Recent Advances in Nanoengineering of Electrode-Electrolyte Interfaces to Realize High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries

A suitable interface between the electrode and electrolyte is crucial in achieving highly stable electrochemical performance for Li-ion batteries,as facile ionic transport is required.Intriguing research and development have recently been conducted to form a stable interface between the electrode and electrolyte.Therefore,it is essential to investigate emerging knowledge and contextualize it.The nanoengineering of the electrode-electrolyte interface has been actively researched at the electrode/electrolyte and interphase levels.This review presents and summarizes some recent advances aimed at nanoengineering approaches to build a more stable electrode-electrolyte interface and assess the impact of each approach adopted.Furthermore,future perspectives on the feasibility and practicality of each approach will also be reviewed in detail.Finally,this review aids in projecting a more sustainable research pathway for a nanoengineered interphase design between electrode and electrolyte,which is pivotal for high-performance,thermally stable Li-ion batteries.

Interface and energy band manipulation of Bi2O3-Bi2S3 electrode enabling advanced magnesium-ion storage

Rechargeable magnesium-ion(Mg-ion)batteries have attracted wide attention for energy storage.However,magnesium anode is still limited by the irreversible Mg plating/stripping procedure.Herein,a well-designed binary Bi_(2)O_(3)-Bi_(2)S_(3)(BO-BS)heterostructure is fulfilled by virtue of the cooperative interface and energy band engineering targeted fast Mg-ion storage.The built-in electronic field resulting from the asymmetrical electron distribution at the interface of electron-rich S center at Bi_(2)S_(3) side and electron-poor O center at Bi_(2)O_(3) side effectively accelerates the electrochemical reaction kinetics in the Mg-ion battery system.Moreover,the as-designed heterogenous interface also benefits to maintaining the electrode integrity.With these advantages,the BO-BS electrode displays a remarkable capacity of 150.36 mAh g^(−1) at 0.67 A g^(-1) and a superior cycling stability.This investigation would offer novel insights into the rational design of functional heterogenous electrode materials targeted the fast reaction kinetics for energy storage systems.

A facile finger-paint physical modification for bilateral electrode/electrolyte interface towards a stable aqueous Zn battery

Since the electrode/electrolyte interface(EEI)is the main redox center of electrochemical processes,proper manipulation of the EEI microenvironment is crucial to stabilize interfacial behaviors.Here,a finger-paint method is proposed to enable quick physical modification of glass-fiber separator without complicated chemical technology to modulate EEI of bilateral electrodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs).An elaborate biochar derived from Aspergillus Niger is exploited as the modification agent of EEI,in which the multi-functional groups assist to accelerate Zn^(2+)desolvation and create a hydrophobic environment to homogenize the deposition behavior of Zn anode.Importantly,the finger-paint interface on separator can effectively protect cathodes from abnormal capacity fluctuation and/or rapid attenuation induced by H_(2)O molecular on the interface,which is demonstrated in modified MnO_(2),V_(2)O_(5),and KMn HCF-based cells.The as-proposed finger-paint method opens a new idea of bilateral interface engineering to facilitate the access to the practical application of the stable zinc electrochemistry.

Investigation of polysulfone film on high-performance anode with stabilized electrolyte/electrode interface for lithium batteries

Lithium metal has been considered to be the most promising anode material for the new generation of energy-storage system.However,challenges still stand in protecting lithium metal from spontaneous reactions with electrolytes and preventing the dendritic propagation,both of which would lead to undesirable decrease in Coulombic efficiency.Polysulfone(PSf)membrane with high rigidity and free-volume cavities of approximately 0.3 nm was employed to provide a stable interface on the surface of anodic electrode.The isotropic channels were constructed by the interconnected and uniformly distributed free volumes in the polymer matrix,and were expected to be swelled by solvent molecules and anions of lithium salt and to allow Li+ions to pass through onto the electrode surface.As a result,dendrite-free morphology of deposited lithium was observed.The stabilized interface arose from the PSf film was verified by the promoted performances of Cu|Li cells and steady voltage polarization of Li|Li cells.The full cell with PSf coated anode exhibited excellent cyclability(85%capacity retention rate over 400 cycles at 1C)and an outstanding rate capability(117 m Ah g-1 at 5C).The beneficial performances were further verified by the EIS results.This work provides a new strategic idea to settle the dendritic problems of Li metal anodes.

An Antimony Oxide pH Electrode for Tissue Culture Medium

A new approach named“caterpillar melt method”was developed to prepare wire type antimony oxide electrode for pH measurement in agar medium for tissue culture.A micro antimony wire was prepared from melt of the metal with the help of a glass capillary and the surface of the wire was oxidized in nitrate melt to obtain an antimony oxide electrode. Characterization results showed that the oxide layer is dense and uniform,with high physical and chemical stability.The electrode has a fast and stable response toward pH change for aqueous solutions.The potential of the antimony electrode has a linear relationship with the pH of the solution (R^2=1.00) with a sensitivity of 54.1mV/pH.The electrode works well and is more stable in agar medium during tissue culture for pH monitoring.

In-situ pH Measurement at the Electrode/Solution Interface

In this paper a pH microprobe technique was developed to measure in-situ the pH value at the electrode/solution interface. Iridium oxide was used as a pH sensitive material with good response behavior in the measured solutions. The experimental results indicated that the interfacial pH increased with the applied potential, first jumped to a maximum, then slowly decreased at the controlled potential during the electrodeposition process of functional ceramics.

Electrode-compatible fluorine-free multifunctional additive regulating solid electrolyte interphase and solvation structure for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

The rapid development and widespread application of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) have increased demand for high-safety and high-performance LIBs. Accordingly, various additives have been used in commercial liquid electrolytes to severally adjust the solvation structure of lithium ions, control the components of solid electrolyte interphase, or reduce flammability. While it is highly desirable to develop low-cost multifunctional electrolyte additives integrally that address both safety and performance on LIBs, significant challenges remain. Herein, a novel phosphorus-containing organic small molecule, bis(2-methoxyethyl) methylphosphonate(BMOP), was rationally designed to serve as a fluorine-free and multifunctional additive in commercial electrolytes. This novel electrolyte additive is low-toxicity,high-efficiency, low-cost, and electrode-compatible, which shows the significant improvement to both electrochemical performance and fire safety for LIBs through regulating the electrolyte solvation structure, constructing the stable electrode-electrolyte interphase, and suppressing the electrolyte combustion. This work provides a new avenue for developing safer and high-performance LIBs.

Current advancements on charge selective contact interfacial layers and electrodes in flexible hybrid perovskite photovoltaics

Perovskite-based photovoltaic materials have been attracting attention for their strikingly improved performance at converting sunlight into electricity.The beneficial and unique optoelectronic characteristics of perovskite structures enable researchers to achieve an incredibly remarkable power conversion efficiency.Flexible hybrid perovskite photovoltaics promise emerging applications in a myriad of optoelectronic and wearable/portable device applications owing to their inherent intriguing physicochemical and photophysical properties which enabled researchers to take forward advanced research in this growing field.Flexible perovskite photovoltaics have attracted significant attention owing to their fascinating material properties with combined merits of high efficiency,light-weight,flexibility,semitransparency,compatibility towards roll-to-roll printing,and large-area mass-scale production.Flexible perovskite-based solar cells comprise of 4 key components that include a flexible substrate,semi-transparent bottom contact electrode,perovskite(light absorber layer)and charge transport(electron/hole)layers and top(usually metal)electrode.Among these components,interfacial layers and contact electrodes play a pivotal role in influencing the overall photovoltaic performance.In this comprehensive review article,we focus on the current developments and latest progress achieved in perovskite photovoltaics concerning the charge selective transport layers/electrodes toward the fabrication of highly stable,efficient flexible devices.As a concluding remark,we briefly summarize the highlights of the review article and make recommendations for future outlook and investigation with perspectives on the perovskite-based optoelectronic functional devices that can be potentially utilized in smart wearable and portable devices.

A Review on Engineering Design for Enhancing Interfacial Contact in Solid-State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

The utilization of solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)presents a promising solution to the issues of safety concern and shuttle effect in Li–S batteries,which has garnered significant interest recently.However,the high interfacial impedances existing between the SSEs and the electrodes(both lithium anodes and sulfur cathodes)hinder the charge transfer and intensify the uneven deposition of lithium,which ultimately result in insufficient capacity utilization and poor cycling stability.Hence,the reduction of interfacial resistance between SSEs and electrodes is of paramount importance in the pursuit of efficacious solid-state batteries.In this review,we focus on the experimental strategies employed to enhance the interfacial contact between SSEs and electrodes,and summarize recent progresses of their applications in solidstate Li–S batteries.Moreover,the challenges and perspectives of rational interfacial design in practical solid-state Li–S batteries are outlined as well.We expect that this review will provide new insights into the further technique development and practical applications of solid-state lithium batteries.

Regulatory mechanisms and regeneration strategies of the soft-hard tissue interface in the human periodontium

The soft-hard tissue interface of the human periodontium is responsible for periodontal homeostasis and is essential for normal oral activities.This softhard tissue interface is formed by the direct insertion of fibrous ligaments into the bone tissue.It differs from the unique four-layer structure of the fibrocartilage interface.This interface is formed by a combination of physical,chemical,and biological factors.The physiological functions of this interface are regulated by different signaling pathways.The unique structure of this soft-hard tissue interface has inspired scientists to construct biomimetic gradient structures.These biomimetic systems include nanofiber scaffolds,cell sheets,and hydrogels.Exploring methods to repair this soft-hard tissue interface can help solve clinically unresolved problems.The present review examines the structure of the soft-hard tissue interface of the periodontium and the factors that influence the development of this interface.Relevant regulatory pathways and biomimetic reconstruction methods are also presented to provide ideas for future research on interfacial tissue engineering.

Mushroom Pulp Tissue-Based Membrane-Ferrocene-Modified L-Tyrosine Biosensor

A new approach for assembling amperometric mushroom pulp tissue based membrane electrode for determination of L tyrosine analysis is proposed. Ferrocene is used as a mediator of electron transfer between tyrosinase in mushroom tissue and a graphite electrode. The optimal operation conditions are studied. The linear response range of the biosensor is 2 0×10 -4 to 4 5×10 -3 mol·L -1 with response time of less than 5 min and lifetime of at least 30 d. The biosensor can be applied to practical sample analysis.

Study on the Microstructure of Human Articular Cartilage/Bone Interface

For improving the theory of gradient microstructure of cartilage/bone interface, human distal femurs were studied. Scanning Electron Microscope （SEM）, histological sections and MicroCT were used to observe, measure and model the micro- structure of cartilage/bone interface. The results showed that the cartilage/bone interface is in a hierarchical structure which is composed of four different tissue layers. The interlocking of hyaline cartilage and calcified cartilage and that of calcified car- tilage and subchondral bone are in the manner of＂protrusion-pore＂ with average diameter of 17.0 gm and 34.1 lam respectively. In addition, the cancellous bone under the cartilage is also formed by four layer hierarchical structure, and the adjacent layers are connected by bone trabecula in the shape of H, I and Y, forming a complex interwoven network structure. Finally, the simplified structure model of the cartilage/bone interface was proposed according to the natural articular cartilage/bone interface. The simplified model is a 4-layer gradient biomimetic structure, which corresponds to four different tissues of natural cartilage/bone interface. The results of this work would be beneficial to the design of bionic scaffold for the tissue engineering of articular cartilage/bone.

Progress and perspective of interface design in garnet electrolyte-based all-solid-state batteries

Inorganic solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)are nonflammable alternatives to the commercial liquid-phase electrolytes.This enables the use of lithium(Li)metal as an anode,providing high-energy density and improved stability by avoiding unwanted liquid-phase chemical reactions.Among the different types of SSEs,the garnet-type electrolytes witness a rapid development and are considered as one of the top candidates to pair with Li metal due to their high ionic conductivity,thermal,and electrochemical stability.However,the large resistances at the interface between garnet-type electrolytes and cathode/anode are the major bottlenecks for delivering desirable electrochemical performances of all-solid-state batteries(SSBs).The electrolyte/anode interface also suffers from metallic dendrite formation,leading to rapid performance degradation.This is a fundamental material challenge due to the poor contact and wettability between garnet-type electrolytes with electrode materials.Here,we summarize and analyze the recent contributions in mitigating such materials challenges at the interface.Strategies used to address these challenges are divided into different categories with regard to their working principles.On one hand,progress has been made in the anode/garnet interface,such as the successful application of Li-alloy anode and different artificial interlayers,significantly improving interfacial performance.On the other hand,the desired cathode/garnet interface is still hard to reach due to the complex chemical and physical structure at the cathode.The common methods used are nanostructured cathode host and sintering additives for increasing the contact area.On the basis of this information,we present our views on the remaining challenges and future research of electrode/garnet interface.This review not only motivates the need for further understanding of the fundamentals,stability,and modifications of the garnet/electrode interfaces but also provides guidelines for the future design of the interface for SSB.

Research on flaky and vertical gas diffusion electrode

Flaky and vertical gas diffusion electrode was propos, ed to improve the efficiency of fuel cells. The discharge experiments were done to compare the discharge capability of the electrode with different PTFE ingredient and different basal body uniformity. The results showed the electrode with 10% PTFE and high uniformity was favorable to discharge. This single electrode could discharge about 100 h at 150 mA(no noble metal catalyst). The electrode made of the punched screens was superior to that made of the foam Ni.

Scaffold-based tissue engineering strategies for soft-hard interface regeneration

Repairing injured tendon or ligament attachments to bones(enthesis)remains costly and challenging.Despite superb surgical management,the disorganized enthesis newly formed after surgery accounts for high recurrence rates after operations.Tissue engineering offers efficient alternatives to promote healing and regeneration of the specialized enthesis tissue.Load-transmitting functions thus can be restored with appropriate biomaterials and engineering strategies.Interestingly,recent studies have focused more on microstructure especially the arrangement of fibers since Rossetti successfully demonstrated the variability of fiber underspecific external force.In this review,we provide an important update on the current strategies for scaffold-based tissue engineering of enthesis when natural structure and properties are equally emphasized.We firstly described compositions,structures and features of natural enthesis with their special mechanical properties highlighted.Stimuli for growth,development and healing of enthesis widely used in popular strategies are systematically summarized.We discuss the fabrication of engineering scaffolds from the aspects of biomaterials,techniques and design strategies and comprehensively evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy.At last,this review pinpoints the remaining challenges and research directions to make breakthroughs in further studies.

Magnesium-based alloys with adapted interfaces for bone implants and tissue engineering

Magnesium and its alloys are one of the most used materials for bone implants and tissue engineering.They are characterized by numerous advantages such as biodegradability,high biocompatibility and mechanical properties with values close to the human bone.Unfortunately,the implant surface must be adequately tuned,or Mg-based alloys must be alloyed with other chemical elements due to their increased corrosion effect in physiological media.This article reviews the clinical challenges related to bone repair and regeneration,classifying bone defects and presenting some of the most used and modern therapies for bone injuries,such as Ilizarov or Masquelet techniques or stem cell treatments.The implant interface challenges are related to new bone formation and fracture healing,implant degradation and hydrogen release.A detailed analysis of mechanical properties during implant degradation is extensively described based on different literature studies that included in vitro and in vivo tests correlated with material properties’characterization.Mg-based trauma implants such as plates and screws,intramedullary nails,Herbert screws,spine cages,rings for joint treatment and regenerative scaffolds are presented,taking into consideration their manufacturing technology,the implant geometrical dimensions and shape,the type of in vivo or in vitro studies and fracture localization.Modern technologies that modify or adapt the Mg-based implant interfaces are described by presenting the main surface microstructural modifications,physical deposition and chemical conversion coatings.The last part of the article provides some recommendations from a translational perspective,identifies the challenges associated with Mg-based implants and presents some future opportunities.This review outlines the available literature on trauma and regenerative bone implants and describes the main techniques used to control the alloy corrosion rate and the cellular environment of the implant.

Biosensors Based on the Tissue of Plant as Catalytic Material for Amino Acids

Two tissue electrodes are described in this paper. It is shown that a portion of intact tissue from apple or cactus can be coupled with potentiometric ammonia gas sensing electrode to prepare sensors for some amino acids with good response properties. Their optimum operating conditions and properties with respect to buffer sort, pH of the bulk solution, selectivity, linearity, stability, sensitivity and response time are studied and discussed. At the same time, the dynamic parameters, such as Km and Km, of L-glutamine deaminasc and L-as-paragine deamlnase have been obtained by means of these tissue electrodes.

Progress on direct assembly approach for in situ fabrication of electrodes of reversible solid oxide cells

Reversible solid oxide cells(SOCs)are very efficient and clean for storage and regeneration of renewable electrical energy by switching between electrolysis and fuel cell modes.One of the most critical factors governing the efficiency and durability of SOCs technology is the stability of the interface between oxygen electrode and electrolyte,which is conventionally formed by sintering at a high temperature of~1000–1250℃,and which suffers from delamination problem,particularly for reversibly operated SOCs.On the other hand,our recent studies have shown that the electrode/electrolyte interface can be in situ formed by a direct assembly approach under the electrochemical polarization conditions at 800℃and lower.The direct assembly approach provides opportunities for significantly simplifying the cell fabrication procedures without the doped ceria barrier layer,enabling the utilization of a variety of high-performance oxygen electrode materials on barrier layer–free yttria-stabilized zirconia(YSZ)electrolyte.Most importantly,the in situ polarization induced interface shows a promising potential as highly active and durable interface for reversible SOCs.The objective of this progress report is to take an overview of the origin and research progress of in situ fabrication of oxygen electrodes based on the direct assembly approach.The prospect of direct assembly approach in the development of effective SOCs and in the fundamental studies of electrode/electrolyte interface reactions is discussed.

Novel high-voltage power lateral MOSFET with adaptive buried electrodes

A new high-voltage and low-specific on-resistance （Ron,sp） adaptive buried electrode （ABE） silicon-on-insulator （SOI） power lateral MOSFET and its analytical model of the electric fields are proposed. The MOSFET features are that the electrodes are in the buried oxide （BOX） layer, the negative drain voltage Vd is divided into many partial voltages and the output to the electrodes is in the buried oxide layer and the potentials on the electrodes change linearly from the drain to the source. Because the interface silicon layer potentials are lower than the neighboring electrode potentials, the electronic potential wells are formed above the electrode regions, and the hole potential wells are formed in the spacing of two neighbouring electrode regions. The interface hole concentration is much higher than tile electron concentration through designing the buried layer electrode potentials. Based on the interface charge enhanced dielectric layer field theory, the electric field strength in the buried layer is enhanced. The vertical electric field EI and the breakdown voltage （BV） of ABE SOI are 545 V/μm and -587 V in the 50 μm long drift region and the 1 μm thick dielectric layer, and a low Ron,sp is obtained. Furthermore, the structure also alleviates the self-heating effect （SHE）. The analytical model matches the simulation results.

An electroencephalography-based human-machine interface combined with contralateral C7 transfer in the treatment of brachial plexus injury

Transferring the contralateral C7 nerve root to the median or radial nerve has become an important means of repairing brachial plexus nerve injury.However,outcomes have been disappointing.Electroencephalography(EEG)-based human-machine interfaces have achieved promising results in promoting neurological recovery by controlling a distal exoskeleton to perform functional limb exercises early after nerve injury,which maintains target muscle activity and promotes the neurological rehabilitation effect.This review summarizes the progress of research in EEG-based human-machine interface combined with contralateral C7 transfer repair of brachial plexus nerve injury.Nerve transfer may result in loss of nerve function in the donor area,so only nerves with minimal impact on the donor area,such as the C7 nerve,should be selected as the donor.Single tendon transfer does not fully restore optimal joint function,so multiple functions often need to be reestablished simultaneously.Compared with traditional manual rehabilitation,EEG-based human-machine interfaces have the potential to maximize patient initiative and promote nerve regeneration and cortical remodeling,which facilitates neurological recovery.In the early stages of brachial plexus injury treatment,the use of an EEG-based human-machine interface combined with contralateral C7 transfer can facilitate postoperative neurological recovery by making full use of the brain’s computational capabilities and actively controlling functional exercise with the aid of external machinery.It can also prevent disuse atrophy of muscles and target organs and maintain neuromuscular junction effectiveness.Promoting cortical remodeling is also particularly important for neurological recovery after contralateral C7 transfer.Future studies are needed to investigate the mechanism by which early movement delays neuromuscular junction damage and promotes cortical remodeling.Understanding this mechanism should help guide the development of neurological rehabilitation strategies for patients with brachial plexus injury.