal and nanometer spatial precision in excitatory and inhibitory synapses, primarily mediated by glutamate and GABA, respectively. In contrast, slow transmission relies on activation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and is mediated by several classes of neuromodulators, including dopamine. Neuromodulators are thought to operate at temporal scales that range from hundreds of milliseconds to minutes, with a spatial specificity that is insufficiently understood but generally described as “diffuse”. In this work, we provide new evidence that shows the spatial precision of dopamine transmission is highly reminiscent of the spatial properties of signaling mediated by the fast acting neurotransmitters.
To gain this insight, we used an optical assay named “DopaFilm” that is based on oligonucleotide functionalized single walled carbon nanotube dopamine sensors (nanosensors). Primary dopaminergic neurons were grown on top of glass coverslips functionalized with nanosensors, which enabled visualization of dopamine exocytosis events in single release sites under a continuous 785nm excitation laser. In axonal arbors, DopaFilm can report evoked and spontaneous dopamine release events with high signal to noise ratios of up to 50. Recording on DopaFilm revealed dopamine release is fast, calcium-dependent, and reliant on similar presynaptic protein machinery employed by fast neurotransmitters. These findings challenge the notion that dopamine is a slow transmitter; however it doesn’t preclude the possibility of imprecise spatial signaling, consistent with volume transmission theory. More recent data from our lab now challenges the spatial characteristics of volume transmission model as currently understood in the literature. In this talk, I will discuss new insights gained on dopamine signaling including clear examples of precise spatial arrangements of dopamine release sites, and ultrastructural, biochemical and spatial transcriptomic data that shows that neuromodulatory action can be highly spatially precise in nature.
Single Molecule Imaging of Sp3 Functionalized Ultrashort Carbon Nanotubes for Deep Brain Tissue Investigation
Authors: Nandi Somen , Estaun-Panzano Juan , Lambert Benjamin Paul , Calaresu Ivo , Groc Laurent , Bezard Erwan , Cognet Laurent 
Published: August 2024

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence microscopy has attracted significant attention for in vivo deep tissue imaging due to the combination of low light scattering and absorption by the tissues, resulting in good light penetration depth, especially in the NIR-II window (~1000–1350 nm). In this context, NIR photoluminescence (PL) (λem ~ 900–1400 nm) of single-walled carbon nanotubes overlapping with the so-called “tissue transparency window” laid the foundation for their use in bioimaging and sensing applications. Interestingly, although ultrashort carbon nanotubes (usCNTs) had long been sought for their advantages of mimicking bio-molecular dimensions, it is only when sp3 defects introduced bright fluorescent usCNTs could be generated [1]. In this work, we demonstrate the efficient preparation of bright fluorescent usCNTs specifically designed for biological applications, and we show how to create bright usCNTs wrapped by a biocompatible encapsulating agent (phospholipid-polyethylene glycol, PL-PEG). More precisely, we adapted a synthesis route where the sp3 functionalization is followed by chemical cutting [2]. We will present their full characterization and demonstrate their performance for deep tissue imaging in neuroscience. More precisely, our results performed on live brain tissue allow us to analyze their length specific behaviors in different compartments of mouse brains in comparison to the long sp3 functionalized CNTs [3].

References

[1] N. Danne, M. Kim, A. G. Godin, H. Kwon, Z. Gao, X. Wu, N. F. Hartmann, S. K. Doorn, B. Lounis, Y. Wang, L. Cognet, ACS Nano, 2018, 12, 6059−6065.
[2] Y. Li, X. Wu, M. Kim, J. Fortner, H. Qu, Y. Wang,Chem. Mater
., 2019, 31, 4536-4544.
[3] Nandi et al, in preparation.
Spectral Fingerprinting Coupled Machine Learning: An Optimized Tool for Cellular Phenotype Identification
Authors: Nadeem Aceer , Lyons Sarah , Kindopp Aidan , Roxbury Daniel 
Published: August 2024

Spectral fingerprinting has emerged as a powerful tool for unraveling intricate interactions between the intracellular environment and nanomaterials. This study leverages spectral fingerprinting to deepen our comprehension of the interplay between macrophages and nanotubes, utilizing their Near Infrared fluorescence to discern cellular characteristics. This study employs Raman microscopy to showcase significant differences in defect ratio and intracellular processing of nanotubes, among macrophage phenotypes. The near infrared features of DNA-SWCNTs serve as distinctive markers for identifying different macrophage phenotypes. Here we use a support vector machine learning model to accurately identify M1 and M2 macrophages, achieving an impressive accuracy of 95%. The implications of this research extend to the development of nanomaterial-based platforms for cellular identification, holding promise for potential applications in real time in-vivo cell differentiation monitoring.
This study underlines the pivotal role of nanotubes in delineating the diverse micro-environments of distinct macrophage phenotypes for clinical research. It emphasizes the potential of short DNA sequences and machine learning in characterizing and classifying cell phenotypes, offering valuable insights into the intersection of nanotechnology and biomedical research.
This innovative approach holds great promise in advancing our understanding of dynamic cellular processes, disease states, disease progression, and response to stimuli in-vivo. The platform’s sensitivity to minute changes in the Near Infrared spectrum positions it as a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians. It facilitates the real time monitoring of cellular behavior within living systems, offering insights that extend to both fundamental research and clinical applications. The implications of this research pave the way for future developments in nanotechnology and biomedicine, bridging the gap between spectral analysis and cellular dynamics for enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Figure 1
(Invited) Optimising CNT-FET Biosensor Design: Tuning Biomolecule Interfaces for Aptamer-Biomarker Sensing and Beta-Lactamase Detection
Authors: Palma Matteo 
Published: August 2024

We will present different strategies to control the assembly of single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-biomolecule interfaces towards the fabrication of bioelectronic devices, with a focus on the real-time biosensors with engineered aptamer and protein interfacing. In particular, we will report on the fabrication of nanoscale biosensing devices designed to present biorecognition moieties (aptamers and proteins) in defined orientations; this allowed us to control the local electrostatic surface presented within the Debye length, and thus modulate the conductance gating effect upon binding incoming targets, from biomarkers associated to stress and (neuro) trauma, to classes of enzyme relevant to antimicrobial resistance (beta-lactamases).
Our efforts focused in particular on using beta-lactamase binding protein (BLIP2) as receptor due to its potential as a biosensor for the most common antibiotic degrading enzymes, the beta-lactamases (BLs). Attaching BLIP2 at single designed residues positions directly to SCNTs using genetically encoded phenyl azide photochemistry, our devices were able to successfully detect the two different BLs, TEM-1 and KPC-2. The changes in conductance closely matched the predicted electrostatic profile sampled by the CNTs on BL binding.
These studies highlight the key role transducer-biomolecule interfaces play in biosensing devices, and the need to control and tune by design the electrostatic gating, for more effective and optimal CNT-FET biosensor construction.