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The cathode surface of sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state batteries (SBs) is commonly coated with amorphous‐LiNbO3 in order to stabilize charge–discharge reactions. However, high‐voltage charging diminishes the advantages, which is caused by problems with the amorphous‐LiNbO3 coating layer. This study has investigated the degradation of amorphous‐LiNbO3 coating layer directly during the high‐voltage charging of SBs. O2 generation via Li extraction from the amorphous‐LiNbO3 coating layer is observed using electrochemical gas analysis and electrochemical X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This O2 leads to the formation of an oxidative solid electrolyte (SE) around the coating layer and degrades the battery performance. On the other hand, elemental substitution (i.e., amorphous‐LiNbxP1‐xO3) reduces O2 release, leading to stable high‐voltage charge–discharge reactions of SBs. The results have emphasized that the suppression of O2 generation is a key factor in improving the energy density of SBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to its excellent physicochemical properties, poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) has been used clinically for medical implants. However, its surface properties should be improved to further enhance its compatibility with a living organism and infection resistance. Here, we examined the surface construction via a combined process, that is, the self‐initiated photoinduced graft polymerization of N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMA) on PEEK substrate followed by polymer quaternization using various bromoalkanes (Q‐PDMA‐g‐PEEK). Using a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the grafting and quaternarization of poly(DMA) (PDMA) on the PEEK substrate was confirmed. The degree of quaternizations was at least 60% even when the various bromoalkanes were reacted. The Q‐PDMA‐g‐PEEK with 1‐bromooctane (BrC8) (C8‐Q‐PDMA‐g‐PEEK) substrate exhibited the highest ζ‐potential of other Q‐PDMA‐g‐PEEK substrates. However, no significant differences were observed in the degree of quaternization, thickness of the polymer layer, and hydrophilicity of all modified PEEK substrates. In addition, from antibacterial test with Escherichia coli, the C8Q‐PDMA‐g‐PEEK substrate exhibited the highest antibacterial rate (80%) among Q‐PDMA‐g‐PEEK substrates examined. Therefore, we concluded that the surface ζ‐potential is the one an important parameter for manufacturing PEEK substrates with bactericidal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The competition between magnetic shape anisotropy and the induced uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in the heterojunction between a ferromagnetic layer and a ferroelectric substrate serves to control magnetic domain structures as well as magnetization reversal characteristics. The uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, originating from the symmetry breaking effect in the heterojunction, plays a significant role in modifying the characteristics of magnetization dynamics. Magnetoelastic phenomena are known to generate uniaxial magnetic anisotropy; however, the interfacial electronic states that may contribute to the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy have not yet been adequately investigated. Here, we report experimental evidence concerning the binding energy change in the ferromagnetic layer/ferroelectric substrate heterojunction using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The binding energy shifts, corresponding to the chemical shifts, reveal the binding states near the interface. Our results shed light on the origin of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy induced from the heterojunction. This knowledge can provide a means for the simultaneous control of magnetism, mechanics, and electronics in a nano/microsystem consisting of ferromagnetic/ferroelectric materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valence photoelectron spectra of an electron-beam (EB) irradiated C60 film, which exhibited metallic electron-transport properties in air at room temperature, are presented. The electronic structure of the C60 film became closer to that of graphite as the EB-irradiation time increased, and its density of states around the Fermi level was eventually greater than for the graphite. This suggests that the electronic structure of the C60 film changed from a semiconductor to a semimetal and/or metal by EB irradiation. Interestingly, the electronic structure remained metallic even after five days of air exposure, which is the reason for the metallic electron-transport property in our previous report [Appl. Phys. Lett. 82, 595 (2003)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylonitrile-grafted poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymer with a branched structure is synthesized and used as binder for a LiNi 1/2 Mn 3/2 O 4 composite electrode. Electrode performances of composite electrodes with different binders are compared in Li cells at 50 °C. The branched copolymer has better coatability to active materials in comparison to a simple mixture of linear polymers and conventional PVdF as evidenced by hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Cyclability is effectively improved by using the branched copolymer at elevated temperatures because of high chemical stability of the coated polymer layer and formation of a protective layer on cycles. Moreover, excellent rate-capability is realized by applying the branched copolymer with high adhesive strength, and the composite electrode delivers 70 mAh g −1 of discharge capacity at a rate of 1280 mA g −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]