Lithium Superionic Conduction in BH4 -Substituted Thiophosphate Solid Electrolytes.

Compared with conventional liquid electrolytes, solid electrolytes can better improve the safety properties and achieve high-energy-density Li-ion batteries. Sulfide-based solid electrolytes have attracted significant attention owing to their high ionic conductivities, which are comparable to those of their liquid counterparts. Among them, Li thiophosphates, including Li-argyrodites, are widely studied. In this study, Li thiophosphate solid electrolytes containing BH4 - anions are prepared via a simple and fast milling method even without heat treatment. The synthesized materials exhibit a high ionic conductivity of up to 11 mS cm-1 at 25 °C, which is much higher than reported values. To elucidate the mechanism behind, the thiophosphate local structure, whose effect on the ionic conductivity remains unclear to date, is investigated. Raman and solid-state NMR spectroscopies are performed to identify the thiophosphate local structure in the sulfide samples. Based on the analysis results, the ratios of the different thiophosphate units in the prepared electrolyte samples are determined. It is found that the thiophosphate local structure can be varied by changing the amount of LiBH4 and the milling conditions, which significantly impact the ionic conductivity. The all-solid-state cell with the prepared solid electrolyte exhibits superior cycle and rate performances.

Scalable Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Porous Si-CoSi2-C Composites as an Anode for Li-ion Batteries.

Si-based anodes for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are considered to be an attractive alternative to graphite due to their higher capacity, but they have low electrical conductivity and degrade mechanically during cycling. In the current study, we report on a mass-producible porous Si-CoSi2-C composite as a high-capacity anode material for LIBs. The composite was synthesized with two-step milling followed by a simple chemical etching process. The material conversion and porous structure were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The electrochemical test results demonstrated that the Si-CoSi2-C composite electrode exhibits greatly improved cycle and rate performance compared with conventional Si-C composite electrodes. These results can be ascribed to the role of CoSi2 and inside pores. The CoSi2 synthesized in situ during high-energy mechanical milling can be well attached to the Si; its conductive phase can increase electrical connection with the carbon matrix and the Cu current collectors; and it can accommodate Si volume changes during cycling. The proposed synthesis strategy can provide a facile and cost-effective method to produce Si-based materials for commercial LIB anodes.

Diabetes management experience of middle-aged persons with type 1 diabetes.

AIM: For middle-aged persons with type 1 diabetes, diabetes management is essential due to the natural effects of middle age. However, studies investigating how such individuals manage their diabetes are lacking. This study aimed to explore diabetes management experiences of middle-aged individuals with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Data were collected through in-depth interviews with six middle-aged persons with diabetes. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was used for the analysis of the data. RESULTS: The following four themes emerged: "familiarity with but no control over type 1 diabetes", "embodiment of one's unique management of type 1 diabetes", "control of one's mindset regarding diabetes management despite a limited scope of activity", and "accepting ownership of self-management and continued management to the best of one's ability." A core theme was "living silently like robots dreaming of true freedom from type 1 diabetes." CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that nurses should provide education, embracing the experience in diabetes management through trial and error among persons with type 1 diabetes.

Process of Diabetes Management in Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes.

This study investigated diabetes management processes among young adults with type 1 diabetes applying the grounded theory method. A total of 15 young adults, with an average age of 29 years, with type 1 diabetes were selected through theoretical sampling between November 2016 and October 2018. Data collected through in-depth interviews were analyzed using the constant comparative method. The core category of this study was defined as "living in a standardized frame." Participants managed diabetes through the trial-and-error process in addition to selective restriction or selective minimization. They restricted their diet, physical activity, social interactions, and range of thoughts, often following passive and avoidant strategies. Consequently, nurses are in a critical position to assist diabetic individuals via support programs and take the lead in mitigating social prejudice.