Sample records for initial reversible capacity

  1. 'Reverse triage' adds to surge capacity.

    PubMed

    2009-06-01

    Providing adequate surge capacity during a disaster is one of the greatest challenges of emergency response. Now, researchers have proposed a new process called "reverse triage" to help create surge capacity that otherwise would not exist. Patients who have only a slight chance of experiencing an adverse event within four days of leaving the hospital may be discharged to free bed space. ED staff can provide a daily initial reverse triage score for patients being admitted, even if a disaster is not imminent. While general guidelines can have great value, take the interests of the patient and their family into account when making discharge decisions.

  2. Hard Carbon Originated from Polyvinyl Chloride Nanofibers As High-Performance Anode Material for Na-Ion Battery

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

    Bai, Ying; Wang, Zhen; Wu, Chuan

    2015-02-27

    Two types of hard carbon materials were synthesized through direct pyrolysis of commercial polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles and pyrolysis of PVC nanofibers at 600-800 degrees C, respectively, where the nanofibers were prepared by an electrospinning PVC precursors method. These as-prepared hard carbon samples were used as anode materials for Na-ion batteries. The hard carbon obtained from PVC nanofibers achieved a high reversible capacity of 271 mAh/g and an initial Coulombic efficiency of 69.9%, which were much superior to the one from commercial PVC, namely, a reversible capacity of 206 mAh/g and an initial Coulombic efficiency of 60.9%. In addition, themore » hard carbon originated from the PVC nanofibers exhibited good cycling stability and rate performance: the initial discharge capacities were 389, 228, 194, 178, 147 mAh/g at the current density of 12, 24, 60, 120, and 240 mA/g, respectively, retaining 211 mAh/g after 150 cycles. Such excellent cycle performance, high reversible capacity, and good rate capability enabled this hard carbon to be a promising candidate as anode material for Na-ion battery application.« less

  3. Hard carbon originated from polyvinyl chloride nanofibers as high-performance anode material for Na-ion battery.

    PubMed

    Bai, Ying; Wang, Zhen; Wu, Chuan; Xu, Rui; Wu, Feng; Liu, Yuanchang; Li, Hui; Li, Yu; Lu, Jun; Amine, Khalil

    2015-03-11

    Two types of hard carbon materials were synthesized through direct pyrolysis of commercial polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles and pyrolysis of PVC nanofibers at 600-800 °C, respectively, where the nanofibers were prepared by an electrospinning PVC precursors method. These as-prepared hard carbon samples were used as anode materials for Na-ion batteries. The hard carbon obtained from PVC nanofibers achieved a high reversible capacity of 271 mAh/g and an initial Coulombic efficiency of 69.9%, which were much superior to the one from commercial PVC, namely, a reversible capacity of 206 mAh/g and an initial Coulombic efficiency of 60.9%. In addition, the hard carbon originated from the PVC nanofibers exhibited good cycling stability and rate performance: the initial discharge capacities were 389, 228, 194, 178, 147 mAh/g at the current density of 12, 24, 60, 120, and 240 mA/g, respectively, retaining 211 mAh/g after 150 cycles. Such excellent cycle performance, high reversible capacity, and good rate capability enabled this hard carbon to be a promising candidate as anode material for Na-ion battery application.

  4. Tailoring nanostructured MnO2 as anodes for lithium ion batteries with high reversible capacity and initial Coulombic efficiency

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Lifeng; Song, Jiajia; Liu, Yi; Yuan, Xiaoyan; Guo, Shouwu

    2018-03-01

    Developing high energy storage lithium ion batteries (LIBs) using manganese oxides as anodes is an attractive challenge due to their high theoretical capacity and abundant resources. However, the manganese oxides anodes still suffer from the low initial Coulombic efficiency and poor rate performance. Herein, we demonstrate that nano-sized morphological engineering is a facile and effective strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of the manganese dioxide (MnO2) for LIBs. The tailored MnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit high reversible capacity (1095 mAh g-1 at 100 mA g-1), high initial Coulombic efficiency (94.5%) and good rate capability (464 mAh g-1 at 2000 mA g-1). The enhanced electrochemical performance of MnO2 NPs can be attributed to the presences of numerous electrochemically active sites and interspaces among the NPs.

  5. Hydroxylamine hydrochloride: A novel anode material for high capacity lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shao, Lianyi; Shu, Jie; Lao, Mengmeng; Lin, Xiaoting; Wu, Kaiqiang; Shui, Miao; Li, Peng; Long, Nengbing; Ren, Yuanlong

    2014-12-01

    H3NOHCl is used for the first time as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Electrochemical results show that H3NOHCl with particle size of 4-12 μm can deliver an initial charge capacity of 1018.6 mAh g-1, which is much higher than commercial graphite. After 30 cycles, the reversible capacity can be kept at 676.1 mAh g-1 at 50 mA g-1. Up to 50 cycles, H3NOHCl still maintains a lithium storage capacity of 368.9 mAh g-1. Even cycled at 200 mA g-1, H3NOHCl can deliver a charge capacity of 715.7 mAh g-1. It suggests that H3NOHCl has high lithium storage capacity, excellent cycling stability and outstanding rate performance. Besides, the electrochemical reaction between H3NOHCl and Li is also investigated by various ex-situ techniques. It can be found that H3NOHCl irreversibly decomposes into Li3N and LiCl during the initial discharge process and LiNO2 can be formed after a reverse charge process.

  6. Phosphoric acid as an electrolyte additive for lead/acid batteries in electric-vehicle applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meissner, E.

    The influence of the addition of phosphoric acid to the electrolyte on the performance of gelled lead/acid electric-vehiicle batteries is investigated. This additive reduces the reversible capacity decay of the positive electrode significantly which is observed upon extended cycling when recharge of the battery is performed at low initial rate. This is important when low-rate on-board chargers are used. Pulsed discharge, typical for electric-vehicle application, induces reversible capacity decay more than constant-current discharge at a same depth-of-discharge, as well with as without the addition of phosphoric acid. By contrast, hindrance in presence of H 3PO 4 for both the recharge and the discharge reaction helps to homogenize the state of many individual cells during cycling in long battery strings. Reversible capacity loss, which occurs after extended cycling and when pulsed discharge is applied, can be recovered by a single discharge at very low rate with batteries with and without the addition of phosphoric acid. The discharge-rate dependency of the capacity is significantly reduced when phosphoric acid is added. The pulse discharge behaviour may be better, even if the nominal capacity is reduced. The experimental findings of the influence of phosphoric acid addition is discussed in terms of the aggregate-of-spheres model of reversible capacity decay.

  7. Synthesis and electrochemical property of amorphous carbon nanotubes wrapped sulfur particles as cathode material for lithium-sulfur batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, Jingtian; Zhao, Tingkai; Ji, Xianglin; Peng, Xiarong; Jin, Wenbo; Yang, Wenbo; Zhang, Lei; Gao, Junjie; Dang, Alei; Li, Hao; Li, Tiehu

    2017-11-01

    Amorphous carbon nanotube (ACNT)/sulfur composites were prepared by solution reaction method. The electrochemical results showed that both ACNT/S composite and ACNT/S mixture had a first reversible capacity of 1020 mA h·g-1, and the capacity retention of ACNT/S composite was 77% after 100 cycles while that of ACNT/S mixture was only 35% with the initial capacity being 850 mA h·g-1. The experimental results showed that the reversible lithium insertion capacity of the composite was obviously high and the cycling stability was good, which was mainly due to the solid and uniform dispersion of the sulfur and amorphous carbon nanotube matrix in the composite.

  8. Constructing hierarchical submicrotubes from interconnected TiO2 nanocrystals for high reversible capacity and long-life lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xin, Ling; Liu, Yong; Li, Baojun; Zhou, Xiang; Shen, Hui; Zhao, Wenxia; Liang, Chaolun

    2014-03-01

    Here, we report a facile hydrothermal approach for synthesizing anatase TiO2 hierarchical mesoporous submicrotubes (ATHMSs) with the aid of long-chain polymer as soft template. The TiO2 nanocrystals, with sizes of 6-8 nm, are well interconnected with each other to build tubular architectures with diameters of 0.3-1.5 μm and lengths of 10-25 μm. Such highly porous structures give rise to very large specific surface area of 201.9 m2 g-1 and 136.8 m2 g-1 for the as-prepared and annealed samples, respectively. By using structurally stable ATHMSs as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, they exhibited high reversible capacity, long cycling life and excellent cycling stability. Even after 1000 cycles, such ATHMS electrodes retained a reversible discharge capacity as high as 150 mAh g-1 at the current density of 1700 mA g-1, maintaining 92% of the initial discharge capacity (163 mAh g-1).

  9. A new strategy to mitigate the initial capacity loss of lithium ion batteries

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

    Su, Xin; Lin, Chikai; Wang, Xiaoping

    2016-08-01

    Hard carbon (non-graphitizable) and related materials, like tin, tin oxide, silicon, and silicon oxide, have a high theoretical lithium delivery capacity (>550 mAh/g depending on their structural and chemical properties) but unfortunately they also exhibit a large initial capacity loss (ICL) that overrides the true reversible capacity in a full cell. Overcoming the large ICL of hard carbon in a full-cell lithium-ion battery (LIB) necessitates a new strategy wherein a sacrificial lithium source additive, such as, Li5FeO4 (LFO), is inserted on the cathode side. Full batteries using hard carbon coupled with LFO-LiCoO2 (LCO) are currently under development at our laboratory.more » We find that the reversible capacity of a cathode containing LFO can be increased by 14%. Furthermore, the cycle performance of full cells with LFO additive is improved from <90% to >95%. We show that the LFO additive not only can address the irreversible capacity loss of the anode, but can also provide the additional lithium ion source required to mitigate the lithium loss caused by side reactions. In addition, we have explored the possibility to achieve higher capacity with hard carbon, whereby the energy density of full cells can be increased from ca. 300 Wh/kg to >400 Wh/kg.« less

  10. Three-Dimensional SnS Decorated Carbon Nano-Networks as Anode Materials for Lithium and Sodium Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Yanli; Wang, Qi; Zhu, Xiaotao; Jiang, Fuyi

    2018-02-28

    The three-dimensional (3D) SnS decorated carbon nano-networks (SnS@C) were synthesized via a facile two-step method of freeze-drying combined with post-heat treatment. The lithium and sodium storage performances of above composites acting as anode materials were investigated. As anode materials for lithium ion batteries, a high reversible capacity of 780 mAh·g -1 for SnS@C composites can be obtained at 100 mA·g -1 after 100 cycles. Even cycled at a high current density of 2 A·g -1 , the reversible capacity of this composite can be maintained at 610 mAh·g -1 after 1000 cycles. The initial charge capacity for sodium ion batteries can reach 333 mAh·g -1 , and it retains a reversible capacity of 186 mAh·g -1 at 100 mA·g -1 after 100 cycles. The good lithium or sodium storage performances are likely attributed to the synergistic effects of the conductive carbon nano-networks and small SnS nanoparticles.

  11. Facile and cost effective synthesis of mesoporous spinel NiCo2O4 as an anode for high lithium storage capacity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jadhav, Harsharaj S.; Kalubarme, Ramchandra S.; Park, Choong-Nyeon; Kim, Jaekook; Park, Chan-Jin

    2014-08-01

    To fulfill the high power and high energy density demands for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) new anode materials need to be explored to replace conventional graphite. Herein, we report the urea assisted facile co-precipitation synthesis of spinel NiCo2O4 and its application as an anode material for LIBs. The synthesized NiCo2O4 exhibited an urchin-like microstructure and polycrystalline and mesoporous nature. In addition, the mesoporous NiCo2O4 electrode exhibited an initial discharge capacity of 1095 mA h g-1 and maintained a reversible capacity of 1000 mA h g-1 for 400 cycles at 0.5 C-rate. The reversible capacity of NiCo2O4 could still be maintained at 718 mA h g-1, even at 10 C. The mesoporous NiCo2O4 exhibits great potential as an anode material for LIBs with the advantages of unique performance and facile preparation.To fulfill the high power and high energy density demands for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) new anode materials need to be explored to replace conventional graphite. Herein, we report the urea assisted facile co-precipitation synthesis of spinel NiCo2O4 and its application as an anode material for LIBs. The synthesized NiCo2O4 exhibited an urchin-like microstructure and polycrystalline and mesoporous nature. In addition, the mesoporous NiCo2O4 electrode exhibited an initial discharge capacity of 1095 mA h g-1 and maintained a reversible capacity of 1000 mA h g-1 for 400 cycles at 0.5 C-rate. The reversible capacity of NiCo2O4 could still be maintained at 718 mA h g-1, even at 10 C. The mesoporous NiCo2O4 exhibits great potential as an anode material for LIBs with the advantages of unique performance and facile preparation. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details and additional experimental results. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr02183e

  12. Extrinsic pseudocapacitve Li-ion storage of SnS anode via lithiation-induced structural optimization on cycling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lian, Qingwang; Zhou, Gang; Liu, Jiatu; Wu, Chen; Wei, Weifeng; Chen, Libao; Li, Chengchao

    2017-10-01

    Here, we report a new enhanced extrinsic pseudocapacitve Li-ion storage mechanism via lithiation-induced structural optimization strategy. The flower-like C@SnS and bulk SnS exhibit initial capacity decay and subsequent increase of capacity on cycling. After a long-term lithiation/delithiation process, flower-like C@SnS and bulk SnS exhibit improved rate performance and reversible capacity in comparison with those of initial state. Moreover, a high capacity of 530 mAh g-1 is still remained even after 1550 cycles at a high current density of 5.0 A g-1 for flower-like C@SnS after pre-lithiation of 350 cycles. According to the comprehensive analysis of structural evolution and electrochemical performance, it demonstrates that SnS electrodes experience crystal size reduction and further amorphization on cycling, which enhances the reversibility of conversion reaction for SnS, leading to increasing capacity. On the other hand, surface-dominated extrinsic pseudocapacitive contribution results in enhanced rate performance because electrodes expose a large fraction of Li+ sites on surface or near-surface region with structural optimization on cycling. This study reveals that extrinsic pseudocapacitance of SnS can be stimulated via lithiation-induced structural optimization, which gives rise to high-rate and long-lived performances.

  13. M x Mn 8O 16 (M = Ag or K) as promising cathode materials for secondary Mg based batteries: the role of the cation M

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

    Huang, Jianping; Poyraz, Altug S.; Takeuchi, Kenneth J.

    2016-01-01

    2 × 2 tunneled M xMn 8O 16(M = Ag or K) materials delivered high initial capacities in Mg based electrolyte, and K xMn 8O 16 showed high cycle stability with a reversible capacity of >170 mA h g -1after 20 cycles.

  14. MoO2-ordered mesoporous carbon hybrids as anode materials with highly improved rate capability and reversible capacity for lithium-ion battery.

    PubMed

    Chen, Ailian; Li, Caixia; Tang, Rui; Yin, Longwei; Qi, Yongxin

    2013-08-28

    A novel hybrid of MoO2-ordered mesoporous carbon (MoO2-OMC) was prepared through a two-step solvothermal chemical reaction route. The electrochemical performances of the mesoporous MoO2-OMC hybrids were examined using galvanostatical charge-discharge, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The MoO2-OMC hybrid exhibits significantly improved electrochemical performance of high reversible capacity, high-rate capability, and excellent cycling performance as an anode electrode material for Li ion batteries. It is revealed that the MoO2-OMC hybrid could deliver the first discharge capacity of 1641.8 mA h g(-1) with an initial Coulombic efficiency of 63.6%, and a reversible capacity as high as 1049.1 mA h g(-1) even after 50 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g(-1), much higher than the theoretical capacity of MoO2 (838 mA h g(-1)) and OMC materials. The MoO2-OMC hybrid demonstrates an excellent high rate capability with capacity of ∼600 mA h g(-1) even at a charge current density of 1600 mA g(-1) after 50 cycles, which is approximately 11.1 times higher than that of the OMC (54 mA h g(-1)) materials. The improved rate capability and reversible capacity of the MoO2-OMC hybrid are attributed to a synergistic reaction between the MoO2 nanoparticles and mesoporous OMC matrices. It is noted that the electrochemical performance of the MoO2-OMC hybrid is evidently much better than the previous MoO2-based hybrids.

  15. Layered sulfur/PEDOT:PSS nano composite electrodes for lithium sulfur cell applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anilkumar, K. M.; Jinisha, B.; Manoj, M.; Pradeep, V. S.; Jayalekshmi, S.

    2018-06-01

    Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) cells are emerging as the next generation energy storage devices owing to their impressive electrochemical properties with high theoretical specific capacity of 1675 mAh/g. Lack of electronic conductivity of sulfur, its volume expansion during high lithium intake and the shuttling effect due to the formation of soluble polysulfides are the main limitations, delaying the commercialization of this technology. To address these challenges, in the present work, the conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS is used as the covering matrix over the sulfur particles to improve their Li storage properties. The sulfur/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite is synthesised using the hydrothermal process and its formation with the polymer coating over sulfur nanoparticles is established from the XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FE-SEM and TEM studies. The electrochemical studies show that the cells assembled using the sulfur/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite as the cathode, with the components taken in the weight ratio of 9:1, offer a reversible capacity of 1191 mAh g-1 at 0.1C rate. These cells display stable electrochemical capacities over 200 cycles at gradually increasing current rates. The polymer layer facilitates electronic conduction and suppresses the polysulfide formation and the volume expansion of sulfur. A reversible capacity of 664 mAh g-1 is observed after 200 cycles at 1C rate with the capacity retention of 75 % of the initial stable capacity. The highlight of the present work is the possibility to achieve high discharge capacities at high C rates and the retention of a good percentage of the initial capacity over 200 cycles, for these Li-S cells.

  16. Enhanced performance of Zn(II)-doped lead-acid batteries with electrochemical active carbon in negative mass

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiang, Jiayuan; Hu, Chen; Chen, Liying; Zhang, Dong; Ding, Ping; Chen, Dong; Liu, Hao; Chen, Jian; Wu, Xianzhang; Lai, Xiaokang

    2016-10-01

    The effect and mechanism of Zn(II) on improving the performances of lead-acid cell with electrochemical active carbon (EAC) in negative mass is investigated. The hydrogen evolution of the cell is significantly reduced due to the deposition of Zn on carbon surface and the increased porosity of negative mass. Zn(II) additives can also improve the low-temperature and high-rate capacities of the cell with EAC in negative mass, which ascribes to the formation of Zn on lead and carbon surface that constructs a conductive bridge among the active mass. Under the co-contribution of EAC and Zn(II), the partial-state-of-charge cycle life is greatly prolonged. EAC optimizes the NAM structure and porosity to enhance the charge acceptance and retard the lead sulfate accumulation. Zn(II) additive reduces the hydrogen evolution during charge process and improves the electric conductivity of the negative electrode. The cell with 0.6 wt% EAC and 0.006 wt% ZnO in negative mass exhibits 90% reversible capacity of the initial capacity after 2100 cycles. In contrast, the cell with 0.6 wt% EAC exhibits 84% reversible capacity after 2100 cycles and the control cell with no EAC and Zn(II) exhibits less than 80% reversible capacity after 1350 cycles.

  17. Pillared graphite anodes for reversible sodiation.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hanyang; Li, Zhifei; Xu, Wei; Chen, Yicong; Ji, Xiulei; Lerner, Michael M

    2018-08-10

    There has been a major effort recently to develop new rechargeable sodium-ion electrodes. In lithium ion batteries, LiC 6 forms from graphite and desolvated Li cations during the first charge. With sodium ions, graphite only shows a significant capacity when Na + intercalates as a solvated complex, resulting in ternary graphite intercalation compounds (GICs). Although this chemistry has been shown to be highly reversible and to support high rates in small test cells, these GICs can require >250% volume expansion and contraction during cycling. Here we demonstrate the first example of GICs that reversibly sodiate/desodiate without any significant volume change. These pillared GICs are obtained by electrochemical reduction of graphite in an ether/amine co-solvent electrolyte. The initial gallery expansion, 0.36 nm, is less than half of that in diglyme-based systems, and shows a similar capacity. Thermal analyses suggest the pillaring phenomenon arises from stronger co-intercalate interactions in the GIC galleries.

  18. Nitrogen doped graphene - Silver nanowire hybrids: An excellent anode material for lithium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nair, Anju K.; Elizabeth, Indu; S, Gopukumar; Thomas, Sabu; M. S, Kala; Kalarikkal, Nandakumar

    2018-01-01

    We present an in-situ polyol assisted synthesis approach for the preparation of silver nanowires (AgNW) over the nitrogen doped graphene (NG) sheets and has been tested as a viable LIBs anode material for the first time. The use of NG serves as nucleation sites, thereby facilitating the growth of AgNWs. The specific material design of the as-prepared NG-AgNW hybrids involves some advantages, including a continuous AgNW-graphene conducting network. Since AgNWs are electrically conductive, it provides an electrical contact with NG sheets which can effectively help the charge transport process and limit the variations in volume during the lithiation/de-lithiation processes. Apart from this, the insertion of metallic Ag nanowires into a percolated NG network increases the interlayer distance of NG sheets and prevent its restacking. Moreover, the more porous nature of the hybrid structure accommodating the large volume changes of AgNWs. As an anode material for LIBs, the NG-AgNW hybrid displays a remarkable initial discharge capacity of 1215 mAh g-1 and attains a stable capacity of 724 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1 after 50 cycles. The electrode exhibits a stable reversible capacity of 714, 634, 550 and 464 mA h g-1 at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1 Ag-1 respectively. The reversible capacity (710 mAh g-1) at 0.1 Ag-1 is recovered after the cycling at various current densities confirming outstanding rate performance of the material. In addition, the coulombic efficiency, the NG-AgNW anode retains nearly 99% after the second cycle, further indicating its excellent reversibility. The hybrid material exhibits better cycling stability, greater rate capability, capacity retention and superior reversible capacity than that of bare AgNW and NG sheets. Our smart design will pave way for the development of efficient electrode materials for high capacity and long cycle life LIBs.

  19. Intergranular Cracking as a Major Cause of Long-Term Capacity Fading of Layered Cathodes.

    PubMed

    Liu, Hao; Wolf, Mark; Karki, Khim; Yu, Young-Sang; Stach, Eric A; Cabana, Jordi; Chapman, Karena W; Chupas, Peter J

    2017-06-14

    Capacity fading has limited commercial layered Li-ion battery electrodes to <70% of their theoretical capacity. Higher capacities can be achieved initially by charging to higher voltages, however, these gains are eroded by a faster fade in capacity. Increasing lifetimes and reversible capacity are contingent on identifying the origin of this capacity fade to inform electrode design and synthesis. We used operando X-ray diffraction to observe how the lithiation-delithiation reactions within a LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2 (NCA) electrode change after capacity fade following months of slow charge-discharge. The changes in the reactions that underpin energy storage after long-term cycling directly correlate to the capacity loss; heterogeneous reaction kinetics observed during extended cycles quantitatively account for the capacity loss. This reaction heterogeneity is ultimately attributed to intergranular fracturing that degrades the connectivity of subsurface grains within the polycrystalline NCA aggregate.

  20. An all-solid-state metal hydride - Sulfur lithium-ion battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    López-Aranguren, Pedro; Berti, Nicola; Dao, Anh Ha; Zhang, Junxian; Cuevas, Fermín; Latroche, Michel; Jordy, Christian

    2017-07-01

    A metal hydride is used for the first time as anode in a complete all-solid-state battery with sulfur as cathode and LiBH4 as solid electrolyte. The hydride is a nanocomposite made of MgH2 and TiH2 counterparts. The battery exhibits a high reversible capacity of 910 mAh g-1 with discharge plateaus at 1.8 V and 1.4 V. Moreover, the capacity remains to 85% of the initial value over the 25 first charge/discharge cycles.

  1. Intergranular Cracking as a Major Cause of Long-Term Capacity Fading of Layered Cathodes

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

    Liu, Hao; Wolf, Mark; Karki, Khim

    Capacity fading has limited commercial layered Li-ion battery electrodes to <70% of their theoretical capacity. Higher capacities can be achieved initially by charging to higher voltages, however, these gains are quickly eroded by a faster fade in capacity. In-creasing lifetimes and reversible capacity is contingent on identifying the origin of this capacity fade to inform electrode design and synthesis. We must understand how the battery reactions change following capacity loss after long-term cycling. Using operando X-ray diffraction, we followed the reaction of a LiNi 0.8Co 0.15Al 0.05O 2 (NCA) electrode after months of charge-discharge cycles. Furthermore, the heterogeneous reaction kineticsmore » observed during extended cycles quantitatively explain the capacity loss, which is ultimately attributed to inter-granular fracturing that degrades the connectivity of sub-surface grains within the polycrystalline NCA aggregate.« less

  2. Intergranular Cracking as a Major Cause of Long-Term Capacity Fading of Layered Cathodes

    DOE PAGES

    Liu, Hao; Wolf, Mark; Karki, Khim; ...

    2017-05-26

    Capacity fading has limited commercial layered Li-ion battery electrodes to <70% of their theoretical capacity. Higher capacities can be achieved initially by charging to higher voltages, however, these gains are quickly eroded by a faster fade in capacity. In-creasing lifetimes and reversible capacity is contingent on identifying the origin of this capacity fade to inform electrode design and synthesis. We must understand how the battery reactions change following capacity loss after long-term cycling. Using operando X-ray diffraction, we followed the reaction of a LiNi 0.8Co 0.15Al 0.05O 2 (NCA) electrode after months of charge-discharge cycles. Furthermore, the heterogeneous reaction kineticsmore » observed during extended cycles quantitatively explain the capacity loss, which is ultimately attributed to inter-granular fracturing that degrades the connectivity of sub-surface grains within the polycrystalline NCA aggregate.« less

  3. Core--strategy leading to high reversible hydrogen storage capacity for NaBH4.

    PubMed

    Christian, Meganne L; Aguey-Zinsou, Kondo-François

    2012-09-25

    Owing to its high storage capacity (10.8 mass %), sodium borohydride (NaBH(4)) is a promising hydrogen storage material. However, the temperature for hydrogen release is high (>500 °C), and reversibility of the release is unachievable under reasonable conditions. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of a novel strategy leading to high and stable hydrogen absorption/desorption cycling for NaBH(4) under mild pressure conditions (4 MPa). By an antisolvent precipitation method, the size of NaBH(4) particles was restricted to a few nanometers (<30 nm), resulting in a decrease of the melting point and an initial release of hydrogen at 400 °C. Further encapsulation of these nanoparticles upon reaction of nickel chloride at their surface allowed the synthesis of a core--shell nanostructure, NaBH(4)@Ni, and this provided a route for (a) the effective nanoconfinement of the melted NaBH(4) core and its dehydrogenation products, and (b) reversibility and fast kinetics owing to short diffusion lengths, the unstable nature of nickel borohydride, and possible modification of reaction paths. Hence at 350 °C, a reversible and steady hydrogen capacity of 5 mass % was achieved for NaBH(4)@Ni; 80% of the hydrogen could be desorbed or absorbed in less than 60 min, and full capacity was reached within 5 h. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such performances have been achieved with NaBH(4). This demonstrates the potential of the strategy in leading to major advancements in the design of effective hydrogen storage materials from pristine borohydrides.

  4. Cu2+1O coated polycrystalline Si nanoparticles as anode for lithium-ion battery.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Junying; Zhang, Chunqian; Wu, Shouming; Liu, Zhi; Zheng, Jun; Zuo, Yuhua; Xue, Chunlai; Li, Chuanbo; Cheng, Buwen

    2016-12-01

    Cu2+1O coated Si nanoparticles were prepared by simple hydrolysis and were investigated as an anode material for lithium-ion battery. The coating of Cu2+1O on the surface of Si particles remarkably improves the cycle performance of the battery than that made by the pristine Si. The battery exhibits an initial reversible capacity of 3063 mAh/g and an initial coulombic efficiency (CE) of 82.9 %. With a current density of 300 mA/g, its reversible capacity can remains 1060 mAh/g after 350 cycles, corresponding to a CE ≥ 99.8 %. It is believed that the Cu2+1O coating enhances the electrical conductivity, and the elasticity of Cu2+1O further helps buffer the volume changes during lithiation/delithiation processes. Experiment results indicate that the electrode maintained a highly integrated structure after 100 cycles and it is in favour of the formation of stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the Si surface to keep the extremely high CE during long charge and discharge cycles.

  5. M xMn 8O 16 (M = Ag or K) as promising cathode materials for secondary Mg based batteries: The role of the cation M

    DOE PAGES

    Huang, Jianping; Takeuchi, Esther S.; Altug S. Poyraz; ...

    2016-01-01

    Here, Ag xMn 8O 16 (Ag-OMS-2) and K xMn 8O 16 (K-OMS-2) were investigated as high voltage cathode materials for Mg based batteries. Both M xMn 8O 16 materials delivered high initial capacities (>180 mA h g –1), and K xMn 8O 16 showed high cycle stability with a reversible capacity of >170 mA h g –1 after 20 cycles.

  6. Amorphous GeOx-Coated Reduced Graphene Oxide Balls with Sandwich Structure for Long-Life Lithium-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Choi, Seung Ho; Jung, Kyeong Youl; Kang, Yun Chan

    2015-07-01

    Amorphous GeOx-coated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) balls with sandwich structure are prepared via a spray-pyrolysis process using polystyrene (PS) nanobeads as sacrificial templates. This sandwich structure is formed by uniformly coating the exterior and interior of few-layer rGO with amorphous GeOx layers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveals a Ge:O stoichiometry ratio of 1:1.7. The amorphous GeOx-coated rGO balls with sandwich structure have low charge-transfer resistance and fast Li(+)-ion diffusion rate. For example, at a current density of 2 A g(-1), the GeOx-coated rGO balls with sandwich and filled structures and the commercial GeO2 powders exhibit initial charge capacities of 795, 651, and 634 mA h g(-1), respectively; the corresponding 700th-cycle charge capacities are 758, 579, and 361 mA h g(-1). In addition, at a current density of 5 A g(-1), the rGO balls with sandwich structure have a 1600th-cycle reversible charge capacity of 629 mA h g(-1) and a corresponding capacity retention of 90.7%, as measured from the maximum reversible capacity at the 100th cycle.

  7. Hydrothermal synthesis and potential applicability of rhombohedral siderite as a high-capacity anode material for lithium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Shiqiang; Yu, Yue; Wei, Shanshan; Wang, Yuxi; Zhao, Chenhao; Liu, Rui; Shen, Qiang

    2014-05-01

    Natural siderite is a valuable iron mineral composed of ferrous carbonate (FeCO3), which is commonly found in hydrothermal veins and contains no sulfur or phosphorus. In this paper, micro-sized FeCO3 crystallites are synthesized via a facile hydrothermal route, and almost all of them possess a rhombohedral shape similar to that of natural products. When applied as an anode material for lithium ion batteries, the synthetic siderite can deliver an initial specific discharge capacity of ∼1587 mAh g-1 with a coulombic efficiency of 68% at 200 mA g-1, remaining a reversible value of 1018 mAh g-1 over 120 cycles. Even at a high current density of 1000 mA g-1, after 120 cycles the residual specific capacity (812 mAh g-1) is still higher than the theoretical capacity of FeCO3 (463 mAh g-1). Moreover, a novel reversible conversion mechanism accounts for the excellent electrochemical performances of rhombohedral FeCO3 to a great extent, implying the potential applicability of synthetic siderite as lithium ion battery anodes.

  8. Toward Theoretically Cycling-Stable Lithium-Sulfur Battery Using a Foldable and Compositionally Heterogeneous Cathode.

    PubMed

    Zhong, Lei; Yang, Kai; Guan, Ruiteng; Wang, Liangbin; Wang, Shuanjin; Han, Dongmei; Xiao, Min; Meng, Yuezhong

    2017-12-20

    Rechargeable lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have been expected for new-generation electrical energy storages, which are attributed to their high theoretical energy density, cost effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. But Li-S batteries still have some problems for practical application, such as low sulfur utilization and dissatisfactory capacity retention. Herein, we designed and fabricated a foldable and compositionally heterogeneous three-dimensional sulfur cathode with integrated sandwich structure. The electrical conductivity of the cathode is facilitated by three different dimension carbons, in which short-distance and long-distance pathways for electrons are provided by zero-dimensional ketjen black (KB), one-dimensional activated carbon fiber (ACF) and two-dimensional graphene (G). The resultant three-dimensional sulfur cathode (T-AKG/KB@S) with an areal sulfur loading of 2 mg cm -2 exhibits a high initial specific capacity, superior rate performance and a reversible discharge capacity of up to 726 mAh g -1 at 3.6 mA cm -2 with an inappreciable capacity fading rate of 0.0044% per cycle after 500 cycles. Moreover, the cathode with a high areal sulfur loading of 8 mg cm -2 also delivers a reversible discharge capacity of 938 mAh g -1 at 0.71 mA cm -2 with a capacity fading rate of 0.15% per cycle and a Coulombic efficiency of almost 100% after 50 cycles.

  9. Self-Supported CoP Nanorod Arrays Grafted on Stainless Steel as an Advanced Integrated Anode for Stable and Long-Life Lithium-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Xu, Xijun; Liu, Jun; Hu, Renzong; Liu, Jiangwen; Ouyang, Liuzhang; Zhu, Min

    2017-04-19

    To alleviate the capacity degradation of anode materials for Li-ion batteries, caused by serious volume expansion and particle aggregation, intensive attention has been devoted to the rational design and fabrication of novel anode architectures. Herein, self-supported CoP nanorod arrays have been facilely synthesized using hydrothemally deposited Co(CO 3 ) 0.5 (OH)⋅0.11 H 2 O nanorod arrays as the precursor, through a gas-phase phosphidation method. As the anode for Li-ion batteries, such 3D interconnected CoP nanorod arrays show an initial discharge capacity of 1067 mAh g -1 and a high reversible charge capacity of 737 mAh g -1 at 0.4 Ag -1 . After 400 cycles, their specific capacity can reach 510 mAh g -1 ; even after 900 cycles, they can still deliver a specific capacity of 390 mAh g -1 . CoP//LiCoO 2 full-cells also exhibit a high reversible capacity of 400 mAh g -1 after 50 cycles. These unique 3D interconnected CoP nanorod arrays also show ultrastable cycling performance over 500 cycles when used as the anode in a Na-ion battery. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. Enhanced lithium storage in Fe2O3-SnO2-C nanocomposite anode with a breathable structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rahman, Md Mokhlesur; Glushenkov, Alexey M.; Ramireddy, Thrinathreddy; Tao, Tao; Chen, Ying

    2013-05-01

    A novel nanocomposite architecture of a Fe2O3-SnO2-C anode, based on clusters of Fe2O3 and SnO2 nanoparticles dispersed along the conductive chains of Super P Li™ carbon black (Timcal Ltd.), is presented as a breathable structure in this paper for lithium-ion batteries. The synthesis of the nanocomposite is achieved by combining a molten salt precipitation process and a ball milling method for the first time. The crystalline structure, morphology, and electrochemical characterization of the synthesised product are investigated systematically. Electrochemical results demonstrate that the reversible capacity of the composite anode is 1110 mA h g-1 at a current rate of 158 mA g-1 with only 31% of initial irreversible capacity in the first cycle. A high reversible capacity of 502 mA h g-1 (higher than the theoretical capacity of graphite, ~372 mA h g-1) can be obtained at a high current rate of 3950 mA g-1. The electrochemical performance is compared favourably with those of Fe2O3-SnO2 and Fe2O3-SnO2-C composite anodes for lithium-ion batteries reported in the literature. This work reports a promising method for the design and preparation of nanocomposite electrodes for lithium-ion batteries.A novel nanocomposite architecture of a Fe2O3-SnO2-C anode, based on clusters of Fe2O3 and SnO2 nanoparticles dispersed along the conductive chains of Super P Li™ carbon black (Timcal Ltd.), is presented as a breathable structure in this paper for lithium-ion batteries. The synthesis of the nanocomposite is achieved by combining a molten salt precipitation process and a ball milling method for the first time. The crystalline structure, morphology, and electrochemical characterization of the synthesised product are investigated systematically. Electrochemical results demonstrate that the reversible capacity of the composite anode is 1110 mA h g-1 at a current rate of 158 mA g-1 with only 31% of initial irreversible capacity in the first cycle. A high reversible capacity of 502 mA h g-1 (higher than the theoretical capacity of graphite, ~372 mA h g-1) can be obtained at a high current rate of 3950 mA g-1. The electrochemical performance is compared favourably with those of Fe2O3-SnO2 and Fe2O3-SnO2-C composite anodes for lithium-ion batteries reported in the literature. This work reports a promising method for the design and preparation of nanocomposite electrodes for lithium-ion batteries. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00690e

  11. Rod-like hierarchical Sn/SnOx@C nanostructures with enhanced lithium storage properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Juan; Chen, Sanmei; Tang, Jingjing; Tian, Hangyu; Bai, Tao; Zhou, Xiangyang

    2018-03-01

    Rod-like hierarchical Sn/SnOx@C nanostructures have been designed and synthesized via calcining resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) resin coated Sn-based metal-organic frameworks. The rod-like hierarchical Sn/SnOx@C nanostructures are made of a great number of carbon-wrapped primary Sn/SnOx nanospheres of 100-200 nm in diameter. The as-prepared hierarchical Sn/SnOx@C nanocomposite manifests a high initial reversible capacity of 1177 mAh g-1 and remains 1001 mAh g-1 after 240 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g-1. It delivers outstanding high-rate performance with a reversible capacity of 823 mAh g-1 even at a high current density of 1000 mA g-1. The enhanced electrochemical performances of the Sn/SnOx@C electrode are mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of the unique hierarchical micro/nanostructures and the protective carbon layer.

  12. Adsorption behavior of plasmid DNA onto perfusion chromatographic matrix.

    PubMed

    Limonta, Miladys; Zumalacárregui, Lourdes; Soler, Dayana

    2012-05-01

    Anion exchange chromatography is the most popular chromatographic method for plasmid separation. POROS RI 50 is a perfusion chromatographic support which is a reversed phase matrix and is an alternative to conventional ones due to its mass transfer properties. The adsorption and elution of the pIDKE2 plasmid onto reversed phase POROS R1 50 was studied. Langmuir isotherm model was adjusted in order to get the maximum adsorption capacity and the dissociation constant for POROS R1 50-plasmid DNA (pDNA) system. Breakthrough curves were obtained for volumetric flows between 0.69-3.33 mL/min, given dynamic capacity up to 2.3 times higher than those reported for ionic exchange matrix used during the purification process of plasmids with similar size to that of pIDKE2. The efficiency was less than 45% for the flow conditions and initial concentration studied, which means that the support will not be operated under saturation circumstances.

  13. Nafion coated sulfur-carbon electrode for high performance lithium-sulfur batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Qiwei; Shan, Zhongqiang; Wang, Li; Qin, Xue; Zhu, Kunlei; Tian, Jianhua; Liu, Xuesheng

    2014-01-01

    In this paper, a nafion coated electrode is prepared to improve the performance of lithium sulfur batteries. It is demonstrated from a series of measurements that the nafion layer is quite effective in reducing shuttle effect and enhancing the stability and the reversibility of the electrode. When measured under the rate of 0.2 C, the initial discharge capacity of the nafion coated electrode can reach 1084 mAh g-1, with a Columbic efficiency of about 100%. After 100 charge/discharge cycles, this electrode can also deliver a reversible capacity of as high as 879 mAh g-1. Significantly, the charge-transfer resistance of the electrode tends to be reducing after coated with an appropriate thickness of nafion film. The cation conductivity as well as anion inconductivity is considered to be the dominant factor for the superior electrochemical properties.

  14. Facile Synthesis of Coaxial CNTs/MnOx-Carbon Hybrid Nanofibers and Their Greatly Enhanced Lithium Storage Performance.

    PubMed

    Yang, Zunxian; Lv, Jun; Pang, Haidong; Yan, Wenhuan; Qian, Kun; Guo, Tailiang; Guo, Zaiping

    2015-12-01

    Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/MnOx-Carbon hybrid nanofibers have been successfully synthesized by the combination of a liquid chemical redox reaction (LCRR) and a subsequent carbonization heat treatment. The nanostructures exhibit a unique one-dimensional core/shell architecture, with one-dimensional CNTs encapsulated inside and a MnOx-carbon composite nanoparticle layer on the outside. The particular porous characteristics with many meso/micro holes/pores, the highly conductive one-dimensional CNT core, as well as the encapsulating carbon matrix on the outside of the MnOx nanoparticles, lead to excellent electrochemical performance of the electrode. The CNTs/MnOx-Carbon hybrid nanofibers exhibit a high initial reversible capacity of 762.9 mAhg(-1), a high reversible specific capacity of 560.5 mAhg(-1) after 100 cycles, and excellent cycling stability and rate capability, with specific capacity of 396.2 mAhg(-1) when cycled at the current density of 1000 mAg(-1), indicating that the CNTs/MnOx-Carbon hybrid nanofibers are a promising anode candidate for Li-ion batteries.

  15. Facile Synthesis of Coaxial CNTs/MnOx-Carbon Hybrid Nanofibers and Their Greatly Enhanced Lithium Storage Performance

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Zunxian; Lv, Jun; Pang, Haidong; Yan, Wenhuan; Qian, Kun; Guo, Tailiang; Guo, Zaiping

    2015-01-01

    Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/MnOx-Carbon hybrid nanofibers have been successfully synthesized by the combination of a liquid chemical redox reaction (LCRR) and a subsequent carbonization heat treatment. The nanostructures exhibit a unique one-dimensional core/shell architecture, with one-dimensional CNTs encapsulated inside and a MnOx-carbon composite nanoparticle layer on the outside. The particular porous characteristics with many meso/micro holes/pores, the highly conductive one-dimensional CNT core, as well as the encapsulating carbon matrix on the outside of the MnOx nanoparticles, lead to excellent electrochemical performance of the electrode. The CNTs/MnOx-Carbon hybrid nanofibers exhibit a high initial reversible capacity of 762.9 mAhg−1, a high reversible specific capacity of 560.5 mAhg−1 after 100 cycles, and excellent cycling stability and rate capability, with specific capacity of 396.2 mAhg−1 when cycled at the current density of 1000 mAg−1, indicating that the CNTs/MnOx-Carbon hybrid nanofibers are a promising anode candidate for Li-ion batteries. PMID:26621615

  16. High-Temperature Electrochemical Performance of FeF3/C Nanocomposite as a Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Mengyun; Zhang, Zhengfu; Wang, Zi; Liu, Jingfeng; Yan, Hongge; Peng, Jinhui

    2018-02-01

    Iron trifluoride has been studied as a cathode material due to its cost-effectiveness, low toxicity, and high theoretical capacities of 712 mA h g-1. However, FeF3 has serious shortcomings of poor electronic conductivity and a slow diffusion rate of lithium ions, leading to a lower reversible specific capacity. In this work, FeF3/C nanocomposite has been synthesized successfully via a high-energy ball-milling method, and acetylene black is used as the conductive agent to improve the conductivity of FeF3. The FeF3/C nanocomposite shows a high initial discharge capacity of 346.25 and 161.58 mA h g-1 after 40th cycle at 50 mA g-1. It exhibits good cycle performance and rate performance. The high-temperature discharge capacities decreased with increase in the temperature. The initial high-temperature discharge capacities are found to be 254.17, 300.01, 281.25 and 125.16, and 216.875, 156, 141.67, 150, and 64.98 mA h g-1 at 20th cycles at the 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C, respectively.

  17. Silicon hollow sphere anode with enhanced cycling stability by a template-free method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Song; Chen, Zhuo; Luo, Yunjun; Xia, Min; Cao, Chuanbao

    2017-04-01

    Silicon is a promising alternative anode material since it has a ten times higher theoretical specific capacity than that of a traditional graphite anode. However, the poor cycling stability due to the huge volume change of Si during charge/discharge processes has seriously hampered its widespread application. To address this challenge, we design a silicon hollow sphere nanostructure by selective etching and a subsequent magnesiothermic reduction. The Si hollow spheres exhibit enhanced electrochemical properties compared to the commercial Si nanoparticles. The initial discharge and charge capacities of the Si hollow sphere anode are 2215.8 mAh g-1 and 1615.1 mAh g-1 with a high initial coulombic efficiency (72%) at a current density of 200 mA g-1, respectively. In particular, the reversible capacity is 1534.5 mAh g-1 with a remarkable 88% capacity retention against the second cycle after 100 cycles, over four times the theoretical capacity of the traditional graphite electrode. Therefore, our work demonstrates the considerable potential of silicon structures for displacing commercial graphite, and might open up new opportunities to rationally design various nanostructured materials for lithium ion batteries.

  18. New Insights into Understanding Irreversible and Reversible Lithium Storage within SiOC and SiCN Ceramics

    PubMed Central

    Graczyk-Zajac, Magdalena; Reinold, Lukas Mirko; Kaspar, Jan; Sasikumar, Pradeep Vallachira Warriam; Soraru, Gian-Domenico; Riedel, Ralf

    2015-01-01

    Within this work we define structural properties of the silicon carbonitride (SiCN) and silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) ceramics which determine the reversible and irreversible lithium storage capacities, long cycling stability and define the major differences in the lithium storage in SiCN and SiOC. For both ceramics, we correlate the first cycle lithiation or delithiation capacity and cycling stability with the amount of SiCN/SiOC matrix or free carbon phase, respectively. The first cycle lithiation and delithiation capacities of SiOC materials do not depend on the amount of free carbon, while for SiCN the capacity increases with the amount of carbon to reach a threshold value at ~50% of carbon phase. Replacing oxygen with nitrogen renders the mixed bond Si-tetrahedra unable to sequester lithium. Lithium is more attracted by oxygen in the SiOC network due to the more ionic character of Si-O bonds. This brings about very high initial lithiation capacities, even at low carbon content. If oxygen is replaced by nitrogen, the ceramic network becomes less attractive for lithium ions due to the more covalent character of Si-N bonds and lower electron density on the nitrogen atom. This explains the significant difference in electrochemical behavior which is observed for carbon-poor SiCN and SiOC materials. PMID:28347008

  19. The prevalence of reversible airway obstruction in professional football players.

    PubMed

    Ross, R G

    2000-12-01

    To determine the prevalence of reversible airway obstruction in a group of professional football training camp participants. All attendees at a Canadian Football League team rookie preseason training camp were invited to participate in a protocol designed to elicit symptoms and signs of reversible airway obstruction (asthma) during the initial preparticipation examination. Those agreeing to the protocol completed a questionnaire containing standardized inquiries about a past history of asthma and the presence of symptoms. Participants then underwent spirometry testing to determine lung function before and after receiving a standardized dose of bronchodilator medication. Players showing evidence of airway obstruction during initial testing and still on the team roster underwent repeat spirometry testing and formal pulmonary function testing during the football season. The follow-up pulmonary function tests were performed to determine those that might benefit from treatment for asthma. Nineteen of 34 (56%) players agreeing to participate had significant reversible airway obstruction as defined by a 12% or greater reversibility in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and/or forced expiratory flow rate between 25 and 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF 25-75). In most participants, the diagnosis was made on the basis of spirometry alone. Of those testing positive during initial inquiry, 88% remained positive on repeat spirometry, and 73% had reversible airway obstruction during more stringently controlled hospital-based pulmonary function testing. Those players treated for previously undiagnosed asthma noted an improvement in subjective athletic performance during the football season. Based on the remarkably high prevalence of undiagnosed asthma in this group, it may prove worthwhile to test elite football players using lung function parameters.

  20. Direct and reverse secret-key capacities of a quantum channel.

    PubMed

    Pirandola, Stefano; García-Patrón, Raul; Braunstein, Samuel L; Lloyd, Seth

    2009-02-06

    We define the direct and reverse secret-key capacities of a memoryless quantum channel as the optimal rates that entanglement-based quantum-key-distribution protocols can reach by using a single forward classical communication (direct reconciliation) or a single feedback classical communication (reverse reconciliation). In particular, the reverse secret-key capacity can be positive for antidegradable channels, where no forward strategy is known to be secure. This property is explicitly shown in the continuous variable framework by considering arbitrary one-mode Gaussian channels.

  1. Updated State Air Emissions Regulations (released in AEO2010)

    EIA Publications

    2010-01-01

    The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a program that includes 10 Northeast states that have agreed to curtail and reverse growth in their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The RGGI program includes all electricity generating units with a capacity of at least 25 megawatts and requires an allowance for each ton of CO2 emitted. The first year of mandatory compliance was in 2009.

  2. Nanomaterials for sodium-ion batteries

    DOEpatents

    Liu, Jun; Cao, Yuliang; Xiao, Lifen; Yang, Zhenguo; Wang, Wei; Choi, Daiwon; Nie, Zimin

    2015-05-05

    A crystalline nanowire and method of making a crystalline nanowire are disclosed. The method includes dissolving a first nitrate salt and a second nitrate salt in an acrylic acid aqueous solution. An initiator is added to the solution, which is then heated to form polyacrylatyes. The polyacrylates are dried and calcined. The nanowires show high reversible capacity, enhanced cycleability, and promising rate capability for a battery or capacitor.

  3. O3-type Na(Mn₀.₂₅Fe₀.₂₅Co₀.₂₅Ni₀.₂₅)O₂: a quaternary layered cathode compound for rechargeable Na ion batteries

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

    Li, Xi; Zhou, Yong-Ning; Wu, Di

    2014-12-01

    We report a new layered Na(Mn₀.₂₅Fe₀.₂₅Co₀.₂₅Ni₀.₂₅)O₂ compound with O3 oxygen stacking. It delivers 180 mAh/g initial discharge capacity and 578 Wh/kg specific energy density with good cycling capability at high cutoff voltage. In situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows a reversible structure evolution of O3-P3-O3'-O3'' upon Na de-intercalation. The excellent capacity and cycling performance at high cutoff voltage make it an important model system for studying the general issue of capacity fading in layered Na cathode compounds.

  4. Azo compounds as a family of organic electrode materials for alkali-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Luo, Chao; Borodin, Oleg; Ji, Xiao; Hou, Singyuk; Gaskell, Karen J; Fan, Xiulin; Chen, Ji; Deng, Tao; Wang, Ruixing; Jiang, Jianjun; Wang, Chunsheng

    2018-02-27

    Organic compounds are desirable for sustainable Li-ion batteries (LIBs), but the poor cycle stability and low power density limit their large-scale application. Here we report a family of organic compounds containing azo group (N=N) for reversible lithiation/delithiation. Azobenzene-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid lithium salt (ADALS) with an azo group in the center of the conjugated structure is used as a model azo compound to investigate the electrochemical behaviors and reaction mechanism of azo compounds. In LIBs, ADALS can provide a capacity of 190 mAh g -1 at 0.5 C (corresponding to current density of 95 mA g -1 ) and still retain 90%, 71%, and 56% of the capacity when the current density is increased to 2 C, 10 C, and 20 C, respectively. Moreover, ADALS retains 89% of initial capacity after 5,000 cycles at 20 C with a slow capacity decay rate of 0.0023% per cycle, representing one of the best performances in all organic compounds. Superior electrochemical behavior of ADALS is also observed in Na-ion batteries, demonstrating that azo compounds are universal electrode materials for alkali-ion batteries. The highly reversible redox chemistry of azo compounds to alkali ions was confirmed by density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. It provides opportunities for developing sustainable batteries.

  5. DTT-doped MWCNT coating for checking shuttle effect of lithium-sulfur battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiaogang, Sun; Jie, Wang; Xu, Li; Wei, Chen

    2018-01-01

    In order to improve the rate and reversible capacity of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery, a reagent of dithiothreitol (DTT) was utilized to check the dissolution and shuttle of long-chain lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) by cutting the disulfide bond (-S-S- bonds) in them. The slurry of DTT-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was coated on the surface of sulfur cathode as a shield to slice the long-chain LiPSs to short-chain ones for checking the dissolution and migration of LiPSs to lithium anode. The morphology and structure of the electrodes were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical performance was tested by galvanostatic charge-discharge, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The initial discharge capacity of S-DTT- carbon nanotube paper (CNTP) electrode reached 1670 and 949 mAh/g at 0.05 and 2 C respectively with a coulombic efficiency of over 99%. The electrode maintained a reversible specific capacity of 949 mAh/g after 45 cycles at 2 C. This suggested that the DTT-doped MWCNT coating can restrain shuttle effect and improve the rate and capacity of Li-S battery. The S-DTT-CNTP electrode not only accommodates the volume expansion but also provides stable electronics and ions channels.

  6. PEDOT-PSS coated ZnO/C hierarchical porous nanorods as ultralong-life anode material for lithium ion batteries

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

    Xu, Gui-Liang; Li, Yan; Ma, Tianyuan

    2015-11-01

    ZnO/C hierarchical porous nanorods were synthesized through one-pot wet-chemical reaction followed by thermal calcination. It was found that ZnO/C porous nanorods are composed of numerous nanograins, exhibiting a hierarchical micro/nanostructure. In-situ synchrotron high energy X-ray diffraction study revealed that ZnO/C hierarchical porous nanorods involve a two-step reversible lithiation mechanism during charge/discharge; and part of ZnO and Zn remains at the end of the first discharge and charge process, respectively, leading to a low coulombic efficiency in the initial few cycles. The electrochemical test demonstrated that the reversible capacity and the rate performance of ZnO/C hierarchical porous nanorods anode have beenmore » greatly improved by PEDOT-PSS coating, which could maintain a reversible capacity of 623.94 mA h g(-1) after 1500 cycles at 1 C. Its excellent high rate capability and long cycle stability were attributed to the high electronic conductivity of PEDOT-PSS coating layer and the hierarchical structures of ZnO/C porous nanorods. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.« less

  7. Silicon Framework Allotropes for Li-ion and Na-ion Batteries: New Insight for a Reversible Capacity.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marzouk, Asma; Soto, Fernando; Burgos, Juan; Balbuena, Perla; El-Mellouhi, Fadwa

    Silicon has the capacity to host a large amount of Li which makes it an attractive anode material despite suffering from swelling problem leading to irreversible capacity loss. The possibility of an easy extraction of Na atoms from Si24Na4 inspired us to adopt the Si24 as an anode material for Lithium-ion and sodium-ion Batteries. Using DFT, we evaluate the specific capacity and the intercalation potential of Si24 allotrope. Enhanced capacities are sought by designing a new silicon allotrope. We demonstrated that these Si24 allotropes show a negligible volume expansion and conserve their periodic structures after the maximum insertion/disinsertion of the ions which is crucial to prevent the capacity loss during cycling. DFT and ab-initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) studies give insights on the most probable surface adsorption and reaction sites, lithiation and sodiation, as well as initial stages of SEI formation and ionic diffusion. Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) (NPRP 7-162-2-077).

  8. Encapsulation of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles into N, S co-Doped Graphene Sheets with Greatly Enhanced Electrochemical Performance

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Zunxian; Qian, Kun; Lv, Jun; Yan, Wenhuan; Liu, Jiahui; Ai, Jingwei; Zhang, Yuxiang; Guo, Tailiang; Zhou, Xiongtu; Xu, Sheng; Guo, Zaiping

    2016-01-01

    Particular N, S co-doped graphene/Fe3O4 hybrids have been successfully synthesized by the combination of a simple hydrothermal process and a subsequent carbonization heat treatment. The nanostructures exhibit a unique composite architecture, with uniformly dispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles and N, S co-doped graphene encapsulant. The particular porous characteristics with many meso/micro holes/pores, the highly conductive N, S co-doped graphene, as well as the encapsulating N, S co-doped graphene with the high-level nitrogen and sulfur doping, lead to excellent electrochemical performance of the electrode. The N-S-G/Fe3O4 composite electrode exhibits a high initial reversible capacity of 1362.2 mAhg−1, a high reversible specific capacity of 1055.20 mAhg−1 after 100 cycles, and excellent cycling stability and rate capability, with specific capacity of 556.69 mAhg−1 when cycled at the current density of 1000 mAg−1, indicating that the N-S-G/Fe3O4 composite is a promising anode candidate for Li-ion batteries. PMID:27296103

  9. Separator Decoration with Cobalt/Nitrogen Codoped Carbon for Highly Efficient Polysulfide Confinement in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

    PubMed

    Hu, Wen; Hirota, Yuichiro; Zhu, Yexin; Yoshida, Nao; Miyamoto, Manabu; Zheng, Tao; Nishiyama, Norikazu

    2017-09-22

    A macro-/mesoporous Co-N-C-decorated separator is proposed to confine and reutilize migrating polysulfides. Endowed with a desirable structure and synchronous lithio- and sulfiphilic chemistry, the macro-/mesoporous Co-N-C interface manipulates large polysulfide adsorption uptake, enabling good polysulfide adsorption kinetics, reversible electrocatalysis toward redox of anchored polysulfides, and facile charge transport. It significantly boosts the performance of a simple 70 wt % S/MWCNTs (MWCNTs=multi-walled carbon nanotubes) cathode, achieving high initial capacities (e.g., 1406 mAh g -1 at 0.2C, 1203 mAh g -1 at 1C), nearly 100 % Coulombic efficiencies, and high reversible capacities after cycle tests (e.g., 828.4 mAh g -1 at 1C after 100 cycles) at both low and high current rates. These results demonstrate that decorating separator with macro-/mesoporous Co-N-C paves a feasible way for developing advanced Li-S batteries. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. Synthesis of Li2MnSiO4-graphene composite and its electrochemical performances as a cathode material for lithium ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jeonghyun; Song, Taeseup; Park, Hyunjung; Yuh, Junhan; Paik, Ungyu

    2014-10-01

    The Li2MnSiO4 is a promising candidate as a cathode for lithium ion batteries due to its large theoretical capacity of 330 mA h g(-1) and high thermal stability. However, the problems related to low electronic conductivity and large irreversible capacity at the first cycle limits its practical use as a Li-ion cathode material. We have developed a carbon coated Li2MnSiO4-graphene composite electrode to overcome these problems. Our designed electrode exhibits high reversible capacity of 301 mA h g(-1), with a high initial coulombic efficiency, and a discharge capacity at current rate of 0.5 C, that is double value of carbon coated Li2MnSiO4-carbon black composite electrode. These significant improvements are attributed to fast electron transport along the graphene sheet.

  11. Self-supported Zn3P2 nanowire arrays grafted on carbon fabrics as an advanced integrated anode for flexible lithium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Wenwu; Gan, Lin; Guo, Kai; Ke, Linbo; Wei, Yaqing; Li, Huiqiao; Shen, Guozhen; Zhai, Tianyou

    2016-04-01

    We, for the first time, successfully grafted well-aligned binary lithium-reactive zinc phosphide (Zn3P2) nanowire arrays on carbon fabric cloth by a facile CVD method. When applied as a novel self-supported binder-free anode for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the hierarchical three-dimensional (3D) integrated anode shows excellent electrochemical performances: a highly reversible initial lithium storage capacity of ca. 1200 mA h g-1 with a coulombic efficiency of up to 88%, a long lifespan of over 200 cycles without obvious decay, and a high rate capability of ca. 400 mA h g-1 capacity retention at an ultrahigh rate of 15 A g-1. More interestingly, a flexible LIB full cell is assembled based on the as-synthesized integrated anode and the commercial LiFePO4 cathode, and shows striking lithium storage performances very close to the half cells: a large reversible capacity over 1000 mA h g-1, a long cycle life of over 200 cycles without obvious decay, and an ultrahigh rate performance of ca. 300 mA h g-1 even at 20 A g-1. Considering the excellent lithium storage performances of coin-type half cells as well as flexible full cells, the as-prepared carbon cloth grafted well-aligned Zn3P2 nanowire arrays would be a promising integrated anode for flexible LIB full cell devices.We, for the first time, successfully grafted well-aligned binary lithium-reactive zinc phosphide (Zn3P2) nanowire arrays on carbon fabric cloth by a facile CVD method. When applied as a novel self-supported binder-free anode for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the hierarchical three-dimensional (3D) integrated anode shows excellent electrochemical performances: a highly reversible initial lithium storage capacity of ca. 1200 mA h g-1 with a coulombic efficiency of up to 88%, a long lifespan of over 200 cycles without obvious decay, and a high rate capability of ca. 400 mA h g-1 capacity retention at an ultrahigh rate of 15 A g-1. More interestingly, a flexible LIB full cell is assembled based on the as-synthesized integrated anode and the commercial LiFePO4 cathode, and shows striking lithium storage performances very close to the half cells: a large reversible capacity over 1000 mA h g-1, a long cycle life of over 200 cycles without obvious decay, and an ultrahigh rate performance of ca. 300 mA h g-1 even at 20 A g-1. Considering the excellent lithium storage performances of coin-type half cells as well as flexible full cells, the as-prepared carbon cloth grafted well-aligned Zn3P2 nanowire arrays would be a promising integrated anode for flexible LIB full cell devices. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08467a

  12. All-solid-state lithium organic battery with composite polymer electrolyte and pillar[5]quinone cathode.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Zhiqiang; Hong, Meiling; Guo, Dongsheng; Shi, Jifu; Tao, Zhanliang; Chen, Jun

    2014-11-26

    The cathode capacity of common lithium ion batteries (LIBs) using inorganic electrodes and liquid electrolytes must be further improved. Alternatively, all-solid-state lithium batteries comprising the electrode of organic compounds can offer much higher capacity. Herein, we successfully fabricated an all-solid-state lithium battery based on organic pillar[5]quinone (C35H20O10) cathode and composite polymer electrolyte (CPE). The poly(methacrylate) (PMA)/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-LiClO4-3 wt % SiO2 CPE has an optimum ionic conductivity of 0.26 mS cm(-1) at room temperature. Furthermore, pillar[5]quinine cathode in all-solid-state battery rendered an average operation voltage of ∼2.6 V and a high initial capacity of 418 mAh g(-1) with a stable cyclability (94.7% capacity retention after 50 cycles at 0.2C rate) through the reversible redox reactions of enolate/quinonid carbonyl groups, showing favorable prospect for the device application with high capacity.

  13. Reverse innovation: an opportunity for strengthening health systems.

    PubMed

    Snowdon, Anne W; Bassi, Harpreet; Scarffe, Andrew D; Smith, Alexander D

    2015-02-07

    Canada, when compared to other OECD countries, ranks poorly with respect to innovation and innovation adoption while struggling with increasing health system costs. As a result of its failure to innovate, the Canadian health system will struggle to meet the needs and demands of both current and future populations. The purpose of this initiative was to explore if a competition-based reverse innovation challenge could mobilize and stimulate current and future leaders to identify and lead potential reverse innovation projects that address health system challenges in Canada. An open call for applications took place over a 4-month period. Applicants were enticed to submit to the competition with a $50,000 prize for the top submission to finance their project. Leaders from a wide cross-section of sectors collectively developed evaluation criteria and graded the submissions. The criteria evaluated: proof of concept, potential value, financial impact, feasibility, and scalability as well as the use of prize money and innovation team. The competition received 12 submissions from across Canada that identified potential reverse innovations from 18 unique geographical locations that were considered developing and/or emerging markets. The various submissions addressed health system challenges relating to education, mobile health, aboriginal health, immigrant health, seniors health and women's health and wellness. Of the original 12 submissions, 5 finalists were chosen and publically profiled, and 1 was chosen to receive the top prize. The results of this initiative demonstrate that a competition that is targeted to reverse innovation does have the potential to mobilize and stimulate leaders to identify reverse innovations that have the potential for system level impact. The competition also provided important insights into the capacity of Canadian students, health care providers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to propose and implement reverse innovation in the context of the Canadian health system.

  14. Sensitivity of Runway Occupancy Time (ROT) to Various Rollout and Turnoff (ROTO) Factors. Volume 1

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Goldthorpe, S. H.

    1997-01-01

    The Terminal Area Productivity (TAP) research program was initiated by NASA to increase the airport capacity for transport aircraft operations. One element of the research program is called Low Visibility Landing and Surface Operations (LVLASO). A goal of the LVLASO research is to develop transport aircraft technologies which reduce Runway Occupancy Time (ROT) so that it does not become the limiting factor in the terminal area operations that determine the capacity of a runway. Under LVLASO, the objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity of ROT to various factors associated with the Rollout and Turnoff (ROTO) operation for transport aircraft. The following operational factors were studied and are listed in the order of decreasing ROT sensitivity: ice/flood runway surface condition, exit entrance ground speed, number of exits, high-speed exit locations and spacing, aircraft type, touchdown ground speed standard deviation, reverse thrust and braking method, accurate exit prediction capability, maximum reverse thrust availability, spiral-arc vs. circle-arc exit geometry, dry/slush/wet/snow runway surface condition, maximum allowed deceleration, auto asymmetric braking on exit, do not stow reverse thrust before the exit, touchdown longitudinal location standard deviation, flap setting, anti-skid efficiency, crosswind conditions, stopping on the exit and touchdown lateral offset.

  15. Sensitivity of Runway Occupancy Time (ROT) to Various Rollout and Turnoff (ROTO) Factors. Volume 2; Complete Set of Plotted Data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Goldthorpe, S. H.

    1997-01-01

    The Terminal Area Productivity (TAP) research program was initiated by NASA to increase the airport capacity for transport aircraft operations. One element of the research program is called Low Visibility Landing and Surface Operations (LVLASO). A goal of the LVLASO research is to develop transport aircraft technologies which reduce Runway Occupancy Time (ROT) so that it does not become the limiting factor in the terminal area operations that determine the capacity of a runway. Under LVLASO, the objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity of ROT to various factors associated with the Rollout and Turnoff (ROTO) operation for transport aircraft. The following operational factors were studied and are listed in the order of decreasing ROT sensitivity: ice/flood runway surface condition, exit entrance ground speed, number of exits, high-speed exit locations and spacing, aircraft type, touchdown ground speed standard deviation, reverse thrust and braking method, accurate exit prediction capability, maximum reverse thrust availability, spiral-arc vs. circle-arc exit geometry, dry/slush/wet/snow runway surface condition, maximum allowed deceleration, auto asymmetric braking on exit, do not stow reverse thrust before the exit, touchdown longitudinal location standard deviation, flap setting, anti-skid efficiency, crosswind conditions, stopping on the exit and touchdown lateral offset.

  16. Defective cholesterol clearance limits remyelination in the aged central nervous system.

    PubMed

    Cantuti-Castelvetri, Ludovico; Fitzner, Dirk; Bosch-Queralt, Mar; Weil, Marie-Theres; Su, Minhui; Sen, Paromita; Ruhwedel, Torben; Mitkovski, Miso; Trendelenburg, George; Lütjohann, Dieter; Möbius, Wiebke; Simons, Mikael

    2018-02-09

    Age-associated decline in regeneration capacity limits the restoration of nervous system functionality after injury. In a model for demyelination, we found that old mice fail to resolve the inflammatory response initiated after myelin damage. Aged phagocytes accumulated excessive amounts of myelin debris, which triggered cholesterol crystal formation and phagolysosomal membrane rupture and stimulated inflammasomes. Myelin debris clearance required cholesterol transporters, including apolipoprotein E. Stimulation of reverse cholesterol transport was sufficient to restore the capacity of old mice to remyelinate lesioned tissue. Thus, cholesterol-rich myelin debris can overwhelm the efflux capacity of phagocytes, resulting in a phase transition of cholesterol into crystals and thereby inducing a maladaptive immune response that impedes tissue regeneration. Copyright © 2018 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

  17. High capacity reversible watermarking for audio by histogram shifting and predicted error expansion.

    PubMed

    Wang, Fei; Xie, Zhaoxin; Chen, Zuo

    2014-01-01

    Being reversible, the watermarking information embedded in audio signals can be extracted while the original audio data can achieve lossless recovery. Currently, the few reversible audio watermarking algorithms are confronted with following problems: relatively low SNR (signal-to-noise) of embedded audio; a large amount of auxiliary embedded location information; and the absence of accurate capacity control capability. In this paper, we present a novel reversible audio watermarking scheme based on improved prediction error expansion and histogram shifting. First, we use differential evolution algorithm to optimize prediction coefficients and then apply prediction error expansion to output stego data. Second, in order to reduce location map bits length, we introduced histogram shifting scheme. Meanwhile, the prediction error modification threshold according to a given embedding capacity can be computed by our proposed scheme. Experiments show that this algorithm improves the SNR of embedded audio signals and embedding capacity, drastically reduces location map bits length, and enhances capacity control capability.

  18. Hierarchical sulfur-based cathode materials with long cycle life for rechargeable lithium batteries.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jiulin; Yin, Lichao; Jia, Hao; Yu, Haitao; He, Yushi; Yang, Jun; Monroe, Charles W

    2014-02-01

    Composite materials of porous pyrolyzed polyacrylonitrile-sulfur@graphene nanosheet (pPAN-S@GNS) are fabricated through a bottom-up strategy. Microspherical particles are formed by spray drying of a mixed aqueous colloid of PAN nanoparticles and graphene nanosheets, followed by a simple heat treatment with elemental sulfur. The pPAN-S primary nanoparticles are wrapped homogeneously and loosely within a three-dimensional network of graphene nanosheets (GNS). The hierarchical pPAN-S@GNS composite shows a high reversible capacity of 1449.3 mAh g(-1) sulfur or 681.2 mAh g(-1) composite in the second cycle; after 300 cycles at a 0.2 C charge/discharge rate the capacity retention is 88.8 % of its initial reversible value. Additionally, the coulombic efficiency (CE) during cycling is near 100 %, apart from in the first cycle, in which CE is 81.1 %. A remarkable capacity of near 700 mAh g(-1) sulfur is obtained, even at a high discharge rate of 10 C. The superior performance of pPAN-S@GNS is ascribed to the spherical secondary GNS structure that creates an electronically conductive 3D framework and also reinforces structural stability. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  19. Hierarchical Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 hollow spherical as cathode material for Li-ion battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Yu; Zhu, Tianjiao; Lin, Liu; Yuan, Mengwei; Li, Huifeng; Sun, Genban; Ma, Shulan

    2017-11-01

    Lithium-rich manganese-based layered materials have been considered as the most promising cathode materials for future high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. However, a great loss of irreversible capacity at the initial cycle, poor cycle stability, and rate performance severely restrict its application. Herein, we develop a new strategy to synthesize hierarchical hollow Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 microspheres using sucrose and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a soft template combined with hydrothermal assisted homogeneous precipitation method. The hollow microspheres are assembled by the primary particles with the size of 50 nm. As a result, the as-prepared material exhibits high reversible capacity, good cycling stability, and excellent rate property. It delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 305.9 mAh g-1 at 28 mA g-1 with coulombic efficiency of 80%. Even at high current density of 560 mA g-1, the sample also shows a stable discharge capacity of 215 mAh g-1. The enhanced electrochemical properties are attributed to the stable hierarchical hollow sphere structure and the appropriate contact area between electrode and electrolyte, thus effectively improve the lithium-ion intercalation and deintercalation kinetics. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

  20. Dual capacity compressor with reversible motor and controls arrangement therefor

    DOEpatents

    Sisk, Francis J.

    1980-12-02

    A hermetic reciprocating compressor such as may be used in heat pump applications is provided for dual capacity operation by providing the crankpin of the crankshaft with an eccentric ring rotatably mounted thereon, and with the end of the connecting rod opposite the piston encompassing the outer circumference of the eccentric ring, with means limiting the rotation of the eccentric ring upon the crankpin between one end point and an opposite angularly displaced end point to provide different values of eccentricity depending upon which end point the eccentric ring is rotated to upon the crankpin, and a reversible motor in the hermetic shell of the compressor for rotating the crankshaft, the motor operating in one direction effecting the angular displacement of the eccentric ring relative to the crankpin to the one end point, and in the opposite direction effecting the angular displacement of the eccentric ring relative to the crankpin to the opposite end point, this arrangement automatically giving different stroke lengths depending upon the direction of motor rotation. The mechanical structure of the arrangement may take various forms including at least one in which any impact of reversal is reduced by utilizing lubricant passages and chambers at the interface area of the crankpin and eccentric ring to provide a dashpot effect. In the main intended application of the arrangement according to the invention, that is, in a refrigerating or air conditioning system, it is desirable to insure a delay during reversal of the direction of compressor operation. A control arrangement is provided in which the control system controls the direction of motor operation in accordance with temperature conditions, the system including control means for effecting operation in a low capacity direction or alternatively in a high capacity direction in response to one set, and another set, respectively, of temperature conditions and with timer means delaying a restart of the compressor motor for at least a predetermined time in response to a condition of the control means operative to initiate a change in the operating direction of the compressor when it restarts.

  1. A reversible dendrite-free high-areal-capacity lithium metal electrode

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Hui; Matsui, Masaki; Kuwata, Hiroko; Sonoki, Hidetoshi; Matsuda, Yasuaki; Shang, Xuefu; Takeda, Yasuo; Yamamoto, Osamu; Imanishi, Nobuyuki

    2017-01-01

    Reversible dendrite-free low-areal-capacity lithium metal electrodes have recently been revived, because of their pivotal role in developing beyond lithium ion batteries. However, there have been no reports of reversible dendrite-free high-areal-capacity lithium metal electrodes. Here we report on a strategy to realize unprecedented stable cycling of lithium electrodeposition/stripping with a highly desirable areal-capacity (12 mAh cm−2) and exceptional Coulombic efficiency (>99.98%) at high current densities (>5 mA cm−2) and ambient temperature using a diluted solvate ionic liquid. The essence of this strategy, that can drastically improve lithium electrodeposition kinetics by cyclic voltammetry premodulation, lies in the tailoring of the top solid-electrolyte interphase layer in a diluted solvate ionic liquid to facilitate a two-dimensional growth mode. We anticipate that this discovery could pave the way for developing reversible dendrite-free metal anodes for sustainable battery chemistries. PMID:28440299

  2. Research on Characteristics of New Energy Dissipation With Symmetrical Structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ming, Wen; Huang, Chun-mei; Huang, Hao-wen; Wang, Xin-fang

    2018-03-01

    Utilizing good energy consumption capacity of arc steel bar, a new energy dissipation with symmetrical structure was proposed in this article. On the base of collection experimental data of damper specimen Under low cyclic reversed loading, finite element models were built by using ANSYS software, and influences of parameter change (Conduction rod diameter, Actuation plate thickness, Diameter of arc steel rod, Curved bars initial bending) on energy dissipation performance were analyzed. Some useful conclusions which can lay foundations for practical application were drawn.

  3. Discovery of abnormal lithium-storage sites in molybdenum dioxide electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Shon, Jeong Kuk; Lee, Hyo Sug; Park, Gwi Ok; Yoon, Jeongbae; Park, Eunjun; Park, Gyeong Su; Kong, Soo Sung; Jin, Mingshi; Choi, Jae-Man; Chang, Hyuk; Doo, Seokgwang; Kim, Ji Man; Yoon, Won-Sub; Pak, Chanho; Kim, Hansu; Stucky, Galen D.

    2016-01-01

    Developing electrode materials with high-energy densities is important for the development of lithium-ion batteries. Here, we demonstrate a mesoporous molybdenum dioxide material with abnormal lithium-storage sites, which exhibits a discharge capacity of 1,814 mAh g−1 for the first cycle, more than twice its theoretical value, and maintains its initial capacity after 50 cycles. Contrary to previous reports, we find that a mechanism for the high and reversible lithium-storage capacity of the mesoporous molybdenum dioxide electrode is not based on a conversion reaction. Insight into the electrochemical results, obtained by in situ X-ray absorption, scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis combined with electron energy loss spectroscopy and computational modelling indicates that the nanoscale pore engineering of this transition metal oxide enables an unexpected electrochemical mass storage reaction mechanism, and may provide a strategy for the design of cation storage materials for battery systems. PMID:27001935

  4. Chemical dealloying synthesis of porous silicon anchored by in situ generated graphene sheets as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feng, Jinkui; Zhang, Zhen; Ci, Lijie; Zhai, Wei; Ai, Qing; Xiong, Shenglin

    2015-08-01

    A novel one-pot chemical dealloying method has been developed to prepare nanocomposite of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and silicon dendrite from cheap commercial Al-Si eutectic precursor. The RGO anchoring could act as both conductive agent and buffer layer for Si volume change in the application of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The Si/RGO composites show an initial reversible capacity of 2280 mAh g-1, excellent capacity retention of 1942 mAh g-1 even after 100 cycles, and a high capacity of 1521 mAh g-1 even at the rate of 4000 mA g-1. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement proved that Si/RGO composite has the lower charge transfer resistance. This work proposes an economic and facile method to prepare silicon based anode material for next generation LIBs with high energy density.

  5. Porous carbon-coated silica macroparticles as anode materials for lithium ion batteries: Effect of boric acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Young-Kuk; Moon, Jong-Woo; Lee, Jung-Goo; Baek, Youn-Kyung; Hong, Seong-Hyun

    2014-12-01

    We report carbon-coated porous silica macroparticles (SiO2@C) prepared using polymeric templates and subsequent carbonization with sucrose for improved electrochemical energy storage in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In addition, boron is introduced to improve the stability of electrochemical cells by pyrolyzing mixtures of sucrose and boric acid (SiO2@C + B) under inert atmosphere. The initially large surface area of porous SiO2 (SBET ∼ 658 m2 g-1) is reduced to 102 m2 g-1 after carbonization and introduction of boric acid. Surface of both SiO2@C and SiO2@C + B are covered with amorphous carbon. In particular, SiO2@C + B particles containing borosilicate (Si-O-B) phase and B-O bondings and Si-C-O bondings are also detected from the X-ray photoelectron spectra. The SiO2@C + B macroparticles shows high reversible charge capacity up to 503 mAh g-1 after 103 cycles of Li intercalation/de-intercalation although initial capacity was 200 mAh g-1. The improved charge capacity of SiO2@C + B is attributed to formation of advantageous microstructures induced from boric acid.

  6. Investigation on porous MnO microsphere anode for lithium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhong, Kaifu; Zhang, Bin; Luo, Shihai; Wen, Wen; Li, Hong; Huang, Xuejie; Chen, Liquan

    MnO microspheres with and without carbon coating are prepared as anode materials for lithium ion batteries. The MnO microsphere material shows a reversible capacity of 800 mAh g -1 and an initial efficiency of 71%. It can deliver 600 mAh g -1 at a rate of 400 mA g -1. Results of Mn K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) confirm further the conversion reaction mechanism, indicate that pristine MnO is reduced to Mn 0 after discharging to 0 V and part of reduced Mn 0 is not oxidized to Mn 2+ after charging to 3 V. This explains the origin of the initial irreversible capacity loss partially. The quasi open circuit voltage and the relationship between the current density and the overpotential are investigated. Both indicate that there is a significant voltage difference between the charging and discharging profiles even when the current density decreases to zero.

  7. Enhanced electrochemical performance of sulfur/polyacrylonitrile composite by carbon coating for lithium/sulfur batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peng, Huifen; Wang, Xiaoran; Zhao, Yan; Tan, Taizhe; Mentbayeva, Almagul; Bakenov, Zhumabay; Zhang, Yongguang

    2017-10-01

    A carbon-coated sulfur/polyacrylonitrile (C@S/PAN) core-shell structured composite is successfully prepared via a novel solution processing method. The sulfur/polyacrylonitrile (S/PAN) core particle has a diameter of 100 nm, whereas the carbon shell is about 2 nm thick. The as-prepared C@S/PAN composite shows outstanding electrochemical performance in lithium/sulfur (Li/S) batteries delivering a high initial discharge capacity of 1416 mAh g-1. Furthermore, it exhibits 89% retention of the initial reversible capacity over 200 cycles at a constant current rate of 0.1 C. The improved performance contributed by the unique composition and the core-shell structure, wherein carbon matrix can also withstand the volume change of sulfur during the process of charging and discharging as well as provide channels for electron transport. In addition, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) matrix suppresses the shuttle effect by the covalent bonding between sulfur (S) and carbon (C) in the PAN matrix. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

  8. Facile synthesis of Sb2S3/MoS2 heterostructure as anode material for sodium-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Zhendong; Zhao, Jiachang; Xu, Meilan; Wang, Hongxia; Gong, Yanmei; Xu, Jingli

    2018-05-18

    A novel Sb2S3/MoS2 heterostructure in which Sb2S3 nanorods are coated with MoS2 nanosheets to form core-shell structure has been fabricated via a facile two-step hydrothermal process. The Sb2S3/MoS2 heterostructure utilized as anode of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) shows higher capacity, superior rate capability and better cycling performance compared with individual Sb2S3 nanorods and MoS2 nanosheets. Specifically, the Sb2S3/MoS2 electrode shows an initial reversible capacity of 701 mAh g-1 at the current density of 100 mA g-1, which is remained 80.1% of the initial perforance after 100 cycles at the same current density. This outstanding electrochemical performance indicates Sb2S3/MoS2 heterostructure is a very promising anode material for high-performance SIBs. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

  9. Multi-yolk-shell SnO2/Co3Sn2@C Nanocubes with High Initial Coulombic Efficiency and Oxygen Reutilization for Lithium Storage.

    PubMed

    Su, Liwei; Xu, Yawei; Xie, Jian; Wang, Lianbang; Wang, Yuanhao

    2016-12-28

    The challenging problems of SnO 2 anode material for lithium ion batteries are the poor electronic conductivity and the low oxygen reutilization due to the irreversibility of Li 2 O generated in the initial discharge leading to a theoretical initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of only 52.4%. Different from these strategies, this work proposes a novel strategy to level up the oxygen reutilization in SnO 2 by introducing Co 3 Sn 2 nanoalloys which can release Co atoms to reversibly react with Li 2 O instead. According to this protocol, multi-yolk-shell SnO 2 /Co 3 Sn 2 @C nanocubes are designed and successfully prepared using hollow CoSn(OH) 6 nanocubes as precursors followed a hydrothermal carbon coating and calcination treatment. The unique multi-yolk-shell nanostructure offers adequate breathing space for the volumetric deformation during long-term cycling. Moreover, the removal of Li 2 O allows a high electronic conductivity and resultant rate performance. As a result, the efficient reutilization of oxygen enables a high ICE of 71.7% and a reversible capacity of 1003 mA h g -1 after 200 cycles at 100 mA g -1 . Cyclic voltammetry, cycling performance at different voltage windows, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirm the proposed mechanism. This strategy employing oxygen-poor metals or alloys provides a novel approach to enhance the oxygen reutilization in SnO 2 for higher reversibility.

  10. A biomimetic high-capacity phenazine-based anolyte for aqueous organic redox flow batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hollas, Aaron; Wei, Xiaoliang; Murugesan, Vijayakumar; Nie, Zimin; Li, Bin; Reed, David; Liu, Jun; Sprenkle, Vincent; Wang, Wei

    2018-06-01

    Aqueous soluble organic (ASO) redox-active materials have recently attracted significant attention as alternatives to traditional transition metal ions in redox flow batteries (RFB). However, reported reversible capacities of ASO are often substantially lower than their theoretical values based on the reported maximum solubilities. Here, we describe a phenazine-based ASO compound with an exceptionally high reversible capacity that exceeds 90% of its theoretical value. By strategically modifying the phenazine molecular structure, we demonstrate an increased solubility from near-zero with pristine phenazine to as much as 1.8 M while also shifting its redox potential by more than 400 mV. An RFB based on a phenazine derivative (7,8-dihydroxyphenazine-2-sulfonic acid) at its near-saturation concentration exhibits an operating voltage of 1.4 V with a reversible anolyte capacity of 67 Ah l-1 and a capacity retention of 99.98% per cycle over 500 cycles.

  11. Reduced Graphene Oxide-Wrapped FeS2 Composite as Anode for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Qinghong; Guo, Can; Zhu, Yuxuan; He, Jiapeng; Wang, Hongqiang

    2018-06-01

    Iron disulfide is considered to be a potential anode material for sodium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity. However, its applications are seriously limited by the weak conductivity and large volume change, which results in low reversible capacity and poor cycling stability. Herein, reduced graphene oxide-wrapped FeS2 (FeS2/rGO) composite was fabricated to achieve excellent electrochemical performance via a facile two-step method. The introduction of rGO effectively improved the conductivity, BET surface area, and structural stability of the FeS2 active material, thus endowing it with high specific capacity, good rate capability, as well as excellent cycling stability. Electrochemical measurements show that the FeS2/rGO composite had a high initial discharge capacity of 1263.2 mAh g-1 at 100 mA g-1 and a high discharge capacity of 344 mAh g-1 at 10 A g-1, demonstrating superior rate performance. After 100 cycles at 100 mA g-1, the discharge capacity remained at 609.5 mAh g-1, indicating the excellent cycling stability of the FeS2/rGO electrode.

  12. Effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on bladder and erectile (dys)function in the same rat in vivo.

    PubMed

    Christ, George J; Hsieh, Yi; Zhao, Weixin; Schenk, Gregory; Venkateswarlu, Karicheti; Wang, Hong-Zhan; Tar, Moses T; Melman, Arnold

    2006-05-01

    To establish the methods, feasibility and utility of evaluating the impact of diabetes on bladder and erectile function in the same rat, as more than half of diabetic patients have bladder dysfunction, and half of diabetic men have erectile dysfunction, but the severity of coincident disease has not been rigorously assessed. In all, 16 F-344 rats had diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ), and were divided into insulin-treated (five) and untreated (11), and compared with age-matched controls (10), all assessed in parallel. All STZ rats were diabetic for 8-11 weeks. Cystometric studies were conducted on all rats, with cavernosometric studies conducted on a subset of rats. There were insulin-reversible increases in the following cystometric variables; bladder weight, bladder capacity, micturition volume, residual volume, micturition pressure and spontaneous activity (P < 0.05, in all, one-way analysis of variance, anova). Cavernosometry showed a diabetes-related, insulin-reversible decline in the cavernosal nerve-stimulated intracavernosal pressure (ICP) response at all levels of current stimulation (P < 0.05, in all one-way anova). Plotting erectile capacity (i.e. ICP) against bladder capacity showed no correlation between the extent of the decline in erectile capacity and the magnitude of the increase in bladder capacity. These studies extend previous work to indicate that the extent of diabetes-related bladder and erectile dysfunction can vary in the same rat. As such, these findings highlight the importance of evaluating the impact of diabetes on multiple organ systems in the lower urinary tract. Future studies using this model system should lead to a better understanding of the initiation, development, progression and coincidence of these common diabetic complications.

  13. Rapidly Synthesized, Few-Layered Pseudocapacitive SnS2 Anode for High-Power Sodium Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Thangavel, Ranjith; Samuthira Pandian, Amaresh; Ramasamy, Hari Vignesh; Lee, Yun-Sung

    2017-11-22

    The abundance of sodium resources has recently motivated the investigation of sodium ion batteries (SIBs) as an alternative to commercial lithium ion batteries. However, the low power and low capacity of conventional sodium anodes hinder their practical realization. Although most research has concentrated on the development of high-capacity sodium anodes, anodes with a combination of high power and high capacity have not been widely realized. Herein, we present a simple microwave irradiation technique for obtaining few-layered, ultrathin two-dimensional SnS 2 over graphene sheets in a few minutes. SnS 2 possesses a large number of active surface sites and exhibits high-capacity, rapid sodium ion storage kinetics induced by quick, nondestructive pseudocapacitance. Enhanced sodium ion storage at a high current density (12 A g -1 ), accompanied by high reversibility and high stability, was demonstrated. Additionally, a rationally designed sodium ion full cell coupled with SnS 2 //Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 exhibited exceptional performance with high initial Coulombic efficiency (99%), high capacity, high stability, and a retention of ∼53% of the initial capacity even after the current density was increased by a factor of 140. In addition, a high specific energy of ∼140 Wh kg -1 and an ultrahigh specific power of ∼8.3 kW kg -1 (based on the mass of both the anode and cathode) were observed. Because of its outstanding performance and rapid synthesis, few-layered SnS 2 could be a promising candidate for practical realization of high-power SIBs.

  14. A new local thickening reverse spiral origami thin-wall construction for improving of energy absorption

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kong, C. H.; Zhao, X. L.; Hagiwara, I. R.

    2018-02-01

    As an effective and representative origami structure, reverse spiral origami structure can be capable to effectively take up energy in a crash test. The origami structure has origami creases thus this can guide the deformation of structure and avoid of Euler buckling. Even so the origami creases also weaken the support force and this may cut the absorption of crash energy. In order to increase the supporting capacity of the reverse spiral origami structure, we projected a new local thickening reverse spiral origami thin-wall construction. The reverse spiral origami thin-wall structure with thickening areas distributed along the longitudinal origami crease has a higher energy absorption capacity than the ordinary reverse spiral origami thin-wall structure.

  15. Porous Co3O4 nanorods anchored on graphene nanosheets as an effective electrocatalysts for aprotic Li-O2 batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yuan, Mengwei; Yang, Yan; Nan, Caiyun; Sun, Genban; Li, Huifeng; Ma, Shulan

    2018-06-01

    The large over-potential during the battery operation is a great obstacle for the application of Li-O2 batteries. The porous structure and electrical conductivity of the electrocatalysts are significant for the electrocatalytic performance of Li-O2 batteries. In this work, a porous Co3O4/GN nanocomposite (Co3O4 nanorods anchored on graphene nanosheets) is prepared via a facile hydrothermal method assisted with heat treatment. The unique structure of Co3O4/GN endows efficient electrocatalystic activity for Li-O2 batteries. In comparison to the Co3O4, the Co3O4/GN demonstrates a better cycle performance showing more than 40 cycles with a 1500 mAh g-1 capacity limit strategy at a current density of 300 mA g-1, and a reduced over-potential of 110 mV at high current density (1200 mA g-1). The Co3O4/GN also displays a high initial specific capacity (7600 mAh g-1) and a good reversibility in full cycle with a coulombic efficiency of 99.8% in the first cycle. The impressed cyclability, specific capacity, rate performance, and low over-potentials indicate that the as-prepared Co3O4/GN nanocomposite is a promising catalyst candidate for reversible Li-O2 batteries.

  16. O3-type layered transition metal oxide Na(NiCoFeTi) 1/4O 2 as a high rate and long cycle life cathode material for sodium ion batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Yue, Ji -Li; Yang, Xiao -Qing; Zhou, Yong -Ning; ...

    2015-10-09

    High rate capability and long cycle life are challenging goals for the development of room temperature sodium-ion batteries. Here we report a new single phase quaternary O3-type layer-structured transition metal oxide Na(NiCoFeTi) 1/4O 2 synthesized by a simple solid-state reaction as a new cathode material for sodium-ion batteries. It can deliver a reversible capacity of 90.6 mA h g –1 at a rate as high as 20C. At 5C, 75.0% of the initial specific capacity can be retained after 400 cycles with a capacity-decay rate of 0.07% per cycle, demonstrating a superior long-term cyclability at high current density. X-ray diffractionmore » and absorption characterization revealed reversible phase transformations and electronic structural changes during the Na + deintercalation/intercalation process. Ni, Co and Fe ions contribute to charge compensation during charge and discharge. Although Ti ions do not contribute to the charge transfer, they play a very important role in stabilizing the structure during charge and discharge by suppressing the Fe migration. Additionally, Ti substitution can also smooth the charge–discharge plateaus effectively, which provides a potential advantage for the commercialization of this material for room temperature sodium-ion batteries.« less

  17. Reversing and nonreversing heat capacity of poly(lactic acid) in the glass transition region by TMDSC

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

    Pyda, Marek; Wunderlich, Bernhard

    2005-11-01

    A study of the glass transition of an amorphous and a semicrystalline poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is performed with adiabatic calorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and temperature-modulated DSC (TMDSC). The reversing, total, and nonreversing apparent heat capacities of samples with different contents of L- and D-lactic acid and with various thermal histories were evaluated. Different modes of TMDSC analyses of amorphous and semicrystalline PLA were compared to the total heat capacity from standard DSC. The enthalpy relaxation and the cold crystallization in the glass transition region are largely irreversible. The melting is largely irreversible, but a 100% reversing fraction is observedmore » at low temperatures from 375 to 420 K, which becomes small inside the major melting peak at about 440 K. From the TMDSC of amorphous PLA, the combined information on endothermic and exothermic enthalpy relaxation and glass transition were deconvoluted into the reversing and nonreversing components. The glass transition temperature from the reversing heat capacity and the enthalpy relaxation peaks from the nonreversing component shift to higher temperature for increasingly annealed PLA. The relaxation times for aging decrease on cooling until the glass transition is reached and then increase. This behavior is linked to cooperativity. All quantitative thermal analyses are based on the heat capacity of the solid and liquid, evaluated earlier with the advanced thermal analysis system (ATHAS).« less

  18. Reverse coherent information.

    PubMed

    García-Patrón, Raúl; Pirandola, Stefano; Lloyd, Seth; Shapiro, Jeffrey H

    2009-05-29

    In this Letter we define a family of entanglement distribution protocols assisted by feedback classical communication that gives an operational interpretation to reverse coherent information, i.e., the symmetric counterpart of the well-known coherent information. This leads to the definition of a new entanglement distribution capacity that exceeds the unassisted capacity for some interesting channels.

  19. Na intercalation in Fe-MIL-100 for aqueous Na-ion batteries

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

    Chavez, James S.; Harrison, Katharine L.; Sava Gallis, Dorina F.

    Here we report for the first time the feasibility of using metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as electrodes for aqueous Na-ion batteries. We show that Fe-MIL-100, a known redox-active MOF, is electrochemically active in a Na aqueous electrolyte, under various compositions. Emphasis was placed on investigating the electrode–electrolyte interface, with a focus on identifying the relationship between additives in the composition of the working electrode, particle size and overall performance. We found that the energy storage capacity is primarily dependent on the binder additive in the composite; the best activity for this MOF is obtained with Nafion as a binder, owing tomore » its hydrophilic and ion conducting nature. Kynar-bound electrodes are clearly less effective, due to their hydrophobic character, which impedes wetting of the electrode. The binder-free systems show the poorest electrochemical activity. There is little difference in the overall performance as function of particle size (micro vs. nano), implying the storage capacities in this study are not limited by ionic and/or electronic conductivity. Excellent reversibility and high coulombic efficiency are achieved at higher potential ranges, observed after cycle 20. That is despite progressive capacity decay observed in the initial cycles. Importantly, structural analyses of cycled working electrodes confirm that the long range crystallinity remains mainly unaltered with cycling. These findings suggest that limited reversibility of the intercalated Na ions in the lower potential range, together with the gradual lack of available active sites in subsequent cycles is responsible for the rapid decay in capacity retention.« less

  20. Na intercalation in Fe-MIL-100 for aqueous Na-ion batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Chavez, James S.; Harrison, Katharine L.; Sava Gallis, Dorina F.

    2017-05-04

    Here we report for the first time the feasibility of using metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as electrodes for aqueous Na-ion batteries. We show that Fe-MIL-100, a known redox-active MOF, is electrochemically active in a Na aqueous electrolyte, under various compositions. Emphasis was placed on investigating the electrode–electrolyte interface, with a focus on identifying the relationship between additives in the composition of the working electrode, particle size and overall performance. We found that the energy storage capacity is primarily dependent on the binder additive in the composite; the best activity for this MOF is obtained with Nafion as a binder, owing tomore » its hydrophilic and ion conducting nature. Kynar-bound electrodes are clearly less effective, due to their hydrophobic character, which impedes wetting of the electrode. The binder-free systems show the poorest electrochemical activity. There is little difference in the overall performance as function of particle size (micro vs. nano), implying the storage capacities in this study are not limited by ionic and/or electronic conductivity. Excellent reversibility and high coulombic efficiency are achieved at higher potential ranges, observed after cycle 20. That is despite progressive capacity decay observed in the initial cycles. Importantly, structural analyses of cycled working electrodes confirm that the long range crystallinity remains mainly unaltered with cycling. These findings suggest that limited reversibility of the intercalated Na ions in the lower potential range, together with the gradual lack of available active sites in subsequent cycles is responsible for the rapid decay in capacity retention.« less

  1. Melamine-assisted one-pot synthesis of hierarchical nitrogen-doped carbon@MoS2 nanowalled core-shell microspheres and their enhanced Li-storage performances

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Fugen; Wei, Yanju; Chen, Jianzhuang; Long, Donghui; Ling, Licheng; Li, Yongsheng; Shi, Jianlin

    2015-07-01

    A facile and scalable one-pot approach has been developed to synthesize carbon@MoS2 core-shell microspheres by a hydrothermal method, which involves the fast formation of melamine-resorcinol-formaldehyde polymeric microspheres in situ, followed by direct growth of the MoS2 nanowalls on them. The results give unequivocal proof that melamine could be the key to forming the core-shell microspherical morphology, and the contents of MoS2 shells can be easily tuned by initial ratios of the precursors. After a simple heat treatment, the obtained carbon@MoS2 microspheres simultaneously integrate the nitrogen-doped carbon cores and the hierarchical shells which consist of few-layered MoS2 nanowalls with an expanded interlayer spacing. Their unique architectures are favourable for high electronic/ionic conductivity and accommodate volume strain during the electrochemical reaction of the MoS2 anodes in lithium-ion batteries. Thus, a very high reversibility capacity of 771 mA h g-1 at 100 mA g-1 after 100 cycles, and a rate capacity of 598 mA h g-1 at 2000 mA g-1 could be achieved for the carbon@MoS2 core-shell microspheres with the optimal composition. Furthermore, a thin carbon coating on the carbon@MoS2 microspheres could further increase the reversible capacity to 856 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g-1. These encouraging results suggest that such a facile and efficient protocol can provide a new pathway to produce hierarchical core-shell microspheres which integrate the structural, morphological and compositional design rationales for advanced lithium-ion batteries.A facile and scalable one-pot approach has been developed to synthesize carbon@MoS2 core-shell microspheres by a hydrothermal method, which involves the fast formation of melamine-resorcinol-formaldehyde polymeric microspheres in situ, followed by direct growth of the MoS2 nanowalls on them. The results give unequivocal proof that melamine could be the key to forming the core-shell microspherical morphology, and the contents of MoS2 shells can be easily tuned by initial ratios of the precursors. After a simple heat treatment, the obtained carbon@MoS2 microspheres simultaneously integrate the nitrogen-doped carbon cores and the hierarchical shells which consist of few-layered MoS2 nanowalls with an expanded interlayer spacing. Their unique architectures are favourable for high electronic/ionic conductivity and accommodate volume strain during the electrochemical reaction of the MoS2 anodes in lithium-ion batteries. Thus, a very high reversibility capacity of 771 mA h g-1 at 100 mA g-1 after 100 cycles, and a rate capacity of 598 mA h g-1 at 2000 mA g-1 could be achieved for the carbon@MoS2 core-shell microspheres with the optimal composition. Furthermore, a thin carbon coating on the carbon@MoS2 microspheres could further increase the reversible capacity to 856 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g-1. These encouraging results suggest that such a facile and efficient protocol can provide a new pathway to produce hierarchical core-shell microspheres which integrate the structural, morphological and compositional design rationales for advanced lithium-ion batteries. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr03708e

  2. Thermal Decomposition Synthesis of Graphene Nanosheets Anchored on Mn3O4 Nanoparticles as Anodes in Lithium Ion Batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Xihao; Ma, Xiao; Qiu, Danfeng; Bu, Gang; Xia, Yongjun; Zhao, Bin; Lin, Zixia; Shi, Yi

    2018-01-01

    Graphene nanosheets (GNS) anchored on Mn3O4 nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized through in situ thermal decomposition of Mn (NO3)2 without the use of any templates or surfactants. Mn3O4 particles were coordinately distributed on the GNS surface. This was achieved by forming 3D nanostructures to avoid detrimental graphene layer stacking, and was characterized using a scanning electron microscope. The Mn3O4/GNS nanocomposite delivers an initial capacity of 1450 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1. It also maintains a high reversible capacity of 930 mAh g-1 even after 60 charge-discharge cycles without showing any apparent decay.

  3. Promising and Reversible Electrolyte with Thermal Switching Behavior for Safer Electrochemical Storage Devices.

    PubMed

    Shi, Yunhui; Zhang, Qian; Zhang, Yan; Jia, Limin; Xu, Xinhua

    2018-02-28

    A major stumbling block in large-scale adoption of high-energy-density electrochemical devices has been safety issues. Methods to control thermal runaway are limited by providing a one-time thermal protection. Herein, we developed a simple and reversible thermoresponsive electrolyte system that is efficient to shutdown the current flow according to temperature changes. The thermal management is ascribed to the thermally activated sol-gel transition of methyl cellulose solution, associated with the concentration of ions that can move between isolated chains freely or be restricted by entangled molecular chains. We studied the effect of cellulose concentration, substituent types, and operating temperature on the electrochemical performance, demonstrating an obvious capacity loss up to 90% approximately of its initial value. Moreover, this is a cost-effective approach that has the potential for use in practical electrochemical storage devices.

  4. Core cooling under accident conditions at the high flux beam reactor (HFBR)

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

    Tichler, P.; Cheng, L.; Fauske, H.

    In certain accident scenarios, e.g. loss of coolant accidents (LOCA) all forced flow cooling is lost. Decay heating causes a temperature increase in the core coolant and the resulting thermal buoyancy causes a reversal of the flow direction to a natural circulation mode. Although there was experimental evidence during the reactor design period (1958--1963) that the heat removal capacity in the fully developed natural circulation cooling mode was relatively high, it was not possible to make a confident prediction of the heat removal capacity during the transition from downflow to natural circulation. In a LOCA scenario where even limited fuelmore » damage occurs and natural circulation is established, fission product gases could be carried from the damaged fuel by steam into areas where operator access is required to maintain the core in a coolable configuration. This would force evacuation of the building and lead to extensive core damage. As a result the HFBR was shut down by the Department of Energy (DOE) and an extensive review of the HFBR was initiated. In an effort to address this issue BNL developed a model designed to predict the heat removal limit during flow reversal that was found to be in good agreement with the test results. Currently a thermal-hydraulic test program is being developed to provide a more realistic and defensible estimate of the flow reversal heat removal limit so that the reactor power level can be increased.« less

  5. The Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI), a collaborative paradigm for institutional and human resources capacity building between high- and low- and middle-income countries: the Mozambique experience

    PubMed Central

    Noormahomed, Emilia Virginia; Carrilho, Carla; Ismail, Mamudo; Noormahomed, Sérgio; Nguenha, Alcido; Benson, Constance A.; Mocumbi, Ana Olga; Schooley, Robert T.

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Background: Collaborations among researchers based in lower and middle income countries (LMICs) and high income countries (HICs) have made major discoveries related to diseases disproportionately affecting LMICs and have been vital to the development of research communities in LMICs. Such collaborations have generally been scientifically and structurally driven by HICs. Objectives: In this report we outline a paradigm shift in collaboration, exemplified by the Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI), in which the formulation of priorities and administrative infrastructure reside in the LMIC. Methods: This descriptive report outlines the critical features of the MEPI partnership. Results: In the MEPI, LMIC program partners translate broad program goals and define metrics into priorities that are tailored to local conditions. Program funds flow to a LMIC-based leadership group that contracts with peers from HICs to provide technical and scientific advice and consultation in a 'reverse funds flow' model. Emphasis is also placed on strengthening administrative capacity within LMIC institutions. A rigorous monitoring and evaluation process modifies program priorities on the basis of evolving opportunities to maximize program impact. Conclusions: Vesting LMIC partners with the responsibility for program leadership, and building administrative and fiscal capacity in LMIC institutions substantially enhances program relevance, impact and sustainability. PMID:28452653

  6. Is alpha-V 2O 5 a cathode material for Mg insertion batteries?

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

    Sa, Niya; Wang, Hao; Proffit, Danielle L.

    When designing a high energy density battery, one of the critical features is a high voltage, high capacity cathode material. In the development of Mg batteries, oxide cathodes that can reversibly intercalate Mg, while at the same time being compatible with an electrolyte that can deposit Mg reversibly are rare. Herein, we report the compatibility of Mg anodes with a-V 2O 5 by employing magnesium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide in diglyme electrolytes at very low water levels. Electrolytes that contain a high water level do not reversibly deposit Mg, but interestingly these electrolytes appear to enable much higher capacities for an a-Vmore » 2O 5 cathode. Solid state NMR indicates that the major source of the higher capacity in high water content electrolytes originates from reversible proton insertion. In contrast, we found that lowering the water level of the magnesium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide in diglyme electrolyte is critical to achieve reversible Mg deposition and direct evidence for reversible Mg intercalation is shown. Findings we report here elucidate the role of proton intercalation in water-containing electrolytes and clarify numerous conflicting reports of Mg insertion into a-V 2O 5.« less

  7. Computational characterization of lightweight multilayer MXene Li-ion battery anodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ashton, Michael; Hennig, Richard G.; Sinnott, Susan B.

    2016-01-01

    MXenes, a class of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, have shown promise experimentally and computationally for use in energy storage applications. In particular, the most lightweight members of the monolayer MXene family (M = Sc, Ti, V, or Cr) are predicted to have gravimetric capacities above 400 mAh/g, higher than graphite. Additionally, intercalation of ions into multilayer MXenes can be accomplished at low voltages, and low diffusion barriers exist for Li diffusing across monolayer MXenes. However, large discrepancies have been observed between the calculated and experimental reversible capacities of MXenes. Here, dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations are employed to predict reversible capacities and other battery-related properties for six of the most promising members of the MXene family (O-functionalized Ti- and V-based carbide MXenes) as bilayer structures. The calculated reversible capacities of the V2CO2 and Ti2CO2 bilayers agree more closely with experiment than do previous calculations for monolayers. Additionally, the minimum energy paths and corresponding energy barriers along the in-plane [1000] and [0100] directions for Li travelling between neighboring MXene layers are determined. V4C3O2 exhibits the lowest diffusion barrier of the compositions considered, at 0.42 eV, but its reversible capacity (148 mAh/g) is dragged down by its heavy formula unit. Conversely, the V2CO2 MXene shows good reversible capacity (276 mAh/g), but a high diffusion barrier (0.82 eV). We show that the diffusion barriers of all bilayer structures are significantly higher than those calculated for the corresponding monolayers, advocating the use of dispersed monolayer MXenes instead of multilayers in high performance anodes.

  8. Highly Cyclable Lithium-Sulfur Batteries with a Dual-Type Sulfur Cathode and a Lithiated Si/SiOx Nanosphere Anode.

    PubMed

    Lee, Sang-Kyu; Oh, Seung-Min; Park, Eunjun; Scrosati, Bruno; Hassoun, Jusef; Park, Min-Sik; Kim, Young-Jun; Kim, Hansu; Belharouak, Ilias; Sun, Yang-Kook

    2015-05-13

    Lithium-sulfur batteries could become an excellent alternative to replace the currently used lithium-ion batteries due to their higher energy density and lower production cost; however, commercialization of lithium-sulfur batteries has so far been limited due to the cyclability problems associated with both the sulfur cathode and the lithium-metal anode. Herein, we demonstrate a highly reliable lithium-sulfur battery showing cycle performance comparable to that of lithium-ion batteries; our design uses a highly reversible dual-type sulfur cathode (solid sulfur electrode and polysulfide catholyte) and a lithiated Si/SiOx nanosphere anode. Our lithium-sulfur cell shows superior battery performance in terms of high specific capacity, excellent charge-discharge efficiency, and remarkable cycle life, delivering a specific capacity of ∼750 mAh g(-1) over 500 cycles (85% of the initial capacity). These promising behaviors may arise from a synergistic effect of the enhanced electrochemical performance of the newly designed anode and the optimized layout of the cathode.

  9. Nanosized CoO Loaded on Copper Foam for High-Performance, Binder-Free Lithium-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Liao, Mingna; Zhang, Qilun; Tang, Fengling; Xu, Zhiwei; Zhou, Xin; Li, Youpeng; Zhang, Yali; Yang, Chenghao; Ru, Qiang; Zhao, Lingzhi

    2018-03-22

    The synthesis of nanosized CoO anodes with unique morphologies via a hydrothermal method is investigated. By adjusting the pH values of reaction solutions, nanoflakes (CoO-NFs) and nanoflowers (CoO-FLs) are successfully located on copper foam. Compared with CoO-FLs, CoO-NFs as anodes for lithium ion batteries present ameliorated lithium storage properties, such as good rate capability, excellent cycling stability, and large CoO nanoflakes; CoO nanoflowers; anodes; binder free; lithium ion batteriesreversible capacity. The initial discharge capacity is 1470 mA h g -1 , while the reversible capacity is maintained at 1776 m Ah g -1 after 80 cycles at a current density of 100 mA h g -1 . The excellent electrochemical performance is ascribed to enough free space and enhanced conductivity, which play crucial roles in facilitating electron transport during repetitive Li⁺ intercalation and extraction reaction as well as buffering the volume expansion.

  10. Gas-solid interfacial modification of oxygen activity in layered oxide cathodes for lithium-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Bao; Zhang, Minghao; Wu, Lijun; Wang, Jun; Xia, Yonggao; Qian, Danna; Liu, Haodong; Hy, Sunny; Chen, Yan; An, Ke; Zhu, Yimei; Liu, Zhaoping; Meng, Ying Shirley

    2016-07-01

    Lattice oxygen can play an intriguing role in electrochemical processes, not only maintaining structural stability, but also influencing electron and ion transport properties in high-capacity oxide cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. Here, we report the design of a gas-solid interface reaction to achieve delicate control of oxygen activity through uniformly creating oxygen vacancies without affecting structural integrity of Li-rich layered oxides. Theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations demonstrate that oxygen vacancies provide a favourable ionic diffusion environment in the bulk and significantly suppress gas release from the surface. The target material is achievable in delivering a discharge capacity as high as 301 mAh g(-1) with initial Coulombic efficiency of 93.2%. After 100 cycles, a reversible capacity of 300 mAh g(-1) still remains without any obvious decay in voltage. This study sheds light on the comprehensive design and control of oxygen activity in transition-metal-oxide systems for next-generation Li-ion batteries.

  11. One-Dimensional Cu2- xSe Nanorods as the Cathode Material for High-Performance Aluminum-Ion Battery.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Jiali; Li, He; Fu, Tao; Hwang, Bing-Joe; Li, Xue; Zhao, Jinbao

    2018-05-30

    In this work, nonstoichiometric Cu 2- x Se fabricated by a facile water evaporation process is used as high-performance Al-ion battery cathode materials. Cu 2- x Se electrodes show high reversible capacity and excellent cycling stability, even at a high current density of 200 mA g -1 , the specific charge capacity in the initial cycle is 241 mA h g -1 and maintains 100 mA h g -1 after 100 cycles with a Coulombic efficiency of 96.1%, showing good capacity retention. The prominent kinetics of Cu 2- x Se electrodes is also revealed by the GITT, which is attributed to the ultrahigh electronic conductivity of the Cu 2- x Se material. Most importantly, an extensive research is dedicated to investigating the detailed intercalation and de-intercalation of relatively large chloroaluminate anions into the cubic Cu 2- x Se, which is conducive to better understand the reaction mechanism of the Al/Cu 2- x Se battery.

  12. Gas–solid interfacial modification of oxygen activity in layered oxide cathodes for lithium-ion batteries

    PubMed Central

    Qiu, Bao; Zhang, Minghao; Wu, Lijun; Wang, Jun; Xia, Yonggao; Qian, Danna; Liu, Haodong; Hy, Sunny; Chen, Yan; An, Ke; Zhu, Yimei; Liu, Zhaoping; Meng, Ying Shirley

    2016-01-01

    Lattice oxygen can play an intriguing role in electrochemical processes, not only maintaining structural stability, but also influencing electron and ion transport properties in high-capacity oxide cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. Here, we report the design of a gas–solid interface reaction to achieve delicate control of oxygen activity through uniformly creating oxygen vacancies without affecting structural integrity of Li-rich layered oxides. Theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations demonstrate that oxygen vacancies provide a favourable ionic diffusion environment in the bulk and significantly suppress gas release from the surface. The target material is achievable in delivering a discharge capacity as high as 301 mAh g−1 with initial Coulombic efficiency of 93.2%. After 100 cycles, a reversible capacity of 300 mAh g−1 still remains without any obvious decay in voltage. This study sheds light on the comprehensive design and control of oxygen activity in transition-metal-oxide systems for next-generation Li-ion batteries. PMID:27363944

  13. Study on novel functional materials carboxymethyl cellulose lithium (CMC-Li) improve high-performance lithium-ion battery.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Lei; Shao, Ziqiang; Xiang, Pan; Wang, Daxiong; Zhou, Zhenwen; Wang, Feijun; Wang, Wenjun; Wang, Jianquan

    2014-09-22

    Novel cellulose derivative CMC-Li was synthesized by cotton as raw material. The mechanism of the CMC-Li modified electrode materials by electrospinning was reported. CMC-Li/lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) composite fiber coated with LFP and CMC-Li nanofibers was successfully obtained by electrospinning. Then, CMC-Li/LFP nano-composite fiber was carbonized under nitrogen at a high temperature formed CNF/LFP/Li (CLL) composite nanofibers as cathode material. It can increase the contents of Li+, and improving the diffusion efficiency and specific capacity. The battery with CLL as cathode material retained close to 100% of initial reversible capacity after 200 cycles at 168 mAh g(-1), which was nearly the theoretical specific capacity of LFP. The cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were characterizing material performance. The batteries have good electrochemical property, outstanding pollution-free, excellent stability. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Gas-solid interfacial modification of oxygen activity in layered oxide cathodes for lithium-ion batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Qiu, Bao; Zhang, Minghao; Wu, Lijun; ...

    2016-07-01

    Lattice oxygen can play an intriguing role in electrochemical processes, not only maintaining structural stability, but also influencing electron and ion transport properties in high-capacity oxide cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. Here, we report the design of a gas–solid interface reaction to achieve delicate control of oxygen activity through uniformly creating oxygen vacancies without affecting structural integrity of Li-rich layered oxides. Theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations demonstrate that oxygen vacancies provide a favourable ionic diffusion environment in the bulk and significantly suppress gas release from the surface. The target material is achievable in delivering a discharge capacity as high asmore » 301 mAh g –1 with initial Coulombic efficiency of 93.2%. After 100 cycles, a reversible capacity of 300 mAh g –1 still remains without any obvious decay in voltage. Lastly, this study sheds light on the comprehensive design and control of oxygen activity in transition-metal-oxide systems for next-generation Li-ion batteries.« less

  15. CROSS-DISCIPLINARY PHYSICS AND RELATED AREAS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Electrochemical properties of SnO2 nanorods as anode materials in lithium-ion battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, Song-Lin; Liu, Yong-Gang; Zhang, Jing-Yuan; Wang, Tai-Hong

    2009-10-01

    Well-dispersed SnO2 nanorods with diameter of 4-15 nm and length of 100-200 nm are synthesised through a hydrothermal route and their potential as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries is investigated. The observed initial discharge capacity is as high as 1778 mA·h/g, much higher than the theoretical value of the bulk SnO2 (1494 mA·h/g). During the following 15 cycles, the reversible capacity decreases from 929 to 576 mA·h/g with a fading rate of 3.5% per cycle. The fading mechanism is discussed. Serious capacity fading can be avoided by reducing the cycling voltages from 0.05-3.0 to 0.4-1.2 V. At the end, SnO2 nanorods with much smaller size are synthesized and their performance as anode materials is studied. The size effect on the electrochemical properties is briefly discussed.

  16. Effect of seminal oxidative stress on fertility after vasectomy reversal.

    PubMed

    Kolettis, P N; Sharma, R K; Pasqualotto, F F; Nelson, D; Thomas, A J; Agarwal, A

    1999-02-01

    To evaluate seminal oxidative stress in men after vasectomy reversal and to determine whether seminal oxidative stress could predict fertility after vasectomy reversal. Measurement of seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in normal donors, men who were fertile after vasectomy reversal, and men who were infertile after vasectomy reversal. A male infertility clinic of a tertiary care center. Thirty men who underwent vasectomy reversal and 17 normal donors. None. Semen characteristics, seminal ROS, and TAC were measured with chemiluminescence assays in samples from donors and reversal patients. Mean adjusted seminal ROS (log [ROS+1]) was higher in infertile reversal patients (2.38+/-0.25) than in normal donors (1.30+/-0.14). Seminal ROS was also higher in all (fertile and infertile reversal combined) reversal patients than in donors. Total antioxidant capacity did not differ between groups. The ROS-TAC score, a composite index of seminal oxidative stress, was a significant predictor of fertility. A ROS-TAC score of 45 or greater had a positive predictive value of 73% in predicting fertility. Seminal oxidative stress is associated with vasectomy reversal. The ROS-TAC score is a possible predictor of infertility after vasectomy reversal.

  17. Reverse triage: more than just another method.

    PubMed

    Pollaris, Gwen; Sabbe, Marc

    2016-08-01

    Reverse triage is a way to rapidly create inpatient surge capacity by identifying hospitalized patients who do not require major medical assistance for at least 96 h and who only have a small risk for serious complications resulting from early discharge. Electronic searches were conducted in the MEDLINE, TRIP, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases to identify relevant publications published from 2004 to 2014. The reference lists of all relevant articles were screened for additional relevant studies that might have been missed in the primary searches. There will always be small individual differences in the reverse triage decision process, influencing the potential effect on surge capacity, but at most, 10-20% of hospital total bed capacity can be made available within a few hours. Reverse triage could be a response to Emergency Department (ED) crowding, as it gives priority to ED patients with urgent needs over inpatients who can be discharged with little to no health risks. The early discharge of inpatients entails negative consequences. They often return to the ED for further assessment, treatment, and even readmission. When time to a medical referral or bed is less than 4-6 h, 100 additional lives per annum are predicted to be potentially saved. The results of our systematic review identified only a small number of publications addressing reverse triage, indicating that reverse triage and surge capacity are relatively new subjects of research within the medical field. Not all research questions could be fully answered.

  18. Self-Volatilization Approach to Mesoporous Carbon Nanotube/Silver Nanoparticle Hybrids: The Role of Silver in Boosting Li Ion Storage.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Hao; Zhang, Haoxuan; Fu, Yao; Guo, Shaojun; Hu, Yanjie; Zhang, Ling; Liu, Yu; Liu, Honglai; Li, Chunzhong

    2016-01-26

    One of the biggest challenging issues of carbon nanomaterials for Li ion batteries (LIBs) is that they show low initial Coulombic efficiency (CE), leading to a limited specific capacity. Herein, we demonstrate a simple template self-volatilization strategy for in situ synthesis of mesoporous carbon nanotube/Ag nanoparticle (NP) hybrids (Ag-MCNTs) to boost the LIBs' performance. The key concept of Ag-MCNTs for enhancing LIBs is that a small trace of Ag NPs on MCNTS can greatly restrict the formation of a thicker solid electrolyte interphase film, which has been well verified by both transmission electron microscopy results and quantum density functional theory calculations, leading to the highest initial CE in all the reported carbon nanomaterials. This uncovered property of Ag NPs from Ag-MCNTs makes them exhibit a very high reversible capacity of 1637 mAh g(-1) after 400 discharge/charge cycles at 100 mA g(-1), approximately 5 times higher than the theoretical value of a graphite anode (372 mAh g(-1)), excellent rate capability, and long cycle life.

  19. NO supplementation for transfusion medicine and cardiovascular applications.

    PubMed

    Cabrales, Pedro; Ortiz, Daniel; Friedman, Joel M

    Blood transfusions are used to treat reduced O 2 -carrying capacity consequent to anemia. In many cases anemia is caused by a major blood loss, which also creates a state of hypovolemia. Whereas O 2 transport capacity is restored by increasing levels of circulating Hb, transfusion does not resolve the hypoperfusion, the hypoxia and the inflammatory cascades initiated during the anemia and hypovolemia. This explains why blood transfusion is not always an effective treatment and why transfusion of stored blood has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially in patient populations receiving multiple transfusions. Epidemiologic data indicate that adverse events after transfusion are relatively common, having a great impact on the patients outcome and on the costs of public health. In this chapter, we explain why classical transfusion strategies target the reversal of hypoxia only, but do not address the inflammatory cascades initiated during anemic states and the importance of the flow and vascular endothelium interactions. We also establish the relation between red blood cells storage lesions, limited NO bioavailability and transfusion-associated adverse events. Lastly, we explain the potential use of long-lived sources of bioactive NO to reverse the hypoxic inflammatory cascades, promote a sustained increase in tissue perfusion and thereby allow transfusions to achieve their intended goal. The underlying premise is that adverse effects associated with transfusions are intimately linked to vascular dysfunction. Understanding of these mechanisms would lead to novel transfusion medicine strategies to preserve red cell function and to correct for functional changes induced by hemoglobinopathies that affect cell structure and function.

  20. Common and Specific Protein Accumulation Patterns in Different Albino/Pale-Green Mutants Reveals Regulon Organization at the Proteome Level1[W

    PubMed Central

    Motohashi, Reiko; Rödiger, Anja; Agne, Birgit; Baerenfaller, Katja; Baginsky, Sacha

    2012-01-01

    Research interest in proteomics is increasingly shifting toward the reverse genetic characterization of gene function at the proteome level. In plants, several distinct gene defects perturb photosynthetic capacity, resulting in the loss of chlorophyll and an albino or pale-green phenotype. Because photosynthesis is interconnected with the entire plant metabolism and its regulation, all albino plants share common characteristics that are determined by the switch from autotrophic to heterotrophic growth. Reverse genetic characterizations of such plants often cannot distinguish between specific consequences of a gene defect from generic effects in response to perturbations in photosynthetic capacity. Here, we set out to define common and specific features of protein accumulation in three different albino/pale-green plant lines. Using quantitative proteomics, we report a common molecular phenotype that connects the loss of photosynthetic capacity with other chloroplast and cellular functions, such as protein folding and stability, plastid protein import, and the expression of stress-related genes. Surprisingly, we do not find significant differences in the expression of key transcriptional regulators, suggesting that substantial regulation occurs at the posttranscriptional level. We examine the influence of different normalization schemes on the quantitative proteomics data and report all identified proteins along with their fold changes and P values in albino plants in comparison with the wild type. Our analysis provides initial guidance for the distinction between general and specific adaptations of the proteome in photosynthesis-impaired plants. PMID:23027667

  1. Nitrogen-doped carbon coated silicon derived from a facile strategy with enhanced performance for lithium storage

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeng, Lingxing; Liu, Renpin; Qiu, Heyuan; Chen, Xi; Huang, Xiaoxia; Xiong, Peixun; Qian, Qingrong; Chen, Qinghua; Wei, Mingdeng

    2016-07-01

    Silicon-based nanostructures are receiving intense interest in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because they have ultrahigh lithium ion storage ability. However, the fast capacity fading induced by the considerably tremendous volume changes of Si anode during the Li-ion intercalation processes as well as the low intrinsic electric conductivity have hindered its deployment. Herein, we initially developed an effective technique to synthesize the core-shell Si/nitrogen-doped carbon (Si/N-C), composite by combining in situ interfacial polymerization and decorate with melamine, followed by carbonization. When used as anode material for LIBs, the Si/N-C composite delivered a notable reversible capacity (1084 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 for 50 cycles) and high rate capability (495 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1).

  2. Preparation of a Si/SiO2 -Ordered-Mesoporous-Carbon Nanocomposite as an Anode for High-Performance Lithium-Ion and Sodium-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Lingxing; Liu, Renpin; Han, Lei; Luo, Fenqiang; Chen, Xi; Wang, Jianbiao; Qian, Qingrong; Chen, Qinghua; Wei, Mingdeng

    2018-04-03

    In this work, an Si/SiO 2 -ordered-mesoporous carbon (Si/SiO 2 -OMC) nanocomposite was initially fabricated through a magnesiothermic reduction strategy by using a two-dimensional bicontinuous mesochannel of SiO 2 -OMC as a precursor, combined with an NaOH etching process, in which crystal Si/amorphous SiO 2 nanoparticles were encapsulated into the OMC matrix. Not only can such unique porous crystal Si/amorphous SiO 2 nanoparticles uniformly dispersed in the OMC matrix mitigate the volume change of active materials during the cycling process, but they can also improve electrical conductivity of Si/SiO 2 and facilitate the Li + /Na + diffusion. When applied as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the Si/SiO 2 -OMC composite displayed superior reversible capacity (958 mA h g -1 at 0.2 A g -1 after 100 cycles) and good cycling life (retaining a capacity of 459 mA h g -1 at 2 A g -1 after 1000 cycles). For sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), the composite maintained a high capacity of 423 mA h g -1 after 100 cycles at 0.05 A g -1 and an extremely stable reversible capacity of 190 mA h g -1 was retained even after 500 cycles at 1 A g -1 . This performance is one of the best long-term cycling properties of Si-based SIB anode materials. The Si/SiO 2 -OMC composites exhibited great potential as an alternative material for both lithium- and sodium-ion battery anodes. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Polysulfide Binding to Several Nanoscale Magnéli Phases Synthesized in Carbon for Long-Life Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cathodes.

    PubMed

    Zubair, Usman; Amici, Julia; Francia, Carlotta; McNulty, David; Bodoardo, Silvia; O'Dwyer, Colm

    2018-06-11

    In Li-S batteries, it is important to ensure efficient reversible conversion of sulfur to lithium polysulfide (LiPS). Shuttling effects caused by LiPS dissolution can lead to reduced performance and cycle life. Although carbon materials rely on physical trapping of polysulfides, polar oxide surfaces can chemically bind LiPS to improve the stability of sulfur cathodes. We show a simple synthetic method that allows high sulfur loading into mesoporous carbon preloaded with spatially localized nanoparticles of several Magnéli-phase titanium oxide (Ti n O 2n-1 ). This material simultaneously suppresses polysulfide shuttling phenomena by chemically binding Li polysulfides onto several Magnéli-phase surfaces in a single cathode and ensures physical confinement of sulfur and LiPS. The synergy between chemical immobilization of significant quantities of LiPS at the surface of several Ti n O 2n-1 phases and physical entrapment results in coulombically efficient high-rate cathodes with long cycle life and high capacity. These cathodes function efficiently at low electrolyte-to-sulfur ratios to provide high gravimetric and volumetric capacities in comparison with their highly porous carbon counterparts. Assembled coin cells have an initial discharge capacity of 1100 mAh g -1 at 0.1C and maintain a reversible capacity of 520 mAh g -1 at 0.2C for more than 500 cycles. Even at 1C, the cell loses only 0.06 % per cycle for 1000 cycles with a coulombic efficiency close to 99 %. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  4. Superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity of SnO2/graphene composite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Lilai; An, Maozhong; Yang, Peixia; Zhang, Jinqiu

    2015-03-01

    SnO2/graphene composite with superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity was prepared by a one-step microwave-hydrothermal method using a microwave reaction system. The SnO2/graphene composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The size of SnO2 grains deposited on graphene sheets is less than 3.5 nm. The SnO2/graphene composite exhibits high capacity and excellent electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries. The first discharge and charge capacities at a current density of 100 mA g-1 are 2213 and 1402 mA h g-1 with coulomb efficiencies of 63.35%. The discharge specific capacities remains 1359, 1228, 1090 and 1005 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles at current densities of 100, 300, 500 and 700 mA g-1, respectively. Even at a high current density of 1000 mA g-1, the first discharge and charge capacities are 1502 and 876 mA h g-1, and the discharge specific capacities remains 1057 and 677 mA h g-1 after 420 and 1000 cycles, respectively. The SnO2/graphene composite demonstrates a stable cycle performance and high reversible capacity for lithium storage.

  5. Surface Chemistry and Precursor Material Effects on the Performance of Pyrolyzed Nanofibers as Anodes for Lithium-ion Batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Loebl, Andrew James

    Next-generation lithium-ion batteries to meet consumer demands and new applications require the development of new electrode materials. Electrospinning of polymers is a simple and effective method to create one-dimensional, self-supporting materials, with no inactive components after pyrolysis. Composites of these nanofibers and high-capacity lithium materials have been demonstrated to possess superior reversible capacity than state-of-the-art commercial anodes. Despite impressive reversible discharge capacities polyacrylonitrile-based composites are not ready for adoption in commercial applications. These materials suffer from irreversible losses of Li to formation on the electrode of the solid electrolyte interphase during the first charge of the cell. This thesis work has taken two approaches to engineer high-performing nanofiber-based electrodes. First, the chemistry at the interface of the electrode and the electrolyte has been changed by depositing new surfaces. Attempts to create a graphitic fiber surface via plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition did not result in an improvement of the irreversible losses. However, the experiments did demonstrate the growth of large surface area carbon nanowalls on the pyrolyzed electrospun fibers, creating a material which could serve as a substrate in catalysis or as an electrode for composite ultra-capacitors. Additionally, passivation surfaces were deposited by atomic layer deposition and molecular layer deposition. These new surfaces were employed to reduce the irreversible consumption of lithium by moving the charge transfer reaction to the interface of the carbon and the new material. The removal the lithium from the solvent prior to charge transfer limits the irreversible reduction of solvent by metallic lithium. Alumina films grown by atomic layer deposition reduced lithium losses to the solid electrolyte interphase by up to 42% for twenty deposition cycles. This large improvement in irreversible capacity resulted in a nearly 50% reduction in reversible lithium storage. Thinner coatings of alumina had a less dramatic effect on both the irreversible capacity losses and the reversible discharge capacity. A coating of ten cycles of alumina at a temperature of 150 °C resulted in a 17% reduction in irreversible capacity with negligible impact on the reversible capacity. Hybrid aluminum-organic films grown by molecular layer deposition also reduced irreversible lithium losses. The largest reduction was 23% for electrodes coated with 40 cycles of the alucone material. For all thicknesses studied these hybrid films delivered less improvement than the alumina grown by atomic layer deposition, with poor reversible lithium storage capacity available at high charging and discharging currents. Second, polyacrylonitrile has served as the precursor for electrospun composite electrodes because of its ease of processing and well-known carbonization process. Polyimides represent a family of polymers for which the material properties can be tailored by careful monomer selection. These polymers were used as the non-woven matrix to create materials capable of delivering a larger percentage of their maximum reversible capacities at high currents when compared to polyacrylonitrile-based electrodes. These materials had a more graphitic structure based on Raman spectroscopy, and resulted in lower irreversible capacity losses than polyacrylonitrile-based fibers for fibers based on pyromellitic dianhydride and p-phenylene diamine.

  6. Coefficient of performance and its bounds with the figure of merit for a general refrigerator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Long, Rui; Liu, Wei

    2015-02-01

    A general refrigerator model with non-isothermal processes is studied. The coefficient of performance (COP) and its bounds at maximum χ figure of merit are obtained and analyzed. This model accounts for different heat capacities during the heat transfer processes. So, different kinds of refrigerator cycles can be considered. Under the constant heat capacity condition, the upper bound of the COP is the Curzon-Ahlborn (CA) coefficient of performance and is independent of the time durations of the heat exchanging processes. With the maximum χ criterion, in the refrigerator cycles, such as the reversed Brayton refrigerator cycle, the reversed Otto refrigerator cycle and the reversed Atkinson refrigerator cycle, where the heat capacity in the heat absorbing process is not less than that in the heat releasing process, their COPs are bounded by the CA coefficient of performance; otherwise, such as for the reversed Diesel refrigerator cycle, its COP can exceed the CA coefficient of performance. Furthermore, the general refined upper and lower bounds have been proposed.

  7. Applications of micellar enzymology to clean coal technology. [Laccase from Polyporus versicolor

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

    Walsh, C.T.

    1990-07-24

    This project is designed to develop methods for pre-combustion coal remediation by implementing recent advances in enzyme biochemistry. The novel approach of this study is incorporation of hydrophilic oxidative enzymes in reverse micelles in an organic solvent. Enzymes from commercial sources or microbial extracts are being investigated for their capacity to remove organic sulfur from coal by oxidation of the sulfur groups, splitting of C-S bonds and loss of sulfur as sulfuric acid. Dibenzothiophen (DBT) and ethylphenylsulfide (EPS) are serving as models of organic sulfur-containing components of coal in initial studies.

  8. Geochemical modeling of trivalent chromium migration in saline-sodic soil during Lasagna process: impact on soil physicochemical properties.

    PubMed

    Lukman, Salihu; Bukhari, Alaadin; Al-Malack, Muhammad H; Mu'azu, Nuhu D; Essa, Mohammed H

    2014-01-01

    Trivalent Cr is one of the heavy metals that are difficult to be removed from soil using electrokinetic study because of its geochemical properties. High buffering capacity soil is expected to reduce the mobility of the trivalent Cr and subsequently reduce the remedial efficiency thereby complicating the remediation process. In this study, geochemical modeling and migration of trivalent Cr in saline-sodic soil (high buffering capacity and alkaline) during integrated electrokinetics-adsorption remediation, called the Lasagna process, were investigated. The remedial efficiency of trivalent Cr in addition to the impacts of the Lasagna process on the physicochemical properties of the soil was studied. Box-Behnken design was used to study the interaction effects of voltage gradient, initial contaminant concentration, and polarity reversal rate on the soil pH, electroosmotic volume, soil electrical conductivity, current, and remedial efficiency of trivalent Cr in saline-sodic soil that was artificially spiked with Cr, Cu, Cd, Pb, Hg, phenol, and kerosene. Overall desirability of 0.715 was attained at the following optimal conditions: voltage gradient 0.36 V/cm; polarity reversal rate 17.63 hr; soil pH 10.0. Under these conditions, the expected trivalent Cr remedial efficiency is 64.75%.

  9. Geochemical Modeling of Trivalent Chromium Migration in Saline-Sodic Soil during Lasagna Process: Impact on Soil Physicochemical Properties

    PubMed Central

    Bukhari, Alaadin; Al-Malack, Muhammad H.; Mu'azu, Nuhu D.; Essa, Mohammed H.

    2014-01-01

    Trivalent Cr is one of the heavy metals that are difficult to be removed from soil using electrokinetic study because of its geochemical properties. High buffering capacity soil is expected to reduce the mobility of the trivalent Cr and subsequently reduce the remedial efficiency thereby complicating the remediation process. In this study, geochemical modeling and migration of trivalent Cr in saline-sodic soil (high buffering capacity and alkaline) during integrated electrokinetics-adsorption remediation, called the Lasagna process, were investigated. The remedial efficiency of trivalent Cr in addition to the impacts of the Lasagna process on the physicochemical properties of the soil was studied. Box-Behnken design was used to study the interaction effects of voltage gradient, initial contaminant concentration, and polarity reversal rate on the soil pH, electroosmotic volume, soil electrical conductivity, current, and remedial efficiency of trivalent Cr in saline-sodic soil that was artificially spiked with Cr, Cu, Cd, Pb, Hg, phenol, and kerosene. Overall desirability of 0.715 was attained at the following optimal conditions: voltage gradient 0.36 V/cm; polarity reversal rate 17.63 hr; soil pH 10.0. Under these conditions, the expected trivalent Cr remedial efficiency is 64.75 %. PMID:25152905

  10. The Electrochemistry of Fe 3 O 4 /Polypyrrole Composite Electrodes in Lithium-Ion Cells: The Role of Polypyrrole in Capacity Retention

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

    Bruck, Andrea M.; Gannett, Cara N.; Bock, David C.

    In two series of magnetite (Fe 3O4) composite electrodes, one group with and one group without added carbon, containing varying quantities of polypyrrole (PPy), and a non-conductive polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) binder were constructed and then analyzed using electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Galvanostatic cycling and alternating current (AC) impedance measurements were used in tandem to measure delivered capacity, capacity retention, and the related impedance at various stages of discharge and charge. Further, the reversibility of Fe 3O 4 to iron metal (Fe0) conversion observed during discharge was quantitatively assessed ex-situ using X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS). The Fe 3O 4 composite containingmore » the largest weight fraction of PPy (20 wt%) with added carbon demonstrated reduced irreversible capacity on initial cycles and improved cycling stability over 50 cycles, attributed to decreased reaction with the electrolyte in the presence of PPy. Our study illustrated the beneficial role of PPy addition to Fe 3O 4 based electrodes was not strongly related to improved electrical conductivity, but rather to improved ion transport related to the formation of a more favorable surface electrolyte interphase (SEI).« less

  11. Fabrication of high-capacity polyelectrolyte brush-grafted porous AAO-silica composite membrane via RAFT polymerization.

    PubMed

    Song, Cunfeng; Wang, Meijie; Liu, Xin; Wang, He; Chen, Xiaoling; Dai, Lizong

    2017-09-01

    Surface-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization has been utilized to fabricate high-capacity strong anion-exchange (AEX) membrane for the separation of protein. By means of RAFT polymerization, quaternized poly(3-(methacrylamidomethyl)-pyridine) brushes formed 3-dimensional nanolayers on the surface of porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO)-silica composite membrane. The surface properties of the membranes were analyzed by SEM, water contact angle, ATR-FTIR, XPS and TGA. To investigate the adsorption performance, the new AEX membranes were applied to recover a model protein, ovalbumin (OVA). High adsorption capacities of 95.8mg/g membranes (static) and 65.3mg/g membranes (dynamic) were obtained at ambient temperature. In the further studies, up to 90% of the adsorbed OVA was efficiently eluted by using phosphate buffer-1M NaCl as elution medium. The successful separation of OVA with high purity from a mixture protein solution was also achieved by using the AEX membranes. The present study demonstrated that under mild reaction condition, RAFT polymerization can be used to fabricate ion-exchange membrane which has many remarkable features, such as high capacity and selectivity, easy elution and so on. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  12. The Electrochemistry of Fe 3 O 4 /Polypyrrole Composite Electrodes in Lithium-Ion Cells: The Role of Polypyrrole in Capacity Retention

    DOE PAGES

    Bruck, Andrea M.; Gannett, Cara N.; Bock, David C.; ...

    2016-12-15

    In two series of magnetite (Fe 3O4) composite electrodes, one group with and one group without added carbon, containing varying quantities of polypyrrole (PPy), and a non-conductive polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) binder were constructed and then analyzed using electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Galvanostatic cycling and alternating current (AC) impedance measurements were used in tandem to measure delivered capacity, capacity retention, and the related impedance at various stages of discharge and charge. Further, the reversibility of Fe 3O 4 to iron metal (Fe0) conversion observed during discharge was quantitatively assessed ex-situ using X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS). The Fe 3O 4 composite containingmore » the largest weight fraction of PPy (20 wt%) with added carbon demonstrated reduced irreversible capacity on initial cycles and improved cycling stability over 50 cycles, attributed to decreased reaction with the electrolyte in the presence of PPy. Our study illustrated the beneficial role of PPy addition to Fe 3O 4 based electrodes was not strongly related to improved electrical conductivity, but rather to improved ion transport related to the formation of a more favorable surface electrolyte interphase (SEI).« less

  13. Reversible multi-electron redox chemistry of π-conjugated N-containing heteroaromatic molecule-based organic cathodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peng, Chengxin; Ning, Guo-Hong; Su, Jie; Zhong, Guiming; Tang, Wei; Tian, Bingbing; Su, Chenliang; Yu, Dingyi; Zu, Lianhai; Yang, Jinhu; Ng, Man-Fai; Hu, Yong-Sheng; Yang, Yong; Armand, Michel; Loh, Kian Ping

    2017-07-01

    Even though organic molecules with well-designed functional groups can be programmed to have high electron density per unit mass, their poor electrical conductivity and low cycle stability limit their applications in batteries. Here we report a facile synthesis of π-conjugated quinoxaline-based heteroaromatic molecules (3Q) by condensation of cyclic carbonyl molecules with o-phenylenediamine. 3Q features a number of electron-deficient pyrazine sites, where multiple redox reactions take place. When hybridized with graphene and coupled with an ether-based electrolyte, an organic cathode based on 3Q molecules displays a discharge capacity of 395 mAh g-1 at 400 mA g-1 (1C) in the voltage range of 1.2-3.9 V and a nearly 70% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles at 8 A g-1. It also exhibits a capacity of 222 mAh g-1 at 20C, which corresponds to 60% of the initial specific capacity. Our results offer evidence that heteroaromatic molecules with multiple redox sites are promising in developing high-energy-density, long-cycle-life organic rechargeable batteries.

  14. Reversal of Myoblast Aging by Tocotrienol Rich Fraction Posttreatment

    PubMed Central

    Wan Ngah, Wan Zurinah; Mouly, Vincent; Abdul Karim, Norwahidah

    2013-01-01

    Skeletal muscle satellite cells are heavily involved in the regeneration of skeletal muscle in response to the aging-related deterioration of the skeletal muscle mass, strength, and regenerative capacity, termed as sarcopenia. This study focused on the effect of tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) on regenerative capacity of myoblasts in stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS). The myoblasts was grouped as young control, SIPS-induced, TRF control, TRF pretreatment, and TRF posttreatment. Optimum dose of TRF, morphological observation, activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-galactosidase), and cell proliferation were determined. 50 μg/mL TRF treatment exhibited the highest cell proliferation capacity. SIPS-induced myoblasts exhibit large flattened cells and prominent intermediate filaments (senescent-like morphology). The activity of SA-β-galactosidase was significantly increased, but the proliferation capacity was significantly reduced as compared to young control. The activity of SA-β-galactosidase was significantly reduced and cell proliferation was significantly increased in the posttreatment group whereas there was no significant difference in SA-β-galactosidase activity and proliferation capacity of pretreatment group as compared to SIPS-induced myoblasts. Based on the data, we hypothesized that TRF may reverse the myoblasts aging through replenishing the regenerative capacity of the cells. However, further investigation on the mechanism of TRF in reversing the myoblast aging is needed. PMID:24349615

  15. A High Capacity, Good Safety and Low Cost Na2FeSiO4-Based Cathode for Rechargeable Sodium-Ion Battery.

    PubMed

    Guan, Wenhao; Pan, Bin; Zhou, Peng; Mi, Jinxiao; Zhang, Dan; Xu, Jiacheng; Jiang, Yinzhu

    2017-07-12

    Rechargeable sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are receiving intense interest because the resource abundance of sodium and its lithium-like chemistry make them low cost alternatives to the prevailing lithium-ion batteries in large-scale energy storage devices. Two typical classes of materials including transition metal oxides and polyanion compounds have been under intensive investigation as cathodes for SIBs; however, they are still limited to poor stability or low capacity of the state-of-art. Herein, we report a low cost carbon-coated Na 2 FeSiO 4 with simultaneous high capacity and good stability, owing to the highly pure Na-rich triclinic phase and the carbon-incorporated three-dimensional network morphology. The present carbon-coated Na 2 FeSiO 4 demonstrates the highest reversible capacity of 181.0 mAh g -1 to date with multielectron redox reaction that occurred among various polyanion-based SIBs cathodes, which achieves a close-to-100% initial Coulombic efficiency and a stable cycling with 88% capacity retention up to 100 cycles. In addition, such an electrode shows excellent stability either charged at a high voltage of 4.5 V or heated up to 800 °C. The present work might open up the possibility for developing high capacity, good safety and low cost polyanion-based cathodes for rechargeable SIBs.

  16. Superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity of SnO2/graphene composite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Lilai; An, Maozhong; Yang, Peixia; Zhang, Jinqiu

    2015-01-01

    SnO2/graphene composite with superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity was prepared by a one-step microwave-hydrothermal method using a microwave reaction system. The SnO2/graphene composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The size of SnO2 grains deposited on graphene sheets is less than 3.5 nm. The SnO2/graphene composite exhibits high capacity and excellent electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries. The first discharge and charge capacities at a current density of 100 mA g−1 are 2213 and 1402 mA h g−1 with coulomb efficiencies of 63.35%. The discharge specific capacities remains 1359, 1228, 1090 and 1005 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at current densities of 100, 300, 500 and 700 mA g−1, respectively. Even at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1, the first discharge and charge capacities are 1502 and 876 mA h g−1, and the discharge specific capacities remains 1057 and 677 mA h g−1 after 420 and 1000 cycles, respectively. The SnO2/graphene composite demonstrates a stable cycle performance and high reversible capacity for lithium storage. PMID:25761938

  17. The Effects of Film Thickness and Evaporation Rate on Si-Cu Thin Films for Lithium Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Polat, B Deniz; Keles, Ozgul

    2015-12-01

    The reversible cyclability of Si based composite anodes is greatly improved by optimizing the atomic ratio of Si/Cu, the thickness and the evaporation rates of films fabricated by electron beam deposition method. The galvanostatic test results show that 500 nm thick flim, having 10%at. Cu-90%at. Si, deposited with a moderate evaporation rate (10 and 0.9 Å/s for Si and Cu respectively) delivers 2642.37 mAh g(-1) as the first discharge capacity with 76% Coulombic efficiency. 99% of its initial capacity is retained after 20 cycles. The electron conductive pathway and high mechanical tolerance induced by Cu atoms, the low electrical resistivity of the film due to Cu3Si particles, and the homogeneously distributed nano-sized/amorphous particles in the composite thin film could explain this outstanding electrochemical performance of the anode.

  18. Structural Elucidation and Antioxidant Activities of Proanthocyanidins from Chinese Bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) Leaves

    PubMed Central

    Fu, Yu; Qiao, Liping; Cao, Yuming; Zhou, Xiaozhou; Liu, Yu; Ye, Xingqian

    2014-01-01

    Proanthocyanidins in Chinese bayberry leaves (PCBLs) were qualitatively analyzed. NMR data suggest that PCBLs are mostly composed of (epi)gallocatechin gallate units. Matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight MS data indicate 95 possible prodelphinidin structures, ranging from dimers to tridecamers. Preparative normal-phase HPLC and further analysis by reverse-phase HPLC together with electrospray ionization MS enabled detection of 20 compounds, including seven newly identified compounds in Chinese bayberry leaves. The antioxidant capacity of PCBLs was evaluated by (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl), ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and oxygen radical absorption capacity assays. The EC50 of DPPH radical scavenging activities (as 50% decrease in the initial DPPH concentration) were 7.60 µg. The FRAP and ORAC values were 8859.33±978.39 and 12991.61±1553.34 µmol Trolox equivalents per gram, respectively. The results indicate the high antioxidant potency of PCBLs. PMID:24805126

  19. Li Storage of Calcium Niobates for Lithium Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Yim, Haena; Yu, Seung-Ho; Yoo, So Yeon; Sung, Yung-Eun; Choi, Ji-Won

    2015-10-01

    New types of niobates negative electrode were studied for using in lithium-ion batteries in order to alternate metallic lithium anodes. The potassium intercalated compound KCa2Nb3O10 and proton intercalated compound HCa2Nb3O10 were studied, and the electrochemical results showed a reversible cyclic voltammetry profile with acceptable discharge capacity. The as-prepared KCa2Nb3O10 negative electrode had a low discharge capacity caused by high overpotential, but the reversible intercalation and deintercalation reaction of lithium ions was activated after exchanging H+ ions for intercalated K+ ions. The initial discharge capacity of HCa2Nb3O10 was 54.2 mAh/g with 92.1% of coulombic efficiency, compared with 10.4 mAh/g with 70.2% of coulombic efficiency for KCa2Nb3O10 at 1 C rate. The improved electrochemical performance of the HCa2Nb3O10 was related to the lower bonding energy between proton cation and perovskite layer, which facilitate Li+ ions intercalating into the cation site, unlike potassium cation and perovskite layer. Also, this negative material can be easily exfoliated to Ca2Nb3O10 layer by using cation exchange process. Then, obtained two-dimensional nanosheets layer, which recently expected to be an advanced electrode material because of its flexibility, chemical stable, and thin film fabricable, can allow Li+ ions to diffuse between the each perovskite layer. Therefore, this new type layered perovskite niobates can be used not only bulk-type lithium ion batteries but also thin film batteries as a negative material.

  20. Fabrication and Performance of High Energy Li-Ion Battery Based on the Spherical Li[Li(0.2)Ni(0.16)Co(0.1)Mn(0.54)]O2 Cathode and Si Anode.

    PubMed

    Ye, Jing; Li, Yi-xuan; Zhang, Li; Zhang, Xue-ping; Han, Min; He, Ping; Zhou, Hao-shen

    2016-01-13

    The cathode materials of Li-ion batteries for electric vehicles require not only a large gravimetric capacity but also a high volumetric capacity. A new Li-rich layered oxide cathode with superior capacity, Li[Li0.20Ni0.16Co0.10Mn0.54]O2 (denoted as LNCM), is synthesized from precursor, a coprecipitated spherical metal hydroxide. The preparation technology of precursor such as stirring speed, concentration of metal solution, and reaction time are regulated elaborately. The final product LNCM shows a well-ordered, hexagonal-layer structure, as confirmed by Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction pattern. The particle size of the final product has an average diameter of about 10 μm, and the corresponding tap density is about 2.25 g cm(-3). Electrochemical measurements indicate that as-prepared LNCM has great initial columbic efficiency, reversible capacity, and cycling stability, with specific discharge capacities of 278 and 201 mAh g(-1) at 0.03 and 0.5 C rates, respectively. Cycling at 0.1 C, LNCM delivers a discharge capacity of 226 mAh g(-1) with 95% retention capacity after 50 cycles. Si/LNCM cell is fabricated using Si submicroparticle as anode against LNCM. The cell can exhibit a specific energy of 590 Wh kg(-1) based on the total weight of cathode and anode materials.

  1. A trilayer separator with dual function for high performance lithium-sulfur batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Rensheng; Fang, Ruopian; Wen, Lei; Shi, Ying; Wang, Shaogang; Li, Feng

    2016-01-01

    In this article, we propose a trilayer graphene/polypropylene/Al2O3 (GPA) separator with dual function for high performance lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Graphene is coated on one side of polypropylene (PP) separator, which functions as a conductive layer and an electrolyte reservoir that allows for rapid electron and ion transport. Then Al2O3 particles are coated on the other side to further enhance thermal stability and safety of the graphene coated polypropylene (GCP) separator, which are touched with lithium metal anode in the Li-S battery. The GPA separator shows good thermal stability after heating at 157 °C for 10 min while both GCP and PP separators showing an obvious shrinkage about 10%. The initial discharge specific capacity of Li-S coin cell with a GPA separator could reach 1067.7 mAh g-1 at 0.2C. After 100 discharge/charge cycles, it can still deliver a reversible capacity of as high as 804.4 mAh g-1 with 75% capacity retention. The pouch cells further confirm that the trilayer design has great promise towards practical applications.

  2. Synthesis and electrochemical characteristics of LiCr xNi 0.5- xMn 1.5O 4 spinel as 5 V cathode materials for lithium secondary batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hong, Ki-Joo; Sun, Yang-Kook

    A series of electrochemical spinel compounds, LiCr xNi 0.5- xMn 1.5O 4 ( x=0, 0.1, 0.3), are synthesized by a sol-gel method and their electrochemical properties are characterized in the voltage range of 3.5-5.2 V. Electrochemical data for LiCr xNi 0.5- xMn 1.5O 4 electrodes show two reversible plateaus at 4.9 and 4.7 V. The 4.9 V plateau is related to the oxidation of chromium while the 4.7 V plateau is ascribed to the oxidation of nickel. The LiCr 0.1Ni 0.4Mn 1.5O 4 electrode delivers a high initial capacity of 152 mAh g -1 with excellent cycleability. The excellent capacity retention of the LiCr 0.1Ni 0.4Mn 1.5O 4 electrode is largely attributed to structural stabilization which results from co-doping (chromium and nickel) and increased theoretical capacity due to substitution of chromium.

  3. Facial synthesis of carbon-coated ZnFe2O4/graphene and their enhanced lithium storage properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yao, Libing; Su, Qingmei; Xiao, Yanling; Huang, Min; Li, Haojie; Deng, Huihui; Du, Gaohui

    2017-07-01

    Carbon-coated ZnFe2O4 spheres with sizes of 110-180 nm anchored on graphene nanosheets (ZF@C/G) are successfully prepared and applied as anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The obtained ZF@C/G presents an initial discharge capacity of 1235 mAh g-1 and maintains a reversible capacity of 775 mAh g-1 after 150 cycles at a current density of 500 mA g-1. After being tested at 2 A g-1 for 700 cycles, the capacity still retains 617 mAh g-1. The enhanced electrochemical performances can be attributed to the synergetic role of graphene and uniform carbon coating ( 3-6 nm), which can inhibit the volume expansion, prevent the pulverization/aggregation upon prolonged cycling, and facilitate the electron transfer between carbon-coated ZnFe2O4 spheres. The electrochemical results suggest that the synthesized ZF@C/G nanostructures are promising electrode materials for high-performance lithium ion batteries. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

  4. Electrostatic spray deposition of porous SnO₂/graphene anode films and their enhanced lithium-storage properties.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Yinzhu; Yuan, Tianzhi; Sun, Wenping; Yan, Mi

    2012-11-01

    Porous SnO₂/graphene composite thin films are prepared as anodes for lithium ion batteries by the electrostatic spray deposition technique. Reticular-structured SnO₂ is formed on both the nickel foam substrate and the surface of graphene sheets according to the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results. Such an assembly mode of graphene and SnO₂ is highly beneficial to the electrochemical performance improvement by increasing the electrical conductivity and releasing the volume change of the anode. The novel engineered anode possesses 2134.3 mA h g⁻¹ of initial discharge capacity and good capacity retention of 551.0 mA h g⁻¹ up to the 100th cycle at a current density of 200 mA g⁻¹. This anode also exhibits excellent rate capability, with a reversible capacity of 507.7 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at a current density of 800 mA g⁻¹. The results demonstrate that such a film-type hybrid anode shows great potential for application in high-energy lithium-ion batteries.

  5. Evaluation of Carbon Anodes for Rechargeable Lithium Cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Huang, C-K.; Surampudi, S.; Attia, A.; Halpert, G.

    1993-01-01

    Both liquid phase intercalation technique and electrochemical intercalation technique were examined for the Li-carbon material preparation. The electrochemical techniques include a intermittent discharge method and a two step method. These two electrochemical techniques can ensure to achieve the maximum reversible Li capacity for common commercially available carbon materials. The carbon materials evaluated by the intercalacation method includes: pitch coke, petroleum cole, PAN fiber and graphite materials. Their reversible Li capacity were determined and compared. In this paper, we also demonstrate the importance of EPDM binder composition in the carbon electrode. Our results indicated that it can impact the Li intercalation and de-intercalation capacity in carbon materials. Finally, two possibilities that may help explain the capacity degradation during practical cell cycling were proposed.

  6. Large reversible magnetocaloric effect in a Ni-Co-Mn-In magnetic shape memory alloy

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

    Huang, L.; Cong, D. Y.; Ma, L.

    Reversibility of the magnetocaloric effect in materials with first-order magnetostructural transformation is of vital significance for practical magnetic refrigeration applications. Here, we report a large reversible magnetocaloric effect in a Ni49.8Co1.2Mn33.5In15.5 magnetic shape memory alloy. A large reversible magnetic entropy change of 14.6 J/(kg K) and a broad operating temperature window of 18 K under 5 T were simultaneously achieved, correlated with the low thermal hysteresis (-8 K) and large magnetic-field-induced shift of transformation temperatures (4.9 K/T) that lead to a narrow magnetic hysteresis (1.1 T) and small average magnetic hysteresis loss (48.4 J/kg under 5 T) as well. Furthermore,more » a large reversible effective refrigeration capacity (76.6 J/kg under 5 T) was obtained, as a result of the large reversible magnetic entropy change, broad operating temperature window, and small magnetic hysteresis loss. The large reversible magnetic entropy change and large reversible effective refrigeration capacity are important for improving the magnetocaloric performance, and the small magnetic hysteresis loss is beneficial to reducing energy dissipation during magnetic field cycle in potential applications.« less

  7. The temporal dynamics of reversal learning: P3 amplitude predicts valence-specific behavioral adjustment.

    PubMed

    Donaldson, Kayla R; Ait Oumeziane, Belel; Hélie, Sebastien; Foti, Dan

    2016-07-01

    Adapting behavior to dynamic stimulus-reward contingences is a core feature of reversal learning and a capacity thought to be critical to socio-emotional behavior. Impairment in reversal learning has been linked to multiple psychiatric outcomes, including depression, Parkinson's disorder, and substance abuse. A recent influential study introduced an innovative laboratory reversal-learning paradigm capable of disentangling the roles of feedback valence and expectancy. Here, we sought to use this paradigm in order to examine the time-course of reward and punishment learning using event-related potentials among a large, representative sample (N=101). Three distinct phases of processing were examined: initial feedback evaluation (reward positivity, or RewP), allocation of attention (P3), and sustained processing (late positive potential, or LPP). Results indicate a differential pattern of valence and expectancy across these processing stages: the RewP was uniquely related to valence (i.e., positive vs. negative feedback), the P3 was uniquely associated with expectancy (i.e., unexpected vs. expected feedback), and the LPP was sensitive to both valence and expectancy (i.e., main effects of each, but no interaction). The link between ERP amplitudes and behavioral performance was strongest for the P3, and this association was valence-specific. Overall, these findings highlight the potential utility of the P3 as a neural marker for feedback processing in reversal-based learning and establish a foundation for future research in clinical populations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Racial stereotypes impair flexibility of emotional learning

    PubMed Central

    Kubota, Jennifer T.; Li, Jian; Coelho, Cesar A.O.; Phelps, Elizabeth A.

    2016-01-01

    Flexibility of associative learning can be revealed by establishing and then reversing cue-outcome discriminations. Here, we used functional MRI to examine whether neurobehavioral correlates of reversal-learning are impaired in White and Asian volunteers when initial learning involves fear-conditioning to a racial out-group. For one group, the picture of a Black male was initially paired with shock (threat) and a White male was unpaired (safe). For another group, the White male was a threat and the Black male was safe. These associations reversed midway through the task. Both groups initially discriminated threat from safety, as expressed through skin conductance responses (SCR) and activity in the insula, thalamus, midbrain and striatum. After reversal, the group initially conditioned to a Black male exhibited impaired reversal of SCRs to the new threat stimulus (White male), and impaired reversals in the striatum, anterior cingulate cortex, midbrain and thalamus. In contrast, the group initially conditioned to a White male showed successful reversal of SCRs and successful reversal in these brain regions toward the new threat. These findings provide new evidence that an aversive experience with a racial out-group member impairs the ability to flexibly and appropriately adjust fear expression towards a new threat in the environment. PMID:27107298

  9. Reversible anionic redox chemistry in high-capacity layered-oxide electrodes.

    PubMed

    Sathiya, M; Rousse, G; Ramesha, K; Laisa, C P; Vezin, H; Sougrati, M T; Doublet, M-L; Foix, D; Gonbeau, D; Walker, W; Prakash, A S; Ben Hassine, M; Dupont, L; Tarascon, J-M

    2013-09-01

    Li-ion batteries have contributed to the commercial success of portable electronics and may soon dominate the electric transportation market provided that major scientific advances including new materials and concepts are developed. Classical positive electrodes for Li-ion technology operate mainly through an insertion-deinsertion redox process involving cationic species. However, this mechanism is insufficient to account for the high capacities exhibited by the new generation of Li-rich (Li(1+x)Ni(y)Co(z)Mn(1-x-y-z)O₂) layered oxides that present unusual Li reactivity. In an attempt to overcome both the inherent composition and the structural complexity of this class of oxides, we have designed structurally related Li₂Ru(1-y)Sn(y)O₃ materials that have a single redox cation and exhibit sustainable reversible capacities as high as 230 mA h g(-1). Moreover, they present good cycling behaviour with no signs of voltage decay and a small irreversible capacity. We also unambiguously show, on the basis of an arsenal of characterization techniques, that the reactivity of these high-capacity materials towards Li entails cumulative cationic (M(n+)→M((n+1)+)) and anionic (O(2-)→O₂(2-)) reversible redox processes, owing to the d-sp hybridization associated with a reductive coupling mechanism. Because Li₂MO₃ is a large family of compounds, this study opens the door to the exploration of a vast number of high-capacity materials.

  10. Migration of two antibiotics during resuspension under simulated wind-wave disturbances in a water-sediment system.

    PubMed

    Li, Shu; Huang, Zheng; Wang, Yi; Liu, Yu-Qing; Luo, Ran; Shang, Jing-Ge; Liao, Qian-Jia-Hua

    2018-02-01

    In this study, the migration of antibiotics (norfloxacin, NOR; and sulfamethoxazole, SMX) under simulated resuspension conditions across the sediment-water interface were quantified for two locations in China: point A, located in Meiliang Bay of Lake Taihu, and point B, located in Dapukou of Lake Taihu. The concentrations of suspended solids (SS) in the overlying water amounted to 100, 500, and 1000 mg/L during background, moderate, and strong simulated wind-wave disturbances, respectively. At each SS level, the initial concentrations of the two antibiotics were set to 1, 5, and 10 mg/L. The results showed that both resuspended SS and the initial concentration of antibiotics could influence the migration of NOR in the water-sediment system. Specifically, both higher SS and initial antibiotic concentrations were associated with higher rates of migration and accumulation of NOR from water to sediment. In contrast, the migration of SMX in the water-sediment system was not impacted by SS or initial antibiotic concentration. The adsorption capacities of sediments for NOR and SMX were significantly different at both locations, possibly reflecting differences in cation exchange capacity (CEC) and organic material (OM) contents. In general, higher CEC and OM values were found in sediments with a higher adsorption capacity for the antibiotics. When CEC and OM values of sediments were higher, the adsorption capacity reached up to 51.73 mg/kg. Large differences in the migration from water to sediment were observed for the two antibiotics, with NOR migration rates higher than those of SMX. The accumulation of NOR in surface sediment during resuspension was about 14 times higher than that of SMX. The main reason for this is that the chemical adsorption of NOR is seldom reversible. Overall, this study demonstrates that resuspension of NOR and SMX attached to sediments under simulated wind-wave disturbances can promote the migration of the antibiotics from water to sediment; these results could be useful for assessing the migration and fate of commonly used antibiotics in water-sediment systems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. High-rate aluminium yolk-shell nanoparticle anode for Li-ion battery with long cycle life and ultrahigh capacity

    PubMed Central

    Li, Sa; Niu, Junjie; Zhao, Yu Cheng; So, Kang Pyo; Wang, Chao; Wang, Chang An; Li, Ju

    2015-01-01

    Alloy-type anodes such as silicon and tin are gaining popularity in rechargeable Li-ion batteries, but their rate/cycling capabilities should be improved. Here by making yolk-shell nanocomposite of aluminium core (30 nm in diameter) and TiO2 shell (∼3 nm in thickness), with a tunable interspace, we achieve 10 C charge/discharge rate with reversible capacity exceeding 650 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles, with a 3 mg cm−2 loading. At 1 C, the capacity is approximately 1,200 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles. Our one-pot synthesis route is simple and industrially scalable. This result may reverse the lagging status of aluminium among high-theoretical-capacity anodes. PMID:26243004

  12. Bulk Bismuth as a High-Capacity and Ultralong Cycle-Life Anode for Sodium-Ion Batteries by Coupling with Glyme-Based Electrolytes.

    PubMed

    Wang, Chenchen; Wang, Liubin; Li, Fujun; Cheng, Fangyi; Chen, Jun

    2017-09-01

    Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted great interest for large-scale electric energy storage in recent years. However, anodes with long cycle life and large reversible capacities are still lacking and therefore limiting the development of SIBs. Here, a bulk Bi anode with surprisingly high Na storage performance in combination with glyme-based electrolytes is reported. This study shows that the bulk Bi electrode is gradually developed into a porous integrity during initial cycling, which is totally different from that in carbonate-based electrolytes and ensures facile Na + transport and structural stability. The achievable capacity of bulk Bi in the NaPF 6 -diglyme electrolyte is high up to 400 mAh g -1 , and the capacity retention is 94.4% after 2000 cycles, corresponding to a capacity loss of 0.0028% per cycle. It exhibits two flat discharge/charge plateaus at 0.67/0.77 and 0.46/0.64 V, ascribed to the typical two-phase reactions of Bi ↔ NaBi and NaBi ↔ Na 3 Bi, respectively. The excellent performance is attributed to the unique porous integrity, stable solid electrolyte interface, and good electrode wettability of glymes. This interplay between electrolyte and electrode to boost Na storage performance will pave a new pathway for high-performance SIBs. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. Graphene oxide hydrogel as a restricted-area nanoreactor for synthesis of 3D graphene-supported ultrafine TiO2 nanorod nanocomposites for high-rate lithium-ion battery anodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, Jianli; Gu, Guifang; Ni, Wei; Guan, Qun; Li, Yinchuan; Wang, Bin

    2017-07-01

    Three-dimensional graphene-supported TiO2 nanorod nanocomposites (3D GS-TNR) are prepared using graphene oxide hydrogel as a restricted-area nanoreactor in the hydrothermal process, in which well-distributed TiO2 nanorods with a width of approximately 5 nm and length of 30 nm are conformally embedded in the 3D interconnected graphene network. The 3D graphene oxide not only works as a restricted-area nanoreactor to constrain the size, distribution and morphology of the TiO2; it also work as a highly interconnected conducting network to facilitate electrochemical reactions and maintain good structural integration when the nanocomposites are used as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. Benefiting from the nanostructure, the 3D GS-TNR nanocomposites show high capacity and excellent long-term cycling capability at high current rates. The 3D GS-TNR composites deliver a high initial charge capacity of 280 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C and maintain a reversible capacity of 115 mAh g-1, with a capacity retention of 83% at 20 C after 1000 cycles. Meanwhile, compared with that of previously reported TiO2-based materials, the 3D GS-TNR nanocomposites show much better performance, including higher capacity, better rate capability and long-term cycling stability.

  14. From Metal-Organic Framework to Li2S@C-Co-N Nanoporous Architecture: A High-Capacity Cathode for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

    PubMed

    He, Jiarui; Chen, Yuanfu; Lv, Weiqiang; Wen, Kechun; Xu, Chen; Zhang, Wanli; Li, Yanrong; Qin, Wu; He, Weidong

    2016-12-27

    Owing to the high theoretical specific capacity (1166 mAh g -1 ), lithium sulfide (Li 2 S) has been considered as a promising cathode material for Li-S batteries. However, the polysulfide dissolution and low electronic conductivity of Li 2 S limit its further application in next-generation Li-S batteries. In this report, a nanoporous Li 2 S@C-Co-N cathode is synthesized by liquid infiltration-evaporation of ultrafine Li 2 S nanoparticles into graphitic carbon co-doped with cobalt and nitrogen (C-Co-N) derived from metal-organic frameworks. The obtained Li 2 S@C-Co-N architecture remarkably immobilizes Li 2 S within the cathode structure through physical and chemical molecular interactions. Owing to the synergistic interactions between C-Co-N and Li 2 S nanoparticles, the Li 2 S@C-Co-N composite delivers a reversible capacity of 1155.3 (99.1% of theoretical value) at the initial cycle and 929.6 mAh g -1 after 300 cycles, with nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency and a capacity fading of 0.06% per cycle. It exhibits excellent rate capacities of 950.6, 898.8, and 604.1 mAh g -1 at 1C, 2C, and 4C, respectively. Such a cathode structure is promising for practical applications in high-performance Li-S batteries.

  15. Tailored Recovery of Carbons from Waste Tires for Enhanced Performance as Anodes in Lithium-ion Batteries

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

    Naskar, Amit K; Bi,; Saha, Dipendu

    2014-01-01

    Morphologically tailored pyrolysis-recovered carbon black is utilized in lithium-ion batteries as a potential solution for adding value to waste tire-rubber-derived materials. Micronized tire rubber was digested in a hot oleum bath to yield a sulfonated rubber slurry that was then filtered, washed, and compressed into a solid cake. Carbon was recovered from the modified rubber cake by pyrolysis in a nitrogen atmosphere. The chemical pretreatment of rubber produced a carbon monolith with higher yield than that from the control (a fluffy tire-rubber-derived carbon black). The carbon monolith showed a very small volume fraction of pores of widths 3 4 nm,more » reduced specific surface area, and an ordered assembly of graphitic domains. Electrochemical studies on the recovered-carbon-based anode revealed an improved Li-ion battery performance with higher reversible capacity than that of commercial carbon materials. Anodes made with a sulfonated tire-rubber-derived carbon and a control tire-rubber-derived carbon, respectively, exhibited an initial coulombic efficiency of 80% and 45%, respectively. The reversible capacity of the cell with the sulfonated carbon as anode was 400 mAh/g after 100 cycles, with nearly 100% coulombic efficiency. Our success in producing higher performance carbon material from waste tire rubber for potential use in energy storage applications adds a new avenue to tire rubber recycling.« less

  16. DMS-MaPseq for genome-wide or targeted RNA structure probing in vivo.

    PubMed

    Zubradt, Meghan; Gupta, Paromita; Persad, Sitara; Lambowitz, Alan M; Weissman, Jonathan S; Rouskin, Silvi

    2017-01-01

    Coupling of structure-specific in vivo chemical modification to next-generation sequencing is transforming RNA secondary structure studies in living cells. The dominant strategy for detecting in vivo chemical modifications uses reverse transcriptase truncation products, which introduce biases and necessitate population-average assessments of RNA structure. Here we present dimethyl sulfate (DMS) mutational profiling with sequencing (DMS-MaPseq), which encodes DMS modifications as mismatches using a thermostable group II intron reverse transcriptase. DMS-MaPseq yields a high signal-to-noise ratio, can report multiple structural features per molecule, and allows both genome-wide studies and focused in vivo investigations of even low-abundance RNAs. We apply DMS-MaPseq for the first analysis of RNA structure within an animal tissue and to identify a functional structure involved in noncanonical translation initiation. Additionally, we use DMS-MaPseq to compare the in vivo structure of pre-mRNAs with their mature isoforms. These applications illustrate DMS-MaPseq's capacity to dramatically expand in vivo analysis of RNA structure.

  17. Molecular Imprinting of Silica Nanoparticle Surfaces via Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Polymerization for Optical Biosensing Applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oluz, Zehra; Nayab, Sana; Kursun, Talya Tugana; Caykara, Tuncer; Yameen, Basit; Duran, Hatice

    Azo initiator modified surface of silica nanoparticles were coated via reversible addition-fragmentation polymerization (RAFT) of methacrylic acid and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate using 2-phenylprop 2-yl dithobenzoate as chain transfer agent. Using L-phenylalanine anilide as template during polymerization led molecularly imprinted nanoparticles. RAFT polymerization offers an efficient control of grafting process, while molecularly imprinted polymers shows enhanced capacity as sensor. L-phenylalanine anilide imprinted silica particles were characterized by X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM). Performances of the particles were followed by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR) after coating the final product on gold deposited glass substrate against four different analogous of analyte molecules: D-henylalanine anilide, L-tyrosine, L-tryptophan and L-phenylalanine. Characterizations indicated that silica particles coated with polymer layer do contain binding sites for L-phenylalanine anilide, and are highly selective for the molecule of interest. This project was supported by TUBITAK (Project No:112M804).

  18. Reversible Redox Chemistry of Azo Compounds for Sodium-Ion Batteries

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

    Luo, Chao; Xu, Gui-Liang; Ji, Xiao

    Sustainable sodium-ion batteries (SSIBs) using renewable organic electrodes are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for the large-scale renewable energy storage. However, the lack of high-performance anode material impedes the development of SSIBs. Herein, we report a new type of organic anode material based on azo group for SSIBs. Azobenzene-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid sodium salt is used as a model to investigate the electrochemical behaviors and reaction mechanism of azo compound. It exhibits a reversible capacity of 170 mAhg -1 at 0.2C. When current density is increased to 20C, the reversible capacities of 98 mAhg -1 can be retained for 2000 cycles, demonstratingmore » excellent cycling stability and high rate capability. The detailed characterizations reveal that azo group acts as an electrochemical active site to reversibly bond with Na +. The reversible redox chemistry between azo compound and Na ions offer opportunities for developing longcycle-life and high-rate SSIBs.« less

  19. Reversible Redox Chemistry of Azo Compounds for Sodium-Ion Batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Luo, Chao; Xu, Gui-Liang; Ji, Xiao; ...

    2018-01-29

    Sustainable sodium-ion batteries (SSIBs) using renewable organic electrodes are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for the large-scale renewable energy storage. However, the lack of high-performance anode material impedes the development of SSIBs. Herein, we report a new type of organic anode material based on azo group for SSIBs. Azobenzene-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid sodium salt is used as a model to investigate the electrochemical behaviors and reaction mechanism of azo compound. It exhibits a reversible capacity of 170 mAhg -1 at 0.2C. When current density is increased to 20C, the reversible capacities of 98 mAhg -1 can be retained for 2000 cycles, demonstratingmore » excellent cycling stability and high rate capability. The detailed characterizations reveal that azo group acts as an electrochemical active site to reversibly bond with Na +. The reversible redox chemistry between azo compound and Na ions offer opportunities for developing longcycle-life and high-rate SSIBs.« less

  20. 3D Interconnected V6O13 Nanosheets Grown on Carbonized Textile via a Seed-Assisted Hydrothermal Process as High-Performance Flexible Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Shixing; Cen, Dingcheng; Gao, Peibo; Tang, Huang; Bao, Zhihao

    2018-03-01

    Three-dimensional (3D) free-standing nanostructured materials have been proven to be one of the most promising electrodes for energy storage due to their enhanced electrochemical performance. And they are also widely studied for the wearable energy storage systems. In this work, interconnected V6O13 nanosheets were grown on the flexible carbonized textile (c-textile) via a seed-assisted hydrothermal method to form a 3D free-standing electrode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The electrode exhibited a specific capacity of 170 mA h g-1 at a specific current of 300 mA g-1. With carbon nanotube (CNT) coating, its specific capacities further increased 12-40% at the various current rates. It could retain a reversible capacity of 130 mA h g-1, 74% of the initial capacity after 300 cycles at the specific current of 300 mA g-1. It outperformed most of the mixed-valence vanadium oxides. The improved electrochemical performance was ascribed to the synergistic effect of the 3D nanostructure of V6O13 for feasible Li+ diffusion and transport and highly conductive hierarchical conductive network formed by CNT and carbon fiber in c-textile.

  1. Spatial and reversal learning in the Morris water maze are largely resistant to six hours of REM sleep deprivation following training

    PubMed Central

    Walsh, Christine M.; Booth, Victoria; Poe, Gina R.

    2011-01-01

    This first test of the role of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep in reversal spatial learning is also the first attempt to replicate a much cited pair of papers reporting that REM sleep deprivation impairs the consolidation of initial spatial learning in the Morris water maze. We hypothesized that REM sleep deprivation following training would impair both hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and learning a new target location within a familiar environment: reversal learning. A 6-d protocol was divided into the initial spatial learning phase (3.5 d) immediately followed by the reversal phase (2.5 d). During the 6 h following four or 12 training trials/day of initial or reversal learning phases, REM sleep was eliminated and non-REM sleep left intact using the multiple inverted flowerpot method. Contrary to our hypotheses, REM sleep deprivation during four or 12 trials/day of initial spatial or reversal learning did not affect training performance. However, some probe trial measures indicated REM sleep-deprivation–associated impairment in initial spatial learning with four trials/day and enhancement of subsequent reversal learning. In naive animals, REM sleep deprivation during normal initial spatial learning was followed by a lack of preference for the subsequent reversal platform location during the probe. Our findings contradict reports that REM sleep is essential for spatial learning in the Morris water maze and newly reveal that short periods of REM sleep deprivation do not impair concurrent reversal learning. Effects on subsequent reversal learning are consistent with the idea that REM sleep serves the consolidation of incompletely learned items. PMID:21677190

  2. Insights into the dual-electrode characteristics of layered Na 0.5Ni 0.25Mn 0.75O 2 materials for sodium-ion batteries

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

    Manikandan, Palanisamy; Kim, Hyunwoo; Heo, Seongwoo

    Sodium-ion batteries are now close to replacing lithium-ion batteries because they provide superior alternative energy storage solutions that are in great demand, particularly for large-scale applications. To that end, the present study is focused on the properties of a new type of dual-electrode material, Na 0.5Ni 0.25Mn 0.75O 2, synthesized using a mixed hydroxycarbonate route. Cyclic voltammetry confirms that redox couples, at high and low voltage ranges, are facilitated by the unique features and properties of this dual-electrode, through sodium ion deintercalation/intercalation into the layered Na 0.5Ni 0.25Mn 0.25O 2 material. This material provides superior performance for Na-ion batteries, asmore » evidenced by the fabricated sodium cell that yielded initial charge discharge capacities of 125/218 mAh g -1 in the voltage range of 1.5-4.4 V at 0.5 C. At a low voltage range (1.5-2.6 V), the anode cell delivered discharge charge capacities of 100/99 mAh g -1 with 99% capacity retention, which corresponds to highly reversible redox reaction of the Mn 4+/3+ reduction and the Mn 3+/4+ oxidation observed at 1.85 and 2.06 V, respectively. The symmetric Na-ion cell, fabricated using Na 0.5Ni 0.25Mn 0.25O 2, yielded initial charge discharge capacities of 196/187 μAh at 107 μA. Lastly, these results encourage the further development of new types of futuristic sodium-ion battery-based energy storage systems.« less

  3. Sandwich-Type Nitrogen and Sulfur Codoped Graphene-Backboned Porous Carbon Coated Separator for High Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

    PubMed

    Chen, Feng; Ma, Lulu; Ren, Jiangang; Luo, Xinyu; Liu, Bibo; Zhou, Xiangyang

    2018-03-26

    Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have been identified as the greatest potential next- generation energy-storage systems because of the large theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh kg -1 . However, its practical application on a massive scale is impeded by severe capacity loss resulted from the notorious polysulfides shuttle. Here, we first present a novel technique to synthesize sandwich-type nitrogen and sulfur codoped graphene-backboned porous carbon (NSGPC) to modify the commercial polypropylene separator in Li-S batteries. The as-synthesized NSGPC exhibits a unique micro/mesoporous carbon framework, large specific surface area (2439.0 m² g -1 ), high pore volume (1.78 cm³ g -1 ), good conductivity, and in situ nitrogen (1.86 at %) and sulfur (5.26 at %) co-doping. Benefiting from the particular physical properties and chemical components of NSGPC, the resultant NSGPC-coated separator not only can facilitate rapid Li⁺ ions and electrons transfer, but also can restrict the dissolution of polysulfides to alleviate the shuttle effect by combining the physical absorption and strong chemical adsorption. As a result, Li-S batteries with NSGPC-coated separator exhibit high initial reversible capacity (1208.6 mAh g -1 at 0.2 C), excellent rate capability (596.6 mAh g -1 at 5 C), and superior cycling stability (over 500 cycles at 2 C with 0.074% capacity decay each cycle). Propelling our easy-designed pure sulfur cathode to a extremely increased mass loading of 3.4 mg cm -2 (70 wt. % sulfur), the Li-S batteries with this functional composite separator exhibit a superior high initial capacity of 1171.7 mAh g -1 , which is quite beneficial to commercialized applications.

  4. Sandwich-Type Nitrogen and Sulfur Codoped Graphene-Backboned Porous Carbon Coated Separator for High Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Feng; Ma, Lulu; Ren, Jiangang; Luo, Xinyu; Liu, Bibo; Zhou, Xiangyang

    2018-01-01

    Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have been identified as the greatest potential next- generation energy-storage systems because of the large theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh kg−1. However, its practical application on a massive scale is impeded by severe capacity loss resulted from the notorious polysulfides shuttle. Here, we first present a novel technique to synthesize sandwich-type nitrogen and sulfur codoped graphene-backboned porous carbon (NSGPC) to modify the commercial polypropylene separator in Li-S batteries. The as-synthesized NSGPC exhibits a unique micro/mesoporous carbon framework, large specific surface area (2439.0 m2 g−1), high pore volume (1.78 cm3 g−1), good conductivity, and in situ nitrogen (1.86 at %) and sulfur (5.26 at %) co-doping. Benefiting from the particular physical properties and chemical components of NSGPC, the resultant NSGPC-coated separator not only can facilitate rapid Li+ ions and electrons transfer, but also can restrict the dissolution of polysulfides to alleviate the shuttle effect by combining the physical absorption and strong chemical adsorption. As a result, Li-S batteries with NSGPC-coated separator exhibit high initial reversible capacity (1208.6 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C), excellent rate capability (596.6 mAh g−1 at 5 C), and superior cycling stability (over 500 cycles at 2 C with 0.074% capacity decay each cycle). Propelling our easy-designed pure sulfur cathode to a extremely increased mass loading of 3.4 mg cm−2 (70 wt. % sulfur), the Li-S batteries with this functional composite separator exhibit a superior high initial capacity of 1171.7 mAh g−1, which is quite beneficial to commercialized applications. PMID:29587467

  5. Insights into the dual-electrode characteristics of layered Na 0.5Ni 0.25Mn 0.75O 2 materials for sodium-ion batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Manikandan, Palanisamy; Kim, Hyunwoo; Heo, Seongwoo; ...

    2017-03-09

    Sodium-ion batteries are now close to replacing lithium-ion batteries because they provide superior alternative energy storage solutions that are in great demand, particularly for large-scale applications. To that end, the present study is focused on the properties of a new type of dual-electrode material, Na 0.5Ni 0.25Mn 0.75O 2, synthesized using a mixed hydroxycarbonate route. Cyclic voltammetry confirms that redox couples, at high and low voltage ranges, are facilitated by the unique features and properties of this dual-electrode, through sodium ion deintercalation/intercalation into the layered Na 0.5Ni 0.25Mn 0.25O 2 material. This material provides superior performance for Na-ion batteries, asmore » evidenced by the fabricated sodium cell that yielded initial charge discharge capacities of 125/218 mAh g -1 in the voltage range of 1.5-4.4 V at 0.5 C. At a low voltage range (1.5-2.6 V), the anode cell delivered discharge charge capacities of 100/99 mAh g -1 with 99% capacity retention, which corresponds to highly reversible redox reaction of the Mn 4+/3+ reduction and the Mn 3+/4+ oxidation observed at 1.85 and 2.06 V, respectively. The symmetric Na-ion cell, fabricated using Na 0.5Ni 0.25Mn 0.25O 2, yielded initial charge discharge capacities of 196/187 μAh at 107 μA. Lastly, these results encourage the further development of new types of futuristic sodium-ion battery-based energy storage systems.« less

  6. Insights into the Dual-Electrode Characteristics of Layered Na0.5Ni0.25Mn0.75O2 Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Palanisamy, Manikandan; Kim, Hyun Woo; Heo, Seongwoo; Lee, Eungje; Kim, Youngsik

    2017-03-29

    Sodium-ion batteries are now close to replacing lithium-ion batteries because they provide superior alternative energy storage solutions that are in great demand, particularly for large-scale applications. To that end, the present study is focused on the properties of a new type of dual-electrode material, Na 0.5 Ni 0.25 Mn 0.75 O 2 , synthesized using a mixed hydroxy-carbonate route. Cyclic voltammetry confirms that redox couples, at high and low voltage ranges, are facilitated by the unique features and properties of this dual-electrode, through sodium ion deintercalation/intercalation into the layered Na 0.5 Ni 0.25 Mn 0.75 O 2 material. This material provides superior performance for Na-ion batteries, as evidenced by the fabricated sodium cell that yielded initial charge-discharge capacities of 125/218 mAh g -1 in the voltage range of 1.5-4.4 V at 0.5 C. At a low voltage range (1.5-2.6 V), the anode cell delivered discharge-charge capacities of 100/99 mAh g -1 with 99% capacity retention, which corresponds to highly reversible redox reaction of the Mn 4+/3+ reduction and the Mn 3+/4+ oxidation observed at 1.85 and 2.06 V, respectively. The symmetric Na-ion cell, fabricated using Na 0.5 Ni 0.25 Mn 0.75 O 2 , yielded initial charge-discharge capacities of 196/187 μAh at 107 μA. These results encourage the further development of new types of futuristic sodium-ion-battery-based energy storage systems.

  7. High Rate and Stable Li-Ion Insertion in Oxygen-Deficient LiV3O8 Nanosheets as a Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Battery.

    PubMed

    Song, Huanqiao; Luo, Mingsheng; Wang, Aimei

    2017-01-25

    Low performance of cathode materials has become one of the major obstacles to the application of lithium-ion battery (LIB) in advanced portable electronic devices, hybrid electric vehicles, and electric vehicles. The present work reports a versatile oxygen-deficient LiV 3 O 8 (D-LVO) nanosheet that was synthesized successfully via a facile oxygen-deficient hydrothermal reaction followed by thermal annealing in Ar. When used as a cathode material for LIB, the prepared D-LVO nanosheets display remarkable capacity properties at various current densities (a capacity of 335, 317, 278, 246, 209, 167, and 133 mA h g -1 at 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mA g -1 , respectively) and excellent lithium-ion storage stability, maintaining more than 88% of the initial reversible capacity after 200 cycles at 1000 mA g -1 . The outstanding electrochemical properties are believed to arise largely from the introduction of tetravalent V (∼15% V 4+ ) and the attendant oxygen vacancies into LiV 3 O 8 nanosheets, leading to intrinsic electrical conductivity more than 1 order of magnitude higher and lithium-ion diffusion coefficient nearly 2 orders of magnitude higher than those of LiV 3 O 8 without detectable V 4+ (N-LVO) and thus contributing to the easy lithium-ion diffusion, rapid phase transition, and the excellent electrochemical reversibility. Furthermore, the more uniform nanostructure, as well as the larger specific surface area of D-LVO than N-LVO nanosheets may also improve the electrolyte penetration and provide more reaction sites for fast lithium-ion diffusion during the discharge/charge processes.

  8. pH-Driven Reversible Self-Assembly of Micron-Scale DNA Scaffolds.

    PubMed

    Green, Leopold N; Amodio, Alessia; Subramanian, Hari K K; Ricci, Francesco; Franco, Elisa

    2017-12-13

    Inspired by cytoskeletal scaffolds that sense and respond dynamically to environmental changes and chemical inputs with a unique capacity for reconfiguration, we propose a strategy that allows the dynamic and reversible control of the growth and breakage of micron-scale synthetic DNA structures upon pH changes. We do so by rationally designing a pH-responsive system composed of synthetic DNA strands that act as pH sensors, regulators, and structural elements. Sensor strands can dynamically respond to pH changes and route regulatory strands to direct the self-assembly of structural elements into tubular structures. This example represents the first demonstration of the reversible assembly and disassembly of micron-scale DNA scaffolds using an external chemical input other than DNA. The capacity to reversibly modulate nanostructure size may promote the development of smart devices for catalysis or drug-delivery applications.

  9. Effects of convincing power and neutrality on minority opinion spreading

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Yue; Xiong, Xi; Zhang, Yi

    2017-02-01

    The dynamics evolution of the minority opinion in public debates is studied using a convincing power (CP) model with neutrality. In a given group, an agent with a definite standpoint (yes or no) can be persuaded to be a neutral agent, if its capacity of persuasion is lower than the average CP of its opponents. Besides that a neutral agent will change its state and follow a more persuasive opinion. Starting from two opposite opinions with different rates, repeated local discussions are found to drive the minority reversal. It reveals that in addition to the initial minority, the number of neutral agents is also an important factor to the eventual winners. During the process of consensus, there exists a threshold of initial fraction to guarantee one side win. The results have a guiding significance for designing strategies to win a public debate.

  10. Reversible anionic redox chemistry in high-capacity layered-oxide electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sathiya, M.; Rousse, G.; Ramesha, K.; Laisa, C. P.; Vezin, H.; Sougrati, M. T.; Doublet, M.-L.; Foix, D.; Gonbeau, D.; Walker, W.; Prakash, A. S.; Ben Hassine, M.; Dupont, L.; Tarascon, J.-M.

    2013-09-01

    Li-ion batteries have contributed to the commercial success of portable electronics and may soon dominate the electric transportation market provided that major scientific advances including new materials and concepts are developed. Classical positive electrodes for Li-ion technology operate mainly through an insertion-deinsertion redox process involving cationic species. However, this mechanism is insufficient to account for the high capacities exhibited by the new generation of Li-rich (Li1+xNiyCozMn(1-x-y-z)O2) layered oxides that present unusual Li reactivity. In an attempt to overcome both the inherent composition and the structural complexity of this class of oxides, we have designed structurally related Li2Ru1-ySnyO3 materials that have a single redox cation and exhibit sustainable reversible capacities as high as 230 mA h g-1. Moreover, they present good cycling behaviour with no signs of voltage decay and a small irreversible capacity. We also unambiguously show, on the basis of an arsenal of characterization techniques, that the reactivity of these high-capacity materials towards Li entails cumulative cationic (Mn+→M(n+1)+) and anionic (O2-→O22-) reversible redox processes, owing to the d-sp hybridization associated with a reductive coupling mechanism. Because Li2MO3 is a large family of compounds, this study opens the door to the exploration of a vast number of high-capacity materials.

  11. MoO2-ordered mesoporous carbon nanocomposite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Lingxing; Zheng, Cheng; Deng, Cuilin; Ding, Xiaokun; Wei, Mingdeng

    2013-03-01

    In the present work, the nanocomposite of MoO2-ordered mesoporous carbon (MoO2-OMC) was synthesized for the first time using a carbon thermal reduction route and the mesoporous carbon as the nanoreactor. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), N2 adsorption-desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. Furthermore, this nanocomposite was used as an anode material for Li-ion intercalation and exhibited large reversible capacity, high rate performance, and good cycling stability. For instance, a high reversible capacity of 689 mAh g(-1) can remain after 50 cycles at a current density of 50 mA g(-1). It is worth mentioning that the MoO2-OMC nanocomposite electrode can attain a high reversible capacity of 401 mAh g(-1) at a current density as high as 2 A g(-1). These results might be due to the intrinsic characteristics of nanocomposite, which offered a better accommodation of the strain and volume changes and a shorter path for Li-ion and electron transport, leading to the improved capacity and enhanced rate capability.

  12. Enhanced lithium storage performances of hierarchical hollow MoS₂ nanoparticles assembled from nanosheets.

    PubMed

    Wang, Meng; Li, Guangda; Xu, Huayun; Qian, Yitai; Yang, Jian

    2013-02-01

    MoS(2), because of its layered structure and high theoretical capacity, has been regarded as a potential candidate for electrode materials in lithium secondary batteries. But it suffers from the poor cycling stability and low rate capability. Here, hierarchical hollow nanoparticles of MoS(2) nanosheets with an increased interlayer distance are synthesized by a simple solvothermal reaction at a low temperature. The formation of hierarchical hollow nanoparticles is based on the intermediate, K(2)NaMoO(3)F(3), as a self-sacrificed template. These hollow nanoparticles exhibit a reversible capacity of 902 mA h g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1) after 80 cycles, much higher than the solid counterpart. At a current density of 1000 mA g(-1), the reversible capacity of the hierarchical hollow nanoparticles could be still maintained at 780 mAh g(-1). The enhanced lithium storage performances of the hierarchical hollow nanoparticles in reversible capacities, cycling stability and rate performances can be attributed to their hierarchical surface, hollow structure feature and increased layer distance of S-Mo-S. Hierarchical hollow nanoparticles as an ensemble of these features, could be applied to other electrode materials for the superior electrochemical performance.

  13. Ge/GeO2-Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Nanocomposite for Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries with a Long-Term Cycling Performance.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Lingxing; Huang, Xiaoxia; Chen, Xi; Zheng, Cheng; Qian, Qingrong; Chen, Qinghua; Wei, Mingdeng

    2016-01-13

    Germanium-based nanostructures are receiving intense interest in lithium-ion batteries because they have ultrahigh lithium ion storage ability. However, the Germanium-based anodes undergo the considerably large volume change during the charge/discharge processes, leading to a fast capacity fade. In the present work, a Ge/GeO2-ordered mesoporous carbon (Ge/GeO2-OMC) nanocomposite was successfully fabricated via a facile nanocasting route by using mesoporous carbon as a nanoreactor, and was then used as an anode for lithium-ion batteries. Benefited from its unique three-dimensional "meso-nano" structure, the Ge/GeO2-OMC nanocomposite exhibited large reversible capacity, excellent long-time cycling stability and high rate performance. For instance, a large reversible capacity of 1018 mA h g(-1) was obtained after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g(-1), which might be attributed to the unique structure of the Ge/GeO2-OMC nanocomposite. In addition, a reversible capacity of 492 mA h g(-1) can be retained when cycled to 500 cycles at a current density of 1 A g(-1).

  14. Fluorine-doped SnO2 nanoparticles anchored on reduced graphene oxide as a high-performance lithium ion battery anode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cui, Dongming; Zheng, Zhong; Peng, Xue; Li, Teng; Sun, Tingting; Yuan, Liangjie

    2017-09-01

    The composite of fluorine-doped SnO2 anchored on reduced graphene oxide (F-SnO2/rGO) has been synthesized through a hydrothermal method. F-SnO2 particles with average size of 8 nm were uniformly anchored on the surfaces of rGO sheets and the resulting composite had a high loading of F-SnO2 (ca. 90%). Benefiting from the remarkably improved electrical conductivity and Li-ion diffusion in the electrode by F doping and rGO incorporation, the composite material exhibited high reversible capacity, excellent long-term cycling stability and superior rate capability. The electrode delivered a large reversible capacity of 1037 mAh g-1 after 150 cycles at 100 mA g-1 and high rate capacities of 860 and 770 mAh g-1 at 1 and 2 A g-1, respectively. Moreover, the electrode could maintain a high reversible capacities of 733 mAh g-1 even after 250 cycles at 500 mA g-1. The outstanding electrochemical performance of the as-synthesized composite make it a promising anode material for high-energy lithium ion batteries.

  15. Aromatic Polyimide/Graphene Composite Organic Cathodes for Fast and Sustainable Lithium-Ion Batteries

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

    Lyu, Hailong; Li, Peipei; Liu, Jiurong

    A composite organic cathode material based on aromatic polyimide (PI) and highly conductive graphene was prepared through a facile in situ polymerization method for application in lithium-ion batteries. The in situ polymerization generated intimate contact between PI and electronically conductive graphene, resulting in conductive composites with highly reversible redox reactions and good structure stability. The synergistic effect between PI and graphene enabled not only a high reversible capacity of 232.6 mAh g -1 at a charge–discharge rate of C/10 but also exceptionally high-rate cycling stability, that is, a high capacity of 108.9 mAh g -1 at a very high charge–dischargemore » rate of 50C with a capacity retention of 80 % after 1000 cycles. This improved electrochemical performance resulted from the combination of stable redox reversibility of PI and high electronic conductivity of the graphene additive. In conclusion, the graphene-based composite also exhibited much better performance than composites based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes and the conductive carbon black C45 in terms of specific capacity and long-term cycling stability under the same charge–discharge rates.« less

  16. Aromatic Polyimide/Graphene Composite Organic Cathodes for Fast and Sustainable Lithium-Ion Batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Lyu, Hailong; Li, Peipei; Liu, Jiurong; ...

    2018-01-24

    A composite organic cathode material based on aromatic polyimide (PI) and highly conductive graphene was prepared through a facile in situ polymerization method for application in lithium-ion batteries. The in situ polymerization generated intimate contact between PI and electronically conductive graphene, resulting in conductive composites with highly reversible redox reactions and good structure stability. The synergistic effect between PI and graphene enabled not only a high reversible capacity of 232.6 mAh g -1 at a charge–discharge rate of C/10 but also exceptionally high-rate cycling stability, that is, a high capacity of 108.9 mAh g -1 at a very high charge–dischargemore » rate of 50C with a capacity retention of 80 % after 1000 cycles. This improved electrochemical performance resulted from the combination of stable redox reversibility of PI and high electronic conductivity of the graphene additive. In conclusion, the graphene-based composite also exhibited much better performance than composites based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes and the conductive carbon black C45 in terms of specific capacity and long-term cycling stability under the same charge–discharge rates.« less

  17. Characterization of SnO2/Ni/SiO2-MCP anode in three-dimensional lithium-ion battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lou, Xuefeng; Xu, Shaohui; Zhu, Yiping; Wang, Lianwei; Chu, Paul K.

    2013-12-01

    By combining a SnO2 thin film with silicon dioxide microchannel plate (SiO2-MCP), a three-dimensional (3D) structure with enough space to accommodate the volume change of SnO2 during charging-discharging is produced by MEMS and electroless deposition. Owing to the special structure of the MCP, the battery is able to deliver a reversible Li storage capacity of 408 mAhg-1 after 100 cycles. If the current density is reduced to 200 mAg-1 at a constant current during charging and discharging, the battery exhibits reversible capacities of 1575 and 996 mAhg-1 in the first discharging and charging cycle, respectively. However, a reversible Li-storage capacity of only 298 mAhg-1 is obtained after 50 cycles of deep charging at a current of 200 mAg-1. It is found that silicon is involved in the charging-discharging process at a low current.

  18. Amine-impregnated silica monolith with a hierarchical pore structure: enhancement of CO2 capture capacity.

    PubMed

    Chen, Chao; Yang, Seung-Tae; Ahn, Wha-Seung; Ryoo, Ryong

    2009-06-28

    A polyethylenimine-impregnated hierarchical silica monolith exhibited significantly higher CO(2) capturing capacity than other silica-supported amine sorbents, and produced a reversible and durable sorption performance.

  19. 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.

  20. Enhanced electrochemical properties of LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode using the carboxymethyl cellulose lithium (CMC-Li) as novel binder in lithium-ion battery.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Lei; Shao, Ziqiang; Wang, Daxiong; Wang, Wenjun; Wang, Feijun; Wang, Jianquan

    2014-10-13

    Novel water-based binder CMC-Li is synthesized using cotton as raw material. The mechanism of the CMC-Li as a binder is reported. Electrochemical properties of batteries cathodes based on commercially available lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) and CMC-Li as a water-soluble binder are investigated. CMC-Li is a novel lithium-ion binder. Compare with conventional poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) binder, and the battery with CMC-Li as the binder retained 97.8% of initial reversible capacity after 200 cycles at 176 mAh g(-1), which is beyond the theoretical specific capacity of LFP. Constant current charge-discharge test results demonstrate that the LFP electrode using CMC-Li as the binder has the highest rate capability, follow closely by that using PVDF binder. The batteries have good electrochemical property, outstanding pollution-free and excellent stability. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Improved electrochemical property of nanoparticle polyoxovanadate K7NiV13O38 as cathode material for lithium battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ni, Erfu; Uematsu, Shinya; Quan, Zhen; Sonoyama, Noriyuki

    2013-06-01

    Molecular cluster ion compound K7NiV13O38 (KNiV) has been studied as a novel cathode material for lithium ion battery. The nanoparticles are prepared by a simple re-crystallization method adding different volumes of acetone to the water solution containing the dissolved KNiV. The KNiV re-crystallized from water/acetone ratio of 1:5 shows the most uniform particle size distribution and the smallest particles with thickness of 100 nm and width of 150 nm. The nanoparticle KNiV shows significant improvement in initial discharge capacity and capacity retention after 50 cycles compared to the as-prepared micro-sized particles at various current densities. Ex situ XRD patterns demonstrate that the discharge-charge process proceeds with amorphous KNiV, which is independent from the crystal structure. Ex situ FT-IR spectra indicate that [NiV13O38]7- cluster ion is stable and reacts reversibly with lithium ion in the discharge-charge process.

  2. The public health impact of training physicians to become obstetricians and gynecologists in Ghana.

    PubMed

    Anderson, Frank W J; Obed, Samuel A; Boothman, Erika L; Opare-Ado, Henry

    2014-02-01

    We assessed the public health effect of creating and sustaining obstetrics and gynecology postgraduate training in Ghana, established in 1989 to reverse low repatriation of physicians trained abroad. All 85 certified graduates of 2 Ghanaian university-based postgraduate training programs from program initiation in 1989 through June 2010 were identified and eligible for this study. Of these, 7 were unable to be contacted, inaccessible, declined participation, or deceased. Of the graduates, 83 provide clinical services in Ghana and work in 33 sites in 8 of 10 regions; 15% were the first obstetrician and gynecologist at their facility, 25% hold clinical leadership positions, 50% practice in teaching hospitals, and 14% serve as academic faculty. Creating capacity for university-based postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynecology is effective and sustainable for a comprehensive global approach to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Policies to support training and research capacity in obstetrics and gynecology are an integral part of a long-term national plan for maternal health.

  3. Method of generating hydrogen-storing hydride complexes

    DOEpatents

    None, None

    2013-05-14

    A ternary hydrogen storage system having a constant stoichiometric molar ratio of LiNH.sub.2:MgH.sub.2:LiBH.sub.4 of 2:1:1. It was found that the incorporation of MgH.sub.2 particles of approximately 10 nm to 20 nm exhibit a lower initial hydrogen release temperature of 150.degree. C. Furthermore, it is observed that the particle size of LiBNH quaternary hydride has a significant effect on the hydrogen sorption concentration with an optimum size of 28 nm. The as-synthesized hydrides exhibit two main hydrogen release temperatures, one around 160.degree. C. and the other around 300.degree. C., with the main hydrogen release temperature reduced from 310.degree. C. to 270.degree. C., while hydrogen is first reversibly released at temperatures as low as 150.degree. C. with a total hydrogen capacity of 6 wt. % to 8 wt. %. Detailed thermal, capacity, structural and microstructural properties have been demonstrated and correlated with the activation energies of these materials.

  4. Hydrogen-storing hydride complexes

    DOEpatents

    Srinivasan, Sesha S [Tampa, FL; Niemann, Michael U [Venice, FL; Goswami, D Yogi [Tampa, FL; Stefanakos, Elias K [Tampa, FL

    2012-04-10

    A ternary hydrogen storage system having a constant stoichiometric molar ratio of LiNH.sub.2:MgH.sub.2:LiBH.sub.4 of 2:1:1. It was found that the incorporation of MgH.sub.2 particles of approximately 10 nm to 20 nm exhibit a lower initial hydrogen release temperature of 150.degree. C. Furthermore, it is observed that the particle size of LiBNH quaternary hydride has a significant effect on the hydrogen sorption concentration with an optimum size of 28 nm. The as-synthesized hydrides exhibit two main hydrogen release temperatures, one around 160.degree. C. and the other around 300.degree. C., with the main hydrogen release temperature reduced from 310.degree. C. to 270.degree. C., while hydrogen is first reversibly released at temperatures as low as 150.degree. C. with a total hydrogen capacity of 6 wt. % to 8 wt. %. Detailed thermal, capacity, structural and microstructural properties have been demonstrated and correlated with the activation energies of these materials.

  5. Enhanced performance of spherical natural graphite coated by Li4Ti5O12 as anode for lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lu, Mi; Tian, Yanyan; Zheng, Xiaodong; Gao, Jun; Huang, Bing

    2012-12-01

    The natural graphite (NG) is coated with Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) and the composite shows a markedly enhanced rate performance due to the decrease of charge transfer resistance after LTO coating. The specific capacity of the NG charge-discharged at 2 C is increased by 60.3% (128.7 vs. 80.3 mAh g-1) by coating it with 1 wt.% of Li4Ti5O12 (LTO). The comparison of the NG and that coated with 1 wt.% LTO at 0.1 C shows that the initial reversible capacity is increased from 318.1 mAh g-1 to 357.5 mAh g-1 after coating, while the total irreversible capacity loss after 50 cycles is decreased from 122.8 mAh g-1 to 103.9 mAh g-1. The composite improves the energy and power densities, safety, cycle life and lowers the price of the lithium-ion battery while avoiding the gas-swelling of full battery caused by Ti4+ because the final coating material is the lithiated LTO (Li7Ti5O12 or Li9Ti5O12).

  6. Cobalt oxide-carbon nanosheet nanoarchitecture as an anode for high-performance lithium-ion battery.

    PubMed

    Wang, Huanlei; Mao, Nan; Shi, Jing; Wang, Qigang; Yu, Wenhua; Wang, Xin

    2015-02-04

    To improve the electrochemical performance of cobalt oxide owing to its inherent poor electrical conductivity and large volume expansion/contraction, Co3O4-carbon nanosheet hybrid nanoarchitectures were synthesized by a facile and scalable chemical process. However, it is still a challenge to control the size of Co3O4 particles down to ∼5 nm. Herein, we created nanosized cobalt oxide anchored 3D arrays of carbon nanosheets by the control of calcination condition. The uniformly dispersed Co3O4 nanocrystals on carbon nanosheets held a diameter down to ∼5 nm. When tested as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, high lithium storage over 1200 mAh g(-1) is achieved, whereas high rate capability with capacity of about 390 mAh g(-1) at 10 A g(-1) is maintained through nanoscale diffusion distances and interconnected porous structure. After 500 cycles, the cobalt oxide-carbon nansheets hybrid display a reversible capacity of about 970 mAh g(-1) at 1 A g(-1). The synergistic effect between nanosized cobalt oxide and sheetlike interconnected carbon nanosheets lead to the greatly improved specific capacity and the initial Coulombic efficiency of the hybrids.

  7. Selenium and selenium-sulfur cathode materials for high-energy rechargeable magnesium batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao-Karger, Zhirong; Lin, Xiu-Mei; Bonatto Minella, Christian; Wang, Di; Diemant, Thomas; Behm, R. Jürgen; Fichtner, Maximilian

    2016-08-01

    Magnesium (Mg) is an attractive metallic anode material for next-generation batteries owing to its inherent dendrite-free electrodeposition, high capacity and low cost. Here we report a new class of Mg batteries based on both elemental selenium (Se) and selenium-sulfur solid solution (SeS2) cathode materials. Elemental Se confined into a mesoporous carbon was used as a cathode material. Coupling the Se cathode with a metallic Mg anode in a non-nucleophilic electrolyte, the Se cathode delivered a high initial volumetric discharge capacity of 1689 mA h cm-3 and a reversible capacity of 480 mA h cm-3 was retained after 50 cycles at a high current density of 2 C. The mechanistic insights into the electrochemical conversion in Mg-Se batteries were investigated by microscopic and spectroscopic methods. The structural transformation of cyclic Se8 into chainlike Sen upon battery cycling was revealed by ex-situ Raman spectroscopy. In addition, the promising battery performance with a SeS2 cathode envisages the perspective of a series of SeSn cathode materials combining the benefits of both selenium and sulfur for high energy Mg batteries.

  8. Compact-Nanobox Engineering of Transition Metal Oxides with Enhanced Initial Coulombic Efficiency for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Yanfei; Hu, Aiping; Tang, Qunli; Zhang, Shiying; Deng, Weina; Li, Yanhua; Liu, Zheng; Fan, Binbin; Xiao, Kuikui; Liu, Jilei; Chen, Xiaohua

    2018-03-14

    A novel strategy is proposed to construct a compact-nanobox (CNB) structure composed of irregular nanograins (average diameter ≈ 10 nm), aiming to confine the electrode-electrolyte contact area and enhance initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of transition metal oxide (TMO) anodes. To demonstrate the validity of this attempt, CoO-CNB is taken as an example which is synthesized via a carbothermic reduction method. Benefiting from the compact configuration, electrolyte can only contact the outer surface of the nanobox, keeping the inner CoO nanograins untouched. Therefore, the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation is reduced. Furthermore, the internal cavity leaves enough room for volume variation upon lithiation and delithiation, resulting in superior mechanical stability of the CNB structure and less generation of fresh SEI. Consequently, the SEI remains stable and spatially confined without degradation, and hence, the CoO-CNB electrode delivers an enhanced ICE of 82.2%, which is among the highest values reported for TMO-based anodes in lithium-ion batteries. In addition, the CoO-CNB electrode also demonstrates excellent cyclability with a reversible capacity of 811.6 mA h g -1 (90.4% capacity retention after 100 cycles). These findings open up a new way to design high-ICE electrodes and boost the practical application of TMO anodes.

  9. Stabilization of porous glass reverse-osmosis membranes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ballou, E. V.; Leban, M. I.; Wydeven, T.

    1972-01-01

    Application of porous glass in form of capillary tubes for low capacity ion exchange in hyperfiltration experiments is discussed. Efficiency of desalination by process of reverse osmosis is described. Stabilization of porous glass membrane by presence of aluminum chloride is analyzed.

  10. Amorphous Zn₂GeO₄ Nanoparticles as Anodes with High Reversible Capacity and Long Cycling Life for Li-ion Batteries

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

    Yi, Ran; Feng, Jinkui; Lv, Dongping

    2013-07-30

    Amorphous and crystalline Zn₂GeO₄ nanoparticles were prepared and characterized as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. A higher reversible specific capacity of 1250 mAh/g after 500 cycles and excellent rate capability were obtained for amorphous Zn₂GeO₄ nanoparticles, compared to that of crystalline Zn₂GeO₄ nanoparticles. Small particle size, amorphous phase and incorporation of zinc and oxygen contribute synergetically to the improved performance by effectively mitigating the huge volume variations during lithiation and delithiation process.

  11. Survey of Propulsion Systems for High Capacity Personal Rapid Transit

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1975-07-01

    The high-capacity personal rapid transit (HCPRT) system must operate with very short headways. To achieve safe operation at these headways, the propulsion system should meet certain unconventional requirements. They include reversible thrust capabili...

  12. Neophobia is negatively related to reversal learning ability in females of a generalist bird of prey, the Chimango Caracara, Milvago chimango.

    PubMed

    Guido, Jorgelina María; Biondi, Laura Marina; Vasallo, Aldo Ivan; Muzio, Rubén Nestor

    2017-07-01

    In an ever-changing environment, the ability to adapt choices to new conditions is essential for daily living and ultimately, for survival. Behavioural flexibility allows animals to maximise survival and reproduction in novel settings by adjusting their behaviour based on specific information and feedback acquired in their current environments. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that an individual's personality type can limit the extent to which the individual might behave flexibly, by influencing the way an individual pays attention to novelty and how much information it collects and stores, which in turn affects the individual's decision-making and learning process. In this study, the behavioural flexibility of a generalist predator, the Chimango Caracara, Milvago chimango, was analysed using the reversal learning paradigm, focusing on the comparison between age classes, and the relation of learning flexibility with a personality trait, the level of neophobia. Due to the low number of male individuals captured, this study was carried out only with female birds. The results showed that age had no significant effect either on the acquisition of a stimulus-reward association, or on the capacity of reversing this previously learned association. Reversal of the response was a harder task for these birds in comparison with the initial acquisition process. The individual's performances in the learning tasks seemed to be uncorrelated with each other, suggesting that they involve different neural mechanisms. Contrary to the general pattern observed in the majority of previous work on personality and cognition in non-human animals, the level of neophobia did not correlate with the initial associative learning performance in both adults and juveniles, yet it showed a significant negative relationship with reversal learning ability, mainly in the regressive phase of this task, for the two age classes. Our results suggest that the predatory and generalist lifestyle of female individuals of M. chimango along with the selective pressures of the environment of the individuals studied might play a critical role in the degree and direction of the linkage between novelty response and learning flexibility observed in this study.

  13. Interface Promoted Reversible Mg Insertion in Nanostructured Tin-Antimony Alloys

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

    Cheng, Yingwen; Shao, Yuyan; Parent, Lucas R.

    This paper demonstrates intermetallic compounds SnSb are highly active materials for reversibly hosting Mg ions. Compared with monometallic Sn and Sb, SnSb alloy exhibited exceptionally high reversible capacity (420 mAh/g), excellent rate capability and good cyclic stability. Mg insertion into pristine SnSb involves an activation process to complete, which induces particle breakdown and results in phase segregation to Sn-rich and Sb-rich phases. Both experimental analysis and DFT simulation suggest that the Sn-rich phase is particularly active and provides most of the capacity whereas the Sb-rich phase is not as active, and the interface between these two phases play a keymore » role in promoting the formation and stabilization of the cubic Sn phase that is more favorable for fast and reversible Mg insertion. We further show that activated SnSb alloy has good compatibility with simple Mg electrolytes. Overall, this work could provide new approaches for designing materials capable of reversible Mg ion insertion and new opportunities for understanding Mg electrochemistry.« less

  14. Reversible Redox Chemistry of Azo Compounds for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Luo, Chao; Xu, Gui-Liang; Ji, Xiao; Hou, Singyuk; Chen, Long; Wang, Fei; Jiang, Jianjun; Chen, Zonghai; Ren, Yang; Amine, Khalil; Wang, Chunsheng

    2018-03-05

    Sustainable sodium-ion batteries (SSIBs) using renewable organic electrodes are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for the large-scale renewable energy storage. However, the lack of high-performance anode material impedes the development of SSIBs. Herein, we report a new type of organic anode material based on azo group for SSIBs. Azobenzene-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid sodium salt is used as a model to investigate the electrochemical behaviors and reaction mechanism of azo compound. It exhibits a reversible capacity of 170 mAh g -1 at 0.2C. When current density is increased to 20C, the reversible capacities of 98 mAh g -1 can be retained for 2000 cycles, demonstrating excellent cycling stability and high rate capability. The detailed characterizations reveal that azo group acts as an electrochemical active site to reversibly bond with Na + . The reversible redox chemistry between azo compound and Na ions offer opportunities for developing long-cycle-life and high-rate SSIBs. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  15. Combination of exercise training and diet restriction normalizes limited exercise capacity and impaired skeletal muscle function in diet-induced diabetic mice.

    PubMed

    Suga, Tadashi; Kinugawa, Shintaro; Takada, Shingo; Kadoguchi, Tomoyasu; Fukushima, Arata; Homma, Tsuneaki; Masaki, Yoshihiro; Furihata, Takaaki; Takahashi, Masashige; Sobirin, Mochamad A; Ono, Taisuke; Hirabayashi, Kagami; Yokota, Takashi; Tanaka, Shinya; Okita, Koichi; Tsutsui, Hiroyuki

    2014-01-01

    Exercise training (EX) and diet restriction (DR) are essential for effective management of obesity and insulin resistance in diabetes mellitus. However, whether these interventions ameliorate the limited exercise capacity and impaired skeletal muscle function in diabetes patients remains unexplored. Therefore, we investigated the effects of EX and/or DR on exercise capacity and skeletal muscle function in diet-induced diabetic mice. Male C57BL/6J mice that were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks were randomly assigned for an additional 4 weeks to 4 groups: control, EX, DR, and EX+DR. A lean group fed with a normal diet was also studied. Obesity and insulin resistance induced by a HFD were significantly but partially improved by EX or DR and completely reversed by EX+DR. Although exercise capacity decreased significantly with HFD compared with normal diet, it partially improved with EX and DR and completely reversed with EX+DR. In parallel, the impaired mitochondrial function and enhanced oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle caused by the HFD were normalized only by EX+DR. Although obesity and insulin resistance were completely reversed by DR with an insulin-sensitizing drug or a long-term intervention, the exercise capacity and skeletal muscle function could not be normalized. Therefore, improvement in impaired skeletal muscle function, rather than obesity and insulin resistance, may be an important therapeutic target for normalization of the limited exercise capacity in diabetes. In conclusion, a comprehensive lifestyle therapy of exercise and diet normalizes the limited exercise capacity and impaired muscle function in diabetes mellitus.

  16. Treasure Na-ion anode from trash coke by adept electrolyte selection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cabello, Marta; Chyrka, Taras; Klee, Rafael; Aragón, María J.; Bai, Xue; Lavela, Pedro; Vasylchenko, Gennadiy M.; Alcántara, Ricardo; Tirado, José L.; Ortiz, Gregorio F.

    2017-04-01

    Converting 'trash' waste residua to active functional materials 'treasure' with high added value is being regarded as a promising way to achieve the sustainable energy demands. Carbonaceous materials cannot insert sodium except when graphite co-intercalates solvents such as diglyme. Here, we show that petroleum coke and shale coke annealed at different temperatures can also insert sodium by reversible intercalation phenomena in a diglyme-based electrolyte. The structural and morphological studies will reveal significant differences justifying their distinct electrochemical behavior. Galvanostatic tests exhibit a flat plateau at about 0.7 V ascribable to the reversible reaction. At the end of the discharge, a Stage-I ternary intercalation compound is detected. Two diglyme molecules are co-intercalated per alkali ion, as evidenced by 1-D Patterson diagrams, FTIR and TGA analyses. The full sodium-ion cell made with P-2500/NaPF6(diglyme)/Na3V2(PO4)3 delivered an initial reversible capacity of 75 mA h g-1 at C rate and an average potential of 2.7 V. Thus, the full cell provides an energy density of 202 W h kg-1. This sodium-ion system can be considered a promising power source that encourages the potential use of low-cost energy storage systems.

  17. Reversal of hepatocyte senescence after continuous in vivo cell proliferation.

    PubMed

    Wang, Min-Jun; Chen, Fei; Li, Jian-Xiu; Liu, Chang-Cheng; Zhang, Hai-Bin; Xia, Yong; Yu, Bing; You, Pu; Xiang, Dao; Lu, Lian; Yao, Hao; Borjigin, Uyunbilig; Yang, Guang-Shun; Wangensteen, Kirk J; He, Zhi-Ying; Wang, Xin; Hu, Yi-Ping

    2014-07-01

    A better understanding of hepatocyte senescence could be used to treat age-dependent disease processes of the liver. Whether continuously proliferating hepatocytes could avoid or reverse senescence has not yet been fully elucidated. We confirmed that the livers of aged mice accumulated senescent and polyploid hepatocytes, which is associated with accumulation of DNA damage and activation of p53-p21 and p16(ink4a)-pRB pathways. Induction of multiple rounds continuous cell division is hard to apply in any animal model. Taking advantage of serial hepatocyte transplantation assays in the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase-deficient (Fah(-/-)) mouse, we studied the senescence of hepatocytes that had undergone continuous cell proliferation over a long time period, up to 12 rounds of serial transplantations. We demonstrated that the continuously proliferating hepatocytes avoided senescence and always maintained a youthful state. The reactivation of telomerase in hepatocytes after serial transplantation correlated with reversal of senescence. Moreover, senescent hepatocytes harvested from aged mice became rejuvenated upon serial transplantation, with full restoration of proliferative capacity. The same findings were also true for human hepatocytes. After serial transplantation, the high initial proportion of octoploid hepatocytes decreased to match the low level of youthful liver. These findings suggest that the hepatocyte "ploidy conveyer" is regulated differently during aging and regeneration. The findings of reversal of hepatocyte senescence could enable future studies on liver aging and cell therapy. © 2014 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

  18. 76 FR 29744 - Reliable Storage 2, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-23

    ... reversible pump turbine with a total installed generating capacity of 250 megawatts (MW); (6) a transformer... with a total installed generating capacity of 250 MW; (6) a transformer hall; (7) a lower reservoir; (8... installed generating capacity of 250 MW; (6) a transformer hall; (7) a lower reservoir with a storage...

  19. Robust Strategy for Crafting Li5Cr7Ti6O25@CeO2 Composites as High-Performance Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Battery.

    PubMed

    Mei, Jie; Yi, Ting-Feng; Li, Xin-Yuan; Zhu, Yan-Rong; Xie, Ying; Zhang, Chao-Feng

    2017-07-19

    A facile strategy was developed to prepare Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 @CeO 2 composites as a high-performance anode material. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement results show that the CeO 2 coating does not alter the structure of Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 but increases the lattice parameter. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicates that all samples have similar morphologies with a homogeneous particle distribution in the range of 100-500 nm. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) prove that CeO 2 layer successfully formed a coating layer on a surface of Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 particles and supplied a good conductive connection between the Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 particles. The electrochemical characterization reveals that Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 @CeO 2 (3 wt %) electrode shows the highest reversibility of the insertion and deinsertion behavior of Li ion, the smallest electrochemical polarization, the best lithium-ion mobility among all electrodes, and a better electrochemical activity than the pristine one. Therefore, Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 @CeO 2 (3 wt %) electrode indicates the highest delithiation and lithiation capacities at each rate. At 5 C charge-discharge rate, the pristine Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 only delivers an initial delithiation capacity of ∼94.7 mAh g -1 , and the delithiation capacity merely achieves 87.4 mAh g -1 even after 100 cycles. However, Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 @CeO 2 (3 wt %) delivers an initial delithiation capacity of 107.5 mAh·g -1 , and the delithiation capacity also reaches 100.5 mAh g -1 even after 100 cycles. The cerium dioxide modification is a direct and efficient approach to improve the delithiation and lithiation capacities and cycle property of Li 5 Cr 7 Ti 6 O 25 at large current densities.

  20. Reversible Oxygenation of 2,4-Diaminobutanoic Acid-Co(II) Complexes

    PubMed Central

    Li, Hui; Yue, Fan; Wen, Hongmei

    2016-01-01

    This paper introduces the structural characterization and studies on reversible oxygenation behavior of a new oxygen carrier Co(II)-2,4-diaminobutanoic acid (DABA) complex in aqueous solution. The composition of the oxygenated complex was determined by gas volumetric method, molar ratio method, and mass spectrometry, and the formula of the oxygenated complex was determined to be [Co(DABA)2O2]. In aqueous solution, the complex can continuously uptake and release dioxygen and exhibit excellent reversibility of oxygenation and deoxygenation ability. This complex can maintain 50% of its original oxygenation capacity after 30 cycles in 24 h and retain 5% of the original oxygenation capacity after more than 260 cycles after 72 h. When a ligand analogue was linked to histidine (His), the new complex exhibited as excellent reversible oxygenation property as His-Co(II) complex. Insight into the relationship between structural detail and oxygenation properties will provide valuable suggestion for a new family of oxygen carriers. PMID:27648004

  1. Facile synthesis and electrochemical performances of hollow graphene spheres as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yao, Ran-Ran; Zhao, Dong-Lin; Bai, Li-Zhong; Yao, Ning-Na; Xu, Li

    2014-07-01

    The hollow graphene oxide spheres have been successfully fabricated from graphene oxide nanosheets utilizing a water-in-oil emulsion technique, which were prepared from natural flake graphite by oxidation and ultrasonic treatment. The hollow graphene oxide spheres were reduced to hollow graphene spheres at 500°C for 3 h under an atmosphere of Ar(95%)/H2(5%). The first reversible specific capacity of the hollow graphene spheres was as high as 903 mAh g-1 at a current density of 50 mAh g-1. Even at a high current density of 500 mAh g-1, the reversible specific capacity remained at 502 mAh g-1. After 60 cycles, the reversible capacity was still kept at 652 mAh g-1 at the current density of 50 mAh g-1. These results indicate that the prepared hollow graphene spheres possess excellent electrochemical performances for lithium storage. The high rate performance of hollow graphene spheres thanks to the hollow structure, thin and porous shells consisting of graphene sheets.

  2. Controlling Solid–Liquid Conversion Reactions for a Highly Reversible Aqueous Zinc–Iodine Battery

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

    Pan, Huilin; Li, Bin; Mei, Donghai

    Aqueous rechargeable batteries are desirable for many energy storage applications due to their low cost and high safety. However, low capacity and short cycle life are the significant obstacles to their practical applications. Here, we demonstrate a highly reversible aqueous zinc-iodine battery using encapsulated iodine in microporous active carbon fibers (ACFs) as cathode materials through the rational control of solid-liquid conversion reactions. The experiments and density function theory (DFT) calculations were employed to investigate the effects of solvents and properties of carbon hosts, e.g. pore size, surface chemistries, on the adsorption of iodine species. The rational manipulation of the competitionmore » between the adsorption in carbon and solvation in electrolytes for iodine species is responsible for the high reversibility and cycling stability. The zinc-iodine batteries deliver a high capacity of 180 mAh g-1 at 1C and a stable cycle life over 3000 cycles with ~90% capacity retention as well as negligible self-discharge. We believe the principles for stabilizing the zinc-iodine system could provide new insight into conversion systems such as Li-S systems.« less

  3. Hydrogen storage in a combined M.sub.xAlH.sub.6/M'.sub.y(NH.sub.2).sub.z system and methods of making and using the same

    DOEpatents

    Lu, Jun [Salt Lake City, UT; Fang, Zhigang Zak [Salt Lake City, UT; Sohn, Hong Yong [Salt Lake City, UT

    2012-04-03

    As a promising clean fuel for vehicles, hydrogen can be used for propulsion, either directly or in fuel cells. Hydrogen storage compositions having high storage capacity, good dehydrogenation kinetics, and hydrogen release and uptake reactions which are reversible are disclosed and described. Generally a hydrogen storage composition of a metal aluminum hexahydride and a metal amide can be used. A combined system (Li.sub.3AIH.sub.6/3LiNH.sub.2) with a very high inherent hydrogen capacity (7.3 wt %) can be carried out at moderate temperatures, and with approximately 95% of that inherent hydrogen storage capacity (7.0%) is reversible over repeated cycling of release and uptake.

  4. In situ stress measurements during electrochemical cycling of lithium-rich cathodes

    DOE PAGES

    Nation, Leah; Li, Juchuan; James, Christine; ...

    2017-08-29

    Layered lithium transition metal oxides (Li 1+xM 1-xO 2, M= Ni, Mn, Co) are attractive cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to their high reversible capacity but suffer from structural changes and voltage fade. In this study, we use stress as a novel way to track irreversible changes in Li 1.2Mn 0.55Ni 0.125Co 0.125O 2 (LR-NMC) cathodes. A unique and unpredicted stress signature is observed during the first delithiation. Initially, a tensile stress is observed, consistent with volume contraction from lithium removal, however, the stress reverses and becomes compressive with continued charging beyond 4 V vs Li/Li +, indicating volumemore » expansion; this phenomenon is present in the first cycle only. The origin of this irreversible stress during delithiation is likely oxygen loss and the resulting cation rearrangement. Here, Raman spectroscopy provides evidence of the layered-to-spinel phase transition after cycling in the LR-NMC films, as well as recovery of the original spectra upon re-annealing in an oxygen environment.« less

  5. In situ stress measurements during electrochemical cycling of lithium-rich cathodes

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

    Nation, Leah; Li, Juchuan; James, Christine

    Layered lithium transition metal oxides (Li 1+xM 1-xO 2, M= Ni, Mn, Co) are attractive cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to their high reversible capacity but suffer from structural changes and voltage fade. In this study, we use stress as a novel way to track irreversible changes in Li 1.2Mn 0.55Ni 0.125Co 0.125O 2 (LR-NMC) cathodes. A unique and unpredicted stress signature is observed during the first delithiation. Initially, a tensile stress is observed, consistent with volume contraction from lithium removal, however, the stress reverses and becomes compressive with continued charging beyond 4 V vs Li/Li +, indicating volumemore » expansion; this phenomenon is present in the first cycle only. The origin of this irreversible stress during delithiation is likely oxygen loss and the resulting cation rearrangement. Here, Raman spectroscopy provides evidence of the layered-to-spinel phase transition after cycling in the LR-NMC films, as well as recovery of the original spectra upon re-annealing in an oxygen environment.« less

  6. In situ stress measurements during electrochemical cycling of lithium-rich cathodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nation, Leah; Li, Juchuan; James, Christine; Qi, Yue; Dudney, Nancy; Sheldon, Brian W.

    2017-10-01

    Layered lithium transition metal oxides (Li1+xM1-xO2, M = Ni, Mn, Co) are attractive cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to their high reversible capacity. However, they suffer from structural changes that lead to substantial voltage fade. In this study, we use stress as a novel way to track irreversible changes in Li1.2Mn0.55Ni0.125Co0.125O2 (LR-NMC) cathodes. A unique and unpredicted stress signature is observed during the first delithiation. Initially, a tensile stress is observed, consistent with volume contraction from lithium removal, however, the stress reverses and becomes compressive with continued charging beyond 4 V vs Li/Li+, indicating volume expansion; this phenomenon is present in the first cycle only. This irreversible stress during delithiation is likely to be at least partially due to oxygen loss and the resulting cation rearrangement. Raman spectroscopy provides evidence of the layered-to-spinel phase transition after cycling in the LR-NMC films, as well as recovery of the original spectra upon re-annealing in an oxygen environment.

  7. Electrochemically-induced reversible transition from the tunneled to layered polymorphs of manganese dioxide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Boeun; Yoon, Chong Seung; Lee, Hae Ri; Chung, Kyung Yoon; Cho, Byung Won; Oh, Si Hyoung

    2014-08-01

    Zn-ion batteries are emerging energy storage systems eligible for large-scale applications, such as electric vehicles. These batteries consist of totally environmentally-benign electrode materials and potentially manufactured very economically. Although Zn/α-MnO2 systems produce high energy densities of 225 Wh kg-1, larger than those of conventional Mg-ion batteries, they show significant capacity fading during long-term cycling and suffer from poor performance at high current rates. To solve these problems, the concrete reaction mechanism between α-MnO2 and zinc ions that occur on the cathode must be elucidated. Here, we report the intercalation mechanism of zinc ions into α-MnO2 during discharge, which involves a reversible phase transition of MnO2 from tunneled to layered polymorphs by electrochemical reactions. This transition is initiated by the dissolution of manganese from α-MnO2 during discharge process to form layered Zn-birnessite. The original tunneled structure is recovered by the incorporation of manganese ions back into the layers of Zn-birnessite during charge process.

  8. DMS-MaPseq for genome-wide or targeted RNA structure probing in vivo

    PubMed Central

    Zubradt, Meghan; Gupta, Paromita; Persad, Sitara; Lambowitz, Alan M.; Weissman, Jonathan S.; Rouskin, Silvi

    2017-01-01

    Coupling structure-specific in vivo chemical modification to next-generation sequencing is transforming RNA secondary structural studies in living cells. The dominant strategy for detecting in vivo chemical modifications uses reverse transcriptase truncation products, which introduces biases and necessitates population-average assessments of RNA structure. Here we present dimethyl sulfate mutational profiling with sequencing (DMS-MaPseq), which encodes DMS modifications as mismatches using a thermostable group II intron reverse transcriptase (TGIRT). DMS-MaPseq yields a high signal-to-noise ratio, can report multiple structural features per molecule, and allows both genome-wide studies and focused in vivo investigations of even low abundance RNAs. We apply DMS-MaPseq for the first analysis of RNA structure within an animal tissue and to identify a functional structure involved in non-canonical translation initiation. Additionally, we use DMS-MaPseq to compare the in vivo structure of pre-mRNAs to their mature isoforms. These applications illustrate DMS-MaPseq’s capacity to dramatically expand in vivo analysis of RNA structure. PMID:27819661

  9. Disulfide-Bridged (Mo3S11) Cluster Polymer: Molecular Dynamics and Application as Electrode Material for a Rechargeable Magnesium Battery.

    PubMed

    Truong, Quang Duc; Kempaiah Devaraju, Murukanahally; Nguyen, Duc N; Gambe, Yoshiyuki; Nayuki, Keiichiro; Sasaki, Yoshikazu; Tran, Phong D; Honma, Itaru

    2016-09-14

    Exploring novel electrode materials is critical for the development of a next-generation rechargeable magnesium battery with high volumetric capacity. Here, we showed that a distinct amorphous molybdenum sulfide, being a coordination polymer of disulfide-bridged (Mo3S11) clusters, has great potential as a rechargeable magnesium battery cathode. This material provided good reversible capacity, attributed to its unique structure with high flexibility and capability of deformation upon Mg insertion. Free-terminal disulfide moiety may act as the active site for reversible insertion and extraction of magnesium.

  10. Fabrication and characterization of three-dimensional carbon electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Teixidor, Genis Turon; Zaouk, Rabih B.; Park, Benjamin Y.; Madou, Marc J.

    This paper presents fabrication and testing results of three-dimensional carbon anodes for lithium-ion batteries, which are fabricated through the pyrolysis of lithographically patterned epoxy resins. This technique, known as Carbon-MEMS, provides great flexibility and an unprecedented dimensional control in shaping carbon microstructures. Variations in the pattern density and in the pyrolysis conditions result in anodes with different specific and gravimetric capacities, with a three to six times increase in specific capacity with respect to the current thin-film battery technology. Newly designed cross-shaped Carbon-MEMS arrays have a much higher mechanical robustness (as given by their moment of inertia) than the traditionally used cylindrical posts, but the gravimetric analysis suggests that new designs with thinner features are required for better carbon utilization. Pyrolysis at higher temperatures and slower ramping up schedules reduces the irreversible capacity of the carbon electrodes. We also analyze the addition of Meso-Carbon Micro-Beads (MCMB) particles on the reversible and irreversible capacities of new three-dimensional, hybrid electrodes. This combination results in a slight increase in reversible capacity and a big increase in the irreversible capacity of the carbon electrodes, mostly due to the non-complete attachment of the MCMB particles.

  11. Sn-Based Nanocomposite for Li-Ion Battery Anode with High Energy Density, Rate Capability, and Reversibility.

    PubMed

    Park, Min-Gu; Lee, Dong-Hun; Jung, Heechul; Choi, Jeong-Hee; Park, Cheol-Min

    2018-03-27

    To design an easily manufactured, large energy density, highly reversible, and fast rate-capable Li-ion battery (LIB) anode, Co-Sn intermetallics (CoSn 2 , CoSn, and Co 3 Sn 2 ) were synthesized, and their potential as anode materials for LIBs was investigated. Based on their electrochemical performances, CoSn 2 was selected, and its C-modified nanocomposite (CoSn 2 /C) as well as Ti- and C-modified nanocomposite (CoSn 2 / a-TiC/C) was straightforwardly prepared. Interestingly, the CoSn 2 , CoSn 2 /C, and CoSn 2 / a-TiC/C showed conversion/nonrecombination, conversion/partial recombination, and conversion/full recombination during Li insertion/extraction, respectively, which were thoroughly investigated using ex situ X-ray diffraction and extended X-ray absorption fine structure analyses. As a result of the interesting conversion/full recombination mechanism, the easily manufactured CoSn 2 / a-TiC/C nanocomposite for the Sn-based Li-ion battery anode showed large energy density (first reversible capacity of 1399 mAh cm -3 ), high reversibility (first Coulombic efficiency of 83.2%), long cycling behavior (100% capacity retention after 180 cycles), and fast rate capability (appoximately 1110 mAh cm -3 at 3 C rate). In addition, degradation/enhancement mechanisms for high-capacity and high-performance Li-alloy-based anode materials for next-generation LIBs were also suggested.

  12. Suppressing the chromium disproportionation reaction in O3-type layered cathode materials for high capacity sodium-ion batteries

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

    Cao, Ming -Hui; Wang, Yong; Shadike, Zulipiya

    Chromium-based layered cathode materials suffer from the irreversible disproportionation reaction of Cr 4+ to Cr 3+ and Cr 6+, which hinders the reversible multi-electron redox of Cr ions in layered cathodes, and limits their capacity and reversibility. To address this problem, a novel O3-type layer-structured transition metal oxide of NaCr 1/3Fe 1/3Mn 1/3O 2 (NCFM) was designed and studied as a cathode material. A high reversible capacity of 186 mA h g –1 was achieved at a current rate of 0.05C in a voltage range of 1.5 to 4.2 V. X-ray diffraction revealed an O3 → (O3 + P3) →more » (P3 + O3'') → O3'' phase-transition pathway for NCFM during charge. X-ray absorption, X-ray photoelectron and electron energy-loss spectroscopy measurements revealed the electronic structure changes of NCFM during Na + deintercalation/intercalation processes. It is confirmed that the disproportionation reaction of Cr 4+ to Cr 3+ and Cr 6+ can be effectively suppressed by Fe 3+ and Mn 4+ substitution. Lastly, these results demonstrated that the reversible multi-electron oxidation/reduction of Cr ions can be achieved in NCFM during charge and discharge accompanied by CrO 6 octahedral distortion and recovery.« less

  13. Suppressing the chromium disproportionation reaction in O3-type layered cathode materials for high capacity sodium-ion batteries

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

    Cao, Ming-Hui; Wang, Yong; Shadike, Zulipiya

    Chromium-based layered cathode materials suffer from the irreversible disproportionation reaction of Cr4+ to Cr3+ and Cr6+, which hinders the reversible multi-electron redox of Cr ions in layered cathodes, and limits their capacity and reversibility. To address this problem, a novel O3-type layer-structured transition metal oxide of NaCr1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 (NCFM) was designed and studied as a cathode material. A high reversible capacity of 186 mA h g-1 was achieved at a current rate of 0.05C in a voltage range of 1.5 to 4.2 V. X-ray diffraction revealed an O3 → (O3 + P3) → (P3 + O3'') → O3'' phase-transition pathway formore » NCFM during charge. X-ray absorption, X-ray photoelectron and electron energy-loss spectroscopy measurements revealed the electronic structure changes of NCFM during Na+ deintercalation/intercalation processes. It is confirmed that the disproportionation reaction of Cr4+ to Cr3+ and Cr6+ can be effectively suppressed by Fe3+ and Mn4+ substitution. These results demonstrated that the reversible multi-electron oxidation/reduction of Cr ions can be achieved in NCFM during charge and discharge accompanied by CrO6 octahedral distortion and recovery.« less

  14. Suppressing the chromium disproportionation reaction in O3-type layered cathode materials for high capacity sodium-ion batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Cao, Ming -Hui; Wang, Yong; Shadike, Zulipiya; ...

    2017-02-14

    Chromium-based layered cathode materials suffer from the irreversible disproportionation reaction of Cr 4+ to Cr 3+ and Cr 6+, which hinders the reversible multi-electron redox of Cr ions in layered cathodes, and limits their capacity and reversibility. To address this problem, a novel O3-type layer-structured transition metal oxide of NaCr 1/3Fe 1/3Mn 1/3O 2 (NCFM) was designed and studied as a cathode material. A high reversible capacity of 186 mA h g –1 was achieved at a current rate of 0.05C in a voltage range of 1.5 to 4.2 V. X-ray diffraction revealed an O3 → (O3 + P3) →more » (P3 + O3'') → O3'' phase-transition pathway for NCFM during charge. X-ray absorption, X-ray photoelectron and electron energy-loss spectroscopy measurements revealed the electronic structure changes of NCFM during Na + deintercalation/intercalation processes. It is confirmed that the disproportionation reaction of Cr 4+ to Cr 3+ and Cr 6+ can be effectively suppressed by Fe 3+ and Mn 4+ substitution. Lastly, these results demonstrated that the reversible multi-electron oxidation/reduction of Cr ions can be achieved in NCFM during charge and discharge accompanied by CrO 6 octahedral distortion and recovery.« less

  15. Contribution of α-smooth muscle actin and extracellular matrix to the in vitro reorganization of cardiomyocyte contractile system.

    PubMed

    Bildyug, Natalya; Bozhokina, Ekaterina; Khaitlina, Sofia

    2016-04-01

    Cardiomyocytes in culture undergo reversible rearrangement of their contractile apparatus with the conversion of typical myofibrils into the structures of non-muscle type and the loss of contractility. Along with these transformations, the cardiomyocytes gain the capacity to synthesize extracellular matrix. Here we show that during cultivation of rat neonatal cardiomyocytes, the inherent α-cardiac actin isoform is transiently replaced by α-smooth-muscle actin, whose expression is accompanied by transformation of myofibrils into stress-fiber-like structures. The following down-regulation of α-smooth muscle actin parallels restoration of myofibrillar system and correlates with the accumulation of extracellular collagen and laminin, initially missing from the cardiomyocytes culture. © 2016 International Federation for Cell Biology.

  16. Capacity Initiatives, Volume 2

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1992-07-01

    This is the second in a series of pamphlets detailing capacity initiatives that : offer solutions for improving the Nation's aviation system capacity. Based on : the application and refinement of new systems and procedures, these initiatives : promis...

  17. Influence of different peg length in glenoid bone loss: A biomechanical analysis regarding primary stability of the glenoid baseplate in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Königshausen, M; Jettkant, B; Sverdlova, N; Ehlert, C; Gessmann, J; Schildhauer, T A; Seybold, D

    2015-01-01

    There is no biomechanical basis to determine the influence of different length of the central peg of the baseplate anchored within the native scapula in glenoid defect reconstruction in cases of degenerative or posttraumatic glenoid bone loss in reversed shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to analyse the stability of different peg lengths used in glenoid bone loss in reversed shoulder arthroplasty. Different lengths of metaglene pegs with different depths of peg anchorage performed with or without metaglene screws in sawbone foam blocks were loaded in vertical and horizontal directions for differentiating load capacities. Simulated physiological loadings were then applied to the peg implants to determine the limits of loading in each depth of anchorage. The loading capacity of the implant was reduced as less of the peg was anchored. The vertically loaded implants showed a significantly higher stability, in contrast to those loaded horizontally at a corresponding peg length and depth of anchorage (p < 0.05). The tests revealed that the metaglene screws are more essential for primary stability than is the peg particularly in the vertically directed loadings (2/3 anchored: peg contributed to 28% of the stability, 1/3 anchorage: peg contributed to 12%). Under the second test conditions, the lowest depth of peg anchorage (1/3) resulted in 322 Newtons [N] in the long peg with a vertical loading direction, and in 130 N in the long peg with a horizontal loading direction (p < 0.05). The pegs should be anchored as deeply as possible into the native scapula bone stock. The metaglene screws play a major role in the initial stability, in contrast to the peg, and they become more important when the depth of the peg anchorage is reduced. If possible, four metaglene screws should be used in cases of uncontained bone loss to guarantee the highest stability.

  18. TOKAMAK-15 modernization and an analysis of cryogenic system operation for the period from 1988 to 1994

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

    Duzhev, V.E.; Zhulkin, V.F.; Ugrovatov, A.E.

    1996-12-31

    The T-15 cryogenics system has been designed for cooling down, cryostatting, warming up of superconducting, cryoresistive and cryogenics T-15 objects. Maintenance of the cryogenics system has been on going since 1988. For the mentioned period, in the cryogenics T-15 system. The capacity of screw compressor was increased from 0.181 kg/s to 0.236 kg/s (third stage compressors with increased capacity were developed and manufactured), their reliability was also enhanced. The capacity of liquefiers was increased from 0.0833 - 0.0972 L/s (300-350 L/h) to 0.222 L/s (800 L/h) due to replacement of turboexpanders by more effective ones and due to introduction ofmore » an end-stage turboexpander into maintenance. The heat influxes to the cryogenics pipelines were reduced by 50%. For the same period some technological regimes of cryogenics system have been developed to produce the maximal output of cold. The cooling down from 110 K to 15 K is done, when one or two liquefiers are in operation under refrigerating conditions with the reverse flow splitting. The further cooling is performed under joint operation of two liquefiers; one of them operates in the liquefying mode, another, in the refrigerating one with excess reverse flow. A change in the operating conditions was necessary because of the impossibility of regulating the distribution of the reverse helium flow between two liquefiers at the temperature below 15K. The main regime at the level of 4.5 K is a two-loop operating diagram, when one liquefier and a passive refrigerator with excessive reverse flow are in operation, the refrigerating capacity is about 3 kW.« less

  19. Flexible Overoxidized Polypyrrole Films with Orderly Structure as High-Performance Anodes for Li- and Na-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Yuan, Tao; Ruan, Jiafeng; Zhang, Weimin; Tan, Zhuopeng; Yang, Junhe; Ma, Zi-Feng; Zheng, Shiyou

    2016-12-28

    Flexible polypyrrole (PPy) films with highly ordered structures were fabricated by a novel vapor phase polymerization (VPP) process and used as the anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The PPy films demonstrate excellent rate performance and cycling stability. At a charge/discharge rate of 1 C, the reversible capacities of the PPy film anode reach 284.9 and 177.4 mAh g -1 in LIBs and SIBs, respectively. Even at a charge/discharge rate of 20 C, the reversible capacity of the PPy film anode retains 54.0% and 52.9% of the capacity of 1 C in LIBs and SIBs, respectively. After 1000 electrochemical cycles at a rate of 10 C, there is no obvious capacity fading. The molecular structure and electrochemical behaviors of Li- and Na-ion doping and dedoping in the PPy films are investigated by XPS and ex situ XRD. It is believed that the PPy film electrodes in the overoxidized state can be reversibly charged and discharged through the doping and dedoping of lithium or sodium ions. Because of the self-adaptation of the doped ions, the ordered pyrrolic chain structure can realize a fast charge/discharge process. This result may substantially contribute to the progress of research into flexible polymer electrodes in various types of batteries.

  20. Multifunctional Sandwich‐Structured Electrolyte for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

    PubMed Central

    Qu, Hongtao; Zhang, Jianjun; Du, Aobing; Chen, Bingbing; Chai, Jingchao; Xue, Nan; Wang, Longlong; Qiao, Lixin; Wang, Chen; Zang, Xiao; Yang, Jinfeng; Wang, Xiaogang

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Due to its high theoretical energy density (2600 Wh kg−1), low cost, and environmental benignity, the lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) battery is attracting strong interest among the various electrochemical energy storage systems. However, its practical application is seriously hampered by the so‐called shuttle effect of the highly soluble polysulfides. Herein, a novel design of multifunctional sandwich‐structured polymer electrolyte (polymer/cellulose nonwoven/nanocarbon) for high‐performance Li‐S batteries is demonstrated. It is verified that Li‐S battery with this sandwich‐structured polymer electrolyte delivers excellent cycling stability (only 0.039% capacity decay cycle−1 on average exceeding 1500 cycles at 0.5 C) and rate capability (with a reversible capacity of 594 mA h g−1 at 4 C). These electrochemical performances are attributed to the synergistic effect of each layer in this unique sandwich‐structured polymer electrolyte including steady lithium stripping/plating, strong polysulfide absorption ability, and increased redox reaction sites. More importantly, even with high sulfur loading of 4.9 mg cm−2, Li‐S battery with this sandwich‐structured polymer electrolyte can deliver high initial areal capacity of 5.1 mA h cm−2. This demonstrated strategy here may open up a new era of designing hierarchical structured polymer electrolytes for high‐performance Li‐S batteries. PMID:29593953

  1. Polysulfide-Scission Reagents for the Suppression of the Shuttle Effect in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

    PubMed

    Hua, Wuxing; Yang, Zhi; Nie, Huagui; Li, Zhongyu; Yang, Jizhang; Guo, Zeqing; Ruan, Chunping; Chen, Xi'an; Huang, Shaoming

    2017-02-28

    Lithium-sulfur batteries have become an appealing candidate for next-generation energy-storage technologies because of their low cost and high energy density. However, one of their major practical problems is the high solubility of long-chain lithium polysulfides and their infamous shuttle effect, which causes low Coulombic efficiency and sulfur loss. Here, we introduced a concept involving the dithiothreitol (DTT) assisted scission of polysulfides into lithium-sulfur system. Our designed porous carbon nanotube/S cathode coupling with a lightweight graphene/DTT interlayer (PCNTs-S@Gra/DTT) exhibited ultrahigh cycle-ability even at 5 C over 1100 cycles, with a capacity degradation rate of 0.036% per cycle. Additionally, the PCNTs-S@Gra/DTT electrode with a 3.51 mg cm -2 sulfur mass loading delivered a high initial areal capacity of 5.29 mAh cm -2 (1509 mAh g -1 ) at current density of 0.58 mA cm -2 , and the reversible areal capacity of the cell was maintained at 3.45 mAh cm -2 (984 mAh g -1 ) over 200 cycles at a higher current density of 1.17 mA cm -2 . Employing this molecule scission principle offers a promising avenue to achieve high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries.

  2. A high-performance ternary Si composite anode material with crystal graphite core and amorphous carbon shell

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sui, Dong; Xie, Yuqing; Zhao, Weimin; Zhang, Hongtao; Zhou, Ying; Qin, Xiting; Ma, Yanfeng; Yang, Yong; Chen, Yongsheng

    2018-04-01

    Si is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries, but suffers from sophisticated engineering structures and complex fabrication processes that pose challenges for commercial application. Herein, a ternary Si/graphite/pyrolytic carbon (SiGC) anode material with a structure of crystal core and amorphous shell using low-cost raw materials is developed. In this ternary SiGC composite, Si component exists as nanoparticles and is spread on the surface of the core graphite flakes while the sucrose-derived pyrolytic carbon further covers the graphite/Si components as the amorphous shell. With this structure, Si together with the graphite contributes to the high specific capacity of this Si ternary material. Also the graphite serves as the supporting and conducting matrix and the amorphous shell carbon could accommodate the volume change effect of Si, reinforces the integrity of the composite architecture, and prevents the graphite and Si from direct exposing to the electrolyte. The optimized ternary SiGC composite displays high reversible specific capacity of 818 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1, initial Coulombic efficiency (CE) over 80%, and excellent cycling stability at 0.5 A g-1 with 83.6% capacity retention (∼610 mAh g-1) after 300 cycles.

  3. Arsenic remediation from drinking water by synthesized nano-alumina dispersed in chitosan-grafted polyacrylamide.

    PubMed

    Saha, Suparna; Sarkar, Priyabrata

    2012-08-15

    An arsenic adsorbent comprising alumina nanoparticles dispersed in polymer matrix was developed and its removal potential studied. Alumina nanoparticles were prepared by reverse microemulsion technique and these were immobilized on chitosan grafted polyacrylamide matrix by in situ dispersion. The loading capacity of this new synthesized adsorbent was found to be high (6.56 mg/g). Batch adsorption studies were performed as a function of contact time, initial arsenic concentration, pH and presence of competing anions. The removal was found to be pH dependent, and maximum removal was obtained at pH 7.2 while the equilibrium time was 6h. The equilibrium adsorption data fitted very well with Freundlich isotherm. However, the D-R isotherm studies indicated that chemisorptions might play an important role. This was also confirmed by the FTIR study of the arsenic loaded adsorbent. A mechanism of arsenic sorption by the new polymeric adsorbent has been proposed. The regeneration study of the adsorbent resulted in retention of 94% capacity in the fifth cycle. An optimum pH of 7.2, operation at normal temperature, high adsorption capacity and good recycle potential of this new adsorbent would make it an ideal material for removal of arsenic from drinking water. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Evidence for participation of the methionine sulfoxide reductase repair system in plant seed longevity

    PubMed Central

    Châtelain, Emilie; Satour, Pascale; Laugier, Edith; Ly Vu, Benoit; Payet, Nicole; Rey, Pascal; Montrichard, Françoise

    2013-01-01

    Seeds are in a natural oxidative context leading to protein oxidation. Although inevitable for proper progression from maturation to germination, protein oxidation at high levels is detrimental and associated with seed aging. Oxidation of methionine to methionine sulfoxide is a common form of damage observed during aging in all organisms. This damage is reversible through the action of methionine sulfoxide reductases (MSRs), which play key roles in lifespan control in yeast and animal cells. To investigate the relationship between MSR capacity and longevity in plant seeds, we first used two Medicago truncatula genotypes with contrasting seed quality. After characterizing the MSR family in this species, we analyzed gene expression and enzymatic activity in immature and mature seeds exhibiting distinct quality levels. We found a very strong correlation between the initial MSR capacities in different lots of mature seeds of the two genotypes and the time to a drop in viability to 50% after controlled deterioration. We then analyzed seed longevity in Arabidopsis thaliana lines, in which MSR gene expression has been genetically altered, and observed a positive correlation between MSR capacity and longevity in these seeds as well. Based on our data, we propose that the MSR repair system plays a decisive role in the establishment and preservation of longevity in plant seeds. PMID:23401556

  5. 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.

  6. Cardiorespiratory responses in an Antarctic fish suggest limited capacity for thermal acclimation.

    PubMed

    Egginton, Stuart; Campbell, Hamish A

    2016-05-01

    Polar fishes are at high risk from increasing seawater temperatures. Characterising the physiological responses to such changes may both clarify mechanisms that permit life under extreme conditions and identify limitations in the response to continued global warming. We hypothesised that Notothenia coriiceps would show physiological compensation after an acute exposure to 5°C, and following 6 weeks warm acclimation, compared with ambient temperature (0°C). However, initial tachycardia (22.4±2.8 versus 12.8±1.1 min(-1); P<0.01) was not reversed by acclimation (21.0±1.9 min(-1)). Hyperventilation (45.5±3.1 versus 21.4±2.4 breaths min(-1); P<0.001) showed a modest reduction following acclimation (38.0±2.9 min(-1); P<0.05), while resting oxygen consumption (0.52±0.08 mmol kg(-1) h(-1)) was acutely increased at 5°C (1.07±0.10 mmol kg(-1) h(-1); P<0.001) but unchanged with acclimation. Autonomic blockade showed initial responses were mainly of vagal origin, with little subsequent withdrawal or recovery in long-term heart rate variability after 6 weeks. Given the limited cardiorespiratory capacity to withstand sustained warming, effective physiological compensation probably requires a more prolonged acclimation period. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  7. Process of Infection with Bacteriophage φX174

    PubMed Central

    Dalgarno, L.; Sinsheimer, Robert L.

    1968-01-01

    A group of temperature-sensitive mutants of φX174 has been isolated which can go through a single, normal one-step growth cycle at 40 C but fail to form plaques at this temperature. Such mutants fail to initiate a second cycle at 40 C; however they can gain the capacity to infect at 40 C, upon incubation for 10 min in broth at 30 C. In regaining the ability to infect, the phage appear to undergo a temperature-dependent conformational alteration. The inverse process, a reversible loss of ability to infect at 40 C, is observed when such phage produced at 30 C are incubated for 2 hr at 40 C. The defect in initiation of a second cycle of infection appears to be in the injection of viral deoxyribonucleic acid. A two-step complementation test has been used to identify the cistron coding for the affected function. Such mutants are also unusually sensitive to an irreversible thermal inactivation when incubated at 40 C. PMID:4883013

  8. Using 'reverse triage' to create hospital surge capacity: Royal Darwin Hospital's response to the Ashmore Reef disaster.

    PubMed

    Satterthwaite, Peter S; Atkinson, Carol J

    2012-02-01

    This report analyses the impact of reverse triage, as described by Kelen, to rapidly assess the need for continuing inpatient care and to expedite patient discharge to create surge capacity for disaster victims. The Royal Darwin Hospital was asked to take up to 30 casualties suffering from blast injuries from a boat carrying asylum seekers that had exploded 840 km west of Darwin. The hospital was full, with a backlog of cases awaiting admission in the emergency department. The Disaster Response Team convened at 10:00 to develop the surge capacity to admit up to 30 casualties. By 14:00, 56 beds (16% of capacity) were predicted to be available by 18:00. The special circumstances of a disaster enabled staff to suspend their usual activities and place a priority on triaging inpatients' suitability for discharge. The External Disaster Plan was activated and response protocols were followed. Normal elective activity was suspended. Multidisciplinary teams immediately assessed patients and completed the necessary clinical and administrative requirements to discharge them quickly. As per the Plan there was increased use of community care options: respite nursing home beds and community nursing services. Through a combination of cancellation of all planned admissions, discharging 19 patients at least 1 day earlier than planned and discharging all patients earlier in the day surge capacity was made available in Royal Darwin Hospital to accommodate blast victims. Notably, reverse triage resulted in no increase in clinical risk with only one patient who was discharged early returning for further treatment.

  9. Polyethylene-glycol-doped polypyrrole increases the rate performance of the cathode in lithium-sulfur batteries.

    PubMed

    Wu, Feng; Chen, Junzheng; Li, Li; Zhao, Teng; Liu, Zhen; Chen, Renjie

    2013-08-01

    Polypyrrole-polyethylene glycol (PPy/PEG)-modified sulfur/aligned carbon nanotubes (PPy/PEG-S/A-CNTs) were synthesized by using an in situ polymerization method. The ratio of PPy to PEG equaled 31.7:1 after polymerization, and the PEG served as a cation dopant in the polymerization and electrochemical reactions. Elemental analysis, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, and electrochemical methods were performed to measure the physicochemical properties of the composite. Elemental analysis demonstrated that the sulfur, PPy, PEG, A-CNT, and chloride content in the synthesized material was 64.6%, 22.1%, 0.7%, 12.1%, and 0.5%, respectively. The thickness of the polymer shell was about 15-25 nm, and FTIR confirmed the successful PPy/PEG synthesis. The cathode exhibited a high initial specific capacity of 1355 mAh g(-1) , and a sulfur usage of 81.1%. The reversible capacity of 924 mAh g(-1) was obtained after 100 cycles, showing a remarkably improved cyclability compared to equivalent systems without PEG doping and without any coatings. PPy/PEG provided an effective electronically conductive network and a stable interface structure for the cathode. Rate performance of the PPy/PEG- S/A-CNT composite was more than double that of the unmodified S/A-CNTs. Remarkably, the battery could work at a very high current density of 8 A g(-1) and reached an initial capacity of 542 mAh g(-1) ; it also retained a capacity of 480 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles. The addition of PEG as a dopant in the PPy shell contributed to this prominent rate improvement. Lithium ions and electrons were available everywhere on the surfaces of the particles, and thus could greatly improve the electrochemical reaction; PEG is a well-known solvent for lithium salts and a very good lithium-ion catcher. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. Tracking the Chemical and Structural Evolution of the TiS2 Electrode in the Lithium-Ion Cell Using Operando X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Liang; Sun, Dan; Kang, Jun; Wang, Hsiao-Tsu; Hsieh, Shang-Hsien; Pong, Way-Faung; Bechtel, Hans A; Feng, Jun; Wang, Lin-Wang; Cairns, Elton J; Guo, Jinghua

    2018-06-06

    As the lightest and cheapest transition metal dichalcogenide, TiS 2 possesses great potential as an electrode material for lithium batteries due to the advantages of high energy density storage capability, fast ion diffusion rate, and low volume expansion. Despite the extensive investigation of its electrochemical properties, the fundamental discharge-charge reaction mechanism of the TiS 2 electrode is still elusive. Here, by a combination of ex situ and operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy with density functional theory calculations, we have clearly elucidated the evolution of the structural and chemical properties of TiS 2 during the discharge-charge processes. The lithium intercalation reaction is highly reversible and both Ti and sulfur are involved in the redox reaction during the discharge and charge processes. In contrast, the conversion reaction of TiS 2 is partially reversible in the first cycle. However, Ti-O related compounds are developed during electrochemical cycling over extended cycles, which results in the decrease of the conversion reaction reversibility and the rapid capacity fading. In addition, the solid electrolyte interphase formed on the electrode surface is found to be highly dynamic in the initial cycles and then gradually becomes more stable upon further cycling. Such understanding is important for the future design and optimization of TiS 2 based electrodes for lithium batteries.

  11. Applications of micellar enzymology to clean coal technology

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

    Walsh, C.T.

    1990-10-26

    This project is designed to develop methods for pre-combustion coal remediation by implementing recent advances in enzyme biochemistry. The novel approach of this study is incorporation of hydrophilic oxidative enzymes in reverse micelles in an organic solvent. Enzymes from commercial sources or microbial extracts are being investigated for their capacity to remove organic sulfur from coal by oxidation of the sulfur groups, splitting of C-S bonds and loss of sulfur as sulfuric acid Dibenzothiophene (DBT) and ethlyphenylsulfide (EPS) are serving as models of organic sulfur-containing components of coal in initial studies. A goal of this project is to define amore » reverse micelle system that optimizes the catalytic activity of enzymes toward desulfurization of model compounds and ultimately coal samples. Among the variables which will be examined are the surfactant, the solvent, the water:surfactant ration and the pH and ionic strength of the aqueous phase. Studies were carried out with HRP, Type I RZ=1.2 and Type VI RZ=3.2 and laccase from Polyporus versicolor. Substrates for HRP assays included hydrogen peroxide, DBT, DBT sulfoxide, and DBT sulfone. Buffers included sodium phosphate. For formation of reverse micelle solutions the surfactant AOT, di(2-ethyl-hexyl)sodium sulphosuccinate, was obtained from Sigma Chemical Co. Isooctant was used as organic solvent. 12 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.« less

  12. Reversal of nicotine-induced alveolar lipofibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation by stimulants of parathyroid hormone-related protein signaling.

    PubMed

    Rehan, Virender K; Sakurai, Reiko; Wang, Ying; Santos, Jamie; Huynh, Kyle; Torday, John S

    2007-01-01

    Nicotine exposure disrupts the parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP)-driven alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal paracrine-signaling pathway, resulting in the transdifferentiation of pulmonary lipofibroblasts (LIFs) to myofibroblasts (MYFs), which seems to be central to altered pulmonary development and function in infants born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy. Modulation of PTHrP-driven signaling can almost completely prevent nicotine-induced LIF-to-MYF transdifferentiation. However, once this process has occurred, whether it can be reversed is not known. Our objective was to determine if nicotine-induced LIF-to-MYF transdifferentiation could be reversed by specifically targeting the PTHrP-mediated alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal paracrine signaling. WI38 cells, a human embryonic pulmonary fibroblast cell line, were initially treated with nicotine for 7 days and LIF-to-MYF transdifferentiation was confirmed by determining the downregulation of the key lipogenic marker, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and upregulation of the key myogenic marker, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA). Because downregulation of the PPARgamma signaling pathway is the key determinant of LIF-to-MYF transdifferentiation, cells were treated with three agonists of this pathway, PTHrP, dibutryl cAMP (DBcAMP), or rosiglitazone (RGZ) for 7 days, and the expression of the PTHrP receptor, PPARgamma, alphaSMA, and calponin was determined by Western analysis and immunohistochemistry. Simultaneously, fibroblast function was characterized by measuring their capacity to take up triglycerides. Nicotine-induced LIF-to-MYF transdifferentiation was almost completely reversed by treatment with RGZ, PTHrP, or DBcAMP, as determined by protein and functional assays. Using a specific molecular approach and targeting specific molecular intermediates in the PTHrP signaling pathway, to our knowledge, this for the first time, demonstrates the reversibility of nicotine-induced LIF-to-MYF transdifferentiation, suggesting not only the possibility of prevention but also the potential for reversal of nicotine-induced lung injury.

  13. Whole Brain Radiation-Induced Impairments in Learning and Memory Are Time-Sensitive and Reversible by Systemic Hypoxia

    PubMed Central

    Warrington, Junie P.; Csiszar, Anna; Mitschelen, Matthew; Lee, Yong Woo; Sonntag, William E.

    2012-01-01

    Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is commonly used for treatment of primary and metastatic brain tumors; however, cognitive impairment occurs in 40–50% of brain tumor survivors. The etiology of the cognitive impairment following WBRT remains elusive. We recently reported that radiation-induced cerebrovascular rarefaction within hippocampal subregions could be completely reversed by systemic hypoxia. However, the effects of this intervention on learning and memory have not been reported. In this study, we assessed the time-course for WBRT-induced impairments in contextual and spatial learning and the capacity of systemic hypoxia to reverse WBRT-induced deficits in spatial memory. A clinical fractionated series of 4.5Gy WBRT was administered to mice twice weekly for 4 weeks, and after various periods of recovery, behavioral analyses were performed. To study the effects of systemic hypoxia, mice were subjected to 11% (hypoxia) or 21% oxygen (normoxia) for 28 days, initiated 1 month after the completion of WBRT. Our results indicate that WBRT induces a transient deficit in contextual learning, disruption of working memory, and progressive impairment of spatial learning. Additionally, systemic hypoxia completely reversed WBRT-induced impairments in learning and these behavioral effects as well as increased vessel density persisted for at least 2 months following hypoxia treatment. Our results provide critical support for the hypothesis that cerebrovascular rarefaction is a key component of cognitive impairment post-WBRT and indicate that processes of learning and memory, once thought to be permanently impaired after WBRT, can be restored. PMID:22279591

  14. Nodeless superconductivity and time-reversal symmetry breaking in the noncentrosymmetric superconductor Re24Ti5

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shang, T.; Pang, G. M.; Baines, C.; Jiang, W. B.; Xie, W.; Wang, A.; Medarde, M.; Pomjakushina, E.; Shi, M.; Mesot, J.; Yuan, H. Q.; Shiroka, T.

    2018-01-01

    The noncentrosymmetric superconductor Re24Ti5 , a time-reversal symmetry- (TRS-) breaking candidate with Tc=6 K , was studied by means of muon-spin rotation/relaxation (μ SR ) and tunnel-diode oscillator techniques. At the macroscopic level, its bulk superconductivity was investigated via electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and heat-capacity measurements. The low-temperature penetration depth, superfluid density, and electronic heat capacity all evidence an s -wave coupling with an enhanced superconducting gap. The spontaneous magnetic fields revealed by zero-field μ SR below Tc indicate a time-reversal symmetry breaking and thus the unconventional nature of superconductivity in Re24Ti5 . The concomitant occurrence of TRS breaking also in the isostructural Re6(Zr ,Hf ) compounds hints at its common origin in this superconducting family and that an enhanced spin-orbital coupling does not affect pairing symmetry.

  15. Rechargeable Metal–Air Proton‐Exchange Membrane Batteries for Renewable Energy Storage

    PubMed Central

    Nagao, Masahiro; Kobayashi, Kazuyo; Yamamoto, Yuta; Yamaguchi, Togo; Oogushi, Akihide

    2015-01-01

    Abstract Rechargeable proton‐exchange membrane batteries that employ organic chemical hydrides as hydrogen‐storage media have the potential to serve as next‐generation power sources; however, significant challenges remain regarding the improvement of the reversible hydrogen‐storage capacity. Here, we address this challenge through the use of metal‐ion redox couples as energy carriers for battery operation. Carbon, with a suitable degree of crystallinity and surface oxygenation, was used as an effective anode material for the metal redox reactions. A Sn0.9In0.1P2O7‐based electrolyte membrane allowed no crossover of vanadium ions through the membrane. The V4+/V3+, V3+/V2+, and Sn4+/Sn2+ redox reactions took place at a more positive potential than that for hydrogen reduction, so that undesired hydrogen production could be avoided. The resulting electrical capacity reached 306 and 258 mAh g−1 for VOSO4 and SnSO4, respectively, and remained at 76 and 91 % of their respective initial values after 50 cycles. PMID:27525212

  16. Si@SiOx/Graphene nanosheet anode materials for lithium-ion batteries synthesized by ball milling process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tie, Xiaoyong; Han, Qianyan; Liang, Chunyan; Li, Bo; Zai, Jiantao; Qian, Xuefeng

    2017-12-01

    Si@SiOx/Graphene nanosheet (GNS) nanocomposites as high performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries are synthesized by mechanically blending the mixture of expanded graphite with Si nanoparticles, and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrum, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. During the ball milling process, the size of Si nanoparticles will decrease, and the layer of expanded graphite can be peeled off to thin multilayers. Electrochemical performances reveal that the obtained Si@SiOx/GNS nanocomposites exhibit improved cycling stability, high reversible lithium storage capacity and superior rate capability, e.g. the discharge capacity is kept as high as 1055 mAh g-1 within 50 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g-1, retaining 63.6% of the initial value. The high performance of the obtained nanocomposites can be ascribed to GNS prepared through heat-treat and ball-milling methods, the decrease in the size of Si nanoparticles and SiOx layer on Si surface, which enhance the interactions between Si and GNS.

  17. ZnFe2O4-C/LiFePO4-CNT: A Novel High-Power Lithium-Ion Battery with Excellent Cycling Performance.

    PubMed

    Varzi, Alberto; Bresser, Dominic; von Zamory, Jan; Müller, Franziska; Passerini, Stefano

    2014-07-15

    An innovative and environmentally friendly battery chemistry is proposed for high power applications. A carbon-coated ZnFe 2 O 4 nanoparticle-based anode and a LiFePO 4 -multiwalled carbon nanotube-based cathode, both aqueous processed with Na-carboxymethyl cellulose, are combined, for the first time, in a Li-ion full cell with exceptional electrochemical performance. Such novel battery shows remarkable rate capabilities, delivering 50% of its nominal capacity at currents corresponding to ≈20C (with respect to the limiting cathode). Furthermore, the pre-lithiation of the negative electrode offers the possibility of tuning the cell potential and, therefore, achieving remarkable gravimetric energy and power density values of 202 Wh kg -1 and 3.72 W kg -1 , respectively, in addition to grant a lithium reservoir. The high reversibility of the system enables sustaining more than 10 000 cycles at elevated C-rates (≈10C with respect to the LiFePO 4 cathode), while retaining up to 85% of its initial capacity.

  18. ZnFe2O4-C/LiFePO4-CNT: A Novel High-Power Lithium-Ion Battery with Excellent Cycling Performance

    PubMed Central

    Varzi, Alberto; Bresser, Dominic; von Zamory, Jan; Müller, Franziska; Passerini, Stefano

    2014-01-01

    An innovative and environmentally friendly battery chemistry is proposed for high power applications. A carbon-coated ZnFe2O4 nanoparticle-based anode and a LiFePO4-multiwalled carbon nanotube-based cathode, both aqueous processed with Na-carboxymethyl cellulose, are combined, for the first time, in a Li-ion full cell with exceptional electrochemical performance. Such novel battery shows remarkable rate capabilities, delivering 50% of its nominal capacity at currents corresponding to ≈20C (with respect to the limiting cathode). Furthermore, the pre-lithiation of the negative electrode offers the possibility of tuning the cell potential and, therefore, achieving remarkable gravimetric energy and power density values of 202 Wh kg−1 and 3.72 W kg−1, respectively, in addition to grant a lithium reservoir. The high reversibility of the system enables sustaining more than 10 000 cycles at elevated C-rates (≈10C with respect to the LiFePO4 cathode), while retaining up to 85% of its initial capacity. PMID:26190956

  19. L-lactic acid and sodium p-toluenesulfonate co-doped polypyrrole for high performance cathode in sodium ion battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liao, Qishu; Hou, Hongying; Liu, Xianxi; Yao, Yuan; Dai, Zhipeng; Yu, Chengyi; Li, Dongdong

    2018-04-01

    In this work, polypyrrole (PPy) was co-doped with L-lactic acid (LA) and sodium p-toluenesulfonate (TsONa) for high performance cathode in sodium ion battery (SIB) via facile one-step electropolymerization on Fe foil. The as-synthesized LA/TsONa co-doped PPy cathode was investigated in terms of scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), galvanostatic charge/discharge and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The results suggested that some oval-bud-like LA/TsONa co-doped PPy particles did form and tightly combine with the surface of Fe foil; furthermore, LA/TsONa co-doped PPy cathode also delivered higher electrochemical performances than TsONa mono-doped PPy cathode. For example, the initial specific discharge capacity was as high as about 124 mAh/g, and the reversible specific capacity still maintained at about 110 mAh/g even after 50 cycles, higher than those of TsONa mono-doped PPy cathode. The synergy effect of multi components of LA/TsONa co-doped PPy cathode should be responsible for high electrochemical performances.

  20. The Public Health Impact of Training Physicians to Become Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Ghana

    PubMed Central

    Obed, Samuel A.; Boothman, Erika L.; Opare-Ado, Henry

    2014-01-01

    Objectives. We assessed the public health effect of creating and sustaining obstetrics and gynecology postgraduate training in Ghana, established in 1989 to reverse low repatriation of physicians trained abroad. Methods. All 85 certified graduates of 2 Ghanaian university-based postgraduate training programs from program initiation in 1989 through June 2010 were identified and eligible for this study. Of these, 7 were unable to be contacted, inaccessible, declined participation, or deceased. Results. Of the graduates, 83 provide clinical services in Ghana and work in 33 sites in 8 of 10 regions; 15% were the first obstetrician and gynecologist at their facility, 25% hold clinical leadership positions, 50% practice in teaching hospitals, and 14% serve as academic faculty. Conclusions. Creating capacity for university-based postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynecology is effective and sustainable for a comprehensive global approach to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Policies to support training and research capacity in obstetrics and gynecology are an integral part of a long-term national plan for maternal health. PMID:24354828

  1. Reutilization of the expired tetracycline for lithium ion battery anode.

    PubMed

    Hou, Hongying; Dai, Zhipeng; Liu, Xianxi; Yao, Yuan; Liao, Qishu; Yu, Chengyi; Li, Dongdong

    2018-07-15

    Waste antibiotics into the natural environment are the large challenges to the environmental protection and the human health, and the unreasonable disposal of the expired antibiotics is a major pollution source. Herein, to achieve the innocent treatment and the resource recovery, the expired tetracycline was tried to be reutilized as the electrode active material in lithium ion battery (LIB) for the first time. The micro-structure and element component of the expired tetracycline were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, the corresponding electrochemical performances were also investigated by galvanostatic charge/discharge and cyclic voltammetry (CV). To be satisfactory, the expired-tetracycline-based electrode delivered the initial specific discharge capacity of 371.6mAh/g and the reversible specific capacity of 304.1mAh/g after 200cycles. The decent results will not only offer an effective strategy to recycle the expired tetracycline, but also shed a new light on the cyclic economy and the sustainable development. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Rechargeable Metal-Air Proton-Exchange Membrane Batteries for Renewable Energy Storage.

    PubMed

    Nagao, Masahiro; Kobayashi, Kazuyo; Yamamoto, Yuta; Yamaguchi, Togo; Oogushi, Akihide; Hibino, Takashi

    2016-02-01

    Rechargeable proton-exchange membrane batteries that employ organic chemical hydrides as hydrogen-storage media have the potential to serve as next-generation power sources; however, significant challenges remain regarding the improvement of the reversible hydrogen-storage capacity. Here, we address this challenge through the use of metal-ion redox couples as energy carriers for battery operation. Carbon, with a suitable degree of crystallinity and surface oxygenation, was used as an effective anode material for the metal redox reactions. A Sn 0.9 In 0.1 P 2 O 7 -based electrolyte membrane allowed no crossover of vanadium ions through the membrane. The V 4+ /V 3+ , V 3+ /V 2+ , and Sn 4+ /Sn 2+ redox reactions took place at a more positive potential than that for hydrogen reduction, so that undesired hydrogen production could be avoided. The resulting electrical capacity reached 306 and 258 mAh g -1 for VOSO 4 and SnSO 4 , respectively, and remained at 76 and 91 % of their respective initial values after 50 cycles.

  3. Hierarchically mesoporous CuO/carbon nanofiber coaxial shell-core nanowires for lithium ion batteries

    PubMed Central

    Park, Seok-Hwan; Lee, Wan-Jin

    2015-01-01

    Hierarchically mesoporous CuO/carbon nanofiber coaxial shell-core nanowires (CuO/CNF) as anodes for lithium ion batteries were prepared by coating the Cu2(NO3)(OH)3 on the surface of conductive and elastic CNF via electrophoretic deposition (EPD), followed by thermal treatment in air. The CuO shell stacked with nanoparticles grows radially toward the CNF core, which forms hierarchically mesoporous three-dimensional (3D) coaxial shell-core structure with abundant inner spaces in nanoparticle-stacked CuO shell. The CuO shells with abundant inner spaces on the surface of CNF and high conductivity of 1D CNF increase mainly electrochemical rate capability. The CNF core with elasticity plays an important role in strongly suppressing radial volume expansion by inelastic CuO shell by offering the buffering effect. The CuO/CNF nanowires deliver an initial capacity of 1150 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and maintain a high reversible capacity of 772 mAh g−1 without showing obvious decay after 50 cycles. PMID:25944615

  4. Facile synthesis of Nb2O5 nanobelts assembled from nanorods and their applications in lithium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Xiaodi; Liu, Guangyin; Chen, Hao; Ma, Jianmin; Zhang, Ruixue

    2017-12-01

    Hierarchical 1D Nb2O5 nanobelts are successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal method and following thermal treatment. The as-formed Nb2O5 nanobelts are characterized by XRD, FESEM, TEM, and BET, and the results indicate that they possess pseudohexagonal structure and are composed of ultranarrow nanorods with an average diameter of ca. 15 nm. When used as anodic materials for lithium ion batteries, the obtained Nb2O5 nanobelts can deliver initial discharge capacities of 209.3 mAh g-1 at the current density of 0.5 C. In addition, the Nb2O5 nanobelts exhibit a reversible capacity of 95.8 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles at relatively high current density of 5 C. The good electrochemical performance of the Nb2O5 nanobelts may be ascribed to their good monodispersity, high specific surface areas, and narrow rod-like building blocks. The Nb2O5 nanobelts can be developed as promising anodes for high-rate 2 V LIBs with good safety.

  5. Reversible Li-ion conversion reaction for a Ti xGe alloy in a Ti/Ge multilayer

    DOE PAGES

    Chen, Xiao; Fister, Tim T.; Esbenshade, Jennifer; ...

    2017-02-13

    Group IV inter-metallics electrochemically alloy with Li with stoichiometries as high as Li 4.4M (M=Si, Ge, Sn or Pb). Furthermore, this provides the second highest known specific capacity (after pure lithium metal) for lithium ion batteries, but the dramatic volume change during cycling greatly limits their use as anodes in Li-ion batteries. We describe an approach to overcome this limitation by constructing electrodes using a Ge/Ti multilayer architecture. In operando X-ray reflectivity and ex situ transmission electron microscopy are used to characterize the hetero-layer structure at various lithium stoichiometries along a lithiation/delithiation cycle. The as-deposited multilayer spontaneously forms a one-dimensionalmore » Ti xGe/Ti/Ti xGe core-shell planar structure embedded in a Ge matrix. The interfacial Ti xGe alloy is observed to be electrochemically active and exhibits reversible phase separation (i.e. a conversion reaction). Including the germanium components, the overall multilayer structure exhibits a 2.3-fold reversible vertical expansion and contraction and is shown to have improved capacity and capacity retention with respect to a Ge film with equivalent active material thickness.« less

  6. Novel iron oxide nanotube arrays as high-performance anodes for lithium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhong, Yuan; Fan, Huiqing; Chang, Ling; Shao, Haibo; Wang, Jianming; Zhang, Jianqing; Cao, Chu-nan

    2015-11-01

    Nanostructured iron oxides can be promising anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, improvement on the rate capability and/or electrochemical cycling stability of iron oxide anode materials remains a key challenge because of their poor electrical conductivities and large volume expansion during cycling. Herein, the vertically aligned arrays of one-dimensional (1D) iron oxide nanotubes with 5.8 wt% carbon have been fabricated by a novel surfactant-free self-corrosion process and subsequent thermal treatment. The as-fabricated nanotube array electrode delivers a reversible capacity of 932 mAh g-1 after 50 charge-discharge cycles at a current of 0.6 A g-1. The electrode still shows a reversible capacity of 610 mAh g-1 even at a very high rate (8.0 A g-1), demonstrating its prominent rate capability. Furthermore, the nanotube array electrode also exhibits the excellent electrochemical cycling stability with a reversible capacity of 880 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles at a current of 4 A g-1. The nanotube array electrode with superior lithium storage performance reveals the promising potential as a high-performance anode for LIBs.

  7. Reversible Li-Ion Conversion Reaction for a TixGe Alloy in a Ti/Ge Multilayer.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xiao; Fister, Tim T; Esbenshade, Jennifer; Shi, Bing; Hu, Xianyi; Wu, Jinsong; Gewirth, Andrew A; Bedzyk, Michael J; Fenter, Paul

    2017-03-08

    Group IV intermetallics electrochemically alloy with Li with stoichiometries as high as Li 4.4 M (M = Si, Ge, Sn, or Pb). This provides the second highest known specific capacity (after pure lithium metal) for lithium-ion batteries, but the dramatic volume change during cycling greatly limits their use as anodes in Li-ion batteries. We describe an approach to overcome this limitation by constructing electrodes using a Ge/Ti multilayer architecture. In operando X-ray reflectivity and ex situ transmission electron microscopy are used to characterize the heterolayer structure at various lithium stoichiometries along a lithiation/delithiation cycle. The as-deposited multilayer spontaneously forms a one-dimensional Ti x Ge/Ti/Ti x Ge core-shell planar structure embedded in a Ge matrix. The interfacial Ti x Ge alloy is observed to be electrochemically active and exhibits reversible phase separation (i.e., a conversion reaction). Including the germanium components, the overall multilayer structure exhibits a 2.3-fold reversible vertical expansion and contraction and is shown to have improved capacity and capacity retention with respect to a Ge film with equivalent active material thickness.

  8. Role of precursor chemistry in the direct fluorination to form titanium based conversion anodes for lithium ion batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Adcock, Jamie; Dai, Sheng; Veith, Gabriel M.; ...

    2015-10-13

    In this study, a new synthetic route for the formation of titanium oxydifluoride (TiOF 2) through the process of direct fluorination via a fluidized bed reactor system and the associated electrochemical properties of the powders formed from this approach are reported. The flexibility of this synthetic route was demonstrated using precursor powders of titanium dioxide (TiO 2) nanoparticles, as well as a reduced TiO xN y. An advantage of this synthetic method is the ability to directly control the extent of fluorination as a function of reaction temperature and time. The reversible capacity of TiOF 2 anodes was found tomore » depend greatly upon the precursor employed. The TiOF 2 synthesized from TiO 2 and TiO xN y showed reversible capacities of 300 mAh g -1 and 440 mAh g -1, respectively, over 100 cycles. The higher reversible capacity of the TiOF 2 powders derived from TiO xN y likely relate to the partial reduction of the Ti in the fluorinated electrode material, highlighting a route to optimize the properties of conversion electrode materials.« less

  9. FeSi4P4: A novel negative electrode with atypical electrochemical mechanism for Li and Na-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Coquil, Gaël; Fullenwarth, Julien; Grinbom, Gal; Sougrati, Moulay Tahar; Stievano, Lorenzo; Zitoun, David; Monconduit, Laure

    2017-12-01

    The electrochemical mechanism and performance of FeSi4P4, vs. Na and Li were studied using a combination of operando X-ray diffraction, 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, and SQUID magnetometry. This silicon- and phosphorous-rich material exhibits a high capacity of 1750 mAh/g, retaining 1120 mAh/g after 40 cycles, and reacts through an original reversible mechanism surprisingly involving only slight changes in the chemical environment of the iron. Magnetic measurements and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy at low temperature reveal the reversible but incomplete change of the magnetic moment upon charge and discharge. Such a mild reversible process without drastic phase transition (with the exception of the crystalline to amorphous transition during the first lithiation) can explain the satisfying capacity retention. The electrochemical mechanism appears thus to be significantly different from the classical conversion or alloying/dealloying mechanisms usually observed in Lithium ion batteries for p-group element based materials. The same iron silicon phosphide electrode shows also interesting but significantly lower performance vs. Na, with a limited capacity retention 350 mAh/g.

  10. Reversibility of electrochemical reactions of sulfur supported on inverse opal carbon in glyme-Li salt molten complex electrolytes.

    PubMed

    Tachikawa, Naoki; Yamauchi, Kento; Takashima, Eriko; Park, Jun-Woo; Dokko, Kaoru; Watanabe, Masayoshi

    2011-07-28

    Electrochemical reactions of sulfur supported on three-dimensionally ordered macroporous carbon in glyme-Li salt molten complex electrolytes exhibit good reversibility and large capacity based on the mass of sulfur, which suggests that glyme-Li salt molten complexes are suitable electrolytes for Li-S batteries.

  11. Reversibility after inhaling salbutamol in different body postures in asthmatic children: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Visser, R; van der Palen, J; de Jongh, F H C; Thio, B J

    2015-04-01

    Pulmonary medication is mostly delivered in the form of medical aerosols to minimize systemic side effects. A major drawback of inhaled medication is that the majority of inhaled particles impacts in the oropharynx at the sharp bend of the airway. Stretching the airway by a forward leaning body posture with the neck extended ("sniffing position") may improve pulmonary deposition and clinical effects. 41 asthmatic children who were planned for standard reversibility testing at the pulmonary function lab, alternately inhaled 200 μgr salbutamol with an Autohaler(®) in the standard or in the forward leaning body posture. Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), Mean Expiratory Flow at 25% of vital capacity (MEF25) and Mean Expiratory Flow at 75% of vital capacity (MEF75) were analysed. The children in the forward leaning body posture group showed a significantly higher mean FEV1 reversibility than the control group after inhalation of 200 μgr salbutamol (10.2% versus 4.1%, p = 0.019). Additionally, mean MEF75 was significantly more reversible in the forward leaning body posture group versus the standard body posture group (32.2% resp. 8.9%, p = 0.013). This pilot study showed a higher reversibility of FEV1 and MEF75 after inhaling salbutamol in a forward leaning body posture compared to the standard body posture in asthmatic children. This suggests that pulmonary effects of salbutamol can be improved by inhaling in a forward leaning body posture with the neck extended. This effect is possibly due to a higher pulmonary deposition of salbutamol and should be confirmed in a randomized controlled trial. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Highly monodispersed tin oxide/mesoporous starbust carbon composite as high-performance Li-ion battery anode.

    PubMed

    Chen, Jiajun; Yano, Kazuhisa

    2013-08-28

    The widespread commercialization of today's plug-in hybrid and all electric vehicles will rely on improved lithium batteries with higher energy density, greater power, and durability.To take advantage of the high density of SnO2 anodes for Li ion batteries, we achieved a smart design of monodispersed SnO2/MSCS composite with very high content of SnO2 by a simple infiltration procedure. The synergistic effects of the unique nanoarchitecture of MSCS and the ultrafine size of SnO2 nanoparticle endowed the composite with superior electrochemical performance. Because of the high density of the composite resulting from its monodispersed submicrometer spherical morphology, an exceptionally high reversible lithium storage capacity (both gravimetric and volumetric), very close to the theoretical capacity (1491 mA h/g), can be achieved with good cyclability (capacity retention of 92.5% after 15 cycles). The SnO2/MSCS composite anode exhibited a high reversible average capacity of about 1200 mAh/g over 30 cycles at a current of 80 mAh/g, which corresponds to about 1440 mAh/cm(3) (practical volumetric capacity). In addition, a Coulombic efficiency close to 100% was achieved, and less than 25% first irreversible capacity loss was observed.

  13. Self-assembled mesoporous TiO2/carbon nanotube composite with a three-dimensional conducting nanonetwork as a high-rate anode material for lithium-ion battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Jie; Ran, Ran; Tade, Moses O.; Shao, Zongping

    2014-05-01

    Mesoporous three-dimensional (3D) TiO2/carbon nanotube conductive hybrid nanostructures can be successfully developed using polyethylene oxide (PEO) to modify the surfaces of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). During the synthesis process, PEO acts as not only "bridges" to connect the TiO2 nanoparticles to the CNT surfaces but also as "hosts" to accommodate and stabilize the in situ generated TiO2 particles. As the electrodes for lithium-ion batteries, such mesoporous 3D TiO2/CNT hybrids, demonstrate high Li storage capacity, superior rate performance and excellent long-term cycling stability. They exhibit a reversible specific capacity of 203 mA h g-1 at 100 mA g-1 and a stable capacity retention of 91 mA h g-1 at 8000 mA g-1 (47.6 C) over 100 cycles; they also retain approximately 90% (71 mA h g-1) of their initial discharge capacity after 900 cycles at an extremely high rate of 15,000 mA g-1 (89 C). This facile synthetic strategy to construct mesoporous 3D TiO2/CNT conductive hybrids provides a convenient route that efficiently assembles various inorganic oxide components on the CNTs' surfaces and enables the formation of heterogeneous nanostructures with novel functionalities. In particular, utilizing a conductive 3D CNT network can serve as a promising strategy for developing high-performance electrodes for Li secondary batteries and supercapacitors.

  14. Mo-doped V2O5 hierarchical nanorod/nanoparticle core/shell porous microspheres with improved performance for cathode of lithium-ion battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, Haolin; Zeng, Jianyun; Hao, Wen; Zhou, Peng; Wen, Xiaogang

    2018-05-01

    Mo-doped V2O5 hierarchical nanorod/nanoparticle core/shell porous microspheres (MVHPMs) were prepared via a simple hydrothermal approach using ammonium metavanadate and ammonium molybdate as precursors followed by a thermal annealing process. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, and XPS carefully; it confirmed that porous microspheres with uniform Mo doping in the V2O5 matrix were obtained, and it contains an inner core self-assembled with 1D nanorods and outer shell consisting of nanoparticles. A plausible growth mechanism of Mo-doped V2O5 (Mo-V2O5) porous microspheres is suggested. The unique microstructure made the Mo-V2O5 hierarchical microspheres a good cathode material for Li-ion battery. The results indicate the synthesized Mo-V2O5 hierarchical microspheres exhibit well-improved electrochemical performance compared to the undoped samples. It delivers a high initial reversible capacity of 282 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C, 208 mAh g-1 at 2 C, and 111 mAh g-1 at 10 C, and it also exhibits good cycling stabilities; a capacity of 144 mAh g-1 is obtained after 200 cycles at 6 C with a capacity retention of > 82%, which is much high than that of pure V2O5 (95 mAh g-1 with a capacity retention of 72%). [Figure not available: see fulltext.

  15. Enhanced capacity and stability for the separation of cesium in electrically switched ion exchange

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

    Tawfic, A.F.; Dickson, S.E.; Kim, Y.

    2015-03-15

    Electrically switched ion exchange (ESIX) can be used to separate ionic contaminants from industrial wastewater, including that generated by the nuclear industry. The ESIX method involves sequential application of reduction and oxidation potentials to an ion exchange film to induce the respective loading and unloading of cesium. This technology is superior to conventional methods (e.g electrodialysis reversal or reverse osmosis) as it requires very little energy for ionic separation. In previous studies, ESIX films have demonstrated relatively low ion exchange capacities and limited film stabilities over repeated potential applications. In this study, the methodology for the deposition of electro-active filmsmore » (nickel hexacyanoferrate) on nickel electrodes was modified to improve the ion exchange capacity for cesium removal using ESIX. Cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate the ion exchange capacity and stability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the modified film surfaces. Additionally, the films were examined for the separation of cesium ions. This modified film preparation technique enhanced the ion exchange capacity and improves the film stability compared to previous methods for the deposition of ESIX films. (authors)« less

  16. Improved electrochemical performance of boron-doped SiO negative electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Woo, Jihoon; Baek, Seong-Ho; Park, Jung-Soo; Jeong, Young-Min; Kim, Jae Hyun

    2015-12-01

    We introduce a one-step process that consists of thermal disproportionation and impurity doping to enhance the reversible capacity and electrical conductivity of silicon monoxide (SiO)-based negative electrode materials in Li-ion batteries. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) results reveal that thermally treated SiO at 900 °C (H-SiO) consists of uniformly dispersed nano-crystalline Si (nc-Si) in an amorphous silicon oxide (SiOx) matrix. Compared to that of prinstine SiO, the electrochemical performance of H-SiO shows improved specific capacity, due mainly to the increased reversible capacity by nc-Si and to the reduced volume expansion by thermally disproportionated SiOx matrix. Further electrochemical improvements can be obtained by boron-doping on SiO (HB-SiO) using solution dopant during thermal disproportionation. HB-SiO electrode without carbon coating exhibits significantly enhanced specific capacity superior to that of undoped H-SiO electrode, having 947 mAh g-1 at 0.5C rate and excellent capacity retention of 93.3% over 100 cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement reveals that the internal resistance of the HB-SiO electrode is significantly reduced by boron doping.

  17. Cobalt-based metal organic framework with superior lithium anodic performance

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

    Hu, Xiaoshi; Hu, Huiping; Li, Chao

    The reversible charging of a Co-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate MOF (Co-BDC MOF) prepared via an one-pot solvothermal method was studied for use as the anode in a Li-ion cell. It was found that this MOF anode provides high reversible capacities (1090 and 611 mA h g{sup −1} at current densities of 0.2 and 1 A g{sup −1}, respectively), and an impressive rate performance. Such an outstanding Li-ion storage property has not been reported previously for the LIB anodes within the MOFs category. Ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) studies of this material at different state of charge suggest that cobaltmore » stays at Co{sup 2+} state during discharge/charge process, so that in this case Li{sup +} may be inserted into the organic moiety without the direct participation of cobalt ions. - Graphical abstract: Co-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate MOF, synthesized through a straightforward solvothermal method, shows outstanding lithium storage performance. - Highlights: • Co-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate MOF is synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal method. • Reversible capacity of 1090 mA h g{sup −1} is achieved at a current density of 200 mA g{sup −1}. • Reversible capacity of 611 mA h g{sup −1} is achieved at a current density of 1 A g{sup −1}. • Li-ions may be inserted into the organic moieties.« less

  18. Lithium storage in structurally tunable carbon anode derived from sustainable source

    DOE PAGES

    Lim, Daw Gen; Kim, Kyungho; Razdan, Mayuri; ...

    2017-09-01

    Here, a meticulous solid state chemistry approach has been developed for the synthesis of carbon anode from a sustainable source. The reaction mechanism of carbon formation during pyrolysis of sustainable feed-stock was studied in situ by employing Raman microspectroscopy. No Raman spectral changes observed below 160°C (thermally stable precursor) followed by color change, however above 280°C characteristic D and G bands of graphitic carbon are recorded. Derived carbon particles exhibited high specific surface area with low structural ordering (active carbons) to low specific surface area with high graphitic ordering as a function of increasing reaction temperature. Carbons synthesized at 600°Cmore » demonstrated enhanced reversible lithiation capacity (390 mAh g -1), high charge-discharge rate capability, and stable cycle life. On the contrary, carbons synthesized at higher temperatures (>1200°C) produced more graphite-like structure yielding longer specific capacity retention with lower reversible capacity.« less

  19. Facile fabrication of CNTs@C@MoSe2@Se hybrids with amorphous structure for high performance anode in lithium-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Jin, Rencheng; Cui, Yuming; Wang, Qingyao; Li, Guihua

    2017-12-15

    Amorphous MoSe 2 and Se anchored on amorphous carbon coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs@C@MoSe 2 @Se) have been synthesized by a facile solvothermal strategy. The one dimensional CNTs@C@MoSe 2 @Se can effectively buffer the volume variation, prohibit the aggregation and facilitate electron and ion transport throughout the electrode. Furthermore, the combination of MoSe 2 and Se also provides buffer spaces for the volumetric change during cycling. Thus, the obtained CNTs@C@MoSe 2 @Se hybrids display the enhanced cycle stability and excellent high rate capacity. The reversible capacity of 1010mAhg -1 can be achieved after 100 cycles at the current density of 0.1Ag -1 . Even after 500 cycles, a reversible capacity of 508mAhg -1 is still retained at 5Ag -1 . Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Mesoporous Ge/GeO2/Carbon Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes with High Capacity and High Reversibility.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Jongkook; Jo, Changshin; Kim, Min Gyu; Chun, Jinyoung; Lim, Eunho; Kim, Seongseop; Jeong, Sanha; Kim, Youngsik; Lee, Jinwoo

    2015-05-26

    We report mesoporous composite materials (m-GeO2, m-GeO2/C, and m-Ge-GeO2/C) with large pore size which are synthesized by a simple block copolymer directed self-assembly. m-Ge/GeO2/C shows greatly enhanced Coulombic efficiency, high reversible capacity (1631 mA h g(-1)), and stable cycle life compared with the other mesoporous and bulk GeO2 electrodes. m-Ge/GeO2/C exhibits one of the highest areal capacities (1.65 mA h cm(-2)) among previously reported Ge- and GeO2-based anodes. The superior electrochemical performance in m-Ge/GeO2/C arises from the highly improved kinetics of conversion reaction due to the synergistic effects of the mesoporous structures and the conductive carbon and metallic Ge.

  1. Preliminary tests of a new reversible male contraceptive in bush dog, Speothos venaticus: open-ended vasectomy and microscopic reversal.

    PubMed

    DeMatteo, Karen; Silber, Sherman; Porton, Ingrid; Lenahan, Kathy; Junge, Randall; Asa, Cheryl

    2006-09-01

    Open-ended vasectomies were performed on four male bush dogs (Speothos venaticus), with three having microscopic reversal surgery (vasovasostomy) between 10 and 20 mo post-vasectomy. The key to ease of reversal is leaving the distal (testicular) end open to allow leakage, resulting in a pressure-relieving granuloma. The proximal (abdominal) end is cauterized, providing an effective seal. This technique prevents the buildup of pressure in the epididymis, therefore limiting damage to the male's reproductive capacity. Described here are detailed procedures for both surgeries. One of the three males that underwent vasovasostomy has successfully impregnated his female partner. This study demonstrates that these techniques can be successfully applied to animals. With the two remaining pairs, none of the four individuals were proven breeders prior to the study, so it is not possible to eliminate the possibility of previously existing infertility. This technique may have limited application for carnivores, because vasectomy does not prevent potential adverse effects to females from prolonged, cyclic exposure to endogenous progesterone. In other taxonomic groups (e.g., primates, ungulates, marsupials, and rodents) in which multimale groupings are common, this reversible male sterilization technique could provide managers with the ability to control which males reproduce without eliminating their future reproductive capacity or social interaction.

  2. Research on the influencing factors of reverse logistics carbon footprint under sustainable development.

    PubMed

    Sun, Qiang

    2017-10-01

    With the concerns of ecological and circular economy along with sustainable development, reverse logistics has attracted the attention of enterprise. How to achieve sustainable development of reverse logistics has important practical significance of enhancing low carbon competitiveness. In this paper, the system boundary of reverse logistics carbon footprint is presented. Following the measurement of reverse logistics carbon footprint and reverse logistics carbon capacity is provided. The influencing factors of reverse logistics carbon footprint are classified into five parts such as intensity of reverse logistics, energy structure, energy efficiency, reverse logistics output, and product remanufacturing rate. The quantitative research methodology using ADF test, Johansen co-integration test, and impulse response is utilized to interpret the relationship between reverse logistics carbon footprint and the influencing factors more accurately. This research finds that energy efficiency, energy structure, and product remanufacturing rate are more capable of inhibiting reverse logistics carbon footprint. The statistical approaches will help practitioners in this field to structure their reverse logistics activities and also help academics in developing better decision models to reduce reverse logistics carbon footprint.

  3. Reverse logistics network for municipal solid waste management: The inclusion of waste pickers as a Brazilian legal requirement

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

    Ferri, Giovane Lopes, E-mail: giovane.ferri@aluno.ufes.br; Diniz Chaves, Gisele de Lorena, E-mail: gisele.chaves@ufes.br; Ribeiro, Glaydston Mattos, E-mail: glaydston@pet.coppe.ufrj.br

    Highlights: • We propose a reverse logistics network for MSW involving waste pickers. • A generic facility location mathematical model was validated in a Brazilian city. • The results enable to predict the capacity for screening and storage centres (SSC). • We minimise the costs for transporting MSW with screening and storage centres. • The use of SSC can be a potential source of revenue and a better use of MSW. - Abstract: This study proposes a reverse logistics network involved in the management of municipal solid waste (MSW) to solve the challenge of economically managing these wastes considering themore » recent legal requirements of the Brazilian Waste Management Policy. The feasibility of the allocation of MSW material recovery facilities (MRF) as intermediate points between the generators of these wastes and the options for reuse and disposal was evaluated, as well as the participation of associations and cooperatives of waste pickers. This network was mathematically modelled and validated through a scenario analysis of the municipality of São Mateus, which makes the location model more complete and applicable in practice. The mathematical model allows the determination of the number of facilities required for the reverse logistics network, their location, capacities, and product flows between these facilities. The fixed costs of installation and operation of the proposed MRF were balanced with the reduction of transport costs, allowing the inclusion of waste pickers to the reverse logistics network. The main contribution of this study lies in the proposition of a reverse logistics network for MSW simultaneously involving legal, environmental, economic and social criteria, which is a very complex goal. This study can guide practices in other countries that have realities similar to those in Brazil of accelerated urbanisation without adequate planning for solid waste management, added to the strong presence of waste pickers that, through the characteristic of social vulnerability, must be included in the system. In addition to the theoretical contribution to the reverse logistics network problem, this study aids in decision-making for public managers who have limited technical and administrative capacities for the management of solid wastes.« less

  4. Facile and Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Finger-Like Co3O4 Nanorods for Electrochemical Energy Storage

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Shijiao; Zhao, Xiangyu; Yang, Meng; Ma, Liqun; Shen, Xiaodong

    2015-01-01

    Co3O4 nanorods were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. Eco-friendly deionized water rather than organic solvent was used as the hydrothermal media. The as-prepared Co3O4 nanorods are composed of many nanoparticles of 30–50 nm in diameter, forming a finger-like morphology. The Co3O4 electrode shows a specific capacitance of 265 F g−1 at 2 mV s−1 in a supercapacitor and delivers an initial specific discharge capacity as high as 1171 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 in a lithium ion battery. Excellent cycling stability and electrochemical reversibility of the Co3O4 electrode were also obtained. PMID:28347124

  5. Preparation of Ni3B2O6 nanosheet-based flowerlike architecture by a precursor method and its electrochemical properties in lithium-ion battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liang, Pan; Du, Lu; Wang, Xia; Liu, Zhi-Hong

    2014-11-01

    A novel flower-like nickel borate of Ni3B2O6 nanostructure was prepared through a hydrothermal treatment and sequential thermal decomposition of precursor without employing any template or surfactant. All the samples were characterized by XRD, IR, XPS, TG-DTA, nitrogen adsorption, SEM and TEM. The flower-like Ni3B2O6 nanostructure was self-assembled by nanosheets with the thickness of about 40 nm. The electrochemical properties in lithium-ion battery of flower-like Ni3B2O6 nanostructure were studied by the cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic cycling test, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, which showed it had a high initial discharge capacity and a good reversibility.

  6. Toward constructing a time-series of geomagnetic field variations from thermal remanence in slowly cooled igneous rocks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Burns, Z.; Gee, J. S.

    2017-12-01

    Analysis of paleomagnetic data can not only help us to understand the behavior of the ancient magnetic field but may also further our understanding of the current field, as well as of the mechanisms and constraints of the geodynamo and geomagnetic reversals. A question of particular interest is the possible relationship between reversal frequency and geomagnetic field intensity. Some research appears to indicate a correlation between low intensity and high reversal frequency, seeming to support the theory that low field intensity is what makes reversals possible. In order to study this correlation, we obtained several hundred samples from the 182 Ma Dufek Massif, in Antarctica. This intrusion was cooled slowly, at depth, during the high reversal frequency era of the early Jurassic, and most of our samples record multiple polarity intervals. This, combined with their particularly homogeneous magnetic characteristics, makes them ideally suited for recovering a record of geomagnetic field variations. On approximately 300 samples from the lower portion of the intrusion, we performed step-wise thermal demagnetization of the natural remanent magnetization (NRM), followed by thermal demagnetization of a laboratory thermoremance (TRM), imparted as partial TRMs in three orthogonal directions to assess the reliability of the remanence. These two sets of measurements can tell us about the amount and direction of magnetization acquired at each temperature step and the sample's capacity to acquire a remanence. Corrected for anisotropy, the ratio of the NRM/TRM values at each step multiplied by the value of the lab field can give us an estimate of the paleofield intensity. When convolved with a thermal cooling model for the intrusion, this yields a model of the time-varying ancient field during the intrusion's cooling period. Initial analysis of our data shows average field values of around 20 µT and a minimum of four reversals. The average at this high-latitude site is lower than the present-day equatorial value (30 µT), so the correlation between low field intensity and high reversal frequency is supported.

  7. 3D nitrogen-doped graphene foam with encapsulated germanium/nitrogen-doped graphene yolk-shell nanoarchitecture for high-performance flexible Li-ion battery

    PubMed Central

    Mo, Runwei; Rooney, David; Sun, Kening; Yang, Hui Ying

    2017-01-01

    Flexible electrochemical energy storage devices have attracted extensive attention as promising power sources for the ever-growing field of flexible and wearable electronic products. However, the rational design of a novel electrode structure with a good flexibility, high capacity, fast charge–discharge rate and long cycling lifetimes remains a long-standing challenge for developing next-generation flexible energy-storage materials. Herein, we develop a facile and general approach to three-dimensional (3D) interconnected porous nitrogen-doped graphene foam with encapsulated Ge quantum dot/nitrogen-doped graphene yolk-shell nano architecture for high specific reversible capacity (1,220 mAh g−1), long cycling capability (over 96% reversible capacity retention from the second to 1,000 cycles) and ultra-high rate performance (over 800 mAh g−1 at 40 C). This work paves a way to develop the 3D interconnected graphene-based high-capacity electrode material systems, particularly those that suffer from huge volume expansion, for the future development of high-performance flexible energy storage systems. PMID:28051065

  8. Paradoxical roles of hydrogen in electrochemical performance of graphene: High rate capacity and atomistic origins

    DOE PAGES

    Ye, Jianchao C.; Ong, Mitchell T.; Heo, Tae Wook; ...

    2015-11-05

    Atomic hydrogen exists ubiquitously in graphene materials made by chemical methods. Yet determining the effect of hydrogen on the electrochemical performance of graphene remains a significant challenge. Here we report the experimental observations of high rate capacity in hydrogen-treated 3-dimensional (3D) graphene nanofoam electrodes for lithium ion batteries. Structural and electronic characterization suggests that defect sites and hydrogen play synergistic roles in disrupting sp 2 graphene to facilitate fast lithium transport and reversible surface binding, as evidenced by the fast charge-transfer kinetics and increased capacitive contribution in hydrogen-treated 3D graphene. In concert with experiments, multiscale calculations reveal that defect complexesmore » in graphene are prerequisite for low-temperature hydrogenation, and that the hydrogenation of defective or functionalized sites at strained domain boundaries plays a beneficial role in improving rate capacity by opening gaps to facilitate easier Li penetration. Additional reversible capacity is provided by enhanced lithium binding near hydrogen-terminated edge sites. Furthermore, these findings provide qualitative insights in helping the design of graphene-based materials for high-power electrodes.« less

  9. Amorphous mesoporous GeO x anode for Na-ion batteries with high capacity and long lifespan.

    PubMed

    Shen, Kangze; Lin, Ning; Xu, Tianjun; Han, Ying; Qian, Yitai

    2018-01-01

    It is recently demonstrated that amorphous Ge anode shows higher reversible Na-ion storage capacity (590 mA h g -1 ) than crystallized Ge anode (369 mA h g -1 ). Here, amorphous GeO x anode is prepared by a simple wet-chemistry reduction route at room temperature. The obtained amorphous GeO x shows a porous hierarchical architecture, accompanied with a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of 159 m 2  g -1 and an average pore diameter of 14 nm. This unique structure enables the GeO x anode to enhance the Na-ion/electron diffusion rate, and buffer the volume change. As anode for Na-ion battery, high reversible capacity over 400 mA h g -1 , fine rate capability with a capacity of 200 mA h g -1 maintained at 3.0 A g -1 and long-term cycling stability with 270 mA h g -1 even over 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g -1 are obtained.

  10. Universal roles of hydrogen in electrochemical performance of graphene: high rate capacity and atomistic origins

    PubMed Central

    Ye, Jianchao; Ong, Mitchell T.; Heo, Tae Wook; Campbell, Patrick G.; Worsley, Marcus A.; Liu, Yuanyue; Shin, Swanee J.; Charnvanichborikarn, Supakit; Matthews, Manyalibo J.; Bagge-Hansen, Michael; Lee, Jonathan R.I.; Wood, Brandon C.; Wang, Y. Morris

    2015-01-01

    Atomic hydrogen exists ubiquitously in graphene materials made by chemical methods. Yet determining the effect of hydrogen on the electrochemical performance of graphene remains a significant challenge. Here we report the experimental observations of high rate capacity in hydrogen-treated 3-dimensional (3D) graphene nanofoam electrodes for lithium ion batteries. Structural and electronic characterization suggests that defect sites and hydrogen play synergistic roles in disrupting sp2 graphene to facilitate fast lithium transport and reversible surface binding, as evidenced by the fast charge-transfer kinetics and increased capacitive contribution in hydrogen-treated 3D graphene. In concert with experiments, multiscale calculations reveal that defect complexes in graphene are prerequisite for low-temperature hydrogenation, and that the hydrogenation of defective or functionalized sites at strained domain boundaries plays a beneficial role in improving rate capacity by opening gaps to facilitate easier Li penetration. Additional reversible capacity is provided by enhanced lithium binding near hydrogen-terminated edge sites. These findings provide qualitative insights in helping the design of graphene-based materials for high-power electrodes. PMID:26536830

  11. Adsorption contributions of graphene to sodium ion storage performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, Hao; Xu, Zhanwei; Guan, Weiwei; Shen, Xuetao; Cao, Liyun; Huang, Jianfeng

    2018-05-01

    Graphene derivates, including graphite, graphene oxide (GO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), are employed as sodium ion battery anodes to investigate the effect of adsorption reactions on their electrochemical performance. GO and rGO exhibit the reversible capacity of 230, 192 mAh g‑1 at a low current density of 100 mA g‑1. However, when tested at higher current densities of 200, 500, and 1000 mA g‑1, the GO electrodes deliver 136, 76, and 38 mAh g‑1, respectively. As a comparison, rGO exhibits capacity as high as 168, 133, and 117 mAh g‑1 at the same conditions—23.5%, 75.0%, and 207.9% higher, respectively, than the capacities of GO. These analyses, based on the cyclic voltammetry curves, discharge/charge voltage profiles, rate and cycle performance, as well as infrared spectroscopy analysis, show the contributions of the capacity from reversible physical and chemical adsorption. The main behavior type of rGO is physical adsorption, which meets the requirements of the fast charge/discharge process, while the predominant behavior of GO is chemical adsorption.

  12. Regenerable Cu-intercalated MnO2 layered cathode for highly cyclable energy dense batteries

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

    Yadav, Gautam G.; Gallaway, Joshua W.; Turney, Damon E.

    2017-03-06

    Manganese dioxide cathodes are inexpensive and have high theoretical capacity (based on two electrons) of 617 mAh g-1, making them attractive for low-cost, energy-dense batteries. They are used in non-rechargeable batteries with anodes like zinc. Only ~10% of the theoretical capacity is currently accessible in rechargeable alkaline systems. Attempts to access the full capacity using additives have been unsuccessful. We report a class of Bi-birnessite (a layered manganese oxide polymorph mixed with bismuth oxide (Bi2O3)) cathodes intercalated with Cu2+ that deliver near-full two-electron capacity reversibly for >6,000 cycles. The key to rechargeability lies in exploiting the redox potentials of Cumore » to reversibly intercalate into the Bi-birnessite-layered structure during its dissolution and precipitation process for stabilizing and enhancing its charge transfer characteristics. This process holds promise for other applications like catalysis and intercalation of metal ions into layered structures. A large prismatic rechargeable Zn-birnessite cell delivering ~140 Wh l-1 is shown.« less

  13. Synthesis and electrochemical property of few-layer molybdenum disulfide nanosheets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, Yanjue; Wang, Chunrui; Wang, Linlin; Peng, Xia; Wu, Binhe; Sun, Xingqu; Chen, Xiaoshuang

    2016-12-01

    Large-scale few-layer MoS2 nanosheets have been fabricated via a simple hydrothermal route using molybdenum powder as precursors. The as-prepared MoS2 samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectral analyses at room temperature. The results confirm that the as-prepared MoS2 displays a sheet-like morphology with a thickness of few (bi- to tri-) layers. Electrochemical measurements showed that the as-prepared few-layer MoS2 exhibited the highest reversible capacity of 1127 mAh g-1 and a stable reversible capacity of 1057 mAh g-1 after 30 cycles.

  14. Neuropsychological Predictors of Decision-Making Capacity over 9 Months in Mild-to-Moderate Dementia

    PubMed Central

    Moye, Jennifer; Karel, Michele J; Gurrera, Ronald J; Azar, Armin R

    2006-01-01

    BACKGROUND Older adults with dementia may have diminished capacity to make medical treatment decisions. OBJECTIVE To examine rates and neuropsychological predictors of treatment decision making, or consent capacity, among older adults with dementia over 9 months. DESIGN Consent capacity was assessed initially and 9 months later in subjects with and without dementia using a longitudinal repeated measures design. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-three older adults with dementia and 53 similarly aged adults without dementia. MEASUREMENTS A standardized measure MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool-Treatment of 4 legal standards for capacity (Understanding, Appreciation, Reasoning, and Expressing a Choice) and a neuropsychological battery. RESULTS In the dementia group, 9.4% had impaired capacity initially, and 26.4% had impaired capacity at 9 months. Mean scores in the dementia group were impaired relative to controls initially and at 9 months for Understanding (initial t=2.49, P=.01; 9-month t=3.22, P<.01) and Reasoning (initial t=2.18, P=.03; 9-month t=4.77, P<.01). Declining capacity over 9 months was attributable to a further reduction in Reasoning (group × time F=9.44, P=.003). Discriminant function analysis revealed that initial scores on naming, delayed Logical Memory, and Trails B were associated with impaired capacity at 9 months. CONCLUSIONS Some patients with mild-to-moderate dementia develop a clinically relevant impairment of consent capacity within a year. Consent capacity in adults with mild-to-moderate dementia should be reassessed periodically to ensure that it is adequate for each specific informed consent situation. Interventions that maximize Understanding and Reasoning by supporting naming, memory, and flexibility may help to optimize capacity in this patient group. PMID:16423129

  15. Quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography of nucleosides in biological materials.

    PubMed

    Gehrke, C W; Kuo, K C; Davis, G E; Suits, R D; Waalkes, T P; Borek, E

    1978-03-21

    A rigorous, comprehensive, and reliable reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method has been developed for the analysis of ribonucleosides in urine (psi, m1A, m1I, m2G, A, m2(2)G). An initial isolation of ribonucleosides with an affinity gel containing an immobilized phenylboronic acid was used to improve selectivity and sensitivity. Response for all nucleosides was linear from 0.1 to 50 nmoles injected and good quantitation was obtained for 25 microliter or less of sample placed on the HPLC column. Excellent precision of analysis for urinary nucleosides was achieved on matrix dependent and independent samples, and the high resolution of the reversed-phase column allowed the complete separation of 9 nucleosides from other unidentified UV absorbing components at the 1-ng level. Supporting experimental data are presented on precision, recovery, chromatographic methods, minimum detection limit, retention time, relative molar response, sample clean-up, stability of nucleosides, boronate gel capacity, and application to analysis of urine from patients with leukemia and breast cancer. This method is now being used routinely for the determination of the concentration and ratios of nucleosides in urine from patients with different types of cancer and in chemotherapy response studies.

  16. Long-acting reversible contraceptive acceptability and unintended pregnancy among women presenting for short-acting methods: a randomized patient preference trial.

    PubMed

    Hubacher, David; Spector, Hannah; Monteith, Charles; Chen, Pai-Lien; Hart, Catherine

    2017-02-01

    Measures of contraceptive effectiveness combine technology and user-related factors. Observational studies show higher effectiveness of long-acting reversible contraception compared with short-acting reversible contraception. Women who choose long-acting reversible contraception may differ in key ways from women who choose short-acting reversible contraception, and it may be these differences that are responsible for the high effectiveness of long-acting reversible contraception. Wider use of long-acting reversible contraception is recommended, but scientific evidence of acceptability and successful use is lacking in a population that typically opts for short-acting methods. The objective of the study was to reduce bias in measuring contraceptive effectiveness and better isolate the independent role that long-acting reversible contraception has in preventing unintended pregnancy relative to short-acting reversible contraception. We conducted a partially randomized patient preference trial and recruited women aged 18-29 years who were seeking a short-acting method (pills or injectable). Participants who agreed to randomization were assigned to 1 of 2 categories: long-acting reversible contraception or short-acting reversible contraception. Women who declined randomization but agreed to follow-up in the observational cohort chose their preferred method. Under randomization, participants chose a specific method in the category and received it for free, whereas participants in the preference cohort paid for the contraception in their usual fashion. Participants were followed up prospectively to measure primary outcomes of method continuation and unintended pregnancy at 12 months. Kaplan-Meier techniques were used to estimate method continuation probabilities. Intent-to-treat principles were applied after method initiation for comparing incidence of unintended pregnancy. We also measured acceptability in terms of level of happiness with the products. Of the 916 participants, 43% chose randomization and 57% chose the preference option. Complete loss to follow-up at 12 months was <2%. The 12-month method continuation probabilities were 63.3% (95% confidence interval, 58.9-67.3) (preference short-acting reversible contraception), 53.0% (95% confidence interval, 45.7-59.8) (randomized short-acting reversible contraception), and 77.8% (95% confidence interval, 71.0-83.2) (randomized long-acting reversible contraception) (P < .001 in the primary comparison involving randomized groups). The 12-month cumulative unintended pregnancy probabilities were 6.4% (95% confidence interval, 4.1-8.7) (preference short-acting reversible contraception), 7.7% (95% confidence interval, 3.3-12.1) (randomized short-acting reversible contraception), and 0.7% (95% confidence interval, 0.0-4.7) (randomized long-acting reversible contraception) (P = .01 when comparing randomized groups). In the secondary comparisons involving only short-acting reversible contraception users, the continuation probability was higher in the preference group compared with the randomized group (P = .04). However, the short-acting reversible contraception randomized group and short-acting reversible contraception preference group had statistically equivalent rates of unintended pregnancy (P = .77). Seventy-eight percent of randomized long-acting reversible contraception users were happy/neutral with their initial method, compared with 89% of randomized short-acting reversible contraception users (P < .05). However, among method continuers at 12 months, all groups were equally happy/neutral (>90%). Even in a typical population of women who presented to initiate or continue short-acting reversible contraception, long-acting reversible contraception proved highly acceptable. One year after initiation, women randomized to long-acting reversible contraception had high continuation rates and consequently experienced superior protection from unintended pregnancy compared with women using short-acting reversible contraception; these findings are attributable to the initial technology and not underlying factors that often bias observational estimates of effectiveness. The similarly patterned experiences of the 2 short-acting reversible contraception cohorts provide a bridge of generalizability between the randomized group and usual-care preference group. Benefits of increased voluntary uptake of long-acting reversible contraception may extend to wider populations than previously thought. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. The psycholegal factors for juvenile transfer and reverse transfer evaluations.

    PubMed

    King, Christopher M

    2018-01-01

    It remains unclear whether forensic mental health assessments for juvenile reverse transfer (to juvenile court) are distinct from those for juvenile transfer (to adult court). This survey consisted of an updated review of transfer and reverse transfer laws (in jurisdictions that have both mechanisms) in light of the generally accepted three-factor model of functional legal capacities involved in transfer evaluations (i.e., risk, sophistication-maturity, and treatment amenability). Results indicated that a majority of states' reverse transfer statutes refer explicitly or implicitly to the same three psycholegal constructs identified as central for transfer. Given the legal similarity between transfer and reverse transfer, potential practice implications and directions for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  18. Organic-Acid-Assisted Fabrication of Low-Cost Li-Rich Cathode Material (Li[Li1/6Fe1/6Ni1/6Mn1/2]O-2) for Lithium-Ion Battery

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

    Zhao, Taolin; Chen, Shi; Li, Li

    2014-12-24

    A novel Li-rich cathode Li[Li1/6Fe1/6Ni1/6Mn1/2]O-2 (0.4Li(2)MnO(3-)0.6LiFe(1/3)Ni(1/3)Mn(1/3)O(2)) was synthesized by a solgel method, which uses citric acid (SC), tartaric acid (ST), or adipic acid (SA) as a chelating agent. The structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of the prepared samples were characterized by various methods. X-ray diffraction showed that single-phase materials are formed mainly with typical alpha-NaFeO2 layered structure (R3 m), and the SC sample has the lowest Li/Ni cation disorder. The morphological study indicated homogeneous primary particles in good distribution size (100 nm) with small aggregates. The Fe, Ni, and Mn valences were determined by X-ray absorption near-edge structure analysis. Inmore » coin cell tests, the initial reversible discharge capacity of an SA electrode was 289.7 mAh g(-1) at the 0.1C rate in the 1.54.8 V voltage range, while an SC electrode showed a better cycling stability with relatively high capacity retention. At the 2C rate, the SC electrode can deliver a discharge capacity of 150 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles. Differential capacity vs voltage curves were employed to further investigate the electrochemical reactions and the structural change process during cycling. This low-cost, Fe-based compound prepared by the solgel method has the potential to be used as the high capacity cathode material for Liion batteries.« less

  19. Reversible polyelectrolyte capsules as carriers for protein delivery.

    PubMed

    Anandhakumar, S; Nagaraja, V; Raichur, Ashok M

    2010-07-01

    A reversible drug delivery system based on spontaneous deposition of a model protein into preformed microcapsules has been demonstrated for protein delivery applications. Layer-by-Layer assembly of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA) onto polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) doped CaCO3 particles, followed by core removal yielded intact hollow microcapsules having a unique property to induce spontaneous deposition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) at pH below its isoelectric point of 4.8, where it was positively charged. These capsules showed reversible pH dependent open and closed states to fluorescence labeled dextran (FITC-Dextran) and BSA (FITC-BSA). The loading capacity of BSA increased from 9.1 x 10(7) to 2.03 x 10(8) molecules per capsule with decrease in pH from 4.5 to 3. The loading of BSA-FITC was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), which showed homogeneous distribution of protein inside the capsule. Efficient loading of BSA was further confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The interior capsule concentration was as high as 209 times the feeding concentration when the feeding concentration was increased from 1 to 10 mg/ml. The deposition was initially controlled by spontaneous loading mechanism at lower BSA concentration followed by diffusion controlled loading at higher concentration; which decreased the loading efficiency from 35% to 7%. Circular dichroism (CD) measurements and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that there was no significant change in conformation of released BSA in comparison with native BSA. The release was initially burst in the first 0.5 h and sustained up to 5 h. The hollow capsules were found to be biocompatible with mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells during in vitro cell culture studies. Thus these pH sensitive polyelectrolyte microcapsules may offer a promising delivery system for water soluble proteins and peptides. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Structure, morphology, and cathode performance of Li 1- x[Ni 0.5Mn 1.5]O 4 prepared by coprecipitation with oxalic acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Dongqiang; Han, Jiantao; Goodenough, John B.

    The cathode materials Li 1- x[Ni 0.5Mn 1.5]O 4 prepared by coprecipitation from acetate solution by oxalic acid and annealing at 900 °C in air had the preferred disordered Ni and Mn on the 16d octahedral sites of a spinel F d 3 bar m structure. The coprecipitation method provides better crystallinity than the F d 3 bar m phase previously obtained by quenching from the melt. Polycrystalline octahedral-shaped particles with smooth surfaces contained trace amounts of a Li yNi 1- yO impurity that introduced some Mn(III) into the spinel phase. Half-cells cycled at 0.2 C rate between 3.5 and 4.8 V versus Li exhibited a flat voltage V ≈ 4.7 V with a small step at x ≈ 0.5 and a capacity at room temperature of 130 mAh g -1 that showed no fade after 50 cycles. A small capacity fade was initiated with a cut-off voltage ≥4.9 V; a significant capacity loss between 2 and 5 C cycling rates was reversible to 134 mAh g -1 on returning to 0.1 C after 50 cycles at 10 C between 3.5 and 5.0 V.

  1. Exercise training in patients with heart disease: review of beneficial effects and clinical recommendations.

    PubMed

    Gielen, Stephan; Laughlin, M Harold; O'Conner, Christopher; Duncker, Dirk J

    2015-01-01

    Over the last decades exercise training has evolved into an established evidence-based therapeutic strategy with prognostic benefits in many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs): In stable coronary artery disease (CAD) exercise training attenuates disease progression by beneficially influencing CVD risk factors (i.e., hyperlipidemia, hypertension) and coronary endothelial function. In heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) training prevents the progressive loss of exercise capacity by antagonizing peripheral skeletal muscle wasting and by promoting left ventricular reverse remodeling with reduction in cardiomegaly and improvement of ejection fraction. Novel areas for exercise training interventions include HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), pulmonary hypertension, and valvular heart disease. In HFpEF, randomized studies indicate a lusitropic effect of training on left ventricular diastolic function associated with symptomatic improvement of exercise capacity. In pulmonary hypertension, reductions in pulmonary artery pressure were observed following endurance exercise training. Recently, innovative training methods such as high-intensity interval training, resistance training and others have been introduced. Although their prognostic value still needs to be determined, these approaches may achieve superior improvements in aerobic exercise capacity and gain in muscle mass, respectively. In this review, we give an overview of the prognostic and symptomatic benefits of exercise training in the most common cardiac disease entities. Additionally, key guideline recommendations for the initiation of training programs are summarized. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Electrostatic spray deposition of porous Fe 2O 3 thin films as anode material with improved electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, L.; Xu, H. W.; Chen, P. C.; Zhang, D. W.; Ding, C. X.; Chen, C. H.

    Iron oxide materials are attractive anode materials for lithium-ion batteries for their high capacity and low cost compared with graphite and most of other transition metal oxides. Porous carbon-free α-Fe 2O 3 films with two types of pore size distribution were prepared by electrostatic spray deposition, and they were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy. The 200 °C-deposited thin film exhibits a high reversible capacity of up to 1080 mAh g -1, while the initial capacity loss is at a remarkable low level (19.8%). Besides, the energy efficiency and energy specific average potential (E av) of the Fe 2O 3 films during charge/discharge process were also investigated. The results indicate that the porous α-Fe 2O 3 films have significantly higher energy density than Li 4Ti 5O 12 while it has a similar E av of about 1.5 V. Due to the porous structure that can buffer the volume changes during lithium intercalation/de-intercalation, the films exhibit stable cycling performance. As a potential anode material for high performance lithium-ion batteries that can be applied on electric vehicle and energy storage, rate capability and electrochemical performance under high-low temperatures were also investigated.

  3. Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Silver Vanadium Phosphorus Oxide, Ag 2VO 2PO 4 : Crystallite Size Control and Impact on Electrochemistry

    DOE PAGES

    Huang, Jianping; Marschilok, Amy C.; Takeuchi, Esther S.; ...

    2016-03-07

    We study silver vanadium phosphorus oxide, Ag 2VO 2PO 4, that is a promising cathode material for Li batteries due in part to its large capacity and high current capability. Herein, a new synthesis of Ag 2VO 2PO 4 based on microwave heating is presented, where the reaction time is reduced by approximately 100× relative to other reported methods, and the crystallite size is controlled via synthesis temperature, showing a linear correlation of crystallite size with temperature. Notably, under galvanostatic reduction, the Ag 2VO 2PO 4 sample with the smallest crystallite size delivers the highest capacity and shows the highestmore » loaded voltage. Further, pulse discharge tests show a significant resistance decrease during the initial discharge coincident with the formation of Ag metal. Thus, the magnitude of the resistance decrease observed during pulse tests depends on the Ag 2VO 2PO 4 crystallite size, with the largest resistance decrease observed for the smallest crystallite size. Additional electrochemical measurements indicate a quasi-reversible redox reaction involving Li + insertion/deinsertion, with capacity fade due to structural changes associated with the discharge/charge process. In summary, this work demonstrates a faster synthetic approach for bimetallic polyanionic materials which also provides the opportunity for tuning of electrochemical properties through control of material physical properties such as crystallite size.« less

  4. The electrochemical exploration of double carbon-wrapped Na3V2(PO4)3: Towards long-time cycling and superior rate sodium-ion battery cathode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Sijie; Ge, Peng; Zhang, Chenyang; Sun, Wei; Hou, Hongshuai; Ji, Xiaobo

    2017-10-01

    Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) is a very promising cathode material in sodium ion battery for rapidly emerging large-scale energy storage with its classical 3D NASCION structure. However, the cycling life and rate performances are restricted its low electronic conductivity. To overcome these, the double carbon-wrapped Na3V2(PO4)3 composite is firstly designed through rheological phase approach, delivering enhanced electrochemical properties. The unique double carbon layers are composed of uniform amorphous carbons as protecting framework for stabilizing the structure, as well as the graphitized carbon sheets playing the role of conductive network for better electronic conductivity. This double carbon-wrapped Na3V2(PO4)3 composite exhibits a high reversible capacity of 99.8 mAh g-1 over 500 cycles at 1 C (110 mA g-1), yielding the coulombic efficiency of ∼99.8%. Meanwhile, it displays an initial capacity of 73 mAh g-1 at 100 C and remains 55 mAh g-1 at an ultra-rate of 200 C. Even after cycling at 200 C over 12 000 cycles, the Na+-storage capacity of 40 mAh g-1 with a retention of 72.7% is still obtained, highlighting its excellent long cycling life and remarkable rate performances.

  5. Delicate Structural Control of Si-SiOx-C Composite via High-Speed Spray Pyrolysis for Li-Ion Battery Anodes.

    PubMed

    Lee, Seung Jong; Kim, Hye Jin; Hwang, Tae Hoon; Choi, Sunghun; Park, Sung Hyeon; Deniz, Erhan; Jung, Dae Soo; Choi, Jang Wook

    2017-03-08

    Despite the high theoretical capacity, silicon (Si) anodes in lithium-ion batteries have difficulty in meeting the commercial standards in various aspects. In particular, the huge volume change of Si makes it very challenging to simultaneously achieve high initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and long-term cycle life. Herein, we report spray pyrolysis to prepare Si-SiO x composite using an aqueous precursor solution containing Si nanoparticles, citric acid, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). In the precursor solution, Si nanoparticles are etched by NaOH with the production of [SiO 4 ] 4- . During the dynamic course of spray pyrolysis, [SiO 4 ] 4- transforms to SiO x matrix and citric acid decomposes to carbon surface layer with the assistance of NaOH that serves as a decomposition catalyst. As a result, a Si-SiO x composite, in which Si nanodomains are homogeneously embedded in the SiO x matrix with carbon surface layer, is generated by a one-pot process with a residence time of only 3.5 s in a flow reactor. The optimal composite structure in terms of Si domain size and Si-to-O ratio exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, such as reversible capacity of 1561.9 mAh g -1 at 0.06C rate and ICE of 80.2% and 87.9% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 1C rate.

  6. Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Analysis of Mg2+ Intercalation into Thin Film Electrodes of Layered Oxides: V2O5 and MoO3

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

    Gershinsky, G; Yoo, HD; Gofer, Y

    Electrochemical, surface, and structural studies related to rechargeable Mg batteries were carried out with monolithic thin-film cathodes comprising layered V2O5 and MoO3. The reversible intercalation reactions of these electrodes with Mg ion in nonaqueous Mg salt solutions were explored using a variety of analytical tools. These included slow-scan rate cyclic voltammetry (SSCV), chrono-potentiometry (galvanostatic cycling), Raman and photoelectron spectroscopies, high-resolution microscopy, and XRD. The V2O5 electrodes exhibited reversible Mg-ion intercalation at capacities around 150-180 mAh g(-1) with 100% efficiency. A capacity of 220 mAh g(-1) at >95% efficiency was obtained with MoO3 electrodes. By applying the electrochemical driving force sufficientlymore » slowly it was possible to measure the electrodes at equilibrium conditions and verify by spectroscopy, microscopy, and diffractometry that these electrodes undergo fully reversible structural changes upon Mg-ion insertion/deinsertion cycling.« less

  7. Ternary metal fluorides as high-energy cathodes with low cycling hysteresis

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Feng; Kim, Sung-Wook; Seo, Dong-Hwa; Kang, Kisuk; Wang, Liping; Su, Dong; Vajo, John J.; Wang, John; Graetz, Jason

    2015-01-01

    Transition metal fluorides are an appealing alternative to conventional intercalation compounds for use as cathodes in next-generation lithium batteries due to their extremely high capacity (3–4 times greater than the current state-of-the-art). However, issues related to reversibility, energy efficiency and kinetics prevent their practical application. Here we report on the synthesis, structural and electrochemical properties of ternary metal fluorides (M1yM21-yFx: M1, M2=Fe, Cu), which may overcome these issues. By substituting Cu into the Fe lattice, forming the solid–solution CuyFe1-yF2, reversible Cu and Fe redox reactions are achieved with surprisingly small hysteresis (<150 mV). This finding indicates that cation substitution may provide a new avenue for tailoring key electrochemical properties of conversion electrodes. Although the reversible capacity of Cu conversion fades rapidly, likely due to Cu+ dissolution, the low hysteresis and high energy suggest that a Cu-based fluoride cathode remains an intriguing candidate for rechargeable lithium batteries. PMID:25808876

  8. Revealing mechanism responsible for structural reversibility of single-crystal VO 2 nanorods upon lithiation/delithiation

    DOE PAGES

    Liu, Qi; Tan, Guoqiang; Wang, Peng; ...

    2017-04-17

    A pure phase of VO 2(B) nanorods have been synthesized through an energy-efficient microwave hydrothermal reaction and used as cathode materials of lithium ion batteries, which exhibit promising specific capacity (e.g., 130 mA h g -1 even after 100 charge/discharge cycles) and rate capacity (e.g., ~130 mA h g -1 at a high current of 400 mA g -1). The excellent cyclability originates from the structural reversibility of VO 2(B) upon lithiation/delithiation that is confirmed by the in situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction (HEXRD) and in situ x-ray adsorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) of the VO 2 nanorods in operating batterymore » cells. As a result, the real-time results reveal that discharge forces lithium ions to insert firstly into the tunnels with the largest size along b direction followed by the second largest tunnels along c direction, which is completely reversible in the charge process.« less

  9. Revealing mechanism responsible for structural reversibility of single-crystal VO 2 nanorods upon lithiation/delithiation

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

    Liu, Qi; Tan, Guoqiang; Wang, Peng

    A pure phase of VO 2(B) nanorods have been synthesized through an energy-efficient microwave hydrothermal reaction and used as cathode materials of lithium ion batteries, which exhibit promising specific capacity (e.g., 130 mA h g -1 even after 100 charge/discharge cycles) and rate capacity (e.g., ~130 mA h g -1 at a high current of 400 mA g -1). The excellent cyclability originates from the structural reversibility of VO 2(B) upon lithiation/delithiation that is confirmed by the in situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction (HEXRD) and in situ x-ray adsorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) of the VO 2 nanorods in operating batterymore » cells. As a result, the real-time results reveal that discharge forces lithium ions to insert firstly into the tunnels with the largest size along b direction followed by the second largest tunnels along c direction, which is completely reversible in the charge process.« less

  10. Categorizing and Promoting Reversibility of Mathematical Concepts

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Simon, Martin A.; Kara, Melike; Placa, Nicora; Sandir, Hakan

    2016-01-01

    Reversibility of concepts, a key aspect of mathematical development, is often problematic for learners. In this theoretical paper, we present a typology we have developed for categorizing the different reverse concepts that can be related to a particular initial concept and explicate the relationship among these different reverse concepts. We…

  11. NMDA and D2-like receptors modulate cognitive flexibility in a color discrimination reversal task in pigeons.

    PubMed

    Herold, Christina

    2010-06-01

    Reversal and extinction learning represent forms of cognitive flexibility that refer to the ability of an animal to alter behavior in response to unanticipated changes on environmental demands. A role for dopamine and glutamate in modulating this behavior has been implicated. Here, we determined the effects of intracerebroventricular injections in pigeons' forebrain of the D2-like receptor agonist quinpirole, the D2-like receptor antagonist sulpiride and the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist AP-5 on initial acquisition and reversal of a color discrimination task. On day one, pigeons had to learn to discriminate two color keys. On day two, pigeons first performed a retention test, which was followed by a reversal of the reward contingencies of the two color keys. None of the drugs altered performance in the initial acquisition of color discrimination or affected the retention of the learned color key. In contrast, all drugs impaired reversal learning by increasing trials and incorrect responses in the reversal session. Our data support the hypothesis that D2-like receptor mechanisms, like N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor modulations, are involved in cognitive flexibility and relearning processes, but not in initial learning of stimulus-reward association.

  12. Monoamines stimulate sex reversal in the saddleback wrasse.

    PubMed

    Larson, Earl T; Norris, David O; Gordon Grau, E; Summers, Cliff H

    2003-02-15

    Monoamine neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin) play an important role in reproduction and sexual behavior throughout the vertebrates. They are the first endogenous chemical signals in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In teleosts with behavioral sex determination, much is known about behavioral cues that induce sex reversal. The cues are social, processed via the visual system and depend on the ratio of females to males in the population. The mechanisms by which these external behavioral cues are converted to an internal chemical regulatory process are largely unknown. The protogynous Hawaiian saddleback wrasse, Thalassoma duperrey, was used to investigate the biological pathway mediating the conversion of a social cue into neuroendocrine events regulating sex reversal. Because monoamines play an important role in the regulation of the HPG axis, they were selected as likely candidates for such a conversion. To determine if monoamines could affect sex reversal, drugs affecting monoamines were used in an attempt to either induce sex reversal under non-permissive conditions, or prevent sex reversal under permissive conditions. Increasing norepinephrine or blocking dopamine or serotonin lead to sex reversal in experimental animals under non-permissive conditions. Increasing serotonin blocked sex reversal under permissive conditions, while blocking dopamine or norepinephrine retarded the process. The results presented here demonstrate that monoamines contribute significantly to the control sex reversal. Norepinephrine stimulates initiation and completion of gonadal sex of reversal as well as color change perhaps directly via its effects on the HPG axis. Dopamine exercises inhibitory action on the initiation of sex reversal while 5-HT inhibits both initiation and completion of sex reversal. The serotonergic system appears to be an integral part of the pathway mediating the conversion of a social cue into a neuroendocrine event. The complex organization of neurochemical events controlling the psychosocial, physiological, and anatomical events that constitute reversal of sexual identity includes monoamine neurotransmitters. Copyright 2003 Elsevier Science (USA)

  13. Cost-Effectiveness of the Third-Agent Class in Treatment-Naive Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients in Portugal

    PubMed Central

    Aragão, Filipa; Vera, José; Vaz Pinto, Inês

    2012-01-01

    Introduction Current Portuguese HIV treatment guidelines recommend initiating antiretroviral therapy with a regimen composed of two Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors plus one Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (2NRTI+NNRTI) or two Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors plus one boosted protease inhibitor (2NRTI+PI/r). Given the lower daily cost of NNRTI as the third agent when compared to the average daily costs of PI/r, it is relevant to estimate the long term impact of each treatment option in the Portuguese context. Methods We developed a microsimulation discrete events model for cost-effectiveness analysis of HIV treatment, simulating individual paths from ART initiation to death. Four driving forces determine the course of events: CD4+ cell count, viral load, resistance and adherence. Distributions of time to event are conditional to individuals’ characteristics and past history. Time to event was modeled using parametric survival analysis using Stata 11®. Disease progression was structured according to therapy lines and the model was parameterized with cohort Portuguese observational data. All resources were valued at 2009 prices. The National Health Service’s perspective was assumed considering a lifetime horizon and a 5% annual discount rate. Results In this analysis, initiating therapy with two Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors plus one Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor reduces the average number of switches by 17%, saves 19.573€ per individual and increases life expectancy by 1.7 months showing to be a dominant strategy in 57% of the simulations when compared to two Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors plus one boosted protease inhibitor. Conclusion This study suggests that, when clinically valid, initiating therapy with two Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors plus one Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor is a cost-saving strategy and equally effective when compared to two Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors plus one boosted protease inhibitor as the first regimen. PMID:23028618

  14. Battery Relevant Electrochemistry of Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 : Contrasting Contributions from the Redox Chemistries of Ag + and Fe 3+

    DOE PAGES

    Zhang, Yiman; Kirshenbaum, Kevin C.; Marschilok, Amy C.; ...

    2016-10-12

    Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is an example of an electrochemical displacement material which contains two different electrochemically active metal cations, where one cation (Ag +) forms metallic silver nanoparticles external to the crystals of Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 via an electrochemical reduction displacement reaction, while the other cation (Fe +3) is electrochemically reduced with the retention of iron cations within the anion structural framework concomitant with lithium insertion. These contrasting redox chemistries within one pure cathode material enable high rate capability and reversibility when Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is employed asmore » cathode material in a lithium ion battery (LIB). Further, pyrophosphate materials are thermally and electrically stable, desirable attributes for cathode materials in LIBs. In this article, a bimetallic pyrophosphate material Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is synthesized and confirmed to be a single phase by Rietveld refinement. Electrochemistry of Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is reported for the first time in the context of lithium based batteries using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic discharge–charge cycling. The reduction displacement reaction and the lithium (de)insertion processes are investigated using ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction of electrochemically reduced and oxidized Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4. Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 exhibits good reversibility at the iron centers indicated by ~80% capacity retention over 100 cycles following the initial formation cycle and excellent rate capability exhibited by ~70% capacity retention upon a 4-fold increase in current.« less

  15. Battery Relevant Electrochemistry of Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 : Contrasting Contributions from the Redox Chemistries of Ag + and Fe 3+

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

    Zhang, Yiman; Kirshenbaum, Kevin C.; Marschilok, Amy C.

    Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is an example of an electrochemical displacement material which contains two different electrochemically active metal cations, where one cation (Ag +) forms metallic silver nanoparticles external to the crystals of Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 via an electrochemical reduction displacement reaction, while the other cation (Fe +3) is electrochemically reduced with the retention of iron cations within the anion structural framework concomitant with lithium insertion. These contrasting redox chemistries within one pure cathode material enable high rate capability and reversibility when Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is employed asmore » cathode material in a lithium ion battery (LIB). Further, pyrophosphate materials are thermally and electrically stable, desirable attributes for cathode materials in LIBs. In this article, a bimetallic pyrophosphate material Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is synthesized and confirmed to be a single phase by Rietveld refinement. Electrochemistry of Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 is reported for the first time in the context of lithium based batteries using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic discharge–charge cycling. The reduction displacement reaction and the lithium (de)insertion processes are investigated using ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction of electrochemically reduced and oxidized Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4. Ag 7Fe 3(P 2O 7 ) 4 exhibits good reversibility at the iron centers indicated by ~80% capacity retention over 100 cycles following the initial formation cycle and excellent rate capability exhibited by ~70% capacity retention upon a 4-fold increase in current.« less

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

    Sun, Hongyu; Ahmad, Mashkoor, E-mail: mashkoorahmad2003@yahoo.com; Luo, Jun

    Graphical abstract: The synthesized SnS{sub 2} nanoflakes decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes hybrid structures exhibit large reversible capacity, superior cycling performance, and good rate capability as compared to pure SnS{sub 2} nanoflakes. - Highlights: • Synthesis of SnS{sub 2} nanoflakes decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes hybrid structures. • Simple solution-phase approach. • Morphology feature of SnS{sub 2}. • Enhanced performance as Li-ion batteries. - Abstract: SnS{sub 2} nanoflakes decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) hybrid structures are directly synthesized via a simple solution-phase approach. The as-prepared SnS{sub 2}/MWCNTs structures are investigated as anode materials for Li-ion batteries as compared with SnS{sub 2} nanoflakes.more » It has been found that the composite structure exhibit excellent lithium storage performance with a large reversible capacity, superior cycling performance, and good rate capability as compared to pure SnS{sub 2} nanoflakes. The first discharge and charge capacities have been found to be 1416 and 518 mA h g{sup −1} for SnS{sub 2}/MWCNTs composite electrodes at a current density of 100 mA g{sup −1} between 5 mV and 1.15 V versus Li/Li{sup +}. A stable reversible capacity of ∼510 mA h g{sup −1} is obtained for 50 cycles. The improved electrochemical performance may be attributed to the flake-morphology feature of SnS{sub 2} and the addition of MWCNTs that can hinder the agglomeration of the active materials and improve the conductivity of the composite electrode simultaneously.« less

  17. Pre-Lithiation of Li(Ni1-x-yMnxCoy)O2 Materials Enabling Enhancement of Performance for Li-Ion Battery.

    PubMed

    Wu, Zhongzhen; Ji, Shunping; Hu, Zongxiang; Zheng, Jiaxin; Xiao, Shu; Lin, Yuan; Xu, Kang; Amine, Khalil; Pan, Feng

    2016-06-22

    Transition metal oxide materials Li(NixMnyCoz)O2 (NMCxyz) based on layered structure are potential cathode candidates for automotive Li-ion batteries because of their high specific capacities and operating potentials. However, the actual usable capacity, cycling stability, and first-cycle Coulombic efficiency remain far from practical. Previously, we reported a combined strategy consisting of depolarization with embedded carbon nanotube (CNT) and activation through pre-lithiation of the NMC host, which significantly improved the reversible capacity and cycling stability of NMC532-based material. In the present work we attempt to understand how pre-lithiation leads to these improvements on an atomic level with experimental investigation and ab initio calculations. By lithiating a series of NMC materials with varying chemical compositions prepared via a conventional approach, we identified the Ni in the NMC lattice as the component responsible for accommodating a double-layered Li structure. Specifically, much better improvements in the cycling stability and capacity can be achieved with the NMC lattices populated with Ni(3+) than those populated with only Ni(2+). Using the XRD we also found that the emergence of a double-layer Li structure is not only reversible during the pre-lithiation and the following delithiation, but also stable against elevated temperatures up to 320 °C. These new findings regarding the mechanism of pre-lithiation as well as how it affects the reversibility and stability of NMC-based cathode materials prepared by the conventional slurry approach will promote the possibility of their application in the future battery industry.

  18. Initiation Capacity of a Specially Shaped Booster Pellet and Numerical Simulation of Its Initiation Process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, Li-Shuang; Hu, Shuang-Qi; Cao, Xiong; Zhang, Jian-Ren

    2014-01-01

    The insensitive main charge explosive is creating new requirements for the booster pellet of detonation trains. The traditional cylindrical booster pellet has insufficient energy output to reliably initiate the insensitive main charge explosive. In this research, a concave spherical booster pellet was designed. The initiation capacity of the concave spherical booster pellet was studied using varied composition and axial steel dent methods. The initiation process of the concave spherical booster pellet was also simulated by ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The results showed that using a concave spherical booster allows a 42% reduction in the amount of explosive needed to match the initiation capacity of a conventional cylindrical booster of the same dimensions. With the other parameters kept constant, the initiation capacity of the concave spherical booster pellet increases with decreased cone angle and concave radius. The numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data.

  19. 28. MESTA STEAM ENGINE, INSTALLED BY THE CORRIGAN, McKINNEY COMPANY ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    28. MESTA STEAM ENGINE, INSTALLED BY THE CORRIGAN, McKINNEY COMPANY IN 1916, STILL DRIVES THE 44-INCH REVERSING BLOOMING MILL. THE TWIN TANDAM, COMPOUND CONDENSING, REVERSING STEAM ENGINE HAS A RATED CAPACITY OF 35,000 H.P. IT WAS BUILT BY THE MESTA MACHINE COMPANY OF PITTSBURGH. - Corrigan, McKinney Steel Company, 3100 East Forty-fifth Street, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, OH

  20. Particulate inverse opal carbon electrodes for lithium-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Kang, Da-Young; Kim, Sang-Ok; Chae, Yu Jin; Lee, Joong Kee; Moon, Jun Hyuk

    2013-01-29

    Inverse opal carbon materials were used as anodes for lithium ion batteries. We applied particulate inverse opal structures and their dispersion in the formation of anode electrodes via solution casting. We prepared aminophenyl-grafted inverse opal carbons (a-IOC), inverse opal carbons with mesopores (mIOC), and bare inverse opal carbons (IOC) and investigated the electrochemical behavior of these samples as anode materials. Surface modification by aminophenyl groups was confirmed by XPS measurements. TEM images showed mesopores, and the specific area of mIOC was compared with that of IOC using BET analysis. A half-cell test was performed to compare a-IOC with IOC and mIOC with IOC. In the case of the a-IOC structure, the cell test revealed no improvement in the reversible specific capacity or the cycle performance. The mIOC cell showed a reversible specific capacity of 432 mAh/g, and the capacity was maintained at 88%-approximately 380 mAh/g-over 20 cycles.

  1. Synthesis, Structure, and Electrochemical Performance of High Capacity Li 2Cu 0.5Ni 0.5O 2 Cathodes

    DOE PAGES

    Ruther, Rose E; Zhou, Hui; Dhital, Chetan; ...

    2015-09-08

    Orthorhombic Li 2NiO 2, Li 2CuO 2, and solid solutions thereof have been studied as potential cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacity and relatively low cost. While neither endmember shows good cycling stability, the intermediate composition, Li 2Cu 0.5Ni 0.5O 2, yields reasonably high reversible capacities. A new synthetic approach and detailed characterization of this phase and the parent Li 2CuO 2 are presented. The cycle life of Li 2Cu 0.5Ni 0.5O 2 is shown to depend critically on the voltage window. The formation of Cu 1+ at low voltage and oxygen evolution at highmore » voltage limit the electrochemical reversibility. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), in situ Raman spectroscopy, and gas evolution measurements are used to follow the chemical and structural changes that occur as a function of cell voltage.« less

  2. A stable lithium-rich surface structure for lithium-rich layered cathode materials

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Sangryun; Cho, Woosuk; Zhang, Xiaobin; Oshima, Yoshifumi; Choi, Jang Wook

    2016-01-01

    Lithium ion batteries are encountering ever-growing demand for further increases in energy density. Li-rich layered oxides are considered a feasible solution to meet this demand because their specific capacities often surpass 200 mAh g−1 due to the additional lithium occupation in the transition metal layers. However, this lithium arrangement, in turn, triggers cation mixing with the transition metals, causing phase transitions during cycling and loss of reversible capacity. Here we report a Li-rich layered surface bearing a consistent framework with the host, in which nickel is regularly arranged between the transition metal layers. This surface structure mitigates unwanted phase transitions, improving the cycling stability. This surface modification enables a reversible capacity of 218.3 mAh g−1 at 1C (250 mA g−1) with improved cycle retention (94.1% after 100 cycles). The present surface design can be applied to various battery electrodes that suffer from structural degradations propagating from the surface. PMID:27886178

  3. Performance Comparison with Different Antenna Properties in Time Reversal Ultra-Wideband Communications for Sensor System Applications

    PubMed Central

    Ding, Shuai

    2017-01-01

    The complexity reduction of receivers in ultrawideband (UWB) communication when time reversal (TR) technique is applied makes it suitable for low-cost and low-power sensor systems. Larger antenna dispersion can generally lead to a less stable phase center and will increase the interference in UWB communications based on pulse radio, whereas a higher antenna gain will result in higher channel gain and further larger channel capacity. To find out the trade-off between antenna gain and dispersion, we performed the channel measurements using different antennas in a dense multipath environment and established the distribution of channel capacities based on the measured channel responses. The results show that the capacity loss caused by antenna dispersion cannot be compensated by antenna gain with line-of-sight transmission to some extent, the effect of phase center on the communication system is negligible, and antennas with smaller time dispersion will have a better energy focusing property and anti-interference performance in TR systems. PMID:29301195

  4. Performance Comparison with Different Antenna Properties in Time Reversal Ultra-Wideband Communications for Sensor System Applications.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yu; Wang, Bing-Zhong; Ding, Shuai

    2017-12-30

    The complexity reduction of receivers in ultrawideband (UWB) communication when time reversal (TR) technique is applied makes it suitable for low-cost and low-power sensor systems. Larger antenna dispersion can generally lead to a less stable phase center and will increase the interference in UWB communications based on pulse radio, whereas a higher antenna gain will result in higher channel gain and further larger channel capacity. To find out the trade-off between antenna gain and dispersion, we performed the channel measurements using different antennas in a dense multipath environment and established the distribution of channel capacities based on the measured channel responses. The results show that the capacity loss caused by antenna dispersion cannot be compensated by antenna gain with line-of-sight transmission to some extent, the effect of phase center on the communication system is negligible, and antennas with smaller time dispersion will have a better energy focusing property and anti-interference performance in TR systems.

  5. Aqueous rechargeable zinc/sodium vanadate batteries with enhanced performance from simultaneous insertion of dual carriers.

    PubMed

    Wan, Fang; Zhang, Linlin; Dai, Xi; Wang, Xinyu; Niu, Zhiqiang; Chen, Jun

    2018-04-25

    Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries are promising energy storage devices due to their high safety and low cost. However, they remain in their infancy because of the limited choice of positive electrodes with high capacity and satisfactory cycling performance. Furthermore, their energy storage mechanisms are not well established yet. Here we report a highly reversible zinc/sodium vanadate system, where sodium vanadate hydrate nanobelts serve as positive electrode and zinc sulfate aqueous solution with sodium sulfate additive is used as electrolyte. Different from conventional energy release/storage in zinc-ion batteries with only zinc-ion insertion/extraction, zinc/sodium vanadate hydrate batteries possess a simultaneous proton, and zinc-ion insertion/extraction process that is mainly responsible for their excellent performance, such as a high reversible capacity of 380 mAh g -1 and capacity retention of 82% over 1000 cycles. Moreover, the quasi-solid-state zinc/sodium vanadate hydrate battery is also a good candidate for flexible energy storage device.

  6. Early afterglows in wind environments revisited

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zou, Y. C.; Wu, X. F.; Dai, Z. G.

    2005-10-01

    When a cold shell sweeps up the ambient medium, a forward shock and a reverse shock will form. We analyse the reverse-forward shocks in a wind environment, including their dynamics and emission. An early afterglow is emitted from the shocked shell, e.g. an optical flash may emerge. The reverse shock behaves differently in two approximations: the relativistic and Newtonian cases, which depend on the parameters, e.g. the initial Lorentz factor of the ejecta. If the initial Lorentz factor is much less than 114E1/453Δ-1/40,12A-1/4*,-1, the early reverse shock is Newtonian. This may take place for the wider of a two-component jet, an orphan afterglow caused by a low initial Lorentz factor and so on. The synchrotron self-absorption effect is significant especially for the Newtonian reverse shock case, as the absorption frequency νa is larger than the cooling frequency νc and the minimum synchrotron frequency νm for typical parameters. For the optical to X-ray band, the flux is nearly unchanged with time during the early period, which may be a diagnostic for the low initial Lorentz factor of the ejecta in a wind environment. We also investigate the early light curves with different wind densities and compare them with those in the interstellar medium model.

  7. The Role of Frontal Cortical and Medial-Temporal Lobe Brain Areas in Learning a Bayesian Prior Belief on Reversals

    PubMed Central

    Jang, Anthony I.; Costa, Vincent D.; Rudebeck, Peter H.; Chudasama, Yogita; Murray, Elisabeth A.

    2015-01-01

    Reversal learning has been extensively studied across species as a task that indexes the ability to flexibly make and reverse deterministic stimulus–reward associations. Although various brain lesions have been found to affect performance on this task, the behavioral processes affected by these lesions have not yet been determined. This task includes at least two kinds of learning. First, subjects have to learn and reverse stimulus–reward associations in each block of trials. Second, subjects become more proficient at reversing choice preferences as they experience more reversals. We have developed a Bayesian approach to separately characterize these two learning processes. Reversal of choice behavior within each block is driven by a combination of evidence that a reversal has occurred, and a prior belief in reversals that evolves with experience across blocks. We applied the approach to behavior obtained from 89 macaques, comprising 12 lesion groups and a control group. We found that animals from all of the groups reversed more quickly as they experienced more reversals, and correspondingly they updated their prior beliefs about reversals at the same rate. However, the initial values of the priors that the various groups of animals brought to the task differed significantly, and it was these initial priors that led to the differences in behavior. Thus, by taking a Bayesian approach we find that variability in reversal-learning performance attributable to different neural systems is primarily driven by different prior beliefs about reversals that each group brings to the task. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The ability to use prior knowledge to adapt choice behavior is critical for flexible decision making. Reversal learning is often studied as a form of flexible decision making. However, prior studies have not identified which brain regions are important for the formation and use of prior beliefs to guide choice behavior. Here we develop a Bayesian approach that formally characterizes learning set as a concept, and we show that, in macaque monkeys, the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex have a role in establishing an initial belief about the stability of the reward environment. PMID:26290251

  8. Probabilistic Reversal Learning in Schizophrenia: Stability of Deficits and Potential Causal Mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Reddy, Lena Felice; Waltz, James A; Green, Michael F; Wynn, Jonathan K; Horan, William P

    2016-07-01

    Although individuals with schizophrenia show impaired feedback-driven learning on probabilistic reversal learning (PRL) tasks, the specific factors that contribute to these deficits remain unknown. Recent work has suggested several potential causes including neurocognitive impairments, clinical symptoms, and specific types of feedback-related errors. To examine this issue, we administered a PRL task to 126 stable schizophrenia outpatients and 72 matched controls, and patients were retested 4 weeks later. The task involved an initial probabilistic discrimination learning phase and subsequent reversal phases in which subjects had to adjust their responses to sudden shifts in the reinforcement contingencies. Patients showed poorer performance than controls for both the initial discrimination and reversal learning phases of the task, and performance overall showed good test-retest reliability among patients. A subgroup analysis of patients (n = 64) and controls (n = 49) with good initial discrimination learning revealed no between-group differences in reversal learning, indicating that the patients who were able to achieve all of the initial probabilistic discriminations were not impaired in reversal learning. Regarding potential contributors to impaired discrimination learning, several factors were associated with poor PRL, including higher levels of neurocognitive impairment, poor learning from both positive and negative feedback, and higher levels of indiscriminate response shifting. The results suggest that poor PRL performance in schizophrenia can be the product of multiple mechanisms. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  9. Reversing-counterpulse repetitive-pulse inductive storage circuit

    DOEpatents

    Honig, Emanuel M.

    1987-01-01

    A high-power reversing-counterpulse repetitive-pulse inductive storage and transfer circuit includes an opening switch, a main energy storage coil, a counterpulse capacitor and a small inductor. After counterpulsing the opening switch off, the counterpulse capacitor is recharged by the main energy storage coil before the load pulse is initiated. This gives the counterpulse capacitor sufficient energy for the next counterpulse operation, although the polarity of the capacitor's voltage must be reversed before that can occur. By using a current-zero switch as the counterpulse start switch, the capacitor is disconnected from the circuit (with a full charge) when the load pulse is initiated, preventing the capacitor from depleting its energy store by discharging through the load. After the load pulse is terminated by reclosing the main opening switch, the polarity of the counterpulse capacitor voltage is reversed by discharging the capacitor through a small inductor and interrupting the discharge current oscillation at zero current and peak reversed voltage. The circuit enables high-power, high-repetition-rate operation with reusable switches and features total control (pulse-to-pulse) over output pulse initiation, duration, repetition rate, and, to some extent, risetime.

  10. Reversing-counterpulse repetitive-pulse inductive storage circuit

    DOEpatents

    Honig, E.M.

    1984-06-05

    A high power reversing-counterpulse repetitive-pulse inductive storage and transfer circuit includes an opening switch, a main energy storage coil, a counterpulse capacitor and a small inductor. After counterpulsing the opening switch off, the counterpulse capacitor is recharged by the main energy storage coil before the load pulse is initiated. This gives the counterpulse capacitor sufficient energy for the next counterpulse operation, although the polarity of the capacitor's voltage must be reversed before that can occur. By using a current-zero switch as the counterpulse start switch, the capacitor is disconnected from the circuit (with a full charge) when the load pulse is initiated, preventing the capacitor from depleting its energy store by discharging through the load. After the load pulse is terminated by reclosing the main opening switch, the polarity of the counterpulse capacitor voltage is reversed by discharging the capacitor through a small inductor and interrupting the discharge current oscillation at zero current and peak reversed voltage. The circuit enables high-power, high-repetition-rate operation with reusable switches and features total control (pulse-to-pulse) over output pulse initiation, duration, repetition rate, and, to some extent, risetime.

  11. Unlocking the potential of SnS2: Transition metal catalyzed utilization of reversible conversion and alloying reactions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Zhi Xiang; Wang, Ye; Liu, Bo; Kong, Dezhi; Zhang, Jun; Chen, Tupei; Yang, Hui Ying

    2017-01-01

    The alloying-dealloying reactions of SnS2 proceeds with the initial conversion reaction of SnS2 with lithium that produces Li2S. Unfortunately, due to the electrochemical inactivity of Li2S, the conversion reaction of SnS2 is irreversible, which significantly limit its potential applications in lithium-ion batteries. Herein, a systematic understanding of transition metal molybdenum (Mo) as a catalyst in SnS2 anode is presented. It is found that Mo catalyst is able to efficiently promote the reversible conversion of Sn to SnS2. This leads to the utilization of both conversion and alloying reactions in SnS2 that greatly increases lithium storage capability of SnS2. Mo catalyst is introduced in the form of MoS2 grown directly onto self-assembled vertical SnS2 nanosheets that anchors on three-dimensional graphene (3DG) creating a hierarchal nanostructured named as SnS2/MoS2/3DG. The catalytic effect results in a significantly enhanced electrochemical properties of SnS2/MoS2/3DG; a high initial Coulombic efficiency (81.5%) and high discharge capacities of 960.5 and 495.6 mA h g-1 at current densities of 50 and 1000 mA g-1, respectively. Post cycling investigations using ex situ TEM and XPS analysis verifies the successful conversion reaction of SnS2 mediated by Mo. The successful integration of catalyst on alloying type metal sulfide anode creates a new avenue towards high energy density lithium anodes.

  12. Unlocking the potential of SnS2: Transition metal catalyzed utilization of reversible conversion and alloying reactions.

    PubMed

    Huang, Zhi Xiang; Wang, Ye; Liu, Bo; Kong, Dezhi; Zhang, Jun; Chen, Tupei; Yang, Hui Ying

    2017-01-19

    The alloying-dealloying reactions of SnS 2 proceeds with the initial conversion reaction of SnS 2 with lithium that produces Li 2 S. Unfortunately, due to the electrochemical inactivity of Li 2 S, the conversion reaction of SnS 2 is irreversible, which significantly limit its potential applications in lithium-ion batteries. Herein, a systematic understanding of transition metal molybdenum (Mo) as a catalyst in SnS 2 anode is presented. It is found that Mo catalyst is able to efficiently promote the reversible conversion of Sn to SnS 2 . This leads to the utilization of both conversion and alloying reactions in SnS 2 that greatly increases lithium storage capability of SnS 2 . Mo catalyst is introduced in the form of MoS 2 grown directly onto self-assembled vertical SnS 2 nanosheets that anchors on three-dimensional graphene (3DG) creating a hierarchal nanostructured named as SnS 2 /MoS 2 /3DG. The catalytic effect results in a significantly enhanced electrochemical properties of SnS 2 /MoS 2 /3DG; a high initial Coulombic efficiency (81.5%) and high discharge capacities of 960.5 and 495.6 mA h g -1 at current densities of 50 and 1000 mA g -1 , respectively. Post cycling investigations using ex situ TEM and XPS analysis verifies the successful conversion reaction of SnS 2 mediated by Mo. The successful integration of catalyst on alloying type metal sulfide anode creates a new avenue towards high energy density lithium anodes.

  13. Instability Mechanisms of Water-in-Oil Nanoemulsions with Phospholipids: Temporal and Morphological Structures.

    PubMed

    Sommerling, Jan-Hendrik; de Matos, Maria B C; Hildebrandt, Ellen; Dessy, Alberto; Kok, Robbert Jan; Nirschl, Hermann; Leneweit, Gero

    2018-01-16

    Many food preparations, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics use water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions stabilized by phospholipids. Moreover, recent technological developments try to produce liposomes or lipid coated capsules from W/O emulsions, but are faced with colloidal instabilities. To explore these instability mechanisms, emulsification by sonication was applied in three cycles, and the sample stability was studied for 3 h after each cycle. Clearly identifiable temporal structures of instability provide evidence about the emulsion morphology: an initial regime of about 10 min is shown to be governed by coalescence after which Ostwald ripening dominates. Transport via molecular diffusion in Ostwald ripening is commonly based on the mutual solubility of the two phases and is therefore prohibited in emulsions composed of immiscible phases. However, in the case of water in oil emulsified by phospholipids, these form water-loaded reverse micelles in oil, which enable Ostwald ripening despite the low solubility of water in oil, as is shown for squalene. As is proved for the phospholipid dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), concentrations below the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) form monolayers at the interfaces and smaller droplet sizes. In contrast, phospholipid concentrations above the CAC create complex multilayers at the interface with larger droplet sizes. The key factors for stable W/O emulsions in classical or innovative applications are first, the minimization of the phospholipids' capacity to form reversed micelles, and second, the adaption of the initial phospholipid concentration to the water content to enable an optimized coverage of phospholipids at the interfaces for the intended drop size.

  14. High-performance lithium storage based on the synergy of atomic-thickness nanosheets of TiO2(B) and ultrafine Co3O4 nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mujtaba, Jawayria; Sun, Hongyu; Zhao, Yanyan; Xiang, Guolei; Xu, Shengming; Zhu, Jing

    2017-09-01

    Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are critical constituents of modern day vehicular and telecommunication technologies. Transition metal oxides and their composites have been extensively studied as potential electrode materials for LIBs. However, inefficient lithiation, poor electrical conductivity, and drastic volume change during cycling result in low reversible capacity and rapid capacity fading, and thus hinder the practical applications of those electrodes. In this work, we report a facile synthesis of a novel hierarchical composites, which consist of ultrafine Co3O4 nanoparticles uniformly dispersed on TiO2(B) nanosheets with atomic thickness (Co3O4 NPs@TiO2(B) NSs). When tested as anode material for LIBs, the Co3O4 NPs@TiO2(B) NSs sample with optimized composition shows a reversible capacity of ∼677.3 mAhg-1 after 80 cycles at a current density of 100 mAg-1. A capacity of 386.2 mAhg-1 is still achieved at 1000 mAg-1. The synergistic effect of ultrafine Co3O4 nanoparticles and atomic-thickness TiO2(B) nanosheets is responsible for the enhanced electrochemical performance.

  15. Controlled synthesis of MnOOH multilayer nanowires as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

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

    Wu, Yue; Yue, Kaiqiang; Wang, Yuanxin

    MnOOH multilayer nanowires have been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method. It is found that the uniform multilayer structure of nanowires ran through the entire nanowire, which is formed via a layer by layer. The electrochemical properties of MnOOH multilayer nanowires as an anode material for Li-ion batteries (LIB) were investigated, and excellent capacity retention, superior cycling performance, and high rate capability were achieved. Specifically, the reversible capacity of MnOOH multilayer nanowires is 521 mAh/g after 500 cycles at 0.1 C, with excellent electrochemical stability. The multilayer nanowire electrodes exhibit short electron path lengths, high internal dislocation densities and largemore » surface to volume ratio, resulting in increased specific capacity, cycling stability and rate performance in the energy storage devices, which serves as an indication of their potential application in LIBs. - Highlights: •MnOOH multilayer nanowires were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. •The uniform multilayer structure of nanowires was formed via layer by layer. •The reversible capacity of product shows 521 mAh/g after 500 cycles at 0.1 C. •MnOOH multilayer nanowires showed higher property as anode material in LIB.« less

  16. New ways of seeing: Health social work leadership and research capacity building.

    PubMed

    McDermott, Fiona; Bawden, Glenda

    2017-01-01

    Building research capacity amongst social work practitioners is critically important for leaders in the social work profession. To reverse an apparent reluctance to use evidence and engage in research, strong social work leadership in practice organisations is needed. The literature on leadership in health social work is relatively silent regarding research capacity building as a leadership attribute but it is argued in this paper that leadership is crucial. A programme of research capacity building and its outcomes in a health social work department is described, identifying key principles guiding its establishment and tasks undertaken. A transformational leadership style characterised this approach to research capacity building which delivered benefits to the staff and the service.

  17. Initiation and continuation of long-acting reversible contraception in the United States military healthcare system.

    PubMed

    Chiles, Daniel P; Roberts, Timothy A; Klein, David A

    2016-09-01

    Long-acting reversible contraception is more effective for pregnancy prevention than shorter-acting contraceptive methods and has the potential to reduce healthcare disparities and costs. However, long-acting reversible contraception is underused in the United States. One population of interest is beneficiaries of the United States military healthcare system who have access to universal healthcare, including no-cost, no-copay contraception with unlimited method switching, and comprise a large, actual use cohort. Efforts to increase long-acting reversible contraception initiation and continuation in this population may improve health outcomes and mitigate the profound consequences of unintended or mistimed pregnancy on readiness and cost to the military. We aimed to determine long-acting reversible contraception initiation and continuation rates among the diverse population with universal healthcare who are enrolled in the US military healthcare system. This study is a retrospective cohort of >1.7 million women, aged 14-40 years, who were enrolled in the US military healthcare system, TRICARE Prime, between October 2009 and September 2014. Individuals were assessed for long-acting reversible contraception initiation and continuation with the use of medical billing records. Method continuation and factors that were associated with early method discontinuation were evaluated with the Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox proportional hazard models. During the study dates, 188,533 women initiated long-acting reversible contraception. Of these, 74.6% women selected intrauterine contraceptives. Method initiation rates remained relatively stable (41.7-50.1/1000 women/year) for intrauterine methods, although the rate for subdermal implants increased from 6.1-23.0/1000 women/year. In analysis of women who selected intrauterine contraceptives, 61.2% continued their method at 36 months, and 48.8% continued at 60 months. Among women who selected the implant, 32.0% continued their method at 36 months; however, 45.8% continued until 33 months (ie, 3 months before the currently recommended expiration date). Compared with intrauterine contraceptive users, implant users were more likely to discontinue their method during the 36 months after insertion (hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-1.62; P < .001). Adolescents aged 14-19 years were the least likely age group to discontinue the implant before 36 months; women aged 35-40 years were the least likely to discontinue an intrauterine contraceptive before 60 months. In multivariable analysis that controlled for demographic factors and contraceptive type, early contraceptive method discontinuation was most likely among women aged 20-24 years, implant users, and women with method initiation in military clinics. In the US military healthcare system, TRICARE Prime, the initiation of long-acting reversible contraception is low but increasing, and continuation rates are high. This evidence supports long-acting reversible contraception as first-line recommendations for women of all ages who seek contraception. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  18. The specificity and flexibility of l1 reverse transcription priming at imperfect T-tracts.

    PubMed

    Monot, Clément; Kuciak, Monika; Viollet, Sébastien; Mir, Ashfaq Ali; Gabus, Caroline; Darlix, Jean-Luc; Cristofari, Gaël

    2013-05-01

    L1 retrotransposons have a prominent role in reshaping mammalian genomes. To replicate, the L1 ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP) first uses its endonuclease (EN) to nick the genomic DNA. The newly generated DNA end is subsequently used as a primer to initiate reverse transcription within the L1 RNA poly(A) tail, a process known as target-primed reverse transcription (TPRT). Prior studies demonstrated that most L1 insertions occur into sequences related to the L1 EN consensus sequence (degenerate 5'-TTTT/A-3' sites) and frequently preceded by imperfect T-tracts. However, it is currently unclear whether--and to which degree--the liberated 3'-hydroxyl extremity on the genomic DNA needs to be accessible and complementary to the poly(A) tail of the L1 RNA for efficient priming of reverse transcription. Here, we employed a direct assay for the initiation of L1 reverse transcription to define the molecular rules that guide this process. First, efficient priming is detected with as few as 4 matching nucleotides at the primer 3' end. Second, L1 RNP can tolerate terminal mismatches if they are compensated within the 10 last bases of the primer by an increased number of matching nucleotides. All terminal mismatches are not equally detrimental to DNA extension, a C being extended at higher levels than an A or a G. Third, efficient priming in the context of duplex DNA requires a 3' overhang. This suggests the possible existence of additional DNA processing steps, which generate a single-stranded 3' end to allow L1 reverse transcription. Based on these data we propose that the specificity of L1 reverse transcription initiation contributes, together with the specificity of the initial EN cleavage, to the distribution of new L1 insertions within the human genome.

  19. Electrospinning preparation of oxygen-deficient nano TiO2-x/carbon fibre membrane as a self-standing high performance anode for Li-ion batteries

    PubMed Central

    Li, Jing-quan; Han, Chong; Yao, Shan-shan; Zhang, Ji; Zhai, Hong-ai; Chen, Li-li; Shen, Xiang-qian; Xiao, Ke-song

    2017-01-01

    Improving the specific capacity and electronic conductivity of TiO2 can boost its practical application as a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries. In this work, a three-dimensional networking oxygen-deficient nano TiO2-x/carbon fibre membrane was achieved by combining the electrospinning process with a hot-press sintering method and directly used as a self-standing anode. With the synergistic effects of three-dimensional conductive networks, surface oxygen deficiency, high specific surface area and high porosity, binder-free and self-standing structure, etc., the nano TiO2-x/carbon fibre membrane electrode displays a high electrochemical reaction kinetics and a high specific capacity. The reversible capacity could be jointly generated from porous carbon, full-lithiation of TiO2 and interfacial lithium storage. At a current density of 100 mA g−1, the reversible discharge capacity can reach 464 mA h g−1. Even at 500 mA g−1, the discharge capacity still remains at 312 mA h g−1. Compared with pure carbon fibre and TiO2 powder, the TiO2-x/C fibre membrane electrode also exhibits an excellent cycle performance with a discharge capacity of 209 mA h g−1 after 700 cycles at the current density of 300 mA g−1, and the coulombic efficiency always remains at approximately 100%. PMID:28791160

  20. Electrospinning preparation of oxygen-deficient nano TiO2-x/carbon fibre membrane as a self-standing high performance anode for Li-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jing, Mao-xiang; Li, Jing-quan; Han, Chong; Yao, Shan-shan; Zhang, Ji; Zhai, Hong-ai; Chen, Li-li; Shen, Xiang-qian; Xiao, Ke-song

    2017-07-01

    Improving the specific capacity and electronic conductivity of TiO2 can boost its practical application as a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries. In this work, a three-dimensional networking oxygen-deficient nano TiO2-x/carbon fibre membrane was achieved by combining the electrospinning process with a hot-press sintering method and directly used as a self-standing anode. With the synergistic effects of three-dimensional conductive networks, surface oxygen deficiency, high specific surface area and high porosity, binder-free and self-standing structure, etc., the nano TiO2-x/carbon fibre membrane electrode displays a high electrochemical reaction kinetics and a high specific capacity. The reversible capacity could be jointly generated from porous carbon, full-lithiation of TiO2 and interfacial lithium storage. At a current density of 100 mA g-1, the reversible discharge capacity can reach 464 mA h g-1. Even at 500 mA g-1, the discharge capacity still remains at 312 mA h g-1. Compared with pure carbon fibre and TiO2 powder, the TiO2-x/C fibre membrane electrode also exhibits an excellent cycle performance with a discharge capacity of 209 mA h g-1 after 700 cycles at the current density of 300 mA g-1, and the coulombic efficiency always remains at approximately 100%.

  1. Preparation of a γ-Fe2 O3 /Ag nanowire coaxial nanocable for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Geng, Hongbo; Ge, Danhua; Lu, Shuanglong; Wang, Jiaqing; Ye, Zhengmao; Yang, Yonggang; Zheng, Junwei; Gu, Hongwei

    2015-07-27

    In this study, we report the design and synthesis of a silver nanowire-γ-Fe2 O3 coaxial nanocable architecture (Ag NWs@γ-Fe2 O3 nanocable) through mild oxidation of [Fe(CO)5 ] on the surface of silver nanowires followed by a calcination process. After optimization of the structural design, the Ag NWs@γ-Fe2 O3 nanocable could deliver superior lithium storage performance in terms of high reversible capacity, good rate performance, and excellent stability, such as a high reversible capacity of about 890 mA h g(-1) after 60 cycles at a current rate of 0.1 C (1.0 C=1005 mA g(-1) ). The reversible capacity remains as high as about 550 mA h g(-1) even at a high current rate of 2.0 C. This dramatic performance is mainly attributed to the smart coaxial design, which can not only alleviate the large volume change and prevent the aggregation of γ-Fe2 O3 nanoparticles, but also enables good conductivity and thus enhances fast charge transfer. The unique structural features of the Ag NWs@γ-Fe2 O3 nanocable represent a promising anode material in lithium-ion battery applications. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  2. 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.

  3. Effect of dilution in sperm maturation media and time of storage on sperm motility and fertilizing capacity of cryopreserved semen of sex-reversed female rainbow trout.

    PubMed

    Judycka, Sylwia; Ciereszko, Andrzej; Dobosz, Stefan; Zalewski, Tomasz; Dietrich, Grzegorz J

    2017-05-01

    Masculinized females, also called neomales or sex-reversed females have a male phenotype but retain the female genotype (XX). Therefore, all spermatozoa produced in their functional testes carry an X chromosome, which is desired for the production of all-female rainbow trout populations. Semen of sex-reversed female rainbow trout is of low quality and in vitro maturation is required, which includes dilution of sperm suspensions with specially formulated maturation solutions. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dilution in different maturation media on sperm quality (sperm motility characteristics and fertilizing capacity) of frozen/thawed sperm of sex-reversed female rainbow trout. The effect of time of post-thaw storage (0, 15, 60 and 120min) on semen quality was also tested. Sperm motility parameters and fertilization rate at the eyed and hatching stages were assessed for post-thaw semen diluted in different media. The cryopreservation procedure resulted in high post-thaw sperm motility of about 57% and did not differ from fresh semen. Unexpectedly, maturation media decreased sperm activation capacity immediately after dilution; however, sperm motility increased over time. Fertilization rates of frozen/thawed semen were high (71-87%) and did not differ significantly between experimental variants at any of tested periods of storage. Our results demonstrated that the effect of the maturation media on frozen/thawed sperm is different from that of fresh sperm. The progressive increase in post-thaw sperm motility in maturation media can potentially be applied to routine hatchery practice. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. A positively gravitropic mutant mirrors the wild-type protonemal response in the moss Ceratodon purpureus

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wagner, T. A.; Cove, D. J.; Sack, F. D.

    1997-01-01

    Wild-type Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid. protonemata grow up in the dark by negative gravitropism. When upright wild-type protonemata are reoriented 90 degrees, they temporarily grow down soon after reorientation ("initial reversal") and also prior to cytokinesis ("mitotic reversal"). A positively gravitropic mutant designated wrong- way response (wwr-1) has been isolated by screening ultraviolet light-mutagenized Ceratodon protonemata. Protonemata of wwr-l reoriented from the vertical to the horizontal grow down with kinetics comparable to those of the wild-type. Protonemata of wwr-1 also show initial and mitotic reversals where they temporarily grow up. Thus, the direction of gravitropism, initial reversal, and mitotic reversal are coordinated though each are opposite in wwr-1 compared to the wild-type. Normal plastid zonation is still maintained in dark-grown wwr-1 apical cells, but the plastids are more numerous and plastid sedimentation is more pronounced. In addition, wwr-1 apical cells are wider and the tips greener than in the wild-type. These data suggest that a functional WWR gene product is not necessary for the establishment of some gravitropic polarity, for gravitropism, or for the coordination of the reversals. Thus, the WWR protein may normally transduce information about cell orientation.

  5. Reversible Li storage for nanosize cation/anion-disordered rocksalt-type oxyfluorides: LiMoO2 - x LiF (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) binary system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Takeda, Nanami; Hoshino, Satoshi; Xie, Lixin; Chen, Shuo; Ikeuchi, Issei; Natsui, Ryuichi; Nakura, Kensuke; Yabuuchi, Naoaki

    2017-11-01

    A binary system of LiMoO2 - x LiF (0 ≤ x ≤ 2), Li1+xMoO2Fx, is systematically studied as potential positive electrode materials for rechargeable Li batteries. Single phase and nanosized samples on this binary system are successfully prepared by using a mechanical milling route. Crystal structures and Li storage properties on the binary system are also examined. Li2MoO2F (x = 1), which is classified as a cation-/anion-disordered rocksalt-type structure and is a thermodynamically metastable phase, delivers a large reversible capacity of over 300 mAh g-1 in Li cells with good reversibility. Highly reversible Li storage is realized for Li2MoO2F consisting of nanosized particles based on Mo3+/Mo5+ two-electron redox as evidenced by ex-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy coupled with ex-situ X-ray diffractometry. Moreover, the presence of the most electronegative element in the framework structure effectively increases the electrode potential of Mo redox through an inductive effect. From these results, potential of nanosized lithium molybdenum oxyfluorides for high-capacity positive electrode materials of rechargeable Li batteries are discussed.

  6. Reducing current reversal time in electric motor control

    DOEpatents

    Bredemann, Michael V

    2014-11-04

    The time required to reverse current flow in an electric motor is reduced by exploiting inductive current that persists in the motor when power is temporarily removed. Energy associated with this inductive current is used to initiate reverse current flow in the motor.

  7. Effect of Mg substitution on crystal structure and hydrogenation of Ce{sub 2}Ni{sub 7}-type Pr{sub 2}Ni{sub 7}

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

    Iwase, Kenji, E-mail: fbiwase@mx.ibaraki.ac.jp; Mori, Kazuhiro; Terashita, Naoyoshi

    2017-03-15

    The effect of Pr being substituted by Mg in Pr{sub 2}Ni{sub 7} with a Ce{sub 2}Ni{sub 7}-type structure was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and pressure−composition (P−C) isotherm measurements. The maximum hydrogen capacity of Pr{sub 2}Ni{sub 7} reached 1.24 H/M in the first absorption process. However, 0.61 H/M hydrogen remained in the sample after the first desorption and the reversible hydrogen capacity decreased to 0.63 H/M. Severe peak broadening was observed in the XRD profile of Pr{sub 2}Ni{sub 7}H{sub 5.4} after the first P−C isotherm cycle. The metal sublattice of Pr{sub 2}Ni{sub 7}H{sub 5.4} is deformed and changes from themore » Ce{sub 2}Ni{sub 7}-type structure to a lower symmetry during hydrogenation, with no detection of an amorphous phase. Pr{sub 1.5}Mg{sub 0.5}Ni{sub 7} consists of two phases: 80% Gd{sub 2}Co{sub 7}-type and 20% PuNi{sub 3}-type phases. Mg substitution leads to the relative stability of the Gd{sub 2}Co{sub 7}-type and PuNi{sub 3}-type structures. The Gd{sub 2}Co{sub 7}-type and PuNi{sub 3}-type structures are retained after the P-C isotherm. The reversible hydrogen capacity reached 1.05 H/M. The structural change during the hydrogen absorption−desorption cycle and the hydrogenation characteristics are changed by Mg atoms replacing Pr in the MgZn{sub 2}-type cell. - Graphical abstract: The maximum hydrogen capacity is 1.2 H/M in the first absorption process and the reversible capacity is 0.63 H/M.« less

  8. Overexpression and deletion of phospholipid transfer protein reduce HDL mass and cholesterol efflux capacity but not macrophage reverse cholesterol transport[S

    PubMed Central

    Kuwano, Takashi; Bi, Xin; Cipollari, Eleonora; Yasuda, Tomoyuki; Lagor, William R.; Szapary, Hannah J.; Tohyama, Junichiro; Millar, John S.; Billheimer, Jeffrey T.; Lyssenko, Nicholas N.; Rader, Daniel J.

    2017-01-01

    Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) may affect macrophage reverse cholesterol transport (mRCT) through its role in the metabolism of HDL. Ex vivo cholesterol efflux capacity and in vivo mRCT were assessed in PLTP deletion and PLTP overexpression mice. PLTP deletion mice had reduced HDL mass and cholesterol efflux capacity, but unchanged in vivo mRCT. To directly compare the effects of PLTP overexpression and deletion on mRCT, human PLTP was overexpressed in the liver of wild-type animals using an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector, and control and PLTP deletion animals were injected with AAV-null. PLTP overexpression and deletion reduced plasma HDL mass and cholesterol efflux capacity. Both substantially decreased ABCA1-independent cholesterol efflux, whereas ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux remained the same or increased, even though preβ HDL levels were lower. Neither PLTP overexpression nor deletion affected excretion of macrophage-derived radiocholesterol in the in vivo mRCT assay. The ex vivo and in vivo assays were modified to gauge the rate of cholesterol efflux from macrophages to plasma. PLTP activity did not affect this metric. Thus, deviations in PLTP activity from the wild-type level reduce HDL mass and ex vivo cholesterol efflux capacity, but not the rate of macrophage cholesterol efflux to plasma or in vivo mRCT. PMID:28137768

  9. An aqueous rechargeable formate-based hydrogen battery driven by heterogeneous Pd catalysis.

    PubMed

    Bi, Qing-Yuan; Lin, Jian-Dong; Liu, Yong-Mei; Du, Xian-Long; Wang, Jian-Qiang; He, He-Yong; Cao, Yong

    2014-12-01

    The formate-based rechargeable hydrogen battery (RHB) promises high reversible capacity to meet the need for safe, reliable, and sustainable H2 storage used in fuel cell applications. Described herein is an additive-free RHB which is based on repetitive cycles operated between aqueous formate dehydrogenation (discharging) and bicarbonate hydrogenation (charging). Key to this truly efficient and durable H2 handling system is the use of highly strained Pd nanoparticles anchored on graphite oxide nanosheets as a robust and efficient solid catalyst, which can facilitate both the discharging and charging processes in a reversible and highly facile manner. Up to six repeated discharging/charging cycles can be performed without noticeable degradation in the storage capacity. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. Fabrication of bristlegrass-like VO2 (B)-ZnO heteroarchitectures as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ma, Yining; Li, Wenjing; Ji, Shidong; Zhou, Huaijuan; Li, Rong; Li, Ning; Yao, Heliang; Cao, Xun; Jin, Ping

    2017-08-01

    Three-dimensional bristlegrass-like hierarchical VO2 (B)-ZnO heteroarchitectures with ZnO nanorods grown radially on VO2 (B) nanorods were successfully fabricated via a simple two-step synthesized method. When applied as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the VO2 (B)-ZnO hybrid electrode exhibited high reversible capacity and excellent recyclability, which could be originated from the unique hierarchical structure of the bristlegrass. After 80 cycles, the nanocomposite still maintained a higher reversible capacity of 329.4 mA h g-1 at a current density of 50 mA g-1. Therefore, the particular architecture of VO2 (B)-ZnO nanocomposite can be a promising candidate as the anode material in lithium-ion batteries.

  11. A New Sealed Lithium-Peroxide Battery with a Co-Doped Li2O Cathode in a Superconcentrated Lithium Bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide Electrolyte

    PubMed Central

    Okuoka, Shin-ichi; Ogasawara, Yoshiyuki; Suga, Yosuke; Hibino, Mitsuhiro; Kudo, Tetsuichi; Ono, Hironobu; Yonehara, Koji; Sumida, Yasutaka; Yamada, Yuki; Yamada, Atsuo; Oshima, Masaharu; Tochigi, Eita; Shibata, Naoya; Ikuhara, Yuichi; Mizuno, Noritaka

    2014-01-01

    We propose a new sealed battery operating on a redox reaction between an oxide (O2−) and a peroxide (O22−) with its theoretical specific energy of 2570 Wh kg−1 (897 mAh g−1, 2.87 V) and demonstrate that a Co-doped Li2O cathode exhibits a reversible capacity over 190 mAh g−1, a high rate capability, and a good cyclability with a superconcentrated lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide electrolyte in acetonitrile. The reversible capacity is largely dominated by the O2−/O22− redox reaction between oxide and peroxide with some contribution of the Co2+/Co3+ redox reaction. PMID:25023009

  12. Severe progressive scoliosis in an adult female possibly secondary thoracic surgery in childhood treated with scoliosis specific Schroth physiotherapy: Case presentation.

    PubMed

    Lebel, Andrea; Lebel, Victoria Ashley

    2016-01-01

    Scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional (3D) spinal deformity. Acquired scoliosis in early childhood may progress into adulthood and pose an increased risk of health problems and reduction in quality of life. In Canada, patients with scoliosis are not referred for physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) despite the fact that Schroth physiotherapy, a scoliosis-specific 3D posture training and exercise program, can be effective in reducing pain and improving scoliosis curves, vital capacity, and overall quality of life in scoliosis patients. This case presentation shows that indeed adult curve progression can be stopped and even reversed with scoliosis specific Schroth physiotherapy (SSSPT) in an adult patient with scoliosis. This is a retrospective case presentation involving a 23-year-old female scoliosis patient who began an outpatient Schroth physiotherapy exercise program and was initially monitored monthly and then annually for improvement in measurements of angle of trunk rotation (ATR) and chest expansion and improvement in vital capacity measured with incentive spirometry. Photos were taken to document body image periodically throughout Schroth physiotherapy treatment. Additionally, the patient completed SRS-22 quality of life questionnaires every 2 years to evaluate daily function, pain, self-imagine, mental health, and scoliosis management satisfaction. Within one month of beginning SSSPT, the patient reported no more back pain and within 2 months, reported improved breathing. The patient also benefitted from improved chest expansion, reduced scoliosis curve angles (measured in Cobb degrees), increased vital capacity, decreased ATR, and higher SRS-22 scores. She became more active and resumed all athletic activity within 8 months of beginning Schroth physiotherapy. Adult scoliosis patients are not routinely referred for PSSE in Canada, even though Schroth physiotherapy, a form of PSSE, is shown to be effective in this case presentation. The patient in this case presentation was successfully treated with Schroth physiotherapy. Long-term comprehensive Schroth physiotherapy, to help correct and maintain proper posture in all aspects of daily living, should be part of scoliosis management for adult scoliosis patients in Canada to stop and reverse curve progression and to improve overall quality of life.

  13. High voltage and high specific capacity dual intercalating electrode Li-ion batteries

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Blanco, Mario (Inventor); West, William C. (Inventor)

    2010-01-01

    The present invention provides high capacity and high voltage Li-ion batteries that have a carbonaceous cathode and a nonaqueous electrolyte solution comprising LiF salt and an anion receptor that binds the fluoride ion. The batteries can comprise dual intercalating electrode Li ion batteries. Methods of the present invention use a cathode and electrode pair, wherein each of the electrodes reversibly intercalate ions provided by a LiF salt to make a high voltage and high specific capacity dual intercalating electrode Li-ion battery. The present methods and systems provide high-capacity batteries particularly useful in powering devices where minimizing battery mass is important.

  14. Impact of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor drug resistance mutation interactions on phenotypic susceptibility.

    PubMed

    Trivedi, Vinod; Von Lindern, Jana; Montes-Walters, Miguel; Rojo, Daniel R; Shell, Elisabeth J; Parkin, Neil; O'Brien, William A; Ferguson, Monique R

    2008-10-01

    The role specific reverse transcriptase (RT) drug resistance mutations play in influencing phenotypic susceptibility to RT inhibitors in virus strains with complex resistance interaction patterns was assessed using recombinant viruses that consisted of RT-PCR-amplified pol fragments derived from plasma HIV-1 RNA from two treatment-experienced patients. Specific modifications of key RT amino acids were performed by site-directed mutagenesis. A panel of viruses with defined genotypic resistance mutations was assessed for phenotypic drug resistance. Introduction of M184V into several different clones expressing various RT resistance mutations uniformly decreased susceptibility to abacavir, lamivudine, and didanosine, and increased susceptibility to zidovudine, stavudine, and tenofovir; replication capacity was decreased. The L74V mutation had similar but slightly different effects, contributing to decreased susceptibility to abacavir, lamivudine, and didanosine and increased susceptibility to zidovudine and tenofovir, but in contrast to M184V, L74V contributed to decreased susceptibility to stavudine. In virus strains with the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) mutations K101E and G190S, the L74V mutation increased replication capacity, consistent with published observations, but replication capacity was decreased in strains without NNRTI resistance mutations. K101E and G190S together tend to decrease susceptibility to all nucleoside RT inhibitors, but the K103N mutation had little effect on nucleoside RT inhibitor susceptibility. Mutational interactions can have a substantial impact on drug resistance phenotype and replication capacity, and this has been exploited in clinical practice with the development of fixed-dose combination pills. However, we are the first to report these mutational interactions using molecularly cloned recombinant strains derived from viruses that occur naturally in HIV-infected individuals.

  15. Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor Drug Resistance Mutation Interactions on Phenotypic Susceptibility

    PubMed Central

    Trivedi, Vinod; Von Lindern, Jana; Montes-Walters, Miguel; Rojo, Daniel R.; Shell, Elisabeth J.; Parkin, Neil; O'Brien, William A.

    2008-01-01

    Abstract The role specific reverse transcriptase (RT) drug resistance mutations play in influencing phenotypic susceptibility to RT inhibitors in virus strains with complex resistance interaction patterns was assessed using recombinant viruses that consisted of RT-PCR-amplified pol fragments derived from plasma HIV-1 RNA from two treatment-experienced patients. Specific modifications of key RT amino acids were performed by site-directed mutagenesis. A panel of viruses with defined genotypic resistance mutations was assessed for phenotypic drug resistance. Introduction of M184V into several different clones expressing various RT resistance mutations uniformly decreased susceptibility to abacavir, lamivudine, and didanosine, and increased susceptibility to zidovudine, stavudine, and tenofovir; replication capacity was decreased. The L74V mutation had similar but slightly different effects, contributing to decreased susceptibility to abacavir, lamivudine, and didanosine and increased susceptibility to zidovudine and tenofovir, but in contrast to M184V, L74V contributed to decreased susceptibility to stavudine. In virus strains with the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) mutations K101E and G190S, the L74V mutation increased replication capacity, consistent with published observations, but replication capacity was decreased in strains without NNRTI resistance mutations. K101E and G190S together tend to decrease susceptibility to all nucleoside RT inhibitors, but the K103N mutation had little effect on nucleoside RT inhibitor susceptibility. Mutational interactions can have a substantial impact on drug resistance phenotype and replication capacity, and this has been exploited in clinical practice with the development of fixed-dose combination pills. However, we are the first to report these mutational interactions using molecularly cloned recombinant strains derived from viruses that occur naturally in HIV-infected individuals. PMID:18844463

  16. Anodic electrochemical performances of MgCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} synthesized by oxalate decomposition method and electrospinning technique for Li-ion battery application

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

    Darbar, Devendrasinh; Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117576; Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 117542

    2016-01-15

    Highlights: • MgCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} was prepared by oxalate decomposition method and electrospinning technique. • Electrospun MgCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} shows the reversible capacity of 795 and 227 mAh g{sup −1} oxalate decomposition MgCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} after 50 cycle. • Electrospun MgCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} show good cycling stability and electrochemical performance. - Abstract: Magnesium cobalt oxide, MgCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} was synthesized by oxalate decomposition method and electrospinning technique. The electrochemical performances, structures, phase formation and morphology of MgCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} synthesized by both the methods are compared. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies show spherical and fiber type morphology, respectively for themore » oxalate decomposition and electrospinning method. The electrospun nanofibers of MgCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} calcined at 650 °C, showed a very good reversible capacity of 795 mAh g{sup −1} after 50 cycles when compared to bulk material capacity of 227 mAh g{sup −1} at current rate of 60 mA g{sup −1}. MgCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanofiber showed a reversible capacity of 411 mAh g{sup −1} (at cycle) at current density of 240 mA g{sup −1}. Improved performance was due to improved conductivity of MgO, which may act as buffer layer leading to improved cycling stability. The cyclic voltammetry studies at scan rate of 0.058 mV/s show main cathodic at around 1.0 V and anodic peaks at 2.1 V vs. Li.« less

  17. High-energy lithium-ion battery using substituted LiCoPO4: From coin type to 1 Ah cell

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, D.; Zhu, W.; Kim, C.; Cho, M.; Guerfi, A.; Delp, S. A.; Allen, J. L.; Jow, T. R.; Zaghib, K.

    2018-06-01

    Cr, Fe and Si were added to improve the performance of olivine LiCoPO4 in cathodes for lithium-ion batteries. A substituted-LiCoPO4 in a half cell delivered a reversible capacity of 125 mAh/g at C/3 rate, with no capacity loss after over 100 cycles at 25 °C. The well-known capacity fade of LiCoPO4-based cathodes was almost completely eliminated by substituting Cr, Fe and Si.

  18. Ternary metal fluorides as high-energy cathodes with low cycling hysteresis

    DOE PAGES

    Wang, Feng; Kim, Sung -Wook; Seo, Dong -Hwa; ...

    2015-03-26

    In this study, transition metal fluorides are an appealing alternative to conventional intercalation compounds for use as cathodes in next-generation lithium batteries due to their extremely high capacity (3–4 times greater than the current state-of-the-art). However, issues related to reversibility, energy efficiency and kinetics prevent their practical application. Here we report on the synthesis, structural and electrochemical properties of ternary metal fluorides (M 1 yM 2 1-yF x: M 1, M 2 = Fe, Cu), which may overcome these issues. By substituting Cu into the Fe lattice, forming the solid–solution Cu yFe 1-yF 2, reversible Cu and Fe redox reactionsmore » are achieved with surprisingly small hysteresis (<150 mV). This finding indicates that cation substitution may provide a new avenue for tailoring key electrochemical properties of conversion electrodes. In conclusion, although the reversible capacity of Cu conversion fades rapidly, likely due to Cu + dissolution, the low hysteresis and high energy suggest that a Cu-based fluoride cathode remains an intriguing candidate for rechargeable lithium batteries.« less

  19. Reversible Intercalation of Fluoride-Anion Receptor Complexes in Graphite

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    West, William C.; Whitacre, Jay F.; Leifer, Nicole; Greenbaum, Steve; Smart, Marshall; Bugga, Ratnakumar; Blanco, Mario; Narayanan, S. R.

    2007-01-01

    We have demonstrated a route to reversibly intercalate fluoride-anion receptor complexes in graphite via a nonaqueous electrochemical process. This approach may find application for a rechargeable lithium-fluoride dual-ion intercalating battery with high specific energy. The cell chemistry presented here uses graphite cathodes with LiF dissolved in a nonaqueous solvent through the aid of anion receptors. Cells have been demonstrated with reversible cathode specific capacity of approximately 80 mAh/g at discharge plateaus of upward of 4.8 V, with graphite staging of the intercalant observed via in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction during charging. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and B-11 nuclear magnetic resonance studies suggest that cointercalation of the anion receptor with the fluoride occurs during charging, which likely limits the cathode specific capacity. The anion receptor type dictates the extent of graphite fluorination, and must be further optimized to realize high theoretical fluorination levels. To find these optimal anion receptors, we have designed an ab initio calculations-based scheme aimed at identifying receptors with favorable fluoride binding and release properties.

  20. Analysis of reverse martensitic transformation of prehardened 16XCH steel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Muravyev, Vasily; Frolov, Alexey; Lonchakov, Sergey; Bakhmatov, Pavel

    2015-10-01

    In the paper the structural evolution of previously tempered 16XCH steel is investigated. The influence of temperature and time conditions of heating on temperature of austenization is revealed and the influence of structural changes on steel properties is defined. The analysis of the obtained results showed an increase of plasticity at the initial stage of reverse martensitic transformation and an increase of plasticity at increased durability. It is experimentally found that reverse transformation of packet and lath martensite into the initial phase (holding for a fraction of a second, temperature 400-450°C) leads to a sharp, more than 2-fold, reduction of strength and increase of plasticity. The effect of increased plasticity under reverse martensitic transformation conditions is observed. The structure of packet and lath martensite is more fine-grained in comparison with initial quenching; the durability and plasticity are much higher. Despite the derived results, the revealed effects of increased plasticity and strength require further exploration to increase the reliability of constructions made of low-alloyed steels.

  1. Reverse logistics network for municipal solid waste management: The inclusion of waste pickers as a Brazilian legal requirement.

    PubMed

    Ferri, Giovane Lopes; Chaves, Gisele de Lorena Diniz; Ribeiro, Glaydston Mattos

    2015-06-01

    This study proposes a reverse logistics network involved in the management of municipal solid waste (MSW) to solve the challenge of economically managing these wastes considering the recent legal requirements of the Brazilian Waste Management Policy. The feasibility of the allocation of MSW material recovery facilities (MRF) as intermediate points between the generators of these wastes and the options for reuse and disposal was evaluated, as well as the participation of associations and cooperatives of waste pickers. This network was mathematically modelled and validated through a scenario analysis of the municipality of São Mateus, which makes the location model more complete and applicable in practice. The mathematical model allows the determination of the number of facilities required for the reverse logistics network, their location, capacities, and product flows between these facilities. The fixed costs of installation and operation of the proposed MRF were balanced with the reduction of transport costs, allowing the inclusion of waste pickers to the reverse logistics network. The main contribution of this study lies in the proposition of a reverse logistics network for MSW simultaneously involving legal, environmental, economic and social criteria, which is a very complex goal. This study can guide practices in other countries that have realities similar to those in Brazil of accelerated urbanisation without adequate planning for solid waste management, added to the strong presence of waste pickers that, through the characteristic of social vulnerability, must be included in the system. In addition to the theoretical contribution to the reverse logistics network problem, this study aids in decision-making for public managers who have limited technical and administrative capacities for the management of solid wastes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Influence of Voltage Rise Time for Oxidation Treatment of NO in Simulated Exhausted Gas by Polarity-Reversed Pulse Discharge

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shinmoto, Kazuya; Kadowaki, Kazunori; Nishimoto, Sakae; Kitani, Isamu

    This paper describes experimental study on NO removal from a simulated exhausted-gas using repetitive surface discharge on a glass barrier subjected to polarity-reversed voltage pulses. The very fast polarity-reversal with a rise time of 20ns is caused by direct grounding of a charged coaxial cable of 10m in length. Influence of voltage rise time on energy efficiency for NO removal is studied. Results of NO removal using a barrier-type plasma reactor with screw-plane electrode system indicates that the energy efficiency for the very fast polarity reversal caused by direct grounding becomes higher than that for the slower polarity reversal caused by grounding through an inductor at the cable end. The energy efficiency for the direct grounding is about 80g/kWh for 50% NO removal ratio and is about 60g/kWh for 100% NO removal ratio. Very intense discharge light is observed at the initial time of 10ns for the fast polarity reversal, whereas the intensity in the initial discharge light for the slower polarity reversal is relatively small. To confirm the effectiveness of the polarity-reversed pulse application, comparison of the energy efficiency between the polarity-reversed voltage pulse and ac 60Hz voltage will be presented.

  3. Perceptual reversals during binocular rivalry: ERP components and their concomitant source differences.

    PubMed

    Britz, Juliane; Pitts, Michael A

    2011-11-01

    We used an intermittent stimulus presentation to investigate event-related potential (ERP) components associated with perceptual reversals during binocular rivalry. The combination of spatiotemporal ERP analysis with source imaging and statistical parametric mapping of the concomitant source differences yielded differences in three time windows: reversals showed increased activity in early visual (∼120 ms) and in inferior frontal and anterior temporal areas (∼400-600 ms) and decreased activity in the ventral stream (∼250-350 ms). The combination of source imaging and statistical parametric mapping suggests that these differences were due to differences in generator strength and not generator configuration, unlike the initiation of reversals in right inferior parietal areas. These results are discussed within the context of the extensive network of brain areas that has been implicated in the initiation, implementation, and appraisal of bistable perceptual reversals. Copyright © 2011 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

  4. Reversing-counterpulse repetitive-pulse inductive storage circuit

    DOEpatents

    Honig, E.M.

    1987-02-10

    A high-power reversing-counterpulse repetitive-pulse inductive storage and transfer circuit includes an opening switch, a main energy storage coil, a counterpulse capacitor and a small inductor. After counterpulsing the opening switch off, the counterpulse capacitor is recharged by the main energy storage coil before the load pulse is initiated. This gives the counterpulse capacitor sufficient energy for the next counterpulse operation, although the polarity of the capacitor's voltage must be reversed before that can occur. By using a current-zero switch as the counterpulse start switch, the capacitor is disconnected from the circuit (with a full charge) when the load pulse is initiated, preventing the capacitor from depleting its energy store by discharging through the load. After the load pulse is terminated by reclosing the main opening switch, the polarity of the counterpulse capacitor voltage is reversed by discharging the capacitor through a small inductor and interrupting the discharge current oscillation at zero current and peak reversed voltage. The circuit enables high-power, high-repetition-rate operation with reusable switches and features total control (pulse-to-pulse) over output pulse initiation, duration, repetition rate, and, to some extent, risetime. 10 figs.

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

    Evmenenko, Guennadi; Fister, Timothy T.; Buchholz, D. Bruce

    Oxide conversion reactions in lithium ion batteries are challenged by substantial irreversibility associated with significant volume change during the phase separation of an oxide into lithia and metal species (e.g., NiO + 2Li(+) + 2e(-) -> Ni + Li2O). We demonstrate that the confinement of nanometer-scale NiO layers within a Ni/NiO multilayer electrode can direct lithium transport and reactivity, leading to coherent expansion of the multilayer. The morphological changes accompanying lithiation were tracked in real-time by in-operando X-ray reflectivity (XRR) and ex situ cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy on well-defined periodic Ni/NiO multilayers grown by pulsed-laser deposition. Comparison of pristine andmore » lithiated structures reveals that the nm-thick nickel layers help initiate the conversion process at the interface and then provide an architecture that confines the lithiation to the individual oxide layers. XRR data reveal that the lithiation process starts at the top and progressed through the electrode stack, layer by layer resulting in a purely vertical expansion. Longer term cycling showed significant reversible capacity (similar to 800 mA h g(-1) after similar to 100 cycles), which we attribute to a combination of the intrinsic bulk lithiation capacity of the NiO and additional interfacial lithiation capacity. These observations provide new insight into the role of metal/metal oxide interfaces in controlling lithium ion conversion reactions by defining the relationships between morphological changes and film architecture during reaction.« less

  6. Coupling Mo2C@C core-shell nanocrystals on 3D graphene hybrid aerogel for high-performance lithium ion battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xin, Hailin; Hai, Yang; Li, Dongzhi; Qiu, Zhaozheng; Lin, Yemao; Yang, Bo; Fan, Haosen; Zhu, Caizhen

    2018-05-01

    Hybrid aerogel by dispersing Mo2C@C core-shell nanocrystals into three-dimensional (3D) graphene (Mo2C@C-GA) has been successfully prepared through two-step methods. Firstly, carbon-coated MoO2 nanocrystals uniformly anchor on 3D graphene aerogel (MoO2@C-GA) via hydrothermal reaction. Then the MoO2@C-GA precursor is transformed into Mo2C@C-GA after the following carbonization process. Furthermore, the freeze-drying step plays an important role in the resulting pore size distribution of the porous networks. Moreover, graphene aerogels exhibit extremely low densities and superior electrical properties. When evaluated as anode material for lithium ion battery, Mo2C@C-GA delivers excellent rate capability and stable cycle performance when compared with C-GA and Mo2C nanoparticles. Mo2C@C-GA exhibits the initial discharge capacity of 1461.4 mA h g-1 at the current density of 0.1 A g-1, and retains a reversible capacity of 1089.8 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g-1. Even at high current density of 5 A g-1, a discharge capacity of 623.5 mA h g-1 can be still achieved. The excellent performance of Mo2C@C-GA could be attributed to the synergistic effect of Mo2C@C nanocrystals and the 3D graphene conductive network.

  7. Hierarchically mesoporous carbon nanofiber/Mn3O4 coaxial nanocables as anodes in lithium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, Seok-Hwan; Lee, Wan-Jin

    2015-05-01

    Carbon nanofiber/Mn3O4 (CNF/Mn3O4) coaxial nanocables with a three-dimensional (3D) structure are prepared for lithium ion batteries by electrophoretic deposition on an electrospun CNF cathode followed by heat treatment in air. The bark-like Mn3O4 shell with a thickness of 30 nm surrounds the CNFs with a diameter of 200 nm; this hierarchically mesoporous Mn3O4 shell consisted of interconnected nanoparticles grows radially toward the CNF core when viewed from the cross-section of the coaxial cables. The charge transfer resistance of the CNF/Mn3O4 is much smaller than that of the Mn3O4 powder, because of (i) the abundant inner spaces provided via the formation of the 3D coaxial core/shell nanocables, (ii) the high electric pathway for the Mn3O4 nanoparticles attained with the 1D CNFs, and (iii) the structural stability obtained through the cushioning effect created by the CNF/Mn3O4 coaxial morphology. These unique characteristics contribute to achieving a high capacity, excellent cyclic stability, and good rate capability. The CNF/Mn3O4 nanocables deliver an initial capacity of 1690 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1 and maintain a high reversible capacity of 760 mAh g-1 even after 50 charge-discharge cycles without showing any obvious decay.

  8. Sodium modified molybdenum sulfide via molten salt electrolysis as an anode material for high performance sodium-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Wang, Shuai; Tu, Jiguo; Yuan, Yan; Ma, Rui; Jiao, Shuqiang

    2016-01-28

    The paper reports a facile and cost effective method for fabricating sodium molybdenum sulfide nanoparticles through using MoS2 sheets as the precursor by sodium-modification. The electrochemical performances of sodium molybdenum sulfide nanoparticles are studied as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. The galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements have been performed in a voltage range of 0.01-2.6 V vs. Na(+)/Na under different current densities, using the as-prepared sodium molybdenum sulfide nanoparticles as a working electrode. Typically, the initial discharge and charge capacities of sodium molybdenum sulfide nanoparticles are 475 and 380 mA h g(-1), respectively, at a current density of 20 mA g(-1). The sodium molybdenum sulfide nanoparticles exhibit high capacity with a reversible discharge capacity of about 190 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles. It should be emphasized that the discharge reaction consists of two steps which correspond to voltage plateaus of 0.93 V and 0.85 V vs. Na(+)/Na in the first discharge curve of the Na/MoS2 battery, respectively. But there is only one apparent voltage plateau in the Na/Na-Mo-S battery, and it reduces to below 0.5 V vs. Na(+)/Na, which can enhance the power density. All of the findings demonstrate that sodium molybdenum sulfide nanoparticles have steady cycling performance and environmental and cost friendliness as next generation secondary batteries.

  9. Tailored synthesis of monodispersed nano/submicron porous silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) spheres with improved Li-storage performance as an anode material for Li-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, Huimin; Yuan, Anbao; Xu, Jiaqiang

    2017-10-01

    A spherical silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) material (monodispersed nano/submicron porous SiOC spheres) is successfully synthesized via a specially designed synthetic strategy involving pyrolysis of phenyltriethoxysilane derived pre-ceramic polymer spheres at 900 °C. In order to prevent sintering of the pre-ceramic polymer spheres upon heating, a given amount of hollow porous SiO2 nanobelts which are separately prepared from tetraethyl orthosilicate with CuO nanobelts as templates are introduced into the pre-ceramic polymer spheres before pyrolysis. This material is investigated as an anode for lithium-ion batteries in comparison with the large-size bulk SiOC material synthesized under the similar conditions but without hollow SiO2 nanobelts. The maximum reversible specific capacity of ca. 900 mAh g-1 is delivered at the current density of 100 mA g-1 and ca. 98% of the initial capacity is remained after 100 cycles at 100 mA g-1 for the SiOC spheres material, which are much superior to the bulk SiOC material. The improved lithium storage performance in terms of specific capacity and cyclability is attributed to its particular morphology of monodisperse nano/submicron porous spheres as well as its modified composition and microstructure. This SiOC material has higher Li-storage activity and better stability against volume expansion during repeated lithiation and delithiation cycling.

  10. Polyaniline-Coated Activated Carbon Aerogel/Sulfur Composite for High-performance Lithium-Sulfur Battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Zhiwei; Jiang, Jinglin; Liu, Shaohong; Chen, Luyi; Liu, Ruliang; Zheng, Bingna; Fu, Ruowen; Wu, Dingcai

    2017-12-01

    An activated carbon aerogel (ACA-500) with high surface area (1765 m2 g-1), pore volume (2.04 cm3 g-1), and hierarchical porous nanonetwork structure is prepared through direct activation of organic aerogel (RC-500) with a low potassium hydroxide ratio (1:1). Based on this substrate, a polyaniline (PANi)-coated activated carbon aerogel/sulfur (ACA-500-S@PANi) composite is prepared via a simple two-step procedure, including melt-infiltration of sublimed sulfur into ACA-500, followed by an in situ polymerization of aniline on the surface of ACA-500-S composite. The obtained ACA-500-S@PANi composite delivers a high reversible capacity up to 1208 mAh g-1 at 0.2C and maintains 542 mAh g-1 even at a high rate (3C). Furthermore, this composite exhibits a discharge capacity of 926 mAh g-1 at the initial cycle and 615 mAh g-1 after 700 cycles at 1C rate, revealing an extremely low capacity decay rate (0.48‰ per cycle). The excellent electrochemical performance of ACA-500-S@PANi can be attributed to the synergistic effect of hierarchical porous nanonetwork structure and PANi coating. Activated carbon aerogels with high surface area and unique three-dimensional (3D) interconnected hierarchical porous structure offer an efficient conductive network for sulfur, and a highly conductive PANi-coating layer further enhances conductivity of the electrode and prevents the dissolution of polysulfide species.

  11. 76 FR 33332 - Announcement of Funding Awards for the Technical Assistance and Capacity Building under the...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-08

    ... of key Departmental objectives, including but not limited to, energy efficiency and green building... Awards for the Technical Assistance and Capacity Building under the Transformation Initiative Program...) for the Technical Assistance and Capacity Building under the Transformation Initiative program for...

  12. LiAl xCo 1- xO 2 as 4 V cathodes for lithium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Haitao; Rao, G. V. Subba; Chowdari, B. V. R.

    Nominal LiAl xCo 1- xO 2 with x ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 was prepared by heating mixture of Al(OH) 3, Co 3O 4 and LiOH at 750°C in air. The effect of substitution of non-transition metal, Al, in LiCoO 2 is investigated as a 4 V cathode for lithium ion. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates formation of a single phase (R3¯m) within this range of substitution. When cycled between 4.5 and 2.5 V vs. Li/Li + at a current density of 1 mA cm -2, the LiAl 0.15Co 0.85O 2 cathode exhibits reversible capacity of 160 mA h g -1 initially. XRD of the cathode made at the end of 10 cycles reveals no significant change on host structure.

  13. Monodisperse Fe3O4 and γ-Fe2O3 magnetic mesoporous microspheres as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Xu, Jing-San; Zhu, Ying-Jie

    2012-09-26

    Monodisperse Fe(3)O(4) and γ-Fe(2)O(3) magnetic mesoporous microspheres are prepared via a surfactant-free solvothermal combined with precursor thermal transformation method. The as-prepared Fe(3)O(4) and γ-Fe(2)O(3) magnetic mesoporous microspheres have a relatively high specific surface area of 122.3 and 138.6 m(2)/g, respectively. The Fe(3)O(4) and γ-Fe(2)O(3) magnetic mesoporous microspheres are explored as the anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, and they have a high initial discharge capacity of 1307 and 1453 mA h/g, respectively, and a good reversible performance (450 mA h/g for Fe(3)O(4) and 697 mA h/g for γ-Fe(2)O(3) after 110 cycles) at the current density of 0.2C.

  14. Silicon/copper dome-patterned electrodes for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xuyan; Jung, Hun-Gi; Kim, Sang-Ok; Choi, Ho-Suk; Lee, Sangwha; Moon, Jun Hyuk; Lee, Joong Kee

    2013-12-02

    This study proposes a method for manufacturing high-performance electrode materials in which controlling the shape of the current collector and electrode material for a Li-ion capacitor (LIC). In particular, the proposed LIC manufacturing method maintains the high voltage of a cell by using a microdome-patterned electrode material, allowing for reversible reactions between the Li-ion and the active material for an extended period of time. As a result, the LICs exhibit initial capacities of approximately 42 F g⁻¹, even at 60 A g⁻¹. The LICs also exhibit good cycle performance up to approximately 15,000 cycles. In addition, these advancements allow for a considerably higher energy density than other existing capacitor systems. The energy density of the proposed LICs is approximately nine, two, and 1.5 times higher than those of the electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC), AC/LiMn₂O₄ hybrid capacitor, and intrinsic Si/AC LIC, respectively.

  15. Silicon/copper dome-patterned electrodes for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Xuyan; Jung, Hun-Gi; Kim, Sang-Ok; Choi, Ho-Suk; Lee, Sangwha; Moon, Jun Hyuk; Lee, Joong Kee

    2013-12-01

    This study proposes a method for manufacturing high-performance electrode materials in which controlling the shape of the current collector and electrode material for a Li-ion capacitor (LIC). In particular, the proposed LIC manufacturing method maintains the high voltage of a cell by using a microdome-patterned electrode material, allowing for reversible reactions between the Li-ion and the active material for an extended period of time. As a result, the LICs exhibit initial capacities of approximately 42 F g-1, even at 60 A g-1. The LICs also exhibit good cycle performance up to approximately 15,000 cycles. In addition, these advancements allow for a considerably higher energy density than other existing capacitor systems. The energy density of the proposed LICs is approximately nine, two, and 1.5 times higher than those of the electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC), AC/LiMn2O4 hybrid capacitor, and intrinsic Si/AC LIC, respectively.

  16. New Redox Polymers that Exhibit Reversible Cleavage of Sulfur Bonds as Cathode Materials.

    PubMed

    Baloch, Marya; Ben Youcef, Hicham; Li, Chunmei; Garcia-Calvo, Oihane; Rodriguez, Lide M; Shanmukaraj, Devaraj; Rojo, Teofilo; Armand, Michel

    2016-11-23

    Two new cathode materials based on redox organosulfur polymers were synthesized and investigated for rechargeable lithium batteries as a proof-of-concept study. These cathodes offered good cycling performance owing to the absence of polysulfide solubility, which plagues Li/S systems. Herein, an aliphatic polyamine or a conjugated polyazomethine was used as the base to tether the redox-active species. The activity comes from the cleavage and formation of S-S or N-S bonds, which is made possible by the rigid conjugated backbone. The synthesized polymers were characterized through FTIR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Galvanostatic measurements were performed to evaluate the discharge/charge cycles and characterize the performance of the lithium-based cells, which displayed initial discharge capacities of approximately 300 mA h g -1 at C/5 over 100 cycles with approximately 98 % Coulombic efficiency. © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. A Multistrategy Optimization Improved Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Wen

    2014-01-01

    Being prone to the shortcomings of premature and slow convergence rate of artificial bee colony algorithm, an improved algorithm was proposed. Chaotic reverse learning strategies were used to initialize swarm in order to improve the global search ability of the algorithm and keep the diversity of the algorithm; the similarity degree of individuals of the population was used to characterize the diversity of population; population diversity measure was set as an indicator to dynamically and adaptively adjust the nectar position; the premature and local convergence were avoided effectively; dual population search mechanism was introduced to the search stage of algorithm; the parallel search of dual population considerably improved the convergence rate. Through simulation experiments of 10 standard testing functions and compared with other algorithms, the results showed that the improved algorithm had faster convergence rate and the capacity of jumping out of local optimum faster. PMID:24982924

  18. In Respect to the Cognitive Load Theory: Adjusting Instructional Guidance with Student Expertise.

    PubMed

    Schilling, Jim

    2017-01-01

    The amount of guidance supplied by educators to students in allied health programs is a factor in student learning. According to the cognitive load theory of learning, without adequate instructional support, novice learners will be overwhelmed and unable to store information, while unnecessary guidance supplied to advanced students will cause extraneous cognitive load on the working memory system. Adjusting instructional guidance for students according to their level of expertise to minimize extraneous cognitive load and optimize working memory storage capacity will enhance learning effectiveness. Novice students presented with complex subject matter require significant guidance during the initial stages, using strategies such as worked examples. As students comprehend information, instructional guidance needs to gradually fade to avoid elevated extraneous cognitive load from the expertise reversal effect. An instructional strategy that utilizes a systemic (fixed) or adjustable (adaptive) tapering of guidance to students in allied health programs depending on their expertise will optimize learning capability.

  19. Influence of Low Molecular Weight Fractions of Humic Substances on Their Reducing Capacities and Distribution of Redox Functional Groups.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Z.; Jiang, J.

    2015-12-01

    Humic substances (HS) are redox-active organic compounds and their reducing capacities depend on molecule structure and distribution of redox functional groups (RFG). During dialysis experiments, initial HS were separated into low molecular weight fractions (LMWF, molecular weight <3,500 Da or <14,000 Da) and retentate. LMWF accounts for only 2% in TOC contents of HS molecules, while their reducing capacities are up to 33 times greater than those of initial HA. However, great amount of reducing capacities of LMWF does not cause decreasing reducing capacities of retentate relative to those of initial HA. Total reducing capacities of whole dialysis device were calculated for initial HA, retentate and LMWF in native and reduced state, and result suggests that releasing of LMWF leads to production and explosion of RFG. LWMF have great fluorescence intensities for protein-like fluorophores and humic acids-like fluorophores (quinone-like functional groups), where quinonoid π-π* transition is responsible for the great reducing capacities of LMWF. The 3,500 Da molecules (0.25 nm diameter) of HS are capable of stimulating transformation of redox-active metals or potential pollutants trapped in soil micropores (< 2 nm diameter). A development of relationship between reducing capacity and Ex / Em position provides a possibility to predicate relative reducing capacities of HS in treated raw water sample.

  20. Al-C hybrid nanoclustered anodes for lithium ion batteries with high electrical capacity and cyclic stability.

    PubMed

    Park, Ji Hun; Hudaya, Chairul; Kim, A-Young; Rhee, Do Kyung; Yeo, Seon Ju; Choi, Wonchang; Yoo, Pil J; Lee, Joong Kee

    2014-03-18

    Structurally regulated and hybridized Al-C nanoclusters are prepared from C60 and Al precursors by thermal evaporation-combined plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The resulting Al-C hybrid nanoclustered anodes for Li-ion batteries exhibit a high reversible capacity of >900 mA h g(-1) at an optimized current density of 6 A g(-1) for over 100 cycles.

  1. Reinvigorating Reverse-Osmosis Membrane Technology to Stabilize the V 2 O 5 Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode

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

    Wu, Ji; Byrd, Ian; Jin, Congrui

    V 2O 5 is deemed as one of the most promising cathode materials for next-generation high-capacity lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). It possesses a theoretical capacity of 294 mAh g -1, which is much higher than conventional cathodes. But, there are many issues to be solved before its practical use, including poor cycle life and unsatisfactory rate performance, mainly owing to its low electronic conductivity and ionic diffusivity, as well as structural instability. Our work reports three types of V 2O 5 asymmetric membranes synthesized by using an adapted reverse-osmosis membrane technology combined with sol-gel chemistry, aiming to stabilize the cyclability andmore » improve the rate performance. V 2O 5 asymmetric membrane cathodes prepared using graphene as the conductive additives have a specific capacity of approximately 160 mAh g -1 at a current density of 100 mA g -1 with no capacity degradation after 380 cycles. It is also found that the annealing temperature and the choice of conductive additives can affect the morphology of V 2O 5 nanoparticles and the overall electrode cyclability. Furthermore, we find that a lower annealing temperature (300 vs. 400 °C) and the addition of graphene are beneficial to long-term cycling performance.« less

  2. Interlayer-Spacing-Regulated VOPO4 Nanosheets with Fast Kinetics for High-Capacity and Durable Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Limin; Liu, Qi; Zhang, Zihe; Zhang, Kai; Xiong, Fangyu; Tan, Shuangshuang; An, Qinyou; Kang, Yong-Mook; Zhou, Zhen; Mai, Liqiang

    2018-06-25

    Owing to the low-cost, safety, dendrite-free formation, and two-electron redox properties of magnesium (Mg), rechargeable Mg batteries are considered as promising next-generation secondary batteries with high specific capacity and energy density. However, the clumsy Mg 2+ with high polarity inclines to sluggish Mg insertion/deinsertion, leading to inadequate reversible capacity and rate performance. Herein, 2D VOPO 4 nanosheets with expanded interlayer spacing (1.42 nm) are prepared and applied in rechargeable magnesium batteries for the first time. The interlayer expansion provides enough diffusion space for fast kinetics of MgCl + ion flux with low polarization. Benefiting from the structural configuration, the Mg battery exhibits a remarkable reversible capacity of 310 mAh g -1 at 50 mA g -1 , excellent rate capability, and good cycling stability (192 mAh g -1 at 100 mA g -1 even after 500 cycles). In addition, density functional theory (DFT) computations are conducted to understand the electrode behavior with decreased MgCl + migration energy barrier compared with Mg 2+ . This approach, based on the regulation of interlayer distance to control cation insertion, represents a promising guideline for electrode material design on the development of advanced secondary multivalent-ion batteries. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Reinvigorating Reverse-Osmosis Membrane Technology to Stabilize the V 2 O 5 Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode

    DOE PAGES

    Wu, Ji; Byrd, Ian; Jin, Congrui; ...

    2017-02-27

    V 2O 5 is deemed as one of the most promising cathode materials for next-generation high-capacity lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). It possesses a theoretical capacity of 294 mAh g -1, which is much higher than conventional cathodes. But, there are many issues to be solved before its practical use, including poor cycle life and unsatisfactory rate performance, mainly owing to its low electronic conductivity and ionic diffusivity, as well as structural instability. Our work reports three types of V 2O 5 asymmetric membranes synthesized by using an adapted reverse-osmosis membrane technology combined with sol-gel chemistry, aiming to stabilize the cyclability andmore » improve the rate performance. V 2O 5 asymmetric membrane cathodes prepared using graphene as the conductive additives have a specific capacity of approximately 160 mAh g -1 at a current density of 100 mA g -1 with no capacity degradation after 380 cycles. It is also found that the annealing temperature and the choice of conductive additives can affect the morphology of V 2O 5 nanoparticles and the overall electrode cyclability. Furthermore, we find that a lower annealing temperature (300 vs. 400 °C) and the addition of graphene are beneficial to long-term cycling performance.« less

  4. Facile Synthesis of Layer Structured GeP3/C with Stable Chemical Bonding for Enhanced Lithium-Ion Storage

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qi, Wen; Zhao, Haihua; Wu, Ying; Zeng, Hong; Tao, Tao; Chen, Chao; Kuang, Chunjiang; Zhou, Shaoxiong; Huang, Yunhui

    2017-02-01

    Recently, metal phosphides have been investigated as potential anode materials because of higher specific capacity compared with those of carbonaceous materials. However, the rapid capacity fade upon cycling leads to poor durability and short cycle life, which cannot meet the need of lithium-ion batteries with high energy density. Herein, we report a layer-structured GeP3/C nanocomposite anode material with high performance prepared by a facial and large-scale ball milling method via in-situ mechanical reaction. The P-O-C bonds are formed in the composite, leading to close contact between GeP3 and carbon. As a result, the GeP3/C anode displays excellent lithium storage performance with a high reversible capacity up to 1109 mA h g-1 after 130 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g-1. Even at high current densities of 2 and 5 A g-1, the reversible capacities are still as high as 590 and 425 mA h g-1, respectively. This suggests that the GeP3/C composite is promising to achieve high-energy lithium-ion batteries and the mechanical milling is an efficient method to fabricate such composite electrode materials especially for large-scale application.

  5. Few-Layer MXenes Delaminated via High-Energy Mechanical Milling for Enhanced Sodium-Ion Batteries Performance.

    PubMed

    Wu, Yuting; Nie, Ping; Wang, Jiang; Dou, Hui; Zhang, Xiaogang

    2017-11-15

    The global availability of sodium makes the exploration of superior sodium-ion batteries attractive for energy storage application. MXenes, as one of the most promising anodes for sodium-ion batteries, have been reported to have many advantages, such as high electronic conductivity and a hydrophilic surface. However, the compact multilayer structure and deficient delamination significantly inhibits their application, requiring high energy and showing decreased storage capacity and poor rate capabilities. Few-layer MXene has been proved to benefit superior electrochemical properties with a better ionic conductivity and two-dimensional layer structure. Herein, we report scale delamination of few-layer MXene nanosheets as anodes for sodium-ion batteries, which are prepared via an organic solvent assist high-energy mechanical-milling method. This approach efficiently prevents the oxidation of MXene and produces few-layer nanosheets structure, facilitating fast electron transport and Na + diffusion. Electrochemical tests demonstrate that the few-layer MXenes show high specific capacity, excellent cycle stability, and good rate performance. Specifically, few-layer MXene nanosheets deliver a high reversible capacity of 267 mA h g -1 at a current density of 0.1 A g -1 . After cycling 1500 cycles at a high rate of 1 A g -1 , a reversible capacity of 76 mA h g -1 could be maintained.

  6. Large-Area Carbon Nanosheets Doped with Phosphorus: A High-Performance Anode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Hou, Hongshuai; Shao, Lidong; Zhang, Yan; Zou, Guoqiang; Chen, Jun; Ji, Xiaobo

    2017-01-01

    Large-area phosphorus-doped carbon nanosheets (P-CNSs) are first obtained from carbon dots (CDs) through self-assembly driving from thermal treatment with Na catalysis. This is the first time to realize the conversion from 0D CDs to 2D nanosheets doped with phosphorus. The sodium storage behavior of phosphorus-doped carbon material is also investigated for the first time. As anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), P-CNSs exhibit superb performances for electrochemical storage of sodium. When cycled at 0.1 A g -1 , the P-CNSs electrode delivers a high reversible capacity of 328 mAh g -1 , even at a high current density of 20 A g -1 , a considerable capacity of 108 mAh g -1 can still be maintained. Besides, this material also shows excellent cycling stability, at a current density of 5 A g -1 , the reversible capacity can still reach 149 mAh g -1 after 5000 cycles. This work will provide significant value for the development of both carbon materials and SIBs anode materials.

  7. High-performance sodium–organic battery by realizing four-sodium storage in disodium rhodizonate

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

    Lee, Minah; Hong, Jihyun; Lopez, Jeffrey

    Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) for grid-scale applications need active materials that combine a high energy density with sustainability. Given the high theoretical specific capacity 501 mAh g -1, and Earth abundance of disodium rhodizonate (Na 2C 6O 6), it is one of the most promising cathodes for SIBs. However, substantially lower reversible capacities have been obtained compared with the theoretical value and the understanding of this discrepancy has been limited. In this paper, we reveal that irreversible phase transformation of Na 2C 6O 6 during cycling is the origin of the deteriorating redox activity of Na 2C 6O 6. The active-particlemore » size and electrolyte conditions were identified as key factors to decrease the activation barrier of the phase transformation during desodiation. Finally, on the basis of this understanding, we achieved four-sodium storage in a Na 2C 6O 6 electrode with a reversible capacity of 484 mAh g -1, an energy density of 726 Wh kg -1 cathode, an energy efficiency above 87% and a good cycle retention.« less

  8. Sodium-Rich Ferric Pyrophosphate Cathode for Stationary Room-Temperature Sodium-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Shen, Bolei; Xu, Maowen; Niu, Yubin; Han, Jin; Lu, Shiyu; Jiang, Jian; Li, Yi; Dai, Chunlong; Hu, Linyu; Li, Changming

    2018-01-10

    In this article, carbon-coated Na 3.64 Fe 2.18 (P 2 O 7 ) 2 nanoparticles (∼10 nm) were successfully synthesized via a facile sol-gel method and employed as cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries. The results show that the carbon-coated Na 3.64 Fe 2.18 (P 2 O 7 ) 2 cathode delivers a high reversible capacity of 99 mAh g -1 at 0.2 C, outstanding cycling life retention of 96%, and high Coulomb efficiency of almost 100% even after 1000 cycles at 10 C. Furthermore, the electrochemical performances of full batteries consisting of carbon-coated Na 3.64 Fe 2.18 (P 2 O 7 ) 2 nanoparticles as the cathode and commercialized hard carbon as the anode are tested. The full batteries exhibit a reversible capacity of 86 mAh g -1 at 0.5 C and capacity retention of 80% after 100 cycles. Therefore, the above-mentioned cathode is a potential candidate for developing inexpensive sodium-ion batteries in large-scale energy storage with long life.

  9. High-performance sodium–organic battery by realizing four-sodium storage in disodium rhodizonate

    DOE PAGES

    Lee, Minah; Hong, Jihyun; Lopez, Jeffrey; ...

    2017-10-09

    Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) for grid-scale applications need active materials that combine a high energy density with sustainability. Given the high theoretical specific capacity 501 mAh g -1, and Earth abundance of disodium rhodizonate (Na 2C 6O 6), it is one of the most promising cathodes for SIBs. However, substantially lower reversible capacities have been obtained compared with the theoretical value and the understanding of this discrepancy has been limited. In this paper, we reveal that irreversible phase transformation of Na 2C 6O 6 during cycling is the origin of the deteriorating redox activity of Na 2C 6O 6. The active-particlemore » size and electrolyte conditions were identified as key factors to decrease the activation barrier of the phase transformation during desodiation. Finally, on the basis of this understanding, we achieved four-sodium storage in a Na 2C 6O 6 electrode with a reversible capacity of 484 mAh g -1, an energy density of 726 Wh kg -1 cathode, an energy efficiency above 87% and a good cycle retention.« less

  10. High-performance sodium-organic battery by realizing four-sodium storage in disodium rhodizonate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Minah; Hong, Jihyun; Lopez, Jeffrey; Sun, Yongming; Feng, Dawei; Lim, Kipil; Chueh, William C.; Toney, Michael F.; Cui, Yi; Bao, Zhenan

    2017-11-01

    Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) for grid-scale applications need active materials that combine a high energy density with sustainability. Given the high theoretical specific capacity 501 mAh g-1, and Earth abundance of disodium rhodizonate (Na2C6O6), it is one of the most promising cathodes for SIBs. However, substantially lower reversible capacities have been obtained compared with the theoretical value and the understanding of this discrepancy has been limited. Here, we reveal that irreversible phase transformation of Na2C6O6 during cycling is the origin of the deteriorating redox activity of Na2C6O6. The active-particle size and electrolyte conditions were identified as key factors to decrease the activation barrier of the phase transformation during desodiation. On the basis of this understanding, we achieved four-sodium storage in a Na2C6O6 electrode with a reversible capacity of 484 mAh g-1, an energy density of 726 Wh kg-1cathode, an energy efficiency above 87% and a good cycle retention.

  11. Porous nitrogen-doped carbon derived from silk fibroin protein encapsulating sulfur as a superior cathode material for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jiawei; Cai, Yurong; Zhong, Qiwei; Lai, Dongzhi; Yao, Juming

    2015-11-14

    The features of a carbon substrate are crucial for the electrochemical performance of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Nitrogen doping of carbon materials is assumed to play an important role in sulfur immobilisation. In this study, natural silk fibroin protein is used as a precursor of nitrogen-rich carbon to fabricate a novel, porous, nitrogen-doped carbon material through facile carbonisation and activation. Porous carbon, with a reversible capacity of 815 mA h g(-1) at 0.2 C after 60 cycles, serves as the cathode material in Li-S batteries. Porous carbon retains a reversible capacity of 567 mA h g(-1), which corresponds to a capacity retention of 98% at 1 C after 200 cycles. The promising electrochemical performance of porous carbon is attributed to its mesoporous structure, high specific surface area and nitrogen doping into the carbon skeleton. This study provides a general strategy to synthesise nitrogen-doped carbons with a high specific surface area, which is crucial to improve the energy density and electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries.

  12. Mesoporous wormholelike carbon with controllable nanostructure for lithium ion batteries application

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

    Yang, Xiaoqing, E-mail: yxq-886@163.com; Li, Xinxi; Li, Zhenghui

    2015-06-15

    Highlights: • Wormholelike carbon (WMC) with controllable nanostructure is prepared by sol–gel method. • The reversible capacity of WMC is much higher than that of many other reported nanocarbons. • The effect of pore diameter on Li storage capacity is investigated. - Abstract: A class of mesoporous wormholelike carbon (WMC) with controllable nanostructure was prepared by sol–gel method and then used as the anode material of lithium-ion batteries. Based on the experimental results, it is found that the nanostructure of the as-prepared WMC plays an important role in the electrochemical performances. A suitable mesopore size is necessary for a highmore » performance carbon-based anode material since it can not only guarantee effective mass transport channels but also provide large surface area. As a result, F30 with a mesopore size of 4.4 nm coupled with high surface area of 1077 m{sup 2} g{sup −1} shows a reversible capacity of 630 mAh g{sup −1}, much higher than commercial graphite and many other reported nanocarbons.« less

  13. The synthesis and the chemical and physical properties of non-aqueous silylamine solvents for carbon dioxide capture.

    PubMed

    Rohan, Amy L; Switzer, Jackson R; Flack, Kyle M; Hart, Ryan J; Sivaswamy, Swetha; Biddinger, Elizabeth J; Talreja, Manish; Verma, Manjusha; Faltermeier, Sean; Nielsen, Paul T; Pollet, Pamela; Schuette, George F; Eckert, Charles A; Liotta, Charles L

    2012-11-01

    Silylamine reversible ionic liquids were designed to achieve specific physical properties in order to address effective CO₂ capture. The reversible ionic liquid systems reported herein represent a class of switchable solvents where a relatively non-polar silylamine (molecular liquid) is reversibly transformed to a reversible ionic liquid (RevIL) by reaction with CO₂ (chemisorption). The RevILs can further capture additional CO₂ through physical absorption (physisorption). The effects of changes in structure on (1) the CO₂ capture capacity (chemisorption and physisorption), (2) the viscosity of the solvent systems at partial and total conversion to the ionic liquid state, (3) the energy required for reversing the CO₂ capture process, and (4) the ability to recycle the solvents systems are reported. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  14. Computer model for electrochemical cell performance loss over time in terms of capacity, power, and conductance (CPC)

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

    Gering, Kevin L.

    2015-09-01

    Available capacity, power, and cell conductance figure centrally into performance characterization of electrochemical cells (such as Li-ion cells) over their service life. For example, capacity loss in Li-ion cells is due to a combination of mechanisms, including loss of free available lithium, loss of active host sites, shifts in the potential-capacity curve, etc. Further distinctions can be made regarding irreversible and reversible capacity loss mechanisms. There are tandem needs for accurate interpretation of capacity at characterization conditions (cycling rate, temperature, etc.) and for robust self-consistent modeling techniques that can be used for diagnostic analysis of cell data as well asmore » forecasting of future performance. Analogous issues exist for aging effects on cell conductance and available power. To address these needs, a modeling capability was developed that provides a systematic analysis of the contributing factors to battery performance loss over aging and to act as a regression/prediction platform for cell performance. The modeling basis is a summation of self-consistent chemical kinetics rate expressions, which as individual expressions each covers a distinct mechanism (e.g., loss of active host sites, lithium loss), but collectively account for the net loss of premier metrics (e.g., capacity) over time for a particular characterization condition. Specifically, sigmoid-based rate expressions are utilized to describe each contribution to performance loss. Through additional mathematical development another tier of expressions is derived and used to perform differential analyses and segregate irreversible versus reversible contributions, as well as to determine concentration profiles over cell aging for affected Li+ ion inventory and fraction of active sites that remain at each time step. Reversible fade components are surmised by comparing fade rates at fast versus slow cycling conditions. The model is easily utilized for predictive calculations so that future capacity performance can be estimated. The invention covers mathematical and theoretical frameworks, and demonstrates application to various Li-ion cells covering test periods that vary in duration, and shows model predictions well past the end of test periods. Version 2.0 Enhancements: the code now covers path-dependent aging scenarios, wherein the framework allows for arbitrarily-chosen aging conditions over a timeline to accommodate prediction of battery aging over a multiplicity of changing conditions. The code framework also allows for cell conductance and power loss evaluations over cell aging, analysis of series strings that contain a thermal anomaly (hot spot), and evaluation of battery thermal management parameters that impact battery lifetimes. Lastly, a comprehensive GUI now resides in the Ver. 2.0 code.« less

  15. Hierarchical TiO2/C nanocomposite monoliths with a robust scaffolding architecture, mesopore-macropore network and TiO2-C heterostructure for high-performance lithium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Hai-Bo; Yang, Yue; Chen, Li-Hua; Wang, Yun; Huang, Shao-Zhuan; Tao, Jia-Wei; Ma, Xiao-Ting; Hasan, Tawfique; Li, Yu; Xu, Yan; Su, Bao-Lian

    2016-05-01

    Engineering hierarchical structures of electrode materials is a powerful strategy for optimizing the electrochemical performance of an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, we report the fabrication of hierarchical TiO2/C nanocomposite monoliths by mediated mineralization and carbonization using bacterial cellulose (BC) as a scaffolding template as well as a carbon source. TiO2/C has a robust scaffolding architecture, a mesopore-macropore network and TiO2-C heterostructure. TiO2/C-500, obtained by calcination at 500 °C in nitrogen, contains an anatase TiO2-C heterostructure with a specific surface area of 66.5 m2 g-1. When evaluated as an anode material at 0.5 C, TiO2/C-500 exhibits a high and reversible lithium storage capacity of 188 mA h g-1, an excellent initial capacity of 283 mA h g-1, a long cycle life with a 94% coulombic efficiency preserved after 200 cycles, and a very low charge transfer resistance. The superior electrochemical performance of TiO2/C-500 is attributed to the synergistic effect of high electrical conductivity, anatase TiO2-C heterostructure, mesopore-macropore network and robust scaffolding architecture. The current material strategy affords a general approach for the design of complex inorganic nanocomposites with structural stability, and tunable and interconnected hierarchical porosity that may lead to the next generation of electrochemical supercapacitors with high energy efficiency and superior power density.Engineering hierarchical structures of electrode materials is a powerful strategy for optimizing the electrochemical performance of an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, we report the fabrication of hierarchical TiO2/C nanocomposite monoliths by mediated mineralization and carbonization using bacterial cellulose (BC) as a scaffolding template as well as a carbon source. TiO2/C has a robust scaffolding architecture, a mesopore-macropore network and TiO2-C heterostructure. TiO2/C-500, obtained by calcination at 500 °C in nitrogen, contains an anatase TiO2-C heterostructure with a specific surface area of 66.5 m2 g-1. When evaluated as an anode material at 0.5 C, TiO2/C-500 exhibits a high and reversible lithium storage capacity of 188 mA h g-1, an excellent initial capacity of 283 mA h g-1, a long cycle life with a 94% coulombic efficiency preserved after 200 cycles, and a very low charge transfer resistance. The superior electrochemical performance of TiO2/C-500 is attributed to the synergistic effect of high electrical conductivity, anatase TiO2-C heterostructure, mesopore-macropore network and robust scaffolding architecture. The current material strategy affords a general approach for the design of complex inorganic nanocomposites with structural stability, and tunable and interconnected hierarchical porosity that may lead to the next generation of electrochemical supercapacitors with high energy efficiency and superior power density. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Characterizing BC aerogel; TG/DTA curves of BC@TiO2; EDX spectrum of TiO2/C-500; photograph of BC@TiO2 and TiO2/C-500 monoliths; XRD patterns of TiO2/C-T monoliths under a nitrogen atmosphere; characterizing TiO2/C-T and TiO2-500; XPS of TiO2/C-500; cycling performance of TiO2/C-T; capacity retention plots, coulombic efficiency, EIS spectra after 10 cycles and the initial EIS spectra of TiO2/C-500; XRD patterns of TiO2/C-500 before and after 150 discharge-charge cycles at 0.5 C. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr09149g

  16. Lithium salt of biphenyl tetracarboxylate as an anode material for Li/Na-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Medabalmi, Veerababu; Wang, Guanxiong; Ramani, Vijay K.; Ramanujam, Kothandaraman

    2017-10-01

    Electrochemical lithiation/delithiation and sodiation/desodiation studies are carried out on lithium [1,1‧-biphenyl]-3,3‧,4,4‧-tetracarboxylate (Li4-BPTC). Although four Li+ can be inserted, only two Li+ was reversible yielding a capacity of 110, 122 and 107 mAh g-1 (after 50 cycles) at a current density of 40, 80 and 160 mA g-1 respectively. As sodium analog of Li4-BPTC is unstable in the ambient conditions, Li4-BPTC was tested in sodium half-cell and a reversible capacity of 107 mAh g-1 was obtained even after 200 cycles at 160 mA g-1 rate. The exchange of Li+ by Na+ in Li4-BPTC electrode during the electrochemical sodiation/desodiation was confirmed by ICP-OES and XPS studies.

  17. Superior Cathode Performance of Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Frameworks for Lithium Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Xiong, Dongbin; Li, Xifei; Bai, Zhimin; Shan, Hui; Fan, Linlin; Wu, Chunxia; Li, Dejun; Lu, Shigang

    2017-03-29

    Development of alternative cathode materials is of highly desirable for sustainable and cost-efficient lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in energy storage fields. In this study, for the first time, we report tunable nitrogen-doped graphene with active functional groups for cathode utilization of LIBs. When employed as cathode materials, the functionalized graphene frameworks with a nitrogen content of 9.26 at% retain a reversible capacity of 344 mAh g -1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 50 mA g -1 . More surprisingly, when conducted at a high current density of 1 A g -1 , this cathode delivers a high reversible capacity of 146 mAh g -1 after 1000 cycles. Our current research demonstrates the effective significance of nitrogen doping on enhancing cathode performance of functionalized graphene for LIBs.

  18. In situ preparation of Fe3O4 in a carbon hybrid of graphene nanoscrolls and carbon nanotubes as high performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Yuewen; Hassan Siddique, Ahmad; Huang, Heran; Fang, Qile; Deng, Wei; Zhou, Xufeng; Lu, Huanming; Liu, Zhaoping

    2017-11-01

    A new conductive carbon hybrid combining both reduced graphene nanoscrolls and carbon nanotubes (rGNSs-CNTs) is prepared, and used to host Fe3O4 nanoparticles through an in situ synthesis method. As an anode material for LIBs, the obtained Fe3O4@rGNSs-CNTs shows good electrochemical performance. At a current density of 0.1 A g-1, the anode material shows a high reversible capacity of 1232.9 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles. Even at a current density of 1 A g-1, it still achieves a high reversible capacity of 812.3 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles. Comparing with bare Fe3O4 and Fe3O4/rGO composite anode materials without nanoscroll structure, Fe3O4@rGNSs-CNTs shows much better rate capability with a reversible capacity of 605.0 and 500.0 mAh g-1 at 3 and 5 A g-1, respectively. The excellent electrochemical performance of the Fe3O4@rGNSs-CNTs anode material can be ascribed to the hybrid structure of rGNSs-CNTs, and their strong interaction with Fe3O4 nanoparticles, which on one hand provides more pathways for lithium ions and electrons, on the other hand effectively relieves the volume change of Fe3O4 during the charge-discharge process.

  19. SnCo–CMK nanocomposite with improved electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries

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

    Zeng, Lingxing; Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, Fuzhou, Fujian 350007; Deng, Cuilin

    Highlights: • The SnCo–CMK nanocomposite was synthesized using mesoporous carbon as nano-reactor. • Ultrafine SnCo nanoparticles distribute both inside and outside of mesopore channels. • The SnCo–CMK nanocomposite is an alternative anode material for Li-ion intercalation. • A high reversible capacity of 562 mAh g{sup −1} is maintained after 60 cycles at 100 mA g{sup −1}. - Abstract: In the present work, SnCo–CMK nanocomposite was successfully synthesized for the first time via a simple nanocasting route by using mesoporous carbon as nano-reactor. The nanocomposite was then characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), N{sub 2} adsorption–desorption, scanningmore » and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM) respectively. Furthermore, the SnCo–CMK nanocomposite exhibited large reversible capacities, excellent cycling stability and enhanced rate capability when employed as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. A large reversible capacity of 562 mA h g{sup −1} was obtained after 60 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g{sup −1} which is attributed to the structure of ‘meso-nano’ SnCo–CMK composite. This unique structure ensures the intimate contact between CMK and SnCo nanoparticles, buffers the large volume expansion and prevents the aggregation of the SnCo nanoparticles during cycling, leading to the excellent cycling stability and enhanced rate capability.« less

  20. Imperceptible reversible watermarking of radiographic images based on quantum noise masking.

    PubMed

    Pan, Wei; Bouslimi, Dalel; Karasad, Mohamed; Cozic, Michel; Coatrieux, Gouenou

    2018-07-01

    Advances in information and communication technologies boost the sharing and remote access to medical images. Along with this evolution, needs in terms of data security are also increased. Watermarking can contribute to better protect images by dissimulating into their pixels some security attributes (e.g., digital signature, user identifier). But, to take full advantage of this technology in healthcare, one key problem to address is to ensure that the image distortion induced by the watermarking process does not endanger the image diagnosis value. To overcome this issue, reversible watermarking is one solution. It allows watermark removal with the exact recovery of the image. Unfortunately, reversibility does not mean that imperceptibility constraints are relaxed. Indeed, once the watermark removed, the image is unprotected. It is thus important to ensure the invisibility of reversible watermark in order to ensure a permanent image protection. We propose a new fragile reversible watermarking scheme for digital radiographic images, the main originality of which stands in masking a reversible watermark into the image quantum noise (the dominant noise in radiographic images). More clearly, in order to ensure the watermark imperceptibility, our scheme differentiates the image black background, where message embedding is conducted into pixel gray values with the well-known histogram shifting (HS) modulation, from the anatomical object, where HS is applied to wavelet detail coefficients, masking the watermark with the image quantum noise. In order to maintain the watermark embedder and reader synchronized in terms of image partitioning and insertion domain, our scheme makes use of different classification processes that are invariant to message embedding. We provide the theoretical performance limits of our scheme into the image quantum noise in terms of image distortion and message size (i.e. capacity). Experiments conducted on more than 800 12 bits radiographic images of different anatomical structures show that our scheme induces a very low image distortion (PSNR∼ 76.5 dB) for a relatively important capacity (capacity∼ 0.02 bits of message per pixel). The proposed watermarking scheme, while being reversible, preserves the diagnosis value of radiographic images by masking the watermark into the quantum noise. As theoretically and experimentally established our scheme offers a good capacity/image quality compromise that can support different watermarking based security services such as integrity and authenticity control. The watermark can be kept into the image during the interpretation of the image, offering thus a continuous protection. Such a masking strategy can be seen as the first psychovisual model for radiographic images. The reversibility allows the watermark update when necessary. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Characterization of constitutive and putative differentially expressed mRNAs by means of expressed sequence tags, differential display reverse transcriptase-PCR and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR from the sand fly vector Lutzomyia longipalpis.

    PubMed

    Ramalho-Ortigão, J M; Temporal, P; de Oliveira , S M; Barbosa, A F; Vilela, M L; Rangel, E F; Brazil, R P; Traub-Cseko, Y M

    2001-01-01

    Molecular studies of insect disease vectors are of paramount importance for understanding parasite-vector relationship. Advances in this area have led to important findings regarding changes in vectors' physiology upon blood feeding and parasite infection. Mechanisms for interfering with the vectorial capacity of insects responsible for the transmission of diseases such as malaria, Chagas disease and dengue fever are being devised with the ultimate goal of developing transgenic insects. A primary necessity for this goal is information on gene expression and control in the target insect. Our group is investigating molecular aspects of the interaction between Leishmania parasites and Lutzomyia sand flies. As an initial step in our studies we have used random sequencing of cDNA clones from two expression libraries made from head/thorax and abdomen of sugar fed L. longipalpis for the identification of expressed sequence tags (EST). We applied differential display reverse transcriptase-PCR and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR to characterize differentially expressed mRNA from sugar and blood fed insects, and, in one case, from a L. (V.) braziliensis-infected L. longipalpis. We identified 37 cDNAs that have shown homology to known sequences from GeneBank. Of these, 32 cDNAs code for constitutive proteins such as zinc finger protein, glutamine synthetase, G binding protein, ubiquitin conjugating enzyme. Three are putative differentially expressed cDNAs from blood fed and Leishmania-infected midgut, a chitinase, a V-ATPase and a MAP kinase. Finally, two sequences are homologous to Drosophila melanogaster gene products recently discovered through the Drosophila genome initiative.

  2. mGluR5 positive allosteric modulation and its effects on MK-801 induced set-shifting impairments in a rat operant delayed matching/non-matching-to-sample task

    PubMed Central

    LaCrosse, Amber L.; Burrows, Brian T.; Angulo, Rachel M.; Conrad, Phoebe R.; Himes, Sarah M.; Mathews, Nordia; Wegner, Scott A.; Taylor, Sara B.; Olive, M. Foster

    2014-01-01

    Rationale Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR5) exert pro-cognitive effects in animal models of various neuropsychiatric diseases. However, few studies to date have examined ability of mGluR5 PAMs to reverse cognitive deficits in operant delayed matching/non-matching-to-sample (DMS/DNMS) tasks. Objectives To determine the ability of the mGluR5 PAM 3-cyano-N-1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)benzamide (CDPPB) to reverse set-shifting deficits induced by the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were initially trained to lever press for sucrose reinforcement under either DMS or DNMS conditions. Following successful acquisition of the task, reinforcement conditions were reversed (DNMS→DMS or DMS→DNMS). In Experiment 1, rats were treated daily prior to each session with either vehicle/vehicle, vehicle/MK-801 (0.06 mg/kg) simultaneously, CDPPB (20 mg/kg)/MK-801 simultaneously, or CDPPB 30 min prior to MK-801. In Experiment 2, rats were treated with either vehicle/vehicle, vehicle/MK-801, or CDPPB 30 min prior to MK-801 only prior to sessions that followed task reversal. Results In Experiment 1, no group differences in initial task acquisition were observed. Rats treated with vehicle+MK−801 showed significant set-shifting impairments following task reversal, which were partially attenuated by simultaneous administration of CDPPB/MK-801, and completely precluded by administration of CDPPB 30 min prior to MK-801. In Experiment 2, MK-801 did not impair reversal learning and no other group differences were observed. Conclusions MK-801 induced deficits in operant set-shifting ability were prevented by pretreatment with CDPPB. MK-801 did not produce deficits in initial task learning or when treatment was initiated following task reversal. PMID:24973895

  3. The Specificity and Flexibility of L1 Reverse Transcription Priming at Imperfect T-Tracts

    PubMed Central

    Viollet, Sébastien; Mir, Ashfaq Ali; Gabus, Caroline; Darlix, Jean-Luc; Cristofari, Gaël

    2013-01-01

    L1 retrotransposons have a prominent role in reshaping mammalian genomes. To replicate, the L1 ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP) first uses its endonuclease (EN) to nick the genomic DNA. The newly generated DNA end is subsequently used as a primer to initiate reverse transcription within the L1 RNA poly(A) tail, a process known as target-primed reverse transcription (TPRT). Prior studies demonstrated that most L1 insertions occur into sequences related to the L1 EN consensus sequence (degenerate 5′-TTTT/A-3′ sites) and frequently preceded by imperfect T-tracts. However, it is currently unclear whether—and to which degree—the liberated 3′-hydroxyl extremity on the genomic DNA needs to be accessible and complementary to the poly(A) tail of the L1 RNA for efficient priming of reverse transcription. Here, we employed a direct assay for the initiation of L1 reverse transcription to define the molecular rules that guide this process. First, efficient priming is detected with as few as 4 matching nucleotides at the primer 3′ end. Second, L1 RNP can tolerate terminal mismatches if they are compensated within the 10 last bases of the primer by an increased number of matching nucleotides. All terminal mismatches are not equally detrimental to DNA extension, a C being extended at higher levels than an A or a G. Third, efficient priming in the context of duplex DNA requires a 3′ overhang. This suggests the possible existence of additional DNA processing steps, which generate a single-stranded 3′ end to allow L1 reverse transcription. Based on these data we propose that the specificity of L1 reverse transcription initiation contributes, together with the specificity of the initial EN cleavage, to the distribution of new L1 insertions within the human genome. PMID:23675310

  4. Electrochemical potassium-ion intercalation in NaxCoO2: a novel cathode material for potassium-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Sada, Krishnakanth; Senthilkumar, Baskar; Barpanda, Prabeer

    2017-07-27

    Reversible electrochemical potassium-ion intercalation in P2-type Na x CoO 2 was examined for the first time. Hexagonal Na 0.84 CoO 2 platelets prepared by a solution combustion synthesis technique were found to work as an efficient host for K + intercalation. They deliver a high reversible capacity of 82 mA h g -1 , good rate capability and excellent cycling performance up to 50 cycles.

  5. Separator-Integrated, Reversely Connectable Symmetric Lithium-Ion Battery.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yuhang; Zeng, Jiren; Cui, Xiaoqi; Zhang, Lijuan; Zheng, Gengfeng

    2016-02-24

    A separator-integrated, reversely connectable, symmetric lithium-ion battery is developed based on carbon-coated Li3V2(PO4)3 nanoparticles and polyvinylidene fluoride-treated separators. The Li3V2(PO4)3 nanoparticles are synthesized via a facile solution route followed by calcination in Ar/H2 atmosphere. Sucrose solution is used as the carbon source for uniform carbon coating on the Li3V2(PO4)3 nanoparticles. Both the carbon and the polyvinylidene fluoride treatments substantially improve the cycling life of the symmetric battery by preventing the dissolution and shuttle of the electroactive Li3V2(PO4)3. The obtained symmetric full cell exhibits a reversible capacity of ≈ 87 mA h g(-1), good cycling stability, and capacity retention of ≈ 70% after 70 cycles. In addition, this type of symmetric full cell can be operated in both forward and reverse connection modes, without any influence on the cycling of the battery. Furthermore, a new separator integration approach is demonstrated, which enables the direct deposition of electroactive materials for the battery assembly and does not affect the electrochemical performance. A 10-tandem-cell battery assembled without differentiating the electrode polarity exhibits a low thickness of ≈ 4.8 mm and a high output voltage of 20.8 V. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Authenticity preservation with histogram-based reversible data hiding and quadtree concepts.

    PubMed

    Huang, Hsiang-Cheh; Fang, Wai-Chi

    2011-01-01

    With the widespread use of identification systems, establishing authenticity with sensors has become an important research issue. Among the schemes for making authenticity verification based on information security possible, reversible data hiding has attracted much attention during the past few years. With its characteristics of reversibility, the scheme is required to fulfill the goals from two aspects. On the one hand, at the encoder, the secret information needs to be embedded into the original image by some algorithms, such that the output image will resemble the input one as much as possible. On the other hand, at the decoder, both the secret information and the original image must be correctly extracted and recovered, and they should be identical to their embedding counterparts. Under the requirement of reversibility, for evaluating the performance of the data hiding algorithm, the output image quality, named imperceptibility, and the number of bits for embedding, called capacity, are the two key factors to access the effectiveness of the algorithm. Besides, the size of side information for making decoding possible should also be evaluated. Here we consider using the characteristics of original images for developing our method with better performance. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that has the ability to provide more capacity than conventional algorithms, with similar output image quality after embedding, and comparable side information produced. Simulation results demonstrate the applicability and better performance of our algorithm.

  7. Isokinetic strength differences between patients with primary reverse and total shoulder prostheses: muscle strength quantified with a dynamometer.

    PubMed

    Alta, Tjarco D W; Veeger, DirkJan H E J; de Toledo, Joelly M; Janssen, Thomas W J; Willems, W Jaap

    2014-11-01

    Range of motion after total shoulder arthroplasty is better than after reverse shoulder arthroplasty, however with similar clinical outcome. It is unclear if this difference can only be found in the different range of motion or also in the force generating capacity. (1) are isokinetically produced joint torques of reverse shoulder arthroplasty comparable to those of total shoulder arthroplasty? (2) Does this force-generating capacity correlate with functional outcome? Eighteen reverse shoulder arthroplasty patients (71years (SD 9years)) (21 shoulders, follow-up of 21months (SD 10months)) were recruited, 12 total shoulder arthroplasty patients (69years (SD 9years)) (14 shoulders, follow-up of 35months (SD 11months)). Pre- and post-operative Constant-Murley scores were obtained; two isokinetic protocols (ab-/adduction and ex-/internal rotations) at 60°/s were performed. Twelve of 18 reverse shoulder arthroplasty patients generated enough speed to perform the test (13 shoulders). Mean ab-/adduction torques are 16.3Nm (SD 5.6Nm) and 20.4Nm (SD 11.8Nm). All total shoulder arthroplasty patients generated enough speed (14 shoulders). Mean ab-/adduction torques are 32.1Nm (SD 13.3Nm) and 43.1Nm (SD 21.5Nm). Only 8 reverse shoulder arthroplasty patients (9 shoulders) could perform ex-/internal rotation tasks and all total shoulder arthroplasty patients. Mean ex-/internal rotation torques are 9.3Nm (SD 4.7Nm) and 9.2Nm (SD 2.1Nm) for reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and 17.9Nm (SD 7.7Nm) and 23.5Nm (SD 10.6Nm) for total shoulder arthroplasty. Significant correlations between sub-scores: activity, mobility and strength and external rotation torques for reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Moderate to strong correlation for sub-scores: strength in relation to abduction, adduction and internal rotation torques for total shoulder arthroplasty. Shoulders with a total shoulder arthroplasty are stronger. This can be explained by the absence of rotator cuff muscles and (probably) medialized center of rotation in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The strong correlation between external rotation torques and post-operative Constant-Murley sub-scores demonstrates that external rotation is essential for good clinical functioning in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Initial glenoid fixation using two different reverse shoulder designs with an equivalent center of rotation in a low-density and high-density bone substitute.

    PubMed

    Stroud, Nicholas J; DiPaola, Matthew J; Martin, Brian L; Steiler, Cindy A; Flurin, Pierre-Henri; Wright, Thomas W; Zuckerman, Joseph D; Roche, Christopher P

    2013-11-01

    Numerous glenoid implant designs have been introduced into the global marketplace in recent years; however, little comparative biomechanical data exist to substantiate one design consideration over another. This study dynamically evaluated reverse shoulder glenoid baseplate fixation and compared the initial fixation associated with 2 reverse shoulder designs having an equivalent center of rotation in low-density and high-density bone substitute substrates. Significant differences in fixation were observed between implant designs, where the circular-porous reverse shoulder was associated with approximately twice the micromotion per equivalent test than the oblong-grit-blasted design. Additionally, 6 of the 7 circular-porous reverse shoulders failed catastrophically in the low-density bone model at an average of 2603 ± 981 cycles. None of the oblong-grit-blasted designs failed in the low-or high-density bone models and none of the circular-porous designs failed in the high-density bone models after 10,000 cycles of loading. These results demonstrate that significant differences in initial fixation exist between reverse shoulder implants having an equivalent center of rotation and suggest that design parameters, other than the position of the center of rotation, significantly affect fixation in low-density and high-density polyurethane bone substitutes. Subtle changes in glenoid baseplate design can dramatically affect fixation, particularly in low-density bone substitutes that are intended to simulate the bone quality of the recipient population for reverse shoulders. Copyright © 2013 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Hierarchical porous nitrogen-rich carbon nanospheres with high and durable capabilities for lithium and sodium storage.

    PubMed

    Ma, Lianbo; Chen, Renpeng; Hu, Yi; Zhu, Guoyin; Chen, Tao; Lu, Hongling; Liang, Jia; Tie, Zuoxiu; Jin, Zhong; Liu, Jie

    2016-10-20

    To improve the energy storage performance of carbon-based materials, considerable attention has been paid to the design and fabrication of novel carbon architectures with structural and chemical modifications. Herein, we report that hierarchical porous nitrogen-rich carbon (HPNC) nanospheres originating from acidic etching of metal carbide/carbon hybrid nanoarchitectures can be employed as high-performance anode materials for both lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The structural advantages of HPNC nanospheres are that the exceptionally-high content of nitrogen (17.4 wt%) can provide abundant electroactive sites and enlarge the interlayer distance (∼3.5 Å) to improve the capacity, and the large amount of micropores and mesopores can serve as reservoirs for storing lithium/sodium ions. In LIBs, HPNC based anodes deliver a high reversible capacity of 1187 mA h g -1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g -1 , a great rate performance of 470 mA h g -1 at 5000 mA g -1 , and outstanding cycling stabilities with a capacity of 788 mA h g -1 after 500 cycles at 1000 mA g -1 . In SIBs, HPNC based anodes exhibit a remarkable reversible capacity of 357 mA h g -1 at 100 mA g -1 and high long-term stability with a capacity of 136 mA h g -1 after 500 cycles at 1000 mA g -1 .

  10. Facile synthesis of one-dimensional hollow Sb2O3@TiO2 composites as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Zhaomin; Cheng, Yong; Li, Qian; Chang, Limin; Wang, Limin

    2018-06-01

    Metallic Sb is deemed as a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) due to its flat voltage platform and high security. Nevertheless, the limited capacity restricts its large-scale application. Therefore, a simple and effective method to explore novel antimony trioxide with high capacity used as anode material for LIBs is imperative. In this work, we report a facile and efficient strategy to fabricate 1D hollow Sb2O3@TiO2 composites by using the Kirkendall effect. When used as an anode material for LIBs, the optimal Sb2O3@TiO2 composite displays a high reversible discharge capacity of 593 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1 after 100 cycles and a relatively superior discharge capacity of 439 mAh g-1 at a current density of 500 mA g-1 even after 600 cycles. In addition, a reversible discharge capacity of 334 mAh g-1 can also be obtained even at a current density of 2000 mA g-1. The excellent cycling stability and rate performance of the Sb2O3@TiO2 composite can be attributed to the synergistic effect of TiO2 shell and hollow structure of Sb2O3, both of which can effectively buffer the volume expansion and maintain the integrity of the electrode during the repeated charge-discharge cycles.

  11. High-energy lithium-ion hybrid supercapacitors composed of hierarchical urchin-like WO3/C anodes and MOF-derived polyhedral hollow carbon cathodes.

    PubMed

    Xu, Juan; Li, Yuanyuan; Wang, Lei; Cai, Qifa; Li, Qingwei; Gao, Biao; Zhang, Xuming; Huo, Kaifu; Chu, Paul K

    2016-09-22

    A lithium-ion hybrid supercapacitor (Li-HSC) comprising a Li-ion battery type anode and an electrochemical double layer capacitance (EDLC) type cathode has attracted much interest because it accomplishes a large energy density without compromising the power density. In this work, hierarchical carbon coated WO 3 (WO 3 /C) with a unique mesoporous structure and metal-organic framework derived nitrogen-doped carbon hollow polyhedra (MOF-NC) are prepared and adopted as the anode and the cathode for Li-HSCs. The hierarchical mesoporous WO 3 /C microspheres assembled by radially oriented WO 3 /C nanorods along the (001) plane enable effective Li + insertion, thus exhibit high capacity, excellent rate performance and a long cycling life due to their high Li + conductivity, electronic conductivity and structural robustness. The WO 3 /C structure shows a reversible specific capacity of 508 mA h g -1 at a 0.1 C rate (1 C = 696 mA h g -1 ) after 160 discharging-charging cycles with excellent rate capability. The MOF-NC achieved the specific capacity of 269.9 F g -1 at a current density of 0.2 A g -1 . At a high current density of 6 A g -1 , 92.4% of the initial capacity could be retained after 2000 discharging-charging cycles, suggesting excellent cycle stability. The Li-HSC comprising a WO 3 /C anode and a MOF-NC cathode boasts a large energy density of 159.97 W h kg -1 at a power density of 173.6 W kg -1 and 88.3% of the capacity is retained at a current density of 5 A g -1 after 3000 charging-discharging cycles, which are better than those previously reported for Li-HSCs. The high energy and power densities of the Li-HSCs of WO 3 /C//MOF-NC render large potential in energy storage.

  12. MnO2-graphene nanosheets wrapped mesoporous carbon/sulfur composite for lithium-sulfur batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Zhengzheng

    2018-02-01

    MnO2-graphene nanosheets wrapped mesoporous carbon/sulfur (MGN@MC/S) composite is successfully synthesized derived from metal-organic frameworks and investigated as cathode for lithium-ion batteries. Used as cathode, MGN@MC/S composite possesses electronic conductivity network for redox electron transfer and strong chemical bonding to lithium polysulfides, which enables low capacity loss to be achieved. MGN@MC/S cathodes exhibit high reversible capacity of 1475 mA h g-1 at 0.1 C and an ultra-low capacity fading of 0.042% per cycle at 1 C over 450 cycles.

  13. Bacterial Group II Introns: Identification and Mobility Assay.

    PubMed

    Toro, Nicolás; Molina-Sánchez, María Dolores; Nisa-Martínez, Rafael; Martínez-Abarca, Francisco; García-Rodríguez, Fernando Manuel

    2016-01-01

    Group II introns are large catalytic RNAs and mobile retroelements that encode a reverse transcriptase. Here, we provide methods for their identification in bacterial genomes and further analysis of their splicing and mobility capacities.

  14. The kinetic enhancement of hydrogen cycling in NaAlH(4) by melt infusion into nanoporous carbon aerogel.

    PubMed

    Stephens, Robert D; Gross, Adam F; Van Atta, Sky L; Vajo, John J; Pinkerton, Frederick E

    2009-05-20

    Enhanced kinetic performance and reversibility have been achieved with uncatalyzed NaAlH4 by incorporation into nanoporous carbon aerogel. Aerogel with a pore size distribution peaked at 13 nm and a pore volume of 0.8 cm(3) g(-1) was filled with NaAlH4 to 94% capacity by melt infusion at 189 degrees C under 183 bar H(2) gas overpressure. Dehydrogenation to NaH + Al with reasonable kinetics was accomplished at 150 degrees C, well below the NaAlH4 melting temperature (183 degrees C), compared to hydrogen release above 230 degrees C for bulk uncatalyzed NaAlH4. Uncatalyzed bulk samples did not rehydrogenate under laboratory conditions, whereas NaAlH4 in a carbon aerogel host was readily rehydrogenated at approximately 160 degrees C and 100 bar H(2) to approximately 85% of its initial capacity. Ball-milled NaAlH4 catalyzed with 4 mol% TiCl3 showed somewhat better kinetics compared to the infused aerogel; nevertheless, the large kinetic enhancement obtained by incorporation into carbon aerogel, even in the absence of a catalyst, demonstrates the substantial benefit of confining the NaAlH4 to nanoscale dimensions.

  15. Multi-channel and porous SiO@N-doped C rods as anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Xiao; Li, Mingqi

    2018-05-01

    To improve the cycling stability and rate capability of SiO electrodes, multi-channel and porous SiO@N-doped C (mp-SiO@N-doped C) rods are fabricated by the combination of electrospinning and heat treatment with the assistance of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). During annealing, in-situ PMMA degradation and gasification lead to the formation of multi-channel structure and more pores. As anodes for lithium ion batteries, the mp-SiO@N-doped C rods exhibit excellent cycling stability. At a current density of 400 mA g-1, a discharge capacity of 806 mAh g-1 can be kept after 250 cycles, the retention of which is over than 100% versus the initial reversible capacity. Compared with the SiO@N-doped C rods synthesized without the help of PMMA, the mp-SiO@N-doped C rods exhibit more excellent rate capability. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the special structure of the mp-SiO@N-doped C rods. In addition to the conductivity improved by carbon fibers, the multi-channel and porous structures not only make ions/electrons transfer and electrolyte diffusion easier, but also contribute to the structural stability of the electrodes.

  16. γ-Fe₂O₃ Nanocrystalline Microspheres with Hybrid Behavior of Battery-Supercapacitor for Superior Lithium Storage.

    PubMed

    Tian, Lei-Lei; Zhang, Ming-Jian; Wu, Chao; Wei, Yi; Zheng, Jia-Xin; Lin, Ling-Piao; Lu, Jun; Amine, Khalil; Zhuang, Quan-Chao; Pan, Feng

    2015-12-02

    Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanocrystalline microspheres (MNMs) self-assembled with 52 nm nanocrystals bridged with FeOOH around grain boundaries were formed by solvothermal reaction and thermal oxidation. The unique architecture endows the MNMs with the lithium storage behavior of a hybrid battery-supercapacitor electrode: initial charge capacity of 1060 mAh g(-1) at the 100 mA g(-1) rate, stable cyclic capacity of 1077.9 mAh g(-1) at the same rate after 140 cycles, and rate capability of 538.8 mAh g(-1) at 2400 mA g(-1). This outstanding performance was attributed to the nanocrystal superiority, which shortens the Li(+) diffusion paths. The mechanism of this hybrid anode material was investigated with experimental measurements and structural analysis. The results indicate that at the first discharge, the MNM nanocrystal microsphere, whose structure can buffer the volume change that occurs during lithiation/delithiation, goes through four stages: Li(+) insertion in cation vacancies, spinel-to-rocksalt transformation, Li(+) intercalation of Li(1.75+x)Fe2O3 nanocrystals, and interfacial Li storage around nanocrystal boundaries. Only the latter two stages were reversible at and after the second charging/discharging cycle, exhibiting the hybrid behavior of a battery-supercapacitor with superior lithium storage.

  17. Analyte induced water adsorbability in gas phase biosensors: the influence of ethinylestradiol on the water binding protein capacity.

    PubMed

    Snopok, Borys; Kruglenko, Ivanna

    2015-05-07

    An ultra-sensitive gas phase biosensor/tracer/bio-sniffer is an emerging technology platform designed to provide real-time information on air-borne analytes, or those in liquids, through classical headspace analysis. The desired bio-sniffer measures gaseous 17α- ethinylestradiol (ETED) as frequency changes on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), which is a result of the interactions of liquid sample components in the headspace (ETED and water) with a biorecognition layer. The latter was constructed by immobilization of polyclonal antiserum against a phenolic A-ring of estrogenic receptors through protein A. The QCM response exhibited stretched exponential kinetics of negative frequency shifts with reversible and "irreversible" components of mass uptake onto the sensor surface in static headspace conditions when exposed to water solutions of ETED over the sensor working range, from 10(-10) to 10(-17) g L(-1). It was shown that the variations in the QCM response characteristics are due to the change of the water-binding capacity of the sensing layer induced by protein transformations initiated by the binding of ETED molecules. This result is well correlated with the natural physiological function of estrogens in controlling the homeostasis of body fluids in living beings.

  18. Dispersion of nanocrystalline Fe 3O 4 within composite electrodes: Insights on battery-related electrochemistry

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

    David C. Bock; Takeuchi, Kenneth J.; Pelliccione, Christopher J.

    2016-04-20

    Aggregation of nanosized materials in composite lithium-ion-battery electrodes can be a significant factor influencing electrochemical behavior. In this study, aggregation was controlled in magnetite, Fe 3O 4, composite electrodes via oleic acid capping and subsequent dispersion in a carbon black matrix. A heat treatment process was effective in the removal of the oleic acid capping agent while preserving a high degree of Fe 3O 4 dispersion. Electrochemical testing showed that Fe 3O 4 dispersion is initially beneficial in delivering a higher functional capacity, in agreement with continuum model simulations. However, increased capacity fade upon extended cycling was observed for themore » dispersed Fe 3O 4 composites relative to the aggregated Fe 3O 4 composites. X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements of electrodes post cycling indicated that the dispersed Fe 3O 4 electrodes are more oxidized in the discharged state, consistent with reduced reversibility compared with the aggregated sample. Higher charge-transfer resistance for the dispersed sample after cycling suggests increased surface-film formation on the dispersed, high-surface-area nanocrystalline Fe 3O 4 compared to the aggregated materials. Furthermore, this study provides insight into the specific effects of aggregation on electrochemistry through a multiscale view of mechanisms for magnetite composite electrodes.« less

  19. Dispersion of Nanocrystalline Fe 3 O 4 within Composite Electrodes: Insights on Battery-Related Electrochemistry

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

    Bock, David C.; Pelliccione, Christopher J.; Zhang, Wei

    2016-04-20

    Aggregation of nanosized materials in composite lithium-ion-battery electrodes can be a significant factor influencing electrochemical behavior. In this study, aggregation was controlled in magnetite, Fe 3O 4, composite electrodes via oleic acid capping and subsequent dispersion in a carbon black matrix. A heat treatment process was effective in the removal of the oleic acid capping agent while preserving a high degree of Fe 3O 4 dispersion. Electrochemical testing showed that Fe 3O 4 dispersion is initially beneficial in delivering a higher functional capacity, in agreement with continuum model simulations. However, increased capacity fade upon extended cycling was observed for themore » dispersed Fe 3O 4 composites relative to the aggregated Fe 3O 4 composites. X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements of electrodes post cycling indicated that the dispersed Fe 3O 4 electrodes are more oxidized in the discharged state, consistent with reduced reversibility compared with the aggregated sample. Higher charge-transfer resistance for the dispersed sample after cycling suggests increased surface-film formation on the dispersed, high-surface-area nanocrystalline Fe 3O 4 compared to the aggregated materials. This study provides insight into the specific effects of aggregation on electrochemistry through a multiscale view of mechanisms for magnetite composite electrodes.« less

  20. Time in Science: Reversibility vs. Irreversibility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pomeau, Yves

    To discuss properly the question of irreversibility one needs to make a careful distinction between reversibility of the equations of motion and the choice of the initial conditions. This is also relevant for the rather confuse philosophy of the wave packet reduction in quantum mechanics. The explanation of this reduction requires also to make precise assumptions on what initial data are accessible in our world. Finally I discuss how a given (and long) time record can be shown in an objective way to record an irreversible or reversible process. Or: can a direction of time be derived from its analysis? This leads quite naturally to examine if there is a possible spontaneous breaking of the time reversal symmetry in many body systems, a symmetry breaking that would be put in evidence objectively by looking at certain specific time correlations.

  1. Natural aging and reversion behavior of Al-Cu-Li-Ag-Mg alloy Weldalite (tm) 049

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gayle, Frank W.; Heubaum, Frank H.; Pickens, Joseph R.

    1991-01-01

    This study was initiated to understand the natural aging and reversion behavior of Weldalite (trademark) 049 in tempers without cold work. Of particular interest are: (1) the microstructural basis for the high strength in the T4 condition; (2) an explanation of the reversion phenomenon; and (3) the effect of re-aging at room temperature after a reversion treatment. Mechanical properties were measured and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis performed at various stages of microstructural development during aging, reversion, and subsequent re-aging.

  2. The contribution of short-term memory capacity to reading ability in adolescents with cochlear implants.

    PubMed

    Edwards, Lindsey; Aitkenhead, Lynne; Langdon, Dawn

    2016-11-01

    This study aimed to establish the relationship between short-term memory capacity and reading skills in adolescents with cochlear implants. A between-groups design compared a group of young people with cochlear implants with a group of hearing peers on measures of reading, and auditory and visual short-term memory capacity. The groups were matched for non-verbal IQ and age. The adolescents with cochlear implants were recruited from the Cochlear Implant Programme at a specialist children's hospital. The hearing participants were recruited from the same schools as those attended by the implanted adolescents. Participants were 18 cochlear implant users and 14 hearing controls, aged between 12 and 18 years. All used English as their main language and had no significant learning disability or neuro-developmental disorder. Short-term memory capacity was assessed in the auditory modality using Forward and Reverse Digit Span from the WISC IV UK, and visually using Forward and Reverse Memory from the Leiter-R. Individual word reading, reading comprehension and pseudoword decoding were assessed using the WIAT II UK. A series of ANOVAs revealed that the adolescents with cochlear implants had significantly poorer auditory short-term memory capacity and reading skills (on all measures) compared with their hearing peers. However, when Forward Digit Span was entered into the analyses as a covariate, none of the differences remained statistically significant. Deficits in immediate auditory memory persist into adolescence in deaf children with cochlear implants. Short-term auditory memory capacity is an important neurocognitive process in the development of reading skills after cochlear implantation in childhood that remains evident in later adolescence. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. High-capacity electrode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries: Li3NbO4-based system with cation-disordered rocksalt structure.

    PubMed

    Yabuuchi, Naoaki; Takeuchi, Mitsue; Nakayama, Masanobu; Shiiba, Hiromasa; Ogawa, Masahiro; Nakayama, Keisuke; Ohta, Toshiaki; Endo, Daisuke; Ozaki, Tetsuya; Inamasu, Tokuo; Sato, Kei; Komaba, Shinichi

    2015-06-23

    Rechargeable lithium batteries have rapidly risen to prominence as fundamental devices for green and sustainable energy development. Lithium batteries are now used as power sources for electric vehicles. However, materials innovations are still needed to satisfy the growing demand for increasing energy density of lithium batteries. In the past decade, lithium-excess compounds, Li2MeO3 (Me = Mn(4+), Ru(4+), etc.), have been extensively studied as high-capacity positive electrode materials. Although the origin as the high reversible capacity has been a debatable subject for a long time, recently it has been confirmed that charge compensation is partly achieved by solid-state redox of nonmetal anions (i.e., oxide ions), coupled with solid-state redox of transition metals, which is the basic theory used for classic lithium insertion materials, such as LiMeO2 (Me = Co(3+), Ni(3+), etc.). Herein, as a compound with further excess lithium contents, a cation-ordered rocksalt phase with lithium and pentavalent niobium ions, Li3NbO4, is first examined as the host structure of a new series of high-capacity positive electrode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. Approximately 300 mAh ⋅ g(-1) of high-reversible capacity at 50 °C is experimentally observed, which partly originates from charge compensation by solid-state redox of oxide ions. It is proposed that such a charge compensation process by oxide ions is effectively stabilized by the presence of electrochemically inactive niobium ions. These results will contribute to the development of a new class of high-capacity electrode materials, potentially with further lithium enrichment (and fewer transition metals) in the close-packed framework structure with oxide ions.

  4. Inhibition of bladder overactivity by a combination of tibial neuromodulation and tramadol treatment in cats

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Fan; Mally, Abhijith D.; Ogagan, P. Dafe; Shen, Bing; Wang, Jicheng; Roppolo, James R.; de Groat, William C.

    2012-01-01

    Our recent study in cats revealed that inhibition of bladder overactivity by tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) depends on the activation of opioid receptors. TNS is a minimally invasive treatment for overactive bladder (OAB), but its efficacy is low. Tramadol (an opioid receptor agonist) is effective in treating OAB but elicits significant adverse effects. This study was to determine if a low dose of tramadol (expected to produce fewer adverse effects) can enhance the TNS inhibition of bladder overactivity. Bladder overactivity was induced in α-chloralose-anesthetized cats by an intravesical infusion of 0.25% acetic acid (AA) during repeated cystometrograms (CMGs). TNS (5 Hz) at two to four times the threshold intensity for inducing toe movement was applied during CMGs before and after tramadol (0.3–7 mg/kg iv) to examine the interaction between the two treatments. AA irritation significantly reduced bladder capacity to 24.8 ± 3.3% of the capacity measured during saline infusion. TNS alone reversibly inhibited bladder overactivity and significantly increased bladder capacity to 50–60% of the saline control capacity. Tramadol administered alone in low doses (0.3–1 mg/kg) did not significantly change bladder capacity, whereas larger doses (3–7 mg/kg) increased bladder capacity (50–60%). TNS in combination with tramadol (3–7 mg/kg) completely reversed the effect of AA. Tramadol also unmasked a prolonged (>2 h) TNS inhibition of bladder overactivity that persisted after termination of the stimulation. The results suggest a novel treatment strategy for OAB by combining tibial neuromodulation with a low dose of tramadol, which is minimally invasive with a potentially high efficacy and fewer adverse effects. PMID:22496406

  5. Functional capacity and cryopreservation of fetal rat pancreas in streptozotocin-diabetes. [Effectiveness of transplantation of fetal pancreas for control of diabetes in adult rats

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

    Brown, J.; Clark, W.; Molnar, I.G.

    1976-01-01

    The fetal rat pancreas has a marked capacity for growth and maturation in glucose responsivity after transplantation under the kidney capsules of adult rats. The optimal conditions for function of the organ are a 3-week period of growth in a normal rat before transfer to a diabetic animal. Under these conditions diabetes is completely reversed by one fetal pancreas, and glucose disappearance rate and plasma insulin response to glucose are normal. Shunting of the venous drainage into the liver from fetal pancreases placed beneath the kidney capsule results in a marked improvement in diabetes control, and this technique may provemore » useful in experimental or human applications. Cryopreservation of the fetal pancreas has been successfully accomplished and will serve as a useful adjuvant to this method of reversing experimental diabetes.« less

  6. Porous Hard Carbon Derived from Walnut Shell as an Anode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Sensen; Li, Ying; Li, Min

    2018-02-01

    Porous hard carbon with large interlayer distance was fabricated from walnut shells through a facile high-temperature pyrolysis process and investigated as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The results show that the electrochemical performance is mainly dependent on the pyrolysis temperature. The porous hard carbon, which was carbonized at 1300°C, displays the highest reversible capacity of 230 mAh g-1 at 20 mA g-1 and an excellent cycling stability (96% capacity retained over 200 cycles). The promising electrochemical performances are attributed to the porous structure reducing distances for sodium ion diffusion and expanded interlayer spacing, which is beneficial for sodium reversible insertion/extraction. The excellent electrochemical performance as well as the low-cost and environmental friendliness demonstrates that walnut shell-derived porous hard carbon is a promising anode material candidate for SIBs.

  7. Water sorption behavior and swelling characteristics of starches subjected to dielectric heating.

    PubMed

    Szepes, Anikó; Szabó-Révész, Piroska; Mohnicke, Mandy

    2007-01-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of microwave irradiation and storage on the moisture content, adsorption behavior and swelling properties of potato (B-type) and maize starches (A-type). Volumetric heating resulted in reversible moisture loss from both types of samples. The crystallinity of potato starch was decreased, whereas its water retention capacity and swelling power were increased irreversibly, and its swelling capacity was increased reversibly by the thermal process applied. The corresponding parameters of maize starch were not influenced significantly by dielectric heating; this may be related to its special structure resulting in the thermal resistance of this polymer. Our results allow the conclusion that microwave irradiation offers an appropriate and selective alternative for the physicochemical modification of potato starch. In consequence of its low susceptibility to thermal processes, maize starch may be used for the microwave drying of pharmaceutical formulations containing starch.

  8. From Metal-Organic Framework to Porous Carbon Polyhedron: Toward Highly Reversible Lithium Storage.

    PubMed

    Peng, Hai-Jun; Hao, Gui-Xia; Chu, Zhao-Hua; Cui, Ying-Lin; Lin, Xiao-Ming; Cai, Yue-Peng

    2017-08-21

    By application of a newly designed T-shaped ligand 5-(4-pyridin-4-yl-benzoylamino)isophthalic acid (H 2 PBAI) to assemble with Zn(II) ions under solvothermal conditions, a novel porous polyhedral metal-organic framework (Zn-PBAI) with pcu topology has been obtained. When treated as a precursor by annealing of Zn-PBAI at various temperatures, porous carbon polyhedra (PCP) were prepared and tested as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The results show that PCP carbonized at 1000 °C (PCP-1000) manifest the highest reversible specific capacity of about 1125 mAh g -1 at a current of 500 mA g -1 after 200 cycles, which is supposed to benefit from the large accessible specific area and high electric conductivity. Moreover, PCP-1000 electrode materials also exhibit superior cyclic stability and good rate capacity.

  9. Reversible Assembly of Graphitic Carbon Nitride 3D Network for Highly Selective Dyes Absorption and Regeneration.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yuye; Zhou, Zhixin; Shen, Yanfei; Zhou, Qing; Wang, Jianhai; Liu, Anran; Liu, Songqin; Zhang, Yuanjian

    2016-09-27

    Responsive assembly of 2D materials is of great interest for a range of applications. In this work, interfacial functionalized carbon nitride (CN) nanofibers were synthesized by hydrolyzing bulk CN in sodium hydroxide solution. The reversible assemble and disassemble behavior of the as-prepared CN nanofibers was investigated by using CO2 as a trigger to form a hydrogel network at first. Compared to the most widespread absorbent materials such as active carbon, graphene and previously reported supramolecular gel, the proposed CN hydrogel not only exhibited a competitive absorbing capacity (maximum absorbing capacity of methylene blue up to 402 mg/g) but also overcame the typical deficiencies such as poor selectivity and high energy-consuming regeneration. This work would provide a strategy to construct a 3D CN network and open an avenue for developing smart assembly for potential applications ranging from environment to selective extraction.

  10. Na4Mn9O18/Carbon Nanotube Composite as a High Electrochemical Performance Material for Aqueous Sodium-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Yin, Fuxing; Liu, Zhengjun; Yang, Shuang; Shan, Zhenzhen; Zhao, Yan; Feng, Yuting; Zhang, Chengwei; Bakenov, Zhumabay

    2017-10-17

    The aqueous sodium-ion battery (ASIB) is one of the promising new energy storage systems owing to the abundant resources of sodium as well as efficiency and safety of electrolyte. Herein, we report an ASIB system with Na 4 Mn 9 O 18 /carbon nanotube (NMO/CNT) as cathode, metal Zn as anode and a novel Na + /Zn 2+ mixed ion as electrolyte. The NMO/CNT with microspherical structure is prepared by a simple spray-drying method. The prepared battery delivers a high reversible specific capacity and stable cyclability. Furthermore, the battery displays a stable reversible discharge capacity of 53.2 mAh g -1 even at a high current rate of 4 C after 150 cycles. Our results confirm that the NMO/CNT composite is a promising electrode cathode material for ASIBs.

  11. Role of the K101E Substitution in HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase in Resistance to Rilpivirine and Other Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Hong-Tao; Colby-Germinario, Susan P.; Huang, Wei; Oliveira, Maureen; Han, Yingshan; Quan, Yudong; Petropoulos, Christos J.

    2013-01-01

    Resistance to the recently approved nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) rilpivirine (RPV) commonly involves substitutions at positions E138K and K101E in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT), together with an M184I substitution that is associated with resistance to coutilized emtricitabine (FTC). Previous biochemical and virological studies have shown that compensatory interactions between substitutions E138K and M184I can restore enzyme processivity and the viral replication capacity. Structural modeling studies have also shown that disruption of the salt bridge between K101 and E138 can affect RPV binding. The current study was designed to investigate the impact of K101E, alone or in combination with E138K and/or M184I, on drug susceptibility, viral replication capacity, and enzyme function. We show here that K101E can be selected in cell culture by the NNRTIs etravirine (ETR), efavirenz (EFV), and dapivirine (DPV) as well as by RPV. Recombinant RT enzymes and viruses containing K101E, but not E138K, were highly resistant to nevirapine (NVP) and delavirdine (DLV) as well as ETR and RPV, but not EFV. The addition of K101E to E138K slightly enhanced ETR and RPV resistance compared to that obtained with E138K alone but restored susceptibility to NVP and DLV. The K101E substitution can compensate for deficits in viral replication capacity and enzyme processivity associated with M184I, while M184I can compensate for the diminished efficiency of DNA polymerization associated with K101E. The coexistence of K101E and E138K does not impair either viral replication or enzyme fitness. We conclude that K101E can play a significant role in resistance to RPV. PMID:24002090

  12. Role of the K101E substitution in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in resistance to rilpivirine and other nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Xu, Hong-Tao; Colby-Germinario, Susan P; Huang, Wei; Oliveira, Maureen; Han, Yingshan; Quan, Yudong; Petropoulos, Christos J; Wainberg, Mark A

    2013-11-01

    Resistance to the recently approved nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) rilpivirine (RPV) commonly involves substitutions at positions E138K and K101E in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT), together with an M184I substitution that is associated with resistance to coutilized emtricitabine (FTC). Previous biochemical and virological studies have shown that compensatory interactions between substitutions E138K and M184I can restore enzyme processivity and the viral replication capacity. Structural modeling studies have also shown that disruption of the salt bridge between K101 and E138 can affect RPV binding. The current study was designed to investigate the impact of K101E, alone or in combination with E138K and/or M184I, on drug susceptibility, viral replication capacity, and enzyme function. We show here that K101E can be selected in cell culture by the NNRTIs etravirine (ETR), efavirenz (EFV), and dapivirine (DPV) as well as by RPV. Recombinant RT enzymes and viruses containing K101E, but not E138K, were highly resistant to nevirapine (NVP) and delavirdine (DLV) as well as ETR and RPV, but not EFV. The addition of K101E to E138K slightly enhanced ETR and RPV resistance compared to that obtained with E138K alone but restored susceptibility to NVP and DLV. The K101E substitution can compensate for deficits in viral replication capacity and enzyme processivity associated with M184I, while M184I can compensate for the diminished efficiency of DNA polymerization associated with K101E. The coexistence of K101E and E138K does not impair either viral replication or enzyme fitness. We conclude that K101E can play a significant role in resistance to RPV.

  13. Surface and bulk modified high capacity layered oxide cathodes with low irreversible capacity loss

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Manthiram, Arumugam (Inventor); Wu, Yan (Inventor)

    2010-01-01

    The present invention includes compositions, surface and bulk modifications, and methods of making of (1-x)Li[Li.sub.1/3Mn.sub.2/3]O.sub.2.xLi[Mn.sub.0.5-yNi.sub.0.5-yCo.sub.2- y]O.sub.2 cathode materials having an O3 crystal structure with a x value between 0 and 1 and y value between 0 and 0.5, reducing the irreversible capacity loss in the first cycle by surface modification with oxides and bulk modification with cationic and anionic substitutions, and increasing the reversible capacity to close to the theoretical value of insertion/extraction of one lithium per transition metal ion (250-300 mAh/g).

  14. Surface and bulk modified high capacity layered oxide cathodes with low irreversible capacity loss

    DOEpatents

    Manthiram, Arumugam; Wu, Yan

    2010-03-16

    The present invention includes compositions, surface and bulk modifications, and methods of making of (1-x)Li[Li.sub.1/3Mn.sub.2/3]O.sub.2.xLi[Mn.sub.0.5-yNi.sub.0.5-yCo.sub.2- y]O.sub.2 cathode materials having an O3 crystal structure with a x value between 0 and 1 and y value between 0 and 0.5, reducing the irreversible capacity loss in the first cycle by surface modification with oxides and bulk modification with cationic and anionic substitutions, and increasing the reversible capacity to close to the theoretical value of insertion/extraction of one lithium per transition metal ion (250-300 mAh/g).

  15. Near Term Capacity Initiatives

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1992-07-01

    One of the major aviation challenges in recent years has been the increase in : the number and duration of flight delays. This pamphlet offers the reader a : description of near-term capacity initiatives, their intended purpose, an : indication of wh...

  16. Si/Ti2O3/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries with Highly Enhanced Cyclic Stability.

    PubMed

    Park, A Reum; Son, Dae-Yong; Kim, Jung Sub; Lee, Jun Young; Park, Nam-Gyu; Park, Juhyun; Lee, Joong Kee; Yoo, Pil J

    2015-08-26

    Silicon (Si) has attracted tremendous attention as a high-capacity anode material for next generation Li-ion batteries (LIBs); unfortunately, it suffers from poor cyclic stability due to excessive volume expansion and reduced electrical conductivity after repeated cycles. To circumvent these issues, we propose that Si can be complexed with electrically conductive Ti2O3 to significantly enhance the reversible capacity and cyclic stability of Si-based anodes. We prepared a ternary nanocomposite of Si/Ti2O3/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using mechanical blending and subsequent thermal reduction of the Si, TiO2 nanoparticles, and rGO nanosheets. As a result, the obtained ternary nanocomposite exhibited a specific capacity of 985 mAh/g and a Coulombic efficiency of 98.4% after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA/g. Furthermore, these ternary nanocomposite anodes exhibited outstanding rate capability characteristics, even with an increased current density of 10 A/g. This excellent electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the improved electron and ion transport provided by the Ti2O3 phase within the Si domains and the structurally reinforced conductive framework comprised of the rGO nanosheets. Therefore, it is expected that our approach can also be applied to other anode materials to enable large reversible capacity, excellent cyclic stability, and good rate capability for high-performance LIBs.

  17. Nanoconfined phosphorus film coating on interconnected carbon nanotubes as ultrastable anodes for lithium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Zhiwei; Zeng, Yan; Wang, Liyuan; Li, Nan; Chen, Cheng; Li, Cuiyu; Li, Jing; Lv, Hanming; Kuang, Liyun; Tian, Xu

    2017-07-01

    Elemental phosphorus (P) is extensively explored as promising anode candidates due to its abundance, low-cost and high theoretical specific capacity. However, it is of great challenge for P-based materials as practical high-energy-density and long-cycling anodes for its large volume expansion and low conductibility. Here, we significantly improve both cycling and rate performance of red P by cladding the nanoconfined P film on interconnected multi-walled carbon nanotube networks (P-MWCNTs composite) via facile wet ball-milling. The red P-MWCNTs anode presents a superior high reversible capacity of 1396.6 mAh g-1 on the basis of P-MWCNTs composite weight at 50 mA g-1 with capacity retention reaching at ∼90% over 50 cycles. Even at 1000 mA g-1, it still maintains remarkable specific reversible capacity of 934.0 mAh g-1. This markedly enhanced performance is ascribed to synergistic advantages of this unique structure: Intimate contacts between nanosized red P and entangled MWCNTs not only shorten the transmission routes of ions through MWCNTs toward red P, but also motivate the access with electrolyte to open structures of P film. Besides, the confined nanosized P film moderate volume expansions effectively and the entangled MWCNTs networks acted as conductive channels activate high ionic/electronic conductivity of the whole electrodes.

  18. Self-assembly synthesis of 3D graphene-encapsulated hierarchical Fe3O4 nano-flower architecture with high lithium storage capacity and excellent rate capability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ma, Yating; Huang, Jian; Lin, Liang; Xie, Qingshui; Yan, Mengyu; Qu, Baihua; Wang, Laisen; Mai, Liqiang; Peng, Dong-Liang

    2017-10-01

    Graphene-encapsulated hierarchical metal oxides architectures can efficiently combine the merits of graphene and hierarchical metal oxides, which are deemed as the potential anode material candidates for the next-generation lithium-ion batteries due to the synergistic effect between them. Herein, a cationic surfactant induced self-assembly method is developed to construct 3D Fe3O4@reduction graphene oxide (H-Fe3O4@RGO) hybrid architecture in which hierarchical Fe3O4 nano-flowers (H-Fe3O4) are intimately encapsulated by 3D graphene network. Each H-Fe3O4 particle is constituted of rod-shaped skeletons surrounded by petal-like nano-flakes that are made up of enormous nanoparticles. When tested as the anode material in lithium-ion batteries, a high reversible capacity of 2270 mA h g-1 after 460 cycles is achieved under a current density of 0.5 A g-1. More impressively, even tested at a large current density of 10 A g-1, a decent reversible capacity of 490 mA h g-1 can be retained, which is still higher than the theoretical capacity of traditional graphite anode, demonstrating the remarkable lithium storage properties. The reasons for the excellent electrochemical performance of H-Fe3O4@RGO electrode have been discussed in detail.

  19. Encapsulating micro-nano Si/SiO x into conjugated nitrogen-doped carbon as binder-free monolithic anodes for advanced lithium ion batteries

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

    Wang, Jing; Zhou, Meijuan; Tan, Guoqiang

    2015-01-01

    Silicon monoxide, a promising silicon-based anode candidate for lithium-ion batteries, has recently attracted much attention for its high theoretical capacity, good cycle stability, low cost, and environmental benignity. Currently, the most critical challenge is to improve its low initial coulombic efficiency and significant volume changes during the charge–discharge processes. Herein, we report a binder-free monolithic electrode structure based on directly encapsulating micro-nano Si/SiOx particles into conjugated nitrogen-doped carbon frameworks to form monolithic, multi-core, cross-linking composite matrices. We utilize micro-nano Si/SiOx reduced by high-energy ball-milling SiO as active materials, and conjugated nitrogen-doped carbon formed by the pyrolysis of polyacrylonitrile both asmore » binders and conductive agents. Owing to the high electrochemical activity of Si/SiOx and the good mechanical resiliency of conjugated nitrogen-doped carbon backbones, this specific composite structure enhances the utilization efficiency of SiO and accommodates its large volume expansion, as well as its good ionic and electronic conductivity. The annealed Si/SiOx/polyacrylonitrile composite electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical properties, including a high initial reversible capacity (2734 mA h g-1 with 75% coulombic efficiency), stable cycle performance (988 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles), and good rate capability (800 mA h g-1 at 1 A g-1 rate). Because the composite is naturally abundant and shows such excellent electrochemical performance, it is a promising anode candidate material for lithium-ion batteries. The binder-free monolithic architectural design also provides an effective way to prepare other monolithic electrode materials for advanced lithium-ion batteries.« less

  20. Treatment Effect Heterogeneity in a Science Professional Development Initiative: The Case for School Capacity

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bruch, Sarah; Grigg, Jeffrey; Hanselman, Paul

    2010-01-01

    This study focuses on how the treatment effects of a teacher professional development initiative in science differed by school capacity. In other words, the authors are primarily concerned with treatment effect heterogeneity. As such, this paper complements ongoing evaluation of the average treatment effects of the initiative over time. The…

  1. 77 FR 34973 - Announcement of Funding Awards for HUD's Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Technical Assistance and Capacity...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-12

    ... Transformation Initiative (OneCPD TA and Core Curricula) AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Community... Transformation Initiative (OneCPD TA and Core Curricula) program. This announcement contains the names of the... Capacity Building under the Transformation Initiative (OneCPD TA and Core Curricula) was designed to...

  2. Conventional testing methods produce submaximal values of maximum oxygen consumption.

    PubMed

    Beltrami, Fernando G; Froyd, Christian; Mauger, Alexis R; Metcalfe, Alan J; Marino, Frank; Noakes, Timothy D

    2012-01-01

    This study used a novel protocol to test the hypothesis that a plateau in oxygen consumption (VO(2 max)) during incremental exercise testing to exhaustion represents the maximal capacity of the cardiovascular system to transport oxygen. Twenty-six subjects were randomly divided into two groups matched by their initial VO(2 max). On separate days, the reverse group performed (i) an incremental uphill running test on a treadmill (INC(1)) plus verification test (VER) at a constant workload 1 km h(-1) higher than the last completed stage in INC(1); (ii) a decremental test (DEC) in which speed started as same as the VER but was reduced progressively and (iii) a final incremental test (INC(F)). The control group performed only INC on the same days that the reverse group was tested. VO(2 max) remained within 0.6 ml kg(-1) min(-1) across the three trials for the control group (p=0.93) but was 4.4% higher during DEC compared with INC(1) (63.9 ± 3.8 vs 61.2 ± 4.8 ml kg(-1) min(-1), respectively, p=0.004) in the reverse group, even though speed at VO(2 max) was lower (14.3 ± 1.1 vs 16.2 ± 0.7 km h(-1) for DEC and INC(1), respectively, p=0.0001). VO(2 max) remained significantly higher during INC(F) (63.6 ± 3.68 ml kg(-1) min(-1), p=0.01), despite an unchanged exercise time between INC(1) and INC(F). These findings go against the concept that a plateau in oxygen consumption measured during the classically described INC and VER represents a systemic limitation to oxygen use. The reasons for a higher VO(2) during INC(F) following the DEC test are unclear.

  3. Exercise Training Reverses Extrapulmonary Impairments in Smoke-exposed Mice.

    PubMed

    Bowen, T Scott; Aakerøy, Lars; Eisenkolb, Sophia; Kunth, Patricia; Bakkerud, Fredrik; Wohlwend, Martin; Ormbostad, Anne Marie; Fischer, Tina; Wisloff, Ulrik; Schuler, Gerhard; Steinshamn, Sigurd; Adams, Volker; Bronstad, Eivind

    2017-05-01

    Cigarette smoking is the main risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. However, evidence on the extrapulmonary effects of smoke exposure that precede lung impairments remains unclear at present, as are data on nonpharmacological treatments such as exercise training. Three groups of mice, including control (n = 10), smoking (n = 10), and smoking with 6 wk of high-intensity interval treadmill running (n = 11), were exposed to 20 wk of fresh air or whole-body cigarette smoke. Exercise capacity (peak oxygen uptake) and lung destruction (histology) were subsequently measured, whereas the heart, peripheral endothelium (aorta), and respiratory (diaphragm) and limb (extensor digitorum longus and soleus) skeletal muscles were assessed for in vivo and in vitro function, in situ mitochondrial respiration, and molecular alterations. Smoking reduced body weight by 26% (P < 0.05) without overt airway destruction (P > 0.05). Smoking impaired exercise capacity by 15% while inducing right ventricular dysfunction by ~20%, endothelial dysfunction by ~20%, and diaphragm muscle weakness by ~15% (all P < 0.05), but these were either attenuated or reversed by exercise training (P < 0.05). Compared with controls, smoking mice had normal limb muscle and mitochondrial function (cardiac and skeletal muscle fibers); however, diaphragm measures of oxidative stress and protein degradation were increased by 111% and 65%, respectively (P < 0.05), but these were attenuated by exercise training (P < 0.05). Prolonged cigarette smoking reduced exercise capacity concomitant with functional impairments to the heart, peripheral endothelium, and respiratory muscle that preceded the development of overt emphysema. However, high-intensity exercise training was able to reverse these smoke-induced extrapulmonary impairments.

  4. High performance Sb2S3/carbon composite with tailored artificial interface as an anode material for sodium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Choi, Jeong-Hee; Ha, Chung-Wan; Choi, Hae-Young; Shin, Heon-Cheol; Lee, Sang-Min

    2017-11-01

    The electrochemical comparison between Sb2S3 and its composite with carbon (Sb2S3/C) involved by sodium ion carrier are explained by enhanced kinetics, particularly with respect to improved interfacial conductivity by surface modulation by carbon. Sb2S3 and Sb2S3/C are synthesized by a high energy mechanical milling process. The successful synthesis of these materials is confirmed with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As an anode material for sodium ion batteries, Sb2S3 exhibits an initial sodiation/desodiation capacity of 1,021/523 mAh g-1 whereas the Sb2S3/C composite exhibits a higher reversible capacity (642 mAh g-1). Furthermore, the cycle performance and rate capability of the Sb2S3/C composite are estimated to be much better than those of Sb and Sb2S3. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis shows that the Sb2S3/C composite exhibited charge transfer resistance and surface film resistance much lower than Sb2S3. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses of both electrodes demonstrate that NaF layer on Sb2S3/C composite electrode leads to the better electrochemical performances. In order to clarify the electrochemical reaction mechanism, ex-situ XRD based on differential capacity plots and ex-situ HR-TEM analyses of the Sb2S3/C composite electrode are carried out and its reaction mechanism was established.

  5. Microwave-assisted synthesis of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}–graphene sheet-on-sheet nanocomposites and electrochemical performances for lithium ion batteries

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

    Su, Qingmei, E-mail: suqingmei@zjnu.cn; Yuan, Weiwei; Yao, Libing

    2015-12-15

    Highlights: • Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}–graphene nanocomposites are prepared by microwave irradiation method. • Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanosheets exhibit porous structure with the pore sizes of 3–6 nm. • The porous Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}–graphene nanocomposites show excellent electrochemical performance. • Synergistic effects of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} and graphene improve the electrochemical performance. - Abstract: Porous Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanosheets anchored on graphene nanosheets were synthesized by microwave irradiation method. The obtained Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}–graphene sheet-on-sheet nanocomposite as an anode material for LIBs demonstrates a high initial discharge capacity of 1359.6 mAh g{sup −1} with a Columbic efficiency of 72.7% at amore » rate of 100 mA g{sup −1}. Moreover, a significantly enhanced reversible capacity of ∼1036.9 mAh g{sup −1} is retained after 50 cycles, and the capacity can reincrease to 1068 mAh g{sup −1} when the current density returns back to 100 mA g{sup −1} after cycled at various rates for 50 cycles. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the unique architectures of the porous Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanosheets and the incorporation of graphene nanosheets. Therefore, this nanocomposite is widely considered to be an attractive candidate as an anode material for next-generation LIBs.« less

  6. Flow reversal and thermal limit in a heated rectangular channel

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

    Cheng, L.Y.; Tichler, P.R.; Yang, B.W.

    The thermal limit in a vertical rectangular channel was determined in a series of experiments whereby the internal coolant underwent a change in flow direction from forced downflow to upward natural circulation. The tests were designed to simulate the flow reversal transient in the High Flux Beam Reactor. A number of parameters were varied in the flow reversal experiments to examine their effects on the thermal limit. Among the parameters varied were the rate of flow coastdown, inlet subcooling, water level in the upper plenum, bypass ratio (ratio of initial flow through the heated section to initial flow through themore » bypass orifice), and single- verses double-sided heating.« less

  7. Effects of a long-acting mutant bacterial cocaine esterase on acute cocaine toxicity in rats

    PubMed Central

    Collins, Gregory T.; Zaks, Matthew E.; Cunningham, Alyssa R.; St. Clair, Carley; Nichols, Joseph; Narasimhan, Diwahar; Ko, Mei-Chuan; Sunahara, Roger K.; Woods, James H.

    2011-01-01

    Background A longer acting, double mutant bacterial cocaine esterase (CocE T172R/G173Q; DM CocE) has been shown to protect mice from cocaine-induced lethality, inhibit the reinforcing effects of cocaine in rats, and reverse cocaine’s cardiovascular effects in rhesus monkeys. The current studies evaluated the effectiveness of DM CocE to protect against, and reverse cocaine’s cardiovascular, convulsant, and lethal effects in male and female rats. Methods Pretreatment studies were used to determine the effectiveness and in vivo duration of action for DM CocE to protect rats against the occurrence of cardiovascular changes, convulsion and lethality associated with acute cocaine toxicity. Posttreatment studies were used to evaluate the capacity of DM CocE to rescue rats from the cardiovascular and lethal effects of large doses of cocaine. In addition, male and female rats were studied to determine if there were any potential effects of sex on the capacity of DM CocE to protect against, or reverse acute cocaine toxicity in rats. Results Pretreatment with DM CocE dose-dependently protected rats against cocaine-induced cardiovascular changes, convulsion and lethality, with higher doses active for up to 4 hrs, and shifting cocaine-induced lethality at least 10-fold to the right. In addition to dose-dependently recovering rats from an otherwise lethal dose of cocaine, post-treatment with DM CocE also reversed the cardiovascular effects of cocaine. There were no sex-related differences in the effectiveness of DM CocE to protect against, or reverse acute cocaine toxicity. Conclusions Together, these results support the development of DM CocE for the treatment of acute cocaine toxicity. PMID:21481548

  8. Synthesis of Mesoporous Co2+-Doped TiO2 Nanodisks Derived from Metal Organic Frameworks with Improved Sodium Storage Performance.

    PubMed

    Hong, Zhensheng; Kang, Meiling; Chen, Xiaohui; Zhou, Kaiqiang; Huang, Zhigao; Wei, Mingdeng

    2017-09-20

    TiO 2 is a most promising anode candidate for rechargeable Na-ion batteries (NIBs) because of its appropriate working voltage, low cost, and superior structural stability during chage/discharge process. Nevertheless, it suffers from intrinsically low electrical conductivity. Herein, we report an in situ synthesis of Co 2+ -doped TiO 2 through the thermal treatment of metal organic frameworks precursors of MIL-125(Ti)-Co as a superior anode material for NIBs. The Co 2+ -doped TiO 2 possesses uniform nanodisk morphology, a large surface area and mesoporous structure with narrow pore distribution. The reversible capacity, Coulombic efficiency (CE) and rate capability can be improved by Co 2+ doping in mesoporous TiO 2 anode. Co 2+ -doped mesoporous TiO 2 nanodisks exhibited a high reversible capacity of 232 mAhg -1 at 0.1 Ag 1- , good rate capability and cycling stability with a stable capacity of about 140 mAhg -1 at 0.5 Ag 1- after 500 cycles. The enhanced Na-ion storage performance could be due to the increased electrical conductivity revealed by Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements.

  9. Polyurethane-derived N-doped porous carbon with interconnected sheet-like structure as polysulfide reservoir for lithium-sulfur batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiao, Suo; Liu, Songhang; Zhang, Jianqiu; Wang, Yong

    2015-10-01

    Environmental pollution and energy deficiency are two key issues for the sustainable development of the modern society. Polyurethane foam is a typical commercial polymer with a large production quantity and its waste needs to be recycled. Lithium-sulfur battery is a promising energy-storage device with high energy density and low cost, but its demerits such as poor conductivity of the sulfur and severe capacity degradation due to the soluble lithium polysulfides are still a big challenge. This work reports a facile method to prepare nitrogen-doped porous carbon (NPC) from the polyurethane foam (PUF) waste and use it as a reservoir to impregnate sulfur for lithium-sulfur batteries. The obtained NPC has a unique interconnected sheet-like porous morphology with a large surface area of 1315 m2 g-1. The NPC-S composite delivers a large reversible capacity of 1118 mAh g-1 with good cycling performances and excellent high-rate capabilities. A large reversible capacity of 460 mAh g-1 can be retained at a large current of 5C (8.35 A g-1) after 100 cycles.

  10. Adsorption of arsenic from aqueous solution using magnetic graphene oxide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sherlala, A. I. A.; Raman, A. A.; Bello, M. M.

    2017-06-01

    A binary of graphene oxide (GO) and iron oxide (IO) was prepared and used for the removal of arsenic from aqueous solution. The synthesized compound was characterized using XRD analysis. The prepared composite was used for the adsorption of arsenic from aqueous solution. Central Composite Design was used to design the adsorption experiments and to investigate the effects of operational parameters (initial concentration of arsenic, adsorbent dosage, pH and time) on the adsorption capacity and efficiency. The adsorbent shows a high adsorption capacity for the arsenic. The adsorption efficiency ranges between 33.2 % and 99.95 %. The most significant factors affecting the adsorption capacity were found to be the initial concentration of arsenic and the adsorbent dosage. The initial pH of the solution slightly affects the adsorption capacity, with the maximum adsorption capacity occurring around pH 6 - 7. Thus, the developed adsorbent has a potential for effective removal of arsenic from aqueous solution.

  11. High Energy-Density and Reversibility of Iron Fluoride Cathode Enabled Via an Intercalation-Extrusion Reaction

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

    Fan, Xiulin; Hu, Enyuan; Ji, Xiao

    Iron fluoride, an intercalation-conversion cathode for lithium ion batteries, promises a high theoretical energy density of 1922 Wh Kg –1. However, poor electrochemical reversibility due to repeated breaking/reformation of metal-fluoride bonds poses a grand challenge for its practical application. Here we report that both a high reversibility over 1000 cycles and a high capacity of 420 mAh g –1 can be realized by concerted doping of cobalt and oxygen into iron fluoride. In the doped nanorods, an energy density of ~1000 Wh Kg –1 with a decay rate of 0.03% per cycle is achieved. The anion and cation’s co-substitutions thermodynamicallymore » reduce conversion-reaction potential and shift the reaction from less reversible intercalation-conversion reaction in iron fluoride to a highly reversible intercalation-extrusion reaction in doped material. Furthermore, the co-substitution strategy to tune the thermodynamic features of the reactions could be extended to other high energy conversion materials for improved performance.« less

  12. High Energy-Density and Reversibility of Iron Fluoride Cathode Enabled Via an Intercalation-Extrusion Reaction

    DOE PAGES

    Fan, Xiulin; Hu, Enyuan; Ji, Xiao; ...

    2018-05-30

    Iron fluoride, an intercalation-conversion cathode for lithium ion batteries, promises a high theoretical energy density of 1922 Wh Kg –1. However, poor electrochemical reversibility due to repeated breaking/reformation of metal-fluoride bonds poses a grand challenge for its practical application. Here we report that both a high reversibility over 1000 cycles and a high capacity of 420 mAh g –1 can be realized by concerted doping of cobalt and oxygen into iron fluoride. In the doped nanorods, an energy density of ~1000 Wh Kg –1 with a decay rate of 0.03% per cycle is achieved. The anion and cation’s co-substitutions thermodynamicallymore » reduce conversion-reaction potential and shift the reaction from less reversible intercalation-conversion reaction in iron fluoride to a highly reversible intercalation-extrusion reaction in doped material. Furthermore, the co-substitution strategy to tune the thermodynamic features of the reactions could be extended to other high energy conversion materials for improved performance.« less

  13. High capacity hydrogen storage nanocomposite materials

    DOEpatents

    Zidan, Ragaiy; Wellons, Matthew S.

    2017-12-12

    A novel hydrogen absorption material is provided comprising a mixture of a lithium hydride with a fullerene. The subsequent reaction product provides for a hydrogen storage material which reversibly stores and releases hydrogen at temperatures of about 270.degree. C.

  14. High capacity hydrogen storage nanocomposite materials

    DOEpatents

    Zidan, Ragaiy; Wellons, Matthew S

    2015-02-03

    A novel hydrogen absorption material is provided comprising a mixture of a lithium hydride with a fullerene. The subsequent reaction product provides for a hydrogen storage material which reversibly stores and releases hydrogen at temperatures of about 270.degree. C.

  15. Time-reversed, flow-reversed ballistics simulations

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

    Zernow, L.; Chapyak, E. J.; Scheffler, D. R.

    2001-01-01

    Two-dimensional simulations of planar sheet jet formation are studied to examine the hydrodynamic issues involved when simulations are carried out in the inverse direction, that is, with reversed time and flow. Both a realistic copper equation of state and a shockless equation of state were used. These studies are an initial step in evaluating this technique as a ballistics design tool.

  16. Hiding message into DNA sequence through DNA coding and chaotic maps.

    PubMed

    Liu, Guoyan; Liu, Hongjun; Kadir, Abdurahman

    2014-09-01

    The paper proposes an improved reversible substitution method to hide data into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence, and four measures have been taken to enhance the robustness and enlarge the hiding capacity, such as encode the secret message by DNA coding, encrypt it by pseudo-random sequence, generate the relative hiding locations by piecewise linear chaotic map, and embed the encoded and encrypted message into a randomly selected DNA sequence using the complementary rule. The key space and the hiding capacity are analyzed. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method has a better performance compared with the competing methods with respect to robustness and capacity.

  17. Superior high-rate capability of Na3(VO(0.5))2(PO4)2F2 nanoparticles embedded in porous graphene through the pseudocapacitive effect.

    PubMed

    Xiang, Xingde; Lu, Qiongqiong; Han, Mo; Chen, Jun

    2016-03-04

    Na3(VO(0.5))2(PO4)2F2 nanoparticles embedded in porous graphene have been reported as a superior high-rate cathode material for sodium-ion batteries, exhibiting an excellent electrochemical performance with a high reversible capacity of 100 mA h g(-1) at 1 C, 77 mA h g(-1) at 50 C, and a capacity retention of 73% after 1000 cycles at 50 C. In particular, a significant contribution of the pseudocapacitive effect to the Na-storage capacity has been found for the first time.

  18. Treatment with rGDF11 does not improve the dystrophic muscle pathology of mdx mice.

    PubMed

    Rinaldi, Fabrizio; Zhang, Yu; Mondragon-Gonzalez, Ricardo; Harvey, Jeffrey; Perlingeiro, Rita C R

    2016-01-01

    Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited lethal muscle wasting disease characterized by cycles of degeneration and regeneration, with no effective therapy. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a member of the TGF-β superfamily and myostatin homologous, has been reported to have the capacity to reverse age-related skeletal muscle loss. These initial findings led us to investigate the ability of GDF11 to promote regeneration in the context of muscular dystrophy and determine whether it could be a candidate to slow down or reverse the disease progression in DMD. Here, we delivered recombinant GDF11 (rGDF11) to dystrophin-deficient mice using the intra-peritoneal route for 30 days and evaluated histology and function in both steady-state and cardiotoxin-injured muscles. Our data confirmed that treatment with rGDF11 resulted in elevated levels of this factor in the circulation. However, this had no effect on muscle contractility nor on muscle histology. Moreover, no difference was found in the number of regenerating myofibers displaying centrally located nuclei. On the other hand, we did observe increased collagen content, which denotes fibrosis, in the muscles of rGDF11-treated dystrophic mice. Taken together, our findings indicate no beneficial effect of treating dystrophic mice with rGDF11 and raise caution to a potential harmful effect, as shown by the pro-fibrotic outcome.

  19. Effects of fidarestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor, on nerve conduction velocity and bladder function in streptozotocin-treated female rats.

    PubMed

    Zotova, Elena G; Christ, George J; Zhao, Weixin; Tar, Moses; Kuppam, Srini D; Arezzo, Joseph C

    2007-01-01

    The effects of fidarestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor (ARI), were assessed on nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in somatic nerves and on multiple measures of bladder function in rats made hyperglycemic with streptozotocin (STZ) and in age-matched controls. Nerve conduction velocity was recorded at baseline and at 10, 20, 30, and 50 days after confirmation of the STZ-induced hyperglycemia in all rats (N=47); bladder function was assessed in a representative subset of rats (N=20) at Day 50. Caudal NCV was markedly slowed by STZ, and this effect was significantly reversed by fidarestat. The initial deficit and treatment-related improvement were especially evident for responses driven by high-frequency repetitive stimulation. Of the 11 parameters of bladder activity assessed, four measures-bladder capacity, micturition volume, micturition frequency, and bladder weight-were significantly different in the control and STZ-treated groups. These deficits were not affected by fidarestat. At Day 50, the induced deficits in bladder function were highly correlated with caudal NCV (r values ranging from 0.70 to 0.96; P values ranging from .02 to <.0001). These results suggested that fidarestat improved the slowing of somatic nerve NCV in hyperglycemic rats, but it was not effective in reversing associated bladder dysfunction, in spite of the highly significant correlation between these two diabetes-induced deficits. Possible explanations for this dissociation are discussed.

  20. From Kisiizi to Baltimore: cultivating knowledge brokers to support global innovation for community engagement in healthcare.

    PubMed

    Ibe, Chidinma A; Basu, Lopa; Gooden, Rachel; Syed, Shamsuzzoha B; Dadwal, Viva; Bone, Lee R; Ephraim, Patti L; Weston, Christine M; Wu, Albert W

    2018-02-09

    Reverse Innovation has been endorsed as a vehicle for promoting bidirectional learning and information flow between low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries, with the aim of tackling common unmet needs. One such need, which traverses international boundaries, is the development of strategies to initiate and sustain community engagement in health care delivery systems. In this commentary, we discuss the Baltimore "Community-based Organizations Neighborhood Network: Enhancing Capacity Together" Study. This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether or not a community engagement strategy, developed to address patient safety in low- and middle-income countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa, could be successfully applied to create and implement strategies that would link community-based organizations to a local health care system in Baltimore, a city in the United States. Specifically, we explore the trial's activation of community knowledge brokers as the conduit through which community engagement, and innovation production, was achieved. Cultivating community knowledge brokers holds promise as a vehicle for advancing global innovation in the context of health care delivery systems. As such, further efforts to discern the ways in which they may promote the development and dissemination of innovations in health care systems is warranted. Trial Registration Number: NCT02222909 . Trial Register Name: Reverse Innovation and Patient Engagement to Improve Quality of Care and Patient Outcomes (CONNECT). Date of Trial's Registration: August 22, 2014.

  1. The analysis of some indices of immune response, DNA repair, and micronuclei content in cells from tick-borne encephalitis patients.

    PubMed

    Ilyinskikh, N N; Zagromov, E J; Lepekhin, A V

    1990-12-01

    Patients with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) had higher counts of red blood cells (RBC) with micronuclei. The majority of patients revealed decreased capacity of blood lymphoid cells for DNA repair except those with a 2-wave pattern of the course of disease; in the latter, the DNA repair was significantly higher than in healthy donors. Patients with TBE revealed lower T-lymphocyte counts due to a decrease in the amount of T-helper cells (the level of T-suppressors was elevated). The intensity of antibody production against TBE virus was significantly enhanced by termination of disease in the majority of patients. The count of natural killer cells was decreased, particularly at the initial stage of disease. At the time of admission to hospital the counts of RBC with micronuclei and of T-helper cells were in reverse proportion. At the terminal stage of disease the same correlation was noted between RBC counts with micronuclei and the antibody level. At the onset of disease a direct correlation was noted between DNA repair and B-lymphocyte and T-helper counts. At the final stage of disease the reverse correlation between the activity of DNA-repair systems and T-suppressor counts was registered. Three months after discharge from hospital, the indices of micronuclear test, natural killer cell activity, and DNA repair returned to normal.

  2. Synthesis of nanostructured materials by using metal-cyanide coordination polymers and their lithium storage properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nie, Ping; Shen, Laifa; Luo, Haifeng; Li, Hongsen; Xu, Guiyin; Zhang, Xiaogang

    2013-10-01

    Herein, we demonstrate a novel and simple two-step process for preparing LiCoO2 nanocrystals by using a Prussian blue analogue Co3[Co(CN)6]2 as a precursor. The resultant LiCoO2 nanoparticles possess single crystalline nature and good uniformity with an average size of ca. 360 nm. The unique nanostructure of LiCoO2 provides relatively shorter Li+ diffusion pathways, thus facilitating the fast kinetics of electrochemical reactions. As a consequence, high reversible capacity, excellent cycling stability and rate capability are achieved with these nanocrystals as cathodes for lithium storage. The LiCoO2 nanocrystals deliver specific capacities of 154.5, 135.8, 119, and 100.3 mA h g-1 at 0.2, 0.4, 1, and 2 C rates, respectively. Even at a high current density of 4 C, a reversible capacity of 87 mA h g-1 could be maintained. Importantly, a capacity retention of 83.4% after 100 cycles is achieved at a constant discharge rate of 1 C. Furthermore, owing to facile control of the morphology and size of Prussian blue analogues by varying process parameters, as well as the tailored design of multi-component metal-cyanide hybrid coordination polymers, with which we have successfully prepared porous Fe2O3@NixCo3-xO4 nanocubes, one of the potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, such a simple and scalable approach could also be applied to the synthesis of other nanomaterials for energy storage devices.Herein, we demonstrate a novel and simple two-step process for preparing LiCoO2 nanocrystals by using a Prussian blue analogue Co3[Co(CN)6]2 as a precursor. The resultant LiCoO2 nanoparticles possess single crystalline nature and good uniformity with an average size of ca. 360 nm. The unique nanostructure of LiCoO2 provides relatively shorter Li+ diffusion pathways, thus facilitating the fast kinetics of electrochemical reactions. As a consequence, high reversible capacity, excellent cycling stability and rate capability are achieved with these nanocrystals as cathodes for lithium storage. The LiCoO2 nanocrystals deliver specific capacities of 154.5, 135.8, 119, and 100.3 mA h g-1 at 0.2, 0.4, 1, and 2 C rates, respectively. Even at a high current density of 4 C, a reversible capacity of 87 mA h g-1 could be maintained. Importantly, a capacity retention of 83.4% after 100 cycles is achieved at a constant discharge rate of 1 C. Furthermore, owing to facile control of the morphology and size of Prussian blue analogues by varying process parameters, as well as the tailored design of multi-component metal-cyanide hybrid coordination polymers, with which we have successfully prepared porous Fe2O3@NixCo3-xO4 nanocubes, one of the potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, such a simple and scalable approach could also be applied to the synthesis of other nanomaterials for energy storage devices. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Detailed experimental procedures and supplementary figures. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr03289b

  3. Femtosecond laser spectroscopy of the rhodopsin photochromic reaction: a concept for ultrafast optical molecular switch creation (ultrafast reversible photoreaction of rhodopsin).

    PubMed

    Smitienko, Olga; Nadtochenko, Victor; Feldman, Tatiana; Balatskaya, Maria; Shelaev, Ivan; Gostev, Fedor; Sarkisov, Oleg; Ostrovsky, Mikhail

    2014-11-11

    Ultrafast reverse photoreaction of visual pigment rhodopsin in the femtosecond time range at room temperature is demonstrated. Femtosecond two-pump probe experiments with a time resolution of 25 fs have been performed. The first рump pulse at 500 nm initiated cis-trans photoisomerization of rhodopsin chromophore, 11-cis retinal, which resulted in the formation of the primary ground-state photoproduct within a mere 200 fs. The second pump pulse at 620 nm with a varying delay of 200 to 3750 fs relative to the first рump pulse, initiated the reverse phototransition of the primary photoproduct to rhodopsin. The results of this photoconversion have been observed on the differential spectra obtained after the action of two pump pulses at a time delay of 100 ps. It was found that optical density decreased at 560 nm in the spectral region of bathorhodopsin absorption and increased at 480 nm, where rhodopsin absorbs. Rhodopsin photoswitching efficiency shows oscillations as a function of the time delay between two рump pulses. The quantum yield of reverse photoreaction initiated by the second pump pulse falls within the range 15%±1%. The molecular mechanism of the ultrafast reversible photoreaction of visual pigment rhodopsin may be used as a concept for the development of an ultrafast optical molecular switch.

  4. Effects of nuclear radiation on a high-reliability silicon power diode. 4: Analysis of reverse bias characteristics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Been, J. F.

    1973-01-01

    The effects of nuclear radiation on the reverse bias electrical characteristics of one hundred silicon power diodes were investigated. On a percentage basis, the changes in reverse currents were large but, due to very low initial values, this electrical characteristic was not the limiting factor in use of these diodes. These changes were interpreted in terms of decreasing minority carrier lifetimes as related to generation-recombination currents. The magnitudes of reverse voltage breakdown were unaffected by irradiation.

  5. Reverse transcription of phage RNA and its fragment directed by synthetic heteropolymeric primers

    PubMed Central

    Frolova, L. Yu.; Metelyev, V. G.; Ratmanova, K. I.; Smirnov, V. D.; Shabarova, Z. A.; Prokofyev, M. A.; Berzin, V. M.; Jansone, I. V.; Gren, E. J.; Kisselev, L. L.

    1977-01-01

    DNA synthesis catalysed by RNA-directed DNA-polymerase (reverse transcriptase) was found to proceed on the RNA template of an MS2 phage in the presence of heteropolymeric synthetic octa- and nonadeoxyribonucleotide primers complementary to the intercistronic region (coat protein binding site) and the region of the coat protein cistron, respectively. The product of synthesis consists of discrete DNA fractions of different length, including transcripts longer than 1,000 nucleotides. The coat protein inhibits DNA synthesis if it is initiated at its binding site, but has no effect on DNA synthesis initiated at the coat protein cistron. It has been suggested that, in this system, the initiation of DNA synthesis by synthetic primers is topographically specific. The MS2 coat protein binding site (an RNA fragment of 59 nucleotides) serves as a template for polydeoxyribonucleotide synthesis in the presence of octanucleotide primer and reverse transcriptase. The product of synthesis is homogenous and its length corresponds to the length of the template. The effective and complete copying of the fragment having a distinct secondary structure proves that the secondary structure does not interfere, in principle, with RNA being a template in the system of reverse transcription. PMID:71713

  6. A Social Partnership Model to Promote Educators' Development in Mauritius through Formal and Informal Capacity-Building Initiatives

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Santally, Mohammad Issack; Cooshna-Naik, Dorothy; Conruyt, Noel; Wing, Caroline Koa

    2015-01-01

    This paper describes a social partnership model based on the living lab concept to promote the professional development of educators through formal and informal capacity-building initiatives. The aim is to have a broader impact on society through community outreach educational initiatives. A Living Lab is an environment for user-centered…

  7. Enhancing Infant Mental Health Using a Capacity-Building Model: A Case Study of a Process Evaluation of the "Ready, Steady, Grow" Initiative

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    O'Farrelly, Christine; Guerin, Suzanne; Victory, Gerard

    2017-01-01

    Infant mental health (IMH) is best promoted through a continuum of services underpinned by strong service capacity. However, service providers often lack fundamental IMH knowledge and skills. Using the Ready, Steady, Grow (RSG) initiative as a case study of a capacity-building model (P., Hawe, L., King, M., Noort, C., Jordens, & B., Llyod,…

  8. "The magic is in the mix": lessons from research capacity building in the Canadian tobacco control community, 2000-2010.

    PubMed

    Riley, Barbara L; Viehbeck, Sarah M; Cohen, Joanna E; Chia, Marie C

    2013-02-25

    Global public health issues, including tobacco use, will be addressed most effectively if informed by relevant evidence. Additional capacity is needed to undertake and sustain relevant and rigorous research that will inform and enable learning from interventions. Despite the undisputed importance of research capacity building (RCB), there is little evidence about how to create relevant capacities. RCB for tobacco control in Canada from 2000-2010 offers a rich experience from which to learn. Lessons were derived using structured data collection from seven capacity-building initiatives and an invitational workshop, at which reflections on major contributions and lessons learned were discussed by initiative leads. Ten years of RCB for tobacco control in Canada revealed the importance of a) taking an organic approach to RCB, b) targeting and sustaining investments in a mix of RCB activities, c) vision and collaborative leadership at organizational and initiative levels, d) a focus on building community, and e) studying capacity building. The experience also provided tangible examples of RCB initiatives and how independent investments can be linked to create a coherent approach. Looking ahead, promising directions may include positioning RCB within a broader context of "field building", focusing on practical approaches to sustainability, and enhancing research on RCB.

  9. An improved implementable process for the synthesis of zeolite 4A from bauxite tailings and its Cr3+ removal capacity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lei, Peng-cheng; Shen, Xian-jiang; Li, Yang; Guo, Min; Zhang, Mei

    2016-07-01

    A simple and practical method for the synthesis of zeolite 4A from bauxite tailings is presented in this paper. Systematic investigations were carried out regarding the capacity of zeolite 4A to remove Cr(III) from aqueous solutions with relatively low initial concentrations of Cr(III) (5-100 mg·L-1). It is found that the new method is extremely cost-effective and can significantly contribute in decreasing environmental pollution caused by the dumping of bauxite tailings. The Cr(III) removal capacity highly depends on the initial pH value and concentration of Cr(III) in the solution. The maximum removal capacity of Cr(III) was evaluated to be 85.1 mg·g-1 for zeolite 4A, measured at an initial pH value of 4 and an initial Cr(III) concentration of 5 mg·L-1. This approach enables a higher removal capacity at lower concentrations of Cr(III), which is a clear advantage over the chemical precipitation method. The removal mechanism of Cr(III) by zeolite 4A was examined. The results suggest that both ion exchange and the surface adsorption-crystallization reaction are critical steps. These two steps collectively resulted in the high removal capacity of zeolite 4A to remove Cr(III).

  10. Multilayered Si nanoparticle/reduced graphene oxide hybrid as a high-performance lithium-ion battery anode.

    PubMed

    Chang, Jingbo; Huang, Xingkang; Zhou, Guihua; Cui, Shumao; Hallac, Peter B; Jiang, Junwei; Hurley, Patrick T; Chen, Junhong

    2014-02-01

    Multilayered Si/RGO anode nanostructures, featuring alternating Si nanoparticle (NP) and RGO layers, good mechanical stability, and high electrical conductivity, allow Si NPs to easily expand between RGO layers, thereby leading to high reversible capacity up to 2300 mAh g(-1) at 0.05 C (120 mA g(-1) ) and 87% capacity retention (up to 630 mAh g(-1) ) at 10 C after 152 cycles. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Kinetic limitations of the Mg(2)Si system for reversible hydrogen storage.

    PubMed

    Kelly, Stephen T; Van Atta, Sky L; Vajo, John J; Olson, Gregory L; Clemens, B M

    2009-05-20

    Despite the promising thermodynamics and storage capacities of many destabilized metal hydride hydrogen storage material systems, they are often kinetically limited from achieving practical and reversible behavior. Such is the case with the Mg2Si system. We investigated the kinetic mechanisms responsible for limiting the reversibility of the MgH2+Si system using thin films as a controlled research platform. We observed that the reaction MgH2 + 1/2Mg2Si + H2 is limited by the mass transport of Mg and Si into separate phases. Hydrogen readily diffuses through the Mg2Si material and nucleating MgH2 phase growth does not result in reaction completion. By depositing and characterizing multilayer films of Mg2Si and Mg with varying Mg2Si layer thicknesses, we conclude that the hydrogenation reaction consumes no more than 1 nm of Mg2Si, making this system impractical for reversible hydrogen storage.

  12. Study of the magnetic interaction in nanocrystalline Pr-Fe-Co-Nb-B permanent magnets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dospial, M.; Plusa, D.; Ślusarek, B.

    2012-03-01

    The magnetic properties of an isotropic, epoxy resin bonded magnets made from Pr-Fe-Co-Nb-B powder were investigated. The magnetization reversal process and magnetic parameters were examined by measurements of the initial magnetization curve, major and minor hysteresis loops and sets of recoil curves. From the initial magnetization curve and the field dependencies of the reversible and irreversible magnetization components derived from the recoil loops it was found that the magnetization reversal process is the combination of the nucleation of reversed domains and pinning of domain walls at the grain boundaries and the reversible rotation of magnetization vector in single domain grains. The interactions between grains were studied by means of δM plots. The nonlinear behavior of δM curve approve that the short range intergrain exchange coupling interactions are dominant in a field up to the sample coercivity. The interaction domains and fine magnetic structure were revealed as the evidence of exchange coupling between soft α-Fe and hard magnetic Nd2Fe14B grains.

  13. Hydrodynamic interaction of two deformable drops in confined shear flow.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yongping; Wang, Chengyao

    2014-09-01

    We investigate hydrodynamic interaction between two neutrally buoyant circular drops in a confined shear flow based on a computational fluid dynamics simulation using the volume-of-fluid method. The rheological behaviors of interactive drops and the flow regimes are explored with a focus on elucidation of underlying physical mechanisms. We find that two types of drop behaviors during interaction occur, including passing-over motion and reversing motion, which are governed by the competition between the drag of passing flow and the entrainment of reversing flow in matrix fluid. With the increasing confinement, the drop behavior transits from the passing-over motion to reversing motion, because the entrainment of the reversing-flow matrix fluid turns to play the dominant role. The drag of the ambient passing flow is increased by enlarging the initial lateral separation due to the departure of the drop from the reversing flow in matrix fluid, resulting in the emergence of passing-over motion. In particular, a corresponding phase diagram is plotted to quantitatively illustrate the dependence of drop morphologies during interaction on confinement and initial lateral separation.

  14. Hybrid algorithms for fuzzy reverse supply chain network design.

    PubMed

    Che, Z H; Chiang, Tzu-An; Kuo, Y C; Cui, Zhihua

    2014-01-01

    In consideration of capacity constraints, fuzzy defect ratio, and fuzzy transport loss ratio, this paper attempted to establish an optimized decision model for production planning and distribution of a multiphase, multiproduct reverse supply chain, which addresses defects returned to original manufacturers, and in addition, develops hybrid algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization-Genetic Algorithm (PSO-GA), Genetic Algorithm-Simulated Annealing (GA-SA), and Particle Swarm Optimization-Simulated Annealing (PSO-SA) for solving the optimized model. During a case study of a multi-phase, multi-product reverse supply chain network, this paper explained the suitability of the optimized decision model and the applicability of the algorithms. Finally, the hybrid algorithms showed excellent solving capability when compared with original GA and PSO methods.

  15. Hybrid Algorithms for Fuzzy Reverse Supply Chain Network Design

    PubMed Central

    Che, Z. H.; Chiang, Tzu-An; Kuo, Y. C.

    2014-01-01

    In consideration of capacity constraints, fuzzy defect ratio, and fuzzy transport loss ratio, this paper attempted to establish an optimized decision model for production planning and distribution of a multiphase, multiproduct reverse supply chain, which addresses defects returned to original manufacturers, and in addition, develops hybrid algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization-Genetic Algorithm (PSO-GA), Genetic Algorithm-Simulated Annealing (GA-SA), and Particle Swarm Optimization-Simulated Annealing (PSO-SA) for solving the optimized model. During a case study of a multi-phase, multi-product reverse supply chain network, this paper explained the suitability of the optimized decision model and the applicability of the algorithms. Finally, the hybrid algorithms showed excellent solving capability when compared with original GA and PSO methods. PMID:24892057

  16. Micro-sized organometallic compound of ferrocene as high-performance anode material for advanced lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Zhen; Feng, Li; Su, Xiaoru; Qin, Chenyang; Zhao, Kun; Hu, Fang; Zhou, Mingjiong; Xia, Yongyao

    2018-01-01

    An organometallic compound of ferrocene is first investigated as a promising anode for lithium-ion batteries. The electrochemical properties of ferrocene are conducted by galvanostatic charge and discharge. The ferrocene anode exhibits a high reversible capacity and great cycling stability, as well as superior rate capability. The electrochemical reaction of ferrocene is semi-reversible and some metallic Fe remains in the electrode even after delithiation. The metallic Fe formed in electrode and the stable solid electrolyte interphase should be responsible for its excellent electrochemical performance.

  17. Reversal of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a cohort study in Chinese patients

    PubMed Central

    Mao, Jiang-Feng; Xu, Hong-Li; Duan, Jin; Chen, Rong-Rong; Li, Li; Li, Bin; Nie, Min; Min, Le; Zhang, Hong-Bing; Wu, Xue-Yan

    2015-01-01

    Although idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) has traditionally been viewed as a life-long disease caused by a deficiency of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons, a portion of patients may gradually regain normal reproductive axis function during hormonal replacement therapy. The predictive factors for potential IHH reversal are largely unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence and clinical features of IHH male patients who had reversed reproductive axis function. In this retrospective cohort study, male IHH patients were classified into a reversal group (n = 18) and a nonreversal group (n = 336). Concentration of gonadotropins and testosterone, as well as testicle sizes and sperm counts, were determined. Of 354 IHH patients, 18 (5.1%) acquired normal reproductive function during treatment. The median age for reversal was 24 years old (range 21–34 years). Compared with the nonreversal group, the reversible group had higher basal luteinizing hormone (LH) (1.0 ± 0.7 IU l-1 vs 0.4 ± 0.4 IU l−1, P < 0.05) and stimulated LH (28.3 ± 22.6 IU l−1 vs 1.9 ± 1.1 IU l−1, P < 0.01) levels, as well as larger testicle size (5.1 ± 2.6 ml vs 1.5 ± 0.3 ml, P < 0.01), at the initial visit. In summary, larger testicle size and higher stimulated LH concentrations are favorite parameters for reversal. Our finding suggests that reversible patients may retain partially active reproductive axis function at initial diagnosis. PMID:25578938

  18. Recovery of Memory After Posthypnotic Amnesia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kihlstrom, John F.; Evans, Frederick J.

    1976-01-01

    This research uses a sample of 691 male and female college students and adopts an alternative method of evaluating reversibility, an important aspect of posthypnotic amnesia, to explore in greater detail the relations among hypnotic susceptibility, initial amnesia, and subsequent reversibility. (Author/RK)

  19. Incommensurate Graphene Foam as a High Capacity Lithium Intercalation Anode

    PubMed Central

    Paronyan, Tereza M.; Thapa, Arjun Kumar; Sherehiy, Andriy; Jasinski, Jacek B.; Jangam, John Samuel Dilip

    2017-01-01

    Graphite’s capacity of intercalating lithium in rechargeable batteries is limited (theoretically, 372 mAh g−1) due to low diffusion within commensurately-stacked graphene layers. Graphene foam with highly enriched incommensurately-stacked layers was grown and applied as an active electrode in rechargeable batteries. A 93% incommensurate graphene foam demonstrated a reversible specific capacity of 1,540 mAh g−1 with a 75% coulombic efficiency, and an 86% incommensurate sample achieves above 99% coulombic efficiency exhibiting 930 mAh g−1 specific capacity. The structural and binding analysis of graphene show that lithium atoms highly intercalate within weakly interacting incommensurately-stacked graphene network, followed by a further flexible rearrangement of layers for a long-term stable cycling. We consider lithium intercalation model for multilayer graphene where capacity varies with N number of layers resulting LiN+1C2N stoichiometry. The effective capacity of commonly used carbon-based rechargeable batteries can be significantly improved using incommensurate graphene as an anode material. PMID:28059110

  20. [Separation of p-aminobenzenearsonic acid and its oxide by ion-pair reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography].

    PubMed

    Kang, J; Ma, X; Meng, L; Ma, D

    1999-05-01

    To study the separation of p-aminobenzenearsonic acid (PABAA) and its oxide, p-aminophenylarsine oxide (PAPAO), both the absorption spectra were scanned at the wavelengths from 200 nm to 380 nm. PABAA had absorption maximum at 254 nm and PAPAO 258 nm. The effects of salt concentration, column temperature, methanol and ion-pair agent concentrations on the capacity factor were investigated. Compounds of high polarity showed almost no retention on reversed-phase column; as the volume fraction of the methanol decreased from 90% to 10%, the retention time of PABAA gradually increased with broad peak, and partially eluted when methanol volume fraction being below 20%. With temperature rising, the retention time of PABAA was decreased. But PABAA capacity factor can be increased by selecting an appropriate salt concentration for the mobile phase. The cetyltrimethyl and tetrabutyl ammonium ions were separately added as ion-pair agents to the mobile phase containing methanol in phosphate buffer of 10 mmol/L, the changes of retention time were observed. The mechanism of retention based on reversed phase ion-pair model is proposed. Besides, the retention behaviour is also influenced by size exclusion in stationary phase as well as polar interactions with residual silanol group on the silica surface.

  1. Temperature-dependent electrochemical heat generation in a commercial lithium-ion battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bandhauer, Todd M.; Garimella, Srinivas; Fuller, Thomas F.

    2014-02-01

    Lithium-ion batteries suffer from inherent thermal limitations (i.e., capacity fade and thermal runaway); thus, it is critical to understand heat generation experienced in the batteries under normal operation. In the current study, reversible and irreversible electrochemical heat generation rates were measured experimentally on a small commercially available C/LiFePO4 lithium-ion battery designed for high-rate applications. The battery was tested over a wide range of temperatures (10-60 °C) and discharge and charge rates (∼C/4-5C) to elucidate their effects. Two samples were tested in a specially designed wind tunnel to maintain constant battery surface temperature within a maximum variation of ±0.88 °C. A data normalization technique was employed to account for the observed capacity fade, which was largest at the highest rates. The heat rate was shown to increase with both increasing rate and decreasing temperature, and the reversible heat rate was shown to be significant even at the highest rate and temperature (7.4% at 5C and 55 °C). Results from cycling the battery using a dynamic power profile also showed that constant-current data predict the dynamic performance data well. In addition, the reversible heat rate in the dynamic simulation was shown to be significant, especially for charge-depleting HEV applications.

  2. Detailed studies of a high-capacity electrode material for rechargeable batteries, Li2MnO3-LiCo(1/3)Ni(1/3)Mn(1/3)O2.

    PubMed

    Yabuuchi, Naoaki; Yoshii, Kazuhiro; Myung, Seung-Taek; Nakai, Izumi; Komaba, Shinichi

    2011-03-30

    Lithium-excess manganese layered oxides, which are commonly described by the chemical formula zLi(2)MnO(3)-(1-z)LiMeO(2) (Me = Co, Ni, Mn, etc.), are of great importance as positive electrode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. In this Article, Li(x)Co(0.13)Ni(0.13)Mn(0.54)O(2-δ) samples are prepared from Li(1.2)Ni(0.13)Co(0.13)Mn(0.54)O(2) (or 0.5Li(2)MnO(3)-0.5LiCo(1/3)Ni(1/3)Mn(1/3)O(2)) by an electrochemical oxidation/reduction process in an electrochemical cell to study a reaction mechanism in detail before and after charging across a voltage plateau at 4.5 V vs Li/Li(+). Changes of the bulk and surface structures are examined by synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). SXRD data show that simultaneous oxygen and lithium removal at the voltage plateau upon initial charge causes the structural rearrangement, including a cation migration process from metal to lithium layers, which is also supported by XAS. This is consistent with the mechanism proposed in the literature related to the Li-excess manganese layered oxides. Oxygen removal associated with the initial charge on the high voltage plateau causes oxygen molecule generation in the electrochemical cells. The oxygen molecules in the cell are electrochemically reduced in the subsequent discharge below 3.0 V, leading to the extra capacity. Surface analysis confirms the formation of the oxygen containing species, such as lithium carbonate, which accumulates on the electrode surface. The oxygen containing species are electrochemically decomposed upon second charge above 4.0 V. The results suggest that, in addition to the conventional transition metal redox reactions, at least some of the reversible capacity for the Li-excess manganese layered oxides originates from the electrochemical redox reaction of the oxygen molecules at the electrode surface.

  3. Health care administrators' perspectives on the role of absorptive capacity for strategic change initiatives: a qualitative study.

    PubMed

    Kash, Bita A; Spaulding, Aaron; Gamm, Larry; Johnson, Christopher E

    2013-01-01

    The dimensions of absorptive capacity (ACAP) are defined, and the importance of ACAP is established in the management literature, but the concept has not been applied to health care organizations attempting to implement multiple strategic initiatives. The aim of this study was to test the utility of ACAP by analyzing health care administrators' experiences with multiple strategic initiatives within two health systems. Results are drawn from administrators' assessments of multiple initiatives within two health systems using in-depth personal interviews with a total of 61 health care administrators. Data analysis was performed following deductive qualitative analysis guidelines. Interview transcripts were coded based on the four dimensions of ACAP: acquiring, assimilating, internalizing/transforming, and exploiting knowledge. Furthermore, we link results related to utilization of management resources, including number of key personnel involved and time consumption, to dimensions of ACAP. Participants' description of multiple strategic change initiatives confirmed the importance of the four ACAP dimensions. ACAP can be a useful framework to assess organizational capacity with respect to the organization's ability to concurrently implement multiple strategic initiatives. This capacity specifically revolves around human capital requirements from upper management based on the initiatives' location or stage within the ACAP framework. Strategic change initiatives in health care can be usefully viewed from an ACAP perspective. There is a tendency for those strategic initiatives ranking higher in priority and time consumption to reflect more advanced dimensions of ACAP (assimilate and transform), whereas few initiatives were identified in the ACAP "exploit" dimension. This may suggest that health care leaders tend to no longer identify as strategic initiatives those innovations that have moved to the exploitation stage or that less attention is given to the exploitation elements of a strategic initiative than to the earlier stages.

  4. Development works on nickel/hydrogen cells. [for satellite energy storage

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gutmann, G.

    1982-01-01

    Experiments were performed to reduce the costs for NI/H2 cells by using nickel oxide electrodes with high capacity per unit area. No maintenance requirements, long cycle life, insensitivity to overcharge and cell reversal, and high power capability were revealed.

  5. 77 FR 21765 - Nevada Hydro Company, Inc.; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-11

    ... level (msl); (2) a powerhouse with two reversible pump-turbine units with a total installed capacity of... California Edison located north of the proposed project and to an existing San Diego Gas & Electric Company...

  6. Role Played by the Passage of Time in Reversal Learning.

    PubMed

    Goarin, Estelle H F; Lingawi, Nura W; Laurent, Vincent

    2018-01-01

    Reversal learning is thought to involve an extinction-like process that inhibits the expression of the initial learning. However, behavioral evidence for this inhibition remains difficult to interpret as various procedures have been employed to study reversal learning. Here, we used a discrimination task in rats to examine whether the inhibition produced by reversal learning is as sensitive to the passage of time as the inhibition produced by extinction. Experiment 1 showed that when tested immediately after reversal training, rats were able to use the reversed contingencies to solve the discrimination task in an outcome-specific manner. This ability to use outcome-specific information was lost when a delay was inserted between reversal training and test. However, interpretation of these data was made difficult by a potential floor effect. This concern was addressed in Experiment 2 in which it was confirmed that the passage of time impaired the ability of the rats to use the reversed contingencies in an outcome-specific manner to solve the task. Further, it revealed that the delay between initial learning and test was not responsible for this impairment. Additional work demonstrated that solving the discrimination task was unaffected by Pavlovian extinction but that the discriminative stimuli were able to block conditioning to a novel stimulus, suggesting that Pavlovian processes were likely to contribute to solving the discrimination. We therefore concluded that the expression of reversal and extinction learning do share the same sensitivity to the effect of time. However, this sensitivity was most obvious when we assessed outcome-specific information following reversal learning. This suggests that the processes involved in reversal learning are somehow distinct from those underlying extinction learning, as the latter has usually been found to leave outcome-specific information relatively intact. Thus, the present study reveals that a better understanding of the mechanisms supporting reversal training requires assessing the impact that this training exerts on the content of learning rather than performance per se .

  7. Role Played by the Passage of Time in Reversal Learning

    PubMed Central

    Goarin, Estelle H. F.; Lingawi, Nura W.; Laurent, Vincent

    2018-01-01

    Reversal learning is thought to involve an extinction-like process that inhibits the expression of the initial learning. However, behavioral evidence for this inhibition remains difficult to interpret as various procedures have been employed to study reversal learning. Here, we used a discrimination task in rats to examine whether the inhibition produced by reversal learning is as sensitive to the passage of time as the inhibition produced by extinction. Experiment 1 showed that when tested immediately after reversal training, rats were able to use the reversed contingencies to solve the discrimination task in an outcome-specific manner. This ability to use outcome-specific information was lost when a delay was inserted between reversal training and test. However, interpretation of these data was made difficult by a potential floor effect. This concern was addressed in Experiment 2 in which it was confirmed that the passage of time impaired the ability of the rats to use the reversed contingencies in an outcome-specific manner to solve the task. Further, it revealed that the delay between initial learning and test was not responsible for this impairment. Additional work demonstrated that solving the discrimination task was unaffected by Pavlovian extinction but that the discriminative stimuli were able to block conditioning to a novel stimulus, suggesting that Pavlovian processes were likely to contribute to solving the discrimination. We therefore concluded that the expression of reversal and extinction learning do share the same sensitivity to the effect of time. However, this sensitivity was most obvious when we assessed outcome-specific information following reversal learning. This suggests that the processes involved in reversal learning are somehow distinct from those underlying extinction learning, as the latter has usually been found to leave outcome-specific information relatively intact. Thus, the present study reveals that a better understanding of the mechanisms supporting reversal training requires assessing the impact that this training exerts on the content of learning rather than performance per se. PMID:29740293

  8. Bulk-Type All-Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries: Remarkable Performances of a Carbon Nanofiber-Supported MgH2 Composite Electrode.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Liang; Ichikawa, Takayuki; Kawahito, Koji; Miyaoka, Hiroki; Kojima, Yoshitsugu

    2017-01-25

    Magnesium hydride, MgH 2 , a recently developed compound for lithium-ion batteries, is considered to be a promising conversion-type negative electrode material due to its high theoretical lithium storage capacity of over 2000 mA h g -1 , suitable working potential, and relatively small volume expansion. Nevertheless, it suffers from unsatisfactory cyclability, poor reversibility, and slow kinetics in conventional nonaqueous electrolyte systems, which greatly limit the practical application of MgH 2 . In this work, a vapor-grown carbon nanofiber was used to enhance the electrical conductivity of MgH 2 using LiBH 4 as the solid-state electrolyte. It shows that a reversible capacity of over 1200 mA h g -1 with an average voltage of 0.5 V (vs Li/Li + ) can be obtained after 50 cycles at a current density of 1000 mA g -1 . In addition, the capacity of MgH 2 retains over 1100 mA h g -1 at a high current density of 8000 mA g -1 , which indicates the possibility of using MgH 2 as a negative electrode material for high power and high capacity lithium-ion batteries in future practical applications. Moreover, the widely studied sulfide-based solid electrolyte was also used to assemble battery cells with MgH 2 electrode in the same system, and the electrochemical performance was as good as that using LiBH 4 electrolyte.

  9. Magnesium Hydride Nanoparticles Self-Assembled on Graphene as Anode Material for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Baoping; Xia, Guanglin; Sun, Dalin; Fang, Fang; Yu, Xuebin

    2018-04-24

    MgH 2 nanoparticles (NPs) uniformly anchored on graphene (GR) are fabricated based on a bottom-up self-assembly strategy as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Monodisperse MgH 2 NPs with an average particle size of ∼13.8 nm are self-assembled on the flexible GR, forming interleaved MgH 2 /GR (GMH) composite architectures. Such nanoarchitecture could effectively constrain the aggregation of active materials, buffer the strain of volume changes, and facilitate the electron/lithium ion transfer of the whole electrode, leading to a significant enhancement of the lithium storage capacity of the GMH composite. Furthermore, the performances of GMH composite as anode materials for LIBs are enabled largely through robust interfacial interactions with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) binder, which plays multifunctional roles in forming a favorable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) film, alleviating the volume expansion and detachment of active materials, and maintaining the structural integrity of the whole electrode. As a result, these synergistic effects endow the obtained GMH composite with a significantly enhanced reversible capacity and cyclability as well as a good rate capability. The GMH composite with 50 wt % MgH 2 delivers a high reversible capacity of 946 mA h g -1 at 100 mA g -1 after 100 cycles and a capacity of 395 mAh g -1 at a high current density of 2000 mA g -1 after 1000 cycles.

  10. Formation of Sn-M (M=Fe, Al, Ni) alloy nanoparticles by DC arc-discharge and their electrochemical properties as anodes for Li-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gao, Song; Huang, Hao; Wu, Aimin; Yu, Jieyi; Gao, Jian; Dong, Xinglong; Liu, Chunjing; Cao, Guozhong

    2016-10-01

    A direct current arc-discharge method was applied to prepare the Sn-M (M=Fe, Al, Ni) bi-alloy nanoparticles. Thermodynamic is introduced to analyze the energy circumstances for the formation of the nanoparticles during the physical condensation process. The electrochemical properties of as-prepared Sn-M alloy nanoparticles are systematically investigated as anodes of Li-ion batteries. Among them, Sn-Fe nanoparticles electrode exhibits high Coulomb efficiency (about 71.2%) in the initial charge/discharge (257.9 mA h g-1/366.6 mA h g-1) and optimal cycle stability (a specific reversible capacity of 240 mA h g-1 maintained after 20 cycles) compared with others. Large differences in the electrochemical behaviors indicate that the chemical composition and microstructure of the nanoparticles determine the lithium-ion storage properties and the long-term cyclic stability during the charge/discharge process.

  11. Application and evaluation of scale dissolver treatments

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

    Fielder, G.D.

    1994-12-31

    In order to provide an improved basis for the design of barium sulfate scale dissolver treatments both laboratory testing and monitoring of field applications were carried out. The deleterious effects of mixing produced water with dissolver prior to contacting scale are shown. Increasing total dissolved solids (TDS) levels can reduce dissolution depending upon temperature. Precomplexation with divalent cations reduces the capacity of the dissolver to solubilize solid scales. Magnesium may adversely affect dissolver performance at elevated temperatures. Several oil and gas wells were closely monitored during initial flowback after treatment. Samples were collected on a frequent basis and analyzed formore » pH, dissolver content, chlorides and various cations. The resulting data were used to construct flowback profiles for evaluation of the treatments. Evidence of scale dissolution is presented. The presence of an incompatible flush brine was discovered in one case and possible reverse order of addition of preflush and dissolver in another. The importance of establishing and following treatment procedures is briefly discussed.« less

  12. A Key concept in Magnesium Secondary Battery Electrolytes.

    PubMed

    Bertasi, Federico; Hettige, Chaminda; Sepehr, Fatemeh; Bogle, Xavier; Pagot, Gioele; Vezzù, Keti; Negro, Enrico; Paddison, Stephen J; Greenbaum, Steve G; Vittadello, Michele; Di Noto, Vito

    2015-09-21

    A critical roadblock toward practical Mg-based energy storage technologies is the lack of reversible electrolytes that are safe and electrochemically stable. Here, we report on high-performance electrolytes based on 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMImCl) doped with AlCl3 and highly amorphous δ-MgCl2 . The phase diagram of the electrolytes reveals the presence of four thermal transitions that strongly depend on salt content. High-level density functional theory (DFT)-based electronic structure calculations substantiate the structural and vibrational assignment of the coordination complexes. A 3D chloride-concatenated dynamic network model accounts for the outstanding redox behaviour and the electric and magnetic properties, providing insight into the conduction mechanism of the electrolytes. Mg anode cells assembled using the electrolytes were cyclically discharged at a high rate (35 mA g(-1) ), exhibiting an initial capacity of 80 mA h g(-1) and a steady-state voltage of 2.3 V. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. Energy policy and economic development in the Philippines, 1973-2000

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

    Bensel, T.G.; Harriss, R.C.

    1995-12-31

    This paper reviews energy policy and energy-economy interactions in the Philippines since 1973 and presents projections of energy development and use to the year 2000. Dependent on imported oil for over 90 percent of its commercial energy requirements in 1973, the Philippines initiated one of the most aggressive energy development and conservation programs in the developing world. Energy and oil intensities of the economy were reduced, and domestic coal, hydroelectric, geothermal and biomass resources were developed to meet nearly half of commercial energy requirements by 1985. Low world oil prices and domestic political developments combined to reverse trends in themore » energy sector after 1985. Imported oil dependence grew again to 70 percent by 1992, and an electric power crisis became the focus of government energy policy. An innovative private power development program has helped reduce power shortages and is expected to account for the bulk of needed capacity expansion into the next century.« less

  14. Nitrogen-doped biomass-based ultra-thin carbon nanosheets with interconnected framework for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Shasha; Chen, Yaxin; Shi, Liluo; Dong, Yue; Ma, Jing; Chen, Xiaohong; Song, Huaihe

    2018-04-01

    In this paper, a low-cost and environmental friendly synthesis strategy is proposed to fabricate nitrogen-doped biomass-based ultra-thin carbon nanosheets (N-CNS) with interconnected framework by using soybean milk as the carbon precursor and sodium chloride as the template. The interconnected porous nanosheet structure is beneficial for lithium ion transportation, and the defects introduced by pyridine nitrogen doping are favorable for lithium storage. When used as the anodes for lithium-ion batteries, the N-CNS electrode shows a high initial reversible specific capacity of 1334 mAh g-1 at 50 mA g-1, excellent rate performance (1212, 555 and 336 mAh g-1 at 0.05, 0.5 and 2 A g-1, respectively) and good cycling stability (355 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 after 1000 cycles). Furthermore, this study demonstrates the prospects of biomass and soybean milk, as the potential anode for the application of electrochemical energy storage devices.

  15. Silicon/copper dome-patterned electrodes for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Xuyan; Jung, Hun-Gi; Kim, Sang-Ok; Choi, Ho-Suk; Lee, Sangwha; Moon, Jun Hyuk; Lee, Joong Kee

    2013-01-01

    This study proposes a method for manufacturing high-performance electrode materials in which controlling the shape of the current collector and electrode material for a Li-ion capacitor (LIC). In particular, the proposed LIC manufacturing method maintains the high voltage of a cell by using a microdome-patterned electrode material, allowing for reversible reactions between the Li-ion and the active material for an extended period of time. As a result, the LICs exhibit initial capacities of approximately 42 F g−1, even at 60 A g−1. The LICs also exhibit good cycle performance up to approximately 15,000 cycles. In addition, these advancements allow for a considerably higher energy density than other existing capacitor systems. The energy density of the proposed LICs is approximately nine, two, and 1.5 times higher than those of the electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC), AC/LiMn2O4 hybrid capacitor, and intrinsic Si/AC LIC, respectively. PMID:24292725

  16. Gold Nanoparticles with Externally Controlled, Reversible Shifts of Local Surface Plasmon Resonance Bands

    PubMed Central

    Yavuz, Mustafa S.; Jensen, Gary C.; Penaloza, David P.; Seery, Thomas A. P.; Pendergraph, Samuel A.; Rusling, James F.; Sotzing, Gregory A.

    2010-01-01

    We have achieved reversible tunability of local surface plasmon resonance in conjugated polymer functionalized gold nanoparticles. This property was facilitated by the preparation of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) containing polynorbornene brushes on gold nanoparticles via surface-initiated ring-opening metathesis polymerization. Reversible tuning of the surface plasmon band was achieved by electrochemically switching the EDOT polymer between its reduced and oxidized states. PMID:19839619

  17. Tin Oxynitride Anodes by Atomic Layer Deposition for Solid-State Batteries

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

    Stewart, David M.; Pearse, Alexander J.; Kim, Nam S.

    Major advances in thin-film solid-state batteries (TFSSBs) may capitalize on 3D structuring using high-aspect-ratio substrates such as nanoscale pits, pores, trenches, flexible polymers, and textiles. This will require conformal processes such as atomic layer deposition (ALD) for every active functional component of the battery. In this paper, we explore the deposition and electrochemical properties of SnO 2, SnN y, and SnO xN y thin films as TFSSB anode materials, grown by ALD using tetrakisdimethylamido(tin), H 2O, and N 2 plasma as precursors. By controlling the dose ratio between H 2O and N 2, the N–O fraction can be tuned betweenmore » 0% N and 95% N. The electrochemical properties of these materials were tested across a composition range varying from pure SnO 2, to SnON intermediates, and pure SnNy. In TFSSBs, the SnNy anodes are found to be more stable during cycling than the SnO 2 or SnO xN y films, with an initial reversible capacity beyond that of Li–Sn alloying, retaining 75% of their capacity over 200 cycles compared to only 50% for SnO 2. Lastly, the performance of the SnO xN y anodes indicates that SnN y anodes should not be negatively impacted by small levels of O contamination.« less

  18. One-pot sonochemical synthesis of magnetite@reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for high performance Li ion storage.

    PubMed

    Wu, Kaipeng; Liu, Diwei; Lu, Weiwei; Zhang, Kuibao

    2018-07-01

    In this research, we introduce a one-pot sonochemical method for the fabrication of magnetite@reduced graphene oxide (Fe 3 O 4 @rGO) nanocomposite as anode material for Li-ion batteries. Fe 3 O 4 @rGO is synthesized under ultrasonic irradiations by using iron (II) salt and GO as raw materials. An in-situ oxidation-reduction occurs between GO and Fe 2+ during the ultrasonic chemical reaction process. Fe 3 O 4 particles with the size of ∼20 nm are uniformly deposited on the surface of rGO nanosheets. The electrochemical activity of Fe 3 O 4 @rGO is systematically evaluated as an anode material in Li-ion battery. Li-ion cells using Fe 3 O 4 @rGO as electrode deliver high discharge and charge capacities of 1433.6 and 907.8 mAh g -1 in the initial cycle at 200 mA g -1 . Even performed at 500 and 5000 mA g -1 , it is able to deliver reversible capacities of 846.4 and 355.6 mAh g -1 , respectively, demonstrating outstanding Li-ion storage performance. This research presents a straightforward and efficient method for the fabrication of Fe 3 O 4 @rGO, which holds great potential in synthesis of other metal oxides on graphene sheets. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Tin Oxynitride Anodes by Atomic Layer Deposition for Solid-State Batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Stewart, David M.; Pearse, Alexander J.; Kim, Nam S.; ...

    2018-03-30

    Major advances in thin-film solid-state batteries (TFSSBs) may capitalize on 3D structuring using high-aspect-ratio substrates such as nanoscale pits, pores, trenches, flexible polymers, and textiles. This will require conformal processes such as atomic layer deposition (ALD) for every active functional component of the battery. In this paper, we explore the deposition and electrochemical properties of SnO 2, SnN y, and SnO xN y thin films as TFSSB anode materials, grown by ALD using tetrakisdimethylamido(tin), H 2O, and N 2 plasma as precursors. By controlling the dose ratio between H 2O and N 2, the N–O fraction can be tuned betweenmore » 0% N and 95% N. The electrochemical properties of these materials were tested across a composition range varying from pure SnO 2, to SnON intermediates, and pure SnNy. In TFSSBs, the SnNy anodes are found to be more stable during cycling than the SnO 2 or SnO xN y films, with an initial reversible capacity beyond that of Li–Sn alloying, retaining 75% of their capacity over 200 cycles compared to only 50% for SnO 2. Lastly, the performance of the SnO xN y anodes indicates that SnN y anodes should not be negatively impacted by small levels of O contamination.« less

  20. Polypyrrole-coated LiCoO2 nanocomposite with enhanced electrochemical properties at high voltage for lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cao, Jingchao; Hu, Guorong; Peng, Zhongdong; Du, Ke; Cao, Yanbing

    2015-05-01

    A conducting polypyrrole thin film is successfully coated onto the surface of LiCoO2 by a simple chemical polymerization method. The structure and morphology of pristine LiCoO2 and PPy-coated LiCoO2 are investigated by the techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) further demonstrate the existence of PPy. The electrochemical properties of the composites are investigated by galvanostatic charge-discharge test and AC impedance measurements, which show that the conductive PPy film on the surface significantly decrease the charge-transfer resistance of LiCoO2. The PPy-coated LiCoO2 exhibits a good electrochemical performance, showing initial discharge capacity of 182 mAh g-1 and retains 94.3% after 170 cycles. However, the retention of pristine LiCoO2 is only 83.5%. The rate capability results show that the reversible capacity retention (10C/0.2C) of LiCoO2 increases from 52.4% to 80.1% after being coated with PPy. The continuously coated thin PPy film is just like a capsule shell, which can protect the core (LiCoO2) from corrosion causing by the HF attacking and greatly reduce the dissolution of Co into electrolyte.

  1. Mitochondrial phenotype during torpor: Modulation of mitochondrial electron transport system in the Chilean mouse-opossum Thylamys elegans.

    PubMed

    Cortes, Pablo A; Bozinovic, Francisco; Blier, Pierre U

    2018-07-01

    Mammalian torpor is a phenotype characterized by a controlled decline of metabolic rate, generally followed by a reduction in body temperature. During arousal from torpor, both metabolic rate and body temperature rapidly returns to resting levels. Metabolic rate reduction experienced by torpid animals is triggered by active suppression of mitochondrial respiration, which is rapidly reversed during rewarming process. In this study, we analyzed the changes in the maximal activity of key enzymes related to electron transport system (complexes I, III and IV) in six tissues of torpid, arousing and euthermic Chilean mouse-opossums (Thylamys elegans). We observed higher maximal activities of complexes I and IV during torpor in brain, heart and liver, the most metabolically active organs in mammals. On the contrary, higher enzymatic activities of complexes III were observed during torpor in kidneys and lungs. Moreover, skeletal muscle was the only tissue without significant differences among stages in all complexes evaluated, suggesting no modulation of oxidative capacities of electron transport system components in this thermogenic tissue. In overall, our data suggest that complexes I and IV activity plays a major role in initiation and maintenance of metabolic suppression during torpor in Chilean mouse-opossum, whereas improvement of oxidative capacities in complex III might be critical to sustain metabolic machinery in organs that remains metabolically active during torpor. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Scaling Principles for Understanding and Exploiting Adhesion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Crosby, Alfred

    A grand challenge in the science of adhesion is the development of a general design paradigm for adhesive materials that can sustain large forces across an interface yet be detached with minimal force upon command. Essential to this challenge is the generality of achieving this performance under a wide set of external conditions and across an extensive range of forces. Nature has provided some guidance through various examples, e.g. geckos, for how to meet this challenge; however, a single solution is not evident upon initial investigation. To help provide insight into nature's ability to scale reversible adhesion and adapt to different external constraints, we have developed a general scaling theory that describes the force capacity of an adhesive interface in the context of biological locomotion. We have demonstrated that this scaling theory can be used to understand the relative performance of a wide range of organisms, including numerous gecko species and insects, as well as an extensive library of synthetic adhesive materials. We will present the development and testing of this scaling theory, and how this understanding has helped guide the development of new composite materials for high capacity adhesives. We will also demonstrate how this scaling theory has led to the development of new strategies for transfer printing and adhesive applications in manufacturing processes. Overall, the developed scaling principles provide a framework for guiding the design of adhesives.

  3. γ-Fe 2 O 3 Nanocrystalline Microspheres with Hybrid Behavior of Battery-Supercapacitor for Superior Lithium Storage

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

    Tian, Lei-Lei; Zhang, Ming-Jian; Wu, Chao

    Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanocrystalline microspheres (MNMs) self-assembled with 52 nm nanocrystals bridged with FeOOH around grain boundaries were formed by solvothermal reaction and thermal oxidation. The unique architecture endows the MNMs with the lithium storage behavior of a hybrid battery-supercapacitor electrode: initial charge capacity of 1060 mAh g–1 at the 100 mA g–1 rate, stable cyclic capacity of 1077.9 mAh g–1 at the same rate after 140 cycles, and rate capability of 538.8 mAh g–1 at 2400 mA g–1. This outstanding performance was attributed to the nanocrystal superiority, which shortens the Li+ diffusion paths. The mechanism of this hybrid anode materialmore » was investigated with experimental measurements and structural analysis. The results indicate that at the first discharge, the MNM nanocrystal microsphere, whose structure can buffer the volume change that occurs during lithiation/delithiation, goes through four stages: Li+ insertion in cation vacancies, spinel-to-rocksalt transformation, Li+ intercalation of Li1.75+xFe2O3 nanocrystals, and interfacial Li storage around nanocrystal boundaries. Only the latter two stages were reversible at and after the second charging/discharging cycle, exhibiting the hybrid behavior of a battery-supercapacitor with superior lithium storage.« less

  4. Synthesizing Porous NaTi2(PO4)3 Nanoparticles Embedded in 3D Graphene Networks for High-Rate and Long Cycle-Life Sodium Electrodes.

    PubMed

    Wu, Chao; Kopold, Peter; Ding, Yuan-Li; van Aken, Peter A; Maier, Joachim; Yu, Yan

    2015-06-23

    Sodium ion batteries attract increasing attention for large-scale energy storage as a promising alternative to the lithium counterparts in view of low cost and abundant sodium source. However, the large ion radius of Na brings about a series of challenging thermodynamic and kinetic difficulties to the electrodes for sodium-storage, including low reversible capacity and low ion transport, as well as large volume change. To mitigate or even overcome the kinetic problems, we develop a self-assembly route to a novel architecture consisting of nanosized porous NASICON-type NaTi2(PO4)3 particles embedded in microsized 3D graphene network. Such architecture synergistically combines the advantages of a 3D graphene network and of 0D porous nanoparticles. It greatly increases the electron/ion transport kinetics and assures the electrode structure integrity, leading to attractive electrochemical performance as reflected by a high rate-capability (112 mAh g(-1) at 1C, 105 mAh g(-1) at 5C, 96 mAh g(-1) at 10C, 67 mAh g(-1) at 50C), a long cycle-life (capacity retention of 80% after 1000 cycles at 10C), and a high initial Coulombic efficiency (>79%). This nanostructure design provides a promising pathway for developing high performance NASICON-type materials for sodium storage.

  5. Review of methods for measuring β-cell function: Design considerations from the Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE) Consortium.

    PubMed

    Hannon, Tamara S; Kahn, Steven E; Utzschneider, Kristina M; Buchanan, Thomas A; Nadeau, Kristen J; Zeitler, Philip S; Ehrmann, David A; Arslanian, Silva A; Caprio, Sonia; Edelstein, Sharon L; Savage, Peter J; Mather, Kieren J

    2018-01-01

    The Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE) study was initiated to evaluate interventions to slow or reverse the progression of β-cell failure in type 2 diabetes (T2D). To design the RISE study, we undertook an evaluation of methods for measurement of β-cell function and changes in β-cell function in response to interventions. In the present paper, we review approaches for measurement of β-cell function, focusing on methodologic and feasibility considerations. Methodologic considerations included: (1) the utility of each technique for evaluating key aspects of β-cell function (first- and second-phase insulin secretion, maximum insulin secretion, glucose sensitivity, incretin effects) and (2) tactics for incorporating a measurement of insulin sensitivity in order to adjust insulin secretion measures for insulin sensitivity appropriately. Of particular concern were the capacity to measure β-cell function accurately in those with poor function, as is seen in established T2D, and the capacity of each method for demonstrating treatment-induced changes in β-cell function. Feasibility considerations included: staff burden, including time and required methodological expertise; participant burden, including time and number of study visits; and ease of standardizing methods across a multicentre consortium. After this evaluation, we selected a 2-day measurement procedure, combining a 3-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and a 2-stage hyperglycaemic clamp procedure, augmented with arginine. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  6. Building organizational capacity for evidence use: the experience of two Canadian healthcare organizations.

    PubMed

    Humphries, Serena; Hampe, Tanis; Larsen, Derrick; Bowen, Sarah

    2013-01-01

    The use of evidence to inform decisions at the program level within healthcare organizations is a priority. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of an innovative collaboration between two Canadian healthcare organizations to build organizational capacity for evidence use in program planning, implementation, and evaluation. The lessons learned from the initiative suggest that other healthcare organizations would find the capacity-building strategies identified and developed through the initiative useful.

  7. Evaluating Training Programs for Primary Care Providers in Child/Adolescent Mental Health in Canada: A Systematic Review.

    PubMed

    Gotovac, Sandra; Espinet, Stacey; Naqvi, Reza; Lingard, Lorelei; Steele, Margaret

    2018-04-01

    The need for child/adolescent mental health care in Canada is growing. Primary care can play a key role in filling this gap, yet most providers feel they do not have adequate training. This paper reviews the Canadian literature on capacity building programs in child and adolescent psychiatry for primary care providers, to examine how these programs are being implemented and evaluated to contribute to evidence-based initiatives. A systematic literature review of peer-reviewed published articles of capacity building initiatives in child/adolescent mental health care for primary care practitioners that have been implemented in Canada. Sixteen articles were identified that met inclusion criteria. Analysis revealed that capacity building initiatives in Canada are varied but rigorous evaluation methodology is lacking. Primary care providers welcome efforts to increase mental health care capacity and were satisfied with the implementation of most programs. Objective conclusions regarding the effectiveness of these programs to increase mental health care capacity is challenging given the evaluation methodology of these studies. Rigorous evaluation methods are needed to make evidence-based decisions on ways forward to be able to build child/adolescent mental health care capacity in primary care. Outcome measures need to move beyond self-report to more objective measures, and should expand the measurement of patient outcomes to ensure that these initiative are indeed leading to improved care for families.

  8. Directed current in the Holstein system.

    PubMed

    Hennig, D; Burbanks, A D; Osbaldestin, A H

    2011-03-01

    We propose a mechanism to rectify charge transport in the semiclassical Holstein model. It is shown that localized initial conditions associated with a polaron solution, in conjunction with static electron on-site potential not having inversion symmetry, constitute minimal prerequisites for the emergence of a directed current in the underlying periodic lattice system. In particular, we demonstrate that for unbiased spatially localized initial conditions (constituted by kicked static polaron states), violation of parity prevents the existence of pairs of counterpropagating trajectories, thus allowing for a directed current despite the time reversibility of the equations of motion. Nevertheless, propagating polaron solutions associated with sets of unbiased localized initial conditions which eventually leave the region of localized initial conditions do not exhibit time reversibility. Since the initial conditions belonging to the corresponding counterpropagating, current-compensating polaron solutions are not contained in the set, this gives rise to the emergence of a current. Occurrence of long-range coherent charge transport is demonstrated.

  9. Effects of H ₂SO₄ and O ₂ on Hg⁰ uptake capacity and reversibility of sulfur-impregnated activated carbon under dynamic conditions.

    PubMed

    Wei, Yuanyang; Yu, Danqing; Tong, Shitang; Jia, Charles Q

    2015-02-03

    Powder activated carbon (AC) injection is widely considered as the most viable technology for removing gaseous elemental mercury (Hg(0)) in flue gases of coal-fired power plants. However, sulfuric acid (H2SO4) can form on the external and internal surfaces of AC particles due to the presence of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, oxygen, and moisture in flue gases. This work focuses on the effects of H2SO4 and O2 on the Hg(0) uptake capacity and reversibility of sulfur impregnated activated carbon (SIAC) under dynamic conditions. Experiments were conducted with 25 μg-Hg(0)/m(3) of nitrogen or air, using a semicontinuous flow fixed-bed reactor kept at 120 or 180 °C. H2SO4 had a profound hindering effect on Hg(0) uptake due to pore blockage. O2 significantly enhanced Hg(0) uptake and its reversibility, via the oxidation of Hg(0) which facilitated chemisorption and the subsequent physisorption onto chemically adsorbed Hg. Absorption of Hg in H2SO4 was unlikely a significant contributor, when Hg(0) concentrations were at levels of typical power plants (tens of ppb). The reversibility of and relative contributions of physisorption and chemisorption to Hg(0) uptake would change with Hg(0) concentrations in flue gases. These findings could be significant in developing a complete solution for Hg capture where the handling of spent sorbent materials and the possible secondary pollution need to be considered.

  10. Volunteered Cloud Computing for Disaster Management

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Evans, J. D.; Hao, W.; Chettri, S. R.

    2014-12-01

    Disaster management relies increasingly on interpreting earth observations and running numerical models; which require significant computing capacity - usually on short notice and at irregular intervals. Peak computing demand during event detection, hazard assessment, or incident response may exceed agency budgets; however some of it can be met through volunteered computing, which distributes subtasks to participating computers via the Internet. This approach has enabled large projects in mathematics, basic science, and climate research to harness the slack computing capacity of thousands of desktop computers. This capacity is likely to diminish as desktops give way to battery-powered mobile devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets) in the consumer market; but as cloud computing becomes commonplace, it may offer significant slack capacity -- if its users are given an easy, trustworthy mechanism for participating. Such a "volunteered cloud computing" mechanism would also offer several advantages over traditional volunteered computing: tasks distributed within a cloud have fewer bandwidth limitations; granular billing mechanisms allow small slices of "interstitial" computing at no marginal cost; and virtual storage volumes allow in-depth, reversible machine reconfiguration. Volunteered cloud computing is especially suitable for "embarrassingly parallel" tasks, including ones requiring large data volumes: examples in disaster management include near-real-time image interpretation, pattern / trend detection, or large model ensembles. In the context of a major disaster, we estimate that cloud users (if suitably informed) might volunteer hundreds to thousands of CPU cores across a large provider such as Amazon Web Services. To explore this potential, we are building a volunteered cloud computing platform and targeting it to a disaster management context. Using a lightweight, fault-tolerant network protocol, this platform helps cloud users join parallel computing projects; automates reconfiguration of their virtual machines; ensures accountability for donated computing; and optimizes the use of "interstitial" computing. Initial applications include fire detection from multispectral satellite imagery and flood risk mapping through hydrological simulations.

  11. Fabrication of hierarchically porous TiO2 nanofibers by microemulsion electrospinning and their application as anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jin; Cai, Yibing; Hou, Xuebin; Song, Xiaofei; Lv, Pengfei; Zhou, Huimin; Wei, Qufu

    2017-01-01

    Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanofibers have been widely applied in various fields including photocatalysis, energy storage and solar cells due to the advantages of low cost, high abundance and nontoxicity. However, the low conductivity of ions and bulk electrons hinder its rapid development in lithium-ion batteries (LIB). In order to improve the electrochemical performances of TiO 2 nanomaterials as anode for LIB, hierarchically porous TiO 2 nanofibers with different tetrabutyl titanate (TBT)/paraffin oil ratios were prepared as anode for LIB via a versatile single-nozzle microemulsion electrospinning (ME-ES) method followed by calcining. The experimental results indicated that TiO 2 nanofibers with the higher TBT/paraffin oil ratio demonstrated more axially aligned channels and a larger specific surface area. Furthermore, they presented superior lithium-ion storage properties in terms of specific capacity, rate capability and cycling performance compared with solid TiO 2 nanofibers for LIB. The initial discharge and charge capacity of porous TiO 2 nanofibers with a TBT/paraffin oil ratio of 2.25 reached up to 634.72 and 390.42 mAh·g -1 , thus resulting in a coulombic efficiency of 61.51%; and the discharge capacity maintained 264.56 mAh·g -1 after 100 cycles, which was much higher than that of solid TiO 2 nanofibers. TiO 2 nanofibers with TBT/paraffin oil ratio of 2.25 still obtained a high reversible capacity of 204.53 mAh·g -1 when current density returned back to 40 mA·g -1 after 60 cycles at increasing stepwise current density from 40 mA·g -1 to 800 mA·g -1 . Herein, hierarchically porous TiO 2 nanofibers have the potential to be applied as anode for lithium-ion batteries in practical applications.

  12. "It takes more than a fellowship program": reflections on capacity strengthening for health systems research in sub-Saharan Africa.

    PubMed

    Izugbara, Chimaraoke O; Kabiru, Caroline W; Amendah, Djesika; Dimbuene, Zacharie Tsala; Donfouet, Hermann Pythagore Pierre; Atake, Esso-Hanam; Ingabire, Marie-Gloriose; Maluka, Stephen; Mumah, Joyce N; Mwau, Matilu; Ndinya, Mollyne; Ngure, Kenneth; Sidze, Estelle M; Sossa, Charles; Soura, Abdramane; Ezeh, Alex C

    2017-12-04

    Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experiences an acute dearth of well-trained and skilled researchers. This dearth constrains the region's capacity to identify and address the root causes of its poor social, health, development, and other outcomes. Building sustainable research capacity in SSA requires, among other things, locally led and run initiatives that draw on existing regional capacities as well as mutually beneficial global collaborations. This paper describes a regional research capacity strengthening initiative-the African Doctoral Dissertation Research Fellowship (ADDRF) program. This Africa-based and African-led initiative has emerged as a practical and tested platform for producing and nurturing research leaders, strengthening university-wide systems for quality research training and productivity, and building a critical mass of highly-trained African scholars and researchers. The program deploys different interventions to ensure the success of fellows. These interventions include research methods and scientific writing workshops, research and reentry support grants, post-doctoral research support and placements, as well as grants for networking and scholarly conferences attendance. Across the region, ADDRF graduates are emerging as research leaders, showing signs of becoming the next generation of world-class researchers, and supporting the transformations of their home-institutions. While the contributions of the ADDRF program to research capacity strengthening in the region are significant, the sustainability of the initiative and other research and training fellowship programs on the continent requires significant investments from local sources and, especially, governments and the private sector in Africa. The ADDRF experience demonstrates that research capacity building in Africa is possible through innovative, multifaceted interventions that support graduate students to develop different critical capacities and transferable skills and build, expand, and maintain networks that can sustain them as scholars and researchers.

  13. Biological variability of transferrin saturation and unsaturated iron binding capacity

    PubMed Central

    Adams, PC; Reboussin, DM; Press, RD; Barton, JC; Acton, RT; Moses, GC; Leiendecker-Foster, C; McLaren, GD; Dawkins, FW; Gordeuk, VR; Lovato, L; Eckfeldt, JH

    2007-01-01

    Background Transferrin saturation is widely considered the preferred screening test for hemochromatosis. Unsaturated iron binding capacity has similar performance at lower cost. However, the within-person biological variability of both these tests may limit their ability at commonly used cut points to detect HFE C282Y homozygous patients. Methods The Hemochromatosis and Iron Overload Screening (HEIRS) Study screened 101,168 primary care participants for iron overload using tansferrin saturation, unsaturated iron binding capacity, ferritin and HFE C282Y and H63D genotyping. Transferrin saturation and unsaturated iron binding capacity were performed at initial screening and again when selected participants and controls returned for a clinical examination several months later. A missed case was defined as a C282Y homozygote who had transferrin saturation below cut point (45 % women, 50 % men) or unsaturated iron binding capacity above cut point (150 μmol/L women, 125 μmol/L men) at either the initial screening or clinical examination, or both, regardless of serum ferritin. Results There were 209 C282Y previously undiagnosed homozygotes with transferrin saturation and unsaturated iron binding capacity testing done at initial screening and clinical examination. Sixty-eight C282Y homozygotes (33%) would have been missed at these transferrin saturation cut points (19 men, 49 women, median SF 170 μg/L, first and third quartiles 50 and 474 μg/L), and 58 homozygotes (28 %) would have been missed at the unsaturated iron binding capacity cut points (20 men, 38 women, median SF 168 μg/L, quartiles 38 and 454 μg/L). There was no advantage to using fasting samples. Conclusions The within-person biological variability of transferrin saturation and unsaturated iron binding capacity limit their usefulness as an initial screening test for expressing C282Y homozygotes. PMID:17976429

  14. 78 FR 23768 - Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Initial Review

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-22

    ... announced below concerns Developing Research Capacity to Assess Health Effects Associated with Volcanic Emissions and other Environmental Exposures, Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) EH13- 002, Initial... applications received in response to ``Developing Research Capacity to Assess Health Effects Associated with...

  15. Young Adult Capacity Initiative Cross-Site Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Academy for Educational Development, 2012

    2012-01-01

    This cross-site analysis presents findings about the implementation, impact, and outcomes of the Young Adult Capacity Initiative (YACI), at 13 community-based organizations in New York City. These agencies received technical assistance and small incentive grants from the Fund for the City of New York Youth Development Institute (YDI) to build…

  16. Performance comparison of single-stage mixed-refrigerant Joule-Thomson cycle and reverse Brayton cycle for cooling 80 to 120 K temperature-distributed heat loads

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, H. C.; Chen, G. F.; Gong, M. Q.; Li, X.

    2017-12-01

    Thermodynamic performance comparison of single-stage mixed-refrigerant Joule-Thomson cycle (MJTR) and pure refrigerant reverse Brayton cycle (RBC) for cooling 80 to 120 K temperature-distributed heat loads was conducted in this paper. Nitrogen under various liquefaction pressures was employed as the heat load. The research was conducted under nonideal conditions by exergy analysis methods. Exergy efficiency and volumetric cooling capacity are two main evaluation parameters. Exergy loss distribution in each process of refrigeration cycle was also investigated. The exergy efficiency and volumetric cooling capacity of MJTR were obviously superior to RBC in 90 to 120 K temperature zone, but still inferior to RBC at 80 K. The performance degradation of MJTR was caused by two main reasons: The high fraction of neon resulted in large entropy generation and exergy loss in throttling process. Larger duty and WLMTD lead to larger exergy losses in recuperator.

  17. Confined Transformation Derived Ultrathin Titanate Nanosheets/ Graphene Films for Excellent Na/K Ion Storage.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Cheng; Xie, Fangxi; Yang, Xianfeng; Jaroniec, Mietek; Zhang, Lei; Qiao, Shizhang

    2018-05-02

    Confined transformation of assembled two-dimensional MXene (titanium carbide) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets was employed to prepare the free-standing films of the integrated ultrathin sodium titanate (NTO)/potassium titanate (KTO) nanosheets sandwiched between graphene layers. The ultrathin Ti-based nanosheets reduce the diffusion distance while rGO layers enhance conductivity. Incorporation of graphene into the titanate films produced efficient binder-free anodes for ion storage. The resulting NTO/rGO electrode for sodium ion batteries exhibited an excellent rate performance and long cycling stability characterized by reversible capacity of 72 mA h g-1 at 5 A g-1 after 10000 cycles. Moreover, flexible KTO/rGO electrode for potassium ion batteries maintained a reversible capacity of 75 mA h g-1 after 700 cycles at 2 A g-1. These results demonstrate the superiority of the unique sandwich-type electrodes. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  18. Antisite occupation induced single anionic redox chemistry and structural stabilization of layered sodium chromium sulfide

    DOE PAGES

    Shadike, Zulipiya; Zhou, Yong -Ning; Chen, Lan -Li; ...

    2017-08-30

    The intercalation compounds with various electrochemically active or inactive elements in the layered structure have been the subject of increasing interest due to their high capacities, good reversibility, simple structures and ease of synthesis. However, their reversible intercalation/deintercalation redox chemistries in all previous compounds involve a single cationic redox reaction or a cumulative cationic and anionic redox reaction. Here we report an anionic redox only chemistry and structural stabilization of layered sodium chromium sulfide. It is discovered that sulfur in sodium chromium sulfide is electrochemical active undergoing oxidation/reduction of sulfur rather than chromium. Significantly, sodium ions can successfully move outmore » and into without changing its lattice parameter c, which is explained in terms of the occurrence of chromium/sodium vacancy antisite during desodiation and sodiation processes. Here, our present work not only enriches the electrochemistry of layered intercalation compounds, but also extends the scope of investigation on high-capacity electrodes.« less

  19. Monodisperse Porous Silicon Spheres as Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Wei; Favors, Zachary; Ionescu, Robert; Ye, Rachel; Bay, Hamed Hosseini; Ozkan, Mihrimah; Ozkan, Cengiz S.

    2015-03-01

    Highly monodisperse porous silicon nanospheres (MPSSs) are synthesized via a simple and scalable hydrolysis process with subsequent surface-protected magnesiothermic reduction. The spherical nature of the MPSSs allows for a homogenous stress-strain distribution within the structure during lithiation and delithiation, which dramatically improves the electrochemical stability. To fully extract the real performance of the MPSSs, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were added to enhance the electronic conductivity within the composite electrode structure, which has been verified to be an effective way to improve the rate and cycling performance of anodes based on nano-Si. The Li-ion battery (LIB) anodes based on MPSSs demonstrate a high reversible capacity of 3105 mAh g-1. In particular, reversible Li storage capacities above 1500 mAh g-1 were maintained after 500 cycles at a high rate of C/2. We believe this innovative approach for synthesizing porous Si-based LIB anode materials by using surface-protected magnesiothermic reduction can be readily applied to other types of SiOx nano/microstructures.

  20. Antisite occupation induced single anionic redox chemistry and structural stabilization of layered sodium chromium sulfide

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

    Shadike, Zulipiya; Zhou, Yong -Ning; Chen, Lan -Li

    The intercalation compounds with various electrochemically active or inactive elements in the layered structure have been the subject of increasing interest due to their high capacities, good reversibility, simple structures and ease of synthesis. However, their reversible intercalation/deintercalation redox chemistries in all previous compounds involve a single cationic redox reaction or a cumulative cationic and anionic redox reaction. Here we report an anionic redox only chemistry and structural stabilization of layered sodium chromium sulfide. It is discovered that sulfur in sodium chromium sulfide is electrochemical active undergoing oxidation/reduction of sulfur rather than chromium. Significantly, sodium ions can successfully move outmore » and into without changing its lattice parameter c, which is explained in terms of the occurrence of chromium/sodium vacancy antisite during desodiation and sodiation processes. Here, our present work not only enriches the electrochemistry of layered intercalation compounds, but also extends the scope of investigation on high-capacity electrodes.« less

  1. Biphase-Interface Enhanced Sodium Storage and Accelerated Charge Transfer: Flower-Like Anatase/Bronze TiO2/C as an Advanced Anode Material for Na-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Chu, Chenxiao; Yang, Jing; Zhang, Qianqian; Wang, Nana; Niu, Feier; Xu, Xuena; Yang, Jian; Fan, Weiliu; Qian, Yitai

    2017-12-20

    Flower-like assembly of ultrathin nanosheets composed of anatase and bronze TiO 2 embedded in carbon is successfully synthesized by a simple solvothermal reaction, followed with a high-temperature annealing. As an anode material in sodium-ion batteries, this composite exhibits outstanding electrochemical performances. It delivers a reversible capacity of 120 mA h g -1 over 6000 cycles at 10 C. Even at 100 C, there is still a capacity of 104 mA h g -1 . Besides carbon matrix and hierarchical structure, abundant interfaces between anatase and bronze greatly enhance the performance by offering additional sites for reversible Na + storage and improving the charge-transfer kinetics. The interface enhancements are confirmed by discharge/charge profiles, rate performances, electrochemical impedance spectra, and first-principle calculations. These results offer a new pathway to upgrade the performances of anode materials in sodium-ion batteries.

  2. Preparation of a porous Sn@C nanocomposite as a high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Yanjun; Jiang, Li; Wang, Chunru

    2015-07-01

    A porous Sn@C nanocomposite was prepared via a facile hydrothermal method combined with a simple post-calcination process, using stannous octoate as the Sn source and glucose as the C source. The as-prepared Sn@C nanocomposite exhibited excellent electrochemical behavior with a high reversible capacity, long cycle life and good rate capability when used as an anode material for lithium ion batteries.A porous Sn@C nanocomposite was prepared via a facile hydrothermal method combined with a simple post-calcination process, using stannous octoate as the Sn source and glucose as the C source. The as-prepared Sn@C nanocomposite exhibited excellent electrochemical behavior with a high reversible capacity, long cycle life and good rate capability when used as an anode material for lithium ion batteries. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Detailed experimental procedure and additional characterization, including a Raman spectrum, TGA curve, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, TEM images and SEM images. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr03093e

  3. Enabling the high capacity of lithium-rich anti-fluorite lithium iron oxide by simultaneous anionic and cationic redox

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhan, Chun; Yao, Zhenpeng; Lu, Jun; Ma, Lu; Maroni, Victor A.; Li, Liang; Lee, Eungje; Alp, Esen E.; Wu, Tianpin; Wen, Jianguo; Ren, Yang; Johnson, Christopher; Thackeray, Michael M.; Chan, Maria K. Y.; Wolverton, Chris; Amine, Khalil

    2017-12-01

    Anionic redox reactions in cathodes of lithium-ion batteries are allowing opportunities to double or even triple the energy density. However, it is still challenging to develop a cathode, especially with Earth-abundant elements, that enables anionic redox activity for real-world applications, primarily due to limited strategies to intercept the oxygenates from further irreversible oxidation to O2 gas. Here we report simultaneous iron and oxygen redox activity in a Li-rich anti-fluorite Li5FeO4 electrode. During the removal of the first two Li ions, the oxidation potential of O2- is lowered to approximately 3.5 V versus Li+/Li0, at which potential the cationic oxidation occurs concurrently. These anionic and cationic redox reactions show high reversibility without any obvious O2 gas release. Moreover, this study provides an insightful guide to designing high-capacity cathodes with reversible oxygen redox activity by simply introducing oxygen ions that are exclusively coordinated by Li+.

  4. Monodisperse porous silicon spheres as anode materials for lithium ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Wang, Wei; Favors, Zachary; Ionescu, Robert; Ye, Rachel; Bay, Hamed Hosseini; Ozkan, Mihrimah; Ozkan, Cengiz S

    2015-03-05

    Highly monodisperse porous silicon nanospheres (MPSSs) are synthesized via a simple and scalable hydrolysis process with subsequent surface-protected magnesiothermic reduction. The spherical nature of the MPSSs allows for a homogenous stress-strain distribution within the structure during lithiation and delithiation, which dramatically improves the electrochemical stability. To fully extract the real performance of the MPSSs, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were added to enhance the electronic conductivity within the composite electrode structure, which has been verified to be an effective way to improve the rate and cycling performance of anodes based on nano-Si. The Li-ion battery (LIB) anodes based on MPSSs demonstrate a high reversible capacity of 3105 mAh g(-1). In particular, reversible Li storage capacities above 1500 mAh g(-1) were maintained after 500 cycles at a high rate of C/2. We believe this innovative approach for synthesizing porous Si-based LIB anode materials by using surface-protected magnesiothermic reduction can be readily applied to other types of SiOx nano/microstructures.

  5. Porous carbon-free SnSb anodes for high-performance Na-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Choi, Jeong-Hee; Ha, Choong-Wan; Choi, Hae-Young; Seong, Jae-Wook; Park, Cheol-Min; Lee, Sang-Min

    2018-05-01

    A simple melt-spinning/chemical-etching process is developed to create porous carbon-free SnSb anodes. Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) incorporating these anodes exhibit excellent electrochemical performances by accomodating large volume changes during repeated cycling. The porous carbon-free SnSb anode produced by the melt-spinning/chemical-etching process shows a high reversible capacity of 481 mAh g-1, high ICE of 80%, stable cyclability with a high capacity retention of 99% after 100 cycles, and a fast rate capability of 327 mAh g-1 at 4C-rate. Ex-situ X-ray diffraction and high resolution-transmission electron microscopy analyses demonstrate that the synthesized porous carbon-free SnSb anodes involve the highly reversible reaction with sodium through the conversion and recombination reactions during sodiation/desodiation process. The novel and simple melt-spinning/chemical-etching synthetic process represents a technological breakthrough in the commercialization of Na alloy-able anodes for SIBs.

  6. Separation of aromatic carboxylic acids using quaternary ammonium salts on reversed-phase HPLC. 1. Separation behavior of aromatic carboxylic acids

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

    Kawamura, K.; Okuwaki, A.; Verheyen, T.

    In order to develop separation processes and analytical methods for aromatic carboxylic acids for the coal oxidation products, the separation behavior of aromatic carboxylic acids on a reversed-phase HPLC using eluent containing quaternary ammonium salt has been investigated. The retention mechanism of aromatic carboxylic acids was discussed on the basis of both ion-pair partition model and ion-exchange model. The retention behavior of aromatic carboxylic acids possessing one (or two) carboxylic acid group(s) followed the ion-pair partition model, where linear free energy relationship was observed between the capacity factor and the extraction equilibrium constants of benzoic acid and naphthalene carboxylic acid.more » Besides, the retention behavior followed ion-exchange model with increasing the number of carboxylic acids, where the capacity factor of benzene polycarboxylic acids is proportional to the association constants between aromatic acids and quaternary ammonium ions calculated on the basis of an electrostatic interaction model.« less

  7. Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous Li2FeSiO4/C composite as a high performance cathode for advanced lithium ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ding, Zhengping; Liu, Jiatu; Ji, Ran; Zeng, Xiaohui; Yang, Shuanglei; Pan, Anqiang; Ivey, Douglas G.; Wei, Weifeng

    2016-10-01

    Li2MSiO4 (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, et al.) has received great attention because of the theoretical possibility to reversibly deintercalate two Li+ ions from the structure. However, the silicates still suffer from low electronic conductivity, sluggish lithium ion diffusion and structural instability upon deep cycling. In order to solve these problems, a "hard-soft" templating method has been developed to synthesize three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) Li2FeSiO4/C composites. The 3DOM Li2FeSiO4/C composites show a high reversible capacity (239 mAh g-1) with ∼1.50 lithium ion insertion/extraction, a capacity retention of nearly 100% after 420 cycles and excellent rate capability. The enhanced electrochemical performance is ascribed to the interconnected carbon framework that improves the electronic conductivity and the 3DOM structure that offers short Li ion diffusion pathways and restrains volumetric changes.

  8. Calorimetric evidence for two distinct molecular packing arrangements in stable glasses of indomethacin.

    PubMed

    Kearns, Kenneth L; Swallen, Stephen F; Ediger, M D; Sun, Ye; Yu, Lian

    2009-02-12

    Indomethacin glasses of varying stabilities were prepared by physical vapor deposition onto substrates at 265 K. Enthalpy relaxation and the mobility onset temperature were assessed with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Quasi-isothermal temperature-modulated DSC was used to measure the reversing heat capacity during annealing above the glass transition temperature Tg. At deposition rates near 8 A/s, scanning DSC shows two enthalpy relaxation peaks and quasi-isothermal DSC shows a two-step change in the reversing heat capacity. We attribute these features to two distinct local packing structures in the vapor-deposited glass, and this interpretation is supported by the strong correlation between the two calorimetric signatures of the glass to liquid transformation. At lower deposition rates, a larger fraction of the sample is prepared in the more stable local packing. The transformation of the vapor-deposited glasses into the supercooled liquid above Tg is exceedingly slow, as much as 4500 times slower than the structural relaxation time of the liquid.

  9. Areal Mass Oscillations in Planar Targets Due to Feedout: Theory and Simulations.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Velikovich, A. L.; Schmitt, A. J.; Karasik, M.; Obenschain, S. P.; Serlin, V.; Pawley, C. J.; Gardner, J. H.; Aglitskiy, Y.; Metzler, N.

    2001-10-01

    When a planar shock wave breaks out at a rippled rear surface of a laser-driven target, the lateral pressure gradient in a rippled rarefaction wave propagating back to the front surface causes a lateral mass redistribution that reverses the phase of mass variation. If the driving laser pulse has no foot, then the RT growth, starting when the rarefaction wave reaches the front surface, causes the second phase reversal of mass variation, and continues at the initial phase, as consistently observed in feedout experiments on Nike. A foot of the laser pulse can cause an early phase reversal of mass variation, making the strong shock wave driven by the main pulse interact with a density variation in a rippled rarefaction wave rather than with static rear surface ripples. Theory and simulations predict that this interaction can make the phase of mass variation reverse one or three times. Then the phase of the RT growing mode would be opposite to that of the initial mass variation.

  10. Reversing Implicit First Impressions through Reinterpretation after a Two-Day Delay

    PubMed Central

    Mann, Thomas C.; Ferguson, Melissa J.

    2016-01-01

    People are adept at forming impressions of others, but how easily can impressions be updated? Although implicit first impressions have been characterized as difficult to overturn, recent work shows that they can be reversed through reinterpretation of earlier learning. However, such reversal has been demonstrated only in the same experimental session in which the impression formed, suggesting that implicit updating might be possible only within a brief temporal window, before impressions are consolidated and when memory about the initial information is strongest. Implicit impressions may be unable to be revised when reinterpreting details are learned later, due to memory consolidation or forgetting of the details to be reinterpreted. This study tested whether implicit first impressions can be reversed through reinterpretation after a two-day delay following the initial formation. Results showed that implicit revision emerged after the delay, even among those with poor explicit recall or who were not cued to recall. We discuss implications for theory on impression formation and updating. PMID:28017977

  11. Reversing Implicit First Impressions through Reinterpretation after a Two-Day Delay.

    PubMed

    Mann, Thomas C; Ferguson, Melissa J

    2017-01-01

    People are adept at forming impressions of others, but how easily can impressions be updated? Although implicit first impressions have been characterized as difficult to overturn, recent work shows that they can be reversed through reinterpretation of earlier learning. However, such reversal has been demonstrated only in the same experimental session in which the impression formed, suggesting that implicit updating might be possible only within a brief temporal window, before impressions are consolidated and when memory about the initial information is strongest. Implicit impressions may be unable to be revised when reinterpreting details are learned later, due to memory consolidation or forgetting of the details to be reinterpreted. This study tested whether implicit first impressions can be reversed through reinterpretation after a two-day delay following the initial formation. Results showed that implicit revision emerged after the delay, even among those with poor explicit recall or who were not cued to recall. We discuss implications for theory on impression formation and updating.

  12. The energetic ion signature of an O-type neutral line in the geomagnetic tail

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Martin, R. F., Jr.; Johnson, D. F.; Speiser, T. W.

    1991-01-01

    An energetic ion signature is presented which has the potential for remote sensing of an O-type neutral line embedded in a current sheet. A source plasma with a tailward flowing Kappa distribution yields a strongly non-Kappa distribution after interacting with the neutral line: sharp jumps, or ridges, occur in the velocity space distribution function f(nu-perpendicular, nu-parallel) associated with both increases and decreases in f. The jumps occur when orbits are reversed in the x-direction: a reversal causing initially earthward particles (low probability in the source distribution) to be observed results in a decrease in f, while a reversal causing initially tailward particles to be observed produces an increase in f. The reversals, and hence the jumps, occur at approximately constant values of perpendicular velocity in both the positive nu parallel and negative nu parallel half planes. The results were obtained using single particle simulations in a fixed magnetic field model.

  13. Sustainability of NGO capacity building in southern Africa: successes and opportunities.

    PubMed

    Humphries, Debbie; Gomez, Ligia; Hartwig, Kari

    2011-01-01

    Despite an increase in organizational capacity building efforts by external organizations in low and middle income countries, the documentation of these efforts and their effects on health programs and systems remains limited. This paper reviews key frameworks for considering sustainability of capacity building and applies these frameworks to an evaluation of the sustainability of an AIDS non-governmental organization (NGO) capacity building initiative. From 2004-2007 Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation's Secure the Future(TM) initiative in southern Africa funded a five country program, the NGO Training Institute (NGOTI), to build capacity of NGOs working to address HIV/AIDS. Lessons learned from this project include issues of ownership, the importance of integrating planning for sustainability within capacity-building projects, and the value of identifying primary capacity-building objectives in order to select sustainability strategies that are focused on maintaining program benefits. Sustainability for capacity building projects can be developed by discussing key issues early in the planning process with all primary stakeholders. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  14. A Host-Configured Lithium-Sulfur Cell Built on 3D Nickel Photonic Crystal with Superior Electrochemical Performances.

    PubMed

    Lin, Shengxuan; Yan, Yang; Cai, Zihe; Liu, Lin; Hu, Xiaobin

    2018-04-18

    The insulator of the sulfur cathode and the easy dendrites growth of the lithium anode are the main barriers for lithium-sulfur cells in commercial application. Here, a 3D NPC@S/3D NPC@Li full cell is reported based on 3D hierarchical and continuously porous nickel photonic crystal (NPC) to solve the problems of sulfur cathode and lithium anode at the same time. In this case, the 3D NPC@S cathode can not only offer a fast transfer of electron and lithium ion, but also effectively prevent the dissolution of polysulfides and the tremendous volume change during cycling, and the 3D NPC@Li anode can efficiently inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites and volume expansion, too. As a result, the cell exhibits a high reversible capacity of 1383 mAh g -1 at 0.5 C (the current density of 837 mA g -1 ), superior rate ability (the reversible capacity of 735 mAh g -1 at the extremely high current density of 16 750 mA g -1 ) with excellent coulombic efficiency of about 100% and an excellent cycle life over 500 cycles with only about 0.026% capacity loss per cycle. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  15. Hybrid of Co(3)Sn(2)@Co nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped graphene as a lithium ion battery anode.

    PubMed

    Mahmood, Nasir; Zhang, Chenzhen; Liu, Fei; Zhu, Jinghan; Hou, Yanglong

    2013-11-26

    A facile strategy was designed for the fabrication of hybrid of Co3Sn2@Co nanoparticles (NPs) and nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) sheets through a hydrothermal synthesis, followed by annealing process. Core-shell architecture of Co3Sn2@Co pin on NG is designed for the dual encapsulation of Co3Sn2 with adaptable ensembles of Co and NG to address the structural and interfacial stability concerns facing tin-based anodes. In the resulted unique architecture of Co3Sn2@Co-NG hybrid, the sealed cobalt cover prevents the direct exposer of Sn with electrolyte because of encapsulated structure and keeps the structural and interfacial integrity of Co3Sn2. However, the elastically strong, flexible and conductive NG overcoat accommodates the volume changes and therefore brings the structural and electrical stabilization of Co3Sn2@Co NPs. As a result, Co3Sn2@Co-NG hybrid exhibits extraordinary reversible capacity of 1615 mAh/g at 250 mA/g after 100 cycles with excellent capacity retention of 102%. The hybrid bears superior rate capability with reversible capacity of 793.9 mAh/g at 2500 mA/g and Coulombic efficiency nearly 100%.

  16. Pushing the Limits: 3D Layer-by-Layer-Assembled Composites for Cathodes with 160 C Discharge Rates.

    PubMed

    Mo, Runwei; Tung, Siu On; Lei, Zhengyu; Zhao, Guangyu; Sun, Kening; Kotov, Nicholas A

    2015-05-26

    Deficiencies of cathode materials severely limit cycling performance and discharge rates of Li batteries. The key problem is that cathode materials must combine multiple properties: high lithium ion intercalation capacity, electrical/ionic conductivity, porosity, and mechanical toughness. Some materials revealed promising characteristics in a subset of these properties, but attaining the entire set of often contrarian characteristics requires new methods of materials engineering. In this paper, we report high surface area 3D composite from reduced graphene oxide loaded with LiFePO4 (LFP) nanoparticles made by layer-by-layer assembly (LBL). High electrical conductivity of the LBL composite is combined with high ionic conductivity, toughness, and low impedance. As a result of such materials properties, reversible lithium storage capacity and Coulombic efficiency were as high as 148 mA h g(-1) and 99%, respectively, after 100 cycles at 1 C. Moreover, these composites enabled unusually high reversible charge-discharge rates up to 160 C with a storage capacity of 56 mA h g(-1), exceeding those of known LFP-based cathodes, some of them by several times while retaining high content of active cathode material. The study demonstrates that LBL-assembled composites enable resolution of difficult materials engineering tasks.

  17. Learning Curve for Seawater Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plants: Capital Cost Trend of the Past, Present, and Future

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Caldera, Upeksha; Breyer, Christian

    2017-12-01

    Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination is expected to play a pivotal role in helping to secure future global water supply. While the global reliance on SWRO plants for water security increases, there is no consensus on how the capital costs of SWRO plants will vary in the future. The aim of this paper is to analyze the past trends of the SWRO capital expenditures (capex) as the historic global cumulative online SWRO capacity increases, based on the learning curve concept. The SWRO capex learning curve is found based on 4,237 plants that came online from 1977 to 2015. A learning rate of 15% is determined, implying that the SWRO capex reduced by 15% when the cumulative capacity was doubled. Based on SWRO capacity annual growth rates of 10% and 20%, by 2030, the global average capex of SWRO plants is found to fall to 1,580 USD/(m3/d) and 1,340 USD/(m3/d), respectively. A learning curve for SWRO capital costs has not been presented previously. This research highlights the potential for decrease in SWRO capex with the increase in installation of SWRO plants and the value of the learning curve approach to estimate future SWRO capex.

  18. Inosine and 2'-deoxyinosine and their synthetic analogues: lipophilicity in the relation to their retention in reversed-phase liquid chromatography and the stability characteristics.

    PubMed

    Novotny, L; Abdel-Hamid, M; Hamza, H

    2000-12-01

    The purines and among them inosine synthetic nucleoside derivatives and analogues belong to a group of compounds to which the attention is being paid because of their biological activities. Relationships of their various parameters are being investigated because of their effect on biological (antineoplastic, virostatic, immunosuppressive) properties. Hydrophobicity parameters expressed as the logarithm of the partition coefficient (log P) and the capacity factor k' for naturally occurring inosine, 2'-deoxyinosine, 2'-deoxyadenosine and 2'-deoxyguanosine and for inosine synthetic analogues 5'-deoxyinosine, 5'-chloro-5'-deoxyinosine and 2',3'-dideoxyinosine were measured. The effect of methanol percentage in the mobile phase and its pH on the retention of the studied compounds in a reversed-phase system was also examined. There was a good correlation between the lipophilicity expressed as log P and capacity factor k'. It was also determined that dissociation has a marginal effect on capacity factor k' in this group of nucleoside derivatives as the k' values were almost unchanged at various pH of the mobile phase used. The stability of the all investigated compounds was investigated in basic, neutral and acidic conditions. The values of the reaction constant k1 were calculated and effects of nucleoside structural characteristic on stability are discussed.

  19. Dehydrogenation kinetics and reversibility of LiAlH4-LiBH4 doped with Ti-based additives and MWCNT

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thaweelap, Natthaporn; Utke, Rapee

    2016-11-01

    Dehydrogenation kinetics and reversibility of LiAlH4-LiBH4 doped with Ti-based additives (TiCl3 and Ti-isopropoxide), multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), and MWCNT impregnated with Ti-based additives are proposed. Reduction of dehydrogenation temperature as well as improvements of kinetics and reversibility, especially decomposition of thermodynamically stable hydride (LiBH4) is obtained from the samples doped with Ti-isopropoxide and MWCNT. This can be due to the fact that the formations of LixAl(1-x)B2 and LiH-Al containing phase during dehydrogenation favor decomposition of LiH, leading to increment of hydrogen capacity, and stabilization of boron in solid state, resulting in improvement of reversibility. Besides, the curvatures and thermal conductivity of MWCNT benefit hydrogen diffusion and heat transfer during de/rehydrogenation. Nevertheless, deficient hydrogen content reversible is observed in all samples due to the irreversible of LiAlH4 and/or Li3AlH6 as well as the formation of stable phase (Li2B12H12) during de/rehydrogenation.

  20. Correlating Lithium Hydroxyl Accumulation with Capacity Retention in V2O5 Aerogel Cathodes.

    PubMed

    Wangoh, Linda W; Huang, Yiqing; Jezorek, Ryan L; Kehoe, Aoife B; Watson, Graeme W; Omenya, Fredrick; Quackenbush, Nicholas F; Chernova, Natasha A; Whittingham, M Stanley; Piper, Louis F J

    2016-05-11

    V2O5 aerogels are capable of reversibly intercalating more than 5 Li(+)/V2O5 but suffer from lifetime issues due to their poor capacity retention upon cycling. We employed a range of material characterization and electrochemical techniques along with atomic pair distribution function, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional theory to determine the origin of the capacity fading in V2O5 aerogel cathodes. In addition to the expected vanadium redox due to intercalation, we observed LiOH species that formed upon discharge and were only partially removed after charging, resulting in an accumulation of electrochemically inactive LiOH over each cycle. Our results indicate that the tightly bound water that is necessary for maintaining the aerogel structure is also inherently responsible for the capacity fade.

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