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An unexplored material of copper boride has been realized recently in two-dimensional form at a (111) surface of the fcccopper crystal. Here, one-dimensional (1-D) boron growth was observed on the Cu(110) surface, as probed by atomically resolved scanning probe microscopy. The 1-D copper boride was composed of quasi-periodic atomic chains periodically aligned parallel to each other, as confirmed by Fourier transform analysis. The 1-D growth unexpectedly proceeded across surface steps in a self-assembled manner and extended over several 100 nm. The long-range formation of a 1-D quasi-periodic structure on a surface has been theoretically modeled as a 1-D quasi-crystal and the predicted conditions matched the structural parameters obtained by the experimental work here. The quasi-periodic 1-D copper boride system enabled a way to examine 1-D quasi-crystallinity on an actual material.

The Ba2RE1–xCexTaO6(RE = La, Gd, Y; 0 ≤ x≤ 1) pigments were synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction method to develop environmentally friendly reddish inorganic pigments. The host was the double-perovskite-type Ba2RETaO6(RE: rare-earth elements), and the color source was Ce3+. All Ba2RE1–xCexTaO6samples were obtained in a single-phase form as solid solutions. Rietveld refinement analysis of the Ba2RETaO6(RE = La, Ce, Gd, and Y) samples revealed that the average bond length between RE3+and O depends on the ionic radius of RE3+, and the shorter the RE–O length, the stronger the crystal field surrounding Ce3+. A photon energy at the maximum 4f–5d absorption of Ce3+depended on the weighted average ionic radius (rRE) at the RE3+site (i.e., the crystal field energy around the Ce3+ions). In response to this phenomenon, the sample color was changed in order to orange, red, pink, and violet with a decrease in the rREvalue, and a hue angle (h°) was roughly linearly related to that. For validation of the tendency, we demonstrated the synthesis and characterization of Ba2La0.5–yYyCe0.5TaO6to obtain a more reddish color. As we exactly expected, a more reddish color was obtained while maintaining a high Cvalue. Furthermore, the h° values for y= 0.1 and 0.2 were in good agreement with our estimation. In light of the above results, by controlling the intensity of the crystal field surrounding Ce3+and/or the concentration of Ce3+, the optical absorption wavelength and absorption intensity of the Ba2RE1–xCexTaO6system can be changed to adjust the color.

ABSTRACTEfficient production of bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) in single mammalian cells is essential for basic research and industrial manufacturing. However, preventing unwanted pairing of heavy chains (HCs) and light chains (LCs) is a challenging task. To address this, we created an engineering technology for preferential cognate HC/LC and HC/HC paring called FAST-Ig (Four-chain Assembly by electrostatic Steering Technology – Immunoglobulin), and applied it to NXT007, a BsAb for the treatment of hemophilia A. We introduced charged amino-acid substitutions at the HC/LC interface to facilitate the proper assembly for manufacturing a standard IgG-type BsAb. We generated CH1/CL interface-engineered antibody variants that achieved > 95% correct HC/LC pairing efficiency with favorable pharmacological properties and developability. Among these, we selected a design (C3) that allowed us to separate the mis-paired species with an unintended pharmacological profile using ion-exchange chromatography. Crystal structure analysis demonstrated that the C3 design did not affect the overall structure of both Fabs. To determine the final design for HCs-heterodimerization, we compared the stability of charge-based and knobs into hole-based Fc formats in acidic conditions and selected the more stable charge-based format. FAST-Ig was also applicable to stable CHO cell lines for industrial production and demonstrated robust chain pairing with different subclasses of parent BsAbs. Thus, it can be applied to a wide variety of BsAbs both preclinically and clinically.

Elemental Si has a high theoretical capacity and has attracted attention as an anode material for high energy density lithium-ion batteries. Rapid capacity fading is the main problem with Si-based electrodes; this is mainly because of a massive volume change in Si during lithiation–delithiation. Here, we report that combining an ionic-liquid electrolyte with a charge capacity limit of 1000 mA h g–1significantly suppresses Si volume expansion, improving the cycle life. Phosphorus-doping of Si also enhances the suppression and increases the Li+diffusion coefficient. In contrast, the Si layer expands significantly in an organic electrolyte even with the charge capacity limit and even in an ionic-liquid electrolyte without the limit. We demonstrated that the homogeneously distributed Si lithiation–delithiation, phase-transition control from the Si to Li-rich Li–Si alloy phases, formation of a surface film with structural and/or mechanical stability, and faster Li+diffusion contribute to suppressing Si volume expansion.

1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (EMI-TFSA) is one of the promising ionic liquids as electrolyte solvent to enhance the electrochemical performance of Si electrode for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) because of its low viscosity and high conductivity. However, it has low stability against reduction and its reductive decomposition product inhibits Li+ insertion to electrodes, leading to poor cycling stability. To exert a potential of EMI-TFSA, we employed vinylene carbonate (VC) as film-forming additive. Si electrode exhibited very high cycling stability and rate capability in 20 vol.% VC-added EMI-TFSA-based electrolyte. In addition, by replacing TFSA anion with bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide (FSA) for Li salt and ionic liquid solvent, an excellent cycling performance and outstanding rate capability was achieved. VC cannot only fabricate a good surface film but also lower the interaction between Li+ and FSA[?], providing smooth desolvation of FSA[?] to obtain better high-rate performance. Non-flammability of the VC-added electrolytes was confirmed by fire resistance test in closed-system: no ignition was observed even at 300degC. Consequently, we found that mixture electrolyte consisted of EMI-based ionic liquid and VC, especially 1 M LiFSA/EMI-FSA with 20 vol.% VC, is a prospective candidate for simultaneously enhancing the electrochemical performance of Si electrode as well as safety of LIBs.

To achieve electrode performance with both high capacity and long cycle life, we investigated the effect of the anion structure in an ionic liquid electrolyte on the electrochemical performance of an annealed Ni–P/(etched Si) negative electrode for Li-ion batteries. The electrode maintained a discharge capacity of 1890 mA h g−1after 250 cycles in bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide-based ionic liquid electrolyte, which was approximately three times higher than that in bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide-based electrolyte.An annealed Ni–P/(etched Si) negative electrode for Li-ion batteries exhibited a higher initial discharge capacity in bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide (FSA)-based ionic liquid electrolyte, which is superior to the initial capacity in bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (TFSA)-based electrolyte. In addition, an excellent cycle stability was also achieved. Therefore, FSA-based electrolyte can enhance the electrochemical performance of the annealed Ni–P/(etched Si) negative electrode.

The electrochemical performance of variously treated Ni-P-coated Si (Ni-P/Si) negative electrodes for lithium-ion batteries was investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of nickel silicide (NiSi and NiSi2) after annealing, which improved the adhesion between the Ni-P coating layer and Si particles. Spotty Ni-P particles did not aggregate on an etched Si surface due to an anchor effect, even after annealing, whereas the particles aggregated on an untreated Si surface. An annealed Ni-P/(etched Si) negative electrode maintained a discharge capacity of 2000 mA h g[?]1 even at the 100th cycle in an organic electrolyte, which can be attributed to Ni-P particles remaining on the surface of the annealed Ni-P/(etched Si) electrode even after the charge-discharge test. The annealed Ni-P/(etched Si) electrode also exhibited superior cycle performance with a reversible capacity of 1000 mA h g[?]1 over 750 and 1100 cycles in an organic electrolyte containing film-forming additive and an ionic liquid electrolyte, respectively. Consequently, the annealed Ni-P/(etched Si) electrode achieved both high reversible capacity and long cycle life.

Emicizumab, a factor VIIIa-function mimetic bispecific antibody (BsAb) to FIXa and FX, has become an indispensable treatment option for people with hemophilia A (PwHA). However, a small proportion of PwHA still experience bleeds even under emicizumab prophylaxis, as observed in the long-term outcomes of clinical studies. A more potent BsAb may be desirable for such patients.

The effect of nickel substitution on the electrochemical performance of a lanthanum silicide (LaSi2)/silicon (Si) composite electrode for lithium-ion batteries was studied. The results of X-ray diffraction analysis showed that LaSi2forms a substitutional solid solution with Ni, and that only the Si site in LaSi2is substituted by Ni, whereas elemental Si in the crystal structure is not substituted. Although the charge–discharge capacity of a LaNixSi2–xelectrode (x= 0.06 and 0.12) was lower than that of a LaSi2electrode, the LaNixSi2–xelectrode exhibited a high-rate performance. A LaNi0.10Si1.90/Si (70:30 wt %) composite electrode showed a large initial discharge capacity and a superior long-term cycle performance compared to electrodes composed of Si alone and LaSi2/Si composite, and suppressed the decrease in the initial Coulombic efficiency of the Si electrode. The LaNi0.10Si1.90/Si electrode also exhibited an excellent high-rate performance with a reversible capacity of 2240 mA h g(Si)−1at a rate of 10 C. The results of computational chemistry demonstrated that LaNi0.25Si1.75favors Li migration in the pathway compared to LaSi2. These results indicate that Ni substitution in a LaSi2/Si composite negative electrode significantly improves its electrochemical performance.

The synthesis of metal oxide nanosheets using a lamellar phase as a template effectively modified the nanosheets because surfactant molecules surround the entire surface of the nanosheets. Here, we show the development of layered titanate nanosheets with a lamellar mesostructure. The layered titanate nanosheet forms by using the lamellar self‐assembly of cationic dodecanediamine as a template and an electrostatic interaction between negatively charged titanate nanosheets and positively charged 1,12‐dodecanediamine during hydrothermal synthesis. This approach leads to titanate nanosheets with new properties such as visible light absorption and a high adsorption of cationic organic compounds, which results in the effective photodegradation of Rhodamine B under visible‐light irradiation. This approach has important implications for the use of metal oxide nanosheets in environmental and industrial applications.

A GexSi1−xalloy electrode is useful for addressing the shortcomings of a Si negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries. To further improve the electrochemical performance of a GexSi1−xnegative electrode, a film-forming additive and the formation of a composite with LaSi2were applied. A Ge0.1Si0.9electrode exhibited better cyclability in the additive-containing electrolyte with a discharge capacity of 1240 mA h g−1at the 400th cycle. In addition, a Ge0.1Si0.9/LaSi2composite electrode showed better cycle performance than a Ge0.1Si0.9electrode.To further improve the electrochemical performance of a GexSi1−xnegative electrode for lithium-ion batteries, vinylene carbonate (VC) and composite with LaSi2were applied. A Ge0.1Si0.9electrode exhibited better cyclability in the VC-containing electrolyte with a discharge capacity of 1240 mA h g−1at the 400th cycle. In addition, a Ge0.1Si0.9/LaSi2composite electrode showed better cycle performance than a Ge0.1Si0.9electrode.

Connection reliability between Large Scale Integrated circuit (LSI) and electronic devices is increasingly important with the miniaturization of electronic devices. For the formation of fine conductors on wiring in electronic devices, copper electroplating is generally applied and is controlled with various organic additives. In this study, for the purpose of developing additives capable of working on a finer conductive copper circuit, we focused our attention on the synthesis of organic additives with inhibition action for the plating. Generally, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was used as an inhibitor. We synthesized the PEG derivatives, which were α‐(2‐chloroethyl)‐ω‐chloropoly(oxyethylene) (PEG‐Cl) and α‐(2‐sulfoethyl)‐ω‐sulfopoly(oxyethylene)disodium, and evaluated them for their Via‐filling properties. Good filling properties were achieved by the addition of these synthesized materials to a normal copper‐plating bath. Furthermore, with PEG‐Cl, good filling properties were achieved without chlorine ions, which were usually added to the bath. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 837–840, 2005

Titanate nanosheets with a lamellar mesostructure were developed using the lamellar self-assembly of cationic 1,12-dodecanediamine (DDA) as a template. An electrostatic interaction between negatively charged titanate nanosheets and positively charged DDA molecules was required to form layered titanate nanosheets. This approach leads to titanate nanosheet surface characteristics such as visible light absorption and high adsorption of hydrophobic organic compounds.

Yamaguchi: Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd: Current Employment. Soeda:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Current Employment. Sato:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Current Employment. Shibahara:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Current Employment. Koga:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Current Employment. Ichiki:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Current Employment. Joyashiki:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Current Employment. Teranishi:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Current Employment. Nishimura:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Current Employment. Shiraiwa:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Current Employment. Kitamura:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Current Employment. Igawa:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Current Employment. Konishi:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Current Employment. Kitazawa:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Current Employment.

Background

In the pursuit of developing reliable Li-ion batteries with high performance and safety, the use of ionic liquids is one of the most promising approaches due to its high thermal stability. There is, however, the critical issue concerning the significantly low Li-ion diffusion in an electrolyte solution, which is directly linked to the degradation of their rapid charge[?]discharge properties. Ionic liquids with ether-substituted cation have generated much interest as electrolyte solvents for Li-ion batteries because the ether group functions to reduce the coordination number and increase ionic conductivity. In the present study, we synthesized six types of ionic liquids consisting of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (TFSA) anions and piperidinium-based cations in which the attached side chains are 1-((2-methoxyethoxy)methyl)-1-methylpiperidinium (PP1MEM), 1-butoxymethyl-1-methylpiperidinium (PP1BM), 1-methyl-(2-propoxyethyl)piperidinium (PP1PE), 1-(3-ethoxypropyl)-1-methylpiperidinium (PP1EP), 1-(4-methoxybutyl)-1-methylpiperidinium (PP1MB), and 1-hexyl-1-methylpiperidinium (PP16). It was found that the ionic liquid with PP1MEM cations with two oxygen atoms in the side chain exhibited the lowest solvation number of TFSA anions (1.56), whereas PP1BM (1.78), PP1PE (1.86), PP1EP (2.08), and PP1MB-TFSA (2.07) resulted in a larger number, as the oxygen atoms in the alkyl side chain are located far from the positively charged nitrogen atoms. PP1MEM-TFSA with small solvation numbers enhanced the ionic conductivity and thereby achieved high electrode performance.

In the pursuit of developing reliable Li-ion batteries with high performance and safety, the use of ionic liquids is one of the most promising approaches due to its high thermal stability. There is, however, the critical issue concerning the significantly low Li-ion diffusion in an electrolyte solution, which is directly linked to the degradation of their rapid charge−discharge properties. Ionic liquids with ether-substituted cation have generated much interest as electrolyte solvents for Li-ion batteries because the ether group functions to reduce the coordination number and increase ionic conductivity. In the present study, we synthesized six types of ionic liquids consisting of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (TFSA) anions and piperidinium-based cations in which the attached side chains are 1-((2-methoxyethoxy)methyl)-1-methylpiperidinium (PP1MEM), 1-butoxymethyl-1-methylpiperidinium (PP1BM), 1-methyl-(2-propoxyethyl)piperidinium (PP1PE), 1-(3-ethoxypropyl)-1-methylpiperidinium (PP1EP), 1-(4-methoxybutyl)-1-methylpiperidinium (PP1MB), and 1-hexyl-1-methylpiperidinium (PP16). It was found that the ionic liquid with PP1MEM cations with two oxygen atoms in the side chain exhibited the lowest solvation number of TFSA anions (1.56), whereas PP1BM (1.78), PP1PE (1.86), PP1EP (2.08), and PP1MB-TFSA (2.07) resulted in a larger number, as the oxygen atoms in the alkyl side chain are located far from the positively charged nitrogen atoms. PP1MEM-TFSA with small solvation numbers enhanced the ionic conductivity and thereby achieved high electrode performance.

1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (EMI-TFSA) is one of the promising ionic liquids as electrolyte solvent to enhance the electrochemical performance of Si electrode for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) because of its low viscosity and high conductivity. However, it has low stability against reduction and its reductive decomposition product inhibits Li+insertion to electrodes, leading to poor cycling stability. To exert a potential of EMI-TFSA, we employed vinylene carbonate (VC) as film-forming additive. Si electrode exhibited very high cycling stability and rate capability in 20 vol.% VC-added EMI-TFSA-based electrolyte. In addition, by replacing TFSA anion with bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide (FSA) for Li salt and ionic liquid solvent, an excellent cycling performance and outstanding rate capability was achieved. VC cannot only fabricate a good surface film but also lower the interaction between Li+and FSA−, providing smooth desolvation of FSA−to obtain better high-rate performance. Non-flammability of the VC-added electrolytes was confirmed by fire resistance test in closed-system: no ignition was observed even at 300°C. Consequently, we found that mixture electrolyte consisted of EMI-based ionic liquid and VC, especially 1 M LiFSA/EMI-FSA with 20 vol.% VC, is a prospective candidate for simultaneously enhancing the electrochemical performance of Si electrode as well as safety of LIBs.

The electrochemical performance of variously treated Ni–P–coated Si (Ni–P/Si) negative electrodes for lithium-ion batteries was investigated. X–ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of nickel silicide (NiSi and NiSi2) after annealing, which improved the adhesion between the Ni–P coating layer and Si particles. Spotty Ni–P particles did not aggregate on an etched Si surface due to an anchor effect, even after annealing, whereas the particles aggregated on an untreated Si surface. An annealed Ni–P/(etched Si) negative electrode maintained a discharge capacity of 2000 mA h g−1even at the 100th cycle in an organic electrolyte, which can be attributed to Ni–P particles remaining on the surface of the annealed Ni–P/(etched Si) electrode even after the charge–discharge test. The annealed Ni–P/(etched Si) electrode also exhibited superior cycle performance with a reversible capacity of 1000 mA h g−1over 750 and 1100 cycles in an organic electrolyte containing film–forming additive and an ionic liquid electrolyte, respectively. Consequently, the annealed Ni–P/(etched Si) electrode achieved both high reversible capacity and long cycle life.