Modulate synthesis of CeMn solid solution using various alcohols for toluene catalytic oxidation: synergistic effect of Ce-Mn and reaction mechanism.

A redox co-precipitation method was employed to synthesize CeMn homogeneous solid solutions, utilizing various alcohols as activating agents. Ethanol effectively orchestrated the precipitation of CeO2 and MnOx, promoting their co-growth. As a result, the CeMn-EA achieved 90 % toluene conversion at 218 â„ƒ (T90 =218 â„ƒ) with a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 48000 ml/(g·h). It also demonstrated high adaptability to increased WHSV, suggesting its potential for industrial-scale applications. The uniform dispersion of Ce and Mn accelerated the coupling between Ce3+/Ce4+ and Mn4+/Mn3+, engineering numerous oxygen vacancies, which enhanced the activation of gas-phase oxygen and the mobility of lattice oxygen. In situ DRIFTS confirmed that toluene oxidation accommodated both Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) and Mars-van Krevelen (MvK) mechanisms, with benzoate identified as a pivotal intermediate. Enhanced oxygen mobility facilitated the cleavage of the benzene ring, which was the rate-determining step. Additionally, the introduction of H2O significantly enhanced the dissociation and adsorption of toluene and facilitated the activation of gas-phase oxygen. At higher temperatures, H2O could further activate lattice oxygen engaging in toluene oxidation. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have emerged as major air pollutants due to the changes in air pollution patterns. They can act as precursors to near-surface ozone and haze. Toluene, a typical VOC, is primarily released from anthropogenic sources and poses significant risks to human health and the environment. Ce-based catalysts have been demonstrated efficiency in toluene oxidation due to their excellent oxygen storage and release properties. This study synthesized CeMn homogeneous solid solutions utilizing various alcohols as activating agents, which possessed abundant oxygen vacancies and optimum oxygen activation capacity to oxidize toluene in time.

Impact of Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Endometritis on Outcomes Before Starting Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Retrospective Study.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of diagnosis and treatment of chronic endometritis (CE) on the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART) with or without repeated implantation failure (RIF). This retrospective analysis included patients who underwent pathological examination for diagnosis of CE at Yamagata University Hospital. The examination was performed for all patients planned for ART with or without RIF. Patients who were examined within 6 months of the first oocyte retrieval or embryo transfer were included. We counted the number of CD138-positive cells within the endometrial stroma in patients' specimens and analyzed the patients' clinical information. Clinical rates of pregnancy and implantation were determined. A total of 80 women met the inclusion criteria: 13 CE-negative patients (17.3%) and 67 CE-positive patients (83.7%). A significant decrease was noted in the CD138-positive cell count between the first biopsy and second biopsy after CE treatment (p < 0.001). In addition, no significant differences were noted in ongoing pregnancy rates between the CE-negative patients and those who underwent CE treatment. The CD138-positive cell counts at first biopsy tended to be lower in each pregnancy group than in the non-pregnancy group. For patients planned to undergo ART, examination for diagnosis of CE with or without RIF could be considered. Pathological CD138-positive cell counts were considered useful for CE diagnosis and treatment decision-making. The study findings suggest the efficacy of antimicrobial agents in CE treatment, contributing to improved pregnancy outcomes.

Exploring Sintered Fe-(Ce, Nd)-B with High Degree of Cerium Substitution as Potential Gap Magnet.

The more effective use of readily available Ce in FeNdB sintered magnets is an important step towards more resource-efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective permanent magnets. These magnets have the potential to bridge the gap between high-performance FeNdB and hard ferrite magnets. However, for higher degrees of cerium substitution (>25%), the magnetic properties deteriorate due to the lower intrinsic magnetic properties of Fe14Ce2B and the formation of the Laves phase Fe2Ce in the grain boundaries. In this paper, sintered magnets with the composition Fe70.9-(CexNd1-x)18.8-B5.8-M4.5 (M = Co, Ti, Al, Ga, and Cu; with Ti, Al, Ga, and Cu less than 2.0 at% in total and Cobal; x = 0.5 and 0.75) were fabricated and analyzed. It was possible to obtain coercive fields for higher degrees of Ce substitution, which previous commercially available magnets have only shown for significantly lower degrees of Ce substitution. For x = 0.5, coercivity, remanence, and maximum energy product of µ0Hc = 1.29 T (Hc = 1026 kA/m), Jr = 1.02 T, and (BH)max = 176.5 kJ/m3 were achieved at room temperature for x = 0.75 µ0Hc = 0.72 T (Hc = 573 kA/m), Jr = 0.80 T, and (BH)max = 114.5 kJ/m3, respectively.

Investigation of Grain Boundary Effects in Sm0.2Ce0.8O2-x Thin Film Memristors.

Cerium-based materials (CeO2-x) are of significant interest in the development of vacancy-modulated resistive switching (RS) memory devices. However, the influence of grain boundaries on the performance of memristors is very limited. To fill this gap, this study explores the influence of grain boundaries in cerium-based thin film resistive random-access memory (RRAM) devices. Sm0.2Ce0.8O2-x (SDC20) thin films were deposited on (100)-oriented Nb-doped SrTiO3 (NSTO) and (110)-oriented NSTO substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Devices constructed with a Pt/SDC20/NSTO structure exhibited reversible and stable bipolar resistive switching (RS) behavior. The differences in conduction mechanisms between single-crystal and polycrystalline devices were confirmed, with single-crystal devices displaying a larger resistance window and higher stability. Combining the results of XPS and I-V curve fitting, it was confirmed that defects near the grain boundaries in the SDC-based memristors capture electrons, thereby affecting the overall performance of the RRAM devices.

Modification of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Extruded AZ91-0.4Ce Magnesium Alloy through Addition of Ca.

The effect of the addition of alkali earth element Ca on the microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded AZ91-0.4Ce-xCa (x = 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2 wt.%) alloys was studied by using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and tensile tests. The results showed that the addition of Ca could significantly refine the second phase and grain size of the extruded AZ91-0.4Ce alloy. The refinement effect was most obvious when 0.8 wt.% of Ca was added, and the recrystallized grain size was 4.75 µm after extrusion. The addition of Ca resulted in the formation of a spherical Al2Ca phase, which effectively suppressed the precipitation of the ß-Mg17Al12 phase, promoted dynamic recrystallization and grain refinement, impeded dislocation motion, and exerted a positive influence on the mechanical properties of the alloy. The yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and elongation (EL) of the AZ91-0.4Ce-0.8Ca alloy were 238.7 MPa, 338.3 MPa, and 10.8%, respectively.

Study of Concentration Quenching and Energy Transfer Mechanism in Ce Doped Y2O3 Nanomaterials.

We study concentration quenching and energy transfer mechanisms of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanomaterials doped with different concentrations (0-5 mol%) of cerium (Ce). Photoluminescence (PL) spectra recorded under an excitation wavelength of 350 nm show a broad emission band at ∼ 406 nm and a feeble emission band at ∼ 463 nm in the undoped Y2O3 sample. The doping of Ce in Y2O3 induced multiple PL peaks within the blue-green region of the spectrum in all the doped samples with the peak at ∼ 466 nm being notably the prominent one. This prominent emission band exhibits a decrease in intensity with increasing Ce concentration due to concentration quenching. Analysis of Time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectra reveal that the average emission lifetime of Ce-doped Y2O3 is shorter than that of the undoped Y2O3 sample. The concentration quenching effect and the decrease of average emission lifetime of the dominant emission band are explained on the basis of energy transfer from the host Y2O3 to the Ce3+ ion centres. The critical quenching concentration of Ce3+ ion in Y2O3:Ce phosphor was identified to be 1 mol% and the critical transfer distance was estimated to be 23.74 Å. Analysis reveal that the concentration quenching mechanism involves nearest-neighbour interaction.

Efficient separation of organic anions in beverages using aminosilane-functionalized capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detection.

BACKGROUND: Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has the advantage of rapid anion analysis, when employing a reverse electroosmotic flow (EOF). The conventional CE method utilizes dynamic coatings with surfactants like cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in the run buffer to reverse the EOF. However, this method suffers from very slow equilibration leading to drifting effective migration times of the analyte anions, which adversely affects the identification and quantification of peaks. Permanent coating of the capillary surface may obviate this problem but has been relatively little explored. Thus, permanent capillary surface modification by the covalent binding of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) was studied as an alternative. RESULTS: This study investigates the effect of APTES concentration for surface functionalization on EOF mobility, separation efficiency, and reproducibility of anion separation. The performance data was complemented by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle (CA) measurements. The XPS measurements showed that the coverage with APTES was dependent on its concentration in the coating solution. The XPS measurements correlated well with the EOF values determined for the capillaries tested. A standard mixture of 21 anions could be baseline separated within 10 min in the capillaries with lower EOF, but not in the capillary with the highest EOF as the residence time of the analytes was too short in this case. Compared to conventional dynamic coating with CTAB, APTES-functionalized capillaries provide faster equilibration and long-term EOF stability. The application of APTES-functionalized capillaries in analyzing different beverages demonstrates the precision, reliability, and specificity in determining organic anions, providing valuable insights of their compositions. SIGNIFICANCE: APTES coating on capillaries provides a facile approach to achieve a permanent reversal of the stable EOF to determine anions. The control of the coverage via the concentration of the reagent solution allows the tailoring of the EOF to different needs, a faster EOF for less complex samples where resolution is not challenging, while a lower EOF for higher complex samples where the focus is on separation efficiency. This enhancement in efficiency and sensitivity has been applied to analyzing organic acids in several beverages.

The Impact of Human Cystic Echinococcosis in the Central Asian Region, 1990-2019.

Objective: This research aims to update knowledge on the regional and national sickness burden attributable to cystic echinococcosis (CE) from 1990 to 2019, as well as epidemiology and disease control, with a particular emphasis on the People's Central Asian Regions. Methods: We calculated the morbidity, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years at the global, regional, and national levels for CE in all central Asian countries from 1990 to 2019, and we analyzed the association between GDP per capita and the disease burden of CE. Results: In 2019, the three greatest numbers of CE cases were recorded in Kazakhstan [23986; 95% uncertainty interval (UI); 19796; 28908]; Uzbekistan (41079; 18351; 76048); and Tajikistan (10887; 4891; 20170) among all 9 countries. The three countries with the greatest ASIR of CE were estimated to be Kazakhstan (127.56; 95% UI: 105.34-153.8), Uzbekistan (123.53; 95% UI: 58.65-219.16), and Tajikistan (121.88; 58.57-213.93). Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan had the biggest increases (125%, 97%, and 83%, respectively) in the number of incident cases of CE, whereas Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Armenia saw the largest decreases (45%, 8%, and 3%, respectively). Conclusion: To reduce the illness burden caused by CE, our findings may help public health professionals and policymakers design cost-benefit initiatives. To lessen the impact of CE on society, it is suggested that more money be given to the region's most endemic nations. Echinococcosis, cystic, negative health effects, life-years lost due to disability, rate of occurrence as a function of age, rate of death as a function of age.

Comparison of capillary electrophoresis-based methods for the analytical characterization of purity and stability of in vitro transcribed mRNA.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is rapidly growing as a therapeutic modality for vaccination and the treatment of a wide range of diseases. As a result, there is an increased demand for mRNA-based analytical methods capable of assessing purity and stability, which are considered critical quality attributes (CQAs). In recent decades capillary electrophoresis (CE) has emerged alongside liquid chromatography (LC) as an important tool for the assessment of purity and stability of mRNA therapeutics. CE offers a variety of advantages over conventional LC or gel-based analytical methods, including reduced injection volume, increased resolution, and increased separation efficiency. In this study we compared CE-based analytical methods: the Agilent RNA 6000 Nano Kit, the Revvity RNA Reagent Kit, the Sciex RNA 9000 Purity and Integrity Kit, and the Agilent HS RNA Kit. These methods were evaluated on their vendor-recommended instruments: the Bioanalyzer, LabChip GXII, PA800 Plus, and Fragment Analyzer, respectively. We assessed the ability of these methods to measure mRNA integrity, purity, and stability. Furthermore, several parameters for each method were also assessed: selectivity, precision, resolution, analysis time, and ease of use. Based on our results, all four methods are suitable for use in the characterization of in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA, depending on the intended application. The Sciex RNA 9000 Purity and Integrity kit method achieved the highest selectivity and resolving power compared with the other methods, making it the most suitable for high-resolution, in-depth sample characterization. In comparison, the Agilent RNA 6000 Nano Kit, Revvity RNA Reagent Kit, and Agilent HS RNA Kit achieved lower selectivity and resolution, but their faster analysis times make them more suitable for high-throughput and screening applications.

Bio-Sprayed/Threaded Microalgae Remain Viable and Indistinguishable from Controls.

Microalgae are increasingly playing a significant role in many areas of research and development. Recent studies have demonstrated their ability to aid wound healing by their ability to generate oxygen, aiding the healing process. Bearing this in mind, the capability to spray/spin deposit microalgae in suspension (solution) or compartmentalize living microalgae within architectures such as fibers/scaffolds and beads, would have significance as healing mechanisms for addressing a wide range of wounds. Reconstructing microalgae-bearing architectures as either scaffolds or beads could be generated via electric field (bio-electrospraying and cell electrospinning) and non-electric field (aerodynamically assisted bio-jetting/threading) driven technologies. However, before studying the biomechanical properties of the generated living architectures, the microalgae exposed to these techniques must be interrogated from a molecular level upward first, to establish these techniques, have no negative effects brought on the processed microalgae. Therefore these studies, demonstrate the ability of both these jetting and threading technologies to directly handle living microalgae, in suspension or within a polymeric suspension, safely, and form algae-bearing architectures such as beads and fibers/scaffolds.

Micro-Inclusion Engineering via Sc Incompatibility for Luminescence and Photoconversion Control in Ce3+-Doped Tb3Al5-xScxO12 Garnet.

Aluminum garnets display exceptional adaptability in incorporating mismatching elements, thereby facilitating the synthesis of novel materials with tailored properties. This study explored Ce3+-doped Tb3Al5-xScxO12 crystals (where x ranges from 0.5 to 3.0), revealing a novel approach to control luminescence and photoconversion through atomic size mismatch engineering. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the coexistence of garnet and perovskite phases, with Sc substitution significantly influencing the garnet lattice and induced A1g mode softening up to Sc concentration x = 2.0. The Sc atoms controlled sub-eutectic inclusion formation, creating efficient light scattering centers and unveiling a compositional threshold for octahedral site saturation. This modulation enabled the control of energy transfer dynamics between Ce3+ and Tb3+ ions, enhancing luminescence and mitigating quenching. The Sc admixing process regulated luminous efficacy (LE), color rendering index (CRI), and correlated color temperature (CCT), with adjustments in CRI from 68 to 84 and CCT from 3545 K to 12,958 K. The Ce3+-doped Tb3Al5-xScxO12 crystal (where x = 2.0) achieved the highest LE of 114.6 lm/W and emitted light at a CCT of 4942 K, similar to daylight white. This approach enables the design and development of functional materials with tailored optical properties applicable to lighting technology, persistent phosphors, scintillators, and storage phosphors.

The current alternative for ocular surface and anophthalmic socket reconstruction, cryopreserved umbilical amniotic membrane (cUAM).

PURPOSE: This report presents the results of using cryopreserved umbilical amniotic membrane (cUAM) as an alternative mucosal graft for ocular surface reconstruction in cases of anophthalmic socket contracture (ASC), cicatricial entropion (CE), and conjunctival-scleral defects. METHODS: The study included patients who underwent non-commercial implantation of cUAM grafts (prepared by corneal banking methods) for ASC, CE, conjunctival defect, and scleral melting. The main success criteria for this study were the comfortable fitting of the ocular prosthesis in ASC patients, the natural eyelid position in CE patients, and the degree of conjunctivalisation in melting patients. RESULTS: cUAM transplantation was performed in 2 patients who could not use a prosthetic eye due to conjunctival contracture, 2 patients with CE, and 1 patient with conjunctival defect and 1 patient with conjunctival-scleral melting. The primary outcome was achieved in 83.3% (5/6) of patients. In one patient with CE, partial healing was achieved due to the persistence of CE in the medial upper eyelid. CONCLUSIONS: cUAM is a viable alternative to mucosal grafting for reconstructing the bulbar and palpebral conjunctival surface, fornix, and orbit, with reduced donor morbidity and shorter surgical time. Its regenerative ability allows for tissue defect healing and improves cosmetic appearance through epithelialization within weeks.

A patient with anti-f in India identified by extensive immunohematologic workup.

Anti-f is produced by exposure to the compound antigen ce (f) on red blood cells (RBCs), expressed when both c and e are present on the same protein (cis position). Although anti-f was discovered in 1953, there are few cases reported worldwide because the presence of anti-f is often masked by anti-c or anti-e and is not generally found as a single antibody. In the present case, anti-f was identified by using three-cell screening and 11-cell identification panels. The identification of anti-f was further supported by additional testing, including (1) Rh antigen typing; (2) antibody identification panels (enzyme-treated panel [ficin] and an in-house-constructed Rh panel); (3) look-back and phenotyping of donor RBC units, which were responsible for alloimmunization; and (4) molecular testing of the patient's RBCs.

Simultaneous removal of naphthalene and NOx over V-Ce/Ti catalyst: Design of separated active sites for naphthalene degradation and SCR reaction.

V-Ce/Ti catalysts were prepared for the removal of naphthalene and NOx in the flue gas. The adverse effects of NH3 and NO on the naphthalene degradation were weakened on V-Ce/Ti, resulting in a decrease of only 2.5 % in COx selectivity. The formation of high molecular weight byproducts was also reduced. Besides the acid sites on the catalysts, Ce introduced new Brønsted basic sites, which could also adsorb and degrade naphthalene into naphthol effectively. With the separated active sites for naphthalene degradation and NO removal, the reaction between NH3 and the intermediates during the naphthalene degradation was also inhibited, decreasing the formation and accumulation of phthalimide. The oxidation of the intermediates was promoted by active V5+ introduced by Ce, inhibiting the transformation of the intermediates to higher molecular weight byproducts. Nearly 100 % conversion of naphthalene and NO, as well as 40.1 % of the COx selectivity were obtained on V-Ce/Ti.

Investigation on the control of inclusions and tensile strength in Ce-treated P110-grade oil casing steel.

This research added rare Earth elements Ce to the P110-grade oil casing steel to reveal their influence on the inclusions and tensile properties. The content of cerium in the steel varied from 0 to 452 ppm. Based on the classical thermodynamic calculation, the predominance diagram of Re-containing inclusions in P110-grade steel was obtained. The evolution route of the inclusions composition with the increasing cerium content in the steel was xCaO⋅yAl2O3 → Al2O3-CeAlO3 → Ce2O3-CeAlO3 → Ce2O3-Ce2O2S → Ce2O2S, which agreed well with the thermodynamic analysis. As the cerium content at 235 ppm, the size of Ce containing inclusions has a minimal size at 2.82 µm. Suitable Ce content can modify the big-size xCaO⋅yAl2O3 inclusions into small-size Re-containing inclusions. The results demonstrate that the tensile performance of this steel can be improved as the cerium content increases from 0 to 235 ppm. However, once the cerium content exceeds 235 ppm, further increases in cerium content led to a decline in performance. The experimental results shows that the presence of large-sized Ce2O2S inclusions and the change of microstructure, will lead to the decrease in tensile performance.

Engineering "three-in-one" fluorescent nanozyme of Ce-Au NCs for on-site visual detection of Hg2.

Hg2+ contamination poses a serious threat to the environment and human health. Although gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) have been utilized as fluorescence probes or colorimetric nanozymes for performing Hg2+ assays by using a single method, designing multifunctional nanoclusters as fluorescent nanozyme remains challenging. Herein, Ce-aggregated gold nanoclusters (Ce-Au NCs) were reported with "three in one" functions to generate strong fluorescence, excellent peroxidase-like activity, and the highly specific recognition of Hg2+ via its metallophilic interaction. A portable fluorescence and colorimetric dual-mode sensing device based on Ce-Au NCs was developed for on-site visual analysis of Hg2+. In the presence of Hg2+, fluorescence was effectively quenched and the paper-based chips gradually darkened from green till they became completely absent, while peroxidase-like activity was significantly enhanced. Two independent signals were captured by one identification unit, which provided self-validation to improve reliability and accuracy. Therefore, this work presents a simple synthesis of a multifunctional fluorescent nanozyme, and the developed portable device for on-site visual detection has considerable potential for application in the rapid on-site analysis of heavy metal ions in the environment.

DNA typing of cyanoacrylate fumed latent fingerprints using GlobalFiler™ and ForenSeq™ Signature Prep kits.

DNA typing of latent fingerprints is highly desirable to increase chances of individualization. We recovered DNA from Cyanoacrylate (CA) fumed fingerprints and used both GlobalFiler™ and ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kits for DNA typing. For GlobalFiler™, samples were processed using a protocol modified for Low Template (LT)-DNA samples (half-volume reactions, 30 cycles) while for ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep, samples were processed using a standard protocol and fluorometer-based library quantitation. We evaluated genotyping success and quality of profiles in terms of completeness, Peak Height Ratio/Allele Coverage Ratio, presence of PCR artifacts and drop-in alleles. With GlobalFiler™, average autosomal STR (aSTR) profile completeness was 44.4% with 2-20 pg, 54.3% with 22-60 pg, and 95% with 64-250 pg DNA input. CODIS uploadable profiles were obtained in 2/10, 3/11, and 11/12 samples in these ranges. With ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep, average aSTR profile completeness was 19.7% with 1-20 pg and 45.2% with 22-47 pg but increased to 78.3% with 68-122 pg and 86.7% with 618-1000 pg DNA input. Uploadable profiles were obtained in 0/12, 4/11, 4/7, and 3/3 samples for these ranges. Results show very high sensitivity using both kits. Half-volume reactions and 30 cycles had minimal negative effect on Globalfiler™ profile quality, providing support for wider use after validation experiments to routinely improve results from LT samples. A standard protocol for the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit was also highly successful with LT DNA obtained from CA-fumed fingerprints with additional information from isometric STR alleles and other markers.

Non-contrast preoperative MRI for determining renal perfusion and visualizing renal arteries in potential living kidney donors at 1.5 Tesla.

Background: The aim of this work was to create and evaluate a preoperative non-contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/angiography (MRA) protocol to assess renal function and visualize renal arteries and any abnormalities in potential living kidney donors. Methods: In total, 28 subjects were examined using scintigraphy to determine renal function. In addition, 3D-pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL), a 2D-non-CE electrocardiogram-triggered radial quiescent interval slice-selective (QISS-MRA), and 4D-CE time-resolved angiography with interleaved stochastic trajectories (CE-MRA) were performed to assess renal perfusion, visualize renal arteries and detect any abnormalities. Two glomerular filtration rates [described by Gates (GFRG) and according to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula (GFRCKD-EPI)]. The renal volumes were determined using both MRA techniques. Results: The mean value of regional renal blood flow (rRBF) on the right side was significantly higher than that on the left. The agreements between QISS-MRA and CE-MRA concerning the assessment of absence or presence of an aberrant artery and renal arterial stenosis were perfect. The mean renal volumes measured in the right kidney with QISS-MRA were lower than the corresponding values of CE-MRA. In contrast, the mean renal volumes measured in the left kidney with both MRA techniques were similar. The correlation between the GFRG and rRBF was compared in the same manner as that between GFRCKD-EPI and rRBF. Conclusion: The combination of pCASL and QISS-MRA constitute a reliable preoperative protocol with a total measurement time of <10 min without the potential side effects of gadolinium-based contrast agents or radiation exposure.

Strengthening the interfacial stability of single-crystal LiNi0.88Co0.09Mn0.03O2 cathode with multiple-function surface modification.

The instability in the structural integrity caused by interfacial issues is commonly regarded as the primary drawback of Ni-rich layered cathode materials (LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2, where x  ≥ 0.8), which must be addressed before their commercial application. Herein, a novel multiple-function surface modification strategy is proposed based on the single crystal structure to in-situ achieve the construction of a coating layer and surface doping with Ce element to enhance the structural stability of the LiNi0.88Co0.09Mn0.03O2 (NCM). Notably, the introduction of Ce-O bonding adjusts the local oxygen coordination to achieve a more stabilized structure of the oxygen framework, which inhibits the evolution of lattice oxygen and enhances conductivity. Additionally, by benefiting from the in-situ synthesized coating layer of LixCeO2, the occurrence of side reactions on the surface is effectively alleviated, resulting in a reduction in electrode polarization. Combined with comprehensive electrochemical tests, it is confirmed that the improved electrochemical performance originates from the reduction of the detrimental H2-H3 phase transition and enhanced conductivity. As expected, the modified material with 1 wt% content of Ce (NCM@Ce) exhibits a high initial discharge capacity of 196.3 mAh g-1 with a capacity retention of 79.7 % after 200 cycles, and its energy density reaches 574.3 Wh kg-1 after 200 cycles.