Nanorod and nanoparticle shells in concentration gradient core-shell lithium oxides for rechargeable lithium batteries.

The structure, electrochemistry, and thermal stability of concentration gradient core-shell (CGCS) particles with different shell morphologies were evaluated and compared. We modified the shell morphology from nanoparticles to nanorods, because nanorods can result in a reduced surface area of the shell such that the outer shell would have less contact with the corrosive electrolyte, resulting in improved electrochemical properties. Electron microscopy studies coupled with electron probe X-ray micro-analysis revealed the presence of a concentration gradient shell consisting of nanoparticles and nanorods before and after thermal lithiation at high temperature. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction data and the chemical analysis results showed no variations of the lattice parameters and chemical compositions of both produced CGCS particles except for the degree of cation mixing (or exchange) in Li and transition metal layers. As anticipated, the dense nanorods present in the shell gave rise to a high tap density (2.5 g cm(-3) ) with a reduced pore volume and surface area. Intimate contact among the nanorods is likely to improve the resulting electric conductivity. As a result, the CGCS Li[Ni0.60 Co0.15 Mn0.25 ]O2 with the nanorod shell retained approximately 85.5% of its initial capacity over 150 cycles in the range of 2.7-4.5 V at 60 °C. The charged electrode consisting of Li0.16 [Ni0.60 Co0.15 Mn0.25 ]O2 CGCS particles with the nanorod shell also displayed a main exothermic reaction at 279.4 °C releasing 751.7 J g(-1) of heat. Due to the presence of the nanorod shell in the CGCS particles, the electrochemical and thermal properties are substantially superior to those of the CGCS particles with the nanoparticle shell.

Posterior interosseous artery perforator-free flap: treating intermediate-size hand and foot defects.

INTRODUCTION: Ambiguous defects on the hand and foot, especially on the fingers and toes, are still challenging to treat despite achievements in reconstruction. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of the posterior interosseous artery perforator flap for resurfacing intermediate-sized defects and provide adequate coverage over tendons and bones. METHOD: Between October 2008 and March 2013, a total of 19 patients with soft-tissue defects on the hand or foot were treated. Flap elevation, anatomy, and clinical progress were evaluated. RESULT: All flaps survived and covered the defects, which ranged in area from 12 to 45 cm(2). The freestyle approach was used to harvest the flaps. The average length of the pedicle was 2.5 cm, and the pedicle was harvested without affecting the source vessel. The average diameter of the artery was 0.8 mm, and the average thickness of the flap was 3.5 mm. Anastomosis was performed either end-to-end on the perforator, or end-to-side on deep vessels. No subsequent thinning or surgical flap correction was necessary. Ambulation was allowed at 3 days postsurgery. The donor site was closed primarily to leave an acceptable donor site. DISCUSSION: A posterior interosseous artery perforator-free flap is a suitable choice for intermediate-size defects that are too large to cover using a local flap or too small for a first-line perforator flap. Up to 45 cm(2) of adequate coverage can be provided using a thin posterior interosseous artery perforator-free flap that does not require additional debulking. The disadvantages of a short pedicle can be overcome using perforator-to-perforator supermicrosurgery.

Progress in High-Capacity Core-Shell Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries.

High-energy-density rechargeable batteries are needed to fulfill various demands such as self-monitoring analysis and reporting technology (SMART) devices, energy storage systems, and (hybrid) electric vehicles. As a result, high-energy electrode materials enabling a long cycle life and reliable safety need to be developed. To ensure these requirements, new material chemistries can be derived from combinations of at least two compounds in a secondary particle with varying chemical composition and primary particle morphologies having a core-shell structure and spherical cathode-active materials, specifically a nanoparticle core and shell, nanoparticle core and nanorod shell, and nanorod core and shell. To this end, several layer core-shell cathode materials were developed to ensure high capacity, reliability, and safety.

Comparison of nanorod-structured Li[Ni0.54 Co0.16 Mn0.30 ]O2 with conventional cathode materials for Li-ion batteries.

We successfully synthesized a safe, high-capacity cathode material specifically engineered for EV applications with a full concentration gradient (FCG) of Ni and Co ions at a fixed Mn content throughout the particles. The electrochemical and thermal properties of the FCG Li[Ni(0.54)Co(0.16)Mn(0.30)]O2 were evaluated and compared to those of conventional Li[Ni(0.5) Co(0.2) Mn(0.3)]O2 and Li[Ni(1/3)Co(1/3)Mn(1/3)]O2 materials. It was found that the FCG Li[Ni(0.54)Co(0.16)Mn(0.30)]O2 demonstrated a higher discharge capacity and a superior lithium intercalation stability compared to Li[Ni(0.5) Co(0.2)Mn(0.3)]O2 and Li[Ni(1/3)Co(1/3)Mn(1/3)]O2 over all of the tested voltage ranges. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and transition-metal dissolution demonstrate that the microstructure of primary particle with rod-shaped morphology plays an important role in reducing metal dissolution, which thereby decreases the charge transfer resistance as a result of stabilization of the host structure.

Nanostructured high-energy cathode materials for advanced lithium batteries.

Nickel-rich layered lithium transition-metal oxides, LiNi(1-x)M(x)O(2) (M = transition metal), have been under intense investigation as high-energy cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries because of their high specific capacity and relatively low cost. However, the commercial deployment of nickel-rich oxides has been severely hindered by their intrinsic poor thermal stability at the fully charged state and insufficient cycle life, especially at elevated temperatures. Here, we report a nickel-rich lithium transition-metal oxide with a very high capacity (215 mA h g(-1)), where the nickel concentration decreases linearly whereas the manganese concentration increases linearly from the centre to the outer layer of each particle. Using this nano-functional full-gradient approach, we are able to harness the high energy density of the nickel-rich core and the high thermal stability and long life of the manganese-rich outer layers. Moreover, the micrometre-size secondary particles of this cathode material are composed of aligned needle-like nanosize primary particles, resulting in a high rate capability. The experimental results suggest that this nano-functional full-gradient cathode material is promising for applications that require high energy, long calendar life and excellent abuse tolerance such as electric vehicles.

Reducing donor site morbidity when reconstructing the nipple using a composite nipple graft.

BACKGROUND: Numerous procedures are available for nipple reconstruction without a single gold standard. This study presents a method for reducing donor-site morbidity in nipple reconstruction using a composite nipple graft after transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap breast reconstruction. METHODS: Thirty-five patients who underwent nipple reconstruction using a composite nipple graft technique between July of 2001 and December of 2009 were enrolled in this study. To reduce the donor site morbidity, the superior or superior-medial half dome harvesting technique was applied preserving the lateral cutaneous branch of the fourth intercostal nerves. The patients were asked to complete a previously validated survey to rate the color and projection of both nipples, along with the sensation and contractility of the donor nipple; and whether, in retrospect, they would undergo the procedure again. To compare projection, we performed a retrospective chart review of all the identifiable patients who underwent nipple reconstruction using the modified top hat flap technique by the same surgeon and during the same period. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were identified who underwent nipple reconstruction using a composite nipple graft. Of those, 29 patients (82.9%) responded to the survey. Overall, we received favorable responses to the donor site morbidity. Projection at postoperative 6 months and 1 year was compared with the immediate postoperative results, as well as with the results of nipples reconstructed using the modified top hat flap. CONCLUSIONS: The technique used to harvest donor tissue is important. Preserving innervation of the nipple while harvesting can reduce donor site morbidity.