ABSTRACT
Solid-state lithium batteries are promising and safe energy storage devices for mobile electronics and electric vehicles. In this work, we report a facile in situ polymerization of 1,3-dioxolane electrolytes to fabricate integrated solid-state lithium batteries. The in situ polymerization and formation of solid-state dioxolane electrolytes on interconnected carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and active materials is the key to realizing a high-performance battery with excellent interfacial contact among CNTs, active materials and electrolytes. Therefore, the electrodes could be tightly integrated into batteries through the CNTs and electrolyte. Electrons/ions enable full access to active materials in the whole electrode. Electrodes with a low resistance of 4.5â Ω â¡-1 and high lithium-ion diffusion efficiency of 2.5×10-11 â cm2 s-1 can significantly improve the electrochemical kinetics. Subsequently, the batteries demonstrated high energy density, amazing charge/discharge rate and long cycle life.
ABSTRACT
The use of magnetic particles and carbon materials, particularly those with compatible dielectric and magnetic loss, is crucial in managing microwave pollution. However, the mismatched impedance of currently available absorbers constrains their practical applications. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of a metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived composite whose impedance matching is optimized through spraying and immersion of MOF precursors in carbon nanotube socks followed by carbonization. The composite presents extremely strong microwave absorption with a reflection loss of -30 dB, a thin thickness of 1.5 mm, and a wide frequency bandwidth of 7.8 GHz. The excellent absorption can still be maintained even at a fairly low temperature of -40 °C. Such results are primarily attributed to the synergistic effect between the hierarchical architecture and multiple components that greatly optimizes the impedance matching. We believe that the composite is a promising microwave absorber that can help to solve the critical electromagnetic wave pollution.
ABSTRACT
Lithium (Li) metal is promising in the next-generation energy storage systems. However, its practical application is still hindered by the poor cycling performance and serious safety issues for the consequence of dendritic Li. Herein, a dendrite-free Li/carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid is proposed, which is fabricated by direct coating molten Li on CNTs, for Li-metal batteries. The favorable thermodynamic and kinetic conditions are the powerful force to drive the rapid lift upwards and infusion of molten Li into CNTs network, which is the key to form a uniform metallic layer in Li/CNTs hybrid. The obtained hybrid indicates super-stable functions even at an ultrahigh current density of 40 mA cm-2 for 2000 cycles with a stripping/plating capacity of 2 mAh cm-2 in symmetric cells. Subsequently, this hybrid also demonstrates a significantly decreased resistance, excellent cycling stability at high current density and flexibility in the full Li-S battery. This work provides valuable concepts in fabricating Li anodes toward Li-metal batteries and beyond for their high-level services.
ABSTRACT
Tungsten oxide nanoparticles with high dispersion supported on carbon nanotube (CNT) templates were fabricated by the liquid phase method. Given the isolation effects of the network from CNT bundles, the nano-size H2WO4 and WO3 can be obtained. The photodegradation ability of the WO3/CNTs was evaluated by methylene blue (MB). The degradation rate of MB can reach 94.7% for 30 min, which is superior to that of pure WO3 at 73.1% for 30 min. Furthermore, the degradation rate of the catalyst can reach 83.7% after recycling for five times, thus displaying the excellent stability of the photocatalyst. These results may be attributed to the highly dispersed WO3 nanoparticles and the suppression of electron-hole recombination by CNT templates. This study proves that WO3/CNT photocatalysts have potential applications in environmental and other related fields.
ABSTRACT
Alpha-/beta-dystroglycans (DG) located at the outmost layer of myelin sheath play a critical role in its formation and stability in the peripheral nerve system. The demyelination of nerve fibers is present in autoimmune neuritis, however, it is not known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this pathological process. In an animal model of experimental autoimmune neuritis, we observed that beta-DG cleavage was associated with the demyelination of peripheral nerves. The neuritis and beta-DG cleavage were accompanied by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/-9 over-expressions and attenuated by captopril, a MMP inhibitor. The blockade of MMPs also improves clinical signs. Our results reveal a crucial role of MMP-mediated beta-DG cleavage in autoimmune neuritis, such as Guillain-Barre' syndrome, and bring insights into therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases.
