Recent advances in battery characterization using in situ XAFS, SAXS, XRD, and their combining techniques: From single scale to multiscale structure detection.

Revealing and clarifying the chemical reaction processes and mechanisms inside the batteries will bring a great help to the controllable preparation and performance modulation of batteries. Advanced characterization techniques based on synchrotron radiation (SR) have accelerated the development of various batteries over the past decade. In situ SR techniques have been widely used in the study of electrochemical reactions and mechanisms due to their excellent characteristics. Herein, the three most wide and important synchrotron radiation techniques used in battery research were systematically reviewed, namely X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Special attention is paid to how these characterization techniques are used to understand the reaction mechanism of batteries and improve the practical characteristics of batteries. Moreover, the in situ combining techniques advance the acquisition of single scale structure information to the simultaneous characterization of multiscale structures, which will bring a new perspective to the research of batteries. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities of SR techniques for battery research are featured based on their current development.

Designing 3D SnS@Cu-Ni Nanoporous Column Array Electrode for High-Capacity and High-Rate Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Sn-based materials with high capacity showcase great potential for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Yet, the large volume change and limited ion/electron transfer efficiency of Sn-based materials upon operation significantly compromises the battery performance. In this study, a unique 3D copper-nickel nanoporous column array current collector is rationally developed via a facile template-free galvanostatic electrodeposition method, followed by electrodepositing SnS active material onto it (denoted as 3D SnS@CNCA). Excitingly, the morphology of the 3D SnS@CNCA electrode perfectly inherited the nanoporous column array structure of the 3D current collector, which not only endows the electrode with a large specific surface area to provide more active sites and sufficient ion/electron transport pathways, but also effectively alleviates the volume expansion of SnS upon repeated charge-discharge cycles. Therefore, the binder-free 3D SnS@CNCA electrode showcases a significantly enhanced Li storage performance, showing a high initial reversible capacity of 1019.7 mAh g-1 with noteworthy cycling stability (a capacity retention rate of 89.4% after 200 cycles). Moreover, the designed electrode also manifests high rate performance with a high capacity of 570.6 mAh g-1 at 4 A g-1. This work provides a novel design idea for the preparation of high-performance electrodes beyond LIBs.

Recent advances in small-angle scattering techniques for MOF colloidal materials.

This paper reviews the recent progress of small angle scattering (SAS) techniques, mainly including X-ray small angle scattering technique (SAXS) and neutron small angle scattering (SANS) technique, in the study of metal-organic framework (MOF) colloidal materials (CMOFs). First, we introduce the application research of SAXS technique in pristine MOFs materials, and review the studies on synthesis mechanism of MOF materials, the pore structures and fractal characteristics, as well as the spatial distribution and morphological evolution of foreign molecules in MOF composites and MOF-derived materials. Then, the applications of SANS technique in MOFs are summarized, with emphasis on SANS data processing method, structure modeling and quantitative structural information extraction. Finally, the characteristics and developments of SAS techniques are commented and prospected. It can be found that most studies on MOF materials with SAS techniques focus mainly on nanoporous structure characterization and the evolution of pore structures, or the spatial distribution of other foreign molecules loaded in MOFs. Indeed, SAS techniques take an irreplaceable role in revealing the structure and evolution of nanopores in CMOFs. We expect that this paper will help to understand the research status of SAS techniques on MOF materials and better to apply SAS techniques to conduct further research on MOF and related materials.

Chemical constituents from Notopterygium incisum and their anti-neuroinflammatory activity.

Phytochemical research on an extract of Notopterygium incisum yielded fifteen compounds (1-15), including four previously undescribed compounds (10-13). The structures of the unreported compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic and spectrometric data analysis such as 1D and 2D NMR, IR and HR-ESI-MS. Compounds 1-5 and 10-14 were isolated from N. incisum for the first time. 7S⁎,8R⁎-Phenethyl-(7-methoxy-8-isoeugenol)-ferulate (10), 7S⁎,8R⁎-p-hydroxyphenethyl-(7-methoxy-8-isoeugenol)-ferulate (11), 7S⁎,8R⁎-benzyl-(7-methoxy-8-isoeugenol)-ferulate (12) and p-hydroxyphenethyl-(4-benzoy-3-methoxy)-cinnamate (13) are the undescribed ferulic acid derivatives. Additionly, the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of compounds were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 cells. The pharmacological results showed that 6ß,10ß-epoxy-4α-hydroxy-guaiane (6), teuclatriol (7) and 7S⁎,8R⁎-p-hydroxyphenethyl-(7-methoxy-8-isoeugenol)-ferulate (11) inhibited the production and expression of nitric oxide (NO) in the LPS-induced BV2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Acorusnol (4), teucladiol (9), 7S⁎,8R⁎-benzyl-(7-methoxy-8-isoeugenol)-ferulate (12) and p-hydroxyphenethyl-(4-benzoy-3-methoxy)-cinnamate (13) only inhibited the release of NO at concentration of 20 µM. Moreover, 7S⁎,8R⁎-p-hydroxyphenethyl-(7-methoxy-8-isoeugenol)-ferulate (11) reduced the level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. The results demonstrated 7S⁎,8R⁎-p-hydroxyphenethyl-(7-methoxy-8-isoeugenol)-ferulate (11) could be a potential anti-neuroinflammatory agent and is worthy of further study.

A Study on the Nanostructural Evolution of Bi/C Anode Materials during Their First Charge/Discharge Processes.

As a candidate anode material for Li-ion batteries, Bi-based materials have attracted extensive attention from researchers due to their high specific capacity, environmental friendliness, and simple synthesis methods. However, Bi-based anode materials are prone to causing large volume changes during charging and discharging processes, and the effect of these changes on lithium storage performance is still unclear. This work introduces that Bi/C nanocomposites are prepared by the Bi-based MOF precursor calcination method, and that the Bi/C nanocomposite maintains a high specific capacity (931.6 mAh g-1) with good multiplicative performance after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g-1. The structural evolution of Bi/C anode material during the first cycle of charging and discharging is investigated using in situ synchrotron radiation SAXS. The SAXS results indicate that the multistage scatterers of Bi/C composite, used as an anode material during the first lithiation, can be classified into mesopores, interspaces, and Bi nanoparticles. The different nanostructure evolutions of three types of Bi nanoparticles were observed. It is believed that this result will help to further understand the complex reaction mechanism of Bi-based anode materials in Li-ion batteries.

A Seamless Metal-Organic Framework Interphase with Boosted Zn2+ Flux and Deposition Kinetics for Long-Living Rechargeable Zn Batteries.

Zn metal has received immense interest as a promising anode of rechargeable aqueous batteries for grid-scale energy storage. Nevertheless, the uncontrollable dendrite growth and surface parasitic reactions greatly retard its practical implementation. Herein, we demonstrate a seamless and multifunctional metal-organic framework (MOF) interphase for building corrosion-free and dendrite-free Zn anodes. The on-site coordinated MOF interphase with 3D open framework structure could function as a highly zincophilic mediator and ion sifter that synergistically induces fast and uniform Zn nucleation/deposition. In addition, the surface corrosion and hydrogen evolution are significantly suppressed by the interface shielding of the seamless interphase. An ultrastable Zn plating/stripping is achieved with elevated Coulombic efficiency of 99.2% over 1000 cycles and prolonged lifetime of 1100 h at 10 mA cm-2 with a high cumulative plated capacity of 5.5 Ah cm-2. Moreover, the modified Zn anode assures the MnO2-based full cells with superior rate and cycling performance.

Osthole Inhibits M1 Macrophage Polarization and Attenuates Osteolysis in a Mouse Skull Model.

Excessive bone resorption due to increased inflammatory factors is a common feature of inflammatory lytic bone diseases. This group of diseases is effectively treated with drugs. In recent years, many studies have reported that traditional Chinese medicine herbs have substantial effects on inflammation, osteoclast differentiation and maturation, and bone destruction. Herein, we investigated the effects of osthole (OST) on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced macrophage polarization, inflammatory responses, and osteolysis. In vitro, we used immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays to confirm whether bone marrow-derived macrophages showed an increased expression of inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-6, iNOS, CCR7, and CD86, in the presence of LPS. However, we found that such expression was suppressed and that the M2 macrophage expression increased in the presence of OST. OST reduced LPS- and RANKL-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species production in the bone marrow-derived macrophages. Further, it potently suppressed osteoclast differentiation and osteoclast-specific gene expression by suppressing the P38/MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Consistent with the in vitro observations, OST greatly ameliorated LPS-induced bone resorption and modulated the ratio of macrophages at the site of osteolysis. Taken together, OST has great potential for use in the management of osteolytic diseases.

Building Ohmic Contact Interfaces toward Ultrastable Zn Metal Anodes.

Zn metal holds grand promise as the anodes of aqueous batteries for grid-scale energy storage. However, the rampant zinc dendrite growth and severe surface side reactions significantly impede the commercial implementation. Herein, a universal Zn-metal oxide Ohmic contact interface model is demonstrated for effectively improving Zn plating/stripping reversibility. The high work function difference between Zn and metal oxides enables the building of an interfacial anti-blocking layer for dendrite-free Zn deposition. Moreover, the metal oxide layer can function as a physical barrier to suppress the pernicious side reactions. Consequently, the proof-of-concept CeO2 -modified Zn anode delivers ultrastable durability of over 1300 h at 0.5-5 mA cm-2 and improved Coulombic efficiency, the feasibility of which is also evidenced in MoS2 //Zn full cells. This study enriches the fundamental comprehension of Ohmic contact interfaces on the Zn deposition, which may shed light on the development of other metal battery anodes.

Ultrasound Assessment of Plaque Characteristics to Predict Re-occlusion after Surgical Treatment of Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between plaque characteristics and re-occlusion after surgical treatment of internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO). From January 2015 to January 2021, 177 patients with ICAO underwent surgery. Eighty-five cases were included in the study, and in 13 of them, re-occlusion occurred within 6 mo after surgery treatment (13/85, 15.85%). The calcification at the base of the plaque was longer in the re-occlusion group than in the non-occlusion group (10.70 ± 4.22 mm vs. 7.15 ± 1.41 mm, p = 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the length of calcification at the base of the plaque was an independent risk factor for postoperative re-occlusion (odds ratio [OR]: 1.414, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.078-1.855, p = 0.012). The cutoff value for the length of calcification at the base of the plaque predicting re-occlusion after ICAO was 8.5 mm (95% CI: 0.700-0.962, p = 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.831. Sensitivity and specificity were 70% and 80.9%, respectively. These results indicate that pre-operative ultrasound examination of the length of calcification at the base of the plaque could predict re-occlusion after surgical treatment of ICAO.

Superfine MnO2 Nanowires with Rich Defects Toward Boosted Zinc Ion Storage Performance.

The core challenge of MnO2 as the cathode material of zinc-ion batteries remains to be their poor electrochemical kinetics and stability. Herein, MnO2 superfine nanowires (∼10 nm) with rich crystal defects (oxygen vacancies and cavities) are demonstrated to possess high efficient zinc-ion storage capability. Experimental and theoretical studies demonstrate that the defects facilitate the adsorption and diffusion of hydrogen/zinc for fast ion transportation and the build of a local electric field for improved electron migration. In addition, the superfine nanostructure could provide sufficient active sites and short diffusion pathways for further promotion of capacity and reaction kinetics of MnO2. Remarkably, the defect-enriched MnO2 nanowires manifest an energy density as high as 406 W h kg-1 and an excellent durability over 1000 cycles without noticeable capacity degradation. Mechanistic analysis substantiates a reversible coinsertion/extraction process of H+ and Zn2+ with a simultaneous deposition/dissolution of zinc sulfate hydroxide hydrate nanoflakes. This work could enrich the fundamental understanding of defect engineering and nanostructuring on the development of advanced MnO2 materials toward high-performance zinc-ion batteries.

Comparison of three ultrasonographic examinations on the synovial membrane vascularity of RA patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease involving multiple joints and often involves the small joints, and the lesions are symmetric, invasive, and disabling. Synovial blood flow in patients with RA was compared using color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS), and superb microvascular imaging (SMI) to determine the application value of SMI in synovial vasospasm of knee joints. The blood flow signals of the suprapatellar recess in the knee joints of 41 RA patients (49 knees) were measured prior to undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), recorded, and graded by CDFI, PDUS, and SMI. The results of the three ultrasound examination methods were compared and analyzed. The SMI grading was compared with the pathologic grade of the synovial membrane. Forty-one patients underwent 49 TKAs. The display rate of the synovial blood flow signal was 93.9% in the CDFI model, 97.9% in the PDUS model, and 100% in the SMI model. There were statistically significant differences in the results between the three ultrasound examination methods (HC = 11.84, P < 0.05). The consistency of the SMI and pathologic grades of synovial membranes was better than the other methods (kappa = 0.639, P < 0.05). Compared with CDFI and PDUS, the signal of synovia flow detected by SMI was significantly higher in RA patients. SMI classification had a better consistency with the pathologic grade, and SMI has application value in assessing the activity of RA.

Successful treatment of facial localized discoid lupus erythematosus with intralesional betamethasone: A report of three cases.

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that usually causes disfiguring scarring, dyspigmentation, and atrophy. Despite a range of available topical and systemic therapies, the treatment of DLE remains a therapeutic challenge, especially in some refractory cases. Here, we reported three male patients with long-term chronic lesions of unilateral facial localized DLE, who failed to have their disease controlled with many previous topical/systemic treatments, showed rapid and well response to intralesional injections of betamethasone (2 mg/mL, 0.2 mL/site) monotherapy once every 2 weeks for two, two, and four times of treatment, respectively. Intralesional betamethasone may provide a safe and effective alternative in the management of refractory localized DLE skin lesions.

Mechanistic investigation of silver vanadate as superior cathode for high rate and durable zinc-ion batteries.

Rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries have shown considerable potential for stationary grid-scale energy storage systems owing to their characteristics of low cost and non-pollution. Nevertheless, the development of high-performance cathode materials is still a formidable challenge. In this work, for the first time, we report a superior silver vanadate (ß-AgVO3) cathode for Zn-ion batteries, and demonstrate the fundamental Zn2+ storage mechanism in detail. In sharp contrast to the previously-reported layered vandium-based materials, the ß-AgVO3 cathode experiences an initial phase transition to form a layered Zn3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O through a displacement/reduction reaction of Zn2+/Ag+ in the first discharge process. The in situ generated Ag0 along with the residual Ag+ and structural water within the framework afford high electronic/ionic conductivity, thus enabling enhanced Zn2+ intercalation/deintercalation kinetics in the layered phase. As a consequence, the cathode can deliver remarkable rate performance (103 mAh g-1 at 5000 mA g-1) and long-term cycling stability (95 mAh g-1 after 1000 cycles at 2000 mA g-1). The present study offers a totally new insight into the exploration of non-layered-structured vandium-based cathodes for high performance Zn-ion batteries.

Structurally Engineered Hyperbranched NiCoP Arrays with Superior Electrocatalytic Activities toward Highly Efficient Overall Water Splitting.

Developing inexpensive transition-metal-based nanomaterials with high electrocatalytic activity is of significant necessity for electrochemical water splitting. In this study, we propose a controllable structural engineering strategy of constructing a hyperbranched architecture for highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction/oxygen evolution reaction (HER/OER). Hyperbranched NiCoP architecture organized by hierarchical nanorod-on-nanosheet arrays is rationally prepared as a demonstration via a facile solvothermal and phosphorization approach. A strong synergistic benefit from the multiscale building blocks is achieved to enable outstanding electrocatalytic properties in an alkaline electrolyzer, including low HER and OER overpotentials of 71 and 268 mV at 10 mA cm-2, respectively, which significantly outperforms the counterparts of individual nanorods and nanosheets. The bifunctional catalysts also show highly efficient and durable overall water electrocatalysis with a small voltage of 1.57 V to drive a current density of 10 mA cm-2. The present study will open a new window to engineering hyperbranched architectures with exceptional electrocatalytic activities toward overall water splitting.

Structure characterization and hypoglycemic activity of an arabinogalactan from Phyllostachys heterocycla bamboo shoot shell.

An arabinogalactan (PBSS2) was fractionated from the bamboo shoot shell of Phyllostachys heterocycla. Structural analysis indicated that PBSS2 was mainly composed of galactose, arabinose, xylose and galacturonic acid in a ratio of 7.8:6.3:1.4:1.0. It was a 1,3- linked ß-d-galactan having 61.1% degree of branching at the O-6 positions. The three branches consisting of 1,4-linked ß-d-Xylp terminated with ß-d-Galp, 1,5-linked α-L-Araf inserted with 1,4-α-6-O-Me-d-GalpA and 1,3,5-linked α-L-Araf terminated by α-L-Araf. Furthermore, its chain conformation on the values of weight-average molecular weight (Mw), the radius of gyration (Rg) and intrinsic viscosity ([η]) were found as following: 7.36 × 104 g/mol, 12.8 nm and 17.7 mL/g, which was evidenced by AFM. The structure exponent of α (0.38) and df (2.17) revealed it existed as a sphere-like chain in NaNO3 aqueous solution. In vitro Caco-2 cells assay showed that PBSS2 presented positive effect on the inhibition of glucose absorption in time-dependent manner at relatively high concentration.

Interfacial Constructing Flexible V2O5@Polypyrrole Core-Shell Nanowire Membrane with Superior Supercapacitive Performance.

Flexible membrane consisting of ultralong V2O5@conducting polypyrrole (V2O5@PPy) core-shell nanowires is prepared by a facile in situ interfacial synthesis approach. The V2O5 is for the first time demonstrated to show versatile function of reactive template to initiate the uniform and conformal polymerization of PPy nanocoating without the need for extra oxidants. The freestanding PPy-encapsulated V2O5 nanowire membrane is of great benefit in achieving strong electrochemical harvest by increasing electrical conductivity, shortening ion/electron transport distance, and enlarging electrode/electrolyte contact area. When evaluated as binder- and additive-free supercapacitor electrodes, the V2O5@PPy core-shell hybrid delivers a significantly enhanced specific capacitance of 334 F g-1 along with superior rate capability and improved cycling stability. The present work would provide a simple yet powerful interfacial strategy for elaborate constructing V2O5/conducting polymers toward various energy-storage technologies.

Triaxial Nanocables of Conducting Polypyrrole@SnS2@Carbon Nanofiber Enabling Significantly Enhanced Li-Ion Storage.

Two-dimensional (2D) SnS2 materials represent a class of high-capacity candidates as anodes of Li-ion batteries (LIBs); however, they are limited by inferior rate and cycling performance. Herein, we demonstrate unique triaxial nanocables of conducting polypyrrole@SnS2@carbon nanofiber (PPy@SnS2@CNF) prepared via a facile combination of hydrothermal method and vapor-phase polymerization. The PPy@SnS2@CNF manifests a strong synergistic effect from its hierarchical nanoarchitecture, which provides enlarged electrode/electrolyte contact interfaces, highly electrical conductive pathways, sufficient electrolyte ingress/transport channels, and an intimate mechanical/electrochemical safeguard for fast electrode kinetics and good structural stability. When evaluated as binder-free anodes of LIBs, the ternary nanocomposite delivers an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 1165 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles and outstanding rate/cycling performance (880 mAh g-1 at 2000 mA g-1), which are among the best results of the previously reported SnS2 electrodes. This work may pave a rational avenue of developing 2D materials with hierarchical structures for highly efficient energy-storage systems.

Self-Supported Ni(P, O)x·MoOx Nanowire Array on Nickel Foam as an Efficient and Durable Electrocatalyst for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution.

Earth-abundant and low-cost catalysts with excellent electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity in alkaline solution play an important role in the sustainable production of hydrogen energy. In this work, a catalyst of Ni(P, O)x·MoOx nanowire array on nickel foam has been prepared via a facile route for efficient alkaline HER. Benefiting from the collaborative advantages of Ni(P, O)x and amorphous MoOx, as well as three-dimensional porous conductive nickel scaffold, the hybrid electrocatalyst shows high catalytic activity in 1 M KOH aqueous solution, including a small overpotential of 59 mV at 10 mA cm-2, a low Tafel slope of 54 mV dec-1, and excellent cycling stability.

Facile Synthesis of V2O5 Hollow Spheres as Advanced Cathodes for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Three-dimensional V2O5 hollow structures have been prepared through a simple synthesis strategy combining solvothermal treatment and a subsequent thermal annealing. The V2O5 materials are composed of microspheres 2-3 µm in diameter and with a distinct hollow interior. The as-synthesized V2O5 hollow microspheres, when evaluated as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, can deliver a specific capacity as high as 273 mAh·g-1 at 0.2 C. Benefiting from the hollow structures that afford fast electrolyte transport and volume accommodation, the V2O5 cathode also exhibits a superior rate capability and excellent cycling stability. The good Li-ion storage performance demonstrates the great potential of this unique V2O5 hollow material as a high-performance cathode for lithium-ion batteries.