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Puerarin (Pue) is a kind of isoflavone compound extracted from Pueraria lobata, which has significant antioxidant activity. Excessive use of acetaminophen (APAP) can cause oxidative stress in the liver and eventually lead to acute liver injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect and the mechanism of puerarin on APAP‐induced liver oxidative damage. In in vitro experiments, puerarin significantly increased the cell activity of HepG2 cells, reduced the ROS accumulation, alleviated the oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. In in vivo studies, our results showed that puerarin enhanced antioxidant activity and alleviated histopathological damage. Further studies showed that puerarin decreased the expression of Keap1, promoted the nuclear migration of Nrf2, and up‐regulated the expression of GCLC, GCLM, HO‐1 and NQO1. This study demonstrated that puerarin can protect APAP‐induced liver injury via alleviating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction by affecting the nuclear migration of Nrf2 via inhibiting Keap1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn-Mn aqueous batteries (ZMABs) have the potential for grid-scale energy storage due to their low cost, high safety, and eco-friendliness. Recent advancements in high-capacity cathodes, dendrite-free anodes, and functionalized electrolytes have brought rechargeable ZMABs closer to practical applications. However, challenges remain in stabilizing the interface, particularly in electrolyte regulation. A recent study published in the National Science Review reports on the development of a lean-water quasi-eutectic electrolyte that improves the reversible interfacial deposition and reaction kinetics of Mn-based cathodes in a long cycle process. The study highlights the importance of electrolyte optimization in addressing the energy density and lifespan limitations of ZMABs. pH balance, solvation regulation, and redox mediation are identified as effective strategies for durable ZMABs. The authors propose future research directions, including the design of novel pH buffer electrolytes, regulation of Mn2+ solvation structure, development of stable redox mediators, and the creation of wide-temperature electrolytes for improved performance. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] • Bismuth within metal–organic framework (Bi@ZIF-8) is used to modify zinc anode. • Bi@ZIF-8 layer facilitates uniform deposition and anti-corrosion in zinc anode. • The modified zinc anode demonstrates reduced polarization in a symmetric cell. • A 2 Ah Zn-Ni pouch cell of 130 Wh kg−1 is achieved by Bi@ZIF-8 modified zinc. Zn-based aqueous batteries (ZnABs) are attractive in large-scale energy storage. However, the issues of hydrogen evolution and dendrite formation in zinc anode are the key challenges for this technology. Here, we demonstrate the metal bismuth encapsulated within a metal–organic framework (Bi@ZIF-8) as an artificial interface to protect the Zn anode. Revealed by electrochemical measurements and the in-situ optical images, the Bi@ZIF-8 interface makes for uniform deposition and simultaneously contributes to anti-corrosion in Zn anode. Hence, the symmetric Bi@ZIF-8 coated Zn foil (Bi@ZIF-8|Zn) cell exhibits the lowest polarization compared to ZIF-8|Zn and bare Zn, and achieves 420 h of operation at 7.5 mA cm−2. As a proof of concept, the elaborate alkaline Zn-Ni full cell based on Bi@ZIF-8|Zn anode shows excellent kinetic performance, a high coulombic efficiency of 98 %, and a long lifespan of 2500 cycles. Moreover, this Bi@ZIF-8 was used as a practical Zn electrode interface modifier, which endows a 2 Ah pouch cell with a high energy density of 130 Wh kg−1 and 420 Wh L–1. This research provides a novel thought for realizing long-life ZnABs via the artificial interface protection of the Zn anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cinnamomum longepaniculatum (Gamble) N. Chao is an important woody incense plant that contains volatile terpenoids and has been extensively cultivated in Yibin, China. However, the relationship between endophytic fungal diversity and C. longepaniculatum species remains unclear. Here, fungal taxa in different tissue samples were analyzed using Illumina-based sequencing of ITS1 region of fungal rDNA genes. Results showed that 476 OTUs were identified in all tissues of C. longepaniculatum, with 78 OTUs common among all tissues. Similarity cluster analysis indicated that these OTUs belong to 5 phyla and at least 18 genera, with a large number of OTUs remaining unidentified at family and genus levels. The fungal community in seeds exhibited the greatest richness and diversity, followed by those in branches, leaves, and roots, respectively. Unclassified Chaetosphaeriales (91.66%), Passalora (57.17%), and unclassified Ascomycota (58.79%) OTUs dominated in root, branch, and leaf communities, respectively, and other common groups in the branch community included unclassified Ascomycota (12.13%), Houjia (10.38%), and Pseudoveronaea (5.43%), whereas other common groups in leaf community included Passalora (11.43%) and Uwebraunia (8.58%). Meanwhile, the seed community was dominated by unclassified Ascomycota (16.98%), unclassified Pleosporaceae (15.46%), and Talaromyces (12.50%) and also included high proportions of unclassified Nectriaceae (7.68%), Aspergillus (6.95%), Pestalotiopsis (6.02%), and Paraconiothyrium (5.11%) and several seed-specific taxa, including Peniophora, Cryptodiscus, and Penicillium. These findings suggest that Yibin-native C. longepaniculatum harbors rich and diverse endophytic communities that may represent an underexplored reservoir of biological resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc‐based electrochemistry is attracting significant attention for practical energy storage owing to its uniqueness in terms of low cost and high safety. However, the grid‐scale application is plagued by limited output voltage and inadequate energy density when compared with more conventional Li‐ion batteries. Herein, we propose a latent high‐voltage MnO2 electrolysis process in a conventional Zn‐ion battery, and report a new electrolytic Zn–MnO2 system, via enabled proton and electron dynamics, that maximizes the electrolysis process. Compared with other Zn‐based electrochemical devices, this new electrolytic Zn–MnO2 battery has a record‐high output voltage of 1.95 V and an imposing gravimetric capacity of about 570 mAh g−1, together with a record energy density of approximately 409 Wh kg−1 when both anode and cathode active materials are taken into consideration. The cost was conservatively estimated at

Zinc‐based electrochemistry is attracting significant attention for practical energy storage owing to its uniqueness in terms of low cost and high safety. However, the grid‐scale application is plagued by limited output voltage and inadequate energy density when compared with more conventional Li‐ion batteries. Herein, we propose a latent high‐voltage MnO2 electrolysis process in a conventional Zn‐ion battery, and report a new electrolytic Zn–MnO2 system, via enabled proton and electron dynamics, that maximizes the electrolysis process. Compared with other Zn‐based electrochemical devices, this new electrolytic Zn–MnO2 battery has a record‐high output voltage of 1.95 V and an imposing gravimetric capacity of about 570 mAh g−1, together with a record energy density of approximately 409 Wh kg−1 when both anode and cathode active materials are taken into consideration. The cost was conservatively estimated at

Abstract Although a low-Al or an Al-free design is an efficient way to develop low-temperature and high-rate metal hydride alloys, the cycling life of these alloys is poor. Our strategy is to employ B-side anti-corrosion elements (e.g., Fe, Si, Sn, Cu) to coordinate the low-temperature and high-power delivery with cycling life. We confirmed that excellent electrochemical kinetics (i.e., surface catalytic and bulk H-diffusion ability) is the primary condition for low-temperature and high-rate delivery, while it reverses with anti-corrosion ability. As a result, the low-temperature dischargeability (LTD), high-rate dischargeability (HRD) and peak power (P peak) progressively decrease with Ni, Si, Cu, Fe, Sn and Al substitution, but the cycling stability successively increases with Ni, Si, Fe, Sn, Cu and Al substitution. Based on the thermodynamics and the coordination of the LTD, the HRD and P peak with the cycling life, the (LaCe) 1.0 (NiCoMn) 4.85 Al 0.05 Cu 0.1 alloy presents the best overall electrochemical properties. Notably, when using an as-designed Cu-doped anode, the assembled commercial 100 Ah prismatic Ni-MH batteries present excellent power delivery at −40 °C. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Low-Al design is an efficient way for developing low-temperature and high-rate MH. • Various B-side elements coordinate the electrode kinetics and anti-corrosion property. • Anti-corrosion property presents a contradictory rule with electrode kinetics. • Electrode kinetics progressively drops via Ni, Si, Cu, Fe, Sn and Al substituting. • The designed Cu/Si-doped low-Al alloy offers a promising solution for low-temperature and high-power applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The current main application of nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries is offering high power assist for electric transportation, putting a high demand on the high-rate capability of the electrode materials. In this work, Co-free α-Ni(OH) 2 micron-bulks comprising ultrafine primary particles with average size of ∼40 nm are presented as the high-rate cathode material for Ni-MH batteries. The micron-sized secondary particles are not only industry-compatible but also beneficial for tapping density, while the nano-sized primary particles ensure fast electrochemical kinetics. As a result, this material exhibits good overall performance, especially an excellent high-rate capability. When being discharged or charged at an ultrahigh current density up to 6000 mA g−1, it can deliver a capacity of 245.1 mAh g−1 (∼82% of the rated capacity) or accept a capacity of 272.6 mAh g−1 (∼91% of the rated capacity) only within 3 min. When further operating in a more practical 'charge sustaining' mode, it also displays superior potential depolarization under high-current pulses. This impressive high-rate capability highlights the advantages of our sample, providing a promising candidate for the high-power Ni-MH batteries. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Micron-sized Co-free α-Ni(OH) 2 with excellent high-rate ability is demonstrated. • The micron-sized secondary particles comprise ultrafine primary nanoparticles. • This material delivers ∼82% of the rated capacity at a current up to 6000 mA g−1. • This material recharges ∼91% of the rated capacity only within 3 min. • This material displays superior potential depolarization under high-current pulses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Al-free Mn-modified AB 5 -type hydrogen storage alloys have been designed and the effects of thermodynamic stability and electrochemical kinetics on electrochemical performance via Mn substituting have been investigated. Compared with high-Al alloys, the Al-free alloys in this study have better low-temperature performance and instantaneous high-rate output because of the higher surface catalytic ability. After partial substitution of Ni by Mn, both the hydrogen desorption capacity and plateau pressure decrease, and correspondingly results in an improved thermodynamic stability which is adverse to low-temperature delivery. Additionally, with the improvement of charge acceptance ability and anti-corrosion property via Mn substitution, the room-temperature discharge capacity and cycling stability increase slightly. However, Mn adversely affects the electrochemical kinetics and deteriorates both the surface catalytic ability and the bulk hydrogen diffusion ability, leading to the drop of low-temperature dischargeability, high-rate dischargeability and peak power ( P peak ). Based on the thermodynamic and kinetic regulation and overall electrochemical properties, the optimal composition is obtained when x = 0.2, the discharge capacity is 243.6 mAh g −1 at −40 °C with 60 mA g −1 , and the P peak attains to 969.6 W kg −1 at −40 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excellent low-temperature and instantaneous high-rate output performance of MmNi 3.7 Co 0.7 Mn 0.3 Al 0.3 alloy are obtained via hot-alkali treatment (K alloy) and duplex hot-alkali treatments with reducing agents, including N 2 H 4 (KN alloy), NaH 2 PO 2 (KP alloy) and NaBH 4 (KB alloy). The charge transfer process on the alloy surface is the primary control step that influences the electrochemical properties at −40 °C. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analyses demonstrate that a high electrocatalytic Ni-and Co-rich layer is formed via the preferential dissolution of Al and Mn and that the alloy surface oxide is effectively removed via the duplex surface hot-alkali treatments. Thus, the charge-transfer resistance decreases and the exchange current density increases obviously in the treated alloys, making the K, KN, KP and KB alloys exhibit better activation property, high-rate dischargeability and instantaneous high-rate output performance at 20 °C, as well as higher discharge capacity, low-temperature dischargeability and high-power delivery at −40 °C. Based on the overall electrochemical properties of the alloys at various temperatures, a duplex surface modification of the hot-alkali treatment with NaH 2 PO 2 is determined to be the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various properties of La 0.78 Ce 0.22 Ni 3.73 Co 0.30 Mn 0.30 Al 0.17 Fe 0.5−x Si x (x = 0, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1) hydrogen storage alloys at 20–80 °C have been investigated systematically. With the increase of Si content, the hydrogen storage capacity increases and the equilibrium pressure decreases, thus the improved thermodynamic stability of the metal hydrides makes the Si-containing alloys more suitable for working at higher temperatures. Appropriate addition of Si (x = 0–0.075) improves the anti-corrosion capability of the alloy, as a result, the temperature insensitivity, high-temperature dischargeability and high-temperature recoverability increase accordingly, particularly the cycling stability ( S 150 ) increases from 43.7% to 71.8%. In addition, the charge-transfer process is suppressed gradually by Si substituting (x = 0–0.075) at 20 °C, but gets promoted due to the improved surface catalytic ability when that at 60 °C, consequently the high-rate dischargeability and high-power delivery deteriorate at room temperature, but increase gradually at higher temperature. Therefore, an optimum alloy electrode is got when x = 0.075, the deterioration of x = 0.1 alloy on high-temperature performance is attributed to the appearance of the second A 2 B 7 phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to systematically investigate the effects of size of nickel powder additive on the low-temperature electrochemical performances and kinetics of MmNi 0.38 Co 0.7 Mn 0.3 Al 0.2 hydrogen storage alloy under various assigned low temperatures, including 273 K, 253 K and 233 K. The results demonstrate that replacement of nano-nickel powder with average particle size of 40 nm (N40) for T255 nickel powder enhances the low-temperature electrochemical performances more dramatically than those of nano-nickel powder with average particle size of 100 nm (N100). The discharge capacity of N40 electrode at 233 K and 0.2 C rate is 216.8 mA h g −1 and low-temperature dischargeability (LTD) even reaches 67.6%, both of which are more higher than those of T255 electrode (150.4 mA h g −1 , 51.3%, respectively). The kinetics parameters measured by linear polarization, electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) and potentiostatic discharge technology expound that, both the electrochemical charge-transfer process at the alloy–electrolyte interface and the hydrogen diffusion process in the bulk of alloy particles become increasingly limited with the decrease of the temperatures from 293 K down to 233 K, which correspondingly results in poor electrochemical performances of the electrodes at low temperatures. Further, the substitution of N40 for T255 nickel powder reduces the charge-transfer resistances and increases both the exchange current densities and the hydrogen diffusion coefficients of the electrodes more significantly than those of N100 at low temperatures, which were attributed to the excellent electro–catalytic activity of N40, explaining the evident differences on the low-temperature electrochemical performances of T255, N100 and N40 electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excellent high-temperature cycling stability and storage property are obtained by partially substituting Al for Ni in La 0.78 Ce 0.22 Ni 3.95-x Co 0.65 Mn 0.3 Si 0.1 Al x (x = 0–0.4) alloys, especially at 60 °C. Potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope analyses are employed to reveal the mechanism of suppressing capacity loss of the alloy. The results demonstrate that partially Al substituting suppresses the pulverization and corrosion tendency of the alloys. Al-containing alloys show improved anti-corrosion capability, and the dissolution of La, Ce, Ni, Co, Mn and Si can be restrained remarkably by sacrificing Al content, thus excellent cycling stability and storage property are obtained. In addition, at higher temperature, the dissolution of Al is the dominant factor that influences the electrochemical properties at the early stage of cycles, promoting the surface catalytic ability. Subsequently, the gradual accumulation of metal hydroxide on the electrode alloy surface protects active metal from further oxidation and corrosion. Novel EIS mode in metal hydride electrode is proposed to study surface corrosion and dissolution behavior at higher temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The various properties of La 0.78 Ce 0.22 Ni 3.95-x Co 0.65 Mn 0.3 Si 0.1 Al x (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) hydrogen storage alloys at 20–80 °C have been investigated systematically. The equilibrium pressure and hydrogen storage capacity decrease with the increment of Al content, especially at higher temperature. Thus the high stability of the counterpart hydride means the high-Al alloy is more suitable for working at higher temperature. With the increase of Al content, both the discharge capacity and high-rate dischargeability deteriorate at room temperature, but increase gradually at higher temperature (40–80 °C). Electrochemical kinetics and scanning electron microscope analyses were conducted to investigate the mechanism of Al effect on high-temperature properties. The results demonstrate that the dissolution of Al leads to the outcrop of high electro-catalytic Ni atoms on the alloy surface, thus charge-transfer resistance decreases and exchange current density increases, making the high-temperature dischargeability and high-rate dischargeability better for high-Al alloys at 60 °C. Furthermore, the existence of Al improves the stability of the oxide film, enhancing the anti-corrosion property of high-Al alloy at elevated temperature, and consequently results in excellent high-temperature recoverability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Binder-free ε-MnO 2 is synthesized by facile potentiostatic electrodeposition. • The as-prepared MnO 2 forms a porous structure composed of interconnected nanoflakes. • The binder-free ε-MnO 2 yields a high discharge capacity of 259.3 mA h g−1. • The binder-free ε-MnO 2 reveals good rate capability and cycle stability. • The MnO 2 //PTCDA cell achieves a high energy density of 98.6 Wh kg−1. [Display omitted] Manganese dioxide (MnO 2) is considered as a potential cathode material for aqueous magnesium-ion batteries (MIBs) owing to the high theoretical capacity of 308 mAh g−1, low cost and high abundance. However, the essentially poor electrical conductivity of MnO 2 leads to low rate performance and short lifespan in the dated MnO 2 electrodes prepared by the traditional slurry coating route. In present study, the binder-free ε-MnO 2 nanoflakes as a robust cathode for aqueous MIBs is reported. This method provides the direct contact of ε-MnO 2 with the current collector, and thus remarkably improves the electrical conductivity. The binder-free ε-MnO 2 delivers a high specific capacity of 259.3 mAh g1 at 0.5 A g1, excellent rate capability, and a long cycling stability of 94.3% retention after 400 cycles. Further, a full cell MIB incorporated with the ε-MnO 2 cathode delivers high rate capability and high energy density of 98.6 Wh kg1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable Zn‐air batteries (ZAB) represent a promising avenue for sustainable energy storage, boasting high energy density, cost‐effectiveness, scalability, and environmental friendliness. However, the sluggish redox kinetics and limited cycle life of bifunctional oxygen evolution/reduction (OER/ORR) electrocatalysts impede the further practical development of ZABs. In this study, homogenic boundary effect within α/β‐NiMoO4 is introduced as a superior electrocatalyst for ZAB. Through in situ poikilothermic X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and theoretical investigations, the active Ni atoms exhibit more effective electron transfer at α/β‐NiMoO4 due to the homogenic boundary effect is unveiled. Furthermore, the presence of oxygen vacancies and lattice distortions at these boundaries significantly reduces the thermodynamic barrier of OER to a mere 0.46 V. Consequently, α/β‐NiMoO4 demonstrates a remarkably low overpotential of 270 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for the bottlenecked OER, along with prolonged durability (150 h) and a high specific capacity (745 mAh g−1 at 5 mA cm−2) for ZAB. This study underscores the efficacy of homogenic boundary effects in enhancing electrocatalytic activities, offering great promise for the advancement of sustainable energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc‐based aqueous batteries (ZABs) are attracting extensive attention due to the low cost, high capacity, and environmental benignity of the zinc anode. However, their application is still hindered by the undesired zinc dendrites. Despite Zn‐surface modification being promising in relieving dendrites, a thick separator (i.e. glass fiber, 250–700 μm) is still required to resist the dendrite puncture, which limits volumetric energy density of battery. Here, we pivot from the traditional interphase plus extra separator categories, proposing an all‐in‐one ligand buffer layer (ca. 20 μm) to effectively modulate the Zn2+ transfer and deposition behaviors proved by in situ electrochemical digital holography. Experimental characterizations and density functional theory simulations further reveal that the catechol groups in the buffer layer can accelerate the Zn2+ reduction reaction (ZRR) through the electron‐donating p‐π conjugation effect, decreasing the negative charge in the coordination environment. Without extra separators, the elaborated system endows low polarization below 28.2 mV, long lifespan of 4950 h at 5 mA cm−2 in symmetric batteries, and an unprecedented volumetric energy density of 99.2 Wh L−1 based on the whole pouch cells. The concomitantly "separator‐free" and "dendrite‐free" conjugation effect with an accelerated ZRR process could foster the progression of metallic anodes and benefit energetic aqueous batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc‐based aqueous batteries (ZABs) are attracting extensive attention due to the low cost, high capacity, and environmental benignity of the zinc anode. However, their application is still hindered by the undesired zinc dendrites. Despite Zn‐surface modification being promising in relieving dendrites, a thick separator (i.e. glass fiber, 250–700 μm) is still required to resist the dendrite puncture, which limits volumetric energy density of battery. Here, we pivot from the traditional interphase plus extra separator categories, proposing an all‐in‐one ligand buffer layer (ca. 20 μm) to effectively modulate the Zn2+ transfer and deposition behaviors proved by in situ electrochemical digital holography. Experimental characterizations and density functional theory simulations further reveal that the catechol groups in the buffer layer can accelerate the Zn2+ reduction reaction (ZRR) through the electron‐donating p‐π conjugation effect, decreasing the negative charge in the coordination environment. Without extra separators, the elaborated system endows low polarization below 28.2 mV, long lifespan of 4950 h at 5 mA cm−2 in symmetric batteries, and an unprecedented volumetric energy density of 99.2 Wh L−1 based on the whole pouch cells. The concomitantly "separator‐free" and "dendrite‐free" conjugation effect with an accelerated ZRR process could foster the progression of metallic anodes and benefit energetic aqueous batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn 3 O 4 is regarded as one of the potential cathode materials for neutral zinc-ion battery, due to its high discharge capacity, low cost, and environmental benignity. Unfortunately, the bulk Mn 3 O 4 presents an inferior electrochemical performance resulting from its poor electrochemical activity. In this paper, cube-like Mn 3 O 4 @C material with interconnected pores and carbon layers is synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method followed by calcination. Owing to the high specific surface area, enhanced conductivity and protection of carbon layers, the porous cube-like Mn 3 O 4 @C cathode presents excellent electrochemical performances, compared with pure Mn 3 O 4 cathode. Our elaborate zinc-ion battery owns an operating voltage of 1.33 V, an energy density of 429.8 W h kg−1 (based on cathode) at 100 mA g−1, and achievable capacity of 102.3 mAh g−1 at a quite high rate of 2000 mA g−1, as well as maintains a capacity retention of 77.1% over 200 cycles at 500 mA g−1. Our findings enable Mn 3 O 4 as a promising cathode candidate in low-cost neutral zinc-ion battery for large-scale energy storage. Image 1 • Cube-like Mn 3 O 4 @C cathode materials are obtained via a facile synthetic method. • Porous structure is obtained from MnCO 3 decomposition. • Porous structure and carbon layers endow Mn 3 O 4 @C cathode excellent electrochemical performances. • An ultrahigh-energy Zn-ion battery with 429.8 W h kg−1 is achieved via cube-like Mn 3 O 4 @C cathode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel and facile sulfurization technology is proposed to optimize MH anode. • The porous, uniform and stable Ni 3 S 2 nanosheets arrays coating layers were grown in-situ on MH anode. • Conductivity, surface catalytic and structure stability of MH anode are facilitated by Ni 3 S 2 layers. • Ni 3 S 2 -coated alloys with excellent low-temperature, high-power and long-life performance are obtained. The corrosion or oxidation layers on the surface of hydrogen storage alloy severely obstruct the high-rate and low-temperature performance of the anode, which restricts the applications of nickel metal hydride batteries in high-power fields, extreme environments and national defense. Here a novel method is developed to obtain excellent high-rate and low-temperature performance of metal hydride (MH) anode via the in-situ coating of Ni 3 S 2. Through a facile hydrothermal sulfurization at 120 °C, the stable and porous Ni 3 S 2 nanosheets arrays are effectively synthesized on the surface of the hydrogen storage alloys. Attributing to the high electronic conductivity, excellent electrocatalytic activity and structure stability of those Ni 3 S 2 coating layers, the low-temperature, high-power performance and cycling life of our elaborate MH alloy are significantly improved. Notably, the Ni 3 S 2 -coated (LaCe) 1.0 Ni 3.8 Co 0.75 Mn 0.35 Al 0.1 alloy with 87.9% of cycling stability maintains a capacity retention rate of 53.6% at 3000 mA g−1, which is 2.3 times that of the original alloy (23.7%), and at −40 °C, the discharge capacity improves to 198.2 mAh g−1 and P peak attains to 750.1 W kg−1. This novel sulfurization technology of hydrogen storage alloy provides a cost-efficient solution for high-power, low-temperature and long-life Ni-MH batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrite growth and by‐products in Zn metal aqueous batteries have impeded their development as promising energy storage devices. We utilize a low‐cost additive, glucose, to modulate the typical ZnSO4 electrolyte system for improving reversible plating/stripping on Zn anode for high‐performance Zn ion batteries (ZIBs). Combing experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations, we show that the glucose in ZnSO4 aqueous environment can simultaneously modulate solvation structure of Zn2+ and Zn anode‐electrolyte interface. The electrolyte engineering can alternate one H2O molecule from the primary Zn2+‐6H2O solvation shell and restraining side reactions due to the decomposition of active water. Concomitantly, glucose molecules are inclined to absorb on the surface of Zn anode, suppressing the random growth of Zn dendrite. As a proof of concept, a symmetric cell and Zn‐MnO2 full cell with glucose electrolyte achieve boosted stability than that with pure ZnSO4 electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrite growth and by‐products in Zn metal aqueous batteries have impeded their development as promising energy storage devices. We utilize a low‐cost additive, glucose, to modulate the typical ZnSO4 electrolyte system for improving reversible plating/stripping on Zn anode for high‐performance Zn ion batteries (ZIBs). Combing experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations, we show that the glucose in ZnSO4 aqueous environment can simultaneously modulate solvation structure of Zn2+ and Zn anode‐electrolyte interface. The electrolyte engineering can alternate one H2O molecule from the primary Zn2+‐6H2O solvation shell and restraining side reactions due to the decomposition of active water. Concomitantly, glucose molecules are inclined to absorb on the surface of Zn anode, suppressing the random growth of Zn dendrite. As a proof of concept, a symmetric cell and Zn‐MnO2 full cell with glucose electrolyte achieve boosted stability than that with pure ZnSO4 electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brasenia schreberi is a widely consumed aquatic plant, yet the knowledge regarding its bioactive components, particularly polysaccharides, remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize the extraction process of polysaccharides from B. schreberi using the response surface method (RSM). Additionally, we characterized the polysaccharides using various methods and assessed their antioxidant capabilities both in vitro and in vivo, employing cell cultures and Caenorhabditis elegans. Furthermore, these polysaccharides were incorporated into a unique yogurt formulation. Our findings demonstrated that hot water extraction was the most suitable method for extracting polysaccharides from B. schreberi, yielding samples with high sugar content, significant antioxidant capacity, and a well-defined spatial structure. Moreover, pectinase was employed for polysaccharide digestion, achieving an enzymolysis rate of 10.02% under optimized conditions using RSM. Notably, the results indicated that these polysaccharides could protect cells from oxidative stress by reducing apoptosis. Surprisingly, at a concentration of 250 μg/mL, the polysaccharides significantly increased the survival rate of C. elegans from 31.05% to 82.3%. Further qPCR results revealed that the polysaccharides protected C. elegans by up-regulating the daf-16 gene and down-regulating mTOR and insulin pathways, demonstrating remarkable antioxidant abilities. Upon addition to the yogurt, the polysaccharides significantly enhanced the water retention, viscosity, and viability of lactic acid bacteria. These outcomes underscore the potential of polysaccharides from B. schreberi as a valuable addition to novel yogurt formulations, thereby providing additional theoretical support for the utilization of B. schreberi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It remains challenging to achieve further breakthroughs in the development of durable bifunctional air cathode electrocatalysts for increasing the cycling life of rechargeable Zn‐air battery (RZAB). Herein, d‐band gap narrowing strategy is proposed to significantly boost the electrocatalytic activity and stability of spinel Co3O4 for both oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. In situ Raman spectroscopy finds that the Ce atom substitution can significantly improve the durability and corrosion resistance of electrocatalysts in harsh alkaline electrolytes. Synchrotron X‐ray absorption fine structure reveals that the Co3+/Co2+ ratio of Co3O4 can be tuned with Ce introduction, which is beneficial to optimize the adsorption/desorption of the intermediates over Cooh3+ active sites. Density functional theory calculations further confirm the reduced gap between Co d‐band and O p‐band centers, increased electrical conductivity, together with the deepened valence band maximum of Co sites in Ce‐doped Co3O4. Thereby, the optimized RZAB with Ce‐Co3O4 delivers excellent long‐term durability (290 h) and large specific capacity (876.3 Wh kgZn−1$Wh\;kg_{Zn}^{{\bm{ - }}1}$), which possesses great prospects in all‐solid‐state flexible RZAB devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During cycling, Zn is found to be deposited on the cathode at a potential well above its standard deposition potential. Zn x (OTf) y (OH) 2 x−y · n H 2 O derived from H+ insertion is the deposition matrix. This underpotential deposition follows a 2D nucleation and growth model and is proposed to be thermodynamically feasible. By controlling the end-of-discharge voltage, cathodic Zn deposition is removed and battery's degradation is significantly mitigated. [Display omitted] Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for large-scale energy storage, but their development is plagued by inadequate cycle life. Here, for the first time, we reveal an unusual phenomenon of cathodic underpotential deposition (UPD) of Zn, which is highly irreversible and considered the origin of the inferior cycling stability of AZIBs. Combining experimental and theoretical simulation approaches, we propose that the UPD process agrees with a two-dimensional nucleation and growth model, following a thermodynamically feasible mechanism. Furthermore, the universality of Zn UPD is identified in systems, including VO 2 //Zn, TiO 2 //Zn, and SnO 2 //Zn. In practice, we propose and successfully implement removing cathodic Zn UPD and substantially mitigate the degradation of the battery by controlling the end-of-discharge voltage. This work provides new insights into AZIBs degradation and brings the cathodic UPD behavior of rechargeable batteries into the limelight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to optimize the microstructure and high temperature electrochemical performances of low-cost AB 5 -type Ml(NiMnAl) 4.2 Co 0.3 Fe 0.5 hydrogen storage electrode alloys, four different preparation methods including normal solidification (NS), normal solidification and 900 °C heat treatment (NS + HT), rapid solidification (RS), rapid solidification and 900 °C heat treatment (RS + HT) were adopted in this work. All alloys exhibit CaCu 5 type hexagonal structure and there is a small amount of A 2 B 7 phase in NS + HT and RS + HT alloys. It is found the using of HT process can decrease the hydrogen equilibrium plateau pressure, the plateau slope and hysteresis at 40, 60 and 80 °C. The NS + HT and RS + HT alloys also possess better activation, high rate discharge performance, larger discharge capacity, but poor cycling performance due to the existence of A 2 B 7 phase which can accelerate dissolution of Ni, Mn and Fe elements in KOH alkaline electrolyte. The RS process can make alloy exhibit the best cycling performance especially at 60 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel pyrolysis carbonization treatment is proposed to modify MH anode. • The stable porous N-doped carbon layers were in-situ coated on MH anode. • Electrochemical kinetics and anti-corrosion ability of MH anode are optimized by NC. • The carbonization treated MH anode exhibits an ultra-high capacity of 247.21 mAh g−1 at 15C. The conflicting relationship between anti-corrosion ability and electrochemical kinetics significantly hinders the comprehensive performance of hydrogen storage alloys in nickel-metal hydride batteries. In this study, we successfully coated a nano carbon layer on the AB 5 -type hydrogen storage alloy to achieve exceptional peak power, high-rate discharge capability, low-temperature performance, and cycling stability simultaneously as the MH electrodes. The surface carbon layer could not only enhance the surface conductivity, but also result in a reduced state of the alloy to mitigate the oxidation of alloy owing to the electronic transfer from the carbon layer to metal. The carbon-coated alloy electrode thus exhibits superior electrochemical properties compared to the pure alloy electrodes. The discharge capacity of the carbon-coated electrode at a discharge current density of 4.5 A g−1 is 247.21 mAh/g, which is 2.37 times that of the master electrode (104.12 mAh/g). Additionally, the discharge capacity of the carbon-coated electrode at −40 °C reaches an impressive 250.85 mAh/g. More importantly, these carbon-coated alloy electrodes exhibit outstanding cycle performance. This technology offers a promising solution for high-power, low-temperature, and long-cycling Ni-MH batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus agalactiae, a highly contagious mastitis pathogen, caused huge economic losses; meanwhile, repeated use of antibiotics results in the emergence of serious antibiotic residues and drug resistance. Therefore, it is in great need to develop ecologically sustainable antimicrobial agents. In the study, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), and action mechanism of terpinen-4-ol against S. agalactiae was investigated to evaluate antibacterial activity of terpinen-4-ol. Results showed the MIC and MBC of terpinen-4-ol were 98 and 196 µg/mL, respectively. Time-kill curves displayed that the antibacterial activity of terpinen-4-ol was in a concentration-dependent manner. Transmission electron micrographs showed that the cell membrane and wall of S. agalactiae were damaged, and plasmolysis and chromatins were inconspicuous. Release of Ca2+ and Mg2+ proved that terpinen-4-ol could increase cell membrane permeability. And the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) suggested that cell wall was destroyed. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining results showed that terpinen-4-ol could affect the synthesis of protein and DNA. These results suggested that terpinen-4-ol might be used as candidate for treating S. agalactiae infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LaNi 3.8 -type LaNi 3.8 and La 0.8 Mg 0.2 Ni 3.8 hydrogen storage alloys were prepared by high frequency induction melting (HFIM) under helium atmosphere followed by annealing treatment. Either alloy mainly consists of a rhombohedral Ce 5 Co 19 -type phase (R-3 m) and a hexagonal Pr 5 Co 19 -type (P6 3 /mmc) phase. The unit cell volume of either Ce 5 Co 19 -type or Pr 5 Co 19 -type phase in the La 0.8 Mg 0.2 Ni 3.8 alloy is smaller than that in LaNi 3.8 . The Mg-containing La 0.8 Mg 0.2 Ni 3.8 alloy has a lower absorption/desorption plateau, smaller hysteresis and a higher hydrogen storage capacity than those of LaNi 3.8 . The La 0.8 Mg 0.2 Ni 3.8 alloy electrode shows an excellent activation capability and a higher discharge capacity (373.1 mA h g −1 ) than those of the LaNi 3.8 alloy electrode (184.0 mA h g −1 ). The capacity decay rate of the La 0.8 Mg 0.2 Ni 3.8 alloy electrode (0.88 mA h (g cycle) − 1 ) is much lower than that of the LaNi 3.8 alloy electrode (1.32 mA h (g cycle) − 1 ), which is attributed to that the addition of Mg suppresses the hydrogen-induced amorphization of the LaNi 3.8 alloy. Moreover, during the charge–discharge cycling of the Mg-containing alloy electrode, the dissolutions of La and Ni in the alkaline solution can be suppressed remarkably due to the sacrifice of Mg, which correspondingly results in preferable cycling stability and an anti-corrosion capability of the La 0.8 Mg 0.2 Ni 3.8 alloy electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]