Structural Engineering of Anode Materials for Low-Temperature Lithium-Ion Batteries:Mechanisms,Strategies,and Prospects

The severe degradation of electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)at low temperatures poses a significant challenge to their practical applications.Consequently,extensive efforts have been contributed to explore novel anode materials with high electronic conductivity and rapid Li^(+)diffusion kinetics for achieving favorable low-temperature performance of LIBs.Herein,we try to review the recent reports on the synthesis and characterizations of low-temperature anode materials.First,we summarize the underlying mechanisms responsible for the performance degradation of anode materials at subzero temperatures.Second,detailed discussions concerning the key pathways(boosting electronic conductivity,enhancing Li^(+)diffusion kinetics,and inhibiting lithium dendrite)for improving the low-temperature performance of anode materials are presented.Third,several commonly used low-temperature anode materials are briefly introduced.Fourth,recent progress in the engineering of these low-temperature anode materials is summarized in terms of structural design,morphology control,surface&interface modifications,and multiphase materials.Finally,the challenges that remain to be solved in the field of low-temperature anode materials are discussed.This review was organized to offer valuable insights and guidance for next-generation LIBs with excellent low-temperature electrochemical performance.

Low-temperature characteristicsof rubbers and performance testsof type 120 emergencyvalve diaphragms

Purpose–The type 120 emergency valve is an essential braking component of railway freight trains,butcorresponding diaphragms consisting of natural rubber(NR)and chloroprene rubber(CR)exhibit insufficientaging resistance and low-temperature resistance,respectively.In order to develop type 120 emergency valverubber diaphragms with long-life and high-performance,low-temperatureresistant CR and NR were processed.Design/methodology/approach–The physical properties of the low-temperature-resistant CR and NRwere tested by low-temperature stretching,dynamic mechanical analysis,differential scanning calorimetryand thermogravimetric analysis.Single-valve and single-vehicle tests of type 120 emergency valves werecarried out for emergency diaphragms consisting of NR and CR.Findings–The low-temperature-resistant CR and NR exhibited excellent physical properties.The elasticityand low-temperature resistance of NR were superior to those of CR,whereas the mechanical properties of thetwo rubbers were similar in the temperature range of 0℃–150℃.The NR and CR emergency diaphragms metthe requirements of the single-valve test.In the low-temperature single-vehicle test,only the low-temperaturesensitivity test of the NR emergency diaphragm met the requirements.Originality/value–The innovation of this study is that it provides valuable data and experience for futuredevelopment of type 120 valve rubber diaphragms.

Boosting oxygen reduction activity and CO_(2) resistance on bismuth ferrite-based perovskite cathode for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells below 600℃

Developing efficient and stable cathodes for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells(LT-SOFCs) is of great importance for the practical commercialization.Herein,we propose a series of Sm-modified Bi_(0.7-x)Sm_xSr_(0.3)FeO_(3-δ) perovskites as highly-active catalysts for LT-SOFCs.Sm doping can significantly enhance the electrocata lytic activity and chemical stability of cathode.At 600℃,Bi_(0.675)Sm_(0.025)Sr_(0.3)FeO_(3-δ)(BSSF25) cathode has been found to be the optimum composition with a polarization resistance of 0.098 Ω cm^2,which is only around 22.8% of Bi_(0.7)Sr_(0.3)FeO_(3-δ)(BSF).A full cell utilizing BSSF25 displays an exceptional output density of 790 mW cm^(-2),which can operate continuously over100 h without obvious degradation.The remarkable electrochemical performance observed can be attributed to the improved O_(2) transport kinetics,superior surface oxygen adsorption capacity,as well as O_(2)p band centers in close proximity to the Fermi level.Moreover,larger average bonding energy(ABE) and the presence of highly acidic Bi,Sm,and Fe ions restrict the adsorption of CO_(2) on the cathode surface,resulting in excellent CO_(2) resistivity.This work provides valuable guidance for systematic design of efficient and durable catalysts for LT-SOFCs.

Recovery of iron from copper tailings via low-temperature direct reduction and magnetic separation: process optimization and mineralogical study

Currently, the majority of copper tailings are not effectively developed. Worldwide, large amounts of copper tailings generated from copper production are continuously dumped, posing a potential environmental threat. Herein, the recovery of iron from copper tailings via low-temperature direct reduction and magnetic separation was conducted; process optimization was carried out, and the corresponding mineralogy was investigated. The reduction time, reduction temperature, reducing agent (coal), calcium chloride additive, grinding time, and magnetic field intensity were examined for process optimization. Mineralogical analyses of the sample, reduced pellets, and magnetic concentrate under various conditions were performed by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry to elucidate the iron reduction and growth mechanisms. The results indicated that the optimum parameters of iron recovery include a reduction temperature of 1150A degrees C, a reduction time of 120 min, a coal dosage of 25%, a calcium chloride dosage of 2.5%, a magnetic field intensity of 100 mT, and a grinding time of 1 min. Under these conditions, the iron grade in the magnetic concentrate was greater than 90%, with an iron recovery ratio greater than 95%.

Deciphering TADF Mechanisms in Metal-Free Organic Emitters BrA-HBI:Utilizing Optimally Tuned Range-Separated Functionals for Insight

Metal-free organic emitters,characterized by their thermally activated delayed fluorescence(TADF)properties,offer considerable promise for the creation of highly efficient organic light-emitting diodes(OLEDs).Recently,Shao et al.presented a novel excited state intramolecular proton transfer(ESIPT)system BrA-HBI,demonstrating an emission quantum yield of up to 50%[Adv.Funct.Mater.32,2201256(2022)].However,many open issues cannot be answered solely by experimental means only and require detailed theoretical investigations.For instance,what causes the activation of TADF from the Keto^(*) tautomer and leads to fluorescence quenching in the Enol^(*)form?Herein,we provide a theoretical investigation on the TADF mechanism of the BrA-HBI molecule by optimally tuned range-separated functionals.Our findings reveal that ESIPT occurs in the BrA-HBI molecule.Moreover,we have disclosed the reason for the fluorescence quenching of the Enol^(*)form and determined that the T_(2)state plays a dominant role in the TADF phenomenon.In addition,double hybrid density functionals method was utilized to verify the reliability of optimally tuned range separation functionals on the calculation of the TADF mechanism in BrA-HBI.These findings not only provide a theoretical reference for development of highly efficient organic light-emitting diodes,but also demonstrate the effectiveness of the optimally tuned range-separated functionals in predicting the luminescence properties of TADF molecules.

Advances in sodium-ion batteries at low-temperature: Challenges and strategies

With the continuing boost in the demand for energy storage,there is an increasing requirement for batteries to be capable of operation in extreme environmental conditions.Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs) have emerged as a highly promising energy storage solution due to their promising performance over a wide range of temperatures and the abundance of sodium resources in the earth's crust.Compared to lithiumion batteries(LIBs),although sodium ions possess a larger ionic radius,they are more easily desolvated than lithium ions.Fu rthermore,SIBs have a smaller Stokes radius than lithium ions,resulting in improved sodium-ion mobility in the electrolyte.Nevertheless,SIBs demonstrate a significant decrease in performance at low temperatures(LT),which constrains their operation in harsh weather conditions.Despite the increasing interest in SIBs,there is a notable scarcity of research focusing specifically on their mechanism under LT conditions.This review explores recent research that considers the thermal tolerance of SIBs from an inner chemistry process perspective,spanning a wide temperature spectrum(-70 to100℃),particularly at LT conditions.In addition,the enhancement of electrochemical performance in LT SIBs is based on improvements in reaction kinetics and cycling stability achieved through the utilization of effective electrode materials and electrolyte components.Furthermore,the safety concerns associated with SIBs are addressed and effective strategies are proposed for mitigating these issues.Finally,prospects conducted to extend the environmental frontiers of commercial SIBs are discussed mainly from three viewpoints including innovations in materials,development and research of relevant theoretical mechanisms,and intelligent safety management system establishment for larger-scale energy storage SIBs.

Temperature inversion enables superior stability for low-temperature Zn-ion batteries

It is challenging for aqueous Zn-ion batteries(ZIBs)to achieve comparable low-temperature(low-T)performance due to the easy-frozen electrolyte and severe Zn dendrites.Herein,an aqueous electrolyte with a low freezing point and high ionic conductivity is proposed.Combined with molecular dynamics simulation and multi-scale interface analysis(time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry threedimensional mapping and in-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method),the temperature independence of the V_(2)O_(5)cathode and Zn anode is observed to be opposite.Surprisingly,dominated by the solvent structure of the designed electrolyte at low temperatures,vanadium dissolution/shuttle is significantly inhibited,and the zinc dendrites caused by this electrochemical crosstalk are greatly relieved,thus showing an abnormal temperature inversion effect.Through the disclosure and improvement of the above phenomena,the designed Zn||V_(2)O_(5)full cell delivers superior low-T performance,maintaining almost 99%capacity retention after 9500 cycles(working more than 2500 h)at-20°C.This work proposes a kind of electrolyte suitable for low-T ZIBs and reveals the inverse temperature dependence of the Zn anode,which might offer a novel perspective for the investigation of low-T aqueous battery systems.

Modulating the Electrolyte Inner Solvation Structure via Low Polarity Co-solvent for Low-Temperature Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are regarded as the promising candidates for large-scale energy storage systems owing to low cost and high safety;however,their applications are restricted by their poor low-temperature performance.Herein,a low-temperature electrolyte for low-temperature aqueous zinc-ion batteries is designed by introducing low-polarity diglyme into an aqueous solution of Zn(ClO_(4))_(2).The diglyme disrupts the hydrogenbonding network of water and lowers the freezing point of the electrolyte to-105℃.The designed electrolyte achieves ionic conductivity up to16.18 mS cm^(-1)at-45℃.The diglyme and ClO_(4)^(-)reconfigure the solvated structure of Zn^(2+),which is more favorable for the desolvation of Zn^(2+)at low temperatures.In addition,the diglyme effectively suppresses the dendrites,hydrogen evolution reaction,and by-products of the zinc anode,improving the cycle stability of the battery.At-20℃,a Zn‖Zn symmetrical cell is cycled for 5200 h at 1 mA cm^(-2)and 1 mA h cm^(-2),and a Zn‖polyaniline battery achieves an ultra-long cycle life of 10000 times.This study sheds light on the future design of electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and easy desolvation at low temperatures for rechargeable batteries.

Impact of Low-temperature Storage on Volatile Flavor Compounds in Prepared Pork Products

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore the dynamic changes of volatile flavor compounds in prepared pork during storage at different low-temperature conditions.[Methods]Prepared pork was stored at 4,-4 and-18℃.The volatile flavor compounds of prepared pork were determined by solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(SPME-GC-MS)at days 0,7,14,21 and 28,and relative odor activity value(OAV),principal component analysis(PCA)and cluster analysis(CA)were combined to analyze changes in volatile flavor compounds of prepared pork during storage.[Results]The total number of volatile flavor compounds gradually decreased with the prolongation of the storage period,and OAV analysis identified 22 key flavor compounds(OAV≥1).The results of PCA and CA showed that 2-methyl-1-butanol,1-octen-3-ol,linalool,cineole,hexanal and nonanal were the main key flavor components,and the degree of flavor degradation was low under both superchilling and freezing conditions.After 28 days of storage,the alcohol content in the chilling group was significantly higher than other two groups,and the overall content of volatile flavor compounds was also significantly higher than other two groups,indicating that the-4℃chilling storage was more favorable for maintaining the overall flavor of prepared pork.[Conclusions]This study provides a theoretical basis for finding a better storage method for prepared meat products.

Enhancing performance of low-temperature processed CsPbI2Br all-inorganic perovskite solar cells using polyethylene oxide-modified TiO_(2)

CsPbX_(3)-based(X=I,Br,Cl)inorganic perovskite solar cells(PSCs)prepared by low-temperature process have attracted much attention because of their low cost and excellent thermal stability.However,the high trap state density and serious charge recombination between low-temperature processed TiO_(2)film and inorganic perovskite layer interface seriously restrict the performance of all-inorganic PSCs.Here a thin polyethylene oxide(PEO)layer is employed to modify TiO_(2)film to passivate traps and promote carrier collection.The impacts of PEO layer on microstructure and photoelectric characteristics of TiO_(2)film and related devices are systematically studied.Characterization results suggest that PEO modification can reduce the surface roughness of TiO_(2)film,decrease its average surface potential,and passivate trap states.At optimal conditions,the champion efficiency of CsPbI_(2)Br PSCs with PEO-modified TiO_(2)(PEO-PSCs)has been improved to 11.24%from 9.03%of reference PSCs.Moreover,the hysteresis behavior and charge recombination have been suppressed in PEO-PSCs.

Ca and Sr co-doping induced oxygen vacancies in 3DOM La_(2-x)Sr_(x)Ce_(2-y)CayO_(7-δ)catalysts for boosting low-temperature oxidative coupling of methane

It is urgent to develop catalysts with application potential for oxidative coupling of methane(OCM)at relatively lower temperature.Herein,three-dimensional ordered macro porous(3 DOM)La_(2-x)Sr_(x)Ce_(2-y)CayO_(7-δ)(A_(2)B_(2)O_(7)-type)catalysts with disordered defective cubic fluorite phased structure were successfully prepared by a colloidal crystal template method.3DOM structure promotes the accessibility of the gaseous reactants(O2and CH4)to the active sites.The co-doping of Ca and Sr ions in La_(2-x)Sr_(x)Ce_(2-y)CayO_(7-δ)catalysts improved the formation of oxygen vacancies,thereby leading to increased density of surface-active oxygen species(O_(2)^(-))for the activation of CH4and the formation of C2products(C2H6and C2H4).3DOM La_(2-x)Sr_(x)Ce_(2-y)CayO_(7-δ)catalysts exhibit high catalytic activity for OCM at low temperature.3DOM La1.7Sr0.3Ce1.7Ca0.3O7-δcatalyst with the highest density of O_(2)^(-)species exhibited the highest catalytic activity for low-temperature OCM,i.e.,its CH4conversion,selectivity and yield of C2products at 650℃are 32.2%,66.1%and 21.3%,respectively.The mechanism was proposed that the increase in surface oxygen vacancies induced by the co-doping of Ca and Sr ions boosts the key step of C-H bond breaking and C-C bond coupling in catalyzing low-temperature OCM.It is meaningful for the development of the low-temperature and high-efficient catalysts for OCM reaction in practical application.

Optimization of Finned-Tube Heat Exchanger in a Gravity-Assisted Separated Heat Pipe

Finned-tube heat exchanger(FTHE)is often used as an evaporator in commercial products of separated heat pipe(SHP).The working conditions of FTHE in gravity-assisted SHP are significantly different from those working in refrigerators and air conditioners.Although FTHE is widely used in commercial products of SHP,previous research on its characteristics is very limited.In this paper,a mathematical model for a SHP with FTHE as the evaporator and plate heat exchanger as the condenser is established and verified with experiments.Parametric analyses are carried out to investigate the influences of evaporator design parameters:air inlet velocity,number of tube rows,tube diameter,and fin pitch.With the increasing of air velocity,number of tube rows and tube diameter,and the decreasing of fin pitch,the heat transfer rate increases,while the energy efficiency ratio(EER)decreases monotonically.Using the total cost of the ten-year life cycle as the performance index,the structure parameters of the evaporator with a given heat transfer rate are optimized by the method of orthogonal experimental design.It is found that the total cost can differ as large as nearly ten times between groups.Among the three factors investigated,the number of tube rows has a significant impact on the total cost of the evaporator.With more tube rows,the total cost will be less.The impacts of fin pitch and tube diameter are insignificant.These results are of practical importance for the engineering design of FTHE in gravity-assisted SHP.

Pharmacodynamic Experiment of Dachengqi Decoction and Separated Decoction on Incomplete Intestinal Obstruction in Rats

[Objectives]To investigate the effect and mechanism of Dachengqi Decoction and separated decoction on incomplete intestinal obstruction in rats.[Methods]80 healthy SD rats were selected to establish incomplete intestinal obstruction model by silk ligation.The dosage was 20 mL/kg for 3 d,and the damage index of ileocecal mucosa was analyzed;the morphology of ileocecal mucosa was observed by HE staining;the serum levels of IL-1α,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-18,Ach,NO,ET,IL-1,TNF-αand ultra-micro Na+-K+-ATPase were detected by ELISA.[Results]Compared with the model group,the mucosal damage index of Dachengqi Decoction and each separated decoction group decreased significantly(P<0.05);compared with the normal group and sham operation group,the serum level of IL-1,IL-6,TNF-αand other factors in the model group increased significantly(P<0.05);compared with the model group,the serum IL-1,IL-6 and TNF-αsecretion levels of rats in Dachengqi Decoction group and separated decoction group decreased(P<0.01).[Conclusions]Dachengqi Decoction and each separated decoction can effectively improve intestinal tissue pathological damage in the incomplete intestinal obstruction model rats,and reduce the inflammatory reaction in the rat body.

Separate-layer balanced waterflooding development technology for thick and complex carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East

Based on the waterflooding development in carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,in order to solve the problem of the poor development effects caused by commingled injection and production,taking the thick bioclastic limestone reservoirs of Cretaceous in Iran-Iraq as an example,this paper proposes a balanced waterflooding development technology for thick and complex carbonate reservoirs.This technology includes the fine division of development units by concealed baffles and barriers,the combination of multi well type and multi well pattern,and the construction of balanced water injection and recovery system.Thick carbonate reservoirs in Iran-Iraq are characterized by extremely vertical heterogeneity,development of multi-genesis ultra-high permeability zones,and highly concealed baffles and barriers.Based on the technologies of identification,characterization,and sealing evaluation for concealed baffles and barriers,the balanced waterflooding development technology is proposed,and three types of balanced waterflooding development modes/techniques are formed,namely,conventional stratigraphic framework,fine stratigraphic framework,and deepened stratigraphic framework.Numerical simulations show that this technology is able to realize a fine and efficient waterflooding development to recover,in a balanced manner,the reserves of thick and complex carbonate reservoirs in Iran and Iraq.The proposed technology provides a reference for the development optimization of similar reservoirs.

Deep eutectic solvents for separation and purification applications in critical metal metallurgy:Recent advances and perspectives

Solvent extraction,a separation and purification technology,is crucial in critical metal metallurgy.Organic solvents commonly used in solvent extraction exhibit disadvantages,such as high volatility,high toxicity,and flammability,causing a spectrum of hazards to human health and environmental safety.Neoteric solvents have been recognized as potential alternatives to these harmful organic solvents.In the past two decades,several neoteric solvents have been proposed,including ionic liquids(ILs)and deep eutectic solvents(DESs).DESs have gradually become the focus of green solvents owing to several advantages,namely,low toxicity,degradability,and low cost.In this critical review,their classification,formation mechanisms,preparation methods,characterization technologies,and special physicochemical properties based on the most recent advancements in research have been systematically described.Subsequently,the major separation and purification applications of DESs in critical metal metallurgy were comprehensively summarized.Finally,future opportunities and challenges of DESs were explored in the current research area.In conclusion,this review provides valuable insights for improving our overall understanding of DESs,and it holds important potential for expanding separation and purification applications in critical metal metallurgy.

Separate支架在治疗胃十二指肠恶性梗阻中的应用

目的 探讨Separate支架置入术在姑息性治疗不能手术的胃肠道恶性梗阻的可行性和有效性。方法 34例患者采用经口置入Separate支架治疗不能手术的恶性胃十二指肠梗阻。梗阻的原因分别是胃癌 1 1例、胰腺癌 1 2例、转移性肿瘤 3例、胆道肿瘤 6例和十二指肠癌 2例。透视下分别将Separate支架的外层带膜支架和内层裸支架同轴重叠释放在狭窄病变处。结果 技术成功率为 97% ,未发生严重并发症。 33例患者胃肠道梗阻症状缓解或消失 ,在Separate支架置入后 ,患者进食能力评分平均从 3.8提高到 1 .2。随访期间未发现支架移位和肿瘤内生性生长等并发症 ,1例患者由于肿瘤浸润致支架近端梗阻复发 ,置入第 2枚支架。

Preparation of α-Bi_2O_3 from bismuth powders through low-temperature oxidation

α-Bi2O3 powders were prepared from nanometer Bi powders through low-temperature oxidation at less than 873.15 K. XRD, SEM, TEM and HRTEM were used to characterize the structure and morphology of Bi powders and Bi2O3 particles. Kinetic studies on the bismuth oxidation at low-temperatures were carried out by TGA method. The results show that bismuth beads should be reunited and oxidized to become irregular Bi2O3 powders. The bismuth oxidation follows shrinking core model, and its controlling mechanism varies at different reaction time. Within 0-10 min, the kinetics is controlled by chemical reaction, after that it is controlled by O2 diffusion in the solid α-Bi2O3 layer. The apparent activation energy is determined as 55.19 kJ/mol in liquid-phase oxidation.

Asymbiotic Germination and Low-temperature in Vitro Conservation of Cymbidium Dayanum

[Objective] The aim of the research was to establish asymbiotic germination and low-temperature in vitro conservation technique system of Cymbidium dayanum by using plant tissue culture technique to realize its rapid propagation and long-term conservation in vitro. [Method] With mature seeds of C. dayanum as explants, different media were selected to establish asymbiotic germination technique system. With protocorms as materials, conservation, resumptive proliferation and plant regeneration conditions were selected to establish low-temperature in vitro conservation technique system preliminarily. [Result] Mature seeds of C. dayanum could germinate after cultured 90 days on MS media as well as ＂Hyponex 1＂ media. The germination rate reached more than 98%. Protocorms inoculated in ＂Hyponex 1＂ media could be conserved continuously at 5 ℃ in dark for more than 18 months and the survival rate could reach 90%. Conserved protocorms could realize resumptive preliferation culture both on 1/2 MS and ＂Hyponex 1＂ media. The seed- ling-strengthening and rooting media were 1/2 MS media. [Conclusion] This research provided practical basis for in vitro conservation and rapid propagation of C. dayanum germplasm resource.

Effects of Exogenous Glycine Betaine on Oxidation Metabolism in Cucumbers during Low-temperature Storage

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the effects of different concentrations of glycine betaine（GB） on oxidation metabolism in cucumbers under low-temperature stress and to investigate the possible mechanism of low-temperature resistance in cucumber during low-temperature storage. [Method] Cucumber cultivar Zhongnong No.8 was treated with 0, 5, 10 and 15 mmol/L GB solutions for 15 min and stored at 4 ℃. Changes in oxidative metabolism-related parameters were observed. [Result] Increasing exogenous GB concentration could enhance GB content in cucumbers, decline lipoxygenase（LOX） activity, improve peroxidase（POD） and catalase（CAT） activities, remove effectively hydrogen peroxide（H2O2） and reduce the accumulation of malondialdehyde（MDA）. [Conclusion] Treating cucumbers with10 mmol/L GB exhibited the most remarkable effect.

Structure identification for compound I separated and purified from taxoids-produced endophytic fungi (Alternaria. alternata var. taxi 1011)

Endophytic fungi are widely found in almost all kinds of plants. Many endophytic fungi can produce some physio-logical active compounds, which are same to or analog to those isolated from their hosts. Producing physiological active com-pounds through microbial fermentation can give a new way to resolve resource limitation and to find out alternative source. Through the methods of organic solvent extraction, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and column chromatography, compound I was isolated, purified from the liquid fermentation metabolites of the taxoids-produced endophytic fungi (Alternaria. alternata var. taxi 1011 Y. Xiang et LU An-guo) that was screened from the bark of Taxus. cuspidata Sieb.et Zucc.. Compound I was identified as one kind of taxoids type III, based on the analyzing results by using the methods of ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), infrared spectroscopy (IR), mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). This study provides a com-pleted method for separation and purification of the endophytic fungi as well as structure identification of its fermentation me-tabolite