High entropy liquid electrolytes for lithium batteries.

High-entropy alloys/compounds have large configurational entropy by introducing multiple components, showing improved functional properties that exceed those of conventional materials. However, how increasing entropy impacts the thermodynamic/kinetic properties in liquids that are ambiguous. Here we show this strategy in liquid electrolytes for rechargeable lithium batteries, demonstrating the substantial impact of raising the entropy of electrolytes by introducing multiple salts. Unlike all liquid electrolytes so far reported, the participation of several anionic groups in this electrolyte induces a larger diversity in solvation structures, unexpectedly decreasing solvation strengths between lithium ions and solvents/anions, facilitating lithium-ion diffusivity and the formation of stable interphase passivation layers. In comparison to the single-salt electrolytes, a low-concentration dimethyl ether electrolyte with four salts shows an enhanced cycling stability and rate capability. These findings, rationalized by the fundamental relationship between entropy-dominated solvation structures and ion transport, bring forward high-entropy electrolytes as a composition-rich and unexplored space for lithium batteries and beyond.

Entropy-Driven Liquid Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries.

Developing liquid electrolytes with higher kinetics and enhanced interphase stability is one of the key challenges for lithium batteries. However, the poor solubility of lithium salts in solvents sets constraints that compromises the electrolyte properties. Here, it is shown that introducing multiple salts to form a high-entropy solution, alters the solvation structure, which can be used to raise the solubility of specific salts and stabilize electrode-electrolyte interphases. The prepared high-entropy electrolytes significantly enhance the cycling and rate performance of lithium batteries. For lithium-metal anodes the reversibility exceeds 99%, which extends the cycle life of batteries even under aggressive cycling conditions. For commercial batteries, combining a graphite anode with a LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 cathode, more than 1000 charge-discharge cycles are achieved while maintaining a capacity retention of more than 90%. These performance improvements with respect to regular electrolytes are rationalized by the unique features of the solvation structure in high-entropy electrolytes. The weaker solvation interaction induced by the higher disorder results in improved lithium-ion kinetics, and the altered solvation composition leads to stabilized interphases. Finally, the high-entropy, induced by the presence of multiple salts, enables a decrease in melting temperature of the electrolytes and thus enables lower battery operation temperatures without changing the solvents.

Splenectomy with endotherapy in non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis related portal hypertension: Can it be an alternative to proximal spleno-renal shunt?

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Proximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS) is usually done in symptomatic non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF). The outcomes of splenectomy with endotherapy in non-bleeder NCPF patients has not been well studied. We here by aimed to study the post-surgical outcomes on short and long-term basis between PSRS and splenectomy among non-bleeder NCPF patients. METHODS: The consecutive non-bleeder NCPF patients whom underwent either splenectomy or PSRS from 2008 to 2016 were enrolled. The patients were followed up post-surgery clinically and biochemical investigations, Doppler ultrasound and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were done as required. The peri-operative parameters compared were operative time, blood loss, hospital stay and morbidity. The long-term outcome measures compared were incidence of portal hypertension (PHTN) related bleed, change in grade of varices, shunt patency, shunt complications and thrombosis of spleno-portal axis. RESULTS: Among 40 patients with non-bleeder status, 24 underwent splenectomy and 16 underwent PSRS. The baseline characteristics including indication of surgery, biochemical investigations and grade of varices were comparable between PSRS and splenectomy. The peri-operative morbidity was not significantly different between two groups. The median follow up duration was 42 months (12-72 months), the decrement in grade of varices was significantly higher in PSRS group (p=0.03), symptomatic PHTN related UGIB was non-significant between PSRS and splenectomy (p=0.5). In PSRS group, 3 (18.3%) patients had shunt thrombosis (n=1) & encephalopathy (n=2) while in splenectomy group two patients developed thrombosis of splenoportal axis. CONCLUSIONS: Splenectomy with endotherapy is alternative to PSRS in non-bleeder NCPF patients with indications for surgery.

Does IgG4 level evaluation in pancreatic mass play role in avoiding major surgery in uncertain presentation: A case report.

A 66-year-old male presented with chief complaints of anorexia associated with mild dull, intermittent epigastric pain for 6 months. The patient was a known diabetic on oral hypoglycemic and on routine checkup was found to have deranged liver function profile. On radiology, an ill-defined hypoechoic enhancing lesion involving head, neck, and uncinate process of pancreas was noted. Whipple's pancreaticodudenectomy was done and reported as IgG4-related autoimmune pancreatitis. Later, IgG (slightly) and IgG4 were found to be markedly raised. We report this case to highlight the importance of IgG4 evaluation prior to major surgery in uncertain pancreatic mass.

Nickel@Siloxene catalytic nanosheets for high-performance CO2 methanation.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are of considerable interest for catalyzing the heterogeneous conversion of CO2 to synthetic fuels. In this regard, 2D siloxene nanosheets, have escaped thorough exploration, despite being composed of earth-abundant elements. Herein we demonstrate the remarkable catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability of a nickel@siloxene nanocomposite; it is found that this promising catalytic performance is highly sensitive to the location of the nickel component, being on either the interior or the exterior of adjacent siloxene nanosheets. Control over the location of nickel is achieved by employing the terminal groups of siloxene and varying the solvent used during its nucleation and growth, which ultimately determines the distinct reaction intermediates and pathways for the catalytic CO2 methanation. Significantly, a CO2 methanation rate of 100 mmol gNi-1 h-1 is achieved with over 90% selectivity when nickel resides specifically between the sheets of siloxene.

Laparoscopic excision of the choledochal cyst in adult patients: An experience.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision (LCCE) in adult patients is not common. AIMS: The aim is to report our experience of LCCE in adult patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study includes a retrospective review of twenty adult patients (age >18 years) with choledochal cyst (CC) who underwent LCCE by a single surgical team from February 2011 to April 2016. RESULTS: The mean age was 45.5 years. Nineteen (95%) patients had Type-I CC, and one patient (5%) had Type-IV CC (Todani's classification). Fifteen patients (75%) presented with pain in the abdomen, and five patients (25%) presented with jaundice and/or cholangitis. LCCE was successful in 16 (80%) patients, whereas four patients (20%) required conversion to open method. The reason for conversion was technical difficulty due to the initial learning curve, adhesion and inflammation. The mean blood loss, operation time and post-operative stay were 117.5 ml, 299.5 min and 8.15 days, respectively. Bilioenteric anastomosis leak and formation of pseudoaneurysm occurred in one patient (5%); this patient later died due to uncontrolled intra-abdominal haemorrhage. There were no remote complications during a mean follow-up of 17.2 months. CONCLUSION: LCCE in adult patients is safe and feasible, but bilioenteric anastomosis leak may have fatal consequences.