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As one of the landmark technologies, Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have reshaped our life in the 21stcentury, but molecular-level understanding about the mechanism underneath this young chemistry is still insufficient. Despite their deceptively simple appearances with just three active components (cathode and anode separated by electrolyte), the actual processes in LIBs involve complexities at all length-scales, from Li+migration within electrode lattices or across crystalline boundaries and interfaces to the Li+accommodation and dislocation at potentials far away from the thermodynamic equilibria of electrolytes. Among all, the interphases situated between electrodes and electrolytes remain the most elusive component in LIBs.

In electrolytes with unique electrochemical signature, the structure of Li+solvation sheath was quantitatively analyzed in correlation with its electrochemical behavior on graphitic anodes. For the first time, a direct link between Li+solvation sheath structure and formation chemistry of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is established. Quantum chemistry calculations and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to explain the observed reversed preference of propylene carbonate (PC) over ethylene carbonate (EC) by Li+.

The article offers information on the benefits of lithium ion batteries. Among the topics discussed include the study conducted by researchers from Army Research Laboratory in New Jersey which revealed the role of water for stabilization of the battery, safety measures of lithium batteries, and the three parts of the battery such as cathode, anode, and electrolyte.

Transient expression levels, vector dissemination and toxicities associated with adenoviral vectors have prompted the usage of matrices for localized and controlled gene delivery. Two recombinant silk-elastinlike protein polymer analogues, SELP-47K and SELP-415K, consisting of different lengths and ratios of silk and elastin units, were previously shown to be injectable hydrogels capable of matrix-mediated controlled adenoviral gene delivery. Reported here is a study of spatiotemporal control over adenoviral gene expression with these SELP analogues in a human tumor xenograft model of head and neck cancer using whole animal imaging. Real-time images of viral expression levels indicate that polymer concentration and polymer structure are predominant factors that affect viral release and, thus, viral transfection. Decrease in polymer concentration and increase in polymer elastin content results in greater release, probably due to changes in the network structure of the hydrogel. To better understand this relationship, macro- and microstructural properties of the hydrogels were analyzed using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results confirm that the concentration and the elastin content of the protein polymer affect the pore size of the hydrogel by changing the physical constraints of the SELP fibril network and the degree of hydration of the SELP fibrils. The potential to modulate viral release using SELP hydrogel delivery vehicles that can be injected intratumorally by minimally invasive techniques holds significant promise for the delivery of therapeutic viruses.