Reliability and Maintainability Data for Lead Lithium Cooling Systems

DOE PAGES

Cadwallader, Lee

2016-11-16

This article presents component failure rate data for use in assessment of lead lithium cooling systems. Best estimate data applicable to this liquid metal coolant is presented. Repair times for similar components are also referenced in this work. These data support probabilistic safety assessment and reliability, availability, maintainability and inspectability analyses.

Lithium

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jaskula, B.W.

2010-01-01

In 2009, lithium consumption in the United States was estimated to have been about 1.2 kt (1,300 st) of contained lithium, a 40-percent decrease from 2008. The United States was estimated to be the fourth largest consumer of lithium, and remained the leading importer of lithium carbonate and the leading producer of value-added lithium materials. Only one company, Chemetall Foote Corp. (a subsidiary of Chemetall GmbH of Germany), produced lithium compounds from domestic resources. In 2009, world lithium consumption was estimated to have been about 18.7 kt (20,600 st) of lithium contained in minerals and compounds.

Effective Trapping of Lithium Polysulfides Using a Functionalized Carbon Nanotube-Coated Separator for Lithium-Sulfur Cells with Enhanced Cycling Stability.

PubMed

Ponraj, Rubha; Kannan, Aravindaraj G; Ahn, Jun Hwan; Lee, Jae Hee; Kang, Joonhee; Han, Byungchan; Kim, Dong-Won

2017-11-08

The critical issues that hinder the practical applications of lithium-sulfur batteries, such as dissolution and migration of lithium polysulfides, poor electronic conductivity of sulfur and its discharge products, and low loading of sulfur, have been addressed by designing a functional separator modified using hydroxyl-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTOH). Density functional theory calculations and experimental results demonstrate that the hydroxyl groups in the CNTOH provoked strong interaction with lithium polysulfides and resulted in effective trapping of lithium polysulfides within the sulfur cathode side. The reduction in migration of lithium polysulfides to the lithium anode resulted in enhanced stability of the lithium electrode. The conductive nature of CNTOH also aided to efficiently reutilize the adsorbed reaction intermediates for subsequent cycling. As a result, the lithium-sulfur cell assembled with a functional separator exhibited a high initial discharge capacity of 1056 mAh g -1 (corresponding to an areal capacity of 3.2 mAh cm -2 ) with a capacity fading rate of 0.11% per cycle over 400 cycles at 0.5 C rate.

Effects of Imide-Orthoborate Dual-Salt Mixtures in Organic Carbonate Electrolytes on the Stability of Lithium Metal Batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Xing; Zheng, Jianming; Engelhard, Mark H.

The effects of lithium imide and lithium orthoborate dual-salt electrolytes of different salt chemistries in carbonate solvents on the cycling stability of lithium (Li) metal batteries are systematically and comparatively investigated. Two imide salts (LiTFSI and LiFSI) and two orthoborate salts (LiBOB and LiDFOB) are chosen for this study and compared with the conventional LiPF6 salt. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the chemical and electrochemical stabilities follow the order of LiTFSI-LiBOB > LiTFSI-LiDFOB > LiFSI-LiDFOB > LiFSI-LiBOB. The experimental cycling stability of the Li metal batteries with the electrolytes follows the order as LiTFSI-LiBOB > LiTFSI-LiDFOB > LiFSI-LiDFOB >more » LiPF6 > LiFSI-LiBOB, which is in well accordance with the calculation results. The LiTFSI-LiBOB can effectively protect the Al substrate and form a more robust surface film on Li metal anode, while the LiFSI-LiBOB results in serious corrosion to the stainless steel cell case and a thicker and looser surface film on Li anode. In conclusion, the key findings of this work emphasize that the salt chemistry is critically important for enhancing the interfacial stability of Li metal anode and should be carefully manipulated in the development of high performance Li metal batteries.« less

Effects of Imide-Orthoborate Dual-Salt Mixtures in Organic Carbonate Electrolytes on the Stability of Lithium Metal Batteries

DOE PAGES

Li, Xing; Zheng, Jianming; Engelhard, Mark H.; ...

2017-12-27

The effects of lithium imide and lithium orthoborate dual-salt electrolytes of different salt chemistries in carbonate solvents on the cycling stability of lithium (Li) metal batteries are systematically and comparatively investigated. Two imide salts (LiTFSI and LiFSI) and two orthoborate salts (LiBOB and LiDFOB) are chosen for this study and compared with the conventional LiPF6 salt. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the chemical and electrochemical stabilities follow the order of LiTFSI-LiBOB > LiTFSI-LiDFOB > LiFSI-LiDFOB > LiFSI-LiBOB. The experimental cycling stability of the Li metal batteries with the electrolytes follows the order as LiTFSI-LiBOB > LiTFSI-LiDFOB > LiFSI-LiDFOB >more » LiPF6 > LiFSI-LiBOB, which is in well accordance with the calculation results. The LiTFSI-LiBOB can effectively protect the Al substrate and form a more robust surface film on Li metal anode, while the LiFSI-LiBOB results in serious corrosion to the stainless steel cell case and a thicker and looser surface film on Li anode. In conclusion, the key findings of this work emphasize that the salt chemistry is critically important for enhancing the interfacial stability of Li metal anode and should be carefully manipulated in the development of high performance Li metal batteries.« less

Effects of Imide-Orthoborate Dual-Salt Mixtures in Organic Carbonate Electrolytes on the Stability of Lithium Metal Batteries.

PubMed

Li, Xing; Zheng, Jianming; Engelhard, Mark H; Mei, Donghai; Li, Qiuyan; Jiao, Shuhong; Liu, Ning; Zhao, Wengao; Zhang, Ji-Guang; Xu, Wu

2018-01-24

The effects of lithium imide and lithium orthoborate dual-salt electrolytes of different salt chemistries in carbonate solvents on the cycling stability of lithium (Li) metal batteries are systematically and comparatively investigated. Two imide salts (LiTFSI and LiFSI) and two orthoborate salts (LiBOB and LiDFOB) are chosen for this study and compared with the conventional LiPF 6 salt. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the chemical and electrochemical stabilities rank in the following order: LiTFSI-LiBOB > LiTFSI-LiDFOB > LiFSI-LiDFOB > LiFSI-LiBOB. The experimental cycling stability of the Li metal batteries with the electrolytes ranks in the following order: LiTFSI-LiBOB > LiTFSI-LiDFOB > LiFSI-LiDFOB > LiPF 6 > LiFSI-LiBOB, which is in well accordance with the calculation results. The LiTFSI-LiBOB can effectively protect the Al substrate and form a more robust surface film on Li metal anode, while the LiFSI-LiBOB results in serious corrosion to the stainless steel cell case and a thicker and looser surface film on Li anode. The key findings of this work emphasize that the salt chemistry is critically important for enhancing the interfacial stability of Li metal anode and should be carefully manipulated in the development of high-performance Li metal batteries.

Lithium

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jaskula, B.W.

2011-01-01

In 2010, lithium consumption in the United States was estimated to have been about 1 kt (1,100 st) of contained lithium, a 23-percent decrease from 2009. The United States was estimated to be the fourth largest consumer of lithium. It remained the leading importer of lithium carbonate and the leading producer of value-added lithium materials. Only one company, Chemetall Foote Corp. (a subsidiary of Chemetall GmbH of Germany), produced lithium compounds from domestic resources. In 2010, world lithium consumption was estimated to have been about 21 kt (22,000 st) of lithium contained in minerals and compounds, a 12-percent increase from 2009.

Lithium

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jaskula, B.W.

2012-01-01

In 2011, world lithium consumption was estimated to have been about 25 kt (25,000 st) of lithium contained in minerals and compounds, a 10-percent increase from 2010. U.S. consumption was estimated to have been about 2 kt (2,200 st) of contained lithium, a 100-percent increase from 2010. The United States was estimated to be the fourth-ranked consumer of lithium and remained the leading importer of lithium carbonate and the leading producer of value-added lithium materials. One company, Chemetall Foote Corp. (a subsidiary of Chemetall GmbH of Germany), produced lithium compounds from domestic brine resources near Silver Peak, NV.

Lithium Poisoning.

PubMed

Baird-Gunning, Jonathan; Lea-Henry, Tom; Hoegberg, Lotte C G; Gosselin, Sophie; Roberts, Darren M

2017-05-01

Lithium is a commonly prescribed treatment for bipolar affective disorder. However, treatment is complicated by lithium's narrow therapeutic index and the influence of kidney function, both of which increase the risk of toxicity. Therefore, careful attention to dosing, monitoring, and titration is required. The cause of lithium poisoning influences treatment and 3 patterns are described: acute, acute-on-chronic, and chronic. Chronic poisoning is the most common etiology, is usually unintentional, and results from lithium intake exceeding elimination. This is most commonly due to impaired kidney function caused by volume depletion from lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus or intercurrent illnesses and is also drug-induced. Lithium poisoning can affect multiple organs; however, the primary site of toxicity is the central nervous system and clinical manifestations vary from asymptomatic supratherapeutic drug concentrations to clinical toxicity such as confusion, ataxia, or seizures. Lithium poisoning has a low mortality rate; however, chronic lithium poisoning can require a prolonged hospital length of stay from impaired mobility and cognition and associated nosocomial complications. Persistent neurological deficits, in particular cerebellar, are described and the incidence and risk factors for its development are poorly understood, but it appears to be uncommon in uncomplicated acute poisoning. Lithium is readily dialyzable, and rationale support extracorporeal treatments to reduce the risk or the duration of toxicity in high-risk exposures. There is disagreement in the literature regarding factors that define patients most likely to benefit from treatments that enhance lithium elimination, including specific plasma lithium concentration thresholds. In the case of extracorporeal treatments, there are observational data in its favor, without evidence from randomized controlled trials (none have been performed), which may lead to conservative practices and

Hybrid aerogel-derived Sn-Ni alloy immobilized within porous carbon/graphene dual matrices for high-performance lithium storage.

PubMed

Zhang, Hao; Zhang, Mengru; Zhang, Meiling; Zhang, Lin; Zhang, Anping; Zhou, Yiming; Wu, Ping; Tang, Yawen

2017-09-01

Nanoporous networks of tin-based alloys immobilized within carbon matrices possess unique structural and compositional superiorities toward lithium-storage, and are expected to manifest improved strain-accommodation and charge-transport capabilities and thus desirable anodic performance for advanced lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, a facile and scalable hybrid aerogel-derived thermal-autoreduction route has been developed for the construction of nanoporous network of SnNi alloy immobilized within carbon/graphene dual matrices (SnNi@C/G network). When applied as an anode material for LIBs, the SnNi@C/G network manifests desirable lithium-storage performances in terms of specific capacities, cycle life, and rate capability. The facile aerogel-derived route and desirable Li-storage performance of the SnNi@C/G network facilitate its practical application as a high-capacity, long-life, and high-rate anode material for advanced LIBs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lithium and neuroleptics in combination: is there enhancement of neurotoxicity leading to permanent sequelae?

PubMed

Goldman, S A

1996-10-01

Neurotoxicity in relation to concomitant administration of lithium and neuroleptic drugs, particularly haloperidol, has been an ongoing issue. This study examined whether use of lithium with neuroleptic drugs enhances neurotoxicity leading to permanent sequelae. The Spontaneous Reporting System database of the United States Food and Drug Administration and extant literature were reviewed for spectrum cases of lithium/neuroleptic neurotoxicity. Groups taking lithium alone (Li), lithium/haloperidol (LiHal) and lithium/ nonhaloperidol neuroleptics (LiNeuro), each paired for recovery and sequelae, were established for 237 cases. Statistical analyses included pairwise comparisons of lithium levels using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum procedure and logistic regression to analyze the relationship between independent variables and development of sequelae. The Li and Li-Neuro groups showed significant statistical differences in median lithium levels between recovery and sequelae pairs, whereas the LiHal pair did not differ significantly. Lithium level was associated with sequelae development overall and within the Li and LiNeuro groups; no such association was evident in the LiHal group. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, lithium level and taking lithium/haloperidol were significant factors in the development of sequelae, with multiple possibly confounding factors (e.g., age, sex) not statistically significant. Multivariable logistic regression analyses with neuroleptic dose as five discrete dose ranges or actual dose did not show an association between development of sequelae and dose. Database limitations notwithstanding, the lack of apparent impact of serum lithium level on the development of sequelae in patients treated with haloperidol contrasts notably with results in the Li and LiNeuro groups. These findings may suggest a possible effect of pharmacodynamic factors in lithium/neuroleptic combination therapy.

Lithium

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bradley, Dwight C.; Stillings, Lisa L.; Jaskula, Brian W.; Munk, LeeAnn; McCauley, Andrew D.; Schulz, Klaus J.; DeYoung,, John H.; Seal, Robert R.; Bradley, Dwight C.

2017-12-19

Lithium, the lightest of all metals, is used in air treatment, batteries, ceramics, glass, metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, and polymers. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are particularly important in efforts to reduce global warming because they make it possible to power cars and trucks from renewable sources of energy (for example, hydroelectric, solar, or wind) instead of by burning fossil fuels. Today, lithium is extracted from brines that are pumped from beneath arid sedimentary basins and extracted from granitic pegmatite ores. The leading producer of lithium from brine is Chile, and the leading producer of lithium from pegmatites is Australia. Other potential sources of lithium include clays, geothermal brines, oilfield brines, and zeolites. Worldwide resources of lithium are estimated to be more than 39 million metric tons, which is enough to meet projected demand to the year 2100. The United States is not a major producer at present but has significant lithium resources.

Lithium in 2012

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jaskula, B.W.

2013-01-01

In 2012, estimated world lithium consumption was about 28 kt (31,000 st) of lithium contained in minerals and compounds, an 8 percent increase from that of 2011. Estimated U.S. consumption was about 2 kt (2,200 st) of contained lithium, the same as that of 2011. The United States was thought to rank fourth in consumption of lithium and remained the leading importer of lithium carbonate and the leading producer of value-added lithium materials. One company, Rockwood Lithium Inc., produced lithium compounds from domestic brine resources near Silver Peak, NV.

Associations between physical function, dual-task performance and cognition in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Sobol, Nanna Aue; Hoffmann, Kristine; Vogel, Asmus; Lolk, Annette; Gottrup, Hanne; Høgh, Peter; Hasselbalch, Steen G; Beyer, Nina

2016-11-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes a gradual decline in cognition, limitations of dual-tasking and physical function leading to total dependence. Hence, information about the interaction between physical function, dual-task performance and cognition may lead to new treatment strategies with the purpose of preserving function and quality of life. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between physical function, dual-task performance and cognition in community-dwelling patients with mild AD. Baseline results from 185 participants (50-90 years old) in the single blinded multicenter RCT 'ADEX' (Alzheimer's disease: the effect of physical exercise) were used. Assessments included tests of physical function: 400-m walk test, 10-m walk test, Timed Up and Go test and 30-s chair stand test; dual-task performance, i.e., 10-m walk while counting backwards from 50 or naming the months backwards; and cognition, i.e., Mini Mental State Examination, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the Stroop Color and Word Test, and Lexical verbal fluency test. Results in the 30-s chair stand test correlated significantly with all tests of cognition (r = .208-.242) while the other physical function tests only randomly correlated with tests of cognition. Results in the dual-task counting backwards correlated significantly with results in all tests of cognition (r = .259-.388), which accounted for 7%-15% of the variation indicating that a faster time to complete dual-task performance was associated with better cognitive performance. The evidence of the associations between physical function, dual-task performance and cognition is important when creating new rehabilitation interventions to patients with mild AD.

Modeling Lithium Movement over Multiple Cycles in a Lithium-Metal Battery

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ferrese, A; Newman, J

This paper builds on the work by Ferrese et al. [J. Electrochem., 159, A1615 (2012)], where a model of a lithium-metal battery with a LiyCoO2 positive electrode was created in order to predict the movement of lithium in the negative electrode along the negative electrode/separator interface during cell cycling. In this paper, the model is expanded to study the movement of lithium along the lithium-metal anode over multiple cycles. From this model, it is found that when a low percentage of lithium at the negative electrode is utilized, the movement of lithium along the negative electrode/separator interface reaches a quasimore » steady state after multiple cycles. This steady state is affected by the slope of the open-circuit-potential function in the positive electrode, the rate of charge and discharge, the depth of discharge, and the length of the rest periods. However, when a high percent of the lithium at the negative electrode is utilized during cycling, the movement does not reach a steady state and pinching can occur, where the lithium nearest the negative tab becomes progressively thinner after cycling. This is another nonlinearity that leads to a progression of the movement of lithium over multiple cycles. (C) 2014 The Electrochemical Society.« less

Functionalizing the Surface of Lithium-Metal Anodes

DOE PAGES

Buonaiuto, Megan; Neuhold, Susanna; Schroeder, David J.; ...

2014-09-03

Metal-air batteries are an important aspect of many beyond lithium ion research efforts. However, as our understanding of how molecular oxygen can act as a rechargeable cathode has progressed; the problems associated with how these materials at various states of charge interact with the lithium metal anode are only beginning to come to the surface. In this study we have devised a method to coat the surface a lithium with a functional group to act as either an anchor for further derivation studies or be polymerized to create a nanometer thick polymer coating attached to the surface by silane groups.more » These stable films, formed by polymerization of vinyl substituents, lower cell impedance at the electrode and over the first 50 cycles, increase cycling efficiency and demonstrate lower capacity fade.« less

State of charge modeling of lithium-ion batteries using dual exponential functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Ting-Jung; Lee, Kung-Yen; Huang, Chien-Kang; Chen, Jau-Horng; Chiu, Wei-Li; Huang, Chih-Fang; Wu, Shuen-De

2016-05-01

A mathematical model is developed by fitting the discharging curve of LiFePO4 batteries and used to investigate the relationship between the state of charge and the closed-circuit voltage. The proposed mathematical model consists of dual exponential terms and a constant term which can fit the characteristics of dual equivalent RC circuits closely, representing a LiFePO4 battery. One exponential term presents the stable discharging behavior and the other one presents the unstable discharging behavior and the constant term presents the cut-off voltage.

Hierarchical multiscale hyperporous block copolymer membranes via tunable dual-phase separation

PubMed Central

Yoo, Seungmin; Kim, Jung-Hwan; Shin, Myoungsoo; Park, Hyungmin; Kim, Jeong-Hoon; Lee, Sang-Young; Park, Soojin

2015-01-01

The rational design and realization of revolutionary porous structures have been long-standing challenges in membrane science. We demonstrate a new class of amphiphilic polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) block copolymer (BCP)–based porous membranes featuring hierarchical multiscale hyperporous structures. The introduction of surface energy–modifying agents and the control of major phase separation parameters (such as nonsolvent polarity and solvent drying time) enable tunable dual-phase separation of BCPs, eventually leading to macro/nanoscale porous structures and chemical functionalities far beyond those accessible with conventional approaches. Application of this BCP membrane to a lithium-ion battery separator affords exceptional improvement in electrochemical performance. The dual-phase separation–driven macro/nanopore construction strategy, owing to its simplicity and tunability, is expected to be readily applicable to a rich variety of membrane fields including molecular separation, water purification, and energy-related devices. PMID:26601212

Enhancing the efficiency of lithium intercalation in carbon nanotube bundles using surface functional groups.

PubMed

Xiao, Shiyan; Zhu, Hong; Wang, Lei; Chen, Liping; Liang, Haojun

2014-08-14

The effect of surface functionalization on the ability and kinetics of lithium intercalation in carbon nanotube (CNT) bundles has been studied by comparing the dynamical behaviors of lithium (Li) ions in pristine and -NH2 functionalized CNTs via ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. It was observed that lithium intercalation has been achieved quickly for both the pristine and surface functionalized CNT bundle. Our calculations demonstrated for the first time that CNT functionalization improved the efficiency of lithium intercalation significantly at both low and high Li ion density. Moreover, we found that keeping the nanotubes apart with an appropriate distance and charging the battery at a rational rate were beneficial to achieve a high rate of lithium intercalation. Besides, the calculated adsorption energy curves indicated that the potential wells in the system of -NH2 functionalized CNT were deeper than that of the pristine CNT bundle by 0.74 eV, and a third energy minimum with a value of 2.64 eV existed at the midpoint of the central axis of the nanotube. Thus, it would be more difficult to remove Li ions from the nanotube interior after surface functionalization. The barrier for lithium diffusion in the interior of the nanotube is greatly decreased because of the surface functional groups. Based on these results, we would suggest to "damage" the nanotube by introducing defects at its sidewall in order to improve not only the capacity of surface functionalized CNTs but also the efficiency of lithium intercalation and deintercalation processes. Our results presented here are helpful in understanding the mechanism of lithium intercalation into nanotube bundles, which may potentially be applied in the development of CNT based electrodes.

Strong lithium polysulfide chemisorption on electroactive sites of nitrogen-doped carbon composites for high-performance lithium-sulfur battery cathodes.

PubMed

Song, Jiangxuan; Gordin, Mikhail L; Xu, Terrence; Chen, Shuru; Yu, Zhaoxin; Sohn, Hiesang; Lu, Jun; Ren, Yang; Duan, Yuhua; Wang, Donghai

2015-03-27

Despite the high theoretical capacity of lithium-sulfur batteries, their practical applications are severely hindered by a fast capacity decay, stemming from the dissolution and diffusion of lithium polysulfides in the electrolyte. A novel functional carbon composite (carbon-nanotube-interpenetrated mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon spheres, MNCS/CNT), which can strongly adsorb lithium polysulfides, is now reported to act as a sulfur host. The nitrogen functional groups of this composite enable the effective trapping of lithium polysulfides on electroactive sites within the cathode, leading to a much improved electrochemical performance (1200 mAh g(-1) after 200 cycles). The enhancement in adsorption can be attributed to the chemical bonding of lithium ions by nitrogen functional groups in the MNCS/CNT framework. Furthermore, the micrometer-sized spherical structure of the material yields a high areal capacity (ca. 6 mAh cm(-2)) with a high sulfur loading of approximately 5 mg cm(-2), which is ideal for practical applications of the lithium-sulfur batteries. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nanostructuring one-dimensional and amorphous lithium peroxide for high round-trip efficiency in lithium-oxygen batteries.

PubMed

Dutta, Arghya; Wong, Raymond A; Park, Woonghyeon; Yamanaka, Keisuke; Ohta, Toshiaki; Jung, Yousung; Byon, Hye Ryung

2018-02-14

The major challenge facing lithium-oxygen batteries is the insulating and bulk lithium peroxide discharge product, which causes sluggish decomposition and increasing overpotential during recharge. Here, we demonstrate an improved round-trip efficiency of ~80% by means of a mesoporous carbon electrode, which directs the growth of one-dimensional and amorphous lithium peroxide. Morphologically, the one-dimensional nanostructures with small volume and high surface show improved charge transport and promote delithiation (lithium ion dissolution) during recharge and thus plays a critical role in the facile decomposition of lithium peroxide. Thermodynamically, density functional calculations reveal that disordered geometric arrangements of the surface atoms in the amorphous structure lead to weaker binding of the key reaction intermediate lithium superoxide, yielding smaller oxygen reduction and evolution overpotentials compared to the crystalline surface. This study suggests a strategy to enhance the decomposition rate of lithium peroxide by exploiting the size and shape of one-dimensional nanostructured lithium peroxide.

Neutronics Evaluation of Lithium-Based Ternary Alloys in IFE Blankets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jolodosky, A.; Fratoni, M.

Lithium is often the preferred choice as breeder and coolant in fusion blankets as it offers excellent heat transfer and corrosion properties, and most importantly, it has a very high tritium solubility and results in very low levels of tritium permeation throughout the facility infrastructure. However, lithium metal vigorously reacts with air and water and exacerbates plant safety concerns. For this reason, over the years numerous blanket concepts have been proposed with the scope of reducing concerns associated with lithium. The European helium cooled pebble bed breeding blanket (HCPB) physically confines lithium within ceramic pebbles. The pebbles reside within amore » low activation martensitic ferritic steel structure and are cooled by helium. The blanket is composed of the tritium breeding lithium ceramic pebbles and neutron multiplying beryllium pebbles. Other blanket designs utilize lead to lower chemical reactivity; LiPb alone can serve as a breeder, coolant, neutron multiplier, and tritium carrier. Blankets employing LiPb coolants alongside silicon carbide structural components can achieve high plant efficiency, low afterheat, and low operation pressures. This alloy can also be used alongside of helium such as in the dual-coolant lead-lithium concept (DCLL); helium is utilized to cool the first wall and structural components made up of low-activation ferritic steel, whereas lithium-lead (LiPb) acts as a self-cooled breeder in the inner channels of the blanket. The helium-cooled steel and lead-lithium alloy are separated by flow channel inserts (usually made out of silicon carbide) which thermally insulate the self-cooled breeder region from the helium cooled steel walls. This creates a LiPb breeder with a much higher exit temperature than the steel which increases the power cycle efficiency and also lowers the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pressure drop [6]. Molten salt blankets with a mixture of lithium, beryllium, and fluorides (FLiBe) offer good tritium

Silicene Flowers: A Dual Stabilized Silicon Building Block for High-Performance Lithium Battery Anodes.

PubMed

Zhang, Xinghao; Qiu, Xiongying; Kong, Debin; Zhou, Lu; Li, Zihao; Li, Xianglong; Zhi, Linjie

2017-07-25

Nanostructuring is a transformative way to improve the structure stability of high capacity silicon for lithium batteries. Yet, the interface instability issue remains and even propagates in the existing nanostructured silicon building blocks. Here we demonstrate an intrinsically dual stabilized silicon building block, namely silicene flowers, to simultaneously address the structure and interface stability issues. These original Si building blocks as lithium battery anodes exhibit extraordinary combined performance including high gravimetric capacity (2000 mAh g -1 at 800 mA g -1 ), high volumetric capacity (1799 mAh cm -3 ), remarkable rate capability (950 mAh g -1 at 8 A g -1 ), and excellent cycling stability (1100 mA h g -1 at 2000 mA g -1 over 600 cycles). Paired with a conventional cathode, the fabricated full cells deliver extraordinarily high specific energy and energy density (543 Wh kg ca -1 and 1257 Wh L ca -1 , respectively) based on the cathode and anode, which are 152% and 239% of their commercial counterparts using graphite anodes. Coupled with a simple, cost-effective, scalable synthesis approach, this silicon building block offers a horizon for the development of high-performance batteries.

Grain Boundary Engineering of Lithium-Ion-Conducting Lithium Lanthanum Titanate for Lithium-Air Batteries

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-01

release; distribution is unlimited. 1 1. Introduction Lithium (Li)- ion batteries are currently one of the leading energy storage device technologies...ARL-TR-7584 ● JAN 2016 US Army Research Laboratory Grain Boundary Engineering of Lithium - Ion - Conducting Lithium Lanthanum...Titanate for Lithium -Air Batteries by Victoria L Blair, Claire V Weiss Brennan, and Joseph M Marsico Approved for public

Graphene Oxides Used as a New "Dual Role" Binder for Stabilizing Silicon Nanoparticles in Lithium-Ion Battery.

PubMed

Shan, Changsheng; Wu, Kaifeng; Yen, Hung-Ju; Narvaez Villarrubia, Claudia; Nakotte, Tom; Bo, Xiangjie; Zhou, Ming; Wu, Gang; Wang, Hsing-Lin

2018-05-09

For the first time, we report that graphene oxide (GO) can be used as a new "dual-role" binder for Si nanoparticles (SiNPs)-based lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). GO not only provides a graphene-like porous 3D framework for accommodating the volume changes of SiNPs during charging/discharging cycles, but also acts as a polymer-like binder that forms strong chemical bonds with SiNPs through its Si-OH functional groups to trap and stabilize SiNPs inside the electrode. Leveraging this unique dual-role of GO binder, we fabricated GO/SiNPs electrodes with remarkably improved performances as compared to using the conventional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder. Specifically, the GO/SiNPs electrode showed a specific capacity of 2400 mA h g -1 at the 50th cycle and 2000 mA h g -1 at the 100th cycle, whereas the SiNPs/PVDF electrode only showed 456 mAh g -1 at the 50th cycle and 100 mAh g -1 at 100th cycle. Moreover, the GO/SiNPs film maintained its structural integrity and formed a stable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) film after 100 cycles. These results, combined with the well-established facile synthesis of GO, indicate that GO can be an excellent binder for developing high performance Si-based LIBs.

Improvement of Cycling Performance of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries by Using Magnesium Oxide as a Functional Additive for Trapping Lithium Polysulfide.

PubMed

Ponraj, Rubha; Kannan, Aravindaraj G; Ahn, Jun Hwan; Kim, Dong-Won

2016-02-17

Trapping lithium polysulfides formed in the sulfur positive electrode of lithium-sulfur batteries is one of the promising approaches to overcome the issues related to polysulfide dissolution. In this work, we demonstrate that intrinsically hydrophilic magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles having surface hydroxyl groups can be used as effective additives to trap lithium polysulfides in the positive electrode. MgO nanoparticles were uniformly distributed on the surface of the active sulfur, and the addition of MgO into the sulfur electrode resulted in an increase in capacity retention of the lithium-sulfur cell compared to a cell with pristine sulfur electrode. The improvement in cycling stability was attributed to the strong chemical interactions between MgO and lithium polysulfide species, which suppressed the shuttling effect of lithium polysulfides and enhanced the utilization of the sulfur active material. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first demonstration of MgO as an effective functional additive to trap lithium polysulfides in lithium-sulfur cells.

Improvement of Energy Capacity with Vitamin C Treated Dual-Layered Graphene-Sulfur Cathodes in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

PubMed

Kim, Jin Won; Ocon, Joey D; Kim, Ho-Sung; Lee, Jaeyoung

2015-09-07

A graphene-based cathode design for lithium-sulfur batteries (LSB) that shows excellent electrochemical performance is proposed. The dual-layered cathode is composed of a sulfur active layer and a polysulfide absorption layer, and both layers are based on vitamin C treated graphene oxide at various degrees of reduction. By controlling the degree of reduction of graphene, the dual-layered cathode can increase sulfur utilization dramatically owing to the uniform formation of nanosized sulfur particles, the chemical bonding of dissolved polysulfides on the oxygen-rich sulfur active layer, and the physisorption of free polysulfides on the absorption layer. This approach enables a LSB with a high specific capacity of over 600 mAh gsulfur (-1) after 100 cycles even under a high current rate of 1C (1675 mA gsulfur (-1) ). An intriguing aspect of our work is the synthesis of a high-performance dual-layered cathode by a green chemistry method, which could be a promising approach to LSBs with high energy and power densities. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Hierarchical 3D ZnIn2S4/graphene nano-heterostructures: their in situ fabrication with dual functionality in solar hydrogen production and as anodes for lithium ion batteries.

PubMed

Kale, Sayali B; Kalubarme, Ramchandra S; Mahadadalkar, Manjiri A; Jadhav, Harsharaj S; Bhirud, Ashwini P; Ambekar, Jalinder D; Park, Chan-Jin; Kale, Bharat B

2015-12-21

Hierarchical 3D ZnIn2S4/graphene (ZnIn2S4/Gr) nano-heterostructures were successfully synthesized using an in-situ hydrothermal method. The dual functionality of these nano-heterostructures i.e. for solar hydrogen production and lithium ion batteries has been demonstrated for the first time. The ZnIn2S4/Gr nano-heterostructures were optimized by varying the concentrations of graphene for utmost hydrogen production. An inspection of the structure shows the existence of layered hexagonal ZnIn2S4 wrapped in graphene. The reduction of graphene oxide (GO) to graphene was confirmed by Raman and XPS analyses. The morphological analysis demonstrated that ultrathin ZnIn2S4 nanopetals are dispersed on graphene sheets. The optical study reveals the extended absorption edge to the visible region due to the presence of graphene and hence is used as a photocatalyst to transform H2S into eco-friendly hydrogen using solar light. The ZnIn2S4/Gr nano-heterostructure that is comprised of graphene and ZnIn2S4 in a weight ratio of 1 : 99 exhibits enhanced photocatalytically stable hydrogen production i.e. ∼6365 μmole h(-1) under visible light irradiation using just 0.2 g of nano-heterostructure, which is much higher as compared to bare hierarchical 3D ZnIn2S4. The heightened photocatalytic activity is attributed to the enhanced charge carrier separation due to graphene which acts as an excellent electron collector and transporter. Furthermore, the usage of nano-heterostructures and pristine ZnIn2S4 as anodes in lithium ion batteries confers the charge capacities of 590 and 320 mA h g(-1) after 220 cycles as compared to their initial reversible capacities of 645 and 523 mA h g(-1), respectively. These nano-heterostructures show high reversible capacity, excellent cycling stability, and high-rate capability indicating their potential as promising anode materials for LIBs. The excellent performance is due to the nanostructuring of ZnIn2S4 and the presence of a graphene layer, which

Lithium intoxication: Incidence, clinical course and renal function - a population-based retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

Ott, Michael; Stegmayr, Bernd; Salander Renberg, Ellinor; Werneke, Ursula

2016-10-01

When prescribing lithium, the risk of toxicity remains a concern. In this study, we examined a cohort of patients exposed to lithium between 1997 and 2013. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of lithium intoxication and to evaluate the clinical course and changes in renal function. Of 1340 patients, 96 had experienced at least one episode of lithium levels ⩾1.5 mmol/L, yielding an incidence of 0.01 per patient-year. Seventy-seven patients available for review had experienced 91 episodes, of whom 34% required intensive care and 13% were treated with haemodialysis. There were no fatalities. Acute kidney injury occurred, but renal function at baseline was not different to renal function after the episode. Renal impairment was often associated with co-morbidities and other factors. Both intermittent and continuous-venovenous haemodialysis were used, but the clearance of continuous-venovenous haemodialysis can be too low in cases where large amounts of lithium have been ingested. Saline and forced diuresis have been used and are safe. Lithium intoxication seems rare and can be safely managed in most cases. Physicians should not withhold lithium for fear of intoxication in patients who benefit from it. Yet, physicians should have a low threshold to screen for toxicity. © The Author(s) 2016.

Honeycomb-like Nitrogen and Sulfur Dual-Doped Hierarchical Porous Biomass-Derived Carbon for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

PubMed

Chen, Manfang; Jiang, Shouxin; Huang, Cheng; Wang, Xianyou; Cai, Siyu; Xiang, Kaixiong; Zhang, Yapeng; Xue, Jiaxi

2017-04-22

Honeycomb-like nitrogen and sulfur dual-doped hierarchical porous biomass-derived carbon/sulfur composites (NSHPC/S) are successfully fabricated for high energy density lithium-sulfur batteries. The effects of nitrogen, sulfur dual-doping on the structures and properties of the NSHPC/S composites are investigated in detail by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and charge/discharge tests. The results show that N, S dual-doping not only introduces strong chemical adsorption and provides more active sites but also significantly enhances the electronic conductivity and hydrophilic properties of hierarchical porous biomass-derived carbon, thereby significantly enhancing the utilization of sulfur and immobilizing the notorious polysulfide shuttle effect. Especially, the as-synthesized NSHPC-7/S exhibits high initial discharge capacity of 1204 mA h g -1 at 1.0 C and large reversible capacity of 952 mA h g -1 after 300 cycles at 0.5 C with an ultralow capacity fading rate of 0.08 % per cycle even at high sulfur content (85 wt %) and high active material areal mass loading (2.8 mg cm -2 ) for the application of high energy density Li-S batteries. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Stabilized Lithium-Metal Surface in a Polysulfide-Rich Environment of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

PubMed

Zu, Chenxi; Manthiram, Arumugam

2014-08-07

Lithium-metal anode degradation is one of the major challenges of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, hindering their practical utility as next-generation rechargeable battery chemistry. The polysulfide migration and shuttling associated with Li-S batteries can induce heterogeneities of the lithium-metal surface because it causes passivation by bulk insulating Li2S particles/electrolyte decomposition products on a lithium-metal surface. This promotes lithium dendrite formation and leads to poor lithium cycling efficiency with complicated lithium surface chemistry. Here, we show copper acetate as a surface stabilizer for lithium metal in a polysulfide-rich environment of Li-S batteries. The lithium surface is protected from parasitic reactions with the organic electrolyte and the migrating polysulfides by an in situ chemical formation of a passivation film consisting of mainly Li2S/Li2S2/CuS/Cu2S and electrolyte decomposition products. This passivation film also suppresses lithium dendrite formation by controlling the lithium deposition sites, leading to a stabilized lithium surface characterized by a dendrite-free morphology and improved surface chemistry.

Effects of Imide–Orthoborate Dual-Salt Mixtures in Organic Carbonate Electrolytes on the Stability of Lithium Metal Batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Xing; Zheng, Jianming; Engelhard, Mark H.

The effects of lithium imide and lithium orthoborate dual-salt electrolytes of different salt chemistries in carbonate solvents on the cycling stability of Li metal batteries were systematically and comparatively investigated. Two imide salts (LiTFSI and LiFSI) and two orthoborate salts (LiBOB and LiDFOB) were chosen for this study and compared with the conventional LiPF6 salt. The cycling stability of the Li metal cells with the electrolytes follows the order from good to poor as LiTFSI-LiBOB > LiTFSI-LiDFOB > LiPF6 > LiFSI-LiBOB > LiFSI-LiDFOB, indicating that LiTFSI behaves better than LiFSI and LiBOB over LiDFOB in these four dual-salt mixtures. Themore » LiTFSI-LiBOB can effectively protect the Al substrate and form a more robust surface film on Li metal anode, while the LiFSI-LiBOB results in serious corrosion to the stainless steel cell case and a thicker and looser surface film on Li anode. Computational calculations indicate that the chemical and electrochemical stabilities also follow the order of LiTFSI-LiBOB > LiTFSI-LiDFOB > LiFSI-LiBOB > LiFSI-LiDFOB. The key findings of this work emphasize that the salt chemistry is critically important for enhancing the interfacial stability of Li metal anode and should be carefully manipulated in the development of high performance Li metal batteries.« less

Common effects of lithium and valproate on mitochondrial functions: protection against methamphetamine-induced mitochondrial damage.

PubMed

Bachmann, Rosilla F; Wang, Yun; Yuan, Peixiong; Zhou, Rulun; Li, Xiaoxia; Alesci, Salvatore; Du, Jing; Manji, Husseini K

2009-07-01

Accumulating evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in the progression of a variety of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Thus, enhancing mitochondrial function could potentially help ameliorate the impairments of neural plasticity and cellular resilience associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. A series of studies was undertaken to investigate the effects of mood stabilizers on mitochondrial function, and against mitochondrially mediated neurotoxicity. We found that long-term treatment with lithium and valproate (VPA) enhanced cell respiration rate. Furthermore, chronic treatment with lithium or VPA enhanced mitochondrial function as determined by mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial oxidation in SH-SY5Y cells. In-vivo studies showed that long-term treatment with lithium or VPA protected against methamphetamine (Meth)-induced toxicity at the mitochondrial level. Furthermore, these agents prevented the Meth-induced reduction of mitochondrial cytochrome c, the mitochondrial anti-apoptotic Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COX) activity. Oligoarray analysis demonstrated that the gene expression of several proteins related to the apoptotic pathway and mitochondrial functions were altered by Meth, and these changes were attenuated by treatment with lithium or VPA. One of the genes, Bcl-2, is a common target for lithium and VPA. Knock-down of Bcl-2 with specific Bcl-2 siRNA reduced the lithium- and VPA-induced increases in mitochondrial oxidation. These findings illustrate that lithium and VPA enhance mitochondrial function and protect against mitochondrially mediated toxicity. These agents may have potential clinical utility in the treatment of other diseases associated with impaired mitochondrial function, such as neurodegenerative diseases and schizophrenia.

Ebselen has lithium-like effects on central 5-HT2A receptor function.

PubMed

Antoniadou, I; Kouskou, M; Arsiwala, T; Singh, N; Vasudevan, S R; Fowler, T; Cadirci, E; Churchill, G C; Sharp, T

2018-02-27

Lithium's antidepressant action may be mediated by inhibition of inositol monophosphatase (IMPase), a key enzyme in G q protein coupled receptor signalling. Recently, the antioxidant agent ebselen was identified as an IMPase inhibitor. Here we investigated both ebselen and lithium in models of the 5-HT 2A receptor, a G q protein coupled receptor implicated in lithium's actions. 5-HT 2A receptor function was modelled in mice by measuring the behavioural (head-twitches) and cortical immediate early gene (IEG; Arc, c-fos and Erg2 mRNA) responses to 5-HT 2A receptor agonist administration. Ebselen and lithium were administered either acutely or chronically prior to assessment of 5-HT 2A receptor function. Given the SSRI augmenting action of lithium and 5-HT 2A antagonists, ebselen was also tested for this action by co-administration with the SSRI citalopram in microdialysis (extracellular 5-HT) experiments. Acute and repeated administration of ebselen inhibited behavioural and IEG responses to the 5-HT 2A receptor agonist DOI. Repeated lithium also inhibited DOI-evoked behavioural and IEG responses. In comparison, a selective IMPase inhibitor (L-690,330) attenuated the behavioural response to DOI whereas glycogen synthase kinase inhibitor (AR-A014418) did not. Finally, ebselen increased regional brain 5-HT synthesis and enhanced the increase in extracellular 5-HT induced by citalopram. The current data demonstrate lithium-mimetic effects of ebselen in different experimental models of 5-HT 2A receptor function, likely mediated by IMPase inhibition. This evidence of lithium-like neuropharmacological effects of ebselen adds further support for the clinical testing of ebselen in mood disorder, including as an antidepressant augmenting agent. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A Dual Phenotype of Periventricular Nodular Heterotopia and Frontometaphyseal Dysplasia in One Patient Caused by a Single FLNA Mutation Leading to Two Functionally Different Aberrant Transcripts

PubMed Central

Zenker, Martin; Rauch, Anita; Winterpacht, Andreas; Tagariello, Andreas; Kraus, Cornelia; Rupprecht, Thomas; Sticht, Heinrich; Reis, André

2004-01-01

Two disorders, periventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH) and a group of skeletal dysplasias belonging to the oto-palato-digital (OPD) spectrum, are caused by FLNA mutations. They are considered mutually exclusive because of the different presumed effects of the respective FLNA gene mutations, leading to loss of function (PVNH) and gain of function (OPD), respectively. We describe here the first patient manifesting PVNH in combination with frontometaphyseal dysplasia, a skeletal dysplasia of the OPD-spectrum. A novel de novo mutation, 7315C→A in exon 45 of the FLNA gene, was identified. It leads to two aberrant transcripts, one full-length transcript with the point mutation causing a substitution of a highly conserved leucine residue (L2439M) and a second shortened transcript lacking 21 bp due to the creation of an ectopic splice donor site in exon 45. We propose that the dual phenotype is caused by two functionally different, aberrant filamin A proteins and therefore represents an exceptional model case of allelic gain-of-function and loss-of-function phenotypes due to a single mutational event. PMID:14988809

Lithium intoxication: Incidence, clinical course and renal function – a population-based retrospective cohort study

PubMed Central

Ott, Michael; Stegmayr, Bernd; Salander Renberg, Ellinor; Werneke, Ursula

2016-01-01

When prescribing lithium, the risk of toxicity remains a concern. In this study, we examined a cohort of patients exposed to lithium between 1997 and 2013. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of lithium intoxication and to evaluate the clinical course and changes in renal function. Of 1340 patients, 96 had experienced at least one episode of lithium levels ⩾1.5 mmol/L, yielding an incidence of 0.01 per patient-year. Seventy-seven patients available for review had experienced 91 episodes, of whom 34% required intensive care and 13% were treated with haemodialysis. There were no fatalities. Acute kidney injury occurred, but renal function at baseline was not different to renal function after the episode. Renal impairment was often associated with co-morbidities and other factors. Both intermittent and continuous-venovenous haemodialysis were used, but the clearance of continuous-venovenous haemodialysis can be too low in cases where large amounts of lithium have been ingested. Saline and forced diuresis have been used and are safe. Lithium intoxication seems rare and can be safely managed in most cases. Physicians should not withhold lithium for fear of intoxication in patients who benefit from it. Yet, physicians should have a low threshold to screen for toxicity. PMID:27307388

Synthesis of dual porous structured germanium anodes with exceptional lithium-ion storage performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Dohyoung; Ryu, Jaegeon; Shin, Myungsoo; Song, Gyujin; Hong, Dongki; Kim, Kwang S.; Park, Soojin

2018-01-01

Dual-porous Ge nanostructures are synthesized via two straightforward steps. Compared with conventional approaches related to porous Ge materials, different types of pores can be readily generated by adjusting the relative ratio of the precursor amounts for GeO2 and SiO2. Unlike using hard templates with different sizes for introducing secondary pores, this system makes a uniformly blended structure of porogen and active sites in the nanoscale range. When GeO2 is subjected to zincothermic reduction, it is selectively converted to pure Ge still connected to unreacted SiO2. During the reduction process, primary pores (larger than 50 nm) are formed by eliminating zinc oxide by-products, while inactive SiO2 with respect to zinc metal could contribute to retaining the overall structure. Finally, the HF treatment completely leaches remaining SiO2 and formed secondary pores (micro/mesopores) to complete the dual-porous Ge structure. The resulting Ge structure is tested as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The Ge electrode exhibits an outstanding reversibility and an exceptional cycling stability corresponding to a capacity retention of 100% after 100 cycles at C/5 and of 94.4% after 300 cycles at C/2. Furthermore, multi-scale pores facilitate a facile Li-ion accessibility, resulting in an excellent rate capability delivering ∼740 mAh g-1 at 5C.

Lithium Alkaline Halides—Next Generation of Dual Mode Scintillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soundara-Pandian, L.; Hawrami, R.; Glodo, J.; Ariesanti, E.; van Loef, E. V.; Shah, K.

2016-04-01

We report on a new family of scintillators - Lithium alkaline halides, developed based on the alkaline halides by introducing lithium for dual mode gamma-neutron detection. Many different compositions were grown, among which LiSr2I5 (LSI), LiCa2I5 (LCI), LiSr2Br5 (LSB) activated with divalent Europium show good gamma and neutron detection properties. LSI shows the main emission at 497 nm under X-ray excitation. It also shows good proportionality, which in combination with the light yield as high as 60000 photons/MeV, results in an energy resolution of 3.5% at 662 keV. The electron or gamma equivalent energy (GEE) of the thermal neutron peak due to the 6Li neutron capture is 4.1 MeV, which amounts to a very high neutron light yield of 245000 photons. The decay times for neutrons are faster compared to that for gamma-rays, hence we achieved good pulse shape discrimination (PSD) between gamma and neutron events. Our initial studies on the effects of Eu concentration on the properties of LSI show that 3%-4% Eu concentration is optimal for the best performance in terms of gamma and neutron light yields and pulse shape discrimination. LCI shows the main emission at 475 nm under X-ray excitation and a very high gamma light yield of 90000 photons/MeV. The measured energy resolution is 6% at 662 keV. The electron equivalent energy for neutron detection has been measured to be around 3 MeV, which gives a neutron light yield of 270 000 photons. The measured decay times for neutrons are faster compared to gamma decays and the PSD between the gamma-rays and neutrons is not as good as LSI. LSB shows two emissions at 410 and 475 nm under X-ray excitation. The measured light yield is 32000 ph/MeV gamma-ray with an energy resolution of 6% at 662 keV. The electron equivalent energy of the 6Li capture peak was measured to be 3.3 MeV.

Dual function conducting polymer diodes

DOEpatents

Heeger, Alan J.; Yu, Gang

1996-01-01

Dual function diodes based on conjugated organic polymer active layers are disclosed. When positively biased the diodes function as light emitters. When negatively biased they are highly efficient photodiodes. Methods of preparation and use of these diodes in displays and input/output devices are also disclosed.

Secondary lithium batteries for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, B.; Khanna, S. K.; Yen, S. P. S.; Shen, D.; Somoano, R. B.

1981-01-01

Secondary lithium cells which use a LiAsF6-2-Me-THF electrolyte and a TiS2 intercalatable cathode exhibit encouraging cycle life at ambient temperature. Electrochemical and surface analytical studies indicate that the electrolyte is unstable in the presence of metallic lithium, leading to the formation of a lithium passivating film composed of lithium arsenic oxyfluorides and lithium fluorsilicates. The lithium cyclability remains as the most important problem to solve. Different electrolyte solvents, such as sulfolane, exhibit promising characteristics but lead to new compatibility problems with the other cell component materials.

Carbodithioic acid esters of fluoxetine, a novel class of dual-function spermicides.

PubMed

Kiran Kumar, S T V S; Kumar, Lalit; Sharma, Vishnu L; Jain, Ashish; Jain, Rajeev K; Maikhuri, Jagdamba P; Kumar, Manish; Shukla, Praveen K; Gupta, Gopal

2008-10-01

Carbodithioic acid esters of fluoxetine have been prepared by replacing the methylamino function in aminopropane chain with carbodithioic acid ester group and by adding various S-2-hydroxypropyl ester of dialkyl carbodithioic acid at 3-methylamino group. Some of these compounds showed spermicidal, antifungal and anti-Trichomonas activities. The study revealed that incorporation of carbodithioic acid residue directly into fluoxetine structure leads to compounds with better antifungal and anti-Trichomonas activities, and N-methyl-[3-phenyl-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenoxy)-propyl]carbodithioic acid S-(2-pyrrolidino-ethyl) ester (14) has shown better profile than both fluoxetine and nonoxynol-9. Further lead optimization may yield a potent dual-function spermicide.

Investigation of wetting property between liquid lead lithium alloy and several structural materials for Chinese DEMO reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Wei; Wang, Weihua; Jiang, Haiyan; Zuo, Guizhong; Pan, Baoguo; Xu, Wei; Chu, Delin; Hu, Jiansheng; Qi, Junli

2017-10-01

The dual-cooled lead lithium (PbLi) blanket is considered as one of the main options for the Chinese demonstration reactor (DEMO). Liquid PbLi alloy is used as the breeder material and coolant. Reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel, stainless steel and the silicon carbide ceramic matrix composite (SiCf) are selected as the substrate materials for different use. To investigate the wetting property and inter-facial interactions of PbLi/RAFM steel, PbLi/SS316L, PbLi/SiC and PbLi/SiCf couples, in this paper, the special vacuum experimental device is built, and the 'dispensed droplet' modification for the classic sessile droplet technique is made. Contact angles are measured between the liquid PbLi and the various candidate materials at blanket working temperature from 260 to 480 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to characterize the surface components of PbLi droplets and substrate materials, in order to study the element trans-port and corrosion mechanism. Results show that SiC composite (SiCf) and SiC ceramic show poor wetting properties with the liquid PbLi alloy. Surface roughness and testing temperature only provide tiny improvements on the wetting property below 480 °C. RAFM steel performs better wetting properties and corrosion residence when contacted with molten PbLi, while SS316L shows low corrosion residence above 420 °C for the decomposition of protective surface film mainly consisted of chromic sesquioxide. The results could provide meaningful compatibility database of liquid PbLi alloy and valuable reference in engineering design of candidate structural and functional materials for future fusion blanket.

Structural studies of lead lithium borate glasses doped with silver oxide.

PubMed

Coelho, João; Freire, Cristina; Hussain, N Sooraj

2012-02-01

Silver oxide doped lead lithium borate (LLB) glasses have been prepared and characterized. Structural and composition characterization were accessed by XRD, FTIR, Raman, SEM and EDS. Results from FTIR and Raman spectra indicate that Ag(2)O acts as a network modifier even at small quantities by converting three coordinated to four coordinated boron atoms. Other physical properties, such as density, molar volume and optical basicity are also evaluated. Furthermore, they are also affected by the silver oxide composition. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lithium enrichment in intracontinental rhyolite magmas leads to Li deposits in caldera basins.

PubMed

Benson, Thomas R; Coble, Matthew A; Rytuba, James J; Mahood, Gail A

2017-08-16

The omnipresence of lithium-ion batteries in mobile electronics, and hybrid and electric vehicles necessitates discovery of new lithium resources to meet rising demand and to diversify the global lithium supply chain. Here we demonstrate that lake sediments preserved within intracontinental rhyolitic calderas formed on eruption and weathering of lithium-enriched magmas have the potential to host large lithium clay deposits. We compare lithium concentrations of magmas formed in a variety of tectonic settings using in situ trace-element measurements of quartz-hosted melt inclusions to demonstrate that moderate to extreme lithium enrichment occurs in magmas that incorporate felsic continental crust. Cenozoic calderas in western North America and in other intracontinental settings that generated such magmas are promising new targets for lithium exploration because lithium leached from the eruptive products by meteoric and hydrothermal fluids becomes concentrated in clays within caldera lake sediments to potentially economically extractable levels.Lithium is increasingly being utilized for modern technology in the form of lithium-ion batteries. Here, using in situ measurements of quartz-hosted melt inclusions, the authors demonstrate that preserved lake sediments within rhyolitic calderas have the potential to host large lithium-rich clay deposits.

Studying Degradation in Lithium-Ion Batteries by Depth Profiling with Lithium-Nuclear Reaction Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulz, Adam

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are secondary (rechargeable) energy storage devices that lose the ability to store charge, or degrade, with time. This charge capacity loss stems from unwanted reactions such as the continual growth of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the negative carbonaceous electrode. Parasitic reactions consume mobile lithium, the byproducts of which deposit as SEI layer. Introducing various electrolyte additives and coatings on the positive electrode reduce the rate of SEI growth and lead to improved calendar lifetimes of LIBs respectively. There has been substantial work both electrochemically monitoring and computationally modeling the development of the SEI layer. Additionally, a plethora of spectroscopic techniques have been employed in an attempt to characterize the components of the SEI layer. Despite lithium being the charge carrier in LIBs, depth profiles of lithium in the SEI are few. Moreover, accurate depth profiles relating capacity loss to lithium in the SEI are virtually non-existent. Better quantification of immobilized lithium would lead to improved understanding of the mechanisms of capacity loss and allow for computational and electrochemical models dependent on true materials states. A method by which to prepare low variability, high energy density electrochemical cells for depth profiling with the non-destructive technique, lithium nuclear reaction analysis (Li-NRA), is presented here. Due to the unique and largely non-destructive nature of Li-NRA we are able to perform repeated measurement on the same sample and evaluate the variability of the technique. By using low variability electrochemical cells along with this precise spectroscopic technique, we are able to confidently report trends of lithium concentration while controlling variables such as charge state, age and electrolyte composition. Conversion of gamma intensity versus beam energy, rendered by NRA, to Li concentration as a function of depth requires

SDF1 Reduces Interneuron Leading Process Branching through Dual Regulation of Actin and Microtubules

PubMed Central

Lysko, Daniel E.; Putt, Mary

2014-01-01

Normal cerebral cortical function requires a highly ordered balance between projection neurons and interneurons. During development these two neuronal populations migrate from distinct progenitor zones to form the cerebral cortex, with interneurons originating in the more distant ganglionic eminences. Moreover, deficits in interneurons have been linked to a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders underscoring the importance of understanding interneuron development and function. We, and others, have identified SDF1 signaling as one important modulator of interneuron migration speed and leading process branching behavior in mice, although how SDF1 signaling impacts these behaviors remains unknown. We previously found SDF1 inhibited leading process branching while increasing the rate of migration. We have now mechanistically linked SDF1 modulation of leading process branching behavior to a dual regulation of both actin and microtubule organization. We find SDF1 consolidates actin at the leading process tip by de-repressing calpain protease and increasing proteolysis of branched-actin-supporting cortactin. Additionally, SDF1 stabilizes the microtubule array in the leading process through activation of the microtubule-associated protein doublecortin (DCX). DCX stabilizes the microtubule array by bundling microtubules within the leading process, reducing branching. These data provide mechanistic insight into the regulation of interneuron leading process dynamics during neuronal migration in mice and provides insight into how cortactin and DCX, a known human neuronal migration disorder gene, participate in this process. PMID:24695713

Dual-modality imaging of function and physiology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasegawa, Bruce H.; Iwata, Koji; Wong, Kenneth H.; Wu, Max C.; Da Silva, Angela; Tang, Hamilton R.; Barber, William C.; Hwang, Andrew B.; Sakdinawat, Anne E.

2002-04-01

Dual-modality imaging is a technique where computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is combined with positron emission tomography or single-photon computed tomography to acquire structural and functional images with an integrated system. The data are acquired during a single procedure with the patient on a table viewed by both detectors to facilitate correlation between the structural and function images. The resulting data can be useful for localization for more specific diagnosis of disease. In addition, the anatomical information can be used to compensate the correlated radionuclide data for physical perturbations such as photon attenuation, scatter radiation, and partial volume errors. Thus, dual-modality imaging provides a priori information that can be used to improve both the visual quality and the quantitative accuracy of the radionuclide images. Dual-modality imaging systems also are being developed for biological research that involves small animals. The small-animal dual-modality systems offer advantages for measurements that currently are performed invasively using autoradiography and tissue sampling. By acquiring the required data noninvasively, dual-modality imaging has the potential to allow serial studies in a single animal, to perform measurements with fewer animals, and to improve the statistical quality of the data.

A lithium-oxygen battery based on lithium superoxide.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Jun; Lee, Yun Jung; Luo, Xiangyi

Although the superoxide of lithium (LiO2) is believed to be a key intermediate in Li-O2 batteries leading to the formation of lithium peroxide, LiO2 has never been observed in its pure state. In this work, we provide evidence that use of a cathode based on a reduced graphene oxide with Ir nanoparticles in a Li-O2 battery results in a LiO2 discharge product formed by single electron transfer without further electron transfer or disproportionation to form Li2O2. High energy X-ray diffraction (HE-XRD) patterns indicates the presence of crystalline LiO2 with no evidence of Li2O2 or Li2O. The HEXRD studies as amore » function of time also show that LiO2 can be stable in its crystalline form after one week of aging in the presence of electrolyte. The results provide evidence that LiO2 is stable enough that it can be repeatedly charged and discharged with a very low charge potential (~3.2 V) and may open the avenue for a lithium superoxide-based battery.« less

Cross-linked Composite Gel Polymer Electrolyte using Mesoporous Methacrylate-Functionalized SiO2 Nanoparticles for Lithium-Ion Polymer Batteries

PubMed Central

Shin, Won-Kyung; Cho, Jinhyun; Kannan, Aravindaraj G.; Lee, Yoon-Sung; Kim, Dong-Won

2016-01-01

Liquid electrolytes composed of lithium salt in a mixture of organic solvents have been widely used for lithium-ion batteries. However, the high flammability of the organic solvents can lead to thermal runaway and explosions if the system is accidentally subjected to a short circuit or experiences local overheating. In this work, a cross-linked composite gel polymer electrolyte was prepared and applied to lithium-ion polymer cells as a safer and more reliable electrolyte. Mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles containing reactive methacrylate groups as cross-linking sites were synthesized and dispersed into the fibrous polyacrylonitrile membrane. They directly reacted with gel electrolyte precursors containing tri(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, resulting in the formation of a cross-linked composite gel polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity and favorable interfacial characteristics. The mesoporous SiO2 particles also served as HF scavengers to reduce the HF content in the electrolyte at high temperature. As a result, the cycling performance of the lithium-ion polymer cells with cross-linked composite gel polymer electrolytes employing methacrylate-functionalized mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles was remarkably improved at elevated temperatures. PMID:27189842

N-Doped Dual Carbon-Confined 3D Architecture rGO/Fe3O4/AC Nanocomposite for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Ding, Ranran; Zhang, Jie; Qi, Jie; Li, Zhenhua; Wang, Chengyang; Chen, Mingming

2018-04-25

To address the issues of low electrical conductivity, sluggish lithiation kinetics and dramatic volume variation in Fe 3 O 4 anodes of lithium ion battery, herein, a double carbon-confined three-dimensional (3D) nanocomposite architecture was synthesized by an electrostatically assisted self-assembly strategy. In the constructed architecture, the ultrafine Fe 3 O 4 subunits (∼10 nm) self-organize to form nanospheres (NSs) that are fully coated by amorphous carbon (AC), formatting core-shell structural Fe 3 O 4 /AC NSs. By further encapsulation by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) layers, a constructed 3D architecture was built as dual carbon-confined rGO/Fe 3 O 4 /AC. Such structure restrains the adverse reaction of the electrolyte, improves the electronic conductivity and buffers the mechanical stress of the entire electrode, thus performing excellent long-term cycling stability (99.4% capacity retention after 465 cycles relevant to the second cycle at 5 A g -1 ). Kinetic analysis reveals that a dual lithium storage mechanism including a diffusion reaction mechanism and a surface capacitive behavior mechanism coexists in the composites. Consequently, the resulting rGO/Fe 3 O 4 /AC nanocomposite delivers a high reversible capacity (835.8 mA h g -1 for 300 cycles at 1 A g -1 ), as well as remarkable rate capability (436.7 mA h g -1 at 10 A g -1 ).

Anthracite-Derived Dual-Phase Carbon-Coated Li3V2(PO4)3 as High-Performance Cathode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Ding, Xiao-Kai; Zhang, Lu-Lu; Yang, Xue-Lin; Fang, Hui; Zhou, Ying-Xian; Wang, Ji-Qing; Ma, Di

2017-12-13

In this study, low cost anthracite-derived dual-phase carbon-coated Li 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 composites have been successfully prepared via a traditional solid-phase method. XRD results show that the as-prepared samples have high crystallinity and anthracite introduction has no influence on the LVP crystal structure. The LVP/C particles are uniformly covered with a dual-phase carbon layer composed of amorphous carbon and graphitic carbon. The effect of the amount of anthracite on the battery performance of LVP as a cathode material has also been studied. The LVP/C composite obtained with 10 wt % anthracite (LVP/C-10) delivers the highest initial charge/discharge capacities of 186.1/168.2 mAh g -1 at 1 C and still retains the highest discharge capacity of 134.0 mAh g -1 even after 100 cycles. LVP/C-10 also displays an outstanding average capacity of 140.8 mAh g -1 at 5 C. The superior rate capability and cycling stability of LVP/C-10 is ascribed to the reduced particle size, decreased charge-transfer resistance, and improved lithium ion diffusion coefficient. Our results demonstrate that using anthracite as a carbon source opens up a new strategy for larger-scale synthesis of LVP and other electrode materials with poor electronic conductivity for lithium ion batteries.

Dual-function antibacterial surfaces for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Yu, Qian; Wu, Zhaoqiang; Chen, Hong

2015-04-01

Bacterial attachment and the subsequent formation of biofilm on surfaces of synthetic materials pose a serious problem in both human healthcare and industrial applications. In recent decades, considerable attention has been paid to developing antibacterial surfaces to reduce the extent of initial bacterial attachment and thereby to prevent subsequent biofilm formation. Briefly, there are three main types of antibacterial surfaces: bactericidal surfaces, bacteria-resistant surfaces, and bacteria-release surfaces. The strategy adopted to develop each type of surface has inherent advantages and disadvantages; many efforts have been focused on the development of novel antibacterial surfaces with dual functionality. In this review, we highlight the recent progress made in the development of dual-function antibacterial surfaces for biomedical applications. These surfaces are based on the combination of two strategies into one system, which can kill attached bacteria as well as resisting or releasing bacteria. Perspectives on future research directions for the design of dual-function antibacterial surfaces are also provided. Copyright © 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lithium-antimony-lead liquid metal battery for grid-level energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kangli; Jiang, Kai; Chung, Brice; Ouchi, Takanari; Burke, Paul J.; Boysen, Dane A.; Bradwell, David J.; Kim, Hojong; Muecke, Ulrich; Sadoway, Donald R.

2014-10-01

The ability to store energy on the electric grid would greatly improve its efficiency and reliability while enabling the integration of intermittent renewable energy technologies (such as wind and solar) into baseload supply. Batteries have long been considered strong candidate solutions owing to their small spatial footprint, mechanical simplicity and flexibility in siting. However, the barrier to widespread adoption of batteries is their high cost. Here we describe a lithium-antimony-lead liquid metal battery that potentially meets the performance specifications for stationary energy storage applications. This Li||Sb-Pb battery comprises a liquid lithium negative electrode, a molten salt electrolyte, and a liquid antimony-lead alloy positive electrode, which self-segregate by density into three distinct layers owing to the immiscibility of the contiguous salt and metal phases. The all-liquid construction confers the advantages of higher current density, longer cycle life and simpler manufacturing of large-scale storage systems (because no membranes or separators are involved) relative to those of conventional batteries. At charge-discharge current densities of 275 milliamperes per square centimetre, the cells cycled at 450 degrees Celsius with 98 per cent Coulombic efficiency and 73 per cent round-trip energy efficiency. To provide evidence of their high power capability, the cells were discharged and charged at current densities as high as 1,000 milliamperes per square centimetre. Measured capacity loss after operation for 1,800 hours (more than 450 charge-discharge cycles at 100 per cent depth of discharge) projects retention of over 85 per cent of initial capacity after ten years of daily cycling. Our results demonstrate that alloying a high-melting-point, high-voltage metal (antimony) with a low-melting-point, low-cost metal (lead) advantageously decreases the operating temperature while maintaining a high cell voltage. Apart from the fact that this finding

Lithium-antimony-lead liquid metal battery for grid-level energy storage.

PubMed

Wang, Kangli; Jiang, Kai; Chung, Brice; Ouchi, Takanari; Burke, Paul J; Boysen, Dane A; Bradwell, David J; Kim, Hojong; Muecke, Ulrich; Sadoway, Donald R

2014-10-16

The ability to store energy on the electric grid would greatly improve its efficiency and reliability while enabling the integration of intermittent renewable energy technologies (such as wind and solar) into baseload supply. Batteries have long been considered strong candidate solutions owing to their small spatial footprint, mechanical simplicity and flexibility in siting. However, the barrier to widespread adoption of batteries is their high cost. Here we describe a lithium-antimony-lead liquid metal battery that potentially meets the performance specifications for stationary energy storage applications. This Li||Sb-Pb battery comprises a liquid lithium negative electrode, a molten salt electrolyte, and a liquid antimony-lead alloy positive electrode, which self-segregate by density into three distinct layers owing to the immiscibility of the contiguous salt and metal phases. The all-liquid construction confers the advantages of higher current density, longer cycle life and simpler manufacturing of large-scale storage systems (because no membranes or separators are involved) relative to those of conventional batteries. At charge-discharge current densities of 275 milliamperes per square centimetre, the cells cycled at 450 degrees Celsius with 98 per cent Coulombic efficiency and 73 per cent round-trip energy efficiency. To provide evidence of their high power capability, the cells were discharged and charged at current densities as high as 1,000 milliamperes per square centimetre. Measured capacity loss after operation for 1,800 hours (more than 450 charge-discharge cycles at 100 per cent depth of discharge) projects retention of over 85 per cent of initial capacity after ten years of daily cycling. Our results demonstrate that alloying a high-melting-point, high-voltage metal (antimony) with a low-melting-point, low-cost metal (lead) advantageously decreases the operating temperature while maintaining a high cell voltage. Apart from the fact that this

Dual-wavelength green laser with a 4.5 THz frequency difference based on self-frequency- doubling in Nd3+ -doped aperiodically poled lithium niobate.

PubMed

Maestre, H; Torregrosa, A J; Fernández-Pousa, C R; Rico, M L; Capmany, J

2008-05-01

We report a dual-wavelength continuous-wave laser at 542.4 and 546.8 nm based on an Nd(3+)-doped aperiodically poled lithium niobate crystal. Two fundamental infrared (IR) wavelengths at 1084.8 and 1093.6 nm are simultaneously oscillated and self-frequency-doubled to green. The aperiodic domain distribution patterned in the crystal allows for quasi-phase matched self-frequency-doubling of both IR fundamentals while avoiding their sum-frequency mixing.

Lithium niobate single-crystal and photo-functional device

DOEpatents

Gopalan, Venkatraman; Mitchell, Terrence E.; Kitamura, Kenji; Furukawa, Yasunori

2001-01-01

Provided are lithium niobate single-crystal that requires a low voltage of not larger than 10 kV/nm for its ferroelectric polarization inversion and of which the polarization can be periodically inverted with accuracy even at such a low voltage, and a photo-functional device comprising the crystal. The crystal has a molar fraction of Li.sub.2 O/(Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5 +Li.sub.2 O) of falling between 0.49 and 0.52. The photo-functional device can convert a laser ray being incident thereon.

Lithium-associated hyperthyroidism.

PubMed

Siyam, Fadi F; Deshmukh, Sanaa; Garcia-Touza, Mariana

2013-08-01

Goiters and hypothyroidism are well-known patient complications of the use of lithium for treatment of bipolar disease. However, the occurrence of lithium-induced hyperthyroidism is a more rare event. Many times, the condition can be confused with a flare of mania. Monitoring through serial biochemical measurement of thyroid function is critical in patients taking lithium. Hyperthyroidism induced by lithium is a condition that generally can be controlled medically without the patient having to discontinue lithium therapy, although in some circumstances, discontinuation of lithium therapy may be indicated. We report on a patient case of lithium-associated hyperthyroidism that resolved after discontinuation of the medication.

Single-coil and dual-coil defibrillator leads and association with clinical outcomes in a complete Danish nationwide ICD cohort.

PubMed

Larsen, Jacob M; Hjortshøj, Søren P; Nielsen, Jens C; Johansen, Jens B; Petersen, Helen H; Haarbo, Jens; Johansen, Martin B; Thøgersen, Anna Margrethe

2016-03-01

The best choice of defibrillator lead in patients with routine implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is not settled. Traditionally, most physicians prefer dual-coil leads but the use of single-coil leads is increasing. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes in patients with single- and dual-coil leads. All 4769 Danish patients 18 years or older with first-time ICD implants from 2007 to 2011 were included from the Danish Pacemaker and ICD Register. Defibrillator leads were 38.9% single-coil leads and 61.1% dual-coil leads. The primary end point was all-cause mortality. Secondary end points were lowest successful energy at implant defibrillation testing, first shock failure in spontaneous arrhythmias, structural lead failure, and lead extraction outcomes. Single-coil leads were associated with lower all-cause mortality with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.73-0.99; P = .04). This finding was robust in a supplementary propensity score-matched analysis. However, dual-coil leads were used in patients with slightly higher preimplant morbidity, making residual confounding by indication the most likely explanation for the observed association between lead type and mortality. The lowest successful defibrillation energy was higher using single-coil leads (23.2 ± 4.3 J vs 22.1 ± 3.9 J; P < .001). No significant differences were observed for other secondary end points showing high shock efficacies and low rates of lead failures and extraction complications. Shock efficacy is high for modern ICD systems. The choice between single-coil and dual-coil defibrillator leads is unlikely to have a clinically significant impact on patient outcomes in routine ICD implants. Copyright © 2016 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Orbifold E-functions of dual invertible polynomials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebeling, Wolfgang; Gusein-Zade, Sabir M.; Takahashi, Atsushi

2016-08-01

An invertible polynomial is a weighted homogeneous polynomial with the number of monomials coinciding with the number of variables and such that the weights of the variables and the quasi-degree are well defined. In the framework of the search for mirror symmetric orbifold Landau-Ginzburg models, P. Berglund and M. Henningson considered a pair (f , G) consisting of an invertible polynomial f and an abelian group G of its symmetries together with a dual pair (f ˜ , G ˜) . We consider the so-called orbifold E-function of such a pair (f , G) which is a generating function for the exponents of the monodromy action on an orbifold version of the mixed Hodge structure on the Milnor fibre of f. We prove that the orbifold E-functions of Berglund-Henningson dual pairs coincide up to a sign depending on the number of variables and a simple change of variables. The proof is based on a relation between monomials (say, elements of a monomial basis of the Milnor algebra of an invertible polynomial) and elements of the whole symmetry group of the dual polynomial.

DC and analog/RF performance optimisation of source pocket dual work function TFET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raad, Bhagwan Ram; Sharma, Dheeraj; Kondekar, Pravin; Nigam, Kaushal; Baronia, Sagar

2017-12-01

We investigate a systematic study of source pocket tunnel field-effect transistor (SP TFET) with dual work function of single gate material by using uniform and Gaussian doping profile in the drain region for ultra-low power high frequency high speed applications. For this, a n+ doped region is created near the source/channel junction to decrease the depletion width results in improvement of ON-state current. However, the dual work function of the double gate is used for enhancement of the device performance in terms of DC and analog/RF parameters. Further, to improve the high frequency performance of the device, Gaussian doping profile is considered in the drain region with different characteristic lengths which decreases the gate to drain capacitance and leads to drastic improvement in analog/RF figures of merit. Furthermore, the optimisation is performed with different concentrations for uniform and Gaussian drain doping profile and for various sectional length of lower work function of the gate electrode. Finally, the effect of temperature variation on the device performance is demonstrated.

Oligo(ethylene glycol)-functionalized disiloxanes as electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhengcheng; Dong, Jian; West, Robert; Amine, Khalil

Functionalized disiloxane compounds were synthesized by attaching oligo(ethylene glycol) chains, -(CH 2CH 2O)- n, n = 2-7, via hydrosilation, dehydrocoupling, and nucleophilic substitution reactions and were examined as non-aqueous electrolyte solvents in lithium-ion cells. The compounds were fully characterized by 1H, 13C, and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Upon doping with lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB) or LiPF 6, the disiloxane electrolytes showed conductivities up to 6.2 × 10 -4 S cm -1 at room temperature. The thermal behavior of the electrolytes was studied by differential scanning calorimetry, which revealed very low glass transition temperatures before and after LiBOB doping and much higher thermal stability compared to organic carbonate electrolytes. Cyclic voltammetry measurements showed that disiloxane-based electrolytes with 0.8 M LiBOB salt concentration are stable to 4.7 V. The LiBOB/disiloxane combinations were found to be good electrolytes for lithium-ion cells; unlike LiPF 6, LiBOB can provide a good passivation film on the graphite anode. The LiPF 6/disiloxane electrolyte was enabled in lithium-ion cells by adding 1 wt% vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC). Full cell performance tests with LiNi 0.80Co 0.15Al 0.05O 2 as the cathode and mesocarbon microbead (MCMB) graphite as the anode show stable cyclability. The results demonstrate that disiloxane-based electrolytes have considerable potential as electrolytes for use in lithium-ion batteries.

Integrated process and dual-function catalyst for olefin epoxidation

DOEpatents

Zhou, Bing; Rueter, Michael

2003-01-01

The invention discloses a dual-functional catalyst composition and an integrated process for production of olefin epoxides including propylene oxide by catalytic reaction of hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen with olefin feeds such as propylene. The epoxides and hydrogen peroxide are preferably produced simultaneously in situ. The dual-functional catalyst comprises noble metal crystallites with dimensions on the nanometer scale (on the order of <1 nm to 10 nm), specially dispersed on titanium silicalite substrate particles. The dual functional catalyst catalyzes both the direct reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to generate hydrogen peroxide intermediate on the noble metal catalyst surface and the reaction of the hydrogen peroxide intermediate with the propylene feed to generate propylene oxide product. Combining both these functions in a single catalyst provides a very efficient integrated process operable below the flammability limits of hydrogen and highly selective for the production of hydrogen peroxide to produce olefin oxides such as propylene oxide without formation of undesired co-products.

Low tritium partial pressure permeation system for mass transport measurement in lead lithium eutectic

DOE PAGES

Pawelko, R. J.; Shimada, M.; Katayama, K.; ...

2015-11-28

This paper describes a new experimental system designed to investigate tritium mass transfer properties in materials important to fusion technology. Experimental activities were carried out at the Safety and Tritium Applied Research (STAR) facility located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The tritium permeation measurement system was developed as part of the Japan/US TITAN collaboration to investigate tritium mass transfer properties in liquid lead lithium eutectic (LLE) alloy. The experimental system is configured to measure tritium mass transfer properties at low tritium partial pressures. Initial tritium permeation scoping tests were conducted on a 1 mm thick α-Fe plate to determinemore » operating parameters and to validate the experimental technique. A second series of permeation tests was then conducted with the α-Fe plate covered with an approximately 8.5 mm layer of liquid lead lithium eutectic alloy (α-Fe/LLE). We present preliminary tritium permeation data for α-Fe and α-Fe/LLE at temperatures between 400 and 600°C and at tritium partial pressures between 1.7E-3 and 2.5 Pa in helium. Preliminary results for the α-Fe plate and α-Fe/LLE indicate that the data spans a transition region between the diffusion-limited regime and the surface-limited regime. In conclusion, additional data is required to determine the existence and range of a surface-limited regime.« less

Dynamics and lithium binding energies of polyelectrolytes based on functionalized poly(para-phenylene terephthalamide).

PubMed

Grozema, F C; Best, A S; van Eijck, L; Stride, J; Kearley, G J; de Leeuw, S W; Picken, S J

2005-04-28

Polyelectrolyte materials are an interesting class of electrolytes for use in fuel cell and battery applications. Poly(para-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA, Kevlar) is a liquid crystalline polymer that, when sulfonated, is a polyelectrolyte that exhibits moderate ion conductivity at elevated temperatures. In this work, quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) experiments were performed to gain insight into the effect of the presence of lithium counterions on the chain dynamics in the material. It was found that the addition of lithium ions decreases the dynamics of the chains. Additionally, the binding of lithium ions to the sulfonic acids groups was investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It was found that the local surroundings of the sulfonic acid group have very little effect on the lithium-ion binding energy. Binding energies for a variety of different systems were all calculated to be around 150 kcal/mol. The DFT calculations also show the existence of a structure in which a single lithium ion interacts with two sulfonic acid moieties on different chains. The formation of such "electrostatic cross-links" is believed to be the source of the increased tendency to aggregate and the reduced dynamics in the presence of lithium ions.

Human sodium-coupled citrate transporter, the orthologue of Drosophila Indy, as a novel target for lithium action.

PubMed Central

Inoue, Katsuhisa; Zhuang, Lina; Maddox, Dennis M; Smith, Sylvia B; Ganapathy, Vadivel

2003-01-01

NaCT (sodium-coupled citrate transporter) is an Na(+)-coupled citrate transporter identified recently in mammals that mediates the cellular uptake of citrate. It is expressed predominantly in the liver. NaCT is structurally and functionally related to the product of the Indy (I'm not dead yet) gene in Drosophila, the dysfunction of which leads to lifespan extension. Here, we show that NaCT mediates the utilization of extracellular citrate for fat synthesis in human liver cells, and that the process is stimulated by lithium. The transport function of NaCT is enhanced by lithium at concentrations found in humans treated with lithium for bipolar disorders. Valproate and carbamazepine, two other drugs that are used for the treatment of bipolar disorder, do not affect the function of NaCT. The stimulatory effect of Li+ is specific for human NaCT, since NaCTs from other animal species are either inhibited or unaffected by Li+. The data also suggest that two of the four Na(+)-binding sites in human NaCT may become occupied by Li+ to produce the stimulatory effect. The stimulation of NaCT in humans by lithium at therapeutically relevant concentrations has potential clinical implications. We also show here that a single base mutation in codon-500 (TTT-->CTT) in the human NaCT gene, leading to the replacement of phenylalanine with leucine, stimulates the transport function and abolishes the stimulatory effect of lithium. This raises the possibility that genetic mutations in humans may lead to alterations in the constitutive activity of the transporter, with associated clinical consequences. PMID:12826022

High performance Aurivillius phase sodium-potassium bismuth titanate lead-free piezoelectric ceramics with lithium and cerium modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chun-Ming; Wang, Jin-Feng

2006-11-01

The piezoelectric properties of the lithium and cerium modified A-site vacancies sodium-potassium bismuth titanate (NKBT) lead-free piezoceramics are investigated. The piezoelectric activity of NKBT ceramics is significantly improved by the modification of lithium and cerium. The Curie temperature TC, piezoelectric coefficient d33, and mechanical quality factor Qm for the NKBT ceramics modified with 0.10mol% (LiCe) are found to be 660°C, 25pC/N, and 3135, respectively. The Curie temperature gradually decreases from 675to650°C with the increase of (LiCe) modification. The dielectric spectroscopy shows that all the samples possess stable piezoelectric properties, demonstrating that the (LiCe) modified NKBT-based ceramics are the promising candidates for high temperature applications.

Contemporary rates and outcomes of single- vs. dual-coil implantable cardioverter defibrillator lead implantation: data from the Israeli ICD Registry.

PubMed

Leshem, Eran; Suleiman, Mahmoud; Laish-Farkash, Avishag; Konstantino, Yuval; Glikson, Michael; Barsheshet, Alon; Goldenberg, Ilan; Michowitz, Yoav

2017-09-01

Dual-coil leads were traditionally considered standard of care due to lower defibrillation thresholds (DFT). Higher complication rates during extraction with parallel progression in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) technology raised questions on dual coil necessity. Prior substudies found no significant outcome difference between dual and single coils, although using higher rates of DFT testing then currently practiced. We evaluated the temporal trends in implantation rates of single- vs. dual-coil leads and determined the associated adverse clinical outcomes, using a contemporary nation-wide ICD registry. Between July 2010 and March 2015, 6343 consecutive ICD (n = 3998) or CRT-D (n = 2345) implantation patients were prospectively enrolled in the Israeli ICD Registry. A follow-up of at least 1 year of 2285 patients was available for outcome analysis. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Single-coil leads were implanted in 32% of our cohort, 36% among ICD recipients, and 26% among CRT-D recipients. Secondary prevention indication was associated with an increased rate of dual-coil implantation. A significant decline in dual-coil leads with reciprocal incline of single coils was observed, despite low rates of DFT testing (11.6%) during implantation, which also declined from 31 to 2%. In the multivariate Cox model analysis, dual- vs. single-coil lead implantation was not associated with an increased risk of mortality [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.23; P= 0.33], heart failure hospitalization (HR = 1.34; P=0.13), appropriate (HR = 1.25; P= 0.33), or inappropriate ICD therapy (HR = 2.07; P= 0.12). Real-life rates of single-coil lead implantation are rising while adding no additional risk. These results of single-coil safety are reassuring and obtained, despite low and contemporary rates of DFT testing. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Functionalized Fullerenes for Highly Efficient Lithium Ion Storage: Structure-Property-Performance Correlation with Energy Implications

DOE PAGES

Shan, Changsheng; Yen, Hung -Ju; Wu, Kaifeng; ...

2017-08-19

Here, we report that spherical C 60 derivatives with well-defined molecular structures hold great promise to be advanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). We studied four C 60 molecules with various functional groups, including pristine C 60, carboxyl C 60, ester C 60, and piperazine C 60. The comparison of these C 60s elucidated a strong correlation between functional group, overall packing (crystallinity), and the performance of C 60-based LIBs. Specifically, carboxyl C 60 and neutral ester C 60 showed higher charge capacities than pristine C 60, whereas positively-charged piperazine C 60 exhibited lower capacity. The highest charge capacitymore » was achieved on the carboxyl C 600 (861 mAh g -1 at 100th cycle), which is five times higher than that of pristine C 60 (170 mAh g -1), more than double the theoretical capacity of commercial graphite (372 mAh g -1), and even higher than the theoretical capacity of graphene (744 mAh g -1). Carboxyl C 60 also showed a high capacity at a fast discharge-charge rate (370 mAh g -1 at 5 C). The exceptional performance of carboxyl C 60 can be attributed to multiple key factors. They include the complex formation between lithium ions and oxygen atoms on the carboxyl group, the improved lithium-binding capability of C 60 cage due to electron donating from carboxylate groups, the electrostatic attraction between carboxylate groups and lithium ions, and the large lattice void space and high specific area due to carboxyl functionalization. In conclusion, this study indicates that, while maintaining the basic C 60 electronic properties, functionalization with desired groups can achieve remarkably enhanced capacity and rate performance for lithium storage, thus holding great promise for future LIBs.« less

Functionalized Fullerenes for Highly Efficient Lithium Ion Storage: Structure-Property-Performance Correlation with Energy Implications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shan, Changsheng; Yen, Hung -Ju; Wu, Kaifeng

Here, we report that spherical C 60 derivatives with well-defined molecular structures hold great promise to be advanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). We studied four C 60 molecules with various functional groups, including pristine C 60, carboxyl C 60, ester C 60, and piperazine C 60. The comparison of these C 60s elucidated a strong correlation between functional group, overall packing (crystallinity), and the performance of C 60-based LIBs. Specifically, carboxyl C 60 and neutral ester C 60 showed higher charge capacities than pristine C 60, whereas positively-charged piperazine C 60 exhibited lower capacity. The highest charge capacitymore » was achieved on the carboxyl C 600 (861 mAh g -1 at 100th cycle), which is five times higher than that of pristine C 60 (170 mAh g -1), more than double the theoretical capacity of commercial graphite (372 mAh g -1), and even higher than the theoretical capacity of graphene (744 mAh g -1). Carboxyl C 60 also showed a high capacity at a fast discharge-charge rate (370 mAh g -1 at 5 C). The exceptional performance of carboxyl C 60 can be attributed to multiple key factors. They include the complex formation between lithium ions and oxygen atoms on the carboxyl group, the improved lithium-binding capability of C 60 cage due to electron donating from carboxylate groups, the electrostatic attraction between carboxylate groups and lithium ions, and the large lattice void space and high specific area due to carboxyl functionalization. In conclusion, this study indicates that, while maintaining the basic C 60 electronic properties, functionalization with desired groups can achieve remarkably enhanced capacity and rate performance for lithium storage, thus holding great promise for future LIBs.« less

Controlled encoding strategies in memory tests in lithium patients.

PubMed

Opgenoorth, E; Karlick-Bolten, E

1986-03-01

The "levels of processing" theory (Craik and Lockhart) and "dual coding" theory (Paivio) provide new aspects for clinical memory research work. Therefore, an incidental learning paradigm on the basis of these two theoretical approaches was chosen to test aspects of memory performances with lithium therapy. Results of two experiments, with controlled non-semantic processing (rating experiment "comparison of size") and additive semantic processing (rating "living--non-living") indicate a slight reduction in recall (Fig. 1) and recognition performance (Fig. 2) in lithium patients. Effects on encoding strategies are of equal quality in patients and healthy subjects (Tab. 1, 2) but performance differs between both groups: poorer systematic benefit from within code repetitions ("word-word" items, "picture-picture" items) and dual coding (repeated variable item presentation "picture-word") is obtained. The less efficient encoding strategies in the speeded task are discussed with respect to cognitive rigidity and slowing of performance by emotional states. This investigation of so-called "memory deficits" with lithium is an attempt to explore impairments at an early stage of processing; the characterization of the perceptual cognitive analysis seems useful for further clinical research work on this topic.

S/N dual-doped carbon nanosheets decorated with Co x O y nanoparticles as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, XiaoFei; Zhu, Yong; Zhu, Sheng; Fan, JinChen; Xu, QunJie; Min, YuLin

2018-03-01

In this work, we have successfully synthesized the S/N dual-doped carbon nanosheets which are strongly coupled with Co x O y nanoparticles (SNCC) by calcinating cobalt/dithizone complex precursor following KOH activation. The SNCC as anode shows the wonderful charge capacity of 1200 mAh g-1 after 400th cycles at 1000 mA g-1 for Li-ion storage. The superior electrochemical properties illustrate that the SNCC can be a candidate for high-performance anode material of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of the facile preparation method and excellent performance. Significantly, we also discuss the mechanism for the SNCC from the strong synergistic effect perspective.

Optical absorption of Er3+ doped lithium lead borate glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Usharani, V. L.; Eraiah, B.

2018-05-01

A new glass system Lithium lead borate doped with erbium trioxide were perpared using conventional melt quenching method. The amorphous nature of the glass samples were confirmed by XRD spectrum. The density of these glass were measured using Archmides principle, the values lie in the range from 4.27 to 4.76 g/cm-3. The corresponding molar volumes are calculated and the values are in the range of 23.81 to 26.17 cm-3. Absorption spectra were recorded in the wavelength range of 200nm to 1100nm, for the prepared glass samples. The optical direct and indirect energy band gaps were measured, the values are in the range of 2.875 to 3.254 eV and 2.25 to 2.81 eV respectively. Photoluminescence technique was employed to study the luminescent property of the prepared glasses excited at 380nm, emission spectra were recorded and analyzed.

Lithium-functionalized germanene: A promising media for CO2 capture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehdi Aghaei, S.; Monshi, M. M.; Torres, I.; Banakermani, M.; Calizo, I.

2018-02-01

Density functional theory (DFT) is employed to investigate the interactions of CO2 gas molecules with pristine and lithium-functionalized germanene. It is discovered that although a single CO2 molecule is weakly physisorbed on pristine germanene, a significant improvement on its adsorption energy is found by utilizing Li-functionalized germanene as the adsorbent. Excitingly, the moderate adsorption energy at high CO2 coverage secures an easy release step. Moreover, the structure of Li-functionalized germanene can be fully recovered after removal of CO2 gas molecules. Our results suggest that Li-functionalized germanene show promise for CO2 sensing and capture with a storage capacity of 12.57 mol/kg.

Dual-Modality, Dual-Functional Nanoprobes for Cellular and Molecular Imaging

PubMed Central

Menon, Jyothi U.; Gulaka, Praveen K.; McKay, Madalyn A.; Geethanath, Sairam; Liu, Li; Kodibagkar, Vikram D.

2012-01-01

An emerging need for evaluation of promising cellular therapies is a non-invasive method to image the movement and health of cells following transplantation. However, the use of a single modality to serve this purpose may not be advantageous as it may convey inaccurate or insufficient information. Multi-modal imaging strategies are becoming more popular for in vivo cellular and molecular imaging because of their improved sensitivity, higher resolution and structural/functional visualization. This study aims at formulating Nile Red doped hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) nanoemulsions as dual modality (Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Fluorescence), dual-functional (oximetry/detection) nanoprobes for cellular and molecular imaging. HMDSO nanoprobes were prepared using a HS15-lecithin combination as surfactant and showed an average radius of 71±39 nm by dynamic light scattering and in vitro particle stability in human plasma over 24 hrs. They were found to readily localize in the cytosol of MCF7-GFP cells within 18 minutes of incubation. As proof of principle, these nanoprobes were successfully used for fluorescence imaging and for measuring pO2 changes in cells by magnetic resonance imaging, in vitro, thus showing potential for in vivo applications. PMID:23382776

Differential effect of quetiapine and lithium on functional connectivity of the striatum in first episode mania.

PubMed

Dandash, Orwa; Yücel, Murat; Daglas, Rothanthi; Pantelis, Christos; McGorry, Patrick; Berk, Michael; Fornito, Alex

2018-03-06

Mood disturbances seen in first-episode mania (FEM) are linked to disturbed functional connectivity of the striatum. Lithium and quetiapine are effective treatments for mania but their neurobiological effects remain largely unknown. We conducted a single-blinded randomized controlled maintenance trial in 61 FEM patients and 30 healthy controls. Patients were stabilized for a minimum of 2 weeks on lithium plus quetiapine then randomly assigned to either lithium (serum level 0.6 mmol/L) or quetiapine (dosed up to 800 mg/day) treatment for 12 months. Resting-state fMRI was acquired at baseline, 3 months (patient only) and 12 months. The effects of treatment group, time and their interaction, on striatal functional connectivity were assessed using voxel-wise general linear modelling. At baseline, FEM patients showed reduced connectivity in the dorsal (p = 0.05) and caudal (p = 0.008) cortico-striatal systems when compared to healthy controls at baseline. FEM patients also showed increased connectivity in a circuit linking the ventral striatum with the medial orbitofrontal cortex, cerebellum and thalamus (p = 0.02). Longitudinally, we found a significant interaction between time and treatment group, such that lithium was more rapid, compared to quetiapine, in normalizing abnormally increased functional connectivity, as assessed at 3-month and 12-month follow-ups. The results suggest that FEM is associated with reduced connectivity in dorsal and caudal corticostriatal systems, as well as increased functional connectivity of ventral striatal systems. Lithium appears to act more rapidly than quetiapine in normalizing hyperconnectivity of the ventral striatum with the cerebellum. The study was registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12607000639426). http://www.anzctr.org.au.

Implantation techniques and chronic lead parameters of biventricular pacing dual-chamber defibrillators.

PubMed

Daoud, Emile G; Kalbfleisch, Steven J; Hummel, John D; Weiss, Raul; Augustini, Ralph S; Duff, Steven B; Polsinelli, Georgia; Castor, John; Meta, Tejas

2002-10-01

The aim of this study is to describe implantation techniques and lead performance for biventricular pacing, dual-chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). A dual-chamber ICD with biventricular pacing was implanted in 87 patients with congestive heart failure (ejection fraction: 0.21 +/- 0.09), prolonged QRS duration (161 +/- 22 msec), and an indication for ICD therapy. Left ventricular pacing was achieved with a thoracotomy approach (n = 21) or a nonthoracotomy approach (n = 66). With a thoracotomy, biventricular devices were implanted successfully in all patients. During follow-up (17 +/- 11 months), 9 patients died (43%), 2 underwent transplantation, and 2 required left ventricular lead revision. At last follow-up, biventricular sensing and capture threshold were 11 +/- 5 mV and 1.5 +/- 0.8 V, respectively. For nonthoracotomy procedures, two types of coronary sinus (CS) leads were implanted: an over-the-wire lead (n = 45) and a shaped lead (n = 21). The rate of successful implantation (overall: 89%) (over-the-wire 93% vs shaped 81%; P = 0.1) and durations for CS lead placement (66 +/- 50 vs 58 +/- 34 min, P = 0.6) and the procedure (133 +/- 58 vs 129 +/- 33 min, P = 0.8) were not different between the two CS leads. During follow-up (11 +/- 9 months), 9 patients died (14%), and the shaped CS lead dislodged in 3 patients (3 shaped vs 0 over-the-wire, P = 0.01). At last follow-up, biventricular sensing and capture threshold were 10 +/- 4 mV and 1.8 +/- 0.7 V, respectively, and there was no difference between over-the-wire and shaped leads. By multivariate analysis, mortality was associated with absence of spironolactone therapy but not procedural features. Nonthoracotomy CS lead implantation is feasible, with a success rate of about 90% and few adverse events. For the remaining 10%, a thoracotomy approach can be completed safely in these ill patients without increased risk for death.

Preparation of Advanced CuO Nanowires/Functionalized Graphene Composite Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Zhang, Jin; Wang, Beibei; Zhou, Jiachen; Xia, Ruoyu; Chu, Yingli; Huang, Jia

2017-01-17

The copper oxide (CuO) nanowires/functionalized graphene (f-graphene) composite material was successfully composed by a one-pot synthesis method. The f-graphene synthesized through the Birch reduction chemistry method was modified with functional group "-(CH₂)₅COOH", and the CuO nanowires (NWs) were well dispersed in the f-graphene sheets. When used as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries, the composite exhibited good cyclic stability and decent specific capacity of 677 mA·h·g -1 after 50 cycles. CuO NWs can enhance the lithium-ion storage of the composites while the f-graphene effectively resists the volume expansion of the CuO NWs during the galvanostatic charge/discharge cyclic process, and provide a conductive paths for charge transportation. The good electrochemical performance of the synthesized CuO/f-graphene composite suggests great potential of the composite materials for lithium-ion batteries anodes.

Lithium-ion conducting electrolyte salts for lithium batteries.

PubMed

Aravindan, Vanchiappan; Gnanaraj, Joe; Madhavi, Srinivasan; Liu, Hua-Kun

2011-12-16

This paper presents an overview of the various types of lithium salts used to conduct Li(+) ions in electrolyte solutions for lithium rechargeable batteries. More emphasis is paid towards lithium salts and their ionic conductivity in conventional solutions, solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) formation towards carbonaceous anodes and the effect of anions on the aluminium current collector. The physicochemical and functional parameters relevant to electrochemical properties, that is, electrochemical stabilities, are also presented. The new types of lithium salts, such as the bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB), oxalyldifluoroborate (LiODFB) and fluoroalkylphosphate (LiFAP), are described in detail with their appropriate synthesis procedures, possible decomposition mechanism for SEI formation and prospect of using them in future generation lithium-ion batteries. Finally, the state-of-the-art of the system is given and some interesting strategies for the future developments are illustrated. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Facile Synthesis of Pre-Doping Lithium-Ion Into Nitrogen-Doped Graphite Negative Electrode for Lithium-Ion Capacitor.

PubMed

Lee, Seul-Yi; Kim, Ji-Il; Rhee, Kyong Yop; Park, Soo-Jin

2015-09-01

Nitrogen-doped graphite, prepared via the thermal decomposition of melamine into a carbon matrix for use as the negative electrode in lithium-ion capacitors (LICs), was evaluated by electrochemical measurements. Furthermore, in order to study the performance of pre-doped lithium components as a function of nitrogen-doped material, the pre-doped lithium graphite was allowed to react with a lithium salt solution. The results showed that the nitrogen functional groups in the graphite largely influenced the pre-doped lithium components, thereby contributing to the discharge capacity and cycling performance. We confirmed that the large initial irreversible capacity could be significantly decreased by using pre-doped lithium components obtained through the nitrogen-doping method.

Polymeric blends for sensor and actuation dual functionality

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

St. Clair, Terry L. (Inventor); Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor); Su, Ji (Inventor); Ounaies, Zoubeida (Inventor)

2004-01-01

The invention described herein supplies a new class of electroactive polymeric blend materials which offer both sensing and actuation dual functionality. The blend comprises two components, one component having a sensing capability and the other component having an actuating capability. These components should be co-processable and coexisting in a phase separated blend system. Specifically, the materials are blends of a sensing component selected from the group consisting of ferroelectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric and photoelectric polymers and an actuating component that responds to an electric field in terms of dimensional change. Said actuating component includes, but is not limited to, electrostrictive graft elastomers, dielectric electroactive elastomers, liquid crystal electroactive elastomers and field responsive polymeric gels. The sensor functionality and actuation functionality are designed by tailoring the relative fraction of the two components. The temperature dependence of the piezoelectric response and the mechanical toughness of the dual functional blends are also tailored by the composition adjustment.

An overview—Functional nanomaterials for lithium rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Hua Kun, E-mail: hua@uow.edu.au

2013-12-15

Graphical abstract: Nanomaterials play important role in lithium ion batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage and fuel cells. - Highlights: • Nanomaterials play important role for lithium rechargeable batteries. • Nanostructured materials increase the capacitance of supercapacitors. • Nanostructure improves the hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of hydrogen storage materials. • Nanomaterials enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the catalysts in fuel cells. - Abstract: There is tremendous worldwide interest in functional nanostructured materials, which are the advanced nanotechnology materials with internal or external dimensions on the order of nanometers. Their extremely small dimensions make these materials unique and promising for clean energy applications such as lithiummore » ion batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage, fuel cells, and other applications. This paper will highlight the development of new approaches to study the relationships between the structure and the physical, chemical, and electrochemical properties of functional nanostructured materials. The Energy Materials Research Programme at the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, the University of Wollongong, has been focused on the synthesis, characterization, and applications of functional nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, nanoporous materials, and nanocomposites. The emphases are placed on advanced nanotechnology, design, and control of the composition, morphology, nanostructure, and functionality of the nanomaterials, and on the subsequent applications of these materials to areas including lithium ion batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells.« less

Exposure to Lithium and Cesium Through Drinking Water and Thyroid Function During Pregnancy: A Prospective Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Harari, Florencia; Bottai, Matteo; Casimiro, Esperanza; Palm, Brita

2015-01-01

Background: Impaired thyroid function is a common side effect of lithium medication. Recent data indicate that lithium exposure through drinking water, although providing much lower doses than the medication, may also affect thyroid hormone levels. However, the effects in susceptible groups like pregnant women are not known. Methods: In a population-based mother–child cohort in the Argentinean Andes (n = 194), an area with varying concentrations of lithium in the drinking water, we assessed lithium exposure repeatedly during pregnancy by measuring the concentrations in blood using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The markers of thyroid function included thyrotropin (TSH), free/total thyroxine (fT4/T4), free/total triiodothyronine (fT3/T3), thyroglobulin, and transthyretin in serum, sampled at the same time. Multiple potential confounders, including exposure to arsenic, cesium, and boron (elevated in water) as well as selenium and iodine (essential for thyroid function) were considered. Results: The lithium concentrations in blood [median 25 μg/L (0.0036 mmol/L); range 1.9–145 μg/L (0.000027–0.021 mmol/L)] correlated significantly with those in urine and drinking water (rs = 0.84, p < 0.001, and rs = 0.40, p < 0.001, respectively). Using linear quantile regression models, we found a positive association between blood lithium (log2 transformed) and TSH concentrations, particularly in the lowest percentiles of TSH (B = 0.20 mIU/L, [95% confidence interval 0.048–0.35] at the fifth percentile). We also found inverse associations of blood lithium with transthyretin, particularly at the highest percentiles, as well as with fT3 and T3, with less obvious variation across percentiles. Unexpectedly, blood cesium concentrations (median 111 μg/L, range 2.5–711 μg/L) were also inversely associated with fT3 and T3, particularly at the highest T3 percentiles, but not with TSH or transthyretin. Arsenic and boron

Preparation of Advanced CuO Nanowires/Functionalized Graphene Composite Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jin; Wang, Beibei; Zhou, Jiachen; Xia, Ruoyu; Chu, Yingli; Huang, Jia

2017-01-01

The copper oxide (CuO) nanowires/functionalized graphene (f-graphene) composite material was successfully composed by a one-pot synthesis method. The f-graphene synthesized through the Birch reduction chemistry method was modified with functional group “–(CH2)5COOH”, and the CuO nanowires (NWs) were well dispersed in the f-graphene sheets. When used as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries, the composite exhibited good cyclic stability and decent specific capacity of 677 mA·h·g−1 after 50 cycles. CuO NWs can enhance the lithium-ion storage of the composites while the f-graphene effectively resists the volume expansion of the CuO NWs during the galvanostatic charge/discharge cyclic process, and provide a conductive paths for charge transportation. The good electrochemical performance of the synthesized CuO/f-graphene composite suggests great potential of the composite materials for lithium-ion batteries anodes. PMID:28772432

The effects of reduced dopamine transporter function and chronic lithium on motivation, probabilistic learning, and neurochemistry in mice: Modeling bipolar mania.

PubMed

Milienne-Petiot, Morgane; Kesby, James P; Graves, Mary; van Enkhuizen, Jordy; Semenova, Svetlana; Minassian, Arpi; Markou, Athina; Geyer, Mark A; Young, Jared W

2017-02-01

Bipolar disorder (BD) mania patients exhibit poor cognition and reward-seeking/hypermotivation, negatively impacting a patient's quality of life. Current treatments (e.g., lithium), do not treat such deficits. Treatment development has been limited due to a poor understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying these behaviors. Here, we investigated putative mechanisms underlying cognition and reward-seeking/motivational changes relevant to BD mania patients using two validated mouse models and neurochemical analyses. The effects of reducing dopamine transporter (DAT) functioning via genetic (knockdown vs. wild-type littermates), or pharmacological (GBR12909- vs. vehicle-treated C57BL/6J mice) means were assessed in the probabilistic reversal learning task (PRLT), and progressive ratio breakpoint (PRB) test, during either water or chronic lithium treatment. These tasks quantify reward learning and effortful motivation, respectively. Neurochemistry was performed on brain samples of DAT mutants ± chronic lithium using high performance liquid chromatography. Reduced DAT functioning increased reversals in the PRLT, an effect partially attenuated by chronic lithium. Chronic lithium alone slowed PRLT acquisition. Reduced DAT functioning increased motivation (PRB), an effect attenuated by lithium in GBR12909-treated mice. Neurochemical analyses revealed that DAT knockdown mice exhibited elevated homovanillic acid levels, but that lithium had no effect on these elevated levels. Reducing DAT functioning recreates many aspects of BD mania including hypermotivation and improved reversal learning (switching), as well as elevated homovanillic acid levels. Chronic lithium only exerted main effects, impairing learning and elevating norepinephrine and serotonin levels of mice, not specifically treating the underlying mechanisms identified in these models. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lithium-ion battery state of function estimation based on fuzzy logic algorithm with associated variables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gan, L.; Yang, F.; Shi, Y. F.; He, H. L.

2017-11-01

Many occasions related to batteries demand to know how much continuous and instantaneous power can batteries provide such as the rapidly developing electric vehicles. As the large-scale applications of lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion batteries are used to be our research object. Many experiments are designed to get the lithium-ion battery parameters to ensure the relevance and reliability of the estimation. To evaluate the continuous and instantaneous load capability of a battery called state-of-function (SOF), this paper proposes a fuzzy logic algorithm based on battery state-of-charge(SOC), state-of-health(SOH) and C-rate parameters. Simulation and experimental results indicate that the proposed approach is suitable for battery SOF estimation.

Molecular dynamics simulations of lithium silicate/vanadium pentoxide interfacial lithium ion diffusion in thin film lithium ion-conducting devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Weiqun

The lithium ion diffusion behavior and mechanism in the glassy electrolyte and the electrolyte/cathode interface during the initial stage of lithium ion diffusing from electrolyte into cathode were investigated using Molecular Dynamics simulation technique. Lithium aluminosilicate glass electrolytes with different R (ratio of the concentration of Al to Li) were simulated. The structural features of the simulated glasses are analyzed using Radial Distribution Function (RDF) and Pair Distribution Function (PDF). The diffusion coefficient and activation energy of lithium ion diffusion in simulated lithium aluminosilicate glasses were calculated and the values are consistent with those in experimental glasses. The behavior of lithium ion diffusion from the glassy electrolyte into a polycrystalline layered intercalation cathode has been studied. The solid electrolyte was a model lithium silicate glass while the cathode was a nanocrystalline vanadia with amorphous V2O5 intergranular films (IGF) between the V2O5 crystals. Two different orientations between the V2O5 crystal planes are presented for lithium ion intercalation via the amorphous vanadia IGF. A series of polycrystalline vanadia cathodes with 1.3, 1.9, 2.9 and 4.4 nm thickness IGFs were simulated to examine the effects of the IGF thickness on lithium ion transport in the polycrystalline vanadia cathodes. The simulated results showed that the lithium ions diffused from the glassy electrolyte into the IGF of the polycrystalline vanadia cathode and then part of those lithium ions diffused into the crystalline V2O5 from the IGF. The simulated results also showed an ordering of the vanadium ion structure in the IGF near the IGF/V2 O5 interface. The ordering structure still existed with glass former silica additive in IGF. Additionally, 2.9 run is suggested to be the optimal thickness of the IGF, which is neither too thick to decrease the capacity of the cathode nor too thin to impede the transport of lithium from

One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of ZnS quantum dots/graphene hybrids as a dual anode for sodium ion and lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Rupeng; Wang, Yu; Jia, Mengqiu; Xu, Junjie; Pan, Erzhuang

2018-04-01

Committed to research high-performance sodium-ion batteries(SIBs) and lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) anode materials is attractive but challenging. Among the many promising anode materials, sulfides are considered as promising available anode material. In this paper, we successfully synthesized uniformly dispersed ZnS quantum dots (QDs) with sub-10-nm-scale on graphene nanosheets via a facile hydrothermal method. The prepared ZnS/graphene composites was studied as a dual anode for sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries. Tested against SIBs, the nanocomposites exhibits an impressive specific capacity of 491 mAh/g at 100 mA/g after 100 cycles. Tested against LIBs, the nanocomposites delivers a superior specific capacity of 759 mAh/g at 100 mA/g after 100 cycles. This excellent performance is mainly due to the fact that graphene can improve the conductivity of the composites and effectively prevent the agglomeration and pulverization of ZnS quantum dots during cycling. Meanwhile, ZnS quantum dots with sub-10-nm-scale may also shorten diffuse path and reduce migration barrier, which is in favor of the full utilization of the active material and the improvement of the stability of the structure

Top-Down Strategy to Synthesize Mesoporous Dual Carbon Armored MnO Nanoparticles for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes.

PubMed

Zhang, Wei; Li, Jiannian; Zhang, Jie; Sheng, Jinzhi; He, Ting; Tian, Meiyue; Zhao, Yufeng; Xie, Changjun; Mai, Liqiang; Mu, Shichun

2017-04-12

To overcome inferior rate capability and cycle stability of MnO-based materials as a lithium-ion battery anode associated with the pulverization and gradual aggregation during the conversion process, we constructed robust mesoporous N-doped carbon (N-C) protected MnO nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) (MnO@N-C/rGO) by a simple top-down incorporation strategy. Such dual carbon protection endows MnO@N-C/rGO with excellent structural stability and enhanced charge transfer kinetics. At 100 mA g -1 , it exhibits superior rate capability as high as 864.7 mAh g -1 , undergoing the deep charge/discharge for 70 cycles and outstanding cyclic stability (after 1300 cyclic tests at 2000 mA g -1 ; 425.0 mAh g -1 remains, accompanying merely 0.004% capacity decay per cycle). This facile method provides a novel strategy for synthesis of porous electrodes by making use of highly insulating materials.

Single lithium-ion conducting solid polymer electrolytes: advances and perspectives.

PubMed

Zhang, Heng; Li, Chunmei; Piszcz, Michal; Coya, Estibaliz; Rojo, Teofilo; Rodriguez-Martinez, Lide M; Armand, Michel; Zhou, Zhibin

2017-02-06

Electrochemical energy storage is one of the main societal challenges to humankind in this century. The performances of classical Li-ion batteries (LIBs) with non-aqueous liquid electrolytes have made great advances in the past two decades, but the intrinsic instability of liquid electrolytes results in safety issues, and the energy density of the state-of-the-art LIBs cannot satisfy the practical requirement. Therefore, rechargeable lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have been intensively investigated considering the high theoretical capacity of lithium metal and its low negative potential. However, the progress in the field of non-aqueous liquid electrolytes for LMBs has been sluggish, with several seemingly insurmountable barriers, including dendritic Li growth and rapid capacity fading. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) offer a perfect solution to these safety concerns and to the enhancement of energy density. Traditional SPEs are dual-ion conductors, in which both cations and anions are mobile and will cause a concentration polarization thus leading to poor performances of both LIBs and LMBs. Single lithium-ion (Li-ion) conducting solid polymer electrolytes (SLIC-SPEs), which have anions covalently bonded to the polymer, inorganic backbone, or immobilized by anion acceptors, are generally accepted to have advantages over conventional dual-ion conducting SPEs for application in LMBs. A high Li-ion transference number (LTN), the absence of the detrimental effect of anion polarization, and the low rate of Li dendrite growth are examples of benefits of SLIC-SPEs. To date, many types of SLIC-SPEs have been reported, including those based on organic polymers, organic-inorganic hybrid polymers and anion acceptors. In this review, a brief overview of synthetic strategies on how to realize SLIC-SPEs is given. The fundamental physical and electrochemical properties of SLIC-SPEs prepared by different methods are discussed in detail. In particular, special attention is paid

Is violence in part a lithium deficiency state?

PubMed

Goldstein, Mark R; Mascitelli, Luca

2016-04-01

Violence, particularly firearm violence, leading to suicide and homicide is a significant problem worldwide. A majority of suicidal and homicidal violence involves males; homicidal violence is prevalent among young men and suicide is the leading cause of violence worldwide. Lithium, in pharmacological doses, has been used successfully for decades in treating bipolar disorders, and has been shown to decrease violent crime in this situation. Interestingly, lithium, in trace amounts, as occurs in some drinking water, has been inversely related to aggression, and suicidal and homicidal violence. Lithium is naturally found in vegetables, grains and drinking water, and dietary intake varies from nearly zero to 3mg daily. Elemental lithium, in trace doses, has been shown to improve mood in weeks. Moreover, lithium, in trace amounts, has no toxicity. In order to ensure adequate dietary intakes of elemental lithium daily for the purpose of decreasing aggression and violence, we propose considering the fortification of cereal grain products with lithium and also the addition of lithium to vitamin preparations for adults. Importantly, randomized trials in various populations are needed to test this hypothesis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Recovery of Lithium from Geothermal Brine with Lithium-Aluminum Layered Double Hydroxide Chloride Sorbents.

PubMed

Paranthaman, Mariappan Parans; Li, Ling; Luo, Jiaqi; Hoke, Thomas; Ucar, Huseyin; Moyer, Bruce A; Harrison, Stephen

2017-11-21

We report a three-stage bench-scale column extraction process to selectively extract lithium chloride from geothermal brine. The goal of this research is to develop materials and processing technologies to improve the economics of lithium extraction and production from naturally occurring geothermal and other brines for energy storage applications. A novel sorbent, lithium aluminum layered double hydroxide chloride (LDH), is synthesized and characterized with X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and thermogravimetric analysis. Each cycle of the column extraction process consists of three steps: (1) loading the sorbent with lithium chloride from brine; (2) intermediate washing to remove unwanted ions; (3) final washing for unloading the lithium chloride ions. Our experimental analysis of eluate vs feed concentrations of Li and competing ions demonstrates that our optimized sorbents can achieve a recovery efficiency of ∼91% and possess excellent Li apparent selectivity of 47.8 compared to Na ions and 212 compared to K ions, respectively in the brine. The present work demonstrates that LDH is an effective sorbent for selective extraction of lithium from brines, thus offering the possibility of effective application of lithium salts in lithium-ion batteries leading to a fundamental shift in the lithium supply chain.

A dual coaxial nanocable sulfur composite for high-rate lithium-sulfur batteries.

PubMed

Li, Zhen; Yuan, Lixia; Yi, Ziqi; Liu, Yang; Xin, Ying; Zhang, Zhaoliang; Huang, Yunhui

2014-01-01

Lithium-sulfur batteries have great potential for some high energy applications such as in electric vehicles and smart grids due to their high capacity, natural abundance, low cost and environmental friendliness. But they suffer from rapid capacity decay and poor rate capability. The problems are mainly related to the dissolution of the intermediate polysulfides in the electrolyte, and to the poor conductivity of sulfur and the discharge products. In this work, we propose a novel dual coaxial nanocable sulfur composite fabricated with multi-walled nanotubes (MWCNT), nitrogen-doped porous carbon (NPC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), i.e. MWCNTs@S/NPC@PEG nanocable, as a cathode material for Li-S batteries. In such a coaxial structure, the middle N-doped carbon with hierarchical porous structure provides a nanosized capsule to contain and hold the sulfur particles; the inner MWCNTs and the outer PEG layer can further ensure the fast electronic transport and prevent the dissolution of the polysulfides into the electrolyte, respectively. The as-designed MWCNT@S/NPC@PEG composite shows good cycling stability and excellent rate capability. The capacity is retained at 527 mA h g(-1) at 1 C after 100 cycles, and 791 mA h g(-1) at 0.5 C and 551 mA h g(-1) at 2 C after 50 cycles. Especially, the high-rate capability is outstanding with 400 mA h g(-1) at 5 C.

Lithium-associated primary hyperparathyroidism complicated by nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

PubMed

Aksakal, Nihat; Erçetin, Candaş; Özçınar, Beyza; Aral, Ferihan; Erbil, Yeşim

2015-01-01

Lithium-associated hyperparathyroidism is the leading cause of hypercalcemia in lithium-treated patients. Lithium may lead to exacerbation of pre-existing primary hyperparathyroidism or cause an increased set-point of calcium for parathyroid hormone suppression, leading to parathyroid hyperplasia. Lithium may cause renal tubular concentration defects directly by the development of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus or indirectly by the effects of hypercalcemia. In this study, we present a female patient on long-term lithium treatment who was evaluated for hypercalcemia. Preoperative imaging studies indicated parathyroid adenoma and multinodular goiter. Parathyroidectomy and thyroidectomy were planned. During the postoperative course, prolonged intubation was necessary because of agitation and delirium. During this period, polyuria, severe dehydration, and hypernatremia developed, which responded to controlled hypotonic fluid infusions and was unresponsive to parenteral desmopressin. A diagnosis of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus was apparent. A parathyroid adenoma and multifocal papillary thyroid cancer were detected on histopathological examination. It was thought that nephrogenic diabetes insipidus was masked by hypercalcemia preoperatively. A patient on lithium treatment should be carefully followed up during or after surgery to prevent life-threatening complications of previously unrecognized nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and the possibility of renal concentrating defects on long-term lithium use should be sought, particularly in patients with impaired consciousness.

Dual-carbon enhanced silicon-based composite as superior anode material for lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jie; Liu, Dai-Huo; Wang, Ying-Ying; Hou, Bao-Hua; Zhang, Jing-Ping; Wang, Rong-Shun; Wu, Xing-Long

2016-03-01

Dual-carbon enhanced Si-based composite (Si/C/G) has been prepared via employing the widely distributed, low-cost and environmentally friendly Diatomite mineral as silicon raw material. The preparation processes are very simple, non-toxic and easy to scale up. Electrochemical tests as anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) demonstrate that this Si/C/G composite exhibits much improved Li-storage properties in terms of superior high-rate capabilities and excellent cycle stability compared to the pristine Si material as well as both single-carbon modified composites. Specifically for the Si/C/G composite, it can still deliver a high specific capacity of about 470 mAh g-1 at an ultrahigh current density of 5 A g-1, and exhibit a high capacity of 938 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 with excellent capacity retention in the following 300 cycles. The significantly enhanced Li-storage properties should be attributed to the co-existence of both highly conductive graphite and amorphous carbon in the Si/C/G composite. While the former can enhance the electrical conductivity of the obtained composite, the latter acts as the adhesives to connect the porous Si particulates and conductive graphite flakes to form robust and stable conductive network.

Effects of lithium carbonate on performance and biomedical functions.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1977-07-01

The effects of a single 600-mg dose of lithium carbonate were evaluated in a study of 15 healthy, normal male subjects. Subjects were studied, on two occasions, by utilizing a double-blind design--once receiving the lithium carbonate and once receivi...

K2 Mn4 O8 /Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites for Excellent Lithium Storage and Adsorption of Lead Ions.

PubMed

Hao, Shu-Meng; Qu, Jin; Yang, Jing; Gui, Chen-Xi; Wang, Qian-Qian; Li, Qian-Jie; Li, Xiaofeng; Yu, Zhong-Zhen

2016-03-01

Ion diffusion efficiency at the solid-liquid interface is an important factor for energy storage and adsorption from aqueous solution. Although K 2 Mn 4 O 8 (KMO) exhibits efficient ion diffusion and ion-exchange capacities, due to its high interlayer space of 0.70 nm, how to enhance its mass transfer performance is still an issue. Herein, novel layered KMO/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposites are fabricated through the anchoring of KMO nanoplates on RGO with a mild solution process. The face-to-face structure facilitates fast transfer of lithium and lead ions; thus leading to excellent lithium storage and lead ion adsorption. The anchoring of KMO on RGO not only increases electrical conductivity of the layered nanocomposites, but also effectively prevents aggregation of KMO nanoplates. The KMO/RGO nanocomposite with an optimal RGO content exhibits a first cycle charge capacity of 739 mA h g -1 , which is much higher than that of KMO (326 mA h g -1 ). After 100 charge-discharge cycles, it still retains a charge capacity of 664 mA h g -1 . For the adsorption of lead ions, the KMO/RGO nanocomposite exhibits a capacity of 341 mg g -1 , which is higher than those of KMO (305 mg g -1 ) and RGO (63 mg g -1 ) alone. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

High-Resolution Tracking Asymmetric Lithium Insertion and Extraction and Local Structure Ordering in SnS2.

PubMed

Gao, Peng; Wang, Liping; Zhang, Yu-Yang; Huang, Yuan; Liao, Lei; Sutter, Peter; Liu, Kaihui; Yu, Dapeng; Wang, En-Ge

2016-09-14

In the rechargeable lithium ion batteries, the rate capability and energy efficiency are largely governed by the lithium ion transport dynamics and phase transition pathways in electrodes. Real-time and atomic-scale tracking of fully reversible lithium insertion and extraction processes in electrodes, which would ultimately lead to mechanistic understanding of how the electrodes function and why they fail, is highly desirable but very challenging. Here, we track lithium insertion and extraction in the van der Waals interactions dominated SnS2 by in situ high-resolution TEM method. We find that the lithium insertion occurs via a fast two-phase reaction to form expanded and defective LiSnS2, while the lithium extraction initially involves heterogeneous nucleation of intermediate superstructure Li0.5SnS2 domains with a 1-4 nm size. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the Li0.5SnS2 is kinetically favored and structurally stable. The asymmetric reaction pathways may supply enlightening insights into the mechanistic understanding of the underlying electrochemistry in the layered electrode materials and also suggest possible alternatives to the accepted explanation of the origins of voltage hysteresis in the intercalation electrode materials.

Hydrogen, lithium, and lithium hydride production

DOEpatents

Brown, Sam W.; Spencer, Larry S.; Phillips, Michael R.; Powell, G. Louis; Campbell, Peggy J.

2017-06-20

A method is provided for extracting hydrogen from lithium hydride. The method includes (a) heating lithium hydride to form liquid-phase lithium hydride; (b) extracting hydrogen from the liquid-phase lithium hydride, leaving residual liquid-phase lithium metal; (c) hydriding the residual liquid-phase lithium metal to form refined lithium hydride; and repeating steps (a) and (b) on the refined lithium hydride.

N-cinnamoylated chloroquine analogues as dual-stage antimalarial leads.

PubMed

Pérez, Bianca C; Teixeira, Cátia; Albuquerque, Inês S; Gut, Jiri; Rosenthal, Philip J; Gomes, José R B; Prudêncio, Miguel; Gomes, Paula

2013-01-24

The control of malaria is challenged by drug resistance, and new antimalarial drugs are needed. New drug discovery efforts include consideration of hybrid compounds as potential multitarget antimalarials. Previous work from our group has demonstrated that hybrid structures resulting from cinnamic acid conjugation with heterocyclic moieties from well-known antimalarials present improved antimalarial activity. Now, we report the synthesis and SAR analysis of an expanded series of cinnamic acid derivatives displaying remarkably high activities against both blood- and liver-stage malaria parasites. Two compounds judged most promising, based on their in vitro activity and druglikeness according to the Lipinski rules and Veber filter, were active in vivo against blood-stage rodent malaria parasites. Therefore, the compounds reported represent a new entry as promising dual-stage antimalarial leads.

Dual Use of Bladder Anticholinergics and Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Long-Term Functional and Cognitive Outcomes

PubMed Central

Sink, Kaycee M.; Thomas, Joseph; Xu, Huiping; Craig, Bruce; Kritchevsky, Steven; Sands, Laura P.

2015-01-01

OBJECTIVES To determine the cognitive and functional consequences of dual use of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChIs) and the bladder anticholinergics oxybutynin or tolterodine. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Nursing homes (NHs) in the state of Indiana. PARTICIPANTS Three thousand five hundred thirty-six Medicaid-eligible NH residents aged 65 and older taking a ChI between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2004. Residents were excluded if they were taking an anticholinergic other than oxybutynin or tolterodine. MEASUREMENTS Indiana Medicaid claims data were merged with data from the Minimum Data Set (MDS). Repeated-measures analyses were performed to assess the effects of dual therapy on change in cognitive function measured using the MDS Cognition Scale (MDS-COGS; scored 0–10) and change in activity of daily living (ADL) function using the seven ADL items in the MDS (scored 0–28). Potential covariates included age, sex, race, number of medications, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. RESULTS Three hundred seventy-six (10.6%) residents were prescribed oxybutynin or tolterodine concomitantly with a ChI. In residents in the top quartile of ADL function, ADL function declined an average of 1.08 points per quarter when not taking bladder anticholinergics (ChI alone), compared with 1.62 points per quarter when taking dual therapy, a 50% greater rate in quarterly decline in ADL function (P =.01). There was no excess decline attributable to dual therapy in MDS-COGS scores or in ADL function for residents who started out with lower functioning. CONCLUSION In higher-functioning NH residents, dual use of ChIs and bladder anticholinergics may result in greater rates of functional decline than use of ChIs alone. The MDS-COGS may not be sensitive enough to detect differences in cognition due to dual use. PMID:18384584

Composition-Graded Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Nanowires with Tunable Dual-Color Lasing Performance.

PubMed

Huang, Ling; Gao, Qinggang; Sun, Ling-Dong; Dong, Hao; Shi, Shuo; Cai, Tong; Liao, Qing; Yan, Chun-Hua

2018-05-21

Cesium lead halide (CsPbX 3 ) perovskite has emerged as a promising low-threshold multicolor laser material; however, realizing wavelength-tunable lasing output from a single CsPbX 3 nanostructure is still constrained by integrating different composition. Here, the direct synthesis of composition-graded CsPbBr x I 3- x nanowires (NWs) is reported through vapor-phase epitaxial growth on mica. The graded composition along the NW, with an increased Br/I from the center to the ends, comes from desynchronized deposition of cesium lead halides and temperature-controlled anion-exchange reaction. The graded composition results in varied bandgaps along the NW, which induce a blueshifted emission from the center to the ends. As an efficient gain media, the nanowire exerts position-dependent lasing performance, with a different color at the ends and center respectively above the threshold. Meanwhile, dual-color lasing with a wavelength separation of 35 nm is activated simultaneously at a site with an intermediate composition. This position-dependent dual-color lasing from a single nanowire makes these metal halide perovskites promising for applications in nanoscale optical devices. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Lithium and cognition in those with bipolar disorder.

PubMed

Paterson, Amelia; Parker, Gordon

2017-03-01

Although a percentage of patients report cognitive side-effects when taking lithium, it can be difficult to determine from the literature whether any cognitive changes reflect lithium itself, the lithium serum level, residual mood symptoms, the underlying nature of bipolar disorder, or biological alterations such as hypothyroidism. This review was carried out to synthesize and evaluate relevant literature examining any cognitive impact of lithium in those with bipolar disorder. The effect of lithium in those with bipolar disorder was examined across the cognitive domains of attention, psychomotor speed, processing speed, working memory, intellectual functioning, verbal memory, visual memory, and executive functioning by reviewing the published empirical literature. Any impact of hypothyroidism and lithium toxicity was also examined. The literature supports the conclusion that lithium has a distinct impact on psychomotor speed in participants with bipolar disorder. In contrast, there appears to be no impact on attention. Any impact of lithium on memory in patients with bipolar disorder is unclear as the literature is contradictory and any such effect may be overshadowed by the greater impact of residual mood symptoms. The impact on processing speed, intellectual abilities, and executive functioning also remains unclear. Several clinical management strategies are recommended.

Hydrogen, lithium, and lithium hydride production

DOEpatents

Brown, Sam W; Spencer, Larry S; Phillips, Michael R; Powell, G. Louis; Campbell, Peggy J

2014-03-25

A method of producing high purity lithium metal is provided, where gaseous-phase lithium metal is extracted from lithium hydride and condensed to form solid high purity lithium metal. The high purity lithium metal may be hydrided to provide high purity lithium hydride.

Molecular actions and clinical pharmacogenetics of lithium therapy

PubMed Central

Can, Adem; Schulze, Thomas G.; Gould, Todd D.

2014-01-01

Mood disorders, including bipolar disorder and depression, are relatively common human diseases for which pharmacological treatment options are often not optimal. Among existing pharmacological agents and mood stabilizers used for the treatment of mood disorders, lithium has a unique clinical profile. Lithium has efficacy in the treatment of bipolar disorder generally, and in particular mania, while also being useful in the adjunct treatment of refractory depression. In addition to antimanic and adjunct antidepressant efficacy, lithium is also proven effective in the reduction of suicide and suicidal behaviors. However, only a subset of patients manifests beneficial responses to lithium therapy and the underlying genetic factors of response are not exactly known. Here we discuss preclinical research suggesting mechanisms likely to underlie lithium’s therapeutic actions including direct targets inositol monophosphatase and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) among others, as well as indirect actions including modulation of neurotrophic and neurotransmitter systems and circadian function. We follow with a discussion of current knowledge related to the pharmacogenetic underpinnings of effective lithium therapy in patients within this context. Progress in elucidation of genetic factors that may be involved in human response to lithium pharmacology has been slow, and there is still limited conclusive evidence for the role of a particular genetic factor. However, the development of new approaches such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and increased use of genetic testing and improved identification of mood disorder patients sub-groups will lead to improved elucidation of relevant genetic factors in the future. PMID:24534415

Utilization trends and clinical outcomes in patients implanted with a single- vs a dual-coil implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead: Insights from the ALTITUDE Study.

PubMed

Hsu, Jonathan C; Saxon, Leslie A; Jones, Paul W; Wehrenberg, Scott; Marcus, Gregory M

2015-08-01

Historically, the most commonly implanted implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) lead is dual coil. Conventional wisdom holds that single-coil leads may be less effective than dual-coil leads, but easier to extract. No contemporary large-scale studies have evaluated the relative epidemiology of these 2 leads or compared their respective clinical outcomes. We sought to evaluate trends in single- vs dual-coil ICD lead implantation and differences in clinical outcomes. We evaluated 129,520 ICD recipients enrolled in the LATITUDE remote monitoring system between 2004 and 2014. Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used for univariate and multivariate survival analysis, respectively. The majority of ICD recipients received a dual-coil lead (n = 110,330 [85.2%]). Single-coil lead implantation increased from 1.9% to 55.2% between 2004 and 2014. After adjusting for age, sex, device type, and year of implant, single-coil lead implantation was associated with a greater odds of induction for defibrillation testing (odds ratio 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.09; P = .0274), a higher rate of lead being taken out of service (hazard ratio 1.19; 95% CI 1.06-1.33; P = .0032), and a decreased mortality rate (hazard ratio 0.91; 95% CI 0.87-0.96; P = .0004). In a 795 patient subset with adjudicated shock outcomes, first shock success was no different (87.0% in single coil vs 86.1% in dual coil; P = .8473). In a large real-world US population, single-coil lead implantation rates increased substantially between 2004 and 2014. Single-coil lead implantation was associated with more frequent defibrillation testing and the lead being taken out of service, but was not associated with increased mortality or more frequent defibrillation failure. Copyright © 2015 Heart Rhythm Society. All rights reserved.

Enhancing lithium-sulphur battery performance by strongly binding the discharge products on amino-functionalized reduced graphene oxide.

PubMed

Wang, Zhiyu; Dong, Yanfeng; Li, Hongjiang; Zhao, Zongbin; Wu, Hao Bin; Hao, Ce; Liu, Shaohong; Qiu, Jieshan; Lou, Xiong Wen David

2014-09-25

Lithium-sulphur batteries are one very appealing power source with high energy density. But their practical use is still hindered by several issues including short lifespan, low efficiency and safety concern from the lithium anode. Polysulphide dissolution and insulating nature of sulphur are generally considered responsible for the capacity degradation. However, the detachment of discharge products, that is, highly polar lithium sulphides, from nonpolar carbon matrix (for example, graphene) has been rarely studied as one critical factor. Here we report the strongly covalent stabilization of sulphur and its discharge products on amino-functionalized reduced graphene oxide that enables stable capacity retention of 80% for 350 cycles with high capacities and excellent high-rate response up to 4 C. The present study demonstrates a feasible and effective strategy to solve the long-term cycling difficulty for lithium-sulphur batteries and also helps to understand the capacity decay mechanism involved.

Designing Dual-functionalized Gels for Self-reconfiguration and Autonomous Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuksenok, Olga; Balazs, Anna C.

2015-04-01

Human motion is enabled by the concerted expansion and contraction of interconnected muscles that are powered by inherent biochemical reactions. One of the challenges in the field of biomimicry is eliciting this form of motion from purely synthetic materials, which typically do not generate internalized reactions to drive mechanical action. Moreover, for practical applications, this bio-inspired motion must be readily controllable. Herein, we develop a computational model to design a new class of polymer gels where structural reconfigurations and internalized reactions are intimately linked to produce autonomous motion, which can be directed with light. These gels contain both spirobenzopyran (SP) chromophores and the ruthenium catalysts that drive the oscillatory Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. Importantly, both the SP moieties and the BZ reaction are photosensitive. When these dual-functionalized gels are exposed to non-uniform illumination, the localized contraction of the gel (due to the SP moieties) in the presence of traveling chemical waves (due to the BZ reaction) leads to new forms of spontaneous, self-sustained movement, which cannot be achieved by either of the mono-functionalized networks.

Dual-function beam splitter of a subwavelength fused-silica grating.

PubMed

Feng, Jijun; Zhou, Changhe; Zheng, Jiangjun; Cao, Hongchao; Lv, Peng

2009-05-10

We present the design and fabrication of a novel dual-function subwavelength fused-silica grating that can be used as a polarization-selective beam splitter. For TM polarization, the grating can be used as a two-port beam splitter at a wavelength of 1550 nm with a total diffraction efficiency of 98%. For TE polarization, the grating can function as a high-efficiency grating, and the diffraction efficiency of the -1st order is 95% under Littrow mounting. This dual-function grating design is based on a simplified modal method. By using the rigorous coupled-wave analysis, the optimum grating parameters can be determined. Holographic recording technology and inductively coupled plasma etching are used to manufacture the fused-silica grating. Experimental results are in agreement with the theoretical values.

Dual-functional biomimetic materials: nonfouling poly(carboxybetaine) with active functional groups for protein immobilization.

PubMed

Zhang, Zheng; Chen, Shengfu; Jiang, Shaoyi

2006-12-01

We introduce a dual-functional biocompatible material based on zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (polyCBMA), which not only highly resists protein adsorption/cell adhesion, but also has abundant functional groups convenient for the immobilization of biological ligands, such as proteins. The dual-functional properties are unique to carboxybetaine moieties and are not found in other nonfouling moieties such as ethylene glycol, phosphobetaine, and sulfobetaine. The unique properties are demonstrated in this work by grafting a polyCBMA polymer onto a surface or by preparing a polyCBMA-based hydrogel. PolyCBMA brushes with a thickness of 10-15 nm were grafted on a gold surface using the surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization method. Protein adsorption was analyzed using a surface plasmon resonance sensor. The surface grafted with polyCBMA very largely prevented the nonspecific adsorption of three test proteins, that is, fibrinogen, lysozyme, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The immobilization of anti-hCG on the surface resulted in the specific binding of hCG while maintaining a high resistance to nonspecific protein adsorption. Transparent polyCBMA-based hydrogel disks were decorated with immobilized fibronectin. Aortic endothelial cells did not bind to the polyCBMA controls, but appeared to adhere well and spread on the fibronectin-modified surface. With their dual functionality and biomimetic nature, polyCBMA-based materials are very promising for their applications in medical diagnostics, biomaterials/tissue engineering, and drug delivery.

Functionalized graphene-based cathode for highly reversible lithium-sulfur batteries.

PubMed

Kim, Jin Won; Ocon, Joey D; Park, Dong-Won; Lee, Jaeyoung

2014-05-01

In this article, we highlight the salient issues in the development of lithium-sulfur battery (LSB) cathodes, present different points of view in solving them, and argue, why in the future, functionalized graphene or graphene oxide might be the ultimate solution towards LSB commercialization. As shown by previous studies and also in our recent work, functionalized graphene and graphene oxide enhance the reversibility of the charge-discharge process by trapping polysulfides in the oxygen functional groups on the graphene surface, thus minimizing polysulfide dissolution. This will be helpful for the rational design of new cathode structures based on graphene for LSBs with minimal capacity fading, low extra cost, and without the unnecessary weight increase caused by metal/metal oxide additives. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Polynomial dual energy inverse functions for bone Calcium/Phosphorus ratio determination and experimental evaluation.

PubMed

Sotiropoulou, P; Fountos, G; Martini, N; Koukou, V; Michail, C; Kandarakis, I; Nikiforidis, G

2016-12-01

An X-ray dual energy (XRDE) method was examined, using polynomial nonlinear approximation of inverse functions for the determination of the bone Calcium-to-Phosphorus (Ca/P) mass ratio. Inverse fitting functions with the least-squares estimation were used, to determine calcium and phosphate thicknesses. The method was verified by measuring test bone phantoms with a dedicated dual energy system and compared with previously published dual energy data. The accuracy in the determination of the calcium and phosphate thicknesses improved with the polynomial nonlinear inverse function method, introduced in this work, (ranged from 1.4% to 6.2%), compared to the corresponding linear inverse function method (ranged from 1.4% to 19.5%). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanisms of lithium transport in amorphous polyethylene oxide.

PubMed

Duan, Yuhua; Halley, J W; Curtiss, Larry; Redfern, Paul

2005-02-01

We report calculations using a previously reported model of lithium perchlorate in polyethylene oxide in order to understand the mechanism of lithium transport in these systems. Using an algorithm suggested by Voter, we find results for the diffusion rate which are quite close to experimental values. By analysis of the individual events in which large lithium motions occur during short times, we find that no single type of rearrangement of the lithium environment characterizes these events. We estimate the free energies of the lithium ion as a function of position during these events by calculation of potentials of mean force and thus derive an approximate map of the free energy as a function of lithium position during these events. The results are consistent with a Marcus-like picture in which the system slowly climbs a free energy barrier dominated by rearrangement of the polymer around the lithium ions, after which the lithium moves very quickly to a new position. Reducing the torsion forces in the model causes the diffusion rates to increase.

Dual-Language Education for Low-Income Children: Preliminary Evidence of Benefits for Executive Function

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Esposito, Alena G.; Baker-Ward, Lynne

2013-01-01

This investigation is an initial examination of possible enhancement of executive function through a dual-language (50:50) education model. The ethnically diverse, low-income sample of 120 children from Grades K, 2, and 4 consisted of approximately equal numbers of children enrolled in dual-language and traditional classrooms. Dual-language…

Balancing surface adsorption and diffusion of lithium-polysulfides on nonconductive oxides for lithium-sulfur battery design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, Xinyong; Wang, Jianguo; Liu, Chong; Wang, Haotian; Yao, Hongbin; Zheng, Guangyuan; Seh, Zhi Wei; Cai, Qiuxia; Li, Weiyang; Zhou, Guangmin; Zu, Chenxi; Cui, Yi

2016-04-01

Lithium-sulfur batteries have attracted attention due to their six-fold specific energy compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries. Dissolution of lithium polysulfides, volume expansion of sulfur and uncontrollable deposition of lithium sulfide are three of the main challenges for this technology. State-of-the-art sulfur cathodes based on metal-oxide nanostructures can suppress the shuttle-effect and enable controlled lithium sulfide deposition. However, a clear mechanistic understanding and corresponding selection criteria for the oxides are still lacking. Herein, various nonconductive metal-oxide nanoparticle-decorated carbon flakes are synthesized via a facile biotemplating method. The cathodes based on magnesium oxide, cerium oxide and lanthanum oxide show enhanced cycling performance. Adsorption experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that polysulfide capture by the oxides is via monolayered chemisorption. Moreover, we show that better surface diffusion leads to higher deposition efficiency of sulfide species on electrodes. Hence, oxide selection is proposed to balance optimization between sulfide-adsorption and diffusion on the oxides.

Balancing surface adsorption and diffusion of lithium-polysulfides on nonconductive oxides for lithium-sulfur battery design.

PubMed

Tao, Xinyong; Wang, Jianguo; Liu, Chong; Wang, Haotian; Yao, Hongbin; Zheng, Guangyuan; Seh, Zhi Wei; Cai, Qiuxia; Li, Weiyang; Zhou, Guangmin; Zu, Chenxi; Cui, Yi

2016-04-05

Lithium-sulfur batteries have attracted attention due to their six-fold specific energy compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries. Dissolution of lithium polysulfides, volume expansion of sulfur and uncontrollable deposition of lithium sulfide are three of the main challenges for this technology. State-of-the-art sulfur cathodes based on metal-oxide nanostructures can suppress the shuttle-effect and enable controlled lithium sulfide deposition. However, a clear mechanistic understanding and corresponding selection criteria for the oxides are still lacking. Herein, various nonconductive metal-oxide nanoparticle-decorated carbon flakes are synthesized via a facile biotemplating method. The cathodes based on magnesium oxide, cerium oxide and lanthanum oxide show enhanced cycling performance. Adsorption experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that polysulfide capture by the oxides is via monolayered chemisorption. Moreover, we show that better surface diffusion leads to higher deposition efficiency of sulfide species on electrodes. Hence, oxide selection is proposed to balance optimization between sulfide-adsorption and diffusion on the oxides.

Scalable Functionalized Graphene Nano-platelets as Tunable Cathodes for High-performance Lithium Rechargeable Batteries

PubMed Central

Kim, Haegyeom; Lim, Hee-Dae; Kim, Sung-Wook; Hong, Jihyun; Seo, Dong-Hwa; Kim, Dae-chul; Jeon, Seokwoo; Park, Sungjin; Kang, Kisuk

2013-01-01

High-performance and cost-effective rechargeable batteries are key to the success of electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems. Extensive research has focused on the development of (i) new high-energy electrodes that can store more lithium or (ii) high-power nano-structured electrodes hybridized with carbonaceous materials. However, the current status of lithium batteries based on redox reactions of heavy transition metals still remains far below the demands required for the proposed applications. Herein, we present a novel approach using tunable functional groups on graphene nano-platelets as redox centers. The electrode can deliver high capacity of ~250 mAh g−1, power of ~20 kW kg−1 in an acceptable cathode voltage range, and provide excellent cyclability up to thousands of repeated charge/discharge cycles. The simple, mass-scalable synthetic route for the functionalized graphene nano-platelets proposed in this work suggests that the graphene cathode can be a promising new class of electrode. PMID:23514953

Pharmacologic Activation of Wnt Signaling by Lithium Normalizes Retinal Vasculature in a Murine Model of Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy.

PubMed

Wang, Zhongxiao; Liu, Chi-Hsiu; Sun, Ye; Gong, Yan; Favazza, Tara L; Morss, Peyton C; Saba, Nicholas J; Fredrick, Thomas W; He, Xi; Akula, James D; Chen, Jing

2016-10-01

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is characterized by delayed retinal vascular development, which promotes hypoxia-induced pathologic vessels. In severe cases FEVR may lead to retinal detachment and visual impairment. Genetic studies linked FEVR with mutations in Wnt signaling ligand or receptors, including low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) gene. Here, we investigated ocular pathologies in a Lrp5 knockout (Lrp5(-/-)) mouse model of FEVR and explored whether treatment with a pharmacologic Wnt activator lithium could bypass the genetic defects, thereby protecting against eye pathologies. Lrp5(-/-) mice displayed significantly delayed retinal vascular development, absence of deep layer retinal vessels, leading to increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and subsequent pathologic glomeruloid vessels, as well as decreased inner retinal visual function. Lithium treatment in Lrp5(-/-) mice significantly restored the delayed development of retinal vasculature and the intralaminar capillary networks, suppressed formation of pathologic glomeruloid structures, and promoted hyaloid vessel regression. Moreover, lithium treatment partially rescued inner-retinal visual function and increased retinal thickness. These protective effects of lithium were largely mediated through restoration of canonical Wnt signaling in Lrp5(-/-) retina. Lithium treatment also substantially increased vascular tubular formation in LRP5-deficient endothelial cells. These findings suggest that pharmacologic activation of Wnt signaling may help treat ocular pathologies in FEVR and potentially other defective Wnt signaling-related diseases. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Self-dual Skyrmions on the spheres S2 N +1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amari, Y.; Ferreira, L. A.

2018-04-01

We construct self-dual sectors for scalar field theories on a (2 N +2 )-dimensional Minkowski space-time with the target space being the 2 N +1 -dimensional sphere S2 N +1. The construction of such self-dual sectors is made possible by the introduction of an extra functional in the action that renders the static energy and the self-duality equations conformally invariant on the (2 N +1 )-dimensional spatial submanifold. The conformal and target-space symmetries are used to build an ansatz that leads to an infinite number of exact self-dual solutions with arbitrary values of the topological charge. The five-dimensional case is discussed in detail, where it is shown that two types of theories admit self-dual sectors. Our work generalizes the known results in the three-dimensional case that lead to an infinite set of self-dual Skyrmion solutions.

Modified Separator Performing Dual Physical/Chemical Roles to Inhibit Polysulfide Shuttle Resulting in Ultrastable Li-S Batteries.

PubMed

Abbas, Syed Ali; Ding, Jiang; Wu, Sheng Hui; Fang, Jason; Boopathi, Karunakara Moorthy; Mohapatra, Anisha; Lee, Li Wei; Wang, Pen-Cheng; Chang, Chien-Cheng; Chu, Chih Wei

2017-12-26

In this paper we describe a modified (AEG/CH) coated separator for Li-S batteries in which the shuttling phenomenon of the lithium polysulfides is restrained through two types of interactions: activated expanded graphite (AEG) flakes interacted physically with the lithium polysulfides, while chitosan (CH), used to bind the AEG flakes on the separator, interacted chemically through its abundance of amino and hydroxyl functional groups. Moreover, the AEG flakes facilitated ionic and electronic transfer during the redox reaction. Live H-cell discharging experiments revealed that the modified separator was effective at curbing polysulfide shuttling; moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the cycled separator confirmed the presence of lithium polysulfides in the AEG/CH matrix. Using this dual functional interaction approach, the lifetime of the pure sulfur-based cathode was extended to 3000 cycles at 1C-rate (1C = 1670 mA/g), decreasing the decay rate to 0.021% per cycle, a value that is among the best reported to date. A flexible battery based on this modified separator exhibited stable performance and could turn on multiple light-emitting diodes. Such modified membranes with good mechanical strength, high electronic conductivity, and anti-self-discharging shield appear to be a scalable solution for future high-energy battery systems.

Greatly Suppressed Shuttle Effect for Improved Lithium Sulfur Battery Performance through Short Chain Intermediates.

PubMed

Xu, Na; Qian, Tao; Liu, Xuejun; Liu, Jie; Chen, Yu; Yan, Chenglin

2017-01-11

The high solubility of long-chain lithium polysulfides and their infamous shuttle effect in lithium sulfur battery lead to rapid capacity fading along with low Coulombic efficiency. To address above issues, we propose a new strategy to suppress the shuttle effect for greatly enhanced lithium sulfur battery performance mainly through the formation of short-chain intermediates during discharging, which allows significant improvements including high capacity retention of 1022 mAh/g with 87% retention for 450 cycles. Without LiNO 3 -containing electrolytes, the excellent Coulombic efficiency of ∼99.5% for more than 500 cycles is obtained, suggesting the greatly suppressed shuttle effect. In situ UV/vis analysis of electrolyte during cycling reveals that the short-chain Li 2 S 2 and Li 2 S 3 polysulfides are detected as main intermediates, which are theoretically verified by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our strategy may open up a new avenue for practical application of lithium sulfur battery.

Designing Dual-functionalized Gels for Self-reconfiguration and Autonomous Motion

DOE PAGES

Kuksenok, Olga; Balazs, Anna C.

2015-04-30

Human motion is enabled by the concerted expansion and contraction of interconnected muscles that are powered by inherent biochemical reactions. One of the challenges in the field of biomimicry is eliciting this form of motion from purely synthetic materials, which typically do not generate internalized reactions to drive mechanical action. Moreover, for practical applications, this bio-inspired motion must be readily controllable. Herein, we develop a computational model to design a new class of polymer gels where structural reconfigurations and internalized reactions are intimately linked to produce autonomous motion, which can be directed with light. These gels contain both spirobenzopyran (SP)more » chromophores and the ruthenium catalysts that drive the oscillatory Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. Importantly, both the SP moieties and the BZ reaction are photosensitive. When these dual-functionalized gels are exposed to non-uniform illumination, the localized contraction of the gel (due to the SP moieties) in the presence of traveling chemical waves (due to the BZ reaction) leads to new forms of spontaneous, self-sustained movement, which cannot be achieved by either of the mono-functionalized networks.« less

Nanoprocess and nanoscale surface functionalization on cathode materials for advanced lithium-ion batteries.

PubMed

Alaboina, Pankaj Kumar; Uddin, Md-Jamal; Cho, Sung-Jin

2017-10-26

Nanotechnology-driven development of cathode materials is an essential part to revolutionize the evolution of the next generation lithium ion batteries. With the progress of nanoprocess and nanoscale surface modification investigations on cathode materials in recent years, the advanced battery technology future seems very promising - Thanks to nanotechnology. In this review, an overview of promising nanoscale surface deposition methods and their significance in surface functionalization on cathodes is extensively summarized. Surface modified cathodes are provided with a protective layer to overcome the electrochemical performance limitations related to side reactions with electrolytes, reduce self-discharge reactions, improve thermal and structural stability, and further enhance the overall battery performance. The review addresses the importance of nanoscale surface modification on battery cathodes and concludes with a comparison of the different nanoprocess techniques discussed to provide a direction in the race to build advanced lithium-ion batteries.

Wnt and lithium: a common destiny in the therapy of nervous system pathologies?

PubMed

Meffre, Delphine; Grenier, Julien; Bernard, Sophie; Courtin, Françoise; Dudev, Todor; Shackleford, Ghjuvan'Ghjacumu; Jafarian-Tehrani, Mehrnaz; Massaad, Charbel

2014-04-01

Wnt signaling is required for neurogenesis, the fate of neural progenitors, the formation of neuronal circuits during development, neuron positioning and polarization, axon and dendrite development and finally for synaptogenesis. This signaling pathway is also implicated in the generation and differentiation of glial cells. In this review, we describe the mechanisms of action of Wnt signaling pathways and their implication in the development and correct functioning of the nervous system. We also illustrate how a dysregulated Wnt pathway could lead to psychiatric, neurodegenerative and demyelinating pathologies. Lithium, used for the treatment of bipolar disease, inhibits GSK3β, a central enzyme of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Thus, lithium could, to some extent, mimic Wnt pathway. We highlight the possible dialogue between lithium therapy and modulation of Wnt pathway in the treatment of the diseases of the nervous system.

Rapamycin inhibition of mTORC1 reverses lithium-induced proliferation of renal collecting duct cells

PubMed Central

Gao, Yang; Romero-Aleshire, Melissa J.; Cai, Qi; Price, Theodore J.

2013-01-01

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is the most common renal side effect in patients undergoing lithium therapy for bipolar affective disorders. Approximately 2 million US patients take lithium of whom ∼50% will have altered renal function and develop NDI (2, 37). Lithium-induced NDI is a defect in the urinary concentrating mechanism. Lithium therapy also leads to proliferation and abundant renal cysts (microcysts), commonly in the collecting ducts of the cortico-medullary region. The mTOR pathway integrates nutrient and mitogen signals to control cell proliferation and cell growth (size) via the mTOR Complex 1 (mTORC1). To address our hypothesis that mTOR activation may be responsible for lithium-induced proliferation of collecting ducts, we fed mice lithium chronically and assessed mTORC1 signaling in the renal medulla. We demonstrate that mTOR signaling is activated in the renal collecting ducts of lithium-treated mice; lithium increased the phosphorylation of rS6 (Ser240/Ser244), p-TSC2 (Thr1462), and p-mTOR (Ser2448). Consistent with our hypothesis, treatment with rapamycin, an allosteric inhibitor of mTOR, reversed lithium-induced proliferation of medullary collecting duct cells and reduced levels of p-rS6 and p-mTOR. Medullary levels of p-GSK3β were increased in the renal medullas of lithium-treated mice and remained elevated following rapamycin treatment. However, mTOR inhibition did not improve lithium-induced NDI and did not restore the expression of collecting duct proteins aquaporin-2 or UT-A1. PMID:23884148

Psychometric Functions of Dual-Task Paradigms for Measuring Listening Effort.

PubMed

Wu, Yu-Hsiang; Stangl, Elizabeth; Zhang, Xuyang; Perkins, Joanna; Eilers, Emily

The purpose of the study was to characterize the psychometric functions that describe task performance in dual-task listening effort measures as a function of signal to noise ratio (SNR). Younger adults with normal hearing (YNH, n = 24; experiment 1) and older adults with hearing impairment (n = 24; experiment 2) were recruited. Dual-task paradigms wherein the participants performed a primary speech recognition task simultaneously with a secondary task were conducted at a wide range of SNRs. Two different secondary tasks were used: an easy task (i.e., a simple visual reaction-time task) and a hard task (i.e., the incongruent Stroop test). The reaction time (RT) quantified the performance of the secondary task. For both participant groups and for both easy and hard secondary tasks, the curves that described the RT as a function of SNR were peak shaped. The RT increased as SNR changed from favorable to intermediate SNRs, and then decreased as SNRs moved from intermediate to unfavorable SNRs. The RT reached its peak (longest time) at the SNRs at which the participants could understand 30 to 50% of the speech. In experiments 1 and 2, the dual-task trials that had the same SNR were conducted in one block. To determine if the peak shape of the RT curves was specific to the blocked SNR presentation order used in these experiments, YNH participants were recruited (n = 25; experiment 3) and dual-task measures, wherein the SNR was varied from trial to trial (i.e., nonblocked), were conducted. The results indicated that, similar to the first two experiments, the RT curves had a peak shape. Secondary task performance was poorer at the intermediate SNRs than at the favorable and unfavorable SNRs. This pattern was observed for both YNH and older adults with hearing impairment participants and was not affected by either task type (easy or hard secondary task) or SNR presentation order (blocked or nonblocked). The shorter RT at the unfavorable SNRs (speech intelligibility < 30

Composite lithium metal anode by melt infusion of lithium into a 3D conducting scaffold with lithiophilic coating.

PubMed

Liang, Zheng; Lin, Dingchang; Zhao, Jie; Lu, Zhenda; Liu, Yayuan; Liu, Chong; Lu, Yingying; Wang, Haotian; Yan, Kai; Tao, Xinyong; Cui, Yi

2016-03-15

Lithium metal-based battery is considered one of the best energy storage systems due to its high theoretical capacity and lowest anode potential of all. However, dendritic growth and virtually relative infinity volume change during long-term cycling often lead to severe safety hazards and catastrophic failure. Here, a stable lithium-scaffold composite electrode is developed by lithium melt infusion into a 3D porous carbon matrix with "lithiophilic" coating. Lithium is uniformly entrapped on the matrix surface and in the 3D structure. The resulting composite electrode possesses a high conductive surface area and excellent structural stability upon galvanostatic cycling. We showed stable cycling of this composite electrode with small Li plating/stripping overpotential (<90 mV) at a high current density of 3 mA/cm(2) over 80 cycles.

Lithium

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ober, J.A.

2006-01-01

In 2005, lithium consumption in the United States was at 2.5 kt of contained lithium, nearly 32% more than the estimate for 2004. World consumption was 14.1 kt of lithium contained in minerals and compounds in 2003. Exports from the US increased slightly compared with 2004. Due to strong demand for lithium compounds in 2005, both lithium carbonate plants in Chile were operating at or near capacity.

Dual-task training effects on motor and cognitive functional abilities in individuals with stroke: a systematic review.

PubMed

He, Ying; Yang, Lei; Zhou, Jing; Yao, Liqing; Pang, Marco Yiu Chung

2018-02-01

This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of dual-task balance and mobility training in people with stroke. An extensive electronic databases literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EBSCO, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Wiley Online Library. Randomized controlled studies that assessed the effects of dual-task training in stroke patients were included for the review (last search in December 2017). The methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration recommendation, and level of evidence was determined according to the criteria described by the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine. About 13 articles involving 457 participants were included in this systematic review. All had substantial risk of bias and thus provided level IIb evidence only. Dual-task mobility training was found to induce more improvement in single-task walking function (standardized effect size = 0.14-2.24), when compared with single-task mobility training. Its effect on dual-task walking function was not consistent. Cognitive-motor balance training was effective in improving single-task balance function (standardized effect size = 0.27-1.82), but its effect on dual-task balance ability was not studied. The beneficial effect of dual-task training on cognitive function was provided by one study only and thus inconclusive. There is some evidence that dual-task training can improve single-task walking and balance function in individuals with stroke. However, any firm recommendation cannot be made due to the weak methodology of the studies reviewed.

Interfacial instability of amorphous LiPON against lithium: A combined Density Functional Theory and spectroscopic study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sicolo, Sabrina; Fingerle, Mathias; Hausbrand, René; Albe, Karsten

2017-06-01

The chemical instability of the glassy solid electrolyte LiPON against metallic lithium and the occurrence of side reactions at their interface is investigated by combining a surface science approach and quantum-mechanical calculations. Using an evolutionary structure search followed by a melt-quenching protocol, a model for the disordered structure of LiPON is generated and put into contact with lithium. Even the static optimization of a simple model interface suggests that the diffusion of lithium into LiPON is driven by a considerable driving force that could easily take place under experimental conditions. Calculated reaction energies indicate that the reduction and decomposition of LiPON is thermodynamically favorable. By monitoring the evolution of the LiPON core levels as a function of lithium exposure, the disruption of the LiPON network alongside the occurrence of new phases is observed. The direct comparison between UV photoelectron spectroscopy measurements and calculated electronic densities of states for increasing stages of lithiation univocally identifies the new phases as Li2O, Li3P and Li3N. These products are stable against Li metal and form a passivation layer which shields the electrolyte from further decomposition while allowing for the diffusion of Li ions.

The Role of Control Functions in Mentalizing: Dual-Task Studies of Theory of Mind and Executive Function

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bull, Rebecca; Phillips, Louise H.; Conway, Claire A.

2008-01-01

Conflicting evidence has arisen from correlational studies regarding the role of executive control functions in Theory of Mind. The current study used dual-task manipulations of executive functions (inhibition, updating and switching) to investigate the role of these control functions in mental state and non-mental state tasks. The "Eyes"…

Formation and Inhibition of Metallic Lithium Microstructures in Lithium Batteries Driven by Chemical Crossover

DOE PAGES

Li, Wangda; Kim, Un-Hyuck; Dolocan, Andrei; ...

2017-05-14

The formation of metallic lithium microstructures in the form of dendrites or mosses at the surface of anode electrodes (e.g., lithium metal, graphite, and silicon) leads to rapid capacity fade and poses grave safety risks in rechargeable lithium batteries. In this work, we present here a direct, relative quantitative analysis of lithium deposition on graphite anodes in pouch cells under normal operating conditions, paired with a model cathode material, the layered nickel-rich oxide LiNi 0.61Co 0.12Mn 0.27O 2, over the course of 3000 charge-discharge cycles. Secondary-ion mass spectrometry chemically dissects the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) on extensively cycled graphite with virtuallymore » atomic depth resolution and reveals substantial growth of Li-metal deposits. With the absence of apparent kinetic (e.g., fast charging) or stoichiometric restraints (e.g., overcharge) during cycling, we show lithium deposition on graphite is triggered by certain transition-metal ions (manganese in particular) dissolved from the cathode in a disrupted SEI. This insidious effect is found to initiate at a very early stage of cell operation (<200 cycles) and can be effectively inhibited by substituting a small amount of aluminum (~1 mol %) in the cathode, resulting in much reduced transition-metal dissolution and drastically improved cyclability. In conclusion, our results may also be applicable to studying the unstable electrodeposition of lithium on other substrates, including Li metal.« less

Formation and Inhibition of Metallic Lithium Microstructures in Lithium Batteries Driven by Chemical Crossover

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Wangda; Kim, Un-Hyuck; Dolocan, Andrei

The formation of metallic lithium microstructures in the form of dendrites or mosses at the surface of anode electrodes (e.g., lithium metal, graphite, and silicon) leads to rapid capacity fade and poses grave safety risks in rechargeable lithium batteries. In this work, we present here a direct, relative quantitative analysis of lithium deposition on graphite anodes in pouch cells under normal operating conditions, paired with a model cathode material, the layered nickel-rich oxide LiNi 0.61Co 0.12Mn 0.27O 2, over the course of 3000 charge-discharge cycles. Secondary-ion mass spectrometry chemically dissects the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) on extensively cycled graphite with virtuallymore » atomic depth resolution and reveals substantial growth of Li-metal deposits. With the absence of apparent kinetic (e.g., fast charging) or stoichiometric restraints (e.g., overcharge) during cycling, we show lithium deposition on graphite is triggered by certain transition-metal ions (manganese in particular) dissolved from the cathode in a disrupted SEI. This insidious effect is found to initiate at a very early stage of cell operation (<200 cycles) and can be effectively inhibited by substituting a small amount of aluminum (~1 mol %) in the cathode, resulting in much reduced transition-metal dissolution and drastically improved cyclability. In conclusion, our results may also be applicable to studying the unstable electrodeposition of lithium on other substrates, including Li metal.« less

Binding and Diffusion of Lithium in Graphite: Quantum Monte Carlo Benchmarks and Validation of van der Waals Density Functional Methods

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ganesh, P.; Kim, Jeongnim; Park, Changwon

2014-11-03

In highly accurate diffusion quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) studies of the adsorption and diffusion of atomic lithium in AA-stacked graphite are compared with van der Waals-including density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Predicted QMC lattice constants for pure AA graphite agree with experiment. Pure AA-stacked graphite is shown to challenge many van der Waals methods even when they are accurate for conventional AB graphite. Moreover, the highest overall DFT accuracy, considering pure AA-stacked graphite as well as lithium binding and diffusion, is obtained by the self-consistent van der Waals functional vdW-DF2, although errors in binding energies remain. Empirical approaches based onmore » point charges such as DFT-D are inaccurate unless the local charge transfer is assessed. Our results demonstrate that the lithium carbon system requires a simultaneous highly accurate description of both charge transfer and van der Waals interactions, favoring self-consistent approaches.« less

Dual-Function Metal-Organic Framework as a Versatile Catalyst for Detoxifying Chemical Warfare Agent Simulants.

PubMed

Liu, Yangyang; Moon, Su-Young; Hupp, Joseph T; Farha, Omar K

2015-12-22

The nanocrystals of a porphyrin-based zirconium(IV) metal-organic framework (MOF) are used as a dual-function catalyst for the simultaneous detoxification of two chemical warfare agent simulants at room temperature. Simulants of nerve agent (such as GD, VX) and mustard gas, dimethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, have been hydrolyzed and oxidized, respectively, to nontoxic products via a pair of pathways catalyzed by the same MOF. Phosphotriesterase-like activity of the Zr6-containing node combined with photoactivity of the porphyrin linker gives rise to a versatile MOF catalyst. In addition, bringing the MOF crystals down to the nanoregime leads to acceleration of the catalysis.

Infrared thermography non-destructive evaluation of lithium-ion battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zi-jun; Li, Zhi-qiang; Liu, Qiang

2011-08-01

The power lithium-ion battery with its high specific energy, high theoretical capacity and good cycle-life is a prime candidate as a power source for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Safety is especially important for large-scale lithium-ion batteries, especially the thermal analysis is essential for their development and design. Thermal modeling is an effective way to understand the thermal behavior of the lithium-ion battery during charging and discharging. With the charging and discharging, the internal heat generation of the lithium-ion battery becomes large, and the temperature rises leading to an uneven temperature distribution induces partial degradation. Infrared (IR) Non-destructive Evaluation (NDE) has been well developed for decades years in materials, structures, and aircraft. Most thermographic methods need thermal excitation to the measurement structures. In NDE of battery, the thermal excitation is the heat generated from carbon and cobalt electrodes in electrolyte. A technique named "power function" has been developed to determine the heat by chemical reactions. In this paper, the simulations of the transient response of the temperature distribution in the lithium-ion battery are developed. The key to resolving the security problem lies in the thermal controlling, including the heat generation and the internal and external heat transfer. Therefore, three-dimensional modelling for capturing geometrical thermal effects on battery thermal abuse behaviour is required. The simulation model contains the heat generation during electrolyte decomposition and electrical resistance component. Oven tests are simulated by three-dimensional model and the discharge test preformed by test system. Infrared thermography of discharge is recorded in order to analyze the security of the lithium-ion power battery. Nondestructive detection is performed for thermal abuse analysis and discharge analysis.

Improving the capacity of lithium-sulfur batteries by tailoring the polysulfide adsorption efficiency of hierarchical oxygen/nitrogen-functionalized carbon host materials.

PubMed

Schneider, Artur; Janek, Jürgen; Brezesinski, Torsten

2017-03-22

The use of monolithic carbons with structural hierarchy and varying amounts of nitrogen and oxygen functionalities as sulfur host materials in high-loading lithium-sulfur cells is reported. The primary focus is on the strength of the polysulfide/carbon interaction with the goal of assessing the effect of (surface) dopant concentration on cathode performance. The adsorption capacity - which is a measure of the interaction strength between the intermediate lithium polysulfide species and the carbon - was found to scale almost linearly with the nitrogen level. Likewise, the discharge capacity of lithium-sulfur cells increased linearly. This positive correlation can be explained by the favorable effect of nitrogen on both the chemical and electronic properties of the carbon host. The incorporation of additional oxygen-containing surface groups into highly nitrogen-functionalized carbon helped to further enhance the polysulfide adsorption efficiency, and therefore the reversible cell capacity. Overall, the areal capacity could be increased by almost 70% to around 3 mA h cm -2 . We believe that the design parameters described here provide a blueprint for future carbon-based nanocomposites for high-performance lithium-sulfur cells.

Preparation of a novel dual-function strong cation exchange/hydrophobic interaction chromatography stationary phase for protein separation.

PubMed

Zhao, Kailou; Yang, Li; Wang, Xuejiao; Bai, Quan; Yang, Fan; Wang, Fei

2012-08-30

We have explored a novel dual-function stationary phase which combines both strong cation exchange (SCX) and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) characteristics. The novel dual-function stationary phase is based on porous and spherical silica gel functionalized with ligand containing sulfonic and benzyl groups capable of electrostatic and hydrophobic interaction functionalities, which displays HIC character in a high salt concentration, and IEC character in a low salt concentration in mobile phase employed. As a result, it can be employed to separate proteins with SCX and HIC modes, respectively. The resolution and selectivity of the dual-function stationary phase were evaluated under both HIC and SCX modes with standard proteins and can be comparable to that of conventional IEC and HIC columns. More than 96% of mass and bioactivity recoveries of proteins can be achieved in both HIC and SCX modes, respectively. The results indicated that the novel dual-function column could replace two individual SCX and HIC columns for protein separation. Mixed retention mechanism of proteins on this dual-function column based on stoichiometric displacement theory (SDT) in LC was investigated to find the optimal balance of the magnitude of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between protein and the ligand on the silica surface in order to obtain high resolution and selectivity for protein separation. In addition, the effects of the hydrophobicity of the ligand of the dual-function packings and pH of the mobile phase used on protein separation were also investigated in detail. The results show that the ligand with suitable hydrophobicity to match the electrostatic interaction is very important to prepare the dual-function stationary phase, and a better resolution and selectivity can be obtained at pH 6.5 in SCX mode. Therefore, the dual-function column can replace two individual SCX and HIC columns for protein separation and be used to set up two-dimensional liquid

Dual little strings and their partition functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bastian, Brice; Hohenegger, Stefan; Iqbal, Amer; Rey, Soo-Jong

2018-05-01

We study the topological string partition function of a class of toric, double elliptically fibered Calabi-Yau threefolds XN ,M at a generic point in the Kähler moduli space. These manifolds engineer little string theories in five dimensions or lower and are dual to stacks of M5-branes probing a transverse orbifold singularity. Using the refined topological vertex formalism, we explicitly calculate a generic building block which allows us to compute the topological string partition function of XN ,M as a series expansion in different Kähler parameters. Using this result, we give further explicit proof for a duality found previously in the literature, which relates XN ,M˜XN',M' for N M =N'M' and gcd (N ,M )=gcd (N',M') .

Effects of Gait Self-Efficacy and Lower-Extremity Physical Function on Dual-Task Performance in Older Adults

PubMed Central

Banducci, Sarah E.; Daugherty, Ana M.; Fanning, Jason; Awick, Elizabeth A.; Porter, Gwenndolyn C.; Burzynska, Agnieszka; Shen, Sa; Kramer, Arthur F.; McAuley, Edward

2017-01-01

Objectives. Despite evidence of self-efficacy and physical function's influences on functional limitations in older adults, few studies have examined relationships in the context of complex, real-world tasks. The present study tested the roles of self-efficacy and physical function in predicting older adults' street-crossing performance in single- and dual-task simulations. Methods. Lower-extremity physical function, gait self-efficacy, and street-crossing success ratio were assessed in 195 older adults (60–79 years old) at baseline of a randomized exercise trial. During the street-crossing task, participants walked on a self-propelled treadmill in a virtual reality environment. Participants crossed the street without distraction (single-task trials) and conversed on a cell phone (dual-task trials). Structural equation modeling was used to test hypothesized associations independent of demographic and clinical covariates. Results. Street-crossing performance was better on single-task trials when compared with dual-task trials. Direct effects of self-efficacy and physical function on success ratio were observed in dual-task trials only. The total effect of self-efficacy was significant in both conditions. The indirect path through physical function was evident in the dual-task condition only. Conclusion. Physical function can predict older adults' performance on high fidelity simulations of complex, real-world tasks. Perceptions of function (i.e., self-efficacy) may play an even greater role. The trial is registered with United States National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT01472744; Fit & Active Seniors Trial). PMID:28255557

Lithium and cognitive enhancement: leave it or take it?

PubMed

Tsaltas, Eleftheria; Kontis, Dimitris; Boulougouris, Vasileios; Papadimitriou, George N

2009-01-01

Lithium is established as an effective treatment of acute mania, bipolar and unipolar depression and as prophylaxis against bipolar disorder. Accumulating evidence is also delineating a neuroprotective and neurotrophic role for lithium. However, its primary effects on cognitive functioning remain ambiguous. The aim of this paper is to review and combine the relevant translational studies, focusing on the putative cognitive enhancement properties of lithium, specifically on learning, memory, and attention. These properties are also discussed in reference to research demonstrating a protective action of lithium against cognitive deficits induced by various challenges to the nervous system, such as stress, trauma, neurodegenerative disorders, and psychiatric disorders. It is suggested on the basis of the evidence that the cognitive effects of lithium are best expressed and should, therefore, be sought under conditions of functional or biological challenge to the nervous system.

Failure mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christensen, John Francis

Lithium-ion batteries have become one of the leading candidates for energy storage in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles due to their high energy and power densities. However, the life of this class of rechargeable cells is limited, and is usually considerably shorter than the requirement for an economically feasible alternative to the internal combustion engine. The goal of this research is to explore specific mechanisms for cell failure via mathematical modeling of phenomena that occur in a broad assortment of lithium-ion cells. The theoretical framework of the models presented here is general enough to be applicable to most lithium-ion cells and even electrochemical cells that fall outside the realm of lithium-ion technology, but the properties and parameters that are used are specific enough that quantitative predictions can be made. Specifically, models for passive-film growth at the electrode/electrolyte interface and for particle fracture are presented. In addition, we discuss a framework for describing and understanding various types of capacity fade. Finally, we optimize the design of a lithium-titanate based cell using an existing full-cell model and compare its performance to that of a graphite based cell. The passive-film model indicates that the extent of film growth and impedance rise in a cell should depend strongly upon the state of charge (SOC) at which a battery is stored. We further show that current efficiency increases with the rate at which a cell is charged, although the cycling range of the cell decreases as the current is raised due to the impedance of the film. The particle-fracture model elucidates the conditions under which both graphitic and lithium-manganese-oxide particles surpass their yield strength, at which point cracking is initiated and particle fragmentation may occur. Higher rates of charge and larger particle size generally lead to a higher likelihood of fracture, although this dependence is absent in materials that

Lithium Pharmacogenetics: Where Do We Stand?

PubMed

Pisanu, Claudia; Melis, Carla; Squassina, Alessio

2016-11-01

Preclinical Research Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a chronic and disabling psychiatric disorder with a prevalence of 0.8-1.2% in the general population. Although lithium is considered the first-line treatment, a large percentage of patients do not respond sufficiently. Moreover, lithium can induce severe side effects and has poor tolerance and a narrow therapeutic index. The genetics of lithium response has been largely investigated, but findings have so far failed to identify reliable biomarkers to predict clinical response. This has been largely determined by the highly complex phenotipic and genetic architecture of lithium response. To this regard, collaborative initiatives hold the promise to provide robust and standardized methods to disantenagle this complexity, as well as the capacity to collect large samples of patietnts, a crucial requirement to study the genetics of complex phenotypes. The International Consortium on Lithium Genetics (ConLiGen) has recently published the largest study so far on lithium response reporting significant associations for two long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). This result provides relevant insights into the pharmacogenetics of lithium supporting the involvement of the noncoding portion of the genome in modulating clinical response. Although a vast body of research is engaged in dissecting the genetic bases of response to lithium, the several drawbacks of lithium therapy have also stimulated multiple efforts to identify new safer treatments. A drug repurposing approach identified ebselen as a potential lithium mimetic, as it shares with lithium the ability to inhibit inositol monophosphatase. Ebselen, an antioxidant glutathione peroxidase mimetic, represents a valid and promising example of new potential therapeutic interventions for BD, but the paucity of data warrant further investigation to elucidate its potential efficacy and safety in the management of BPD. Nevertheless, findings provided by the growing field of pharmacogenomic

A systematic review of lumped-parameter equivalent circuit models for real-time estimation of lithium-ion battery states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nejad, S.; Gladwin, D. T.; Stone, D. A.

2016-06-01

This paper presents a systematic review for the most commonly used lumped-parameter equivalent circuit model structures in lithium-ion battery energy storage applications. These models include the Combined model, Rint model, two hysteresis models, Randles' model, a modified Randles' model and two resistor-capacitor (RC) network models with and without hysteresis included. Two variations of the lithium-ion cell chemistry, namely the lithium-ion iron phosphate (LiFePO4) and lithium nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide (LiNMC) are used for testing purposes. The model parameters and states are recursively estimated using a nonlinear system identification technique based on the dual Extended Kalman Filter (dual-EKF) algorithm. The dynamic performance of the model structures are verified using the results obtained from a self-designed pulsed-current test and an electric vehicle (EV) drive cycle based on the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) profile over a range of operating temperatures. Analysis on the ten model structures are conducted with respect to state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-power (SOP) estimation with erroneous initial conditions. Comparatively, both RC model structures provide the best dynamic performance, with an outstanding SOC estimation accuracy. For those cell chemistries with large inherent hysteresis levels (e.g. LiFePO4), the RC model with only one time constant is combined with a dynamic hysteresis model to further enhance the performance of the SOC estimator.

Multi-functional angiographic OFDI using frequency-multiplexed dual-beam illumination

PubMed Central

Kim, SunHee; Park, Taejin; Jang, Sun-Joo; Nam, Ahhyun S.; Vakoc, Benjamin J.; Oh, Wang-Yuhl

2015-01-01

Detection of blood flow inside the tissue sample can be achieved by measuring the local change of complex signal over time in angiographic optical coherence tomography (OCT). In conventional angiographic OCT, the transverse displacement of the imaging beam during the time interval between a pair of OCT signal measurements must be significantly reduced to minimize the noise due to the beam scanning-induced phase decorrelation at the expense of the imaging speed. Recent introduction of dual-beam scan method either using polarization encoding or two identical imaging systems in spectral-domain (SD) OCT scheme shows potential for high-sensitivity vasculature imaging without suffering from spurious phase noise caused by the beam scanning-induced spatial decorrelation. In this paper, we present multi-functional angiographic optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) using frequency-multiplexed dual-beam illumination. This frequency multiplexing scheme, utilizing unique features of OFDI, provides spatially separated dual imaging beams occupying distinct electrical frequency bands that can be demultiplexed in the frequency domain processing. We demonstrate the 3D multi-functional imaging of the normal mouse skin in the dorsal skin fold chamber visualizing distinct layer structures from the intensity imaging, information about mechanical integrity from the polarization-sensitive imaging, and depth-resolved microvasculature from the angiographic imaging that are simultaneously acquired and automatically co-registered. PMID:25968731

Prospects for spinel-stabilized, high-capacity lithium-ion battery cathodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Croy, Jason R.; Park, Joong Sun; Shin, Youngho

Herein we report early results on efforts to optimize the electrochemical performance of a cathode composed of a lithium- and manganese-rich “layered-layered-spinel” material for lithium-ion battery applications. Pre-pilot scale synthesis leads to improved particle properties compared with lab-scale efforts, resulting in high capacities (≳200 mAh/g) and good energy densities (>700 Wh/kg) in tests with lithium-ion cells. Subsequent surface modifications give further improvements in rate capabilities and high-voltage stability. These results bode well for advances in the performance of this class of lithium- and manganese-rich cathode materials.

Prospects for spinel-stabilized, high-capacity lithium-ion battery cathodes

DOE PAGES

Croy, Jason R.; Park, Joong Sun; Shin, Youngho; ...

2016-10-13

Herein we report early results on efforts to optimize the electrochemical performance of a cathode composed of a lithium- and manganese-rich “layered-layered-spinel” material for lithium-ion battery applications. Pre-pilot scale synthesis leads to improved particle properties compared with lab-scale efforts, resulting in high capacities (≳200 mAh/g) and good energy densities (>700 Wh/kg) in tests with lithium-ion cells. Subsequent surface modifications give further improvements in rate capabilities and high-voltage stability. These results bode well for advances in the performance of this class of lithium- and manganese-rich cathode materials.

Lithium Down-regulates Histone Deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and Induces Degradation of Mutant Huntingtin*

PubMed Central

Wu, Shuai; Zheng, Shui-Di; Huang, Hong-Ling; Yan, Li-Chong; Yin, Xiao-Fei; Xu, Hai-Neng; Zhang, Kang-Jian; Gui, Jing-Hua; Chu, Liang; Liu, Xin-Yuan

2013-01-01

Lithium is an effective mood stabilizer that has been clinically used to treat bipolar disorder for several decades. Recent studies have suggested that lithium possesses robust neuroprotective and anti-tumor properties. Thus far, a large number of lithium targets have been discovered. Here, we report for the first time that HDAC1 is a target of lithium. Lithium significantly down-regulated HDAC1 at the translational level by targeting HDAC1 mRNA. We also showed that depletion of HDAC1 is essential for the neuroprotective effects of lithium and for the lithium-mediated degradation of mutant huntingtin through the autophagic pathway. Our studies explain the multiple functions of lithium and reveal a novel mechanism for the function of lithium in neurodegeneration. PMID:24165128

Application of Carbon Nanomaterials in Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaber-Ansari, Laila

Carbon nanomaterials such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and graphene have emerged as leading additives for high capacity nanocomposite lithium ion battery electrodes due to their ability to improve electrode conductivity, current collection efficiency, and charge/discharge rate for high power applications. In this work, the these nanomaterials have been developed and their properties have been fine-tuned to help solve fundamental issues in conventional lithium ion battery electrodes. Towards this end, the application of SWCNTs in lithium-ion anodes has been studied. As-grown SWCNTs possess a distribution of physical and electronic structures, and it is of high interest to determine which subpopulations of SWCNTs possess the highest lithiation capacity and to develop processing methods that can enhance the lithiation capacity of underperforming SWCNT species. Towards this end, SWCNT electronic type purity is controlled via density gradient ultracentrifugation, enabling a systematic study of the lithiation of SWCNTs as a function of metal versus semiconducting content. Experimentally, vacuum filtered freestanding films of metallic SWCNTs are found to accommodate lithium with an order of magnitude higher capacity than their semiconducting counterparts. In contrast, SWCNT film densification leads to the enhancement of the lithiation capacity of semiconducting SWCNTs to levels comparable to metallic SWCNTs, which is corroborated by theoretical calculations. To understand the interaction of the graphene with lithium ions and electrolyte species during electrochemical we use Raman spectroscopy in a model system of monolayer graphene transferred on a Si(111) substrate and density functional theory (DFT) to investigate defect formation as a function of lithiation. This model system enables the early stages of defect formation to be probed in a manner previously not possible with commonly-used reduced graphene oxide or multilayer graphene substrates. Using ex

Layered electrodes for lithium cells and batteries

DOEpatents

Johnson; Christopher S. , Thackeray; Michael M. , Vaughey; John T. , Kahaian; Arthur J. , Kim; Jeom-Soo

2008-04-15

Lithium metal oxide compounds of nominal formula Li.sub.2MO.sub.2, in which M represents two or more positively charged metal ions, selected predominantly and preferably from the first row of transition metals are disclosed herein. The Li.sub.2MO.sub.2 compounds have a layered-type structure, which can be used as positive electrodes for lithium electrochemical cells, or as a precursor for the in-situ electrochemical fabrication of LiMO.sub.2 electrodes. The Li.sub.2MO.sub.2 compounds of the invention may have additional functions in lithium cells, for example, as end-of-discharge indicators, or as negative electrodes for lithium cells.

The Neurocognitive Basis for Impaired Dual-Task Performance in Senior Fallers.

PubMed

Nagamatsu, Lindsay S; Hsu, C Liang; Voss, Michelle W; Chan, Alison; Bolandzadeh, Niousha; Handy, Todd C; Graf, Peter; Beattie, B Lynn; Liu-Ambrose, Teresa

2016-01-01

Falls are a major health-care concern, and while dual-task performance is widely recognized as being impaired in those at-risk for falls, the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms remain unknown. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms could lead to the refinement and development of behavioral, cognitive, or neuropharmacological interventions for falls prevention. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study with community-dwelling older adults aged 70-80 years with a history of falls (i.e., two or more falls in the past 12 months) or no history of falls (i.e., zero falls in the past 12 months); n = 28 per group. We compared functional activation during cognitive-based dual-task performance between fallers and non-fallers using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Executive cognitive functioning was assessed via Stroop, Trail Making, and Digit Span. Mobility was assessed via the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). We found that non-fallers exhibited significantly greater functional activation compared with fallers during dual-task performance in key regions responsible for resolving dual-task interference, including precentral, postcentral, and lingual gyri. Further, we report slower reaction times during dual-task performance in fallers and significant correlations between level of functional activation and independent measures of executive cognitive functioning and mobility. Our study is the first neuroimaging study to examine dual-task performance in fallers, and supports the notion that fallers have reduced functional brain activation compared with non-fallers. Given that dual-task performance-and the underlying neural concomitants-appears to be malleable with relevant training, our study serves as a launching point for promising strategies to reduce falls in the future.

Dual Nerve Transfers for Restoration of Shoulder Function After Brachial Plexus Avulsion Injury.

PubMed

Chu, Bin; Wang, Huan; Chen, Liang; Gu, Yudong; Hu, Shaonan

2016-06-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of shoulder function restoration by dual nerve transfers, spinal accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve and 2 intercostal nerves to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve, in patients with shoulder paralysis that resulted from brachial plexus avulsion injury. It was a retrospective analysis to assess the impact of a variety of factors on reanimation of shoulder functions with dual nerve transfers. A total of 19 patients were included in this study. Most of these patients sustained avulsions of C5, C6, and C7 nerve roots (16 patients). Three of them had avulsions of C5 and C6 roots only. Through a posterior approach, direct coaptation of the intercostal nerves and the anterior branch of the axillary nerve was performed, along with accessory nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve. Satisfactory shoulder function recovery (93.83° of shoulder abduction and 54.00° of external rotation on average) was achieved after a 62-month follow-up. This dual nerve transfer procedure provided us with a reliable and effective method for shoulder function reconstruction after brachial plexus root avulsion, especially C5/C6/C7 avulsion. The level of evidence is therapeutic IV.

[Effect of the thickness of reinforced glass ceramics on the degree of conversion of dual-cure resin cements].

PubMed

Zhu, Lin-Lin; Qiu, Li-Hong; Liu, Li-Yang; Li, Xiao-Lin

2017-10-01

To determine the effect of the thickness of reinforced glass ceramics on the degree of conversion (DC) of three dual-cure resin cements (Multilink N, RelyX Ultimate and NX3-Nexus). Upcera reinforced glass ceramics and IPS e.max CAD test specimen were processed, with different thickness, transmittance was tested by ultraviolet and visible spectrometer. The DC was evaluated using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer, then the degree of conversion of polymerization before and after curing was calculated. SPSS 21.0 software package was used for data analysis. Transmittance decreased along with the thickness of reinforced glass ceramics increased. At 2 mm -thickness transmittance of upcera lithium disilicate glass ceramics was superior to IPS e.max CAD. The DC of dual-cured resin cement was decreased with the increase of thickness. At the same 2 mm group, the DC of Multilink N and RelyX Ultimate under upcera lithium disilicate glass ceramics were superior to that under IPS e.max CAD groups. At 2 mm-thickness transmittance of upcera lithium disilicate glass ceramics was superior to IPS e.max CAD. At the same 2 mm group, the DC of Multilink N and RelyX Ultimate under upcera lithium disilicate glass ceramics were superior to that under IPS e.max CAD groups.

Enantioselective Effect of Flurbiprofen on Lithium Disposition in Rats.

PubMed

Uwai, Yuichi; Matsumoto, Masashi; Kawasaki, Tatsuya; Nabekura, Tomohiro

2017-01-01

Lithium is administered for treating bipolar disorders and is mainly excreted into urine. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit this process. In this study, we examined the enantioselective effect of flurbiprofen on the disposition of lithium in rats. Pharmacokinetic experiments with lithium were performed. Until 60 min after the intravenous administration of lithium chloride at 30 mg/kg as a bolus, 17.8% of lithium injected was recovered into the urine. Its renal clearance was calculated to be 1.62 mL/min/kg. Neither creatinine clearance (Ccr) nor pharmacokinetics of lithium was affected by the simultaneous injection of (R)-flurbiprofen at 20 mg/kg. (S)-flurbiprofen impaired the renal function and interfered with the urinary excretion of lithium. The ratio of renal clearance of lithium to Ccr was decreased by the (S)-enantiomer. This study clarified that the (S)-flurbiprofen but not (R)-flurbiprofen inhibited the renal excretion of lithium in rats. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Capacity Fading Mechanism of the Commercial 18650 LiFePO4-Based Lithium-Ion Batteries: An in Situ Time-Resolved High-Energy Synchrotron XRD Study.

PubMed

Liu, Qi; Liu, Yadong; Yang, Fan; He, Hao; Xiao, Xianghui; Ren, Yang; Lu, Wenquan; Stach, Eric; Xie, Jian

2018-02-07

In situ high-energy synchrotron XRD studies were carried out on commercial 18650 LiFePO 4 cells at different cycles to track and investigate the dynamic, chemical, and structural changes in the course of long-term cycling to elucidate the capacity fading mechanism. The results indicate that the crystalline structural deterioration of the LiFePO 4 cathode and the graphite anode is unlikely to happen before capacity fades below 80% of the initial capacity. Rather, the loss of the active lithium source is the primary cause for the capacity fade, which leads to the appearance of inactive FePO 4 that is proportional to the absence of the lithium source. Our in situ HESXRD studies further show that the lithium-ion insertion and deinsertion behavior of LiFePO 4 continuously changed with cycling. For a fresh cell, the LiFePO 4 experienced a dual-phase solid-solution behavior, whereas with increasing cycle numbers, the dynamic change, which is characteristic of the continuous decay of solid solution behavior, is obvious. The unpredicted dynamic change may result from the morphology evolution of LiFePO 4 particles and the loss of the lithium source, which may be the cause of the decreased rate capability of LiFePO 4 cells after long-term cycling.

Enzyme-guided plasmonic biosensor based on dual-functional nanohybrid for sensitive detection of thrombin.

PubMed

Yan, Jing; Wang, Lida; Tang, Longhua; Lin, Lei; Liu, Yang; Li, Jinghong

2015-08-15

Rapid and sensitive methodologies for the detection of protein are in urgent requirement for clinic diagnostics. Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of metal nanostructures has the potential to circumvent this problem due to its sensitive optical properties and strong electromagnetic near-field enhancements. In this work, an enzyme mediated plasmonic biosensor on the basis of a dual-functional nanohybrid was developed for the detection of thrombin. By utilizing LSPR-responsive nanohybrid and anaptamer-enzyme conjugated reporting probe, the sensing platform brings enhanced signal, stability as well as simplicity. Enzymatic reaction catalyzed the reduction of Au(3+) to Au° in situ, further leading to the rapid crystal growth of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The LSPR absorbance band and color changed company with the nanoparticle generation, which can be real-time monitoring by UV-visible spectrophotometer and naked eye. Nanohybrid constructed by gold and magnetic nanoparticles acts as a dual functional plasmonic unit, which not only plays the role of signal production, but also endows the sensor with the function of magnetic separation. Simultaneously, the introduction of enzyme effectively regulates the programming crystal growth of AuNPs. In addition, enzyme also serves as signal amplifier owing to its high catalysis efficiency. The response of the plasmonic sensor varies linearly with the logarithmic thrombin concentration up to 10nM with a limit of detection of 200 pM. The as-proposed strategy shows good analytical performance for thrombin determination. This simple, disposable method is promising in developing universal platforms for protein monitoring, drug discovery and point-of-care diagnostics. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lithium Dinitramide as an Additive in Lithium Power Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gorkovenko, Alexander A.

2007-01-01

Lithium dinitramide, LiN(NO2)2 has shown promise as an additive to nonaqueous electrolytes in rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium-ion-based electrochemical power cells. Such non-aqueous electrolytes consist of lithium salts dissolved in mixtures of organic ethers, esters, carbonates, or acetals. The benefits of adding lithium dinitramide (which is also a lithium salt) include lower irreversible loss of capacity on the first charge/discharge cycle, higher cycle life, lower self-discharge, greater flexibility in selection of electrolyte solvents, and greater charge capacity. The need for a suitable electrolyte additive arises as follows: The metallic lithium in the anode of a lithium-ion-based power cell is so highly reactive that in addition to the desired main electrochemical reaction, it engages in side reactions that cause formation of resistive films and dendrites, which degrade performance as quantified in terms of charge capacity, cycle life, shelf life, first-cycle irreversible capacity loss, specific power, and specific energy. The incidence of side reactions can be reduced through the formation of a solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) a thin film that prevents direct contact between the lithium anode material and the electrolyte. Ideally, an SEI should chemically protect the anode and the electrolyte from each other while exhibiting high conductivity for lithium ions and little or no conductivity for electrons. A suitable additive can act as an SEI promoter. Heretofore, most SEI promotion was thought to derive from organic molecules in electrolyte solutions. In contrast, lithium dinitramide is inorganic. Dinitramide compounds are known as oxidizers in rocket-fuel chemistry and until now, were not known as SEI promoters in battery chemistry. Although the exact reason for the improvement afforded by the addition of lithium dinitramide is not clear, it has been hypothesized that lithium dinitramide competes with other electrolyte constituents to react with

Investigation of the Decomposition Mechanism of Lithium Bis(oxalate)borate (LiBOB) Salt in the Electrolyte of an Aprotic Li–O 2 Battery

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lau, Kah Chun; Lu, Jun; Low, John

2014-03-13

The stability of the lithium bis(oxalate) borate (LiBOB) salt against lithium peroxide (Li 2O 2) formation in an aprotic Li–O 2 (Li–air) battery is investigated. From theoretical and experimental findings, we find that the chemical decomposition of LiBOB in electrolytes leads to the formation lithium oxalate during the discharge of a Li–O 2 cell. According to density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the formation of lithium oxalate as the reaction product is exothermic and therefore is thermodynamically feasible. This reaction seems to be independent of solvents used in the Li–O 2 cell, and therefore LiBOB is probably not suitable to bemore » used as the salt in Li–O 2 cell electrolytes.« less

Dual-task performance involving hand dexterity and cognitive tasks and daily functioning in people with schizophrenia: a pilot study.

PubMed

Lin, Keh-chung; Wu, Yi-fang; Chen, I-chen; Tsai, Pei-luen; Wu, Ching-yi; Chen, Chia-ling

2015-01-01

This study investigated separate and concurrent performance on cognitive and hand dexterity tasks and the relationship to daily functioning in 16 people with schizophrenia and 16 healthy control participants. Participants performed the Purdue Pegboard Test and the Serial Seven Subtraction Test under single- and dual-task conditions and completed two daily functioning evaluations. The hand dexterity of all participants declined in the dual-task condition, but the discrepancy between single-task and dual-task hand dexterity was greater in the schizophrenia group than in the control group (p<.03, d>.70, for all). The extent of discrepancy in hand dexterity was negatively correlated with daily functioning in the schizophrenia group (rs=-.3 to -.5, ps=.04-.26). Ability to perform dual tasks may be an indicator of daily functioning in people with schizophrenia. Use of dual-task training may be considered as a therapeutic activity with these clients. Copyright © 2015 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Lithium: a versatile tool for understanding renal physiology

PubMed Central

Ecelbarger, Carolyn M.

2013-01-01

By virtue of its unique interactions with kidney cells, lithium became an important research tool in renal physiology and pathophysiology. Investigators have uncovered the intricate relationships of lithium with the vasopressin and aldosterone systems, and the membrane channels or transporters regulated by them. While doing so, their work has also led to 1) questioning the role of adenylyl cyclase activity and prostaglandins in lithium-induced suppression of aquaporin-2 gene transcription; 2) unraveling the role of purinergic signaling in lithium-induced polyuria; and 3) highlighting the importance of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI). Lithium-induced remodeling of the collecting duct has the potential to shed new light on collecting duct remodeling in disease conditions, such as diabetes insipidus. The finding that lithium inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) has opened an avenue for studies on the role of GSK3β in urinary concentration, and GSK isoforms in renal development. Finally, proteomic and metabolomic profiling of the kidney and urine in rats treated with lithium is providing insights into how the kidney adapts its metabolism in conditions such as acquired NDI and the multifactorial nature of lithium-induced NDI. This review provides state-of-the-art knowledge of lithium as a versatile tool for understanding the molecular physiology of the kidney, and a comprehensive view of how this tool is challenging some of our long-standing concepts in renal physiology, often with paradigm shifts, and presenting paradoxical situations in renal pathophysiology. In addition, this review points to future directions in research where lithium can lead the renal community. PMID:23408166

Dual therapeutic functions of F-5 fragment in burn wounds: preventing wound progression and promoting wound healing in pigs

PubMed Central

Bhatia, Ayesha; O’Brien, Kathryn; Chen, Mei; Wong, Alex; Garner, Warren; Woodley, David T.; Li, Wei

2016-01-01

Burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity including prolonged hospitalization, disfigurement, and disability. Currently there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved burn therapeutics. A clinical distinction of burn injuries from other acute wounds is the event of the so-called secondary burn wound progression within the first week of the injury, in which a burn expands horizontally and vertically from its initial boundary to a larger area. Therefore, an effective therapeutics for burns should show dual abilities to prevent the burn wound progression and thereafter promote burn wound healing. Herein we report that topically applied F-5 fragment of heat shock protein-90α is a dual functional agent to promote burn wound healing in pigs. First, F-5 prevents burn wound progression by protecting the surrounding cells from undergoing heat-induced caspase 3 activation and apoptosis with increased Akt activation. Accordingly, F-5–treated burn and excision wounds show a marked decline in inflammation. Thereafter, F-5 accelerates burn wound healing by stimulating the keratinocyte migration-led reepithelialization, leading to wound closure. This study addresses a topical agent that is capable of preventing burn wound progression and accelerating burn wound healing. PMID:27382602

Dual therapeutic functions of F-5 fragment in burn wounds: preventing wound progression and promoting wound healing in pigs.

PubMed

Bhatia, Ayesha; O'Brien, Kathryn; Chen, Mei; Wong, Alex; Garner, Warren; Woodley, David T; Li, Wei

2016-01-01

Burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity including prolonged hospitalization, disfigurement, and disability. Currently there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved burn therapeutics. A clinical distinction of burn injuries from other acute wounds is the event of the so-called secondary burn wound progression within the first week of the injury, in which a burn expands horizontally and vertically from its initial boundary to a larger area. Therefore, an effective therapeutics for burns should show dual abilities to prevent the burn wound progression and thereafter promote burn wound healing. Herein we report that topically applied F-5 fragment of heat shock protein-90α is a dual functional agent to promote burn wound healing in pigs. First, F-5 prevents burn wound progression by protecting the surrounding cells from undergoing heat-induced caspase 3 activation and apoptosis with increased Akt activation. Accordingly, F-5-treated burn and excision wounds show a marked decline in inflammation. Thereafter, F-5 accelerates burn wound healing by stimulating the keratinocyte migration-led reepithelialization, leading to wound closure. This study addresses a topical agent that is capable of preventing burn wound progression and accelerating burn wound healing.

The Lithium Abundances of a Large Sample of Red Giants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Y. J.; Tan, K. F.; Wang, L.; Zhao, G.; Sato, Bun'ei; Takeda, Y.; Li, H. N.

2014-04-01

The lithium abundances for 378 G/K giants are derived with non-local thermodynamic equilibrium correction considered. Among these are 23 stars that host planetary systems. The lithium abundance is investigated, as a function of metallicity, effective temperature, and rotational velocity, as well as the impact of a giant planet on G/K giants. The results show that the lithium abundance is a function of metallicity and effective temperature. The lithium abundance has no correlation with rotational velocity at v sin i < 10 km s-1. Giants with planets present lower lithium abundance and slow rotational velocity (v sin i < 4 km s-1). Our sample includes three Li-rich G/K giants, 36 Li-normal stars, and 339 Li-depleted stars. The fraction of Li-rich stars in this sample agrees with the general rate of less than 1% in the literature, and the stars that show normal amounts of Li are supposed to possess the same abundance at the current interstellar medium. For the Li-depleted giants, Li-deficiency may have already taken place at the main sequence stage for many intermediate mass (1.5-5 M ⊙) G/K giants. Finally, we present the lithium abundance and kinematic parameters for an enlarged sample of 565 giants using a compilation of the literature, and confirm that the lithium abundance is a function of metallicity and effective temperature. With the enlarged sample, we investigate the differences between the lithium abundance in thin-/thick-disk giants, which indicate that the lithium abundance in thick-disk giants is more depleted than that in thin-disk giants.

The lithium abundances of a large sample of red giants

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Y. J.; Tan, K. F.; Wang, L.

2014-04-20

The lithium abundances for 378 G/K giants are derived with non-local thermodynamic equilibrium correction considered. Among these are 23 stars that host planetary systems. The lithium abundance is investigated, as a function of metallicity, effective temperature, and rotational velocity, as well as the impact of a giant planet on G/K giants. The results show that the lithium abundance is a function of metallicity and effective temperature. The lithium abundance has no correlation with rotational velocity at v sin i < 10 km s{sup –1}. Giants with planets present lower lithium abundance and slow rotational velocity (v sin i < 4more » km s{sup –1}). Our sample includes three Li-rich G/K giants, 36 Li-normal stars, and 339 Li-depleted stars. The fraction of Li-rich stars in this sample agrees with the general rate of less than 1% in the literature, and the stars that show normal amounts of Li are supposed to possess the same abundance at the current interstellar medium. For the Li-depleted giants, Li-deficiency may have already taken place at the main sequence stage for many intermediate mass (1.5-5 M {sub ☉}) G/K giants. Finally, we present the lithium abundance and kinematic parameters for an enlarged sample of 565 giants using a compilation of the literature, and confirm that the lithium abundance is a function of metallicity and effective temperature. With the enlarged sample, we investigate the differences between the lithium abundance in thin-/thick-disk giants, which indicate that the lithium abundance in thick-disk giants is more depleted than that in thin-disk giants.« less

Dual descriptors within the framework of spin-polarized density functional theory.

PubMed

Chamorro, E; Pérez, P; Duque, M; De Proft, F; Geerlings, P

2008-08-14

Spin-polarized density functional theory (SP-DFT) allows both the analysis of charge-transfer (e.g., electrophilic and nucleophilic reactivity) and of spin-polarization processes (e.g., photophysical changes arising from electron transitions). In analogy with the dual descriptor introduced by Morell et al. [J. Phys. Chem. A 109, 205 (2005)], we introduce new dual descriptors intended to simultaneously give information of the molecular regions where the spin-polarization process linking states of different multiplicity will drive electron density and spin density changes. The electronic charge and spin rearrangement in the spin forbidden radiative transitions S(0)-->T(n,pi(*)) and S(0)-->T(pi,pi(*)) in formaldehyde and ethylene, respectively, have been used as benchmark examples illustrating the usefulness of the new spin-polarization dual descriptors. These quantities indicate those regions where spin-orbit coupling effects are at work in such processes. Additionally, the qualitative relationship between the topology of the spin-polarization dual descriptors and the vertical singlet triplet energy gap in simple substituted carbene series has been also discussed. It is shown that the electron density and spin density rearrangements arise in agreement with spectroscopic experimental evidence and other theoretical results on the selected target systems.

Dual-Functional Hydrazide-Reactive and Anhydride-Containing Oligomeric Hydrogel Building Blocks.

PubMed

Kascholke, Christian; Loth, Tina; Kohn-Polster, Caroline; Möller, Stephanie; Bellstedt, Peter; Schulz-Siegmund, Michaela; Schnabelrauch, Matthias; Hacker, Michael C

2017-03-13

Biomimetic hydrogels are advanced biomaterials that have been developed following different synthetic routes. Covalent postfabrication functionalization is a promising strategy to achieve efficient matrix modification decoupled of general material properties. To this end, dual-functional macromers were synthesized by free radical polymerization of maleic anhydride with diacetone acrylamide (N-(1,1-dimethyl-3-oxobutyl)acrylamide) and pentaerythritol diacrylate monostearate. Amphiphilic oligomers (M n < 7.5 kDa) with anhydride contents of 7-20% offered cross-linking reactivity to yield rigid hydrogels with gelatinous peptides (E = 4-13 kPa) and good cell adhesion properties. Mildly reactive methyl ketones as second functionality remained intact during hydrogel formation and potential of covalent matrix modification was shown using hydrazide and hydrazine model compounds. Successful secondary dihydrazide cross-linking was demonstrated by an increase of hydrogel stiffness (>40%). Efficient hydrazide/hydrazine immobilization depending on solution pH, hydrogel ketone content as well as ligand concentration for bioconjugation was shown and reversibility of hydrazone formation was indicated by physiologically relevant hydrazide release over 7 days. Proof-of-concept experiments with hydrazido-functionalized hyaluronan demonstrated potential for covalent aECM immobilization. The presented dual-functional macromers have perspective as reactive hydrogel building blocks for various biomedical applications.

Population Pharmacokinetic Analyses of Lithium: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Methaneethorn, Janthima

2018-02-01

Even though lithium has been used for the treatment of bipolar disorder for several decades, its toxicities are still being reported. The major limitation in the use of lithium is its narrow therapeutic window. Several methods have been proposed to predict lithium doses essential to attain therapeutic levels. One of the methods used to guide lithium therapy is population pharmacokinetic approach which accounts for inter- and intra-individual variability in predicting lithium doses. Several population pharmacokinetic studies of lithium have been conducted. The objective of this review is to provide information on population pharmacokinetics of lithium focusing on nonlinear mixed effect modeling approach and to summarize significant factors affecting lithium pharmacokinetics. A literature search was conducted from PubMed database from inception to December, 2016. Studies conducted in humans, using lithium as a study drug, providing population pharmacokinetic analyses of lithium by means of nonlinear mixed effect modeling, were included in this review. Twenty-four articles were identified from the database. Seventeen articles were excluded based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of seven articles were included in this review. Of these, only one study reported a combined population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model of lithium. Lithium pharmacokinetics were explained using both one- and two-compartment models. The significant predictors of lithium clearance identified in most studies were renal function and body size. One study reported a significant effect of age on lithium clearance. The typical values of lithium clearance ranged from 0.41 to 9.39 L/h. The magnitude of inter-individual variability on lithium clearance ranged from 12.7 to 25.1%. Only two studies evaluated the models using external data sets. Model methodologies in each study are summarized and discussed in this review. For future perspective, a population pharmacokinetic

Mechanisms of prolonged lithium therapy-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

PubMed

Behl, Tapan; Kotwani, Anita; Kaur, Ishneet; Goel, Heena

2015-05-15

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a clinical sub-type of a diversely expounded disorder, named diabetes insipidus. It is characterized by inability of the renal cells to sense and respond to the stimulus of vasopressin. Amongst its various etiologies, one of the most inevitable causes includes lithium-induced instigation. Numerous studies reported marked histological damage to the kidneys upon long-term treatment with lithium. The recent researches have hypothesized many lithium-mediated mechanisms to explain the damage and dysfunction caused in the kidneys following lithium exposure. These mechanisms, widely, intend to justify the lithium-induced electrolyte imbalance, its interference with some vital proteins and a specific steroidal hormone, obstruction caused to a certain imperative transducer pathway and the renal tubular acidification defect produced on its prolonged therapy. Thorough study of such mechanisms aids in better understanding of the role of lithium in the pathophysiology of this disorder. Hence, the ameliorated knowledge regarding disease-pathology might prove beneficial in developing therapies that aim on disrupting the various lithium-mediated pathways. Hence, this may effectively lead to the demonstration of a novel treatment for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, which is, at present, limited to the use of diuretics which block lithium reuptake into the body. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Upper-Extremity Dual-Task Function: An Innovative Method to Assess Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults.

PubMed

Toosizadeh, Nima; Najafi, Bijan; Reiman, Eric M; Mager, Reine M; Veldhuizen, Jaimeson K; O'Connor, Kathy; Zamrini, Edward; Mohler, Jane

2016-01-01

Difficulties in orchestrating simultaneous tasks (i.e., dual-tasking) have been associated with cognitive impairments in older adults. Gait tests have been commonly used as the motor task component for dual-task assessments; however, many older adults have mobility impairments or there is a lack of space in busy clinical settings. We assessed an upper-extremity function (UEF) test as an alternative motor task to study the dual-task motor performance in older adults. Older adults (≥65 years) were recruited, and cognitive ability was measured using the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). Participants performed repetitive elbow flexion with their maximum pace, once single-task, and once while counting backward by one (dual-task). Single- and dual-task gait tests were also performed with normal speed. Three-dimensional kinematics was measured both from upper-extremity and lower-extremity using wearable sensors to determine UEF and gait parameters. Parameters were compared between the cognitively impaired and healthy groups using analysis of variance tests, while controlling for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Correlations between UEF and gait parameters for dual-task and dual-task cost were assessed using linear regression models. Sixty-seven older adults were recruited (age = 83 ± 10 years). Based on MoCA, 10 (15%) were cognitively impaired. While no significant differences were observed in the single-task condition, within the dual-task condition, the cognitively impaired group showed significantly less arm flexion speed (62%, d = 1.51, p = 0.02) and range of motion (27%, d = 0.93, p = 0.04), and higher speed variability (88%, d = 1.82, p < 0.0001) compared to the cognitively intact group, when adjusted with age, gender, and BMI. Significant correlations were observed between UEF speed parameters and gait stride velocity for dual-task condition (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001) and dual-task cost (r = 0.28, p = 0.03). We introduced a novel test for assessing dual

Upper-Extremity Dual-Task Function: An Innovative Method to Assess Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults

PubMed Central

Toosizadeh, Nima; Najafi, Bijan; Reiman, Eric M.; Mager, Reine M.; Veldhuizen, Jaimeson K.; O’Connor, Kathy; Zamrini, Edward; Mohler, Jane

2016-01-01

Background: Difficulties in orchestrating simultaneous tasks (i.e., dual-tasking) have been associated with cognitive impairments in older adults. Gait tests have been commonly used as the motor task component for dual-task assessments; however, many older adults have mobility impairments or there is a lack of space in busy clinical settings. We assessed an upper-extremity function (UEF) test as an alternative motor task to study the dual-task motor performance in older adults. Methods: Older adults (≥65 years) were recruited, and cognitive ability was measured using the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). Participants performed repetitive elbow flexion with their maximum pace, once single-task, and once while counting backward by one (dual-task). Single- and dual-task gait tests were also performed with normal speed. Three-dimensional kinematics was measured both from upper-extremity and lower-extremity using wearable sensors to determine UEF and gait parameters. Parameters were compared between the cognitively impaired and healthy groups using analysis of variance tests, while controlling for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Correlations between UEF and gait parameters for dual-task and dual-task cost were assessed using linear regression models. Results: Sixty-seven older adults were recruited (age = 83 ± 10 years). Based on MoCA, 10 (15%) were cognitively impaired. While no significant differences were observed in the single-task condition, within the dual-task condition, the cognitively impaired group showed significantly less arm flexion speed (62%, d = 1.51, p = 0.02) and range of motion (27%, d = 0.93, p = 0.04), and higher speed variability (88%, d = 1.82, p < 0.0001) compared to the cognitively intact group, when adjusted with age, gender, and BMI. Significant correlations were observed between UEF speed parameters and gait stride velocity for dual-task condition (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001) and dual-task cost (r = 0.28, p = 0.03). Conclusion: We

Micromechanical Modeling of Storage Particles in Lithium Ion Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purkayastha, Rajlakshmi Tarun

the use of coatings in order to mitigate the large expansion and stresses, which leads to spalling off of the material. We therefore extended the results for spherical storage particles to include the presence of an additional layer of material surrounding the storage particle. We perform a parameter study to see at which material properties are most beneficial in reducing stresses within the particle, and the results were tabulated. It was seen that thicker layers can lead to mitigation in the value of maximum stresses. A simple fracture analysis was carried out and the material parameters which would most likely cause crack growth to occur were identified. Finally an integrated 2-D model of a lithium ion battery was developed to study the mechanical stress in storage particles as a function of material properties. The effect of morphology on the stress and lithium concentration is studied for the case of extraction of lithium in terms of the previously developed non-dimensional parameters. Both, particles functioning in isolation were studied, as well as in closely-packed systems. The results show that the particle distance from the separator, in combination with the material properties of the particle, is critical in predicting the stress generated within the particle.

Establishing Dual Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence and Multicolor Electrochromism in Functional Ionic Transition-Metal Complexes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Puodziukynaite, Egle; Oberst, Justin L.; Dyer, Aubrey L.

A combination of electrochromism and electroluminescence in functional materials could lead to single-layer dual electrochromic/electroluminescent (EC/EL) display devices, capable of simultaneous operation in emissive and reflective modes. Whereas such next generation displays could provide optimal visibility in any ambient lighting situation, materials available that exhibit such characteristics in the active layer are limited due to the required intrinsic multifunctionality (i.e., redox activity, electroluminescence, electrochromism, and ion conductivity) and to date can only be achieved via the rational design of ionic transition-metal complexes. Reported herein is the synthesis and characterization of a new family of acrylate-containing ruthenium (tris)bipyridine-based coordination complexes withmore » multifunctional characteristics. Potential use of the presented compounds in EC/EL devices is established, as they are applied as cross-linked electrochromic films and electrochemiluminescent layers in light-emitting electrochemical cell devices. Electrochromic switching of the polymeric networks between yellow, orange, green, brown and transmissive states is demonstrated, and electrochemiluminescent devices based on the complexes synthesized show red-orange to deep red emission with λmax ranging from 680 to 722 nm and luminance up to 135 cd/m². Additionally, a dual EC/EL device prototype is presented where light emission and multicolor electrochromism occur from the same pixel comprised of a single active layer, demonstrating a true combination of these properties in ionic transition-metal complexes.« less

Nanostructured silicon anodes for lithium ion rechargeable batteries.

PubMed

Teki, Ranganath; Datta, Moni K; Krishnan, Rahul; Parker, Thomas C; Lu, Toh-Ming; Kumta, Prashant N; Koratkar, Nikhil

2009-10-01

Rechargeable lithium ion batteries are integral to today's information-rich, mobile society. Currently they are one of the most popular types of battery used in portable electronics because of their high energy density and flexible design. Despite their increasing use at the present time, there is great continued commercial interest in developing new and improved electrode materials for lithium ion batteries that would lead to dramatically higher energy capacity and longer cycle life. Silicon is one of the most promising anode materials because it has the highest known theoretical charge capacity and is the second most abundant element on earth. However, silicon anodes have limited applications because of the huge volume change associated with the insertion and extraction of lithium. This causes cracking and pulverization of the anode, which leads to a loss of electrical contact and eventual fading of capacity. Nanostructured silicon anodes, as compared to the previously tested silicon film anodes, can help overcome the above issues. As arrays of silicon nanowires or nanorods, which help accommodate the volume changes, or as nanoscale compliant layers, which increase the stress resilience of silicon films, nanoengineered silicon anodes show potential to enable a new generation of lithium ion batteries with significantly higher reversible charge capacity and longer cycle life.

Method of recycling lithium borate to lithium borohydride through diborane

DOEpatents

Filby, Evan E.

1976-01-01

This invention provides a method for the recycling of lithium borate to lithium borohydride which can be reacted with water to generate hydrogen for utilization as a fuel. The lithium borate by-product of the hydrogen generation reaction is reacted with hydrogen chloride and water to produce boric acid and lithium chloride. The boric acid and lithium chloride are converted to lithium borohydride through a diborane intermediate to complete the recycle scheme.

Nature-Inspired 2D-Mosaic 3D-Gradient Mesoporous Framework: Bimetal Oxide Dual-Composite Strategy toward Ultrastable and High-Capacity Lithium Storage.

PubMed

Yu, Jia; Wang, Yanlei; Mou, Lihui; Fang, Daliang; Chen, Shimou; Zhang, Suojiang

2018-02-27

In allusion to traditional transition-metal oxide (TMO) anodes for lithium-ion batteries, which face severe volume variation and poor conductivity, herein a bimetal oxide dual-composite strategy based on two-dimensional (2D)-mosaic three-dimensional (3D)-gradient design is proposed. Inspired by natural mosaic dominance phenomena, Zn 1-x Co x O/ZnCo 2 O 4 2D-mosaic-hybrid mesoporous ultrathin nanosheets serve as building blocks to assemble into a 3D Zn-Co hierarchical framework. Moreover, a series of derivative frameworks with high evolution are controllably synthesized, based on which a facile one-pot synthesis process can be developed. From a component-composite perspective, both Zn 1-x Co x O and ZnCo 2 O 4 provide superior conductivity due to bimetal doping effect, which is verified by density functional theory calculations. From a structure-composite perspective, 2D-mosaic-hybrid mode gives rise to ladder-type buffering and electrochemical synergistic effect, thus realizing mutual stabilization and activation between the mosaic pair, especially for Zn 1-x Co x O with higher capacity yet higher expansion. Moreover, the inside-out Zn-Co concentration gradient in 3D framework and rich oxygen vacancies further greatly enhance Li storage capability and stability. As a result, a high reversible capacity (1010 mA h g -1 ) and areal capacity (1.48 mA h cm -2 ) are attained, while ultrastable cyclability is obtained during high-rate and long-term cycles, rending great potential of our 2D-mosaic 3D-gradient design together with facile synthesis.

Suppression of dendritic lithium growth in lithium metal-based batteries.

PubMed

Li, Linlin; Li, Siyuan; Lu, Yingying

2018-06-19

Lithium metal-based batteries offer promising prospects as alternatives to today's lithium-ion batteries, due to their ultra-high energy density. Unfortunately, the application of lithium metal is full of challenges and has puzzled researchers for more than 40 years. In this feature article, we describe the history of the development of lithium metal batteries and their existing key challenges, which include non-uniform electrodeposition, volume expansion, high reactivity of the lithium metal/unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and the shuttling of active cathode materials. Then, we focus on the growth mechanisms of uneven lithium electrodeposition and extend the discussion to the approaches to inhibit lithium dendrites. Finally, we discuss future directions that are expected to drive progress in the development of lithium metal batteries.

3-D lithium ion microbattery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, Yuting

The lithium-ion battery has emerged as a common power source for portable consumer electronics since its debut two decades ago. Due to the low atomic weight and high electrochemical activity of lithium chemistry, lithium-ion battery has a higher energy density as compared to other battery systems, such as Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, and lead-acid batteries. As a result, use of lithium-ion batteries enables the size of batteries to be effectively reduced without compromising capacity. More importantly, as battery size is reduced, it enhances the applications of portable electronics, increasing the convenience of use. The 3-D battery architecture described in the dissertation is believed to be a new paradigm for future batteries. The architecture features coupled 3-D electrodes to provide better charge/discharge kinetics and a higher charge capacity per footprint area. The overarching objective of this dissertation is to implement the 3-D architecture using the lithium-ion chemistry. The 3-D lithium-ion batteries are designed to provide high areal energy density without compromising power density. The dissertation is comprised of four interrelated sections. First, a simulation was conducted to identify key battery parameters and to define an ideal three-dimensional cell structure. The second part of the research involved identifying fabrication routes to build the 3-D electrode, which was the key design element in the 3-D paradigm. The third part of the dissertation was to correlate the electrode performance with its geometric features. In particular, the influence of aspect ratio was investigated. Lastly, an electrolyte/separator was designed and fabricated based on the existing 3-D electrode configuration. This enabled 3-D battery to be assembled.

Lithium-Ion Battery Failure: Effects of State of Charge and Packing Configuration

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-08-22

Naval Research Laboratory Washington, DC 20375-5320 NRL/MR/6180--16-9689 Lithium - Ion Battery Failure: Effects of State of Charge and Packing...PAGES 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT Lithium - Ion Battery Failure: Effects of State of Charge and Packing Configuration Neil S. Spinner,* Katherine M. Hinnant...Steven G. Tuttle (202) 404-3419 Lithium - ion battery safety remains a significant concern, as battery failure leads to ejection of hazardous materials

Lithium toxicity and myxedema crisis in an elderly patient

PubMed Central

Mir, Shahnaz Ahmad; Wani, Arshad Iqbal; Masoodi, Shariq Rashid; Bashir, Mir Iftikhar; Ahmad, Nadeem

2013-01-01

While thyroid dysfunction is a frequent complication of lithium treatment, myxedema crisis is a rare occurrence with a handful of cases described. Here, we describe a patient receiving lithium for about a decade for bipolar disorder, who presented with myxedema crisis and lithium toxicity. In this patient, myxedema crisis was likely precipitated by lithium toxicity and community acquired pneumonia. The effects of lithium on thyroid are briefly reviewed. Objective: To describe an elderly male who was diagnosed with myxedema crisis and lithium toxicity. Case Report: A 70-year-old male was admitted in our hospital with history of gradual onset progressive decrease in level of consciousness and altered behavior for last 1 month. Patient also had history of respiratory tract symptoms for 1 week. Patient was a known case of diabetes and bipolar affective disorder for which he had been receiving insulin and lithium for 10 years. One year earlier, patient was admitted in our ward for glycemic control and evaluation of complications and was found to be clinically and biochemically euthyroid; he never returned for follow up until the present admission. On examination patient had incoherent speech, hypothermia, and bradycardia. Thyroid function showed thyroid-stimulating hormone >150 IU/ml, Tetraiodothyronine (T4) <1 μg/dl, anti-thyroid peroxidase titer of 60 IU/ml. The serum lithium level was 2.9 nmol/L (therapeutic level 0.2-1.2 nmol/L). He was managed with levothyroxine, starting with a loading oral dose of 500 μg through ryles tube followed by 100 μg daily, IV antibiotics and fluids; lithium was stopped after consultation with a psychiatrist. From day 5, patient started showing progressive improvement and by day 10, he had a Glasgow Coma Scale of 15/15, normal electrolyte, serum creatinine of 1.8 mg/dl and serum lithium level of 0.5 nmol/L. Conclusion: Lithium-induced hypothyroidism may be life-threatening, thyroid function should be monitored before and during lithium

Lithium toxicity and myxedema crisis in an elderly patient.

PubMed

Mir, Shahnaz Ahmad; Wani, Arshad Iqbal; Masoodi, Shariq Rashid; Bashir, Mir Iftikhar; Ahmad, Nadeem

2013-12-01

While thyroid dysfunction is a frequent complication of lithium treatment, myxedema crisis is a rare occurrence with a handful of cases described. Here, we describe a patient receiving lithium for about a decade for bipolar disorder, who presented with myxedema crisis and lithium toxicity. In this patient, myxedema crisis was likely precipitated by lithium toxicity and community acquired pneumonia. The effects of lithium on thyroid are briefly reviewed. To describe an elderly male who was diagnosed with myxedema crisis and lithium toxicity. A 70-year-old male was admitted in our hospital with history of gradual onset progressive decrease in level of consciousness and altered behavior for last 1 month. Patient also had history of respiratory tract symptoms for 1 week. Patient was a known case of diabetes and bipolar affective disorder for which he had been receiving insulin and lithium for 10 years. One year earlier, patient was admitted in our ward for glycemic control and evaluation of complications and was found to be clinically and biochemically euthyroid; he never returned for follow up until the present admission. On examination patient had incoherent speech, hypothermia, and bradycardia. Thyroid function showed thyroid-stimulating hormone >150 IU/ml, Tetraiodothyronine (T4) <1 μg/dl, anti-thyroid peroxidase titer of 60 IU/ml. The serum lithium level was 2.9 nmol/L (therapeutic level 0.2-1.2 nmol/L). He was managed with levothyroxine, starting with a loading oral dose of 500 μg through ryles tube followed by 100 μg daily, IV antibiotics and fluids; lithium was stopped after consultation with a psychiatrist. From day 5, patient started showing progressive improvement and by day 10, he had a Glasgow Coma Scale of 15/15, normal electrolyte, serum creatinine of 1.8 mg/dl and serum lithium level of 0.5 nmol/L. Lithium-induced hypothyroidism may be life-threatening, thyroid function should be monitored before and during lithium therapy and drug should be

New Ether-functionalized Morpholinium- and Piperidinium-based Ionic Liquids as Electrolyte Components in Lithium and Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Navarra, Maria Assunta; Fujimura, Kanae; Sgambetterra, Mirko; Tsurumaki, Akiko; Panero, Stefania; Nakamura, Nobuhumi; Ohno, Hiroyuki; Scrosati, Bruno

2017-06-09

Here, two ionic liquids, N-ethoxyethyl-N-methylmorpholinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (M 1,2O2 TFSI) and N-ethoxyethyl-N-methylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (P 1,2O2 TFSI) were synthesized and compared. Fundamental relevant properties, such as thermal and electrochemical stability, density, and ionic conductivity were analyzed to evaluate the effects caused by the presence of the ether bond in the side chain and/or in the organic cation ring. Upon lithium salt addition, two electrolytes suitable for lithium batteries applications were found. Higher conducting properties of the piperidinium-based electrolyte resulted in enhanced cycling performances when tested with LiFePO 4 (LFP) cathode in lithium cells. When mixing the P 1,2O2 TFSI/LiTFSI electrolyte with a tailored alkyl carbonate mixture, the cycling performance of both Li and Li-ion cells greatly improved, with prolonged cyclability delivering very stable capacity values, as high as the theoretical one in the case of Li/LFP cell configurations. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Composite lithium metal anode by melt infusion of lithium into a 3D conducting scaffold with lithiophilic coating

PubMed Central

Liang, Zheng; Lin, Dingchang; Zhao, Jie; Lu, Zhenda; Liu, Yayuan; Liu, Chong; Lu, Yingying; Wang, Haotian; Yan, Kai; Tao, Xinyong; Cui, Yi

2016-01-01

Lithium metal-based battery is considered one of the best energy storage systems due to its high theoretical capacity and lowest anode potential of all. However, dendritic growth and virtually relative infinity volume change during long-term cycling often lead to severe safety hazards and catastrophic failure. Here, a stable lithium–scaffold composite electrode is developed by lithium melt infusion into a 3D porous carbon matrix with “lithiophilic” coating. Lithium is uniformly entrapped on the matrix surface and in the 3D structure. The resulting composite electrode possesses a high conductive surface area and excellent structural stability upon galvanostatic cycling. We showed stable cycling of this composite electrode with small Li plating/stripping overpotential (<90 mV) at a high current density of 3 mA/cm2 over 80 cycles. PMID:26929378

Lithium metal protection enabled by in-situ olefin polymerization for high-performance secondary lithium sulfur batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Yongling; Zhang, Zhen; Fei, Huifang; Xu, Xiaoyan; Xiong, Shenglin; Feng, Jinkui; Ci, Lijie

2017-09-01

Lithium metal is considered to be the optimal choice of next-generation anode materials due to its ultrahigh theoretical capacity and the lowest redox potential. However, the growth of dendritic and mossy lithium for rechargeable Li metal batteries lead to the possible short circuiting and subsequently serious safety issues during charge/discharge cycles. For the further practical applications of Li anode, here we report a facile method for fabricating robust interfacial layer via in-situ olefin polymerization. The resulting polymer layer effectively suppresses the formation of Li dendrites and enables the long-term operation of Li metal batteries. Using Li-S cells as a test system, we also demonstrate an improved capacity retention with the protection of tetramethylethylene-polymer. Our results indicate that this method could be a promising strategy to tackle the intrinsic problems of lithium metal anodes and promote the development of Li metal batteries.

Hydrogen retention in lithium and lithium oxide films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buzi, L.; Yang, Y.; Domínguez-Gutiérrez, F. J.; Nelson, A. O.; Hofman, M.; Krstić, P. S.; Kaita, R.; Koel, B. E.

2018-04-01

Pure lithium (Li) surfaces are difficult to maintain in fusion devices due to rapid oxide formation, therefore, parameterizing and understanding the mechanisms of hydrogen (H, D) retention in lithium oxide (Li2O) in addition to pure Li is crucial for Li plasma-facing material applications. To compare H retention in Li and Li2O films, measurements were made as a function of surface temperature (90-520 K) under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions using temperature programmed desorption (TPD). In both cases, the total retention dropped with surface temperature, from 95% at 90 K to 35% at 520 K Li2O films retained H in similar amounts as pure Li. Molecular Dynamics (MD) modeling was used to elucidate the mechanisms of H retention, and results were consistent with experiments in terms of both retention fraction and the drop of retention with temperature.

Functional and Radiological Outcome of Schatzker type V and VI Tibial Plateau Fracture Treatment with Dual Plates with Minimum 3 years follow-up: A Prospective Study

PubMed Central

Suri, Harpreet Singh; Gangrade, Kewal

2016-01-01

Introduction High energy intra-articular fractures involving the tibial plateau causes various problems related to management like wound dehiscence, severe comminution leading to malalignment and delayed complications like varus collapse, implant failure and arthritis of knee joint. Aim This study was done to determine functional, radiological outcome and the complications of Schatzker V and VI tibial plateau fractures treated with bipillar plating with dual plates with a regular follow-up of atleast 3 years. Materials and Methods Total 34 cases of tibial plateau fracture type V and VI treated with dual plating were studied from January 2011 to December 2013 in KIMS Hospital were followed for minimum of 3 years. The patients were operated through an anterolateral approach for lateral plate and a medial column plate was put through a minimally invasive medial approach or an open posteromedial approach. Results Total 34 patients were evaluated postoperatively thoroughly for functional outcome using The Knee Society Score and radiological outcomes by Modified Rasmussen Assessment criteria which showed 29 patients (85.29%) had excellent and 5 patients (14.71%) had good objective knee society score. 24 patients (70.59%) had excellent, 8 patients (23.53%) had good and 1patient (2.94%) were each of poor and fair functional knee society score. Eleven patients (32.35%) had excellent, 21patients (61.76%) had good and 2 patients (5.88%) had fair radiological outcome. Conclusion We conclude that open reduction and internal fixation of high-energy tibial plateau fractures with dual plates via 2 incisions gives excellent to good functional outcome with minimal soft tissue complications. Thus, a minimally invasive approach should be used which helps in preventing soft tissue problems and helps in early wound healing. Fixation done by bipillar plating is important for early mobilization of knee joint. Early mobilization leads to better range of movements and thereby better

Distinct lithium-induced gene expression effects in lymphoblastoid cell lines from patients with bipolar disorder.

PubMed

Fries, Gabriel R; Colpo, Gabriela D; Monroy-Jaramillo, Nancy; Zhao, Junfei; Zhao, Zhongming; Arnold, Jodi G; Bowden, Charles L; Walss-Bass, Consuelo

2017-11-01

Lithium is the most commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of bipolar disorder (BD), yet the mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects are still unclear. We aimed to compare the effects of lithium treatment in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from BD patients and controls. LCLs were generated from sixty-two BD patients (based on DSM-IV) and seventeen healthy controls matched for age, sex, and ethnicity. Patients were recruited from outpatient clinics from February 2012 to October 2014. LCLs were treated with 1mM lithium for 7 days followed by microarray gene expression assay and validation by real-time quantitative PCR. Baseline differences between groups, as well as differences between vehicle- and lithium-treated cells within each group were analyzed. The biological significance of differentially expressed genes was examined by pathway enrichment analysis. No significant differences in baseline gene expression (adjusted p-value < 0.05) were detected between groups. Lithium treatment of LCLs from controls did not lead to any significant differences. However, lithium altered the expression of 236 genes in LCLs from patients; those genes were enriched for signaling pathways related to apoptosis. Among those genes, the alterations in the expression of PIK3CG, SERP1 and UPP1 were validated by real-time PCR. A significant correlation was also found between circadian functioning and CEBPG and FGF2 expression levels. In summary, our results suggest that lithium treatment induces expression changes in genes associated with the apoptosis pathway in BD LCLs. The more pronounced effects of lithium in patients compared to controls suggest a disease-specific effect of this drug. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. and ECNP. All rights reserved.

Effects of lithium on brain glucose metabolism in healthy men.

PubMed

Kohno, Tomoya; Shiga, Tohru; Toyomaki, Atsuhito; Kusumi, Ichiro; Matsuyama, Tetsuaki; Inoue, Tetsuya; Katoh, Chietsugu; Koyama, Tsukasa; Tamaki, Nagara

2007-12-01

Lithium is clinically available for the treatment of mood disorders. However, it has remained unclear how lithium acts on the brain to produce its effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic lithium on human brain activity using positron emission tomography and clarify the correlation between brain activity changes and cognitive functional changes as induced by chronic lithium administration. A total of 20 healthy male subjects (mean age, 32 +/- 6 years) underwent positron emission tomographic scans with F-fluorodeoxyglucose and a battery of neuropsychological tests at baseline condition and after 4 weeks of lithium administration. Brain metabolic data were analyzed using statistical parametric mapping. Lithium increased relative regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCMRglc) in the bilateral dorsomedial frontal cortices including the anterior cingulate gyrus and decreased rCMRglc in the right cerebellum and left lingual gyrus/cuneus. There was no difference in any of the variables of cognitive functions between the baseline condition and after chronic lithium administration. There was no correlation between rCMRglc changes in any of the brain regions and individual variable changes in any of the neuropsychological tests. The results suggest that the effects of chronic lithium are associated with increased activity in the bilateral dorsomedial frontal cortices including the anterior cingulate gyrus and decreased activity in the right cerebellum and left lingual gyrus/cuneus.

Catastrophic event modeling. [lithium thionyl chloride batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frank, H. A.

1981-01-01

A mathematical model for the catastrophic failures (venting or explosion of the cell) in lithium thionyl chloride batteries is presented. The phenomenology of the various processes leading to cell failure is reviewed.

The role of lithium batteries in modern health care

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmes, Curtis F.

Since the implantation of the first lithium-powered pacemaker in 1972, biomedical devices powered by lithium batteries have played a significant role in saving lives and providing health-improving therapy. Today a wide variety of devices performing functions from managing cardiac rhythm to relieving pain and administering drugs is available to clinicians. Newer devices such as ventricular assist devices and implantable hearing devices are powered by lithium ion secondary batteries.

Mitigating Thermal Runaway Risk in Lithium Ion Batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Darcy, Eric; Jeevarajan, Judy; Russell, Samuel

2014-01-01

The JSC/NESC team has successfully demonstrated Thermal Runaway (TR) risk reduction in a lithium ion battery for human space flight by developing and implementing verifiable design features which interrupt energy transfer between adjacent electrochemical cells. Conventional lithium ion (li-Ion) batteries can fail catastrophically as a result of a single cell going into thermal runaway. Thermal runaway results when an internal component fails to separate electrode materials leading to localized heating and complete combustion of the lithium ion cell. Previously, the greatest control to minimize the probability of cell failure was individual cell screening. Combining thermal runaway propagation mitigation design features with a comprehensive screening program reduces both the probability, and the severity, of a single cell failure.

Lithium Causes G2 Arrest of Renal Principal Cells

PubMed Central

de Groot, Theun; Alsady, Mohammad; Jaklofsky, Marcel; Otte-Höller, Irene; Baumgarten, Ruben; Giles, Rachel H.

2014-01-01

Vasopressin-regulated expression and insertion of aquaporin-2 channels in the luminal membrane of renal principal cells is essential for urine concentration. Lithium affects urine concentrating ability, and approximately 20% of patients treated with lithium develop nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), a disorder characterized by polyuria and polydipsia. Lithium-induced NDI is caused by aquaporin-2 downregulation and a reduced ratio of principal/intercalated cells, yet lithium induces principal cell proliferation. Here, we studied how lithium-induced principal cell proliferation can lead to a reduced ratio of principal/intercalated cells using two-dimensional and three-dimensional polarized cultures of mouse renal collecting duct cells and mice treated with clinically relevant lithium concentrations. DNA image cytometry and immunoblotting revealed that lithium initiated proliferation of mouse renal collecting duct cells but also increased the G2/S ratio, indicating G2/M phase arrest. In mice, treatment with lithium for 4, 7, 10, or 13 days led to features of NDI and an increase in the number of principal cells expressing PCNA in the papilla. Remarkably, 30%–40% of the PCNA-positive principal cells also expressed pHistone-H3, a late G2/M phase marker detected in approximately 20% of cells during undisturbed proliferation. Our data reveal that lithium treatment initiates proliferation of renal principal cells but that a significant percentage of these cells are arrested in the late G2 phase, which explains the reduced principal/intercalated cell ratio and may identify the molecular pathway underlying the development of lithium-induced renal fibrosis. PMID:24408872

A low-temperature electrolyte for lithium and lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plichta, E. J.; Behl, W. K.

An electrolyte consisting of 1 M solution of lithium hexafluorophosphate in 1:1:1 ethylene carbonate(EC)-dimethyl carbonate(DMC)-ethyl methyl carbonate(EMC) is proposed for low temperature applications of lithium and lithium-ion cells. The new electrolyte has good conductivity and electrochemical stability. Lithium and lithium-ion cells using the new electrolyte were found to be operable at temperatures down to -40°C. The paper also reports on the electrochemical stability of aluminum metal, which is used as a substrate for the positive electrodes in lithium-ion cells, in the new electrolyte.

First Principles Studies for Lithium Intercalation and Diffusion Behaviors in MoS2 treated with the Compressive Sensing Cluster Expansion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chi-Ping; Zhou, Fei; Ozolins, Vidvuds

2014-03-01

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a good candidate electrode material for high capacity energy storage applications, such as lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors. In this work, we investigate lithium intercalation and diffusion kinetics in MoS2 by using first-principles density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. Two different lithium intercalation sites (1-H and 2-T) in MoS2 are found to be stable for lithium intercalation at different van der Waals' (vdW) gap distances. It is found that both thermodynamic and kinetic properties are highly related to the interlayer vdW gap distance, and that the optimal gap distance leads to effective solid-state diffusion in MoS2. Additionally, through the use of compressive sensing, we build accurate cluster expansion models to study the thermodynamic properties of MoS2 at high lithium content by truncating the higher order effective clusters with significant contributions. The results show that compressive sensing cluster expansion is a rigorous and powerful tool for model construction for advanced electrochemical applications in the future.

[The effect of lithium carbonate on the leukocyte count following ionizing radiation. 4. The effect of lithium carbonate on the activation of granulocytes].

PubMed

Wolf, G; Müller, G M; Kehrberg, G

1989-01-01

From numerous investigations it is known that lithium carbonate promotes granulocytopoiesis by stimulation of CSF (colony stimulating factor) in bone marrow. To prove if no immature, in their functions restricted cells are delivered from bone marrow, the activity of granulocytes was tested in vitro in patients with lithium therapy. It could be seen that granulocytes of peripheral blood show an increased in-vitro-activation after lithium influence in vivo.

Three-Dimensional, Solid-State Mixed Electron-Ion Conductive Framework for Lithium Metal Anode.

PubMed

Xu, Shaomao; McOwen, Dennis W; Wang, Chengwei; Zhang, Lei; Luo, Wei; Chen, Chaoji; Li, Yiju; Gong, Yunhui; Dai, Jiaqi; Kuang, Yudi; Yang, Chunpeng; Hamann, Tanner R; Wachsman, Eric D; Hu, Liangbing

2018-06-13

Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) have been widely considered as enabling materials for the practical application of lithium metal anodes. However, many problems inhibit the widespread application of solid state batteries, including the growth of lithium dendrites, high interfacial resistance, and the inability to operate at high current density. In this study, we report a three-dimensional (3D) mixed electron/ion conducting framework (3D-MCF) based on a porous-dense-porous trilayer garnet electrolyte structure created via tape casting to facilitate the use of a 3D solid state lithium metal anode. The 3D-MCF was achieved by a conformal coating of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the porous garnet structure, creating a composite mixed electron/ion conductor that acts as a 3D host for the lithium metal. The lithium metal was introduced into the 3D-MCF via slow electrochemical deposition, forming a 3D lithium metal anode. The slow lithiation leads to improved contact between the lithium metal anode and garnet electrolyte, resulting in a low resistance of 25 Ω cm 2 . Additionally, due to the continuous CNT coating and its seamless contact with the garnet we observed highly uniform lithium deposition behavior in the porous garnet structure. With the same local current density, the high surface area of the porous garnet framework leads to a higher overall areal current density for stable lithium deposition. An elevated current density of 1 mA/cm 2 based on the geometric area of the cell was demonstrated for continuous lithium cycling in symmetric lithium cells. For battery operation of the trilayer structure, the lithium can be cycled between the 3D-MCF on one side and the cathode infused into the porous structure on the opposite side. The 3D-MCF created by the porous garnet structure and conformal CNT coating provides a promising direction toward new designs in solid-state lithium metal batteries.

Distress due to lithium-induced polyuria: exploratory study.

PubMed

Pradhan, Basant K; Chakrabarti, Subho; Irpati, Anand S; Bhardwaj, Rahul

2011-06-01

Lithium-induced polyuria, although common, often goes unrecognized. The purpose of the present study was therefore to investigate the complaints of polyuria, and distress and functional impairment associated with polyuria, in 56 patients with bipolar disorder on long-term lithium treatment. All participants underwent 24-h urine collection, and renal function tests. Polyuria (24-h urine volume > 3 L) was found in 70% of subjects. Unless directly enquired about, polyuria was underreported. Impairment in work and daily routine due to increased urine output/frequency was associated with 24-h urine volumes. Polyuria is a highly prevalent, distressing and impairing side-effect of long-term lithium treatment, requiring due attention. © 2011 The Authors. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences © 2011 Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Preparation of polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous membrane for fabrication of separator of lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arifeen, W. U.; Dong, T.; Kurniawan, R.; Ko, T. J.

2018-03-01

In this paper, the manufacturing process and morphology of nano fibrous membranes are discussed. These membranes are explored as separators in rechargeable lithium ion batteries. The function of separator is to allow the flow of ions while protecting the physical contact between positive and negative electrode. Therefore, the porosity, mechanical strength and thermal stability of separators possess significant importance. The separators are manufactured by electrospinning process and later the morphology is studied with the help of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The separator is prepared by polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and then exposed to the hot plate. The uniform, continuous and dense nano fibrous membrane is prepared with the help of electrospinning process providing the prevention of physical contact between electrode and stable enough to work in high temperatures leading to high performance lithium ion batteries separators.

Feasibility study analysis for multi-function dual energy oven (case study: tapioca crackers small medium enterprise)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soraya, N. W.; El Hadi, R. M.; Chumaidiyah, E.; Tripiawan, W.

2017-12-01

Conventional drying process is constrained by weather (cloudy / rainy), and requires wide drying area, and provides low-quality product. Multi-function dual energy oven is the appropriate technology to solve these problems. The oven uses solar thermal or gas heat for drying various type of products, including tapioca crackers. Investment analysis in technical, operational, and financial aspects show that the multi-function dual energy oven is feasible to be implemented for small medium enterprise (SME) processing tapioca crackers.

Multi-layered, chemically bonded lithium-ion and lithium/air batteries

DOEpatents

Narula, Chaitanya Kumar; Nanda, Jagjit; Bischoff, Brian L; Bhave, Ramesh R

2014-05-13

Disclosed are multilayer, porous, thin-layered lithium-ion batteries that include an inorganic separator as a thin layer that is chemically bonded to surfaces of positive and negative electrode layers. Thus, in such disclosed lithium-ion batteries, the electrodes and separator are made to form non-discrete (i.e., integral) thin layers. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating integrally connected, thin, multilayer lithium batteries including lithium-ion and lithium/air batteries.

Optimized batteries for cars with dual electrical architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Douady, J. P.; Pascon, C.; Dugast, A.; Fossati, G.

During recent years, the increase in car electrical equipment has led to many problems with traditional starter batteries (such as cranking failure due to flat batteries, battery cycling etc.). The main causes of these problems are the double function of the automotive battery (starter and service functions) and the difficulties in designing batteries well adapted to these two functions. In order to solve these problems a new concept — the dual-concept — has been developed with two separate batteries: one battery is dedicated to the starter function and the other is dedicated to the service function. Only one alternator charges the two batteries with a separation device between the two electrical circuits. The starter battery is located in the engine compartment while the service battery is located at the rear of the car. From the analysis of new requirements, battery designs have been optimized regarding the two types of functions: (i) a small battery with high specific power for the starting function; for this function a flooded battery with lead-calcium alloy grids and thin plates is proposed; (ii) for the service function, modified sealed gas-recombinant batteries with cycling and deep-discharge ability have been developed. The various advantages of the dual-concept are studied in terms of starting reliability, battery weight, and voltage supply. The operating conditions of the system and several dual electrical architectures have also been studied in the laboratory and the car. The feasibility of the concept is proved.

Ab Initio Investigations of High-Pressure Melting of Dense Lithium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clay, Raymond; Morales, Miguel; Bonev, Stanimir

Lithium at ambient conditions is the simplest alkali metal and exhibits textbook nearly-free electron behavior. As the density is increased, however, significant core/valence overlap leads to surprisingly complex chemistry. We have systematically investigated the phase diagram of lithium at pressures ranging between two and six million atmospheres. Through a combination of density functional theory based path-integral and classical molecular dynamics simulations, we have investigated the impact of both nuclear quantum effects and anharmonicity on the melting line and solid phase boundaries. We also investigate how the inclusion of nuclear quantum effects and approximations in the treatment of electronic exchange-correlation impact the robustness of previous predictions of tetrahedral clustering in dense liquid Li. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-mission laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Method of recycling lithium borate to lithium borohydride through methyl borate

DOEpatents

Filby, Evan E.

1977-01-01

This invention provides a method for the recycling of lithium borate to lithium borohydride which can be reacted with water to generate hydrogen for utilization as a fuel. The lithium borate by-product of the hydrogen generation reaction is reacted with hydrogen chloride and water to produce boric acid and lithium chloride. The boric acid and lithium chloride are converted to lithium borohydride through a methyl borate intermediate to complete the recycle scheme.

Lithium in giant stars in NGC 752 and M67

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilachowski, Catherine; Saha, A.; Hobbs, L. M.

1988-04-01

Spectra of giant stars in the intermediate-age galactic cluster NGC 752 and in the old cluster M67 have been examined for the presence of Li I λ6707. The lithium feature is not present in any of the M67 giants observed, leading to upper-limit abundances of log ɛ(Li) ≤ -1.0 to 0.3. While lithium is not present in most NGC 752 giants, the feature is strong in two giants, Heinemann 77 and 208, log ɛ(Li) = +1.1 and +1.4, respectively. In the remaining giants in NGC 752, log ɛ(Li) < 0.5. The absence of lithium in M67 giants may be because these giants evolve from progenitors in the region of the main-sequence lithium dip.

Hydrogen retention in lithium and lithium oxide films

DOE PAGES

Buzi, L.; Yang, Y.; Dominguez-Gutierrez, F. J.; ...

2018-02-09

Pure lithium (Li) surfaces are difficult to maintain in fusion devices due to rapid oxide formation, therefore, parameterizing and understanding the mechanisms of hydrogen (H, D) retention in lithium oxide (Li 2O) in addition to pure Li is crucial for Li plasma-facing material applications. To compare H retention in Li and Li 2O films, measurements were made as a function of surface temperature (90–520 K) under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions using temperature programmed desorption (TPD). In both cases, the total retention dropped with surface temperature, from 95% at 90 K to 35% at 520 K Li 2O films retained Hmore » in similar amounts as pure Li. Finally, Molecular Dynamics (MD) modeling was used to elucidate the mechanisms of H retention, and results were consistent with experiments in terms of both retention fraction and the drop of retention with temperature.« less

Hydrogen retention in lithium and lithium oxide films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Buzi, L.; Yang, Y.; Dominguez-Gutierrez, F. J.

Pure lithium (Li) surfaces are difficult to maintain in fusion devices due to rapid oxide formation, therefore, parameterizing and understanding the mechanisms of hydrogen (H, D) retention in lithium oxide (Li 2O) in addition to pure Li is crucial for Li plasma-facing material applications. To compare H retention in Li and Li 2O films, measurements were made as a function of surface temperature (90–520 K) under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions using temperature programmed desorption (TPD). In both cases, the total retention dropped with surface temperature, from 95% at 90 K to 35% at 520 K Li 2O films retained Hmore » in similar amounts as pure Li. Finally, Molecular Dynamics (MD) modeling was used to elucidate the mechanisms of H retention, and results were consistent with experiments in terms of both retention fraction and the drop of retention with temperature.« less

Excess lithium salt functions more than compensating for lithium loss when synthesizing Li6.5La3Ta0.5Zr1.5O12 in alumina crucible

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Kai; Ma, Jiang-Tao; Wang, Chang-An

2014-08-01

Garnet type electrolyte "Li6.5La3Ta0.5Zr1.5O12" (LLZTO) was prepared by conventional solid-state reaction in alumina crucibles and excess lithium salt (from 0% to 50 mol%) was added into the starting materials to investigate the effects of excess lithium salt on the property of LLZTO. SEM, XRD and AC impedance were used to determine the microstructure, phase formation and Li-ion conductivity. Cubic garnet with a minor second phase LiAlO2 in the grain boundary was obtained for the pellets with excess lithium salt. As the amount of excess lithium salt increased, more Al element diffused from alumina crucibles to LLZTO pellets and reacted with excess lithium salt to form liquid Li2O-Al2O3 phase in the grain boundary, which accelerated the pellets' densification and reduced lithium loss at a high temperature. Ionic conductivity of LLZTO pellets increased with the amount of excess lithium salt added and leveled off at ∼4 × 10-4 S cm-1 when lithium salt exceeded 30 mol%. The performance of Li-air batteries with hybrid electrolytes, using homemade LLZTO thin pellets as solid electrolytes, was investigated. The LLZTO thin pellet with more excess lithium salt in starting material had a higher density and resulted in better cell performance.

Lithium/water battery with lithium ion conducting glass-ceramics electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katoh, Takashi; Inda, Yasushi; Nakajima, Kousuke; Ye, Rongbin; Baba, Mamoru

Lithium/water batteries have attracted considerable attention as high power supply devices because they use high energy density lithium metal as an anode and water as a cathode. In this study, we investigate the use of lithium/water batteries that use a glass-ceramics plate as an electrolyte. A lithium ion conducting glass-ceramics plate has no through-holes and does not exhibit moisture permeation. Such a plate has stable ionic conductivity in water. Lithium/water batteries that used a glass-ceramics plate as an electrolyte had a long and stable discharge for 50 days at room temperature when the lithium metal was prevented from coming into contact with water. Lithium/seawater batteries using a glass-ceramics plate as an electrolyte also operated well in the 10-70 °C temperature range.

Pacemaker syndrome with sub-acute left ventricular systolic dysfunction in a patient with a dual-chamber pacemaker: consequence of lead switch at the header.

PubMed

Khurwolah, Mohammad Reeaze; Vezi, Brian Zwelethini

In the daily practice of pacemaker insertion, the occurrence of atrial and ventricular lead switch at the pacemaker box header is a rare and unintentional phenomenon, with less than five cases reported in the literature. The lead switch may have dire consequences, depending on the indication for the pacemaker. One of these consequences is pacemaker syndrome, in which the normal sequence of atrial and ventricular activation is impaired, leading to sub-optimal ventricular filling and cardiac output. It is important for the attending physician to recognise any worsening of symptoms in a patient who has recently had a permanent pacemaker inserted. In the case of a dual-chamber pacemaker, switching of the atrial and ventricular leads at the pacemaker box header should be strongly suspected. We present an unusual case of pacemaker syndrome and right ventricular-only pacinginduced left ventricular systolic dysfunction in a patient with a dual-chamber pacemaker.

Dual-Level Method for Estimating Multistructural Partition Functions with Torsional Anharmonicity.

PubMed

Bao, Junwei Lucas; Xing, Lili; Truhlar, Donald G

2017-06-13

For molecules with multiple torsions, an accurate evaluation of the molecular partition function requires consideration of multiple structures and their torsional-potential anharmonicity. We previously developed a method called MS-T for this problem, and it requires an exhaustive conformational search with frequency calculations for all the distinguishable conformers; this can become expensive for molecules with a large number of torsions (and hence a large number of structures) if it is carried out with high-level methods. In the present work, we propose a cost-effective method to approximate the MS-T partition function when there are a large number of structures, and we test it on a transition state that has eight torsions. This new method is a dual-level method that combines an exhaustive conformer search carried out by a low-level electronic structure method (for instance, AM1, which is very inexpensive) and selected calculations with a higher-level electronic structure method (for example, density functional theory with a functional that is suitable for conformational analysis and thermochemistry). To provide a severe test of the new method, we consider a transition state structure that has 8 torsional degrees of freedom; this transition state structure is formed along one of the reaction pathways of the hydrogen abstraction reaction (at carbon-1) of ketohydroperoxide (KHP; its IUPAC name is 4-hydroperoxy-2-pentanone) by OH radical. We find that our proposed dual-level method is able to significantly reduce the computational cost for computing MS-T partition functions for this test case with a large number of torsions and with a large number of conformers because we carry out high-level calculations for only a fraction of the distinguishable conformers found by the low-level method. In the example studied here, the dual-level method with 40 high-level optimizations (1.8% of the number of optimizations in a coarse-grained full search and 0.13% of the number of

Measurement and modeling of surface temperature dynamics of the NSTX liquid lithium divertor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McLean, A. G.; Gan, K. F.; Ahn, J.-W.; Gray, T. K.; Maingi, R.; Abrams, T.; Jaworski, M. A.; Kaita, R.; Kugel, H. W.; Nygren, R. E.; Skinner, C. H.; Soukhanovskii, V. A.

2013-07-01

Dual-band infrared (IR) measurements of the National Spherical Torus eXperiment (NSTX) Liquid Lithium Divertor (LLD) are reported that demonstrate liquid Li is more effective at removing plasma heat flux than Li-conditioned graphite. Extended dwell of the outer strike point (OSP) on the LLD caused an incrementally larger area to be heated above the Li melting point through the discharge leading to enhanced D retention and plasma confinement. Measurement of Tsurface near the OSP demonstrates a significant reduction of the LLD surface temperature compared to that of Li-coated graphite at the same major radius. Modeling of these data with a 2-D simulation of the LLD structure in the DFLUX code suggests that the structure of the LLD was successful at handling up to q⊥,peak = 5 MW/m2 inter-ELM and up to 10 MW/m2 during ELMs from its plasma-facing surface as intended, and provide an innovative method for inferring the Li layer thickness.

Design Evaluation of High Reliability Lithium Batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buchman, R. C.; Helgeson, W. D.; Istephanous, N. S.

1985-01-01

Within one year, a lithium battery design can be qualified for device use through the application of accelerated discharge testing, calorimetry measurements, real time tests and other supplemental testing. Materials and corrosion testing verify that the battery components remain functional during expected battery life. By combining these various methods, a high reliability lithium battery can be manufactured for applications which require zero defect battery performance.

Effect of powder compaction on radiation-thermal synthesis of lithium-titanium ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surzhikov, A. P.; Lysenko, E. N.; Vlasov, V. A.; Malyshev, A. V.; Korobeynikov, M. V.; Mikhailenko, M. A.

2017-01-01

Effect of powder compaction on the efficiency of thermal and radiation-thermal synthesis of lithium-substituted ferrites was investigated by X-Ray diffraction and specific magnetization analysis. It was shown that the radiation-thermal heating of compacted powder reagents mixture leads to an increase in efficiency of lithium-titanium ferrites synthesis.

The effect of dual tasking on foot kinematics in people with functional ankle instability.

PubMed

Tavakoli, Sanam; Forghany, Saeed; Nester, Christopher

2016-09-01

Some cases of repeated inversion ankle sprains are thought to have a neurological basis and are termed functional ankle instability (FAI). In addition to factors local to the ankle, such as loss of proprioception, cognitive demands have the ability to influence motor control and may increase the risk of repetitive lateral sprains. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cognitive demand on foot kinematics in physically active people with functional ankle instability. 21 physically active participants with FAI and 19 matched healthy controls completed trials of normal walking (single task) and normal walking while performing a cognitive task (dual task). Foot motion relative to the shank was recorded. Cognitive performance, ankle kinematics and movement variability in single and dual task conditions was characterized. During normal walking, the ankle joint was significantly more inverted in FAI compared to the control group pre and post initial contact. Under dual task conditions, there was a statistically significant increase in frontal plane foot movement variability during the period 200ms pre and post initial contact in people with FAI compared to the control group (p<0.05). Dual task also significantly increased plantar flexion and inversion during the period 200ms pre and post initial contact in the FAI group (p<0.05). participants with FAI demonstrated different ankle movement patterns and increased movement variability during a dual task condition. Cognitive load may increase risk of ankle instability in these people. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Protective lithium ion conducting ceramic coating for lithium metal anodes and associate method

DOEpatents

Bates, John B.

1994-01-01

A battery structure including a cathode, a lithium metal anode and an electrolyte disposed between the lithium anode and the cathode utilizes a thin-film layer of lithium phosphorus oxynitride overlying so as to coat the lithium anode and thereby separate the lithium anode from the electrolyte. If desired, a preliminary layer of lithium nitride may be coated upon the lithium anode before the lithium phosphorous oxynitride is, in turn, coated upon the lithium anode so that the separation of the anode and the electrolyte is further enhanced. By coating the lithium anode with this material lay-up, the life of the battery is lengthened and the performance of the battery is enhanced.

Structure, function and translational relevance of aquaporin dual water and ion channels.

PubMed

Yool, Andrea J; Campbell, Ewan M

2012-01-01

Aquaporins have been assumed to be selective for water alone, and aquaglyceroporins are accepted as carrying water and small uncharged solutes including glycerol. This review presents an expanded view of aquaporins as channels with more complex mechanisms of regulation and diverse repertoires of substrate permeabilities than were originally appreciated in the early establishment of the field. The role of aquaporins as dual water and gated ion channels is likely to have physiological and potentially translational relevance, and can be evaluated with newly developed molecular and pharmacological tools. Ion channel activity has been shown for Aquaporins -0, -1, and -6, Drosphila Big Brain, and plant Nodulin-26. Although the concept of ion channel function in aquaporins remains controversial, research advances are beginning to define not only the ion channel function but also the detailed molecular mechanisms that govern and mediate the multifunctional capabilities. With regard to physiological relevance, the adaptive benefit of expression of ion channel activity in aquaporins, implied by amino acid sequence conservation of the ion channel gating domains, suggests they provide more than water or glycerol and solute transport. Dual ion and water channels are of interest for understanding the modulation of transmembrane fluid gradients, volume regulation, and possible signal transduction in tissues expressing classes of aquaporins that have the dual function capability. Other aquaporin classes might be found in future work to have ion channel activities, pending identification of the possible signaling pathways that could govern activation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quantum and isotope effects in lithium metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ackland, Graeme J.; Dunuwille, Mihindra; Martinez-Canales, Miguel; Loa, Ingo; Zhang, Rong; Sinogeikin, Stanislav; Cai, Weizhao; Deemyad, Shanti

2017-06-01

The crystal structure of elements at zero pressure and temperature is the most fundamental information in condensed matter physics. For decades it has been believed that lithium, the simplest metallic element, has a complicated ground-state crystal structure. Using synchrotron x-ray diffraction in diamond anvil cells and multiscale simulations with density functional theory and molecular dynamics, we show that the previously accepted martensitic ground state is metastable. The actual ground state is face-centered cubic (fcc). We find that isotopes of lithium, under similar thermal paths, exhibit a considerable difference in martensitic transition temperature. Lithium exhibits nuclear quantum mechanical effects, serving as a metallic intermediate between helium, with its quantum effect-dominated structures, and the higher-mass elements. By disentangling the quantum kinetic complexities, we prove that fcc lithium is the ground state, and we synthesize it by decompression.

Lithium rich cathode/graphite anode combination for lithium ion cells with high tolerance to near zero volt storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crompton, K. R.; Staub, J. W.; Hladky, M. P.; Landi, B. J.

2017-03-01

Management of reversible lithium is an advantageous approach to design lithium ion cells that are tolerant to near zero volt (NZV) storage under fixed resistive load towards highly controllable, enhanced user-inactive safety. Presently, the first cycle loss from a high energy density Li-rich HE5050 cathode is used to provide excess reversible lithium when paired with an appropriately capacity matched mesocarbon microbead (MCMB) anode. Cells utilizing 1.2 M LiPF6 3:7 v/v ethylene carbonate:ethyl methyl carbonate electrolyte and a lithium reference were used for 3-electrode testing. After conditioning, a fixed resistive load was applied to 3-electrode cells for 72 or 168-h during which the anode potential and electrode asymptotic potential (EAP) remained less than the copper dissolution potential. After multiple storage cycles (room temperature or 40 °C), the NZV coulombic efficiency (cell reversibility) exceeded 97% and the discharge capacity retention was >98%. Conventional 2-electrode HE5050/MCMB pouch cells stored at NZV or open circuit for 3 days had nearly identical rate capability (up to 5C) and discharge performance stability (for 500 cycles under a 30% depth of discharge low-earth-orbit regime). Thus, lithium ion cells with appropriately capacity matched HE5050/MCMB electrodes have excellent tolerance to prolonged NZV storage, which can lead to enhanced user-inactive safety.

Agmatine enhances the antidepressant-like effect of lithium in mouse forced swimming test through NMDA pathway.

PubMed

Mohseni, Gholmreza; Ostadhadi, Sattar; Imran-Khan, Muhammad; Norouzi-Javidan, Abbas; Zolfaghari, Samira; Haddadi, Nazgol-Sadat; Dehpour, Ahmad-Reza

2017-04-01

Depression is one the world leading global burdens leading to various comorbidities. Lithium as a mainstay in the treatment of depression is still considered gold standard treatment. Similar to lithium another agent agmatine has also central protective role against depression. Since, both agmatine and lithium modulate various effects through interaction with NMDA receptor, therefore, in current study we aimed to investigate the synergistic antidepressant-like effect of agmatine with lithium in mouse force swimming test. Also to know whether if such effect is due to interaction with NMDA receptor. In our present study we found that when potent dose of lithium (30mg/kg) was administered, it significantly decreased the immobility time. Also, when subeffective dose of agmatine (0.01mg/kg) was coadministered with subeffective dose of lithium (3mg/kg), it potentiated the antidepressant-like effect of subeffective dose of lithium. For the involvement of NMDA receptor in such effect, we administered NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 (0.05mg/kg) with a combination of subeffective dose of lithium (3mg/kg) and agmatine (0.001mg/kg). A significant antidepressant-like effect was observed. Furthermore, when subeffective dose (50 and 75mg/kg) of NMDA was given it inhibited the synergistic effect of agmatine (0.01mg/kg) with lithium (3mg/kg). Hence, our finding demonstrate that agmatine have synergistic effect with lithium which is mediated by NMDA receptor pathway. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Lithium in drinking water and suicide mortality: interplay with lithium prescriptions

PubMed Central

Helbich, Marco; Leitner, Michael; Kapusta, Nestor D.

2015-01-01

Background Little is known about the effects of lithium intake through drinking water on suicide. This intake originates either from natural rock and soil elution and/or accumulation of lithium-based pharmaceuticals in ground water. Aims To examine the interplay between natural lithium in drinking water, prescribed lithium-based pharmaceuticals and suicide in Austria. Method Spatial Bayesian regressions for males, females and pooled suicide mortality rates were estimated. Results Although the expected inverse association between lithium levels in drinking water and suicide mortality was confirmed for males and for total suicide rates, the relationship for females was not significant. The models do not indicate that lithium from prescriptions, assumed to accumulate in drinking water, is related to suicide risk patterns either as an individual effect or as a moderator of lithium levels in drinking water. Gender-specific differences in risk factors and local risk hot spots are confirmed. Conclusions The findings do not support the hypotheses that lithium prescriptions have measureable protective effects on suicide or that they interact with lithium in drinking water. PMID:25953888

Lithium in drinking water and suicide mortality: interplay with lithium prescriptions.

PubMed

Helbich, Marco; Leitner, Michael; Kapusta, Nestor D

2015-07-01

Little is known about the effects of lithium intake through drinking water on suicide. This intake originates either from natural rock and soil elution and/or accumulation of lithium-based pharmaceuticals in ground water. To examine the interplay between natural lithium in drinking water, prescribed lithium-based pharmaceuticals and suicide in Austria. Spatial Bayesian regressions for males, females and pooled suicide mortality rates were estimated. Although the expected inverse association between lithium levels in drinking water and suicide mortality was confirmed for males and for total suicide rates, the relationship for females was not significant. The models do not indicate that lithium from prescriptions, assumed to accumulate in drinking water, is related to suicide risk patterns either as an individual effect or as a moderator of lithium levels in drinking water. Gender-specific differences in risk factors and local risk hot spots are confirmed. The findings do not support the hypotheses that lithium prescriptions have measureable protective effects on suicide or that they interact with lithium in drinking water. © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2015.

Development of lithium powder based anode with conductive carbon materials for lithium batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Man Su

Current lithium ion battery with a graphite anode shows stable cycle performance and safety. However, the lithium ion battery still has the limitation of having a low energy density caused by the application of lithium intercalated cathode and anode with low energy density. The combination of high capacity non-lithiated cathode such as sulfur and carbon and lithium metal anode has been researched for a long time to maximize battery's energy density. However, this cell design also has a lot of technical challenges to be solved. Among the challenges, lithium anode's problem related to lithium dendrite growth causing internal short and low cycling efficiency is very serious. Thus, extensive research on lithium metal anode has been performed to solve the lithium dendrite problem and a major part of the research has been focused on the control of the interface between lithium and electrolyte. However, research on lithium anode design itself has not been much conducted. In this research, innovative lithium anode design for less dendrite growth and higher cycling efficiency was suggested. Literature review for the lithium dendrite growth mechanism was conducted in Chapter 2 to develop electrode design concept and the importance of the current density on lithium dendrite growth was also found in the literatures. The preliminary test was conducted to verify the developed electrode concept by using lithium powder based anode (LIP) with conductive carbon materials and the results showed that lithium dendrite growth could be suppressed in this electrode design due to its increased electrochemical surface area and lithium deposition sites during lithium deposition. The electrode design suggested in Chapter 2 was extensively studied in Chapter 3 in terms of lithium dendrite growth morphology, lithium cycling efficiency and full cell cycling performance. This electrode concept was further developed to maximize the electrode's performance and safety in Chapter 4. In this new

Nanoscience and nanotechnology in next generation lithium batteries*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunn, Bruce; Liu, Ping; Meng, Shirley

2013-10-01

Lithium ion batteries have enabled the portable electronics revolution that changed how we communicate and share information. They have also started to penetrate the vehicle electrification and grid storage markets, two applications that are at the core of a sustainable future. In the pursuit of higher energy densities, lower costs, and longer life, nanotechnology is regularly employed to create new materials and processes in order to achieve these goals. A wonderful example is the commercialization of the lithium iron phosphate cathode which functions as a high power material only in a nanophase form, clearly demonstrating the benefit of nanotechnology. Materials engineered at the nanoscale are expected to offer a suite of advantages: high power densities are enabled by much reduced solid-state diffusion distance; high surface area reduces the effective current density; and new material structures and compositions are stabilized by nanostructuring, leading to new charge storage mechanisms. On the other hand, the use of nanomaterials in lithium ion batteries raises significant technological challenges. Thermodynamically unstable electrode/electrolyte interfaces combined with the high surface area of nanomaterials magnify the side reactions leading to performance losses. In addition electrically connecting large amounts of nanoparticles requires the use of large amounts of conducting diluents. Nanomaterials also tend to have low tap densities and are often more expensive to produce. In order for lithium ion batteries to meet the performance and cost requirements for vehicle electrification and grid storage, they increasingly employ electrode materials with challenging reaction kinetics, such as limited ionic and electronic conductivities and complex multiphase processes. By understanding nanoscale processes and using this understanding to extend the spatial scale over which battery design can be implemented, nanotechnology is expected to play an increasingly

Ultrafast fluxional exchange dynamics in electrolyte solvation sheath of lithium ion battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kyung-Koo; Park, Kwanghee; Lee, Hochan; Noh, Yohan; Kossowska, Dorota; Kwak, Kyungwon; Cho, Minhaeng

2017-03-01

Lithium cation is the charge carrier in lithium-ion battery. Electrolyte solution in lithium-ion battery is usually based on mixed solvents consisting of polar carbonates with different aliphatic chains. Despite various experimental evidences indicating that lithium ion forms a rigid and stable solvation sheath through electrostatic interactions with polar carbonates, both the lithium solvation structure and more importantly fluctuation dynamics and functional role of carbonate solvent molecules have not been fully elucidated yet with femtosecond vibrational spectroscopic methods. Here we investigate the ultrafast carbonate solvent exchange dynamics around lithium ions in electrolyte solutions with coherent two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy and find that the time constants of the formation and dissociation of lithium-ion...carbonate complex in solvation sheaths are on a picosecond timescale. We anticipate that such ultrafast microscopic fluxional processes in lithium-solvent complexes could provide an important clue to understanding macroscopic mobility of lithium cation in lithium-ion battery on a molecular level.

Ultrafast fluxional exchange dynamics in electrolyte solvation sheath of lithium ion battery

PubMed Central

Lee, Kyung-Koo; Park, Kwanghee; Lee, Hochan; Noh, Yohan; Kossowska, Dorota; Kwak, Kyungwon; Cho, Minhaeng

2017-01-01

Lithium cation is the charge carrier in lithium-ion battery. Electrolyte solution in lithium-ion battery is usually based on mixed solvents consisting of polar carbonates with different aliphatic chains. Despite various experimental evidences indicating that lithium ion forms a rigid and stable solvation sheath through electrostatic interactions with polar carbonates, both the lithium solvation structure and more importantly fluctuation dynamics and functional role of carbonate solvent molecules have not been fully elucidated yet with femtosecond vibrational spectroscopic methods. Here we investigate the ultrafast carbonate solvent exchange dynamics around lithium ions in electrolyte solutions with coherent two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy and find that the time constants of the formation and dissociation of lithium-ion···carbonate complex in solvation sheaths are on a picosecond timescale. We anticipate that such ultrafast microscopic fluxional processes in lithium-solvent complexes could provide an important clue to understanding macroscopic mobility of lithium cation in lithium-ion battery on a molecular level. PMID:28272396

Ultrafast fluxional exchange dynamics in electrolyte solvation sheath of lithium ion battery.

PubMed

Lee, Kyung-Koo; Park, Kwanghee; Lee, Hochan; Noh, Yohan; Kossowska, Dorota; Kwak, Kyungwon; Cho, Minhaeng

2017-03-08

Lithium cation is the charge carrier in lithium-ion battery. Electrolyte solution in lithium-ion battery is usually based on mixed solvents consisting of polar carbonates with different aliphatic chains. Despite various experimental evidences indicating that lithium ion forms a rigid and stable solvation sheath through electrostatic interactions with polar carbonates, both the lithium solvation structure and more importantly fluctuation dynamics and functional role of carbonate solvent molecules have not been fully elucidated yet with femtosecond vibrational spectroscopic methods. Here we investigate the ultrafast carbonate solvent exchange dynamics around lithium ions in electrolyte solutions with coherent two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy and find that the time constants of the formation and dissociation of lithium-ion···carbonate complex in solvation sheaths are on a picosecond timescale. We anticipate that such ultrafast microscopic fluxional processes in lithium-solvent complexes could provide an important clue to understanding macroscopic mobility of lithium cation in lithium-ion battery on a molecular level.

Taste aversion learning produced by combined treatment with subthreshold radiation and lithium chloride

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rabin, B.M.; Hunt, W.A.; Lee, J.

1987-08-01

These experiments were designed to determine whether treatment with two subthreshold doses of radiation or lithium chloride, either alone or in combination, could lead to taste aversion learning. The first experiment determined the thresholds for a radiation-induced taste aversion at 15-20 rad and for lithium chloride at 0.30-0.45 mEq/kg. In the second experiment it was shown that exposing rats to two doses of 15 rad separated by up to 3 hr produced a taste aversion. Treatment with two injections of lithium chloride (0.30 mEq/kg) did not produce a significant reduction in preference. Combined treatment with radiation and lithium chloride didmore » produce a taste aversion when the two treatments were administered within 1 hr of each other. The results are discussed in terms of the implications of these findings for understanding the nature of the unconditioned stimuli leading to the acquisition of a conditioned taste aversion.« less

Taste aversion learning produced by combined treatment with subthreshold radiation and lithium chloride.

PubMed

Rabin, B M; Hunt, W A; Lee, J

1987-08-01

These experiments were designed to determine whether treatment with two subthreshold doses of radiation or lithium chloride, either alone or in combination, could lead to taste aversion learning. The first experiment determined the thresholds for a radiation-induced taste aversion at 15-20 rad and for lithium chloride at 0.30-0.45 mEq/kg. In the second experiment it was shown that exposing rats to two doses of 15 rad separated by up to 3 hr produced a taste aversion. Treatment with two injections of lithium chloride (0.30 mEq/kg) did not produce a significant reduction in preference. Combined treatment with radiation and lithium chloride did produce a taste aversion when the two treatments were administered within 1 hr of each other. The results are discussed in terms of the implications of these findings for understanding the nature of the unconditioned stimuli leading to the acquisition of a conditioned taste aversion.

The Theory of Propellers I : Determination of the Circulation Function and the Mass Coefficient for Dual-Rotating Propellers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Theodorsen, Theodore

1944-01-01

Values of the circulation function have been obtained for dual-rotating propellers. Numerical values are given for four, eight, and twelve-blade dual-rotating propellers and for advance ratios from 2 to about 6. In addition, the circulation function has been determine for single-rotating propellers for the higher values of the advance ratio. The mass coefficient, another quantity of significance in propeller theory, has been introduced.

Leads Detection Using Mixture Statistical Distribution Based CRF Algorithm from Sentinel-1 Dual Polarization SAR Imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yu; Li, Fei; Zhang, Shengkai; Zhu, Tingting

2017-04-01

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is significantly important for polar remote sensing since it can provide continuous observations in all days and all weather. SAR can be used for extracting the surface roughness information characterized by the variance of dielectric properties and different polarization channels, which make it possible to observe different ice types and surface structure for deformation analysis. In November, 2016, Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE) 33rd cruise has set sails in sea ice zone in Antarctic. Accurate leads spatial distribution in sea ice zone for routine planning of ship navigation is essential. In this study, the semantic relationship between leads and sea ice categories has been described by the Conditional Random Fields (CRF) model, and leads characteristics have been modeled by statistical distributions in SAR imagery. In the proposed algorithm, a mixture statistical distribution based CRF is developed by considering the contexture information and the statistical characteristics of sea ice for improving leads detection in Sentinel-1A dual polarization SAR imagery. The unary potential and pairwise potential in CRF model is constructed by integrating the posteriori probability estimated from statistical distributions. For mixture statistical distribution parameter estimation, Method of Logarithmic Cumulants (MoLC) is exploited for single statistical distribution parameters estimation. The iteration based Expectation Maximal (EM) algorithm is investigated to calculate the parameters in mixture statistical distribution based CRF model. In the posteriori probability inference, graph-cut energy minimization method is adopted in the initial leads detection. The post-processing procedures including aspect ratio constrain and spatial smoothing approaches are utilized to improve the visual result. The proposed method is validated on Sentinel-1A SAR C-band Extra Wide Swath (EW) Ground Range Detected (GRD) imagery with a

Molecular mechanisms in lithium-associated renal disease: a systematic review.

PubMed

Rej, Soham; Pira, Shamira; Marshe, Victoria; Do, André; Elie, Dominique; Looper, Karl J; Herrmann, Nathan; Müller, Daniel J

2016-11-01

Lithium is an essential treatment in bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant depression; however, its use has been limited by concerns regarding its renal adverse effects. An improved understanding of potential molecular mechanisms can help develop prevention and treatment strategies for lithium-associated renal disease. We conducted a systematic literature search using MEDLINE, Embase, and PsychINFO including English-language original research articles published prior to November 2015 that specifically investigated lithium's effects on nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), using molecular markers. From a total of 3510 records, 71 pre-clinical studies and two relevant clinical studies were identified. Molecular alterations were reported in calcium signaling, inositol monophosphate, extracellular-regulated, prostaglandin, sodium/solute transport, G-protein-coupled receptors, nitric oxide, vasopressin/aquaporin, and inflammation-related pathways in lithium-associated renal disease. The majority of studies found that these mechanisms were implicated in NDI, while few studies had examined CKD. Future studies will have to focus on (1) validating the present findings in human subjects and (2) examining CKD, which is the most clinically relevant lithium-associated renal effect. This will improve our understanding of lithium's biological effects, as well as inform a personalized medicine approach, which could lead to safer lithium prescribing and less renal adverse events.

Titanium nitride formation by a dual-stage femtosecond laser process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammouti, S.; Holybee, B.; Zhu, W.; Allain, J. P.; Jurczyk, B.; Ruzic, D. N.

2018-06-01

Formation of TiN by femtosecond laser processing in controlled gas atmosphere is reported. A dual-stage process was designed and aimed to first remove and restructure the native oxide layer of titanium surface through laser irradiation under an argon-controlled atmosphere, and then to maximize titanium nitride formation through an irradiation under a nitrogen reactive environment. An extensive XPS study was performed to identify and quantify laser-induced titanium surface chemistry modifications after a single-stage laser process (Ar and N2 individually), and a dual-stage laser process. The importance of each step that composes the dual-stage laser process was demonstrated and leads to the dual-stage laser process for the formation of TiO, Ti2O3 and TiN. In this study, the largest nitride formation occurs for the dual stage process with laser conditions at 4 W/1.3 J cm-2 under argon and 5 W/1.6 J cm-2 under nitrogen, yielding a total TiN composition of 8.9%. Characterization of both single-stage and dual-stage laser process-induced surface morphologies has been performed as well, leading to the observation of a wide range of hierarchical surface structures such as high-frequency ripples, grooves, protuberances and pillow-like patterns. Finally, water wettability was assessed by means of contact angle measurements on untreated titanium surface, and titanium surfaces resulting from either single-stage laser process or dual-stage laser process. Dual-stage laser process allows a transition of titanium surface, from phobic (93°) to philic (35°), making accessible both hydrophilic and chemically functionalized hierarchical surfaces.

Lithium

MedlinePlus

Lithium is used to treat and prevent episodes of mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood) in people with ... depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Lithium is in a class of medications called antimanic ...

Dual number algebra method for Green's function derivatives in 3D magneto-electro-elasticity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dziatkiewicz, Grzegorz

2018-01-01

The Green functions are the basic elements of the boundary element method. To obtain the boundary integral formulation the Green function and its derivative should be known for the considered differential operator. Today the interesting group of materials are electronic composites. The special case of the electronic composite is the magnetoelectroelastic continuum. The mentioned continuum is a model of the piezoelectric-piezomagnetic composites. The anisotropy of their physical properties makes the problem of Green's function determination very difficult. For that reason Green's functions for the magnetoelectroelastic continuum are not known in the closed form and numerical methods should be applied to determine such Green's functions. These means that the problem of the accurate and simply determination of Green's function derivatives is even harder. Therefore in the present work the dual number algebra method is applied to calculate numerically the derivatives of 3D Green's functions for the magnetoelectroelastic materials. The introduced method is independent on the step size and it can be treated as a special case of the automatic differentiation method. Therefore, the dual number algebra method can be applied as a tool for checking the accuracy of the well-known finite difference schemes.

Modeling Shock Train Leading Edge Detection in Dual-Mode Scramjets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ladeinde, Foluso; Lou, Zhipeng; Li, Wenhai

2016-11-01

The objective of this study is to accurately model the detection of shock train leading edge (STLE) in dual-mode scramjet (DMSJ) engines intended for hypersonic flight in air-breathing propulsion systems. The associated vehicles have applications in military warfare and intelligence, and there is commercial interest as well. Shock trains are of interest because they play a significant role in the inability of a DMSJ engine to develop the required propulsive force. The experimental approach to STLE detection has received some attention; as have numerical calculations. However, virtually all of the numerical work focus on mechanically- (i.e., pressure-) generated shock trains, which are much easier to model relative to the phenomenon in the real system where the shock trains are generated by combustion. A focus on combustion, as in the present studies, enables the investigation of the effects of equivalence ratio, which, together with the Mach number, constitutes an important parameter determining mode transition. The various numerical approaches implemented in our work will be reported, with result comparisons to experimental data. The development of an STLE detection procedure in an a priori manner will also be discussed.

Adhesion and Early Colonization of S. Mutans on Lithium Disilicate Reinforced Glass-Ceramics, Monolithic Zirconia and Dual Cure Resin Cement.

PubMed

Viitaniemi, L; Abdulmajeed, A; Sulaiman, T; Söderling, E; Närhi, T

2017-12-01

Monolithic zirconia and glass ceramics are increasingly used in implant crowns. Limited data is available on bacterial adhesion and early biofilm formation on these materials. Four different materials were investigated: (1) Lithium disilicate glass-ceramics (LDS), (2) Fully stabilized zirconia (FSZ), (3) Partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ), and (4) Dual curing cement (DCC). The materials' surfaces were characterized with spinning disc confocal microscopy and by water contact angle and surface free energy (SFE) measurements. For the adhesion tests the materials were rolled in suspensions of Streptococcus mutans. Early biofilm formation was studied on the materials and allowing the biofilms to form for 24 h. S. mutans cell counts were determined by plate culturing. ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's tests (p⟨0.05) were used for statistical evaluation. The LDS surfaces were clearly hydrophilic with the highest SFE value (p⟨0.001). For S. mutans adhesion, the ranking of the materials from lowest to highest was: LDS = FSZ ⟨ DCC ⟨ PSZ (p⟨0.05). No significant differences among the materials were noticed in biofilm formation. LDS has lower S.mutans adhesion than other materials examined in this study, but the difference was not reflected in early biofilm formation. Copyright© 2017 Dennis Barber Ltd.

Lithium

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ober, J.

1998-01-01

The lithium industry can be divided into two sectors: ore concentrate producers and chemical producers. Ore concentrate producers mine lithium minerals. They beneficiate the ores to produce material for use in ceramics and glass manufacturing.

Lithium use in batteries

USGS Publications Warehouse

Goonan, Thomas G.

2012-01-01

Lithium has a number of uses but one of the most valuable is as a component of high energy-density rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Because of concerns over carbon dioxide footprint and increasing hydrocarbon fuel cost (reduced supply), lithium may become even more important in large batteries for powering all-electric and hybrid vehicles. It would take 1.4 to 3.0 kilograms of lithium equivalent (7.5 to 16.0 kilograms of lithium carbonate) to support a 40-mile trip in an electric vehicle before requiring recharge. This could create a large demand for lithium. Estimates of future lithium demand vary, based on numerous variables. Some of those variables include the potential for recycling, widespread public acceptance of electric vehicles, or the possibility of incentives for converting to lithium-ion-powered engines. Increased electric usage could cause electricity prices to increase. Because of reduced demand, hydrocarbon fuel prices would likely decrease, making hydrocarbon fuel more desirable. In 2009, 13 percent of worldwide lithium reserves, expressed in terms of contained lithium, were reported to be within hard rock mineral deposits, and 87 percent, within brine deposits. Most of the lithium recovered from brine came from Chile, with smaller amounts from China, Argentina, and the United States. Chile also has lithium mineral reserves, as does Australia. Another source of lithium is from recycled batteries. When lithium-ion batteries begin to power vehicles, it is expected that battery recycling rates will increase because vehicle battery recycling systems can be used to produce new lithium-ion batteries.

Age-Related Differences in Reorganization of Functional Connectivity for a Dual Task with Increasing Postural Destabilization

PubMed Central

Huang, Cheng-Ya; Lin, Linda L.; Hwang, Ing-Shiou

2017-01-01

The aged brain may not make good use of central resources, so dual task performance may be degraded. From the brain connectome perspective, this study investigated dual task deficits of older adults that lead to task failure of a suprapostural motor task with increasing postural destabilization. Twelve younger (mean age: 25.3 years) and 12 older (mean age: 65.8 years) adults executed a designated force-matching task from a level-surface or a stabilometer board. Force-matching error, stance sway, and event-related potential (ERP) in the preparatory period were measured. The force-matching accuracy and the size of postural sway of the older adults tended to be more vulnerable to stance configuration than that of the young adults, although both groups consistently showed greater attentional investment on the postural task as sway regularity increased in the stabilometer condition. In terms of the synchronization likelihood (SL) of the ERP, both younger and older adults had net increases in the strengths of the functional connectivity in the whole brain and in the fronto-sensorimotor network in the stabilometer condition. Also, the SL in the fronto-sensorimotor network of the older adults was greater than that of the young adults for both stance conditions. However, unlike the young adults, the older adults did not exhibit concurrent deactivation of the functional connectivity of the left temporal-parietal-occipital network for postural-suprapostural task with increasing postural load. In addition, the older adults potentiated functional connectivity of the right prefrontal area to cope with concurrent force-matching with increasing postural load. In conclusion, despite a universal negative effect on brain volume conduction, our preliminary results showed that the older adults were still capable of increasing allocation of neural sources, particularly via compensatory recruitment of the right prefrontal loop, for concurrent force-matching under the challenging postural

Hybrid ultrasound and dual-wavelength optoacoustic biomicroscopy for functional neuroimaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rebling, Johannes; Estrada, Hector; Zwack, Michael; Sela, Gali; Gottschalk, Sven; Razansky, Daniel

2017-03-01

Many neurological disorders are linked to abnormal activation or pathological alterations of the vasculature in the affected brain region. Obtaining simultaneous morphological and physiological information of neurovasculature is very challenging due to the acoustic distortions and intense light scattering by the skull and brain. In addition, the size of cerebral vasculature in murine brains spans an extended range from just a few microns up to about a millimeter, all to be recorded in 3D and over an area of several dozens of mm2. Numerous imaging techniques exist that excel at characterizing certain aspects of this complex network but are only capable of providing information on a limited spatiotemporal scale. We present a hybrid ultrasound and dual-wavelength optoacoustic microscope, capable of rapid imaging of murine neurovasculature in-vivo, with high spatial resolution down to 12 μm over a large field of view exceeding 50mm2. The dual wavelength imaging capability allows for the visualization of functional blood parameters through an intact skull while pulse-echo ultrasound biomicroscopy images are captured simultaneously by the same scan head. The flexible hybrid design in combination with fast high-resolution imaging in 3D holds promise for generating better insights into the architecture and function of the neurovascular system.

Electrolytic method for the production of lithium using a lithium-amalgam electrode

DOEpatents

Cooper, John F.; Krikorian, Oscar H.; Homsy, Robert V.

1979-01-01

A method for recovering lithium from its molten amalgam by electrolysis of the amalgam in an electrolytic cell containing as a molten electrolyte a fused-salt consisting essentially of a mixture of two or more alkali metal halides, preferably alkali metal halides selected from lithium iodide, lithium chloride, potassium iodide and potassium chloride. A particularly suitable molten electrolyte is a fused-salt consisting essentially of a mixture of at least three components obtained by modifying an eutectic mixture of LiI-KI by the addition of a minor amount of one or more alkali metal halides. The lithium-amalgam fused-salt cell may be used in an electrolytic system for recovering lithium from an aqueous solution of a lithium compound, wherein electrolysis of the aqueous solution in an aqueous cell in the presence of a mercury cathode produces a lithium amalgam. The present method is particularly useful for the regeneration of lithium from the aqueous reaction products of a lithium-water-air battery.

Error analysis and new dual-cosine window for estimating the sensor frequency response function from the step response data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Shuang-Long; Liang, Li-Ping; Liu, Hou-De; Xu, Ke-Jun

2018-03-01

Aiming at reducing the estimation error of the sensor frequency response function (FRF) estimated by the commonly used window-based spectral estimation method, the error models of interpolation and transient errors are derived in the form of non-parameter models. Accordingly, window effects on the errors are analyzed and reveal that the commonly used hanning window leads to smaller interpolation error which can also be significantly eliminated by the cubic spline interpolation method when estimating the FRF from the step response data, and window with smaller front-end value can restrain more transient error. Thus, a new dual-cosine window with its non-zero discrete Fourier transform bins at -3, -1, 0, 1, and 3 is constructed for FRF estimation. Compared with the hanning window, the new dual-cosine window has the equivalent interpolation error suppression capability and better transient error suppression capability when estimating the FRF from the step response; specifically, it reduces the asymptotic property of the transient error from O(N-2) of the hanning window method to O(N-4) while only increases the uncertainty slightly (about 0.4 dB). Then, one direction of a wind tunnel strain gauge balance which is a high order, small damping, and non-minimum phase system is employed as the example for verifying the new dual-cosine window-based spectral estimation method. The model simulation result shows that the new dual-cosine window method is better than the hanning window method for FRF estimation, and compared with the Gans method and LPM method, it has the advantages of simple computation, less time consumption, and short data requirement; the actual data calculation result of the balance FRF is consistent to the simulation result. Thus, the new dual-cosine window is effective and practical for FRF estimation.

Nitrile functionalized disiloxanes with dissolved LiTFSI as lithium ion electrolytes with high thermal and electrochemical stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pohl, Benjamin; Hiller, Martin M.; Seidel, Sarah M.; Grünebaum, Mariano; Wiemhöfer, Hans-Dieter

2015-01-01

Liquid disiloxanes functionalized with terminal nitrile groups are introduced as alternative non-volatile solvents for lithium-ion battery electrolytes in combination with LiTFSI as lithium salt. Two series of disiloxanes were investigated differing with respect to the attachment of the nitrile containing side group to silicon, i.e. via a Si-C or a Si-O bond. Total conductivities up to 1 mS cm-1 at 30 °C were measured by impedance spectroscopy. Electrochemical characterization was done on half cells using LiFePO4 cathodes by cyclic voltammetry and constant current cycling. Attractive issues and advantages of the investigated LiTFSI containing disiloxanes in comparison to current electrolyte solvents are: a) In spite of the presence of LiTFSI, the aluminum pitting corrosion is suppressed, b) the electrochemical stability window is extended on the cathode side up to 5.6 V vs. Li/Li+, for a LiTFSI concentration of 0.7 mol kg-1, c) the reported nitrile functionalized disiloxanes show excellent thermal stability with a boiling point up to 106 °C (0.1 mbar), a rather low glass transition temperature of -107 °C, while no melting/crystallization was observed.

Monitoring of patients treated with lithium for bipolar disorder: an international survey.

PubMed

Nederlof, M; Heerdink, E R; Egberts, A C G; Wilting, I; Stoker, L J; Hoekstra, R; Kupka, R W

2018-04-14

Adequate monitoring of patients using lithium is needed for optimal dosing and for early identification of patients with (potential) ADEs. The objective was to internationally assess how health care professionals monitor patients treated with lithium for bipolar disorder. Using networks of various professional organizations, an anonymous online survey was conducted among health care professionals prescribing lithium. Target lithium serum levels and frequency of monitoring was assessed together with monitoring of physical and laboratory parameters. Reasons to and not to monitor and use of guidelines and institutional protocols, and local monitoring systems were investigated. The survey was completed by 117 health care professionals incorporating responses from twenty-four countries. All prescribers reported to monitor lithium serum levels on a regular basis, with varying target ranges. Almost all (> 97%) monitored thyroid and renal function before start and during maintenance treatment. Reported monitoring of other laboratory and physical parameters was variable. The majority of respondents (74%) used guidelines or institutional protocols for monitoring. In general, the prescriber was responsible for monitoring, had to request every monitoring parameter separately and only a minority of patients was automatically invited. Lithium serum levels, renal and thyroid function were monitored by (almost) all physicians. However, there was considerable variation in other monitoring parameters. Our results help to understand why prescribers of lithium monitor patients and what their main reasons are not to monitor patients using lithium.

Smart battery controller for lithium sulfur dioxide batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atwater, Terrill; Bard, Arnold; Testa, Bruce; Shader, William

1992-08-01

Each year, the U.S. Army purchases millions of lithium sulfur dioxide batteries for use in portable electronics equipment. Because of their superior rate capability and service life over a wide variety of conditions, lithium batteries are the power source of choice for military equipment. There is no convenient method of determining the available energy remaining in partially used lithium batteries; hence, users do not take full advantage of all the available battery energy. Currently, users replace batteries before each mission, which leads to premature disposal, and results in the waste of millions of dollars in battery energy every year. Another problem of the lithium battery is that it is necessary to ensure complete discharge of the cells when the useful life of the battery has been expended, or when a hazardous condition exists; a hazardous condition may result in one or more of the cells venting. The Electronics Technology and Devices Laboratory has developed a working prototype of a smart battery controller (SBC) that addresses these problems.

Nadolol for lithium tremor in the presence of liver damage.

PubMed

Dave, M; Langbart, M M

1994-03-01

Lithium-induced tremor classically responds to treatment with propranolol. Since it is metabolized in the liver, propranolol may not be the drug of choice in those patients who have compromised liver function or who are recovering from prior liver diseases. Another nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker, nadolol, has no hepatic biotransformation. We present here the first case report of successful treatment of lithium-induced tremor with nadolol, which was selected because the patient had compromised liver function. The patient's liver function tests remained stable with the therapy.

High performance discharges in the Lithium Tokamak eXperiment with liquid lithium walls

DOE PAGES

Schmitt, J. C.; Bell, R. E.; Boyle, D. P.; ...

2015-05-15

The first-ever successful operation of a tokamak with a large area (40% of the total plasma surface area) liquid lithium wall has been achieved in the Lithium Tokamak eXperiment (LTX). These results were obtained with a new, electron beam-based lithium evaporation system, which can deposit a lithium coating on the limiting wall of LTX in a five-minute period. Preliminary analyses of diamagnetic and other data for discharges operated with a liquid lithium wall indicate that confinement times increased by 10 x compared to discharges with helium-dispersed solid lithium coatings. Ohmic energy confinement times with fresh lithium walls, solid and liquid,more » exceed several relevant empirical scaling expressions. Spectroscopic analysis of the discharges indicates that oxygen levels in the discharges limited on liquid lithium walls were significantly reduced compared to discharges limited on solid lithium walls. Finally, Tokamak operations with a full liquid lithium wall (85% of the total plasma surface area) have recently started.« less

Novel nanodisperse composite cathode for rechargeable lithium/polymer batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Striebel, K.A.; Wen, S.J.; Ghantous, D.I.

1997-05-01

A novel approach to the design of a composite positive electrode for lithium/polymer cells based on a polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymer, manganese (II), and lithium hydroxide has been discovered. A chemical reaction leading to a stable suspension occurs when the precursor salts are added directly to a polymer solution. The electrode film is cast directly and then vacuum-dried with no calcination step. The film is amorphous as-prepared and has been named the nanodisperse composite cathode, or NCC. Film characterization with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicates that the Mn (II) has been oxidized to Mn (IV), whichmore » forms a complex with the PEO. This leads to highly disperse Mn sites within the polymer matrix and highly mobile Li ions within the PEO. Cells have been assembled with NCC films, PEO-LiN(SO{sub 2}CF{sub 3}){sub 2} electrolyte and lithium metal, and cycled at 85 to 105 C at current densities of 0.2 mA/cm{sup 2} between the voltage limits of 3.5 and 2.0 V. Discharge capacities as high as 340 mAh/g-cathode film have been achieved on the first half-cycle. The discharge capacity declines consistently during a formation process to steady values as high as 50 mAh/g-cathode. This cathode capacity is equivalent to an active material capacity of 150 mAh/g in a composite cathode at a loading of 30 weight percent. The synthesis process for the NCC is simple, should be relatively easy to scale up, and should lead to an extremely useful composite cathode for a lithium polymer battery.« less

Establishing Dual Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence and Multi-Color Electrochromism in Functional Ionic Transition Metal Complexes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Puodziukynaite, Egle; Oberst, Justin L.; Dyer, Aubrey L.

A combination of electrochromism and electroluminescence in functional materials could lead to single-layer dual electrochromic/electroluminescent (EC/EL) display devices, capable of simultaneous operation in emissive and reflective modes. Whereas such next generation displays could provide optimal visibility in any ambient lighting situation, materials available that exhibit such characteristics in the active layer are limited due to the required intrinsic multifunctionality (i.e., redox activity, electroluminescence, electrochromism, and ion conductivity) and to date can only be achieved via the rational design of ionic transition-metal complexes. Reported herein is the synthesis and characterization of a new family of acrylate-containing ruthenium (tris)bipyridine-based coordination complexes withmore » multifunctional characteristics. Potential use of the presented compounds in EC/EL devices is established, as they are applied as cross-linked electrochromic films and electrochemiluminescent layers in light-emitting electrochemical cell devices. Electrochromic switching of the polymeric networks between yellow, orange, green, brown and transmissive states is demonstrated, and electrochemiluminescent devices based on the complexes synthesized show red-orange to deep red emission with λ{sub max} ranging from 680 to 722 nm and luminance up to 135 cd/m{sup 2}. Additionally, a dual EC/EL device prototype is presented where light emission and multicolor electrochromism occur from the same pixel comprised of a single active layer, demonstrating a true combination of these properties in ionic transition-metal complexes.« less

Walking in School-Aged Children in a Dual-Task Paradigm Is Related to Age But Not to Cognition, Motor Behavior, Injuries, or Psychosocial Functioning

PubMed Central

Hagmann-von Arx, Priska; Manicolo, Olivia; Lemola, Sakari; Grob, Alexander

2016-01-01

Age-dependent gait characteristics and associations with cognition, motor behavior, injuries, and psychosocial functioning were investigated in 138 typically developing children aged 6.7–13.2 years (M = 10.0 years). Gait velocity, normalized velocity, and variability were measured using the walkway system GAITRite without an additional task (single task) and while performing a motor or cognitive task (dual task). Assessment of children’s cognition included tests for intelligence and executive functions; parents reported on their child’s motor behavior, injuries, and psychosocial functioning. Gait variability (an index of gait regularity) decreased with increasing age in both single- and dual-task walking. Dual-task gait decrements were stronger when children walked in the motor compared to the cognitive dual-task condition and decreased with increasing age in both dual-task conditions. Gait alterations from single- to dual-task conditions were not related to children’s cognition, motor behavior, injuries, or psychosocial functioning. PMID:27014158

Walking and talking: an investigation of cognitive-motor dual tasking in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Hamilton, F; Rochester, L; Paul, L; Rafferty, D; O'Leary, C P; Evans, J J

2009-10-01

Deficits in motor functioning, including walking, and in cognitive functions, including attention, are known to be prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS), though little attention has been paid to how impairments in these areas of functioning interact. This study investigated the effects of performing a concurrent cognitive task when walking in people with MS. Level of task demand was manipulated to investigate whether this affected level of dual-task decrement. Eighteen participants with MS and 18 healthy controls took part. Participants completed walking and cognitive tasks under single- and dual-task conditions. Compared to healthy controls, MS participants showed greater decrements in performance under dual-task conditions in cognitive task performance, walking speed and swing time variability. In the MS group, the degree of decrement under dual-task conditions was related to levels of fatigue, a measure of general cognitive functioning and self-reported everyday cognitive errors, but not to measures of disease severity or duration. Difficulty with walking and talking in MS may be a result of a divided attention deficit or of overloading of the working memory system, and further investigation is needed. We suggest that difficulty with walking and talking in MS may lead to practical problems in everyday life, including potentially increasing the risk of falls. Clinical tools to assess cognitive-motor dual-tasking ability are needed.

Porous Silicon as Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thakur, Madhuri; Pernites, Roderick; Sinsabaugh, Steve L.; Wong, Michael S.; Biswal, Sibani L.

Lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous in our modern society, powering everything from cell phones, laptops, and power tools.They are also powering emerging applications such as electric vehicles and used for on-grid power stabilization. Lithium-ion batteries are a significant and growing part of this market due to their high specific energy. The worldwide market for lithium-ion batteries is projected to reach more than USD 9 billion by 2015. While lithium-ion batteries are often selected for their high specific energy, the market is demanding yet higher performance, usually in terms of energy stored per unit mass of battery. Many groups have recently turned their attention toward developing a silicon-based anode material to increase lithium-ion battery density. Silicon continues to draw great interest as an anode for lithium-ion batteries due to its large specific capacity as compared to the conventional graphite. Despite this exciting property, its practical use has been limited due to a large volume change associated with the insertion and extraction of lithium, which oftentimes leads to cracking and pulverization of the anode, limiting its cycle life. To overcome this problem, significant research has been focused toward developing various silicon nanostructures to accommodate the severe volume expansion and contraction. The structuring of the silicon often involves costly processing steps, limiting its application in price sensitive commercial lithium-ion batteries. To achieve commercial viability, work is being pursued on silicon battery anode structures and processes with a special emphasis on the cost and environment. In this review book chapter, we will summarize recent development of a cost-effective electrochemically etched porous silicon as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Briefly, the new approach involves creating hierarchical micron-and nanometer-sized pores on the surface of micron-sized silicon particulates, which are combined with an

Solid-state lithium battery

DOEpatents

Ihlefeld, Jon; Clem, Paul G; Edney, Cynthia; Ingersoll, David; Nagasubramanian, Ganesan; Fenton, Kyle Ross

2014-11-04

The present invention is directed to a higher power, thin film lithium-ion electrolyte on a metallic substrate, enabling mass-produced solid-state lithium batteries. High-temperature thermodynamic equilibrium processing enables co-firing of oxides and base metals, providing a means to integrate the crystalline, lithium-stable, fast lithium-ion conductor lanthanum lithium tantalate (La.sub.1/3-xLi.sub.3xTaO.sub.3) directly with a thin metal foil current collector appropriate for a lithium-free solid-state battery.

Neuroprotective effect of lithium after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in mice.

PubMed

Hong, Namgue; Choi, Yun-Sik; Kim, Seong Yun; Kim, Hee Jung

2017-01-01

Status epilepticus is the most common serious neurological condition triggered by abnormal electrical activity, leading to severe and widespread cell loss in the brain. Lithium has been one of the main drugs used for the treatment of bipolar disorder for decades, and its anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties have been described in several neurological disease models. However, the therapeutic mechanisms underlying lithium's actions remain poorly understood. The muscarinic receptor agonist pilocarpine is used to induce status epilepticus, which is followed by hippocampal damage. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of lithium post-treatment on seizure susceptibility and hippocampal neuropathological changes following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. Status epilepticus was induced by administration of pilocarpine hydrochloride (320 mg/kg, i.p.) in C57BL/6 mice at 8 weeks of age. Lithium (80 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 15 minutes after the pilocarpine injection. After the lithium injection, status epilepticus onset time and mortality were recorded. Lithium significantly delayed the onset time of status epilepticus and reduced mortality compared to the vehicle-treated group. Moreover, lithium effectively blocked pilocarpine-induced neuronal death in the hippocampus as estimated by cresyl violet and Fluoro-Jade B staining. However, lithium did not reduce glial activation following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. These results suggest that lithium has a neuroprotective effect and would be useful in the treatment of neurological disorders, in particular status epilepticus.

20 MHz/40 MHz dual element transducers for high frequency harmonic imaging.

PubMed

Kim, Hyung Ham; Cannata, Jonathan M; Liu, Ruibin; Chang, Jin Ho; Silverman, Ronald H; Shung, K Kirk

2008-12-01

Concentric annular type dual element transducers for second harmonic imaging at 20 MHz / 40 MHz were designed and fabricated to improve spatial resolution and depth of penetration for ophthalmic imaging applications. The outer ring element was designed to transmit the 20 MHz signal and the inner circular element was designed to receive the 40 MHz second harmonic signal. Lithium niobate (LiNbO(3)), with its low dielectric constant, was used as the piezoelectric material to achieve good electrical impedance matching. Double matching layers and conductive backing were used and optimized by KLM modeling to achieve high sensitivity and wide bandwidth for harmonic imaging and superior time-domain characteristics. Prototype transducers were fabricated and evaluated quantitatively and clinically. The average measured center frequency for the transmit ring element was 21 MHz and the one-way --3 dB bandwidth was greater than 50%. The 40 MHz receive element functioned at 31 MHz center frequency with acceptable bandwidth to receive attenuated and frequency downshifted harmonic signal. The lateral beam profile for the 20 MHz ring elements at the focus matched the Field II simulated results well, and the effect of outer ring diameter was also examined. Images of a posterior segment of an excised pig eye and a choroidal nevus of human eye were obtained both for single element and dual element transducers and compared to demonstrate the advantages of dual element harmonic imaging.

20 MHz/40 MHz Dual Element Transducers for High Frequency Harmonic Imaging

PubMed Central

Kim, Hyung Ham; Cannata, Jonathan M.; Liu, Ruibin; Chang, Jin Ho; Silverman, Ronald H.; Shung, K. Kirk

2009-01-01

Concentric annular type dual element transducers for second harmonic imaging at 20 MHz / 40 MHz were designed and fabricated to improve spatial resolution and depth of penetration for ophthalmic imaging applications. The outer ring element was designed to transmit the 20 MHz signal and the inner circular element was designed to receive the 40 MHz second harmonic signal. Lithium niobate (LiNbO3), with its low dielectric constant, was used as the piezoelectric material to achieve good electrical impedance matching. Double matching layers and conductive backing were used and optimized by KLM modeling to achieve high sensitivity and wide bandwidth for harmonic imaging and superior time-domain characteristics. Prototype transducers were fabricated and evaluated quantitatively and clinically. The average measured center frequency for the transmit ring element was 21 MHz and the one-way –3 dB bandwidth was greater than 50%. The 40 MHz receive element functioned at 31 MHz center frequency with acceptable bandwidth to receive attenuated and frequency downshifted harmonic signal. The lateral beam profile for the 20 MHz ring elements at the focus matched the Field II simulated results well, and the effect of outer ring diameter was also examined. Images of a posterior segment of an excised pig eye and a choroidal nevus of human eye were obtained both for single element and dual element transducers and compared to demonstrate the advantages of dual element harmonic imaging. PMID:19126492

Enhancing effects of chronic lithium on memory in the rat.

PubMed

Tsaltas, Eleftheria; Kontis, Dimitrios; Boulougouris, Vasileios; Papakosta, Vasiliki-Maria; Giannou, Haralambos; Poulopoulou, Cornelia; Soldatos, Constantine

2007-02-12

In spite of recent enrichment of neurochemical and behavioural data establishing a neuroprotective role for lithium, its primary effects on cognitive functioning remain ambiguous. This study examines chronic lithium effects on spatial working memory and long-term retention. In three discrete experiments, rats subjected to 30 daily intraperitoneal injections (2mmol/kg) of lithium (lithium groups: serum lithium=0.5+/-0.4mEq/l, 12h post-injection) or saline (controls) were trained in 0-s delay T-maze alternation and then tested in 30-, 45- and 60-s delay alternation (Experiments 1, 2, 3, respectively). Animals from Experiment 1 were further tested in one-trial step-through passive avoidance under mild shock parameters (0.5mA, 1s). Retention was assessed 6h later. Daily lithium or saline injections continued throughout behavioural testing. Lithium animals were indistinguishable from controls during 0-delay alternation baseline (Experiments 1-3, accuracy>88%) but showed significantly higher accuracy than controls at 30- and 45-s delays (93% versus 85% and 92% versus 82%, Experiments 1 and 2, respectively). At 60-s delay (Experiment 3) this beneficial effect of lithium was no longer apparent (lithium and control accuracy=78%). In Experiment 4, the shock used did not support 6-h passive avoidance retention in controls, whereas lithium animals showed significant step-through latency increases. Chronic lithium enhanced spatial working memory and promoted long-term retention of a weak aversive contingency. The results suggest that lithium may have potential as a cognitive enhancer.

Effects of dual-task training on balance and executive functions in Parkinson's disease: A pilot study.

PubMed

Fernandes, Ângela; Rocha, Nuno; Santos, Rubim; Tavares, João Manuel R S

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of cognitive-motor dual-task training compared with single-task training on balance and executive functions in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Fifteen subjects, aged between 39 and 75 years old, were randomly assigned to the dual-task training group (n = 8) and single-task training group (n = 7). The training was run twice a week for 6 weeks. The single-task group received balance training and the dual-task group performed cognitive tasks simultaneously with the balance training. There were no significant differences between the two groups at baseline. After the intervention, the results for mediolateral sway with eyes closed were significantly better for the dual-task group and anteroposterior sway with eyes closed was significantly better for the single-task group. The results suggest superior outcomes for the dual-task training compared to the single-task training for static postural control, except in anteroposterior sway with eyes closed.

Dual functionalized graphene oxide serves as a carrier for delivering oligohistidine- and biotin-tagged biomolecules into cells.

PubMed

Jana, Batakrishna; Mondal, Goutam; Biswas, Atanu; Chakraborty, Indrani; Saha, Abhijit; Kurkute, Prashant; Ghosh, Surajit

2013-11-01

A versatile method of dual chemical functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) with Tris-[nitrilotris(acetic acid)] (Tris-NTA) and biotin for cellular delivery of oligohistidine- and biotin-tagged biomolecules is reported. Orthogonally functionalized GO surfaces with Tris-NTA and biotin to obtain a dual-functionalized GO (DFGO) are prepared and characterized by various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Fluorescence microscopic images reveal that DFGO surfaces are capable of binding oligohistidine-tagged biomolecules/proteins and avidin/biotin-tagged biomolecules/proteins orthogonally. The DFGO nanoparticles are non-cytotoxic in nature and can deliver oligohistidine- and biotin-tagged biomolecules simultaneously into the cell. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Dual-function photonic integrated circuit for frequency octo-tupling or single-side-band modulation.

PubMed

Hasan, Mehedi; Maldonado-Basilio, Ramón; Hall, Trevor J

2015-06-01

A dual-function photonic integrated circuit for microwave photonic applications is proposed. The circuit consists of four linear electro-optic phase modulators connected optically in parallel within a generalized Mach-Zehnder interferometer architecture. The photonic circuit is arranged to have two separate output ports. A first port provides frequency up-conversion of a microwave signal from the electrical to the optical domain; equivalently single-side-band modulation. A second port provides tunable millimeter wave carriers by frequency octo-tupling of an appropriate amplitude RF carrier. The circuit exploits the intrinsic relative phases between the ports of multi-mode interference couplers to provide substantially all the static optical phases needed. The operation of the proposed dual-function photonic integrated circuit is verified by computer simulations. The performance of the frequency octo-tupling and up-conversion functions is analyzed in terms of the electrical signal to harmonic distortion ratio and the optical single side band to unwanted harmonics ratio, respectively.

High-throughput design and optimization of fast lithium ion conductors by the combination of bond-valence method and density functional theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Ruijuan; Li, Hong; Chen, Liquan

2015-09-01

Looking for solid state electrolytes with fast lithium ion conduction is an important prerequisite for developing all-solid-state lithium secondary batteries. By combining the simulation techniques in different levels of accuracy, e.g. the bond-valence (BV) method and the density functional theory (DFT), a high-throughput design and optimization scheme is proposed for searching fast lithium ion conductors as candidate solid state electrolytes for lithium rechargeable batteries. The screening from more than 1000 compounds is performed through BV-based method, and the ability to predict reliable tendency of the Li+ migration energy barriers is confirmed by comparing with the results from DFT calculations. β-Li3PS4 is taken as a model system to demonstrate the application of this combination method in optimizing properties of solid electrolytes. By employing the high-throughput DFT simulations to more than 200 structures of the doping derivatives of β-Li3PS4, the effects of doping on the ionic conductivities in this material are predicted by the BV calculations. The O-doping scheme is proposed as a promising way to improve the kinetic properties of this materials, and the validity of the optimization is proved by the first-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) simulations.

VUV/XUV measurements of impurity emission in plasmas with liquid lithium surfaces on LTX [VUV/XUV measurements of low recycling plasmas with liquid lithium surfaces on LTX

DOE PAGES

Tritz, Kevin; Bell, Ronald E.; Beiersdorfer, Peter; ...

2014-11-12

The VUV/XUV spectrum has been measured on the Lithium Tokamak eXperiment (LTX) using a transmission grating imaging spectrometer (TGIS) coupled to a direct-detection x-ray charge-coupled device camera. TGIS data show significant changes in the ratios between the lithium and oxygen impurity line emission during discharges with varying lithium wall conditions. Lithium coatings that have been passivated by lengthy exposure to significant levels of impurities contribute to a large O/Li ratio measured during LTX plasma discharges. Furthermore, previous results have indicated that a passivated lithium film on the plasma facing components will function as a stronger impurity source when in themore » form of a hot liquid layer compared to a solid lithium layer. However, recent TGIS measurements of plasma discharges in LTX with hot stainless steel boundary shells and a fresh liquid lithium coating show lower O/Li impurity line ratios when compared to discharges with a solid lithium film on cool shells. In conclusion, these new measurements help elucidate the somewhat contradictory results of the effects of solid and liquid lithium on plasma confinement observed in previous experiments.« less

A lithium-oxygen battery based on lithium superoxide.

PubMed

Lu, Jun; Lee, Yun Jung; Luo, Xiangyi; Lau, Kah Chun; Asadi, Mohammad; Wang, Hsien-Hau; Brombosz, Scott; Wen, Jianguo; Zhai, Dengyun; Chen, Zonghai; Miller, Dean J; Jeong, Yo Sub; Park, Jin-Bum; Fang, Zhigang Zak; Kumar, Bijandra; Salehi-Khojin, Amin; Sun, Yang-Kook; Curtiss, Larry A; Amine, Khalil

2016-01-21

Batteries based on sodium superoxide and on potassium superoxide have recently been reported. However, there have been no reports of a battery based on lithium superoxide (LiO2), despite much research into the lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) battery because of its potential high energy density. Several studies of Li-O2 batteries have found evidence of LiO2 being formed as one component of the discharge product along with lithium peroxide (Li2O2). In addition, theoretical calculations have indicated that some forms of LiO2 may have a long lifetime. These studies also suggest that it might be possible to form LiO2 alone for use in a battery. However, solid LiO2 has been difficult to synthesize in pure form because it is thermodynamically unstable with respect to disproportionation, giving Li2O2 (refs 19, 20). Here we show that crystalline LiO2 can be stabilized in a Li-O2 battery by using a suitable graphene-based cathode. Various characterization techniques reveal no evidence for the presence of Li2O2. A novel templating growth mechanism involving the use of iridium nanoparticles on the cathode surface may be responsible for the growth of crystalline LiO2. Our results demonstrate that the LiO2 formed in the Li-O2 battery is stable enough for the battery to be repeatedly charged and discharged with a very low charge potential (about 3.2 volts). We anticipate that this discovery will lead to methods of synthesizing and stabilizing LiO2, which could open the way to high-energy-density batteries based on LiO2 as well as to other possible uses of this compound, such as oxygen storage.

Production Functions for Water Delivery Systems: Analysis and Estimation Using Dual Cost Function and Implicit Price Specifications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teeples, Ronald; Glyer, David

1987-05-01

Both policy and technical analysis of water delivery systems have been based on cost functions that are inconsistent with or are incomplete representations of the neoclassical production functions of economics. We present a full-featured production function model of water delivery which can be estimated from a multiproduct, dual cost function. The model features implicit prices for own-water inputs and is implemented as a jointly estimated system of input share equations and a translog cost function. Likelihood ratio tests are performed showing that a minimally constrained, full-featured production function is a necessary specification of the water delivery operations in our sample. This, plus the model's highly efficient and economically correct parameter estimates, confirms the usefulness of a production function approach to modeling the economic activities of water delivery systems.

Lithium battery discharge tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, C. J.

1980-01-01

The long term discharge of a variety of lithium cells was characterized and the susceptibility of the cells to chemical variation during the slow discharge was tested. A shunt resistor was set across the terminals to monitor the voltage as a function of time. Failures were identified by premature voltage drops.

Liquid electrolytes for lithium and lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blomgren, George E.

A number of advances in electrolytes have occurred in the past 4 years, which have contributed to increased safety, wider temperature range of operation, better cycling and other enhancements to lithium-ion batteries. The changes to basic electrolyte solutions that have occurred to accomplish these advances are discussed in detail. The solvent components that have led to better low-temperature operation are also considered. Also, additives that have resulted in better structure of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) are presented as well as proposed methods of operation of these additives. Other additives that have lessened the flammability of the electrolyte when exposed to air and also caused lowering of the heat of reaction with the oxidized positive electrode are discussed. Finally, additives that act to open current-interrupter devices by releasing a gas under overcharge conditions and those that act to cycle between electrodes to alleviate overcharging are presented. As a class, these new electrolytes are often called "functional electrolytes". Possibilities for further progress in this most important area are presented. Another area of active work in the recent past has been the reemergence of ambient-temperature molten salt electrolytes applied to alkali metal and lithium-ion batteries. This revival of an older field is due to the discovery of new salt types that have a higher voltage window (particularly to positive potentials) and also have greatly increased hydrolytic stability compared to previous ionic liquids. While practical batteries have not yet emerged from these studies, the increase in the number of active researchers and publications in the area demonstrates the interest and potentialities of the field. Progress in the field is briefly reviewed. Finally, recent results on the mechanisms for capacity loss on shelf and cycling in lithium-ion cells are reviewed. Progress towards further market penetration by lithium-ion cells hinges on improved

Microscale Alloy Type Lithium Ion Battery Anodes

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

hexamethyldisilazane Li lithium Ni nickel NMP n-methyl-2-pyrolidone RMS root mean square SEI solid electrolyte interphase SEM scanning electron microscopy...process also leads to an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and further capacity loss. An extraordinary amount of work has been done in an...

A Novel Polar Copolymer Design as a Multi-Functional Binder for Strong Affinity of Polysulfides in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Yu; Chen, Wei; Lei, Tianyu; Dai, Liping; Chen, Bo; Wu, Chunyang; Xiong, Jie

2017-03-01

High energy density, low cost and environmental friendliness are the advantages of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery which is regarded as a promising device for electrochemical energy storage systems. As one of the important ingredients in Li-S battery, the binder greatly affects the battery performance. However, the conventional binder has some drawbacks such as poor capability of absorbing hydrophilic lithium polysulfides, resulting in severe capacity decay. In this work, we reported a multi-functional polar binder (AHP) by polymerization of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) with ethylenediamine (EDA) bearing a large amount of amino groups, which were successfully used in electrode preparation with commercial sulfur powder cathodes. The abundant amide groups of the binder endow the cathode with multidimensional chemical bonding interaction with sulfur species within the cathode to inhibit the shuttling effect of polysulfides, while the suitable ductility to buffer volume change. Utilizing these advantageous features, composite C/S cathodes based the binder displayed excellent capacity retention at 0.5 C, 1 C, 1.5 C, and 3 C over 200 cycles. Accompany with commercial binder, AHP may act as an alternative feedstock to open a promising approach for sulfur cathodes in rechargeable lithium battery to achieve commercial application.

Lithium protects hippocampal progenitors, cognitive performance and hypothalamus-pituitary function after irradiation to the juvenile rat brain.

PubMed

Zhou, Kai; Xie, Cuicui; Wickström, Malin; Dolga, Amalia M; Zhang, Yaodong; Li, Tao; Xu, Yiran; Culmsee, Carsten; Kogner, Per; Zhu, Changlian; Blomgren, Klas

2017-05-23

Cranial radiotherapy in children typically causes delayed and progressive cognitive dysfunction and there is no effective preventive strategy for radiation-induced cognitive impairments. Here we show that lithium treatment reduced irradiation-induced progenitor cell death in the subgranular zone of the hippocampus, and subsequently ameliorated irradiation-reduced neurogenesis and astrogenesis in the juvenile rat brain. Irradiation-induced memory impairment, motor hyperactivity and anxiety-like behaviour were normalized by lithium treatment. Late-onset irradiation-induced hypopituitarism was prevented by lithium treatment. Additionally, lithium appeared relatively toxic to multiple cultured tumour cell lines, and did not improve viability of radiated DAOY cells in vitro. In summary, our findings demonstrate that lithium can be safely administered to prevent both short- and long-term injury to the juvenile brain caused by ionizing radiation.

Lithium protects hippocampal progenitors, cognitive performance and hypothalamus–pituitary function after irradiation to the juvenile rat brain

PubMed Central

Zhou, Kai; Xie, Cuicui; Wickström, Malin; Dolga, Amalia M.; Zhang, Yaodong; Li, Tao; Xu, Yiran; Culmsee, Carsten; Kogner, Per

2017-01-01

Cranial radiotherapy in children typically causes delayed and progressive cognitive dysfunction and there is no effective preventive strategy for radiation-induced cognitive impairments. Here we show that lithium treatment reduced irradiation-induced progenitor cell death in the subgranular zone of the hippocampus, and subsequently ameliorated irradiation-reduced neurogenesis and astrogenesis in the juvenile rat brain. Irradiation-induced memory impairment, motor hyperactivity and anxiety-like behaviour were normalized by lithium treatment. Late-onset irradiation-induced hypopituitarism was prevented by lithium treatment. Additionally, lithium appeared relatively toxic to multiple cultured tumour cell lines, and did not improve viability of radiated DAOY cells in vitro. In summary, our findings demonstrate that lithium can be safely administered to prevent both short- and long-term injury to the juvenile brain caused by ionizing radiation. PMID:28415806

Dual Functioning Thieno-Pyrrole Fused BODIPY Dyes for NIR Optical Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy: Singlet Oxygen Generation without Heavy Halogen Atom Assistance.

PubMed

Watley, Ryan L; Awuah, Samuel G; Bio, Moses; Cantu, Robert; Gobeze, Habtom B; Nesterov, Vladimir N; Das, Sushanta K; D'Souza, Francis; You, Youngjae

2015-06-01

We discovered a rare phenomenon wherein a thieno-pyrrole fused BODIPY dye (SBDPiR690) generates singlet oxygen without heavy halogen atom substituents. SBDPiR690 generates both singlet oxygen and fluorescence. To our knowledge, this is the first example of such a finding. To establish a structure-photophysical property relationship, we prepared SBDPiR analogs with electron-withdrawing groups at the para-position of the phenyl groups. The electron-withdrawing groups increased the HOMO-LUMO energy gap and singlet oxygen generation. Among the analogs, SBDPiR688, a CF3 analog, had an excellent dual functionality of brightness (82290 m(-1)  cm(-1) ) and phototoxic power (99170 m(-1)  cm(-1) ) comparable to those of Pc 4, due to a high extinction coefficient (211 000 m(-1)  cm(-1) ) and balanced decay (Φflu =0.39 and ΦΔ =0.47). The dual functionality of the lead compound SBDPiR690 was successfully applied to preclinical optical imaging and for PDT to effectively control a subcutaneous tumor. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The functional neuroanatomy of multitasking: combining dual tasking with a short term memory task.

PubMed

Deprez, Sabine; Vandenbulcke, Mathieu; Peeters, Ron; Emsell, Louise; Amant, Frederic; Sunaert, Stefan

2013-09-01

Insight into the neural architecture of multitasking is crucial when investigating the pathophysiology of multitasking deficits in clinical populations. Presently, little is known about how the brain combines dual-tasking with a concurrent short-term memory task, despite the relevance of this mental operation in daily life and the frequency of complaints related to this process, in disease. In this study we aimed to examine how the brain responds when a memory task is added to dual-tasking. Thirty-three right-handed healthy volunteers (20 females, mean age 39.9 ± 5.8) were examined with functional brain imaging (fMRI). The paradigm consisted of two cross-modal single tasks (a visual and auditory temporal same-different task with short delay), a dual-task combining both single tasks simultaneously and a multi-task condition, combining the dual-task with an additional short-term memory task (temporal same-different visual task with long delay). Dual-tasking compared to both individual visual and auditory single tasks activated a predominantly right-sided fronto-parietal network and the cerebellum. When adding the additional short-term memory task, a larger and more bilateral frontoparietal network was recruited. We found enhanced activity during multitasking in components of the network that were already involved in dual-tasking, suggesting increased working memory demands, as well as recruitment of multitask-specific components including areas that are likely to be involved in online holding of visual stimuli in short-term memory such as occipito-temporal cortex. These results confirm concurrent neural processing of a visual short-term memory task during dual-tasking and provide evidence for an effective fMRI multitasking paradigm. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dual function of MG53 in membrane repair and insulin signaling

PubMed Central

Tan, Tao; Ko, Young-Gyu; Ma, Jianjie

2016-01-01

MG53 is a member of the TRIM-family protein that acts as a key component of the cell membrane repair machinery. MG53 is also an E3-ligase that ubiquinates insulin receptor substrate-1 and controls insulin signaling in skeletal muscle cells. Since its discovery in 2009, research efforts have been devoted to translate this basic discovery into clinical applications in human degenerative and metabolic diseases. This review article highlights the dual function of MG53 in cell membrane repair and insulin signaling, the mechanism that underlies the control of MG53 function, and the therapeutic value of targeting MG53 function in regenerative medicine. [BMB Reports 2016; 49(8): 414-423] PMID:27174502

Changes in Standing and Walking Performance Under Dual-Task Conditions Across the Lifespan.

PubMed

Ruffieux, Jan; Keller, Martin; Lauber, Benedikt; Taube, Wolfgang

2015-12-01

Simultaneous performance of a postural and a concurrent task is rather unproblematic as long as the postural task is executed in an automatic way. However, in situations where postural control requires more central processing, cognitive resources may be exceeded by the addition of an attentionally demanding task. This may lead to interference between the two tasks, manifested in a decreased performance in one or both tasks (dual-task costs). Owing to changes in attentional demands of postural tasks as well as processing capacities across the lifespan, it might be assumed that dual-task costs are particularly pronounced in children and older adults probably leading to a U-shaped pattern for dual-task costs as a function of age. However, these changes in the ability of dual-tasking posture from childhood to old age have not yet been systematically reviewed. Therefore, Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched for studies comparing dual-task performance with one task being standing or walking in healthy groups of young adults and either children or older adults. Seventy-nine studies met inclusion criteria. For older adults, the expected increase in dual-task costs could be confirmed. In contrast, in children there was only feeble evidence for a trend towards enlarged dual-task costs. More good-quality studies comparing dual-task ability in children, young, and, ideally, also older adults within the same paradigm are needed to draw unambiguous conclusions about lifespan development of dual-task performance in postural tasks. There is evidence that, in older adults, dual-task performance can be improved by training. For the other age groups, these effects have yet to be investigated.

Onsite-effects of dual-hemisphere versus conventional single-hemisphere transcranial direct current stimulation: A functional MRI study.

PubMed

Kwon, Yong Hyun; Jang, Sung Ho

2012-08-25

We performed functional MRI examinations in six right-handed healthy subjects. During functional MRI scanning, transcranial direct current stimulation was delivered with the anode over the right primary sensorimotor cortex and the cathode over the left primary sensorimotor cortex using dual-hemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation. This was compared to a cathode over the left supraorbital area using conventional single-hemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation. Voxel counts and blood oxygenation level-dependent signal intensities in the right primary sensorimotor cortex regions were estimated and compared between the two transcranial direct current stimulation conditions. Our results showed that dual-hemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation induced greater cortical activities than single-hemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation. These findings suggest that dual-hemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation may provide more effective cortical stimulation than single-hemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation.

Efficient sidelobe ASK based dual-function radar-communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassanien, Aboulnasr; Amin, Moeness G.; Zhang, Yimin D.; Ahmad, Fauzia

2016-05-01

Recently, dual-function radar-communications (DFRC) has been proposed as means to mitigate the spectrum congestion problem. Existing amplitude-shift keying (ASK) methods for information embedding do not take full advantage of the highest permissable sidelobe level. In this paper, a new ASK-based signaling strategy for enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the communication receiver is proposed. The proposed method employs one reference waveform and simultaneously transmits a number of orthogonal waveforms equals to the number of 1's in the binary sequence being embedded. 3 dB SNR gain is achieved using the proposed method as compared to existing sidelobe ASK methods. The effectiveness of the proposed information embedding strategy is verified using simulations examples.

Method for fabricating carbon/lithium-ion electrode for rechargeable lithium cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Attia, Alan I. (Inventor); Halpert, Gerald (Inventor); Huang, Chen-Kuo (Inventor); Surampudi, Subbarao (Inventor)

1995-01-01

The method includes steps for forming a carbon electrode composed of graphitic carbon particles adhered by an ethylene propylene diene monomer binder. An effective binder composition is disclosed for achieving a carbon electrode capable of subsequent intercalation by lithium ions. The method also includes steps for reacting the carbon electrode with lithium ions to incorporate lithium ions into graphitic carbon particles of the electrode. An electrical current is repeatedly applied to the carbon electrode to initially cause a surface reaction between the lithium ions and to the carbon and subsequently cause intercalation of the lithium ions into crystalline layers of the graphitic carbon particles. With repeated application of the electrical current, intercalation is achieved to near a theoretical maximum. Two differing multi-stage intercalation processes are disclosed. In the first, a fixed current is reapplied. In the second, a high current is initially applied, followed by a single subsequent lower current stage. Resulting carbon/lithium-ion electrodes are well suited for use as an anode in a reversible, ambient temperature, lithium cell.

A molecular dynamics study of lithium-containing aprotic heterocyclic ionic liquid electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lourenço, Tuanan C.; Zhang, Yong; Costa, Luciano T.; Maginn, Edward J.

2018-05-01

Classical molecular dynamics simulations were performed on twelve different ionic liquids containing aprotic heterocyclic anions doped with Li+. These ionic liquids have been shown to be promising electrolytes for lithium ion batteries. Self-diffusivities, lithium transference numbers, densities, and free volumes were computed as a function of lithium concentration. The dynamics and free volume decreased with increasing lithium concentration, and the trends were rationalized by examining the changes to the liquid structure. Of those examined in the present work, it was found that (methyloxymethyl)triethylphosphonium triazolide ionic liquids have the overall best performance.

Two-Dimensional Wavelike Spinel Lithium Titanate for Fast Lithium Storage

PubMed Central

Liu, Jiehua; Wei, Xiangfeng; Liu, Xue-Wei

2015-01-01

Safe fast-charging lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have huge potential market size on demand according to their shortened charging time for high-power devices. Zero-strain spinel Li4Ti5O12 is one of ideal candidates for safe high-power batteries owing to its good cycling performance, low cost and safety. However, the inherent insulating characteristic of LTO seriously limits its high-rate capability. In this work, we successfully synthesize novel wavelike spinel LTO nanosheets using a facile ‘co-hydrolysis’ method, which is superior to molten-salt approach and traditional solvothermal method in some respects. The unique 2D structures have single-crystal framework with shortened path for Li ion transport. As a result, the N-doped 2D wavelike LTO with 0.6 wt.% of ‘carbon joint’ not only exhibits exciting capacity of ~180 and ~150 mA h g−1 for fast lithium storage at high discharge/charge rates of 1.7 and 8.5 A g−1 (10C and 50C) respectively, but also shows excellent low-temperature performance at −20°C. In addition, the cost may be further decreased due to recycled functional reagents. This novel nanostructured 2D LTO anode material makes it possible to develop safe fast-charging high-power lithium ion batteries. PMID:25985465

Integrated fast assembly of free-standing lithium titanate/carbon nanotube/cellulose nanofiber hybrid network film as flexible paper-electrode for lithium-ion batteries.

PubMed

Cao, Shaomei; Feng, Xin; Song, Yuanyuan; Xue, Xin; Liu, Hongjiang; Miao, Miao; Fang, Jianhui; Shi, Liyi

2015-05-27

A free-standing lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12)/carbon nanotube/cellulose nanofiber hybrid network film is successfully assembled by using a pressure-controlled aqueous extrusion process, which is highly efficient and easily to scale up from the perspective of disposable and recyclable device production. This hybrid network film used as a lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrode has a dual-layer structure consisting of Li4Ti5O12/carbon nanotube/cellulose nanofiber composites (hereinafter referred to as LTO/CNT/CNF), and carbon nanotube/cellulose nanofiber composites (hereinafter referred to as CNT/CNF). In the heterogeneous fibrous network of the hybrid film, CNF serves simultaneously as building skeleton and a biosourced binder, which substitutes traditional toxic solvents and synthetic polymer binders. Of importance here is that the CNT/CNF layer is used as a lightweight current collector to replace traditional heavy metal foils, which therefore reduces the total mass of the electrode while keeping the same areal loading of active materials. The free-standing network film with high flexibility is easy to handle, and has extremely good conductivity, up to 15.0 S cm(-1). The flexible paper-electrode for LIBs shows very good high rate cycling performance, and the specific charge/discharge capacity values are up to 142 mAh g(-1) even at a current rate of 10 C. On the basis of the mild condition and fast assembly process, a CNF template fulfills multiple functions in the fabrication of paper-electrode for LIBs, which would offer an ever increasing potential for high energy density, low cost, and environmentally friendly flexible electronics.

Taste-aversion learning produced by combined treatment with subthreshold radiation and lithium chloride

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rabin, B.M.; Hunt, W.A.; Lee, J.

1987-01-01

These experiments were designed to determine whether treatment with two subthreshold doses of radiation or lithium chloride, either alone or in combination, could lead to taste-aversion learning. The first experiment determined the threshold for a radiation-induced taste aversion at 15-20 rad and for lithium chloride at 0.30-0.45 mEq/kg. In the second experiment it was shown that exposing rats to two doses of 15 rad separated by up to 3 hr produced a taste aversion. Treatment with two injections of lithium chloride did produce a taste aversion when the two treatments were administered within 1 hr or each other. The resultsmore » are discussed in terms of the implications of these findings for understanding the nature of the unconditional stimuli leading to the acquisition of a conditioned taste aversion.« less

Grain Boundary Engineering of Lithium-Ion-Conducting Lithium Lanthanum Titanate for Lithium-Air Batteries

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

Tojo T, Sakurai Y. Synthesis and lithium - ion conductivity for perovskite-type Li3/8Sr7/16Ta3/4Zr1/4O3 solid electrolyte by powder-bed sintering...battery performance is limited by the electrolytic membrane, which needs high Li-ionic conductivity. Lithium lanthanum titanate (Li3xLa(2/3)-xTiO3, or...of the A-site ions and lithium ion conductivity in the perovskite solid solution La0.67-xLi3xTiO3 (x=0.11). Journal of Solid State Ionics. 1999;121

Modeling the emissions of a dual fuel engine coupled with a biomass gasifier-supplementing the Wiebe function.

PubMed

Vakalis, Stergios; Caligiuri, Carlo; Moustakas, Konstantinos; Malamis, Dimitris; Renzi, Massimiliano; Baratieri, Marco

2018-03-12

There is a growing market demand for small-scale biomass gasifiers that is driven by the economic incentives and the legislative framework. Small-scale gasifiers produce a gaseous fuel, commonly referred to as producer gas, with relatively low heating value. Thus, the most common energy conversion systems that are coupled with small-scale gasifiers are internal combustion engines. In order to increase the electrical efficiency, the operators choose dual fuel engines and mix the producer gas with diesel. The Wiebe function has been a valuable tool for assessing the efficiency of dual fuel internal combustion engines. This study introduces a thermodynamic model that works in parallel with the Wiebe function and calculates the emissions of the engines. This "vis-à-vis" approach takes into consideration the actual conditions inside the cylinders-as they are returned by the Wiebe function-and calculates the final thermodynamic equilibrium of the flue gases mixture. This approach aims to enhance the operation of the dual fuel internal combustion engines by identifying the optimal operating conditions and-at the same time-advance pollution control and minimize the environmental impact.

Functional group-dependent anchoring effect of titanium carbide-based MXenes for lithium-sulfur batteries: A computational study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yuming; Zhao, Jingxiang

2017-08-01

The large-scale practical application of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries cannot be relized unless the challenge of dissolving of soluble lithium polysulfides (Li2Sn) species in electrolytes can be solved. Herein, by means of density functional theory (DFT) computations, we systematically exploited the anchoring effects of various titanium carbide-based MXenes for Li-S batteries. Our results revealed that, due to the attraction between Li ions in Li2Sn species and O atoms in Ti2CO2 and Ti3C2O2 monolayer, the two Mxenes can strongly interact with Li2Sn species with remarkable but not too strong binding strength to effectively immobilize the soluble polysulfides. Especially, the intactness of the Li2Sn species can be well saved, although the Lisbnd S bonds are weakened. Therefore, Ti2CO2 and Ti3C2O2 monolayers are quite promising anchoring materials with good cycling performances for Li-S batteries.

Characterizing Individual Differences in Functional Connectivity Using Dual-Regression and Seed-Based Approaches

PubMed Central

Smith, David V.; Utevsky, Amanda V.; Bland, Amy R.; Clement, Nathan; Clithero, John A.; Harsch, Anne E. W.; Carter, R. McKell; Huettel, Scott A.

2014-01-01

A central challenge for neuroscience lies in relating inter-individual variability to the functional properties of specific brain regions. Yet, considerable variability exists in the connectivity patterns between different brain areas, potentially producing reliable group differences. Using sex differences as a motivating example, we examined two separate resting-state datasets comprising a total of 188 human participants. Both datasets were decomposed into resting-state networks (RSNs) using a probabilistic spatial independent components analysis (ICA). We estimated voxelwise functional connectivity with these networks using a dual-regression analysis, which characterizes the participant-level spatiotemporal dynamics of each network while controlling for (via multiple regression) the influence of other networks and sources of variability. We found that males and females exhibit distinct patterns of connectivity with multiple RSNs, including both visual and auditory networks and the right frontal-parietal network. These results replicated across both datasets and were not explained by differences in head motion, data quality, brain volume, cortisol levels, or testosterone levels. Importantly, we also demonstrate that dual-regression functional connectivity is better at detecting inter-individual variability than traditional seed-based functional connectivity approaches. Our findings characterize robust—yet frequently ignored—neural differences between males and females, pointing to the necessity of controlling for sex in neuroscience studies of individual differences. Moreover, our results highlight the importance of employing network-based models to study variability in functional connectivity. PMID:24662574

Effect of dual modification of sonication and γ-irradiation on physicochemical and functional properties of lentil (Lens culinaris L.) starch.

PubMed

Majeed, Toiba; Wani, Idrees Ahmed; Hussain, Peerzada Rashid

2017-08-01

Starch isolated from lentil was subjected to two treatments namely sonication and, a dual treatment of sonication and irradiation at a dose of 5kGy. Lentil yielded 26.12±1.56g starch/100g of lentil. Chemical composition of native starch revealed 7.83±0.28% moisture, 0.23±0.30% protein, 0.35±0.05% fat and 0.10±0.00% ash. The results revealed that pasting properties of lentil starch were not affected upon sonication. However, these decreased significantly (p≤0.05) upon dual treatments. Amylose content of native starch was 31.16±1.80g/100g which showed a decrease upon sonication and dual treatments. Sonication and dual treatments (sonication and irradiation) decreased hunter 'L' value while 'a' and 'b' values showed an increase. Syneresis decreased more or less insignificantly upon sonication. However, a significant decrease in syneresis was observed after 120h storage following dual treatments. Sonication did not decrease the functional properties significantly while as dual treatment induced a significant decrease in functional properties. FT-IR analysis revealed a decrease in the intensities of OH, CH and OC stretches and CH 2 bending upon sonication and dual treatments. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Molten salt lithium cells

DOEpatents

Raistrick, I.D.; Poris, J.; Huggins, R.A.

1980-07-18

Lithium-based cells are promising for applications such as electric vehicles and load-leveling for power plants since lithium is very electropositive and light weight. One type of lithium-based cell utilizes a molten salt electrolyte and is operated in the temperature range of about 400 to 500/sup 0/C. Such high temperature operation accelerates corrosion problems and a substantial amount of energy is lost through heat transfer. The present invention provides an electrochemical cell which may be operated at temperatures between about 100 to 170/sup 0/C. The cell is comprised of an electrolyte, which preferably includes lithium nitrate, and a lithium or lithium alloy electrode.

Molten salt lithium cells

DOEpatents

Raistrick, Ian D.; Poris, Jaime; Huggins, Robert A.

1983-01-01

Lithium-based cells are promising for applications such as electric vehicles and load-leveling for power plants since lithium is very electropositive and light weight. One type of lithium-based cell utilizes a molten salt electrolyte and is operated in the temperature range of about 400.degree.-500.degree. C. Such high temperature operation accelerates corrosion problems and a substantial amount of energy is lost through heat transfer. The present invention provides an electrochemical cell (10) which may be operated at temperatures between about 100.degree.-170.degree. C. Cell (10) comprises an electrolyte (16), which preferably includes lithium nitrate, and a lithium or lithium alloy electrode (12).

Molten salt lithium cells

DOEpatents

Raistrick, Ian D.; Poris, Jaime; Huggins, Robert A.

1982-02-09

Lithium-based cells are promising for applications such as electric vehicles and load-leveling for power plants since lithium is very electropositive and light weight. One type of lithium-based cell utilizes a molten salt electrolyte and is operated in the temperature range of about 400.degree.-500.degree. C. Such high temperature operation accelerates corrosion problems and a substantial amount of energy is lost through heat transfer. The present invention provides an electrochemical cell (10) which may be operated at temperatures between about 100.degree.-170.degree. C. Cell (10) comprises an electrolyte (16), which preferably includes lithium nitrate, and a lithium or lithium alloy electrode (12).

Dual-Function Au@Y2O3:Eu3+ Smart Film for Enhanced Power Conversion Efficiency and Long-Term Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Kim, Chang Woo; Eom, Tae Young; Yang, In Seok; Kim, Byung Su; Lee, Wan In; Kang, Yong Soo; Kang, Young Soo

2017-07-28

In the present study, a dual-functional smart film combining the effects of wavelength conversion and amplification of the converted wave by the localized surface plasmon resonance has been investigated for a perovskite solar cell. This dual-functional film, composed of Au nanoparticles coated on the surface of Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ phosphor (Au@Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ ) nanoparticle monolayer, enhances the solar energy conversion efficiency to electrical energy and long-term stability of photovoltaic cells. Coupling between the Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ phosphor monolayer and ultraviolet solar light induces the latter to be converted into visible light with a quantum yield above 80%. Concurrently, the Au nanoparticle monolayer on the phosphor nanoparticle monolayer amplifies the converted visible light by up to 170%. This synergy leads to an increased solar light energy conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells. Simultaneously, the dual-function film suppresses the photodegradation of perovskite by UV light, resulting in long-term stability. Introducing the hybrid smart Au@Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ film in perovskite solar cells increases their overall solar-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency to 16.1% and enhances long-term stability, as compared to the value of 15.2% for standard perovskite solar cells. The synergism between the wavelength conversion effect of the phosphor nanoparticle monolayer and the wave amplification by the localized surface plasmon resonance of the Au nanoparticle monolayer in a perovskite solar cell is comparatively investigated, providing a viable strategy of broadening the solar spectrum utilization.

Cumulant generating function formula of heat transfer in ballistic systems with lead-lead coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Huanan; Agarwalla, Bijay Kumar; Wang, Jian-Sheng

2012-10-01

Based on a two-time observation protocol, we consider heat transfer in a given time interval tM in a lead-junction-lead system taking coupling between the leads into account. In view of the two-time observation, consistency conditions are carefully verified in our specific family of quantum histories. Furthermore, its implication is briefly explored. Then using the nonequilibrium Green's function method, we obtain an exact formula for the cumulant generating function for heat transfer between the two leads, valid in both transient and steady-state regimes. Also, a compact formula for the cumulant generating function in the long-time limit is derived, for which the Gallavotti-Cohen fluctuation symmetry is explicitly verified. In addition, we briefly discuss Di Ventra's repartitioning trick regarding whether the repartitioning procedure of the total Hamiltonian affects the nonequilibrium steady-state current fluctuation. All kinds of properties of nonequilibrium current fluctuations, such as the fluctuation theorem in different time regimes, could be readily given according to these exact formulas.

Adaptive prognosis of lithium-ion batteries based on the combination of particle filters and radial basis function neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sbarufatti, Claudio; Corbetta, Matteo; Giglio, Marco; Cadini, Francesco

2017-03-01

Lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries are widespread power sources with applications to consumer electronics, electrical vehicles, unmanned aerial and spatial vehicles, etc. The failure to supply the required power levels may lead to severe safety and economical consequences. Thus, in view of the implementation of adequate maintenance strategies, the development of diagnostic and prognostic tools for monitoring the state of health of the batteries and predicting their remaining useful life is becoming a crucial task. Here, we propose a method for predicting the end of discharge of Li-Ion batteries, which stems from the combination of particle filters with radial basis function neural networks. The major innovation lies in the fact that the radial basis function model is adaptively trained on-line, i.e., its parameters are identified in real time by the particle filter as new observations of the battery terminal voltage become available. By doing so, the prognostic algorithm achieves the flexibility needed to provide sound end-of-discharge time predictions as the charge-discharge cycles progress, even in presence of anomalous behaviors due to failures or unforeseen operating conditions. The method is demonstrated with reference to actual Li-Ion battery discharge data contained in the prognostics data repository of the NASA Ames Research Center database.

Neutronics and activation analysis of lithium-based ternary alloys in IFE blankets

DOE PAGES

Jolodosky, Alejandra; Kramer, Kevin; Meier, Wayne; ...

2016-04-09

Here we report that an attractive feature of using liquid lithium as the breeder and coolant in fusion blankets is that it has very high tritium solubility and results in very low levels of tritium permeation throughout the facility infrastructure. However, lithium metal vigorously reacts with air and water and presents plant safety concerns. The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is carrying an effort to develop a lithium-based alloy that maintains the beneficial properties of lithium (e.g. high tritium breeding and solubility) and at the same time reduces overall flammability concerns. This study evaluates the neutronics performance of lithium-based alloys inmore » the blanket of an inertial fusion energy chamber in order to inform such development. 3-D Monte Carlo calculations were performed to evaluate two main neutronics performance parameters for the blanket: tritium breeding ratio (TBR), and the fusion energy multiplication factor (EMF). It was found that elements that exhibit low absorption cross sections and higher q-values such as lead, tin, and strontium, perform well with those that have high neutron multiplication such as lead and bismuth. These elements meet TBR constrains ranging from 1.02 to 1.1. However, most alloys do not reach EMFs greater than 1.15. Additionally, it was found that enriching lithium significantly increases the TBR and decreases the minimum lithium concentration by more than 60%. The amount of enrichment depends on how much total lithium is in the alloy to begin with. Alloys that performed well in the TBR and EMF calculations were considered for activation analysis. Activation simulations were executed with 50 years of irradiation and 300 years of cooling. It was discovered that bismuth is a poor choice due to achieving the highest decay heat, contact dose rates, and accident doses. In addition, it does not meet the waste disposal ratings (WDR). Some of the activation results for alloys with tin, zinc, and gallium were in

The Lithium Battery: assessing the neurocognitive profile of lithium in bipolar disorder.

PubMed

Malhi, Gin S; McAulay, Claire; Gershon, Samuel; Gessler, Danielle; Fritz, Kristina; Das, Pritha; Outhred, Tim

2016-03-01

The aim of the present study was to characterize the neurocognitive effects of lithium in bipolar disorder to inform clinical and research approaches for further investigation. Key words pertaining to neurocognition in bipolar disorder and lithium treatment were used to search recognized databases to identify relevant literature. The authors also retrieved gray literature (e.g., book chapters) known to them and examined pertinent articles from bibliographies. A limited number of studies have examined the effects of lithium on neurocognition in bipolar disorder and, although in some domains a consistent picture emerges, in many domains the findings are mixed. Lithium administration appears to reshape key components of neurocognition - in particular, psychomotor speed, verbal memory, and verbal fluency. Notably, it has a sophisticated neurocognitive profile, such that while lithium impairs neurocognition across some domains, it seemingly preserves others - possibly those vulnerable to the effects of bipolar disorder. Furthermore, its effects are likely to be direct and indirect (via mood, for example) and cumulative with duration of treatment. Disentangling the components of neurocognition modulated by lithium in the context of a fluctuating and complex illness such as bipolar disorder is a significant challenge but one that therefore demands a stratified and systematic approach, such as that provided by the Lithium Battery. In order to delineate the effects of lithium therapy on neurocognition in bipolar disorder within both research and clinical practice, a greater understanding and measurement of the relatively stable neurocognitive components is needed to examine those that indeed change with lithium treatment. In order to achieve this, we propose a Lithium Battery-Clinical and a Lithium Battery-Research that can be applied to these respective settings. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Fast computation of the electrolyte-concentration transfer function of a lithium-ion cell model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez, Albert; Plett, Gregory L.; Trimboli, M. Scott

2017-08-01

One approach to creating physics-based reduced-order models (ROMs) of battery-cell dynamics requires first generating linearized Laplace-domain transfer functions of all cell internal electrochemical variables of interest. Then, the resulting infinite-dimensional transfer functions can be reduced by various means in order to find an approximate low-dimensional model. These methods include Padé approximation or the Discrete-Time Realization algorithm. In a previous article, Lee and colleagues developed a transfer function of the electrolyte concentration for a porous-electrode pseudo-two-dimensional lithium-ion cell model. Their approach used separation of variables and Sturm-Liouville theory to compute an infinite-series solution to the transfer function, which they then truncated to a finite number of terms for reasons of practicality. Here, we instead use a variation-of-parameters approach to arrive at a different representation of the identical solution that does not require a series expansion. The primary benefits of the new approach are speed of computation of the transfer function and the removal of the requirement to approximate the transfer function by truncating the number of terms evaluated. Results show that the speedup of the new method can be more than 3800.

SU-F-T-660: Evaluating the Benefit of Using Dual-Function Fiducial Markers for In-Situ Delivery of Radiosenistizing Gold Nanoparticles During Image-Guided Radiotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

AlMansour, S; Chin, J; Sajo, E

Purpose: Dual-function fiducials loaded with radiosensitizers, like gold nanoparticles (GNP), offer an innovative approach for ensuring geometric accuracy during image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and significantly increasing therapeutic efficacy due to controlled in-situ release of the radiosensitizers. This study retrospectively investigates the dosimetric benefit of using up to two such dual-function fiducial markers instead of traditional single function fiducials during IGRT. Methods: A computational code was developed to investigate the dosimetric benefit for 10 real patient tumor volumes of up to 6.5 cm diameter. The intra-tumoral space-time biodistribution of the GNP was modeled as in previous studies based on Fick’s second law.more » The corresponding dose-enhancement for each tumor voxel due to the GNP was also calculated for clinical 6MV beam configurations. Various loading concentrations (25–50 mg/g) were studied, as a function of GNP size, to determine potential for clinically significant dose enhancement. The time between initial implantation of dual-function fiducials to the beginning of radiotherapy was assumed to be 14 days as typical for many clinics. Results: A single dual-function fiducial could achieve at least a DEF of 1.2 for patients with tumors less than 1.4 cm diameter after 14 days. Replacing two single function fiducials with dual-function ones at the same locations achieved at least the required minimal DEF for tumors that are 2 cm diameter in 3 patients. The results also revealed dosimetrically better fiducial locations which could enable significant DEF when using one or two dual function fiducials. 2 nm sizes showed the most feasibility. Conclusion: The results highlight the potential of tumor sub-volume radiation boosting using GNP released from fiducials, and the ability to customize the DEF throughout the tumor by using two dual-function fiducials, varying the initial concentration and nanoparticle size. The results

Organosilicon-Based Electrolytes for Long-Life Lithium Primary Batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fenton, Kyle R.; Nagasubramanian, Ganesan; Staiger, Chad L.

2015-09-01

This report describes advances in electrolytes for lithium primary battery systems. Electrolytes were synthesized that utilize organosilane materials that include anion binding agent functionality. Numerous materials were synthesized and tested in lithium carbon monofluoride battery systems for conductivity, impedance, and capacity. Resulting electrolytes were shown to be completely non-flammable and showed promise as co-solvents for electrolyte systems, due to low dielectric strength.

A stable organic-inorganic hybrid layer protected lithium metal anode for long-cycle lithium-oxygen batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jinhui; Yang, Jun; Zhou, Jingjing; Zhang, Tao; Li, Lei; Wang, Jiulin; Nuli, Yanna

2017-10-01

A stable organic-inorganic hybrid layer (OIHL) is direct fabricated on lithium metal surface by the interfacial reaction of lithium metal foil with 1-chlorodecane and oxygen/carbon dioxide mixed gas. This favorable OIHL is approximately 30 μm thick and consists of lithium alkyl carbonate and lithium chloride. The lithium-oxygen batteries with OIHL protected lithium metal anode exhibit longer cycle life (340 cycles) than those with bare lithium metal anode (50 cycles). This desirable performance can be ascribed to the robust OIHL which prevents the growth of lithium dendrites and the corrosion of lithium metal.

Preliminary Performance of Lithium-ion Cell Designs for Ares I Upper Stage Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Thomas B.; Reid, Concha M.; Kussmaul, Michael T.

2011-01-01

NASA's Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) baselined lithium-ion technology for the Upper Stage (US). Under this effort, the NASA Glenn Research Center investigated three different aerospace lithium-ion cell suppliers to assess the performance of the various lithium-ion cell designs under acceptance and characterization testing. This paper describes the overall testing approaches associated with lithium-ion cells, their ampere-hour capacity as a function of temperature and discharge rates, as well as their performance limitations for use on the Ares I US vehicle.

Mechanically Resilient Polymeric Films Doped with a Lithium Compound

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meador, Mary Ann B. (Inventor); Kinder, James D. (Inventor)

2005-01-01

This invention is a series of mechanically resilient polymeric films, comprising rod-coil block polyimide copolymers, which are doped with a lithium compound providing lithium ion conductivity, that are easy to fabricate into mechanically resilient films with acceptable ionic or protonic conductivity at a variety of temperatures. The copolymers consists of short-rigid polyimide rod segments alternating with polyether coil segments. The rods and coil segments can be linear, branched or mixtures of linear and branched segments. The highly incompatible rods and coil segments phase separate, providing nanoscale channels for ion conduction. The polyimide segments provide dimensional and mechanical stability and can be functionalized in a number of ways to provide specialized functions for a given application. These rod-coil black polyimide copolymers are particularly useful in the preparation of ion conductive membranes for use in the manufacture of fuel cells and lithium based polymer batteries.

Dual-functional composite with anticoagulant and antibacterial properties based on heparinized silk fibroin and chitosan.

PubMed

Wang, Jianglin; Hu, Wei; Liu, Qun; Zhang, Shengmin

2011-07-01

Heparinized biomaterials exhibit great anticoagulant properties. However, they promote proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and therefore cause infection within the bloodstream upon implantation in vivo. In the present study, an interesting dual-functional composite with anticoagulant and antibacterial properties based on heparinized silk fibroin and chitosan was synthesized. First, heparin was grafted onto the silk fibroin by covalent immobilization with N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). All data gathered from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis (EA) indicated that the heparin was successfully immobilized onto the silk fibroin. The dual-functional composite of heparinized silk fibroin and chitosan was then fabricated by a blending method. The anticoagulant activity of the heparinized materials was evaluated using the prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT). The results showed that both heparinized silk fibroin and the composite material exhibited better hemocompatibility in comparison with single silk fibroin or chitosan. The antibacterial property of the materials was investigated by the pour-plate method. Results further suggested that the composite antibacterial property with respect to S. aureus was significantly enhanced. The dual-functionality of the composite material may supply a potential choice in blood contact devices. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of lithium doped radiation resistent solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berman, P. A.

1972-01-01

Lithium-doped solar cells have been fabricated with initial lot efficiencies averaging 11.9 percent in an air mass zero (AMO) solar simulator and a maximum observed efficiency of 12.8 percent. The best lithium-doped solar cells are approximately 15 percent higher in maximum power than state-of-the-art n-p cells after moderate to high fluences of 1-MeV electrons and after 6-7 months exposure to low flux irradiation by a Sr-90 beta source, which approximates the electron spectrum and flux associated with near Earth space. Furthermore, lithium-doped cells were found to degrade at a rate only one tenth that of state-of-the-art n-p cells under 28-MeV electron irradiation. Excellent progress has been made in quantitative predictions of post-irradiation current-voltage characteristics as a function of cell design by means of capacitance-voltage measurements, and this information has been used to achieve further improvements in lithium-doped cell design.

Dual AAV therapy ameliorates exercise-induced muscle injury and functional ischemia in murine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

PubMed

Zhang, Yadong; Yue, Yongping; Li, Liang; Hakim, Chady H; Zhang, Keqing; Thomas, Gail D; Duan, Dongsheng

2013-09-15

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) membrane delocalization contributes to the pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by promoting functional muscle ischemia and exacerbating muscle injury during exercise. We have previously shown that supra-physiological expression of nNOS-binding mini-dystrophin restores normal blood flow regulation and prevents functional ischemia in transgenic mdx mice, a DMD model. A critical next issue is whether systemic dual adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy can restore nNOS-binding mini-dystrophin expression and mitigate muscle activity-related functional ischemia and injury. Here, we performed systemic gene transfer in mdx and mdx4cv mice using a pair of dual AAV vectors that expressed a 6 kb nNOS-binding mini-dystrophin gene. Vectors were packaged in tyrosine mutant AAV-9 and co-injected (5 × 10(12) viral genome particles/vector/mouse) via the tail vein to 1-month-old dystrophin-null mice. Four months later, we observed 30-50% mini-dystrophin positive myofibers in limb muscles. Treatment ameliorated histopathology, increased muscle force and protected against eccentric contraction-induced injury. Importantly, dual AAV therapy successfully prevented chronic exercise-induced muscle force drop. Doppler hemodynamic assay further showed that therapy attenuated adrenergic vasoconstriction in contracting muscle. Our results suggest that partial transduction can still ameliorate nNOS delocalization-associated functional deficiency. Further evaluation of nNOS binding mini-dystrophin dual AAV vectors is warranted in dystrophic dogs and eventually in human patients.

Lithium thionyl chloride high rate discharge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klinedinst, K. A.

1980-01-01

Improvements in high rate lithium thionyl chloride power technology achieved by varying the electrolyte composition, operating temperature, cathode design, and cathode composition are discussed. Discharge capacities are plotted as a function of current density, cell voltage, and temperature.

Understanding Function and Performance of Carbon Additives in Lead-Acid Batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Enos, D. G.; Ferreira, S. R.; Barkholtz, H. M.

While the low cost and strong safety record of lead-acid batteries make them an appealing option compared to lithium-ion technologies for stationary storage, they can be rapidly degraded by the extended periods of high rate, partial state-of-charge operation required in such applications. Degradation occurs primarily through a process called hard sulfation, where large PbSO 4 crystals are formed on the negative battery plates, hindering charge acceptance and reducing battery capacity. Various researchers have found that the addition of some forms of excess carbon to the negative active mass in lead-acid batteries can mitigate hard sulfation, but the mechanism through whichmore » this is accomplished is unclear. In this work, the effect of carbon composition and morphology was explored by characterizing four discrete types of carbon additives, then evaluating their effect when added to the negative electrodes within a traditional valve-regulated lead-acid battery design. The cycle life for the carbon modified cells was significantly larger than an unmodified control, with cells containing a mixture of graphitic carbon and carbon black yielding the greatest improvement. The carbons also impacted other electrochemical aspects of the battery (e.g., float current, capacity, etc.) as well as physical characteristics of the negative active mass, such as the specific surface area.« less

Understanding Function and Performance of Carbon Additives in Lead-Acid Batteries

DOE PAGES

Enos, D. G.; Ferreira, S. R.; Barkholtz, H. M.; ...

2017-10-31

While the low cost and strong safety record of lead-acid batteries make them an appealing option compared to lithium-ion technologies for stationary storage, they can be rapidly degraded by the extended periods of high rate, partial state-of-charge operation required in such applications. Degradation occurs primarily through a process called hard sulfation, where large PbSO 4 crystals are formed on the negative battery plates, hindering charge acceptance and reducing battery capacity. Various researchers have found that the addition of some forms of excess carbon to the negative active mass in lead-acid batteries can mitigate hard sulfation, but the mechanism through whichmore » this is accomplished is unclear. In this work, the effect of carbon composition and morphology was explored by characterizing four discrete types of carbon additives, then evaluating their effect when added to the negative electrodes within a traditional valve-regulated lead-acid battery design. The cycle life for the carbon modified cells was significantly larger than an unmodified control, with cells containing a mixture of graphitic carbon and carbon black yielding the greatest improvement. The carbons also impacted other electrochemical aspects of the battery (e.g., float current, capacity, etc.) as well as physical characteristics of the negative active mass, such as the specific surface area.« less

Dual symmetry in a generalized Maxwell theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brandt, F. T.; Frenkel, J.; McKeon, D. G. C.

2016-09-01

We examine Podolsky’s electrodynamics, which is non-invariant under the usual duality transformation. We deduce a generalization of Hodge’s star duality, which leads to a dual gauge field and restores to a certain extent the dual symmetry. The model becomes fully dual symmetric asymptotically, when it reduces to the Maxwell theory. We argue that this strict dual symmetry directly implies the existence of the basic invariants of the electromagnetic fields.

Potential environmental and human health impacts of rechargeable lithium batteries in electronic waste.

PubMed

Kang, Daniel Hsing Po; Chen, Mengjun; Ogunseitan, Oladele A

2013-05-21

Rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium-polymer (Li-poly) batteries have recently become dominant in consumer electronic products because of advantages associated with energy density and product longevity. However, the small size of these batteries, the high rate of disposal of consumer products in which they are used, and the lack of uniform regulatory policy on their disposal means that lithium batteries may contribute substantially to environmental pollution and adverse human health impacts due to potentially toxic materials. In this research, we used standardized leaching tests, life-cycle impact assessment (LCIA), and hazard assessment models to evaluate hazardous waste classification, resource depletion potential, and toxicity potentials of lithium batteries used in cellphones. Our results demonstrate that according to U.S. federal regulations, defunct Li-ion batteries are classified hazardous due to their lead (Pb) content (average 6.29 mg/L; σ = 11.1; limit 5). However, according to California regulations, all lithium batteries tested are classified hazardous due to excessive levels of cobalt (average 163,544 mg/kg; σ = 62,897; limit 8000), copper (average 98,694 mg/kg; σ = 28,734; limit 2500), and nickel (average 9525 mg/kg; σ = 11,438; limit 2000). In some of the Li-ion batteries, the leached concentrations of chromium, lead, and thallium exceeded the California regulation limits. The environmental impact associated with resource depletion and human toxicity is mainly associated with cobalt, copper, nickel, thallium, and silver, whereas the ecotoxicity potential is primarily associated with cobalt, copper, nickel, thallium, and silver. However, the relative contribution of aluminum and lithium to human toxicity and ecotoxicity could not be estimated due to insufficient toxicity data in the models. These findings support the need for stronger government policy at the local, national, and international levels to encourage recovery, recycling, and

Potential Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Rechargeable Lithium Batteries in Electronic Waste

PubMed Central

Kang, Daniel Hsing Po; Chen, Mengjun; Ogunseitan, Oladele A.

2013-01-01

Rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium-polymer (Li-poly) batteries have recently become dominant in consumer electronic products because of advantages associated with energy density and product longevity. However, the small size of these batteries, the high rate of disposal of consumer products in which they are used, and the lack of uniform regulatory policy on their disposal means that lithium batteries may contribute substantially to environmental pollution and adverse human health impacts due to potentially toxic materials. In this research, we used standardized leaching tests, life-cycle impact assessment (LCIA), and hazard assessment models to evaluate hazardous waste classification, resource depletion potential, and toxicity potentials of lithium batteries used in cellphones. Our results demonstrate that according to U.S. federal regulations, defunct Li-ion batteries are classified hazardous due to their lead (Pb) content (average 6.29 mg/L; σ = 11.1; limit 5). However, according to California regulations, all lithium batteries tested are classified hazardous due to excessive levels of cobalt (average 163 544 mg/kg; σ = 62 897; limit 8000), copper (average 98 694 mg/kg; σ = 28 734; limit 2500), and nickel (average 9525 mg/kg; σ = 11 438; limit 2000). In some of the Li-ion batteries, the leached concentrations of chromium, lead, and thallium exceeded the California regulation limits. The environmental impact associated with resource depletion and human toxicity is mainly associated with cobalt, copper, nickel, thallium, and silver, whereas the ecotoxicity potential is primarily associated with cobalt, copper, nickel, thallium, and silver. However, the relative contribution of aluminum and lithium to human toxicity and ecotoxicity could not be estimated due to insufficient toxicity data in the models. These findings support the need for stronger government policy at the local, national, and international levels to encourage recovery, recycling, and

Primary lithium cell life studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Capulli, John; Donley, Sam; Deligiannis, Frank; Shen, David

1990-01-01

One solution for providing a truly independent power source is to package, within the critical subsystem element, a primary battery that can remain dormant for time periods as long as the mission life, which can be 10-15 years, maximum. When primary power from the spacecraft solar array/battery system is interrupted, the backup battery system, which is connected through a diode to the power input line, would automatically support the load to avoid a power interruption to the critical load for a time period long enough to ensure that ground control could access the satellite and correct the anomaly by sending appropriate commands to the spacecraft. Critical subsystems identified for the application are telemetry and command circuits, volatile computer memory, attitude control circuits, and some critical payloads. Due to volume packaging and weight restrictions that exist on most spacecraft, coupled with the long storage periods required, lithium cell technology was selected for the backup power source. Because of the high energy density (200-400 Wh/kg), long shelf life, and load capability, soluble cathode primary lithium technology was chosen. The most important lithium cell properties that require detail characterization for this application are capacity loss, shelf life, and the voltage delay mechanism. These are functions of storage time and temperature. During storage, a passive film builds up on the lithium electrode. The film protects the lithium electrode from progressive capacity decay but requires time to break down when a load is applied. This phenomenon results in a depressed voltage during the period of film breakdown which can last from fractions of a second to minutes.

Density-tunable lightweight polymer composites with dual-functional ability of efficient EMI shielding and heat dissipation.

PubMed

Lee, Seung Hwan; Yu, Seunggun; Shahzad, Faisal; Kim, Woo Nyon; Park, Cheolmin; Hong, Soon Man; Koo, Chong Min

2017-09-21

Lightweight dual-functional materials with high EMI shielding performance and thermal conductivity are of great importance in modern cutting-edge applications, such as mobile electronics, automotive, aerospace, and military. Unfortunately, a clear material solution has not emerged yet. Herein, we demonstrate a simple and effective way to fabricate lightweight metal-based polymer composites with dual-functional ability of excellent EMI shielding effectiveness and thermal conductivity using expandable polymer bead-templated Cu hollow beads. The low-density Cu hollow beads (ρ ∼ 0.44 g cm -3 ) were fabricated through electroless plating of Cu on the expanded polymer beads with ultralow density (ρ ∼ 0.02 g cm -3 ). The resulting composites that formed a continuous 3D Cu network with a very small Cu content (∼9.8 vol%) exhibited excellent EMI shielding (110.7 dB at 7 GHz) and thermal conductivity (7.0 W m -1 K -1 ) with isotropic features. Moreover, the densities of the composites are tunable from 1.28 to 0.59 g cm -3 in accordance with the purpose of their applications. To the best of our knowledge, the resulting composites are the best lightweight dual-functional materials with exceptionally high EMI SE and thermal conductivity performance among synthetic polymer composites.

Evaluation of zraP gene expression characteristics and construction of a lead (Pb) sensing and removal system in a recombinant Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Maruthamuthu, Murali Kannan; Ganesh, Irisappan; Ravikumar, Sambandam; Hong, Soon Ho

2015-03-01

A ZraP-based lead sensing and removal system was constructed in E. coli. It was regulated by the ZraS/ZraR two-component system. The expression profile of the zraP gene towards extracellular lead was studied via real-time PCR. A dual-function bacterial system was also designed to express GFP and OmpC-lead binding peptide under the control of zraP for the simultaneous sensing and adsorption of environmental lead without additional manipulation. The constructed bacterial system can emit fluorescence and it adsorbed a maximum of 487 µmol lead/g cell DCW. From a study of artificial wastewater, the constructed bacteria adsorbed lead highly selectively (427 µmol lead/g cell DCW) among other metal ions. The newly-constructed dual function bacterial system can be applied for the development of an efficient process for the removal of lead from polluted wastes.

International strategic minerals inventory summary report; lithium

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anstett, T.F.; Krauss, U.H.; Ober, J.A.; Schmidt, H.W.

1990-01-01

Major world resources of lithium are described in this summary report of information in the International Strategic Minerals Inventory (ISMI). ISMI is a cooperative data-collection effort of earth-science and mineral-resource agencies in Australia, Canada, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Part I of this report presents an overview of the resources and potential supply of lithium on the basis of inventory information; Part II contains tables of some of the geologic information and mineral-resource information and production data collected by ISMI participants. In terms of lithium-resource availability, present economically viable resources are more than sufficient to meet likely demand in the foreseeable future. In times of excess capacity such as currently exist, some pegmatite operations cannot compete with brine operations, which are less costly. A further production shift from pegmatites to brines will result in the concentration of supply in a few countries such as Chile and the United States. This shift would lead to the dependence of industrialized countries on deliveries from these sources.

Light-assisted delithiation of lithium iron phosphate nanocrystals towards photo-rechargeable lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paolella, Andrea; Faure, Cyril; Bertoni, Giovanni; Marras, Sergio; Guerfi, Abdelbast; Darwiche, Ali; Hovington, Pierre; Commarieu, Basile; Wang, Zhuoran; Prato, Mirko; Colombo, Massimo; Monaco, Simone; Zhu, Wen; Feng, Zimin; Vijh, Ashok; George, Chandramohan; Demopoulos, George P.; Armand, Michel; Zaghib, Karim

2017-04-01

Recently, intensive efforts are dedicated to convert and store the solar energy in a single device. Herein, dye-synthesized solar cell technology is combined with lithium-ion materials to investigate light-assisted battery charging. In particular we report the direct photo-oxidation of lithium iron phosphate nanocrystals in the presence of a dye as a hybrid photo-cathode in a two-electrode system, with lithium metal as anode and lithium hexafluorophosphate in carbonate-based electrolyte; a configuration corresponding to lithium ion battery charging. Dye-sensitization generates electron-hole pairs with the holes aiding the delithiation of lithium iron phosphate at the cathode and electrons utilized in the formation of a solid electrolyte interface at the anode via oxygen reduction. Lithium iron phosphate acts effectively as a reversible redox agent for the regeneration of the dye. Our findings provide possibilities in advancing the design principles for photo-rechargeable lithium ion batteries.

Light-assisted delithiation of lithium iron phosphate nanocrystals towards photo-rechargeable lithium ion batteries.

PubMed

Paolella, Andrea; Faure, Cyril; Bertoni, Giovanni; Marras, Sergio; Guerfi, Abdelbast; Darwiche, Ali; Hovington, Pierre; Commarieu, Basile; Wang, Zhuoran; Prato, Mirko; Colombo, Massimo; Monaco, Simone; Zhu, Wen; Feng, Zimin; Vijh, Ashok; George, Chandramohan; Demopoulos, George P; Armand, Michel; Zaghib, Karim

2017-04-10

Recently, intensive efforts are dedicated to convert and store the solar energy in a single device. Herein, dye-synthesized solar cell technology is combined with lithium-ion materials to investigate light-assisted battery charging. In particular we report the direct photo-oxidation of lithium iron phosphate nanocrystals in the presence of a dye as a hybrid photo-cathode in a two-electrode system, with lithium metal as anode and lithium hexafluorophosphate in carbonate-based electrolyte; a configuration corresponding to lithium ion battery charging. Dye-sensitization generates electron-hole pairs with the holes aiding the delithiation of lithium iron phosphate at the cathode and electrons utilized in the formation of a solid electrolyte interface at the anode via oxygen reduction. Lithium iron phosphate acts effectively as a reversible redox agent for the regeneration of the dye. Our findings provide possibilities in advancing the design principles for photo-rechargeable lithium ion batteries.

Manufacturing of Protected Lithium Electrodes for Advanced Lithium-Air, Lithium-Water & Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Visco, Steven J

The global demand for rechargeable batteries is large and growing rapidly. Assuming the adoption of electric vehicles continues to increase, the need for smaller, lighter, and less expensive batteries will become even more pressing. In this vein, PolyPlus Battery Company has developed ultra-light high performance batteries based on its proprietary protected lithium electrode (PLE) technology. The Company’s Lithium-Air and Lithium-Seawater batteries have already demonstrated world record performance (verified by third party testing), and we are developing advanced lithium-sulfur batteries which have the potential deliver high performance at low cost. In this program PolyPlus Battery Company teamed with Corning Incorporated tomore » transition the PLE technology from bench top fabrication using manual tooling to a pre- commercial semi-automated pilot line. At the inception of this program PolyPlus worked with a Tier 1 battery manufacturing engineering firm to design and build the first-of-its-kind pilot line for PLE production. The pilot line was shipped and installed in Berkeley, California several months after the start of the program. PolyPlus spent the next two years working with and optimizing the pilot line and now produces all of its PLEs on this line. The optimization process successfully increased the yield, throughput, and quality of PLEs produced on the pilot line. The Corning team focused on fabrication and scale-up of the ceramic membranes that are key to the PLE technology. PolyPlus next demonstrated that it could take Corning membranes through the pilot line process to produce state-of-the-art protected lithium electrodes. In the latter part of the program the Corning team developed alternative membranes targeted for the large rechargeable battery market. PolyPlus is now in discussions with several potential customers for its advanced PLE-enabled batteries, and is building relationships and infrastructure for the transition into manufacturing. It

Characterizing individual differences in functional connectivity using dual-regression and seed-based approaches.

PubMed

Smith, David V; Utevsky, Amanda V; Bland, Amy R; Clement, Nathan; Clithero, John A; Harsch, Anne E W; McKell Carter, R; Huettel, Scott A

2014-07-15

A central challenge for neuroscience lies in relating inter-individual variability to the functional properties of specific brain regions. Yet, considerable variability exists in the connectivity patterns between different brain areas, potentially producing reliable group differences. Using sex differences as a motivating example, we examined two separate resting-state datasets comprising a total of 188 human participants. Both datasets were decomposed into resting-state networks (RSNs) using a probabilistic spatial independent component analysis (ICA). We estimated voxel-wise functional connectivity with these networks using a dual-regression analysis, which characterizes the participant-level spatiotemporal dynamics of each network while controlling for (via multiple regression) the influence of other networks and sources of variability. We found that males and females exhibit distinct patterns of connectivity with multiple RSNs, including both visual and auditory networks and the right frontal-parietal network. These results replicated across both datasets and were not explained by differences in head motion, data quality, brain volume, cortisol levels, or testosterone levels. Importantly, we also demonstrate that dual-regression functional connectivity is better at detecting inter-individual variability than traditional seed-based functional connectivity approaches. Our findings characterize robust-yet frequently ignored-neural differences between males and females, pointing to the necessity of controlling for sex in neuroscience studies of individual differences. Moreover, our results highlight the importance of employing network-based models to study variability in functional connectivity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A review of lithium and non-lithium based solid state batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Joo Gon; Son, Byungrak; Mukherjee, Santanu; Schuppert, Nicholas; Bates, Alex; Kwon, Osung; Choi, Moon Jong; Chung, Hyun Yeol; Park, Sam

2015-05-01

Conventional lithium-ion liquid-electrolyte batteries are widely used in portable electronic equipment such as laptop computers, cell phones, and electric vehicles; however, they have several drawbacks, including expensive sealing agents and inherent hazards of fire and leakages. All solid state batteries utilize solid state electrolytes to overcome the safety issues of liquid electrolytes. Drawbacks for all-solid state lithium-ion batteries include high resistance at ambient temperatures and design intricacies. This paper is a comprehensive review of all aspects of solid state batteries: their design, the materials used, and a detailed literature review of various important advances made in research. The paper exhaustively studies lithium based solid state batteries, as they are the most prevalent, but also considers non-lithium based systems. Non-lithium based solid state batteries are attaining widespread commercial applications, as are also lithium based polymeric solid state electrolytes. Tabular representations and schematic diagrams are provided to underscore the unique characteristics of solid state batteries and their capacity to occupy a niche in the alternative energy sector.

Dual lead-crowning for helical gears with anti-twist tooth flanks on the internal gear honing machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tran, Van-Quyet; Wu, Yu-Ren

2017-12-01

For some specific purposes, a helical gear with wide face-width is applied for meshing with two other gears simultaneously, such as the idle pinions in the vehicle differential. However, due to the fact of gear deformation, the tooth edge contact and stress concentration might occur. Single lead-crowning is no more suitable for such a case to get the appropriate position of contact pattern and improve the load distribution on tooth surfaces. Therefore, a novel *Email: method is proposed in this paper to achieve the wide-face-width helical gears with the dual lead-crowned and the anti-twisted tooth surfaces by controlling the swivel angle and the rotation angle of the honing wheel respectively on an internal gear honing machine. Numerical examples are practiced to illustrate and verified the merits of the proposed method.

Musical training, bilingualism, and executive function: a closer look at task switching and dual-task performance.

PubMed

Moradzadeh, Linda; Blumenthal, Galit; Wiseheart, Melody

2015-07-01

This study investigated whether musical training and bilingualism are associated with enhancements in specific components of executive function, namely, task switching and dual-task performance. Participants (n = 153) belonging to one of four groups (monolingual musician, bilingual musician, bilingual non-musician, or monolingual non-musician) were matched on age and socioeconomic status and administered task switching and dual-task paradigms. Results demonstrated reduced global and local switch costs in musicians compared with non-musicians, suggesting that musical training can contribute to increased efficiency in the ability to shift flexibly between mental sets. On dual-task performance, musicians also outperformed non-musicians. There was neither a cognitive advantage for bilinguals relative to monolinguals, nor an interaction between music and language to suggest additive effects of both types of experience. These findings demonstrate that long-term musical training is associated with improvements in task switching and dual-task performance. Copyright © 2014 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Light-assisted delithiation of lithium iron phosphate nanocrystals towards photo-rechargeable lithium ion batteries

PubMed Central

Paolella, Andrea; Faure, Cyril; Bertoni, Giovanni; Marras, Sergio; Guerfi, Abdelbast; Darwiche, Ali; Hovington, Pierre; Commarieu, Basile; Wang, Zhuoran; Prato, Mirko; Colombo, Massimo; Monaco, Simone; Zhu, Wen; Feng, Zimin; Vijh, Ashok; George, Chandramohan; Demopoulos, George P.; Armand, Michel; Zaghib, Karim

2017-01-01

Recently, intensive efforts are dedicated to convert and store the solar energy in a single device. Herein, dye-synthesized solar cell technology is combined with lithium-ion materials to investigate light-assisted battery charging. In particular we report the direct photo-oxidation of lithium iron phosphate nanocrystals in the presence of a dye as a hybrid photo-cathode in a two-electrode system, with lithium metal as anode and lithium hexafluorophosphate in carbonate-based electrolyte; a configuration corresponding to lithium ion battery charging. Dye-sensitization generates electron–hole pairs with the holes aiding the delithiation of lithium iron phosphate at the cathode and electrons utilized in the formation of a solid electrolyte interface at the anode via oxygen reduction. Lithium iron phosphate acts effectively as a reversible redox agent for the regeneration of the dye. Our findings provide possibilities in advancing the design principles for photo-rechargeable lithium ion batteries. PMID:28393912

Chemisorption of polysulfides through redox reactions with organic molecules for lithium-sulfur batteries.

PubMed

Li, Ge; Wang, Xiaolei; Seo, Min Ho; Li, Matthew; Ma, Lu; Yuan, Yifei; Wu, Tianpin; Yu, Aiping; Wang, Shun; Lu, Jun; Chen, Zhongwei

2018-02-16

Lithium-sulfur battery possesses high energy density but suffers from severe capacity fading due to the dissolution of lithium polysulfides. Novel design and mechanisms to encapsulate lithium polysulfides are greatly desired by high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries towards practical applications. Herein, we report a strategy of utilizing anthraquinone, a natural abundant organic molecule, to suppress dissolution and diffusion of polysulfides species through redox reactions during cycling. The keto groups of anthraquinone play a critical role in forming strong Lewis acid-based chemical bonding. This mechanism leads to a long cycling stability of sulfur-based electrodes. With a high sulfur content of ~73%, a low capacity decay of 0.019% per cycle for 300 cycles and retention of 81.7% over 500 cycles at 0.5 C rate can be achieved. This finding and understanding paves an alternative avenue for the future design of sulfur-based cathodes toward the practical application of lithium-sulfur batteries.

Determining Reliability of a Dual-Task Functional Mobility Protocol for Individuals With Lower Extremity Amputation.

PubMed

Hunter, Susan W; Frengopoulos, Courtney; Holmes, Jeff; Viana, Ricardo; Payne, Michael W

2018-04-01

To determine the relative and absolute reliability of a dual-task functional mobility assessment. Cross-sectional study. Academic rehabilitation hospital. Individuals (N=60) with lower extremity amputation attending an outpatient amputee clinic (mean age, 58.21±12.59y; 18, 80% male) who were stratified into 3 groups: (1) transtibial amputation of vascular etiology (n=20); (2) transtibial amputation of nonvascular etiology (n=20); and (3) transfemoral or bilateral amputation of any etiology (n=20). Not applicable. Time to complete the L Test measured functional mobility under single- and dual-task conditions. The addition of a cognitive task (serial subtractions by 3's) created dual-task conditions. Single-task performance on the cognitive task was also reported. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) measured relative reliability; SEM and minimal detectable change with a 95% confidence interval (MDC 95 ) measured absolute reliability. Bland-Altman plots measured agreement between assessments. Relative reliability results were excellent for all 3 groups. Values for the dual-task L Test for those with transtibial amputation of vascular etiology (n=20; mean age, 60.36±7.84y; 19, 90% men) were ICC=.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], .94-.99), SEM=1.36 seconds, and MDC 95 =3.76 seconds; for those with transtibial amputation of nonvascular etiology (n=20; mean age, 55.85±14.08y; 17, 85% men), values were ICC=.93 (95% CI, .80-.98), SEM=1.34 seconds, and MDC 95 =3.71 seconds; and for those with transfemoral or bilateral amputation (n=20; mean age, 58.21±14.88y; 13, 65% men), values were ICC=.998 (95% CI, .996-.999), SEM=1.03 seconds, and MDC 95 =2.85 seconds. Bland-Altman plots indicated that assessments did not vary systematically for each group. This dual-task assessment protocol achieved approved levels of relative reliability values for the 3 groups tested. This protocol may be used clinically or in research settings to assess the interaction between cognition

Selection of new Kynar-based electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christie, Alasdair M.; Christie, Lynn; Vincent, Colin A.

New electrolyte solution compositions have been identified for use in lithium-ion batteries after gelling with an appropriate quantity of Kynar polymer. Since the Li + conducting medium is largely the liquid electrolyte component, the assessment of these solutions as suitable lithium-ion cell candidates were investigated before adding the polymer. Selected electrolyte solutions were then used in the preparation of polymer gels. The specific conductivities of Kynar-based gels were determined as a function of salt concentration and polymer concentration. Optimised self-supporting polymer films, based on mixtures of ethylene carbonate (EC), ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC) and lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF 6) or lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF 4), showed good high current density cycling performance when used as separators in coke and Li 1- xMn 2O 4 (spinel) half-cells.

Controllably Designed "Vice-Electrode" Interlayers Harvesting High Performance Lithium Sulfur Batteries.

PubMed

Hao, Youchen; Xiong, Dongbin; Liu, Wen; Fan, Linlin; Li, Dejun; Li, Xifei

2017-11-22

An interlayer has been regarded as a promising mediator to prolong the life span of lithium sulfur batteries because its excellent absorbability to soluble polysulfide efficiently hinders the shuttle effect. Herein, we designed various interlayers and understand the working mechanism of an interlayer for lithium sulfur batteries in detail. It was found that the electrochemical performance of a S electrode for an interlayer located in cathode side is superior to the pristine one without interlayers. Surprisingly, the performance of the S electrode for an interlayer located in anode side is poorer than that of pristine one. For comparison, glass fibers were also studied as a nonconductive interlayer for lithium sulfur batteries. Unlike the two interlayers above, these nonconductive interlayer did displays significant capacity fading because polysulfides were adsorbed onto insulated interlayer. Thus, the nonconductive interlayer function as a "dead zone" upon cycling. Based on our findings, it was for the first time proposed that a controllably optimized interlayer, with electrical conductivity as well as the absorbability of polysulfides, may function as a "vice-electrode" of the anode or cathode upon cycling. Therefore, the cathodic conductive interlayer can enhance lithium sulfur battery performance, and the anodic conductive interlayer may be helpful for the rational design of 3D networks for the protection of lithium metal.

Status of the Space-Rated Lithium-Ion Battery Advanced Development Project in Support of the Exploration Vision

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Thomas

2007-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC), along with the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Johnson Space Center (JSC), Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), and industry partners, is leading a space-rated lithium-ion advanced development battery effort to support the vision for Exploration. This effort addresses the lithium-ion battery portion of the Energy Storage Project under the Exploration Technology Development Program. Key discussions focus on the lithium-ion cell component development activities, a common lithium-ion battery module, test and demonstration of charge/discharge cycle life performance and safety characterization. A review of the space-rated lithium-ion battery project will be presented highlighting the technical accomplishments during the past year.

Glutathione regulation-based dual-functional upconversion sensing-platform for acetylcholinesterase activity and cadmium ions.

PubMed

Fang, Aijin; Chen, Hongyu; Li, Haitao; Liu, Meiling; Zhang, Youyu; Yao, Shouzhuo

2017-01-15

A dual-functional platform for the sensing of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and cadmium ions (Cd 2+ ) was developed based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between NaYF 4 :Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via glutathione regulation. The detection mechanism is based on the fact that AuNPs can quench the fluorescence of UCNPs. AChE catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATC) into thiocholine which reacts with AuNPs by S-Au conjunction and results the aggregation of AuNPs and change in fluorescence of UCNPs. Therefore, the AChE activity can be detected through the changes of the color of solution and fluorescence recovery of UCNPs. However, the presence of glutathione (GSH) can protect AuNPs from aggregation and enlarge the inter-particle distance between AuNPs and UCNPs. When Cd 2+ is added into the stable mixture of AuNPs, GSH and AChE/ATC, Cd 2+ could interact with GSH to form a spherical shaped (GSH) 4 Cd complex, which decreases the free GSH on the surface of AuNPs to weaken the stability of AuNPs and lead to the easily aggregation of them in the system. The aggregated-AuNPs are released from the surface of UCNPs, which results in the fluorescence of UCNPs gradually recovered. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of AChE activity and Cd 2+ are estimated to be 0.015mU/mL and 0.2µM, respectively. The small molecules regulated dual-functional platform based on UCNPs/AuNPs is a simple, label-free method and can be applied for the turn-on fluorescence detection of AChE activity in human serum and Cd 2+ in real water samples. The present work demonstrates a general strategy for the design of small molecules regulated multifunctional platform and will be expanded for different areas in the future. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prevention of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy by lithium pretreatment

PubMed Central

Mo, Michelle; Erdelyi, Ildiko; Szigeti-Buck, Klara; Benbow, Jennifer H.; Ehrlich, Barbara E.

2012-01-01

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating side effect that occurs in many patients undergoing chemotherapy. It is often irreversible and frequently leads to early termination of treatment. In this study, we have identified two compounds, lithium and ibudilast, that when administered as a single prophylactic injection prior to paclitaxel treatment, prevent the development of CIPN in mice at the sensory-motor and cellular level. The prevention of neuropathy was not observed in paclitaxel-treated mice that were only prophylactically treated with a vehicle injection. The coadministration of lithium with paclitaxel also allows for administration of higher doses of paclitaxel (survival increases by 60%), protects against paclitaxel-induced cardiac abnormalities, and, notably, does not interfere with the antitumor effects of paclitaxel. Moreover, we have determined a mechanism by which CIPN develops and have discovered that lithium and ibudilast inhibit development of peripheral neuropathy by disrupting the interaction between paclitaxel, neuronal calcium sensor 1 (NCS-1), and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) to prevent treatment-induced decreases in intracellular calcium signaling. This study shows that lithium and ibudilast are candidate therapeutics for the prevention of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy and could enable patients to tolerate more aggressive treatment regimens.—Mo, M., Erdelyi, I., Szigeti-Buck, K., Benbow, J. H., Ehrlich, B. E. Prevention of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy by lithium pretreatment. PMID:22889832

Understanding the molecular mechanism of pulse current charging for stable lithium-metal batteries

PubMed Central

Li, Qi; Tan, Shen; Li, Linlin; Lu, Yingying; He, Yi

2017-01-01

High energy and safe electrochemical storage are critical components in multiple emerging fields of technologies. Rechargeable lithium-metal batteries are considered to be promising alternatives for current lithium-ion batteries, leading to as much as a 10-fold improvement in anode storage capacity (from 372 to 3860 mAh g−1). One of the major challenges for commercializing lithium-metal batteries is the reliability and safety issue, which is often associated with uneven lithium electrodeposition (lithium dendrites) during the charging stage of the battery cycling process. We report that stable lithium-metal batteries can be achieved by simply charging cells with square-wave pulse current. We investigated the effects of charging period and frequency as well as the mechanisms that govern this process at the molecular level. Molecular simulations were performed to study the diffusion and the solvation structure of lithium cations (Li+) in bulk electrolyte. The model predicts that loose association between cations and anions can enhance the transport of Li+ and eventually stabilize the lithium electrodeposition. We also performed galvanostatic measurements to evaluate the cycling behavior and cell lifetime under pulsed electric field and found that the cell lifetime can be more than doubled using certain pulse current waveforms. Both experimental and simulation results demonstrate that the effectiveness of pulse current charging on dendrite suppression can be optimized by choosing proper time- and frequency-dependent pulses. This work provides a molecular basis for understanding the mechanisms of pulse current charging to mitigating lithium dendrites and designing pulse current waveforms for stable lithium-metal batteries. PMID:28776039

Applications of Carbon Nanotubes for Lithium Ion Battery Anodes

PubMed Central

Xiong, Zhili; Yun, Young Soo; Jin, Hyoung-Joon

2013-01-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have displayed great potential as anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) due to their unique structural, mechanical, and electrical properties. The measured reversible lithium ion capacities of CNT-based anodes are considerably improved compared to the conventional graphite-based anodes. Additionally, the opened structure and enriched chirality of CNTs can help to improve the capacity and electrical transport in CNT-based LIBs. Therefore, the modification of CNTs and design of CNT structure provide strategies for improving the performance of CNT-based anodes. CNTs could also be assembled into free-standing electrodes without any binder or current collector, which will lead to increased specific energy density for the overall battery design. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of lithium ion intercalation and diffusion in CNTs, and the influence of different structures and morphologies on their performance as anode materials for LIBs. PMID:28809361

A Novel Optical Diagnostic for In Situ Measurements of Lithium Polysulfides in Battery Electrolytes.

PubMed

Saqib, Najmus; Silva, Cody J; Maupin, C Mark; Porter, Jason M

2017-07-01

An optical diagnostic technique to determine the order and concentration of lithium polysulfides in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery electrolytes has been developed. One of the major challenges of lithium-sulfur batteries is the problem of polysulfide shuttling between the electrodes, which leads to self-discharge and loss of active material. Here we present an optical diagnostic for quantitative in situ measurements of lithium polysulfides using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Simulated infrared spectra of lithium polysulfide molecules were generated using computational quantum chemistry routines implemented in Gaussian 09. The theoretical spectra served as a starting point for experimental characterization of lithium polysulfide solutions synthesized by the direct reaction of lithium sulfide and sulfur. Attenuated total reflection FT-IR spectroscopy was used to measure absorption spectra. The lower limit of detection with this technique is 0.05 M. Measured spectra revealed trends with respect to polysulfide order and concentration, consistent with theoretical predictions, which were used to develop a set of equations relating the order and concentration of lithium polysulfides in a sample to the position and area of a characteristic infrared absorption band. The diagnostic routine can measure the order and concentration to within 5% and 0.1 M, respectively.

Heteroaromatic-based electrolytes for lithium and lithium-ion batteries

DOEpatents

Cheng, Gang; Abraham, Daniel P.

2017-04-18

The present invention provides an electrolyte for lithium and/or lithium-ion batteries comprising a lithium salt in a liquid carrier comprising heteroaromatic compound including a five-membered or six-membered heteroaromatic ring moiety selected from the group consisting of a furan, a pyrazine, a triazine, a pyrrole, and a thiophene, the heteroaromatic ring moiety bearing least one carboxylic ester or carboxylic anhydride substituent bound to at least one carbon atom of the heteroaromatic ring. Preferred heteroaromatic ring moieties include pyridine compounds, pyrazine compounds, pyrrole compounds, furan compounds, and thiophene compounds.

Recovery of Lithium from Geothermal Brine with Lithium–Aluminum Layered Double Hydroxide Chloride Sorbents

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Paranthaman, Mariappan Parans; Li, Ling; Luo, Jiaqi

In this paper, we report a three-stage bench-scale column extraction process to selectively extract lithium chloride from geothermal brine. The goal of this research is to develop materials and processing technologies to improve the economics of lithium extraction and production from naturally occurring geothermal and other brines for energy storage applications. A novel sorbent, lithium aluminum layered double hydroxide chloride (LDH), is synthesized and characterized with X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and thermogravimetric analysis. Each cycle of the column extraction process consists of three steps: (1) loading the sorbent with lithium chloridemore » from brine; (2) intermediate washing to remove unwanted ions; (3) final washing for unloading the lithium chloride ions. Our experimental analysis of eluate vs feed concentrations of Li and competing ions demonstrates that our optimized sorbents can achieve a recovery efficiency of ~91% and possess excellent Li apparent selectivity of 47.8 compared to Na ions and 212 compared to K ions, respectively in the brine. Finally, the present work demonstrates that LDH is an effective sorbent for selective extraction of lithium from brines, thus offering the possibility of effective application of lithium salts in lithium-ion batteries leading to a fundamental shift in the lithium supply chain.« less

Recovery of Lithium from Geothermal Brine with Lithium–Aluminum Layered Double Hydroxide Chloride Sorbents

DOE PAGES

Paranthaman, Mariappan Parans; Li, Ling; Luo, Jiaqi; ...

2017-10-27

In this paper, we report a three-stage bench-scale column extraction process to selectively extract lithium chloride from geothermal brine. The goal of this research is to develop materials and processing technologies to improve the economics of lithium extraction and production from naturally occurring geothermal and other brines for energy storage applications. A novel sorbent, lithium aluminum layered double hydroxide chloride (LDH), is synthesized and characterized with X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and thermogravimetric analysis. Each cycle of the column extraction process consists of three steps: (1) loading the sorbent with lithium chloridemore » from brine; (2) intermediate washing to remove unwanted ions; (3) final washing for unloading the lithium chloride ions. Our experimental analysis of eluate vs feed concentrations of Li and competing ions demonstrates that our optimized sorbents can achieve a recovery efficiency of ~91% and possess excellent Li apparent selectivity of 47.8 compared to Na ions and 212 compared to K ions, respectively in the brine. Finally, the present work demonstrates that LDH is an effective sorbent for selective extraction of lithium from brines, thus offering the possibility of effective application of lithium salts in lithium-ion batteries leading to a fundamental shift in the lithium supply chain.« less

Lithium metal oxide electrodes for lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Thackeray, Michael M.; Johnson, Christopher S.; Amine, Khalil; Kang, Sun-Ho

2010-06-08

An uncycled preconditioned electrode for a non-aqueous lithium electrochemical cell including a lithium metal oxide having the formula xLi.sub.2-yH.sub.yO.xM'O.sub.2.(1-x)Li.sub.1-zH.sub.zMO.sub.2 in which 0lithium metal ion with an average trivalent oxidation state selected from two or more of the first row transition metals or lighter metal elements in the periodic table, and M' is one or more ions with an average tetravalent oxidation state selected from the first and second row transition metal elements and Sn. The xLi.sub.2-yH.sub.y.xM'O.sub.2.(1-x)Li.sub.1-zH.sub.zMO.sub.2 material is prepared by preconditioning a precursor lithium metal oxide (i.e., xLi.sub.2M'O.sub.3.(1-x)LiMO.sub.2) with a proton-containing medium with a pH<7.0 containing an inorganic acid. Methods of preparing the electrodes are disclosed, as are electrochemical cells and batteries containing the electrodes.

Lithium purification technique

DOEpatents

Keough, Robert F.; Meadows, George E.

1985-01-01

A method for purifying liquid lithium to remove unwanted quantities of nitrogen or aluminum. The method involves precipitation of aluminum nitride by adding a reagent to the liquid lithium. The reagent will be either nitrogen or aluminum in a quantity adequate to react with the unwanted quantity of the impurity to form insoluble aluminum nitride. The aluminum nitride can be mechanically separated from the molten liquid lithium.

Lithium purification technique

DOEpatents

Keough, R.F.; Meadows, G.E.

1984-01-10

A method for purifying liquid lithium to remove unwanted quantities of nitrogen or aluminum. The method involves precipitation of aluminum nitride by adding a reagent to the liquid lithium. The reagent will be either nitrogen or aluminum in a quantity adequate to react with the unwanted quantity of the impurity to form insoluble aluminum nitride. The aluminum nitride can be mechanically separated from the molten liquid lithium.

Lithium: for harnessing renewable energy

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bradley, Dwight; Jaskula, Brian W.

2014-01-01

Lithium, which has the chemical symbol Li and an atomic number of 3, is the first metal in the periodic table. Lithium has many uses, the most prominent being in batteries for cell phones, laptops, and electric and hybrid vehicles. Worldwide sources of lithium are broken down by ore-deposit type as follows: closed-basin brines, 58%; pegmatites and related granites, 26%; lithium-enriched clays, 7%; oilfield brines, 3%; geothermal brines, 3%; and lithium-enriched zeolites, 3% (2013 statistics). There are over 39 million tons of lithium resources worldwide. Of this resource, the USGS estimates there to be approximately 13 million tons of current economically recoverable lithium reserves. To help predict where future lithium supplies might be located, USGS scientists study how and where identified resources are concentrated in the Earth’s crust, and they use that knowledge to assess the likelihood that undiscovered resources also exist.

The insertion products of 2-picolyl lithium salt with benzonitrile and terephthalonitrile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yihao; Xiao, Xia; Bai, Jianliang; Cao, Wei; Chen, Xia

2018-02-01

Treatment of 2-picoline with BunLi in THF affords its corresponding 2-picolyl lithium salt in a high yield. The insertion of benzonitrile into the Lisbnd C bond of 2-picolyl lithium followed by acidic hydrolysis yields the corresponding β-pyridyl ketone (1), and diketone compounds (2) is obtained from 1 by intermolecular elimination of proton under the base condition. Similarly, the insertion of terephthalonitrile into 2-picolyl lithium leads to a 1,4-phenyl-linked pyridyl-azaalyl dilithium complex 4, followed by acidic hydrolysis yields corresponding 1,4-phenyl-linked dipyridylketone 3. The probable reaction pathway for the formation of 2 has been investigated. Compound 2 and 4 have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography.

Lithium-coated polymeric matrix as a minimum volume-change and dendrite-free lithium metal anode

PubMed Central

Liu, Yayuan; Lin, Dingchang; Liang, Zheng; Zhao, Jie; Yan, Kai; Cui, Yi

2016-01-01

Lithium metal is the ideal anode for the next generation of high-energy-density batteries. Nevertheless, dendrite growth, side reactions and infinite relative volume change have prevented it from practical applications. Here, we demonstrate a promising metallic lithium anode design by infusing molten lithium into a polymeric matrix. The electrospun polyimide employed is stable against highly reactive molten lithium and, via a conformal layer of zinc oxide coating to render the surface lithiophilic, molten lithium can be drawn into the matrix, affording a nano-porous lithium electrode. Importantly, the polymeric backbone enables uniform lithium stripping/plating, which successfully confines lithium within the matrix, realizing minimum volume change and effective dendrite suppression. The porous electrode reduces the effective current density; thus, flat voltage profiles and stable cycling of more than 100 cycles is achieved even at a high current density of 5 mA cm−2 in both carbonate and ether electrolyte. The advantages of the porous, polymeric matrix provide important insights into the design principles of lithium metal anodes. PMID:26987481

Lithium-coated polymeric matrix as a minimum volume-change and dendrite-free lithium metal anode

DOE PAGES

Liu, Yayuan; Lin, Dingchang; Liang, Zheng; ...

2016-03-18

Lithium metal is the ideal anode for the next generation of high-energy-density batteries. Nevertheless, dendrite growth, side reactions and infinite relative volume change have prevented it from practical applications. Here, we demonstrate a promising metallic lithium anode design by infusing molten lithium into a polymeric matrix. The electrospun polyimide employed is stable against highly reactive molten lithium and, via a conformal layer of zinc oxide coating to render the surface lithiophilic, molten lithium can be drawn into the matrix, affording a nano-porous lithium electrode. Importantly, the polymeric backbone enables uniform lithium stripping/plating, which successfully confines lithium within the matrix, realizingmore » minimum volume change and effective dendrite suppression. The porous electrode reduces the effective current density; thus, flat voltage profiles and stable cycling of more than 100 cycles is achieved even at a high current density of 5 mA cm -2 in both carbonate and ether electrolyte. Furthermore, the advantages of the porous, polymeric matrix provide important insights into the design principles of lithium metal anodes.« less

Lithium-coated polymeric matrix as a minimum volume-change and dendrite-free lithium metal anode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Yayuan; Lin, Dingchang; Liang, Zheng

Lithium metal is the ideal anode for the next generation of high-energy-density batteries. Nevertheless, dendrite growth, side reactions and infinite relative volume change have prevented it from practical applications. Here, we demonstrate a promising metallic lithium anode design by infusing molten lithium into a polymeric matrix. The electrospun polyimide employed is stable against highly reactive molten lithium and, via a conformal layer of zinc oxide coating to render the surface lithiophilic, molten lithium can be drawn into the matrix, affording a nano-porous lithium electrode. Importantly, the polymeric backbone enables uniform lithium stripping/plating, which successfully confines lithium within the matrix, realizingmore » minimum volume change and effective dendrite suppression. The porous electrode reduces the effective current density; thus, flat voltage profiles and stable cycling of more than 100 cycles is achieved even at a high current density of 5 mA cm -2 in both carbonate and ether electrolyte. Furthermore, the advantages of the porous, polymeric matrix provide important insights into the design principles of lithium metal anodes.« less

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Enables High-Efficiency Recognition and Trapping Lithium Polysulfides for Stable Lithium Sulfur Battery.

PubMed

Liu, Jie; Qian, Tao; Wang, Mengfan; Liu, Xuejun; Xu, Na; You, Yizhou; Yan, Chenglin

2017-08-09

Using molecularly imprinted polymer to recognize various target molecules emerges as a fascinating research field. Herein, we applied this strategy for the first time to efficiently recognize and trap long-chain polysulfides (Li 2 S x , x = 6-8) in lithium sulfur battery to minimize the polysulfide shuttling between anode and cathode, which enables us to achieve remarkable electrochemical performance including a high specific capacity of 1262 mAh g -1 at 0.2 C and superior capacity retention of over 82.5% after 400 cycles at 1 C. The outstanding performance is attributed to the significantly reduced concentration of long-chain polysulfides in electrolyte as evidenced by in situ UV/vis spectroscopy and Li 2 S nucleation tests, which were further confirmed by density functional theory calculations. The molecular imprinting is demonstrated as a promising approach to effectively prevent the free diffusion of long-chain polysulfides, providing a new avenue to efficiently recognize and trap lithium polysulfides for high-performance lithium sulfur battery with greatly suppressed shuttle effect.

Lithium metal oxide electrodes for lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Thackeray, Michael M [Naperville, IL; Kim, Jeom-Soo [Naperville, IL; Johnson, Christopher S [Naperville, IL

2008-01-01

An uncycled electrode for a non-aqueous lithium electrochemical cell including a lithium metal oxide having the formula Li.sub.(2+2x)/(2+x)M'.sub.2x/(2+x)M.sub.(2-2x)/(2+x)O.sub.2-.delta., in which 0.ltoreq.x<1 and .delta. is less than 0.2, and in which M is a non-lithium metal ion with an average trivalent oxidation state selected from two or more of the first row transition metals or lighter metal elements in the periodic table, and M' is one or more ions with an average tetravalent oxidation state selected from the first and second row transition metal elements and Sn. Methods of preconditioning the electrodes are disclosed as are electrochemical cells and batteries containing the electrodes.

Lanthanum Nitrate As Electrolyte Additive To Stabilize the Surface Morphology of Lithium Anode for Lithium-Sulfur Battery.

PubMed

Liu, Sheng; Li, Guo-Ran; Gao, Xue-Ping

2016-03-01

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is regarded as one of the most promising candidates beyond conventional lithium ion batteries. However, the instability of the metallic lithium anode during lithium electrochemical dissolution/deposition is still a major barrier for the practical application of Li-S battery. In this work, lanthanum nitrate, as electrolyte additive, is introduced into Li-S battery to stabilize the surface of lithium anode. By introducing lanthanum nitrate into electrolyte, a composite passivation film of lanthanum/lithium sulfides can be formed on metallic lithium anode, which is beneficial to decrease the reducibility of metallic lithium and slow down the electrochemical dissolution/deposition reaction on lithium anode for stabilizing the surface morphology of metallic Li anode in lithium-sulfur battery. Meanwhile, the cycle stability of the fabricated Li-S cell is improved by introducing lanthanum nitrate into electrolyte. Apparently, lanthanum nitrate is an effective additive for the protection of lithium anode and the cycling stability of Li-S battery.

Using Dual Regression to Investigate Network Shape and Amplitude in Functional Connectivity Analyses

PubMed Central

Nickerson, Lisa D.; Smith, Stephen M.; Öngür, Döst; Beckmann, Christian F.

2017-01-01

Independent Component Analysis (ICA) is one of the most popular techniques for the analysis of resting state FMRI data because it has several advantageous properties when compared with other techniques. Most notably, in contrast to a conventional seed-based correlation analysis, it is model-free and multivariate, thus switching the focus from evaluating the functional connectivity of single brain regions identified a priori to evaluating brain connectivity in terms of all brain resting state networks (RSNs) that simultaneously engage in oscillatory activity. Furthermore, typical seed-based analysis characterizes RSNs in terms of spatially distributed patterns of correlation (typically by means of simple Pearson's coefficients) and thereby confounds together amplitude information of oscillatory activity and noise. ICA and other regression techniques, on the other hand, retain magnitude information and therefore can be sensitive to both changes in the spatially distributed nature of correlations (differences in the spatial pattern or “shape”) as well as the amplitude of the network activity. Furthermore, motion can mimic amplitude effects so it is crucial to use a technique that retains such information to ensure that connectivity differences are accurately localized. In this work, we investigate the dual regression approach that is frequently applied with group ICA to assess group differences in resting state functional connectivity of brain networks. We show how ignoring amplitude effects and how excessive motion corrupts connectivity maps and results in spurious connectivity differences. We also show how to implement the dual regression to retain amplitude information and how to use dual regression outputs to identify potential motion effects. Two key findings are that using a technique that retains magnitude information, e.g., dual regression, and using strict motion criteria are crucial for controlling both network amplitude and motion-related amplitude

TRICHLOROETHYLENE SORPTION AND OXIDATION USING A DUAL FUNCTION SORBENT/CATALYST IN A FALLING FURNACE REACTOR

EPA Science Inventory

A dual function medium (Cr-ZSM-5), capable of physisorbing trichloroethylene (TCE) at ambient temperature and catalytically oxidizing it at elevated temperature (-350 degrees C) was utilized in a novel continuous falling furnace reactor system to store and periodically destroy t...

Neuroprotective action of lithium in disorders of the central nervous system

PubMed Central

CHIU, Chi-Tso; CHUANG, De-Maw

2011-01-01

Substantial in vitro and in vivo evidence of neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of lithium suggests that it may also have considerable potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. Lithium's main mechanisms of action appear to stem from its ability to inhibit glycogen synthase kinase-3 activity and also to induce signaling mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This in turn alters a wide variety of downstream efectors, with the ultimate effect of enhancing pathways to cell survival. In addition, lithium contributes to calcium homeostasis. By inhibiting N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated calcium influx, for instance, it suppresses the calcium-dependent activation of pro-apoptotic signaling pathways. By inhibiting the activity of phosphoinositol phosphatases, it decreases levels of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, a process recently identified as a novel mechanism for inducing autophagy. These mechanisms alow therapeutic doses of lithium to protect neuronal cells from diverse insults that would otherwise lead to massive cell death. Lithium, moreover, has been shown to improve behavioral and cognitive deficits in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, including stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, fragile X syndrome, and Huntington's, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases. Since lithium is already FDA-approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder, our conclusions support the notion that its clinical relevance can be expanded to include the treatment of several neurological and neurodegenerative-related diseases. PMID:21743136

Construction of dual-functional polymer nanomaterials with near-infrared fluorescence imaging and polymer prodrug by RAFT-mediated aqueous dispersion polymerization.

PubMed

Tian, Chun; Niu, Jinyun; Wei, Xuerui; Xu, Yujie; Zhang, Lifen; Cheng, Zhenping; Zhu, Xiulin

2018-05-31

The performance of functional polymer nanomaterials is a vigorously discussed topic in polymer science. We devoted ourselves to investigating polymer nanomaterials based on near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging and polymer prodrug in this study. Aza-boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) is an important organic dye, having characteristics such as environmental resistance, light resistance, high molar extinction coefficient, and fluorescence quantum yield. We incorporated it into our target monomer, which can be polymerized without changing its parent structure in a polar solvent and copolymerized with water-soluble monomer to improve the solubility of the dye in an aqueous solution. At the same time, the hydrophobic drug camptothecin (CPT) was designed as a prodrug monomer, and the polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) with NIR fluorescence imaging and prodrug were synthesized in situ in reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)-mediated aqueous dispersion polymerization. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the final uniform size of the dual-functional polymeric NPs morphology. The dual-functional polymeric NPs had a strong absorption and emission signal in the NIR region (>650 nm) based on the fluorescence tests. In consideration of the long-term biological toxicity, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) results indicated that the dual-functional NPs with controlled drug content exhibited effective capability of killing HeLa cells. In addition, in vivo imaging of the dual-functional NPs was observed in real time, and the fluorescent signals clearly demonstrated the dynamic process of prodrug transfer.

Lithium toxicity precipitated by thyrotoxicosis due to silent thyroiditis: cardiac arrest, quadriplegia, and coma.

PubMed

Sato, Yoshinori; Taki, Katsumi; Honda, Yuki; Takahashi, Shoichiro; Yoshimura, Ashio

2013-06-01

developed lithium toxicity in the setting of what seemed likely to be a recent onset of thyrotoxicosis due to silent thyroiditis. Thyrotoxicosis may be a contributing cause of lithium toxicity, particularly if it is abrupt in onset and even with cessation of lithium therapy if renal function is compromised. Thyroid function should be assessed immediately in patients with suspected lithium toxicity.

A highly efficient polysulfide mediator for lithium-sulfur batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Xiao; Hart, Connor; Pang, Quan; Garsuch, Arnd; Weiss, Thomas; Nazar, Linda F.

2015-01-01

The lithium-sulfur battery is receiving intense interest because its theoretical energy density exceeds that of lithium-ion batteries at much lower cost, but practical applications are still hindered by capacity decay caused by the polysulfide shuttle. Here we report a strategy to entrap polysulfides in the cathode that relies on a chemical process, whereby a host—manganese dioxide nanosheets serve as the prototype—reacts with initially formed lithium polysulfides to form surface-bound intermediates. These function as a redox shuttle to catenate and bind ‘higher’ polysulfides, and convert them on reduction to insoluble lithium sulfide via disproportionation. The sulfur/manganese dioxide nanosheet composite with 75 wt% sulfur exhibits a reversible capacity of 1,300 mA h g-1 at moderate rates and a fade rate over 2,000 cycles of 0.036%/cycle, among the best reported to date. We furthermore show that this mechanism extends to graphene oxide and suggest it can be employed more widely.

Thin-film Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Dudney, N. J.; Bates, J. B.; Lubben, D.

1995-06-01

Thin film rechargeable lithium batteries using ceramic electrolyte and cathode materials have been fabricated by physical deposition techniques. The lithium phosphorous oxynitride electrolyte has exceptional electrochemical stability and a good lithium conductivity. The lithium insertion reaction of several different intercalation materials, amorphous V{sub 2}O{sub 5}, amorphous LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4}, and crystalline LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} films, have been investigated using the completed cathode/electrolyte/lithium thin film battery.

A dual physiological character for sexual function: libido and sexual pheromones.

PubMed

Motofei, Ion G

2009-12-01

Human sexual response is a complex function involving many cerebral, spinal and peripheral aspects; the last are relatively known and benefit from good pharmacological control, as in the case of erectile dysfunction. Spinal cord sexual reflexes also have a good theoretical and experimental description. There is minimal understanding of the cerebral sexual processes (libido, sexual arousal, orgasm). The initial perspective was that the cerebral areas implied in sexuality exert descending stimulatory and inhibitory influences on spinal cord sexual centres/reflexes. This was a wrong supposition, which inhibited progress in this subject, with a considerable impact on a subject's individual and social life. A new approach to sexual function arises from the idea that simple neurological structures can support only simple functions, while a more complex function requires correspondingly complex anatomical structures. For this reason the spinal cord would not be able to realise the integration of multiple (spinal and psychosensorial) stimuli into a unique and coherent ejaculation response. Consequently, all mechanisms implied in human sexuality would be cerebral processes, ejaculation reflexes ascending in evolution to the cerebral level. This new evolutionary concept was developed after 2001 in five distinct articles on the cerebral duality of sexual arousal, sexual hormones, ejaculation and serotonergic receptors. During this period other published results suggested a possible cerebral duality for sexual pheromones and libido in humans. All these dual physiological aspects are integrated in this review into one neurophysiological model, thus trying to further develop the new concepts of sexual function and perhaps relational behaviour. In conclusion, ejaculation is a dual cerebral process with arousal sensation (hormonally modulated) and libido perception (pheromonally modulated) as the afferent part. Two neurophysiological axes could exist in both men and women. In this

Safe and recyclable lithium-ion capacitors using sacrificial organic lithium salt.

PubMed

Jeżowski, P; Crosnier, O; Deunf, E; Poizot, P; Béguin, F; Brousse, T

2018-02-01

Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) shrewdly combine a lithium-ion battery negative electrode capable of reversibly intercalating lithium cations, namely graphite, together with an electrical double-layer positive electrode, namely activated carbon. However, the beauty of this concept is marred by the lack of a lithium-cation source in the device, thus requiring a specific preliminary charging step. The strategies devised thus far in an attempt to rectify this issue all present drawbacks. Our research uncovers a unique approach based on the use of a lithiated organic material, namely 3,4-dihydroxybenzonitrile dilithium salt. This compound can irreversibly provide lithium cations to the graphite electrode during an initial operando charging step without any negative effects with respect to further operation of the LIC. This method not only restores the low CO 2 footprint of LICs, but also possesses far-reaching potential with respect to designing a wide range of greener hybrid devices based on other chemistries, comprising entirely recyclable components.

METHOD FOR PRODUCING ISOTOPIC METHANES FROM LITHIUM CARBONATE AND LITHIUM HYDRIDE

DOEpatents

Frazer, J.W.

1959-10-27

A process is descrlbed for the production of methane and for the production of methane containing isotopes of hydrogen and/or carbon. Finely divided lithium hydrlde and litldum carbonate reactants are mixed in intimate contact and subsequently compacted under pressures of from 5000 to 60,000 psl. The compacted lithium hydride and lithium carbenate reactunts are dispised in a gas collecting apparatus. Subsequently, the compact is heated to a temperature in the range 350 to 400 deg C whereupon a solid-solid reaction takes place and gaseous methane is evolved. The evolved methane is contaminated with gaseous hydrogen and a very small amount of CO/sub 2/; however, the desired methane product is separated from sald impurities by well known chemical processes, e.g., condensation in a cold trap. The product methane contalns isotopes of carbon and hydrogen, the Isotopic composition being determined by the carbon isotopes originally present In the lithium carbonate and the hydrogen isotopes originally present in the lithium hydride.

New promising lithium malonatoborate salts for high voltage lithium ion batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Xiao -Guang; Wan, Shun; Guang, Hong Yu

Here, three new lithium salts, lithium difluoro-2-methyl-2-fluoromalonaoborate (LiDFMFMB), lithium difluoro-2-ethyl-2-fluoromalonaoborate (LiDFEFMB), and lithium difluoro-2-propyl-2-fluoro malonaoborate (LiDFPFMB), have been synthesized and evaluated for application in lithium ion batteries. These new salts are soluble in a mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) (1:2 by wt.) and 1.0 M salt solutions can be easily prepared. The ionic conductivities of these new salts are close to those of LiBF 4 and LiPF 6. Cyclic voltammograms reveal that these new salt based electrolytes can passivate both natural graphite and high voltage spinel LiNi 0.5Mn 1.5O 4 (LNMO) to form effective solidmore » electrolyte interphases (SEIs). In addition, these new salts based electrolytes exhibit good cycling stability with high coulombic efficiencies in both LiNi 0.5Mn 1.5O 4 and graphite based half-cells and full cells.« less

New promising lithium malonatoborate salts for high voltage lithium ion batteries

DOE PAGES

Sun, Xiao -Guang; Wan, Shun; Guang, Hong Yu; ...

2016-12-01

Here, three new lithium salts, lithium difluoro-2-methyl-2-fluoromalonaoborate (LiDFMFMB), lithium difluoro-2-ethyl-2-fluoromalonaoborate (LiDFEFMB), and lithium difluoro-2-propyl-2-fluoro malonaoborate (LiDFPFMB), have been synthesized and evaluated for application in lithium ion batteries. These new salts are soluble in a mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) (1:2 by wt.) and 1.0 M salt solutions can be easily prepared. The ionic conductivities of these new salts are close to those of LiBF 4 and LiPF 6. Cyclic voltammograms reveal that these new salt based electrolytes can passivate both natural graphite and high voltage spinel LiNi 0.5Mn 1.5O 4 (LNMO) to form effective solidmore » electrolyte interphases (SEIs). In addition, these new salts based electrolytes exhibit good cycling stability with high coulombic efficiencies in both LiNi 0.5Mn 1.5O 4 and graphite based half-cells and full cells.« less

Safe and recyclable lithium-ion capacitors using sacrificial organic lithium salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeżowski, P.; Crosnier, O.; Deunf, E.; Poizot, P.; Béguin, F.; Brousse, T.

2018-02-01

Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) shrewdly combine a lithium-ion battery negative electrode capable of reversibly intercalating lithium cations, namely graphite, together with an electrical double-layer positive electrode, namely activated carbon. However, the beauty of this concept is marred by the lack of a lithium-cation source in the device, thus requiring a specific preliminary charging step. The strategies devised thus far in an attempt to rectify this issue all present drawbacks. Our research uncovers a unique approach based on the use of a lithiated organic material, namely 3,4-dihydroxybenzonitrile dilithium salt. This compound can irreversibly provide lithium cations to the graphite electrode during an initial operando charging step without any negative effects with respect to further operation of the LIC. This method not only restores the low CO2 footprint of LICs, but also possesses far-reaching potential with respect to designing a wide range of greener hybrid devices based on other chemistries, comprising entirely recyclable components.

Lithium Azide as an Electrolyte Additive for All-Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

PubMed

Eshetu, Gebrekidan Gebresilassie; Judez, Xabier; Li, Chunmei; Bondarchuk, Oleksandr; Rodriguez-Martinez, Lide M; Zhang, Heng; Armand, Michel

2017-11-27

Of the various beyond-lithium-ion battery technologies, lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have an appealing theoretical energy density and are being intensely investigated as next-generation rechargeable lithium-metal batteries. However, the stability of the lithium-metal (Li°) anode is among the most urgent challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the long-term stability of Li-S batteries. Herein, we report lithium azide (LiN 3 ) as a novel electrolyte additive for all-solid-state Li-S batteries (ASSLSBs). It results in the formation of a thin, compact and highly conductive passivation layer on the Li° anode, thereby avoiding dendrite formation, and polysulfide shuttling. It greatly enhances the cycling performance, Coulombic and energy efficiencies of ASSLSBs, outperforming the state-of-the-art additive lithium nitrate (LiNO 3 ). © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Direct observation of lithium polysulfides in lithium-sulfur batteries using operando X-ray diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conder, Joanna; Bouchet, Renaud; Trabesinger, Sigita; Marino, Cyril; Gubler, Lorenz; Villevieille, Claire

2017-06-01

In the on going quest towards lithium-battery chemistries beyond the lithium-ion technology, the lithium-sulfur system is emerging as one of the most promising candidates. The major outstanding challenge on the route to commercialization is controlling the so-called polysulfide shuttle, which is responsible for the poor cycling efficiency of the current generation of lithium-sulfur batteries. However, the mechanistic understanding of the reactions underlying the polysulfide shuttle is still incomplete. Here we report the direct observation of lithium polysulfides in a lithium-sulfur cell during operation by means of operando X-ray diffraction. We identify signatures of polysulfides adsorbed on the surface of a glass-fibre separator and monitor their evolution during cycling. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the adsorption of the polysulfides onto SiO2 can be harnessed for buffering the polysulfide redox shuttle. The use of fumed silica as an electrolyte additive therefore significantly improves the specific charge and Coulombic efficiency of lithium-sulfur batteries.

Chronic treatment with lithium, but not sodium valproate, increases cortical N-acetyl-aspartate concentrations in euthymic bipolar patients.

PubMed

Silverstone, Peter H; Wu, Ren H; O'Donnell, Tina; Ulrich, Michele; Asghar, Sheila J; Hanstock, Christopher C

2003-03-01

Previous studies have found that treatment with lithium over a 4-week period may increase the concentration of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) in both bipolar patients and controls. In view of other findings indicating that NAA concentrations may be a good marker for neuronal viability and/or functioning, it has been further suggested that some of the long term benefits of lithium may therefore be due to actions to improve these neuronal properties. The aim of the present study was to utilize H magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( H MRS) to further examine the effects of both lithium and sodium valproate upon NAA concentrations in treated euthymic bipolar patients. In the first part of the study, healthy controls (n =18) were compared with euthymic bipolar patients (type I and type II) who were taking either lithium (n =14) or sodium valproate (n =11), and NAA : creatine ratios were determined. In the second part, we examined a separate group of euthymic bipolar disorder patients taking sodium valproate (n =9) and compared these to age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n =11), and we quantified the exact concentrations of NAA using an external solution. The results from the first part of the study showed that bipolar patients chronically treated with lithium had a significant increase in NAA concentrations but, in contrast, there were no significant increases in the sodium valproate-treated patients compared to controls. The second part of the study also found no effects of sodium valproate on NAA concentrations. These findings are the first to compare NAA concentrations in euthymic bipolar patients being treated with lithium or sodium valproate. The results support suggestions that longer-term administration of lithium to bipolar patients may increase NAA concentrations. However, the study suggests that chronic administration of sodium valproate to patients does not lead to similar changes in NAA concentrations. These findings suggest that sodium valproate and lithium may

Interhemispheric modulation of dual-mode, noninvasive brain stimulation on motor function.

PubMed

Park, Eunhee; Kim, Yun-Hee; Chang, Won Hyuk; Kwon, Tae Gun; Shin, Yong-Il

2014-06-01

To investigate the effects of simultaneous, bihemispheric, dual-mode stimulation using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on motor functions and cortical excitability in healthy individuals. Twenty-five healthy, right-handed volunteers (10 men, 15 women; mean age, 25.5 years) were enrolled. All participants received four randomly arranged, dual-mode, simultaneous stimulations under the following conditions: condition 1, high-frequency rTMS over the right primary motor cortex (M1) and sham tDCS over the left M1; condition 2, high-frequency rTMS over the right M1 and anodal tDCS over the left M1; condition 3, high-frequency rTMS over the right M1 and cathodal tDCS over the left M1; and condition 4, sham rTMS and sham tDCS. The cortical excitability of the right M1 and motor functions of the left hand were assessed before and after each simulation. Motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes after stimulation were significantly higher than before stimulation, under the conditions 1 and 2. The MEP amplitude in condition 2 was higher than both conditions 3 and 4, while the MEP amplitude in condition 1 was higher than condition 4. The results of the Purdue Pegboard test and the box and block test showed significant improvement in conditions 1 and 2 after stimulation. Simultaneous stimulation by anodal tDCS over the left M1 with high-frequency rTMS over the right M1 could produce interhemispheric modulation and homeostatic plasticity, which resulted in modulation of cortical excitability and motor functions.

Interfaces and Materials in Lithium Ion Batteries: Challenges for Theoretical Electrochemistry.

PubMed

Kasnatscheew, Johannes; Wagner, Ralf; Winter, Martin; Cekic-Laskovic, Isidora

2018-04-18

Energy storage is considered a key technology for successful realization of renewable energies and electrification of the powertrain. This review discusses the lithium ion battery as the leading electrochemical storage technology, focusing on its main components, namely electrode(s) as active and electrolyte as inactive materials. State-of-the-art (SOTA) cathode and anode materials are reviewed, emphasizing viable approaches towards advancement of the overall performance and reliability of lithium ion batteries; however, existing challenges are not neglected. Liquid aprotic electrolytes for lithium ion batteries comprise a lithium ion conducting salt, a mixture of solvents and various additives. Due to its complexity and its role in a given cell chemistry, electrolyte, besides the cathode materials, is identified as most susceptible, as well as the most promising, component for further improvement of lithium ion batteries. The working principle of the most important commercial electrolyte additives is also discussed. With regard to new applications and new cell chemistries, e.g., operation at high temperature and high voltage, further improvements of both active and inactive materials are inevitable. In this regard, theoretical support by means of modeling, calculation and simulation approaches can be very helpful to ex ante pre-select and identify the aforementioned components suitable for a given cell chemistry as well as to understand degradation phenomena at the electrolyte/electrode interface. This overview highlights the advantages and limitations of SOTA lithium battery systems, aiming to encourage researchers to carry forward and strengthen the research towards advanced lithium ion batteries, tailored for specific applications.

Efficacy and Effectiveness of Lithium in the Long-Term Treatment of Bipolar Disorders: An Update 2018.

PubMed

Severus, Emanuel; Bauer, Michael; Geddes, John

2018-06-13

For more than 40 years, lithium has been the gold standard in the long-term treatment of bipolar disorders. In the course of the last 15 years, other drugs have been approved in this indication and are widely used in clinical practice at the expense of lithium. New research from the last few years, however, indicates that lithium is still the first-line treatment in this indication. Against this background and lithium's proven acute antimanic efficacy, we should perhaps be using lithium more regularly (in combination with an atypical antipsychotic, if necessary) right from the start for the acute treatment of a manic episode and, once remission has been achieved and euthymia maintained during continuation treatment, to regularly taper off the atypical antipsychotic, if possible, and continue with lithium as monotherapy for prophylactic treatment. This might lead to lithium being used more consistently with the scientific evidence in the long-term treatment of bipolar disorders. It remains uncertain, however, to predict who will respond to and tolerate lithium prophylactically, and more research is needed to deliver the best possible individualized care to our patients. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Inflammation and lithium: clues to mechanisms contributing to suicide-linked traits

PubMed Central

Beurel, E; Jope, R S

2014-01-01

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, yet it remains difficult to understand the mechanistic provocations and to intervene therapeutically. Stress is recognized as a frequent precursor to suicide. Psychological stress is well established to cause activation of the inflammatory response, including causing neuroinflammation, an increase of inflammatory molecules in the central nervous system (CNS). Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as affecting many aspects of CNS functions and behaviors. In particular, much evidence demonstrates that inflammatory markers are elevated in traits that have been linked to suicidal behavior, including aggression, impulsivity and depression. Lithium is recognized as significantly reducing suicidal behavior, is anti-inflammatory and diminishes aggression, impulsivity and depression traits, each of which is associated with elevated inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of lithium result from its inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3). GSK3 has been demonstrated to strongly promote inflammation, aggressive behavior in rodents and depression-like behaviors in rodents, whereas regulation of impulsivity by GSK3 has not yet been investigated. Altogether, evidence is building supporting the hypothesis that stress activates GSK3, which in turn promotes inflammation, and that inflammation is linked to behaviors associated with suicide, including particularly aggression, impulsivity and depression. Further investigation of these links may provide a clearer understanding of the causes of suicidal behavior and provide leads for the development of effective preventative interventions, which may include inhibitors of GSK3. PMID:25514751

Inflammation and lithium: clues to mechanisms contributing to suicide-linked traits.

PubMed

Beurel, E; Jope, R S

2014-12-16

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, yet it remains difficult to understand the mechanistic provocations and to intervene therapeutically. Stress is recognized as a frequent precursor to suicide. Psychological stress is well established to cause activation of the inflammatory response, including causing neuroinflammation, an increase of inflammatory molecules in the central nervous system (CNS). Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as affecting many aspects of CNS functions and behaviors. In particular, much evidence demonstrates that inflammatory markers are elevated in traits that have been linked to suicidal behavior, including aggression, impulsivity and depression. Lithium is recognized as significantly reducing suicidal behavior, is anti-inflammatory and diminishes aggression, impulsivity and depression traits, each of which is associated with elevated inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of lithium result from its inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3). GSK3 has been demonstrated to strongly promote inflammation, aggressive behavior in rodents and depression-like behaviors in rodents, whereas regulation of impulsivity by GSK3 has not yet been investigated. Altogether, evidence is building supporting the hypothesis that stress activates GSK3, which in turn promotes inflammation, and that inflammation is linked to behaviors associated with suicide, including particularly aggression, impulsivity and depression. Further investigation of these links may provide a clearer understanding of the causes of suicidal behavior and provide leads for the development of effective preventative interventions, which may include inhibitors of GSK3.

Lithium-induced downbeat nystagmus.

PubMed

Schein, Flora; Manoli, Pierre; Cathébras, Pascal

2017-09-01

We report the case of a 76-year old lady under lithium carbonate for a bipolar disorder who presented with a suspected optic neuritis. A typical lithium-induced downbeat nystagmus was observed. Discontinuation of lithium therapy resulted in frank improvement in visual acuity and disappearance of the nystagmus.

Lithium ion cell safety

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tobishima, Shin-ichi; Takei, Koji; Sakurai, Yoji; Yamaki, Jun-ichi

The safety characteristics of recent commercial lithium ion cells are examined in relation to their use for cellular phones. These are prismatic cells with an aluminum cell housing (can) and a 500-600 mA h capacity. They have one of two types of 4-V class cathodes, lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO 2) or lithium manganese oxide (LiMn 2O 4). This report provides results of the safety tests that we performed on lithium ion cells and outlines our views regarding their safety.

Effect of Initial State of Lithium on the Propensity for Dendrite Formation: A Theoretical Study

DOE PAGES

Barai, Pallab; Higa, Kenneth; Srinivasan, Venkat

2016-12-17

Mechanical constraints have been widely used experimentally to prevent the growth of dendrites within lithium metal. The only article known to the authors that tries to theoretically understand how mechanical forces prevent dendrite growth was published by Monroe and Newman [J. Electrochem. Soc., 150 (10) A1377 (2005)]. Based on the assumption that surface tension prevents the growth of interfacial roughness, Monroe and Newman considered pre-stressed conditions of the lithium electrodes. This scenario indicates that prevention of dendrite growth by mechanical means is only possible by using electrolytes with shear modulus at least two times larger than that of lithium metal.more » Here, a different scenario of relaxed lithium metal (without any pre-existing surface stresses) has been considered in the present analysis. Deposition of lithium due to electrochemical reaction at the lithium/electrolyte interface induces compressive stress at the electrode, the electrolyte, and the newly deposited lithium metal. Present simulations indicate that during operation at low current densities, the scenario of relaxed lithium leads to no dendrites. Rather, the present study points to the importance of including the effect of current distribution to accurately capture the mechanical forces needed to prevent dendrite growth.« less

Effect of Initial State of Lithium on the Propensity for Dendrite Formation: A Theoretical Study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barai, Pallab; Higa, Kenneth; Srinivasan, Venkat

Mechanical constraints have been widely used experimentally to prevent the growth of dendrites within lithium metal. The only article known to the authors that tries to theoretically understand how mechanical forces prevent dendrite growth was published by Monroe and Newman [J. Electrochem. Soc., 150 (10) A1377 (2005)]. Based on the assumption that surface tension prevents the growth of interfacial roughness, Monroe and Newman considered pre-stressed conditions of the lithium electrodes. This scenario indicates that prevention of dendrite growth by mechanical means is only possible by using electrolytes with shear modulus at least two times larger than that of lithium metal.more » Here, a different scenario of relaxed lithium metal (without any pre-existing surface stresses) has been considered in the present analysis. Deposition of lithium due to electrochemical reaction at the lithium/electrolyte interface induces compressive stress at the electrode, the electrolyte, and the newly deposited lithium metal. Present simulations indicate that during operation at low current densities, the scenario of relaxed lithium leads to no dendrites. Rather, the present study points to the importance of including the effect of current distribution to accurately capture the mechanical forces needed to prevent dendrite growth.« less

Novel intercore-cladding lithium niobate thin film coated MOEMS fiber sensor/modulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jamlson, Tracee L.; Konreich, Phillip; Yu, Chung

2005-01-01

A MOEMS fiber modulator/sensor is fabricated by depositing a lithium niobate sol-gel thin film between the core and cladding of a fiber preform. The preform is then drawn into 125-micron fibers. Such a MOEMS modulator design is expected to enhance existing lithium niobate undersea acousto-optic sound wave detectors. In our proposed version, the lithium niobate thin film alters the ordinary silica core/cladding boundary conditions such that, when a stress or strain is applied to the fiber, the core light confinement factor changes, leading to modulation of fiber light transmission. Test results of the lithium niobate embedded fiber with a 1550-nm, 4-mW laser source revealed a reduction in light transmission with applied tension. As a comparison, using the same laser source, an ordinary silica core/cladding fiber did not exhibit any reduction in transmitted light when the same strain was applied. Further experimental work and theoretical analysis is ongoing.

Ability of lithium to accelerate the recovery of granulopoiesis after subacute radiation injury.

PubMed

Gallicchio, V S; Chen, M G; Watts, T D

1984-01-01

Lithium stimulates granulopoietic recovery after mice are exposed to 2 Gy. By examining the hematopoietic inductive microenvironment (HIM) using the stromal colony assay, we demonstrate here that lithium, during the two weeks after irradiation, produced less stromal colony suppression than was observed from the irradiated controls. Recovery peaked by day 19 and returned to normal by day 28. This response was also observed in splenic derived stroma. Furthermore, stroma from lithium-irradiated animals supported the in vitro growth of granulocyte-macrophage colonies (CFU-GM) greater than observed from irradiated controls. These data suggest lithium accelerates granulopoietic recovery by first providing for a completely reconstituted and functional HIM.

Investigation of a novel ternary electrolyte based on dimethyl sulfite and lithium difluoromono(oxalato)borate for lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Renjie; Zhu, Lu; Wu, Feng; Li, Li; Zhang, Rong; Chen, Shi

2014-01-01

Lithium difluoromono(oxalato)borate (LiODFB) has been used as a novel lithium salt for battery in recent studies. In this study, a series of novel electrolytes has been prepared by adding 30 vol% dimethyl sulfite (DMS) or dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as co-solvent into an ethylene carbonate (EC)/ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) + LiX mixture, in which the LiX could be LiClO4, LiODFB, LiBOB, LiTFSI, or LiCF3SO3. These ternary electrolytes have been investigated for use in lithium ion batteries. FT-IR spectroscopy analysis shows that characteristic functional groups (-CO3, -SO3) undergo red-shift or blue-shift with the addition of different lithium salts. The LiODFB-EC/EMC/DMS electrolyte exhibits high ionic conductivity, which is mainly because of the low melting point of DMS, and LiODFB possessing high solubility. The Li/MCMB cells containing this novel electrolyte exhibit high capacities, good cycling performance, and excellent rate performance. These performances are probably because both LiODFB and DMS can assist in the formation of SEI films by reductive decomposition. Additionally, the discharge capacity of Li/LiCoO2 half cell containing LiODFB-EC/EMC/DMS electrolyte is 130.9 mAh g-1 after 50 cycles, and it is very comparable with the standard-commercial electrolyte. The results show that this study produces a promising electrolyte candidate for lithium ion batteries.

A novel dual-functional biosensor for fluorometric detection of inorganic pyrophosphate and pyrophosphatase activity based on globulin stabilized gold nanoclusters.

PubMed

Xu, Shenghao; Feng, Xiuying; Gao, Teng; Wang, Ruizhi; Mao, Yaning; Lin, Jiehua; Yu, Xijuan; Luo, Xiliang

2017-03-15

A novel ultrasensitive dual-functional biosensor for highly sensitive detection of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) and pyrophosphatase (PPase) activity was developed based on the fluorescent variation of globulin protected gold nanoclusters (Glo@Au NCs) with the assistance of Cu 2+ . Glo@Au NCs and PPi were used as the fluorescent indicator and substrate for PPase activity evaluation, respectively. In the presence of Cu 2+ , the fluorescence of the Glo@Au NCs will be quenched owing to the formation of Cu 2+ -Glo@Au NCs complex, while PPi can restore the fluorescence of the Cu 2+ -Glo@Au NCs complex because of its higher binding affinity with Cu 2+ . As PPase can catalyze the hydrolysis of PPi, it will lead to the release of Cu 2+ and re-quench the fluorescence of the Glo@Au NCs. Based on this mechanism, quantitative evaluation of the PPi and PPase activity can be achieved ranging from 0.05 μM to 218.125 μM for PPi and from 0.1 to 8 mU for PPase, with detection limits of 0.02 μM and 0.04 mU, respectively, which is much lower than that of other PPi and PPase assay methods. More importantly, this ultrasensitive dual-functional biosensor can also be successfully applied to evaluate the PPase activity in human serum, showing great promise for practical diagnostic applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In-operando high-speed tomography of lithium-ion batteries during thermal runaway

PubMed Central

Finegan, Donal P.; Scheel, Mario; Robinson, James B.; Tjaden, Bernhard; Hunt, Ian; Mason, Thomas J.; Millichamp, Jason; Di Michiel, Marco; Offer, Gregory J.; Hinds, Gareth; Brett, Dan J.L.; Shearing, Paul R.

2015-01-01

Prevention and mitigation of thermal runaway presents one of the greatest challenges for the safe operation of lithium-ion batteries. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the application of high-speed synchrotron X-ray computed tomography and radiography, in conjunction with thermal imaging, to track the evolution of internal structural damage and thermal behaviour during initiation and propagation of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries. This diagnostic approach is applied to commercial lithium-ion batteries (LG 18650 NMC cells), yielding insights into key degradation modes including gas-induced delamination, electrode layer collapse and propagation of structural degradation. It is envisaged that the use of these techniques will lead to major improvements in the design of Li-ion batteries and their safety features. PMID:25919582

Lithium-air batteries, method for making lithium-air batteries

DOEpatents

Vajda, Stefan; Curtiss, Larry A.; Lu, Jun; Amine, Khalil; Tyo, Eric C.

2016-11-15

The invention provides a method for generating Li.sub.2O.sub.2 or composites of it, the method uses mixing lithium ions with oxygen ions in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst comprises a plurality of metal clusters, their alloys and mixtures, each cluster consisting of between 3 and 18 metal atoms. The invention also describes a lithium-air battery which uses a lithium metal anode, and a cathode opposing the anode. The cathode supports metal clusters, each cluster consisting of size selected clusters, taken from a range of between approximately 3 and approximately 18 metal atoms, and an electrolyte positioned between the anode and the cathode.

Two-Dimensional Phosphorene-Derived Protective Layers on a Lithium Metal Anode for Lithium-Oxygen Batteries.

PubMed

Kim, Youngjin; Koo, Dongho; Ha, Seongmin; Jung, Sung Chul; Yim, Taeeun; Kim, Hanseul; Oh, Seung Kyo; Kim, Dong-Min; Choi, Aram; Kang, Yongku; Ryu, Kyoung Han; Jang, Minchul; Han, Young-Kyu; Oh, Seung M; Lee, Kyu Tae

2018-05-04

Lithium-oxygen (Li-O 2 ) batteries are desirable for electric vehicles because of their high energy density. Li dendrite growth and severe electrolyte decomposition on Li metal are, however, challenging issues for the practical application of these batteries. In this connection, an electrochemically active two-dimensional phosphorene-derived lithium phosphide is introduced as a Li metal protective layer, where the nanosized protective layer on Li metal suppresses electrolyte decomposition and Li dendrite growth. This suppression is attributed to thermodynamic properties of the electrochemically active lithium phosphide protective layer. The electrolyte decomposition is suppressed on the protective layer because the redox potential of lithium phosphide layer is higher than that of electrolyte decomposition. Li plating is thermodynamically unfavorable on lithium phosphide layers, which hinders Li dendrite growth during cycling. As a result, the nanosized lithium phosphide protective layer improves the cycle performance of Li symmetric cells and Li-O 2 batteries with various electrolytes including lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide in N,N-dimethylacetamide. A variety of ex situ analyses and theoretical calculations support these behaviors of the phosphorene-derived lithium phosphide protective layer.

Dual function seal: visualized digital signature for electronic medical record systems.

PubMed

Yu, Yao-Chang; Hou, Ting-Wei; Chiang, Tzu-Chiang

2012-10-01

Digital signature is an important cryptography technology to be used to provide integrity and non-repudiation in electronic medical record systems (EMRS) and it is required by law. However, digital signatures normally appear in forms unrecognizable to medical staff, this may reduce the trust from medical staff that is used to the handwritten signatures or seals. Therefore, in this paper we propose a dual function seal to extend user trust from a traditional seal to a digital signature. The proposed dual function seal is a prototype that combines the traditional seal and digital seal. With this prototype, medical personnel are not just can put a seal on paper but also generate a visualized digital signature for electronic medical records. Medical Personnel can then look at the visualized digital signature and directly know which medical personnel generated it, just like with a traditional seal. Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is used as an image processing method to generate a visualized digital signature, and the peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) is calculated to verify that distortions of all converted images are beyond human recognition, and the results of our converted images are from 70 dB to 80 dB. The signature recoverability is also tested in this proposed paper to ensure that the visualized digital signature is verifiable. A simulated EMRS is implemented to show how the visualized digital signature can be integrity into EMRS.

Advanced Micro/Nanostructures for Lithium Metal Anodes

PubMed Central

Zhang, Rui; Li, Nian‐Wu; Cheng, Xin‐Bing; Yin, Ya‐Xia

2017-01-01

Owning to their very high theoretical capacity, lithium metal anodes are expected to fuel the extensive practical applications in portable electronics and electric vehicles. However, unstable solid electrolyte interphase and lithium dendrite growth during lithium plating/stripping induce poor safety, low Coulombic efficiency, and short span life of lithium metal batteries. Lately, varies of micro/nanostructured lithium metal anodes are proposed to address these issues in lithium metal batteries. With the unique surface, pore, and connecting structures of different nanomaterials, lithium plating/stripping processes have been regulated. Thus the electrochemical properties and lithium morphologies have been significantly improved. These micro/nanostructured lithium metal anodes shed new light on the future applications for lithium metal batteries. PMID:28331792

Oxidative decomposition of propylene carbonate in lithium ion batteries: a DFT study.

PubMed

Leggesse, Ermias Girma; Lin, Rao Tung; Teng, Tsung-Fan; Chen, Chi-Liang; Jiang, Jyh-Chiang

2013-08-22

This paper reports an in-depth mechanistic study on the oxidative decomposition of propylene carbonate in the presence of lithium salts (LiClO4, LiBF4, LiPF6, and LiAsF6) with the aid of density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. The solvent effect is accounted for by using the implicit solvation model with density method. Moreover, the rate constants for the decompositions of propylene carbonate have been investigated by using transition-state theory. The shortening of the original carbonyl C-O bond and a lengthening of the adjacent ethereal C-O bonds of propylene carbonate, which occurs as a result of oxidation, leads to the formation of acetone radical and CO2 as a primary oxidative decomposition product. The termination of the primary radical generates polycarbonate, acetone, diketone, 2-(ethan-1-ylium-1-yl)-4-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-ylium, and CO2. The thermodynamic and kinetic data show that the major oxidative decomposition products of propylene carbonate are independent of the type of lithium salt. However, the decomposition rate constants of propylene carbonate are highly affected by the lithium salt type. On the basis of the rate constant calculations using transition-state theory, the order of gas volume generation is: [PC-ClO4](-) > [PC-BF4](-) > [PC-AsF6](-) > [PC-PF6](-).

Highly Stable Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by Regulating the Solvation of Lithium Ions in Nonaqueous Electrolytes.

PubMed

Zhang, Xue-Qiang; Chen, Xiang; Cheng, Xin-Bing; Li, Bo-Quan; Shen, Xin; Yan, Chong; Huang, Jia-Qi; Zhang, Qiang

2018-05-04

Safe and rechargeable lithium metal batteries have been difficult to achieve because of the formation of lithium dendrites. Herein an emerging electrolyte based on a simple solvation strategy is proposed for highly stable lithium metal anodes in both coin and pouch cells. Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and lithium nitrate (LiNO 3 ) were concurrently introduced into an electrolyte, thus altering the solvation sheath of lithium ions, and forming a uniform solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), with an abundance of LiF and LiN x O y on a working lithium metal anode with dendrite-free lithium deposition. Ultrahigh Coulombic efficiency (99.96 %) and long lifespans (1000 cycles) were achieved when the FEC/LiNO 3 electrolyte was applied in working batteries. The solvation chemistry of electrolyte was further explored by molecular dynamics simulations and first-principles calculations. This work provides insight into understanding the critical role of the solvation of lithium ions in forming the SEI and delivering an effective route to optimize electrolytes for safe lithium metal batteries. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A Pulsed Power System Design Using Lithium-ion Batteries and One Charger per Battery

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

zinc-bromine and vanadium redox batteries • NAS: high-temperature sodium batteries • EDLC: Electric Double-Layer Capacitors • SMES...terminology used in this figure. • Conventional: lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride batteries . • Lithium: lithium ion batteries . • Flow ...than the second stage due to less current flowing to the battery [5], [7], [8], [9]. Figure 4 shows typical current, voltage, and capacity curves

Equation of state and electron localisation in fcc lithium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Frost, Mungo; Levitan, Abraham L.; Sun, Peihao

We present an improved equation of state for the high-pressure fcc phase of lithium with ambient temperature experimental data, extending the pressure range of previous studies to 36 GPa. Accompanying density functional theory calculations, which reproduce the experimental equation of state, show that with increasing density the phase diverges from a nearly free electron metal. At the high pressure limit of its stability fcc lithium exhibits enhanced electron density on the octahedral interstices with a high degree of localisation.

Equation of state and electron localisation in fcc lithium

DOE PAGES

Frost, Mungo; Levitan, Abraham L.; Sun, Peihao; ...

2018-02-14

We present an improved equation of state for the high-pressure fcc phase of lithium with ambient temperature experimental data, extending the pressure range of previous studies to 36 GPa. Accompanying density functional theory calculations, which reproduce the experimental equation of state, show that with increasing density the phase diverges from a nearly free electron metal. At the high pressure limit of its stability fcc lithium exhibits enhanced electron density on the octahedral interstices with a high degree of localisation.

Cathode material for lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Park, Sang-Ho; Amine, Khalil

2013-07-23

A method of manufacture an article of a cathode (positive electrode) material for lithium batteries. The cathode material is a lithium molybdenum composite transition metal oxide material and is prepared by mixing in a solid state an intermediate molybdenum composite transition metal oxide and a lithium source. The mixture is thermally treated to obtain the lithium molybdenum composite transition metal oxide cathode material.

Cathode material for lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Park, Sang-Ho; Amine, Khalil

2015-01-13

A method of manufacture an article of a cathode (positive electrode) material for lithium batteries. The cathode material is a lithium molybdenum composite transition metal oxide material and is prepared by mixing in a solid state an intermediate molybdenum composite transition metal oxide and a lithium source. The mixture is thermally treated to obtain the lithium molybdenum composite transition metal oxide cathode material.

Surface protected lithium-metal-oxide electrodes

DOEpatents

Thackeray, Michael M.; Kang, Sun-Ho

2016-04-05

A lithium-metal-oxide positive electrode having a layered or spinel structure for a non-aqueous lithium electrochemical cell and battery is disclosed comprising electrode particles that are protected at the surface from undesirable effects, such as electrolyte oxidation, oxygen loss or dissolution by one or more lithium-metal-polyanionic compounds, such as a lithium-metal-phosphate or a lithium-metal-silicate material that can act as a solid electrolyte at or above the operating potential of the lithium-metal-oxide electrode. The surface protection significantly enhances the surface stability, rate capability and cycling stability of the lithium-metal-oxide electrodes, particularly when charged to high potentials.

Elucidating electrolyte decomposition under electron-rich environments at the lithium-metal anode.

PubMed

Camacho-Forero, Luis E; Balbuena, Perla B

2017-11-22

The lithium metal anode is one of the key components of the lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, which are considered one of the most promising candidates for the next generation of battery systems. However, one of the main challenges that have prevented Li-metal anodes from becoming feasible to be used in commercial batteries is the continuous decomposition of the electrolyte due to its high reactivity, which leads to the formation of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers. The properties of the SEI can dramatically affect the performance of the batteries. Thus, a rigorous understanding of the electrolyte decomposition is crucial to elucidate improvements in performance of the Li-S technology. In this work, using density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations (AIMD), we investigate the effect of electron-rich environments on the decomposition mechanism of electrolyte species in pure 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) solvent and 1 M lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) salt solutions. It is found that systems with pure DME require an average environment of at least ∼0.9 |e| per molecule for a DME to decompose into CH 3 O - and C 2 H 4 2- via a 4-electron transfer. In the case of mixtures, the salts are very prone to react with any excess of electrons. In addition, DME dehydrogenation due to reactions with fragments coming from the salt decompositions was detected. Formation of oligomer anionic species from DME and salt fragments were also identified from the AIMD simulations. Finally, the thermodynamics and kinetics of the most relevant electrolyte decomposition reactions were characterized. DME decomposition reactions predicted from the AIMD simulations were found to be thermodynamically favorable under exposure to Li atoms and/or by reactions with salt fragments. In most cases, these reactions were shown to have low to moderate activation barriers.

The effect of lithium chloride on one-trial passive avoidance learning in rats.

PubMed Central

Johnson, F N

1976-01-01

1 Expression of a one-trial passive avoidance learning response in rats was examined following injections of lithium chloride or sodium chloride before and after initial training and before the first day of testing. Five tests were given at daily intervals, 24 h after training being the time of the first test. 2. Lithium given before the first day of testing impaired response expression on the first and all subsequent days of testing; the rate of extinction was unaffected. 3. Given both before and immediately after initial training, lithium impaired response expression on the first day of testing but slowed down the subsequent rate of extinction, leading eventually to improved performance on the fifth day, as compared with placebo-treated control subjects. 4. The results are interpreted in the light of the hypothesis that lithium impaired the central processing of sensory information. PMID:1252666

Reasons for lithium discontinuation in men and women with bipolar disorder: a retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

Öhlund, Louise; Ott, Michael; Oja, Sofia; Bergqvist, Malin; Lundqvist, Robert; Sandlund, Mikael; Salander Renberg, Ellinor; Werneke, Ursula

2018-02-07

Lithium remains first choice as maintenance treatment for bipolar affective disorder. Yet, about half of all individuals may stop their treatment at some point, despite lithium's proven benefits concerning the prevention of severe affective episodes and suicide. Retrospective cohort study in the Swedish region of Norrbotten into the causes of lithium discontinuation. The study was set up to (1) test whether patients with bipolar affective disorder or schizoaffective disorder, treated with lithium maintenance therapy, were more likely to discontinue lithium because of adverse effects than lack of therapeutic effectiveness, (2) explore gender differences, (3) understand the role of diagnosis and (4) identify who, patient or doctor, took the initiative to stop lithium. Review of medical records for all episodes of lithium discontinuation that had occurred between 1997 and 2013 with the intent to stop lithium for good. Of 873 patients treated with lithium, 54% discontinued lithium, corresponding to 561 episodes of lithium discontinuation. In 62% of episodes, lithium was discontinued due to adverse effects, in 44% due to psychiatric reasons, and in 12% due to physical reasons interfering with lithium treatment. The five single most common adverse effects leading to lithium discontinuation were diarrhoea (13%), tremor (11%), polyuria/polydipsia/diabetes insipidus (9%), creatinine increase (9%) and weight gain (7%). Women were as likely as men to take the initiative to stop lithium, but twice as likely to consult a doctor before taking action (p < 0.01). Patients with type 1 BPAD or SZD were more likely to discontinue lithium than patients with type 2 or unspecified BPAD (p < 0.01). Patients with type 1 BPAD or SZD were more likely to refuse medication (p < 0.01). Conversely, patients with type 2 or unspecified BPAD were three times as likely to discontinue lithium for lack or perceived lack of effectiveness (p < 0.001). Stopping lithium treatment is

Dual-modality imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasegawa, Bruce; Tang, H. Roger; Da Silva, Angela J.; Wong, Kenneth H.; Iwata, Koji; Wu, Max C.

2001-09-01

In comparison to conventional medical imaging techniques, dual-modality imaging offers the advantage of correlating anatomical information from X-ray computed tomography (CT) with functional measurements from single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or with positron emission tomography (PET). The combined X-ray/radionuclide images from dual-modality imaging can help the clinician to differentiate disease from normal uptake of radiopharmaceuticals, and to improve diagnosis and staging of disease. In addition, phantom and animal studies have demonstrated that a priori structural information from CT can be used to improve quantification of tissue uptake and organ function by correcting the radionuclide data for errors due to photon attenuation, partial volume effects, scatter radiation, and other physical effects. Dual-modality imaging therefore is emerging as a method of improving the visual quality and the quantitative accuracy of radionuclide imaging for diagnosis of patients with cancer and heart disease.

Operando Spectromicroscopy of Sulfur Species in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miller, Elizabeth C.; Kasse, Robert M.; Heath, Khloe N.

Here, a novel cross-sectional battery cell was developed to characterize lithium-sulfur batteries using X-ray spectromicroscopy. Chemically sensitive X-ray maps were collected operando at energies relevant to the expected sulfur species and were used to correlate changes in sulfur species with electrochemistry. Significant changes in the sulfur/carbon composite electrode were observed from cycle to cycle including rearrangement of the elemental sulfur matrix and PEO10LiTFSI binder. Polysulfide concentration and area of spatial diffusion increased with cycling, indicating that some polysulfide dissolution is irreversible, leading to polysulfide shuttle. Fitting of the maps using standard sulfur and polysulfide XANES spectra indicated that upon subsequentmore » discharge/charge cycles, the initial sulfur concentration was not fully recovered; polysulfides and lithium sulfide remained at the cathodes with higher order polysulfides as the primary species in the region of interest. Quantification of the polysulfide concentration across the electrolyte and electrode interfaces shows that the polysulfide concentration before the first discharge and after the third charge is constant within the electrolyte, but while cycling, a significant increase in polysulfides and a gradient toward the lithium metal anode forms. Finally, this chemically and spatially sensitive characterization and analysis provides a foundation for further operando spectromicroscopy of lithium-sulfur batteries.« less

Operando Spectromicroscopy of Sulfur Species in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

DOE PAGES

Miller, Elizabeth C.; Kasse, Robert M.; Heath, Khloe N.; ...

2017-11-03

Here, a novel cross-sectional battery cell was developed to characterize lithium-sulfur batteries using X-ray spectromicroscopy. Chemically sensitive X-ray maps were collected operando at energies relevant to the expected sulfur species and were used to correlate changes in sulfur species with electrochemistry. Significant changes in the sulfur/carbon composite electrode were observed from cycle to cycle including rearrangement of the elemental sulfur matrix and PEO10LiTFSI binder. Polysulfide concentration and area of spatial diffusion increased with cycling, indicating that some polysulfide dissolution is irreversible, leading to polysulfide shuttle. Fitting of the maps using standard sulfur and polysulfide XANES spectra indicated that upon subsequentmore » discharge/charge cycles, the initial sulfur concentration was not fully recovered; polysulfides and lithium sulfide remained at the cathodes with higher order polysulfides as the primary species in the region of interest. Quantification of the polysulfide concentration across the electrolyte and electrode interfaces shows that the polysulfide concentration before the first discharge and after the third charge is constant within the electrolyte, but while cycling, a significant increase in polysulfides and a gradient toward the lithium metal anode forms. Finally, this chemically and spatially sensitive characterization and analysis provides a foundation for further operando spectromicroscopy of lithium-sulfur batteries.« less

Lithium and Pregnancy

MedlinePlus

... best live chat Live Help Fact Sheets Share Lithium Wednesday, 01 November 2017 In every pregnancy, a ... risk. This sheet talks about whether exposure to lithium may increase the risk for birth defects over ...

Improving Ionic Conductivity and Lithium-Ion Transference Number in Lithium-Ion Battery Separators.

PubMed

Zahn, Raphael; Lagadec, Marie Francine; Hess, Michael; Wood, Vanessa

2016-12-07

The microstructure of lithium-ion battery separators plays an important role in separator performance; however, here we show that a geometrical analysis falls short in predicting the lithium-ion transport in the electrolyte-filled pore space. By systematically modifying the surface chemistry of a commercial polyethylene separator while keeping its microstructure unchanged, we demonstrate that surface chemistry, which alters separator-electrolyte interactions, influences ionic conductivity and lithium-ion transference number. Changes in separator surface chemistry, particularly those that increase lithium-ion transference numbers can reduce voltage drops across the separator and improve C-rate capability.

Nickel-Hydrogen and Lithium Ion Space Batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reid, Robert O., II

2004-01-01

The tasks of the Electrochemistry Branch of NASA Glenn Research Center are to improve and develop high energy density and rechargeable, life-long batteries. It is with these batteries that people across the globe are able to power their cell phones, laptop computers, and cameras. Here, at NASA Glenn Research Center, the engineers and scientists of the Electrochemistry branch are leading the way in the development of more powerful, long life batteries that can be used to power space shuttles and satellites. As of now, the cutting edge research and development is being done on nickel-hydrogen batteries and lithium ion batteries. Presently, nickel-hydrogen batteries are common types of batteries that are used to power satellites, space stations, and space shuttles, while lithium batteries are mainly used to power smaller appliances such as portable computers and phones. However, the Electrochemistry Branch at NASA Glenn Research Center is focusing more on the development of lithium ion batteries for deep space use. Because of the limitless possibilities, lithium ion batteries can revolutionize the space industry for the better. When compared to nickel-hydrogen batteries, lithium ion batteries possess more advantages than its counterpart. Lithium ion batteries are much smaller than nickel-hydrogen batteries and also put out more power. They are more energy efficient and operate with much more power at a reduced weight than its counterpart. Lithium ion cells are also cheaper to make, possess flexibility that allow for different design modifications. With those statistics in hand, the Electrochemistry Branch of NASA Glenn has decided to shut down its Nickel-Hydrogen testing for lithium ion battery development. Also, the blackout in the summer of 2003 eliminated vital test data, which played a part in shutting down the program. from the nickel-hydrogen batteries and compare it to past data. My other responsibilities include superheating the electrolyte that is used in the

Lithium compensation for full cell operation

DOEpatents

Xiao, Jie; Zheng, Jianming; Chen, Xilin; Lu, Dongping; Liu, Jun; Jiguang, Jiguang

2016-05-17

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a lithium-ion battery system comprising an anode, an anode current collector, and a layer of lithium metal in contact with the current collector, but not in contact with the anode. The lithium compensation layer dissolves into the electrolyte to compensate for the loss of lithium ions during usage of the full cell. The specific placement of the lithium compensation layer, such that there is no direct physical contact between the lithium compensation layer and the anode, provides certain advantages.