Search

The irreversible deterioration of electrochemical performance in Ni‐rich cathode materials, attributed to crack propagation and undesired side reactions, poses a critical barrier to the further development of high‐energy power batteries for electrical vehicles (EVs). Herein, a concentration gradient strategy is proposed for synthesizing a Ni‐rich cathode with enhanced mechanical and electrochemical stability to address the issues related to the irreversible structural deterioration. Notably, the concentration gradient structure contributes to superior mechanical strength in secondary particles due to the radially orientated primary particles resulted from Mn composition grading, which effectively alleviate the internal strain caused by structural changes and fatigue destruction during successive cycling. Moreover, the Mn‐rich surface minimizes the parasitic side reactions at the electrode–electrolyte interface. Benefitting from the above, the concentration gradient sample can deliver ≈180.1 mA h g−1 at 1 C and retain 96.2% of its initial discharge capacity after 100 cycles. This work demonstrates that the concentration gradient structure can simultaneously improve the mechanical and chemical stabilities of Ni‐rich cathode and offers a feasible way for designing stable lithium‐ion batteries with high energy density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this investigation was to elucidate the manner in which ginsenoside Rg5 (Rg5) ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) via the modulation of the gut microbiota milieu. We administered either a standard diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD), coupled with 12-week treatment employing two distinct doses of Rg5 (50 and 100 mg/kg/d), to male C57BL/6J mice. In comparison to the HFD cohort, the Rg5-treated group demonstrated significant enhancements in biochemical parameters, exemplified by a substantial decrease in lipid concentrations, as well as the reduced expression of markers indicative of oxidative stress and liver injury. This signifies a mitigation of hepatic dysfunction induced by an HFD. Simultaneously, Rg5 demonstrates the capacity to activate the LKB1/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, instigating energy metabolism and consequently hindering the progression of NAFLD. Furthermore, we underscored the role of Rg5 in the treatment of NAFLD within the gut-microbiota-liver axis. Analysis via 16S rRNA sequencing unveiled that Rg5 intervention induced alterations in gut microbiota composition, fostering an increase in beneficial bacteria, such as Bacteroides and Akkermansia, while concurrently reducing the relative abundance of detrimental bacteria, exemplified by Olsenella. Furthermore, employing fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments, we observed analogous outcomes in mice subjected to fecal bacterial transplants, providing additional verification of the capacity of Rg5 to mitigate NAFLD in mice by actively participating in the restoration of gut microbiota via FMT. Drawing from these data, the regulation of the gut microbiota is recognized as an innovative strategy for treating or preventing NAFLD and metabolic syndrome. Consequently, these research findings suggest that Rg5 holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for NAFLD management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mining of favorable SNP loci and haplotypes is of great significance for the further cloning and molecular-assisted breeding of alkalinity-tolerance genes in rice. To improve the utilization rate of saline–alkaline lands and the yield of rice, we used the 1,322,884 SNPs obtained from the sequencing 173 of rice accessions in this study. Alkalinity-tolerance-related traits, including the germination energy (GE), germination rate (GR), seedling length (SL), root length (RL), relative alkaline damage rate (RADR) of the GERADR of the GR, RADR of the SL and RADR of the RL, were evaluated in 2019 and 2020 and revealed abundant phenotypes in the studied population. A genome-wide association analysis detected 10 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to alkalinity tolerance. In addition, a transcriptome sequencing analysis of the alkalinity-tolerant rice variety 'Yuedao 9' and the alkali-sensitive rice variety 'Tijin' under alkalinity stress and control conditions was performed. Three candidate genes that were predicted to be related to alkalinity tolerance in rice, namely LOC_Os06g06600, LOC_Os011g44680 and LOC_Os011g44600, were screened based on gene annotation, coding sequences and haplotype analysis. The results of this study provide important genetic information for the molecular improvement of rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) based on sulfide solid electrolytes (SEs) are one of the most promising strategies for next‐generation energy storage systems and electronic devices. However, the poor chemical/electrochemical stability of sulfide SEs with oxide cathode materials and high interfacial impedance, particularly due to physical contact failure, are the major limiting factors to the development of sulfide SEs in ASSLBs. Herein, the composite cathode of MOF‐derived Fe7S8@C and Li6PS5Br fabricated by an infiltration method (IN–Fe7S8) with dissoluble sulfide electrolyte (dissoluble SE) is reported. Dissoluble SE can easily infiltrate the porous sheet‐type Fe7S8@C cathode to homogeneously contact with Fe7S8 nanoparticles that are embedded in the surrounding carbon matrixes and form a fast ionic transport network. Benefiting from applying dissoluble SE and Fe7S8@C, the IN‐Fe7S8‐based cells displayed a reversible capacity of 510 mAh g−1 after 180 cycles at 0.045 mA cm−2 at 30 °C. This work demonstrates a novel and practical method for the development of high‐performance all‐sulfide‐based solid state batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deployment of lithium metal anode in solid‐state batteries with polymer electrolytes has been recognized as a promising approach to achieving high‐energy‐density technologies. However, the practical application of the polymer electrolytes is currently constrained by various challenges, including low ionic conductivity, inadequate electrochemical window, and poor interface stability. To address these issues, a novel eutectic‐based polymer electrolyte consisting of succinonitrile (SN) and poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (PEGMEA) is developed. The research results demonstrate that the interactions between SN and PEGMEA promote the dissociation of the lithium difluoro(oxalato) borate (LiDFOB) salt and increase the concentration of free Li+. The well‐designed eutectic‐based PAN1.2‐SPE (PEGMEA: SN=1: 1.2 mass ratio) exhibits high ionic conductivity of 1.30 mS cm−1 at 30 °C and superior interface stability with Li anode. The Li/Li symmetric cell based on PAN1.2‐SPE enables long‐term plating/stripping at 0.3 and 0.5 mA cm−2, and the Li/LiFePO4 cell achieves superior long‐term cycling stability (capacity retention of 80.3 % after 1500 cycles). Moreover, Li/LiFePO4 and Li/LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 pouch cells employing PAN1.2‐SPE demonstrate excellent cycling and safety characteristics. This study presents a new pathway for designing high‐performance polymer electrolytes and promotes the practical application of high‐stable lithium metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co shows excellent performance in the high voltage range for layered oxide cathode materials for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, its high cost and toxicity are significant disadvantages.Co‐free cathodes with high performance are urgently needed for development. Herein, cheap Mg and Ti elements are preferred to replace Co elements. A P2‐Na0.67Mn0.53Ni0.30Mg0.085Ti0.085O2 (Ni30MgTi) cathode shows a high reversible specific capacity of 118 mA h g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 in 2.0–4.25 V, which is even higher than that in the base sample with Co. Moreover, Mg and Ti raise the median discharge voltage from 3.21 to 3.59 V, which raises the energy density from 325 to 410 Wh kg−1. On the other hand, ex situ XPS and in situ differential electrochemical mass spectrometry tests indicate that Ni30MgTi has a stable anionic redox reaction with reversible capacity in the high voltage range. The concept of bimetallic co‐substitution offers a simple and effective Co‐free strategy to reduce the cost and increase the energy density of layered oxide cathode materials simultaneously for SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) are attracting widespread attention due to their superior electrochemical and mechanical properties. However, the PVDF has a strong polar group -CF2-, which easily continuously reacts with lithium metal, resulting in the instability of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI), which intensifies the formation of lithium dendrites. Herein, Tetrafluoro-1,4-benzoquinone (TFBQ) was selected as an additive in trace amounts to the PVDF/Li-based electrolytes. TFBQ uniformly formed lithophilic quinone lithium salt (Li2TFBQ) in the SEI. Li2TFBQ has high lithium-ion affinity and low potential barrier and can be used as the dominant agent to guide uniform lithium deposition. The results showed that PVDF/Li-TFBQ 0.05 with a mass ratio of PVDF to TFBQ of 1:0.05 had the highest ionic conductivity of 2.39 × 10−4 S cm−1, and the electrochemical stability window reached 5.0 V. Moreover, PVDF/Li-TFBQ CSE demonstrated superior lithium dendrite suppression, which was confirmed by long-term lithium stripping/sedimentation tests over 2000 and 650 h at a current of 0.1 and 0.2 mA cm−2, respectively. The assembled solid-state LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2||Li cell showed an excellent performance rate and cycle stability at 30 °C. This study greatly promotes the practical research of solid-state electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining salt tolerance genes is significant for breeding high-quality salt-tolerant rice varieties in order to improve the utilization of saline–alkaline land. In this study, 173 rice accessions were measured for their germination potential (GP), germination rate (GR), seedling length (SL), root length (RL), germination potential relative to salt damage rate (GPR), germination rate relative to salt damage rate (GRR), seedling length relative to salt damage rate (SLR), relative salt damage rate at the germination stage (RSD) and comprehensive relative salt damage rate in the early seedling stage (CRS) under normal and salt stress conditions. Genome-wide association analysis was performed with 1,322,884 high-quality SNPs obtained by resequencing. Eight quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to salt tolerance traits at the germination stage were detected in 2020 and 2021. They were related to the GPR (qGPR2) and SLR (qSLR9), which were newly discovered in this study. Three genes were predicted as salt tolerance candidate genes: LOC_Os02g40664, LOC_Os02g40810, and LOC_Os09g28310. At present, marker-assisted selection (MAS) and gene-edited breeding are becoming more widespread. Our discovery of candidate genes provides a reference for research in this field. The elite alleles identified in this study may provide a molecular basis for cultivating salt-tolerant rice varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shape of the rice flag leaf affects rice yield. Therefore, the detection of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and alleles related to rice flag leaf shape is of great significance for rice yield improvement. Therefore, in 2019 and 2020, we carried out a genome-wide association study of flag leaf length (FLL), flag leaf width (FLW), flag leaf length–width ratio (FLR), and flag leaf area (FLA), considering 1.3 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 173 rice accessions, in order to investigate the effects of various genes on flag leaf shape. An abundance of phenotypic variation was found, with respect to the four flag leaf shape parameters of these accessions. We identified one significant SNP position associated with FLL and FLR on chromosome 5 and one significant SNP position associated with FLW on chromosome 2, which were detected in both of the two years of the study period through general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM). Furthermore, three candidate genes—LOC_Os02g56760, LOC_Os05g34380, and LOC_Os05g34600—were found to possibly be significantly related to flag leaf shape in rice. Haplotype analysis indicated that LOC_Os05g34380 is highly associated with flag leaf length and flag leaf length–width ratio, LOC_Os05g34600 is highly associated with flag leaf length, and LOC_Os02g56760 is highly associated with flag leaf width. Our results provide important genetic information for the molecular improvement of rice flag leaf shape, laying the foundation for further cloning and molecular-assisted breeding of flag leaf genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary batteries have been widespread in the daily life causing an ever-growing demand for long-cycle lifespan and high-energy alkali-ion batteries. As an essential constituent part, electrode materials with superior electrochemical properties play a vital role in the battery systems. Here, an outstanding electrode of yolk-shell ZnS@C nanorods is developed, introducing considerable void space via a self-sacrificial template method. Such carbon encapsulated nanorods moderate integral electronic conductivity, thus ensuring rapid alkali-ions/electrons transporting. Furthermore, the porous structure of these nanorods endows enough void space to mitigate volume stress caused by the insertion/extraction of alkali-ions. Due to the unique structure, these yolk-shell ZnS@C nanorods achieve superior rate performance and cycling performance (740 mAh g-1 at 1.0 A g-1 after 540 cycles) for lithium-ion batteries. As a potassium-ion batteries anode, they achieve an ultra-long lifespan delivering 211.1 mAh g-1 at 1.0 A g-1 after 5700 cycles. The kinetic analysis reveals that these ZnS@C nanorods with considerable pseudocapacitive contribution benefit the fast lithiation/delithiation. Detailed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses indicate that such yolk-shell ZnS@C anode is a typical reversible conversion reaction mechanism accomplished by alloying processes. This rational design strategy opens a window for the development of superior energy storage materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SLMBs) are attracting enormous attention due to their enhanced safety and high theoretical energy density. However, the alkali lithium with high reducibility can react with the solid‐state electrolytes resulting in the inferior cycle lifespan. Herein, inspired by the idea of interface design, the 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide as an initiator to generate an artificial protective layer in polymer electrolyte is selected. Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal the stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is in situ formed between the electrolyte/Li interface. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images demonstrate that the constructed SEI can promote homogeneous Li deposition. As a result, the Li/Li symmetrical cells enable stable cycle ultralong‐term for over 4500 h. Moreover, the as‐prepared LiFePO4/Li SLMBs exhibit an impressive ultra‐long cycle lifespan over 1300 cycles at 1 C, as well as 1600 cycles at 0.5 C with a capacity retention ratio over 80%. This work offers an effective strategy for the construction of the stable electrolyte/Li interface, paving the way for the rapid development of long lifespan SLMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted much attention due to their abundance, easy accessibility, and low cost. P2‐type layered oxide materials, as one of the most potential cathode candidates for SIBs, have been widely studied. However, various kinds of structural evolution during cycling are harmful to the stability. In the present Minireview, the phase transitions occurring in the process of charge/discharge are summarized, and the mechanism of structural rearrangement and phase transition are introduced. This Minireview is aimed at helping researchers understand the detailed structural evolution, and propose strategies of designing the P2‐type layered oxide cathodes with low strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the past few years, a new generation of energy storage systems with large theoretical specific capacity has been urgently needed because of the rapid development of society. Lithium–sulfur (Li−S) batteries are regarded as one of the most promising candidates for novel battery systems, since their resurgence at the end of the 20th century Li−S batteries have attracted ever more attention, attributed to their notably high theoretical energy density of 2600 W h kg−1, which is almost five times larger than that of commercial lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). One of the determining factors in Li−S batteries is how to design/prepare the sulfur cathode. For the sulfur host, the major technical challenge is avoiding the shuttling effect that is caused by soluble polysulfides during the reaction. In past decades, though the sulfur cathode has developed greatly, there are still some enormous challenges to be conquered, such as low utilization of S, rapid decay of capacity, and poor cycle life. This article spotlights the recent progress and foremost findings in improving the performance of Li−S batteries by employing multifunctional metal phosphides as host materials. The current state of development of the sulfur electrode of Li−S batteries is summarized by emphasizing the relationship between the essential properties of metal phosphide‐based hybrid nanomaterials, the chemical reaction with lithium polysulfides and the latter′s influence on electrochemical performance. Finally, trends in the development and practical application of Li−S batteries are also pointed out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most P2‐type layered oxides exhibit a large volume change when they are charged into high voltage, and it further leads to bad structural stability. In fact, high voltage is not the reason which causes the irreversible phase transition. There are two internal factors which affect structural evolution: the amount and distribution of Na ions retained in the lattice. Hereon, a series of layered oxides Na2/3MnxNix−1/3Co4/3−2xO2 (1/3≤x≤2/3) were synthesized. It is observed that different components have different structural evolutions during the charge/discharge processes, and further researches find that the distribution of Na ions in layers is the main factor. By controlling the distribution of Na ions, the phase transition process can be well controlled. As the referential component, P2‐Na2/3Mn1/2Ni1/6Co1/3O2 cathode with uniform distribution of Na ions is cycled at the voltage window of 1.5–4.5 V, which exhibits a volume change as low as 1.9 %. Such a low strain is beneficial for cycling stability. The current work provides a new and effective route to regulate the structural evolution of the promising P2‐type layered cathode for sodium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most P2‐type layered oxides exhibit a large volume change when they are charged into high voltage, and it further leads to bad structural stability. In fact, high voltage is not the reason which causes the irreversible phase transition. There are two internal factors which affect structural evolution: the amount and distribution of Na ions retained in the lattice. Hereon, a series of layered oxides Na2/3MnxNix−1/3Co4/3−2xO2 (1/3≤x≤2/3) were synthesized. It is observed that different components have different structural evolutions during the charge/discharge processes, and further researches find that the distribution of Na ions in layers is the main factor. By controlling the distribution of Na ions, the phase transition process can be well controlled. As the referential component, P2‐Na2/3Mn1/2Ni1/6Co1/3O2 cathode with uniform distribution of Na ions is cycled at the voltage window of 1.5–4.5 V, which exhibits a volume change as low as 1.9 %. Such a low strain is beneficial for cycling stability. The current work provides a new and effective route to regulate the structural evolution of the promising P2‐type layered cathode for sodium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most P2‐type layered oxides exhibit a large volume change when they are charged into high voltage, and it further leads to bad structural stability. In fact, high voltage is not the reason which causes the irreversible phase transition. There are two internal factors which affect structural evolution: the amount and distribution of Na ions retained in the lattice. Hereon, a series of layered oxides Na2/3MnxNix−1/3Co4/3−2xO2 (1/3≤x≤2/3) were synthesized. It is observed that different components have different structural evolutions during the charge/discharge processes, and further researches find that the distribution of Na ions in layers is the main factor. By controlling the distribution of Na ions, the phase transition process can be well controlled. As the referential component, P2‐Na2/3Mn1/2Ni1/6Co1/3O2 cathode with uniform distribution of Na ions is cycled at the voltage window of 1.5–4.5 V, which exhibits a volume change as low as 1.9 %. Such a low strain is beneficial for cycling stability. The current work provides a new and effective route to regulate the structural evolution of the promising P2‐type layered cathode for sodium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most P2‐type layered oxides exhibit a large volume change when they are charged into high voltage, and it further leads to bad structural stability. In fact, high voltage is not the reason which causes the irreversible phase transition. There are two internal factors which affect structural evolution: the amount and distribution of Na ions retained in the lattice. Hereon, a series of layered oxides Na2/3MnxNix−1/3Co4/3−2xO2 (1/3≤x≤2/3) were synthesized. It is observed that different components have different structural evolutions during the charge/discharge processes, and further researches find that the distribution of Na ions in layers is the main factor. By controlling the distribution of Na ions, the phase transition process can be well controlled. As the referential component, P2‐Na2/3Mn1/2Ni1/6Co1/3O2 cathode with uniform distribution of Na ions is cycled at the voltage window of 1.5–4.5 V, which exhibits a volume change as low as 1.9 %. Such a low strain is beneficial for cycling stability. The current work provides a new and effective route to regulate the structural evolution of the promising P2‐type layered cathode for sodium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium–sulfur batteries have ultra–high energy density and are considered to be one of the most promising energy storage systems among all battery systems. However, due to various thorny problems, their commercial production has not yet been realized. The current experimental research normally lacks a systematic investigation into the conversion mechanism of the sulfur cathode from the electronic structure level. Actually, there is still a lack of powerful theoretical guidance for the design of high–performance Li–S batteries and the selection of modified materials still seems blind. In this article, with the chelated Fe‐polyvinyl pyrrolidone as the precursor, a series of Fe–based materials (e.g., Fe3O4@C, FeS@C, Fe3N@C) are synthesized as modified layers for battery separators, and the performance differences between them are systematically studied. It is found that the d–p band center model developed based on the d band center can reasonably combine the reaction potential of Li2S4 and performance differences. Simultaneously, the interaction between Li2S6 and the adsorption interface is simulated by ab initio molecular dynamics. This current work sheds light on promising material design for superior Li–S batteries both from a theoretical and experimental perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni-rich LiNixCoyMn1−x−yO2 (x ≥ 0.6) layered oxide cathodes are among the most promising cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their superior capacity, prominent energy density and low cost. However, the large volume change caused by phase transition and poor diffusion kinetics limits their application. Herein, a nanorod-like Ni-rich layered LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode is synthesized via a facile surfactant-free co-precipitation route. Due to the unique nanorod morphology, more {010} electrochemically active planes are exposed. As a result, structural stability and diffusion kinetics are greatly improved. In terms of performance, it exhibits outstanding structural stability (the volume change is as small as 2.12% in the processes of charging and discharging) and rate performance (achieving a high discharge capacity of 152.2 mA h g−1 at 5C). Such rationally designed cathode could meet the high high-energy requirements of next generation LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As concerns about the safety of lithium‐ions batteries (LIBs) increases, aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) with a lower cost, higher safety, and higher co‐efficiency have attracted more and more interest. However, finding suitable cathode materials is still an urgent problem in ZIBs. In recent years, a lot of significant works have been reported, including manganese‐based cathodes, vanadium‐based cathodes, Prussian blue analog‐based materials, and sustainable quinone cathodes. In this review, some typical cathode materials are introduced. The detailed storage mechanisms and methods for improving the reaction kinetics of the zinc ions are summarized. Finally, the issues, challenges, and the research directions are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]