Advancements and Challenges in Organic–Inorganic Composite Solid Electrolytes for All‑Solid‑State Lithium Batteries

To address the limitations of contemporary lithium-ion batteries,particularly their low energy density and safety concerns,all-solid-state lithium batteries equipped with solid-state electrolytes have been identified as an up-and-coming alternative.Among the various SEs,organic–inorganic composite solid electrolytes(OICSEs)that combine the advantages of both polymer and inorganic materials demonstrate promising potential for large-scale applications.However,OICSEs still face many challenges in practical applications,such as low ionic conductivity and poor interfacial stability,which severely limit their applications.This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent research advancements in OICSEs.Specifically,the influence of inorganic fillers on the main functional parameters of OICSEs,including ionic conductivity,Li+transfer number,mechanical strength,electrochemical stability,electronic conductivity,and thermal stability are systematically discussed.The lithium-ion conduction mechanism of OICSE is thoroughly analyzed and concluded from the microscopic perspective.Besides,the classic inorganic filler types,including both inert and active fillers,are categorized with special emphasis on the relationship between inorganic filler structure design and the electrochemical performance of OICSEs.Finally,the advanced characterization techniques relevant to OICSEs are summarized,and the challenges and perspectives on the future development of OICSEs are also highlighted for constructing superior ASSLBs.

Effect of external and internal cues on core muscle activation during the Sahrmann five-level core stability test

BACKGROUND Pain in the back or pelvis or fear of back pain may affect the timing or cocontraction of the core muscles.In both static and dynamic movements,the Sahrmann core stability test provides an assessment of core muscle activation and a person's ability to stabilize the lumbopelvic complex.Preparatory cues and images can be used to increase the activation of these muscles.To attain optimal movement patterns,it will be necessary to determine what cueing will give the most effective results for core stability.AIM To investigate the effects of external and internal cues on core muscle activation during the Sahrmann five-level core stability test.METHODS Total 68 participants(21.83±3.47 years)were randomly allocated to an external(n=35)or internal cue group(n=33).Participants performed the Sahrmann fivelevel core stability test without a cue as baseline and the five-level stability exercises with an internal or external cue.External cue group received a pressure biofeedback unit(PBU),and the internal cue group received an audio cue.A Delsys Trigno^(TM)surface electromyography unit was used for muscle activation from the rectus abdominis,external oblique,and transverse abdominis/internal oblique muscles.RESULTS Linear mixed effects model analysis showed that cueing had a significant effect on core muscle activation(P=0.001);however,there was no significant difference between cue types(internal or external)(P=0.130).CONCLUSION Both external and internal cueing have significant effects on core muscle activation during the Sahrmann five-level core stability test and the PBU does not create higher muscle activation than internal cueing.

High‑Entropy Layered Oxide Cathode Enabling High‑Rate for Solid‑State Sodium‑Ion Batteries

Na-ion O3-type layered oxides are prospective cathodes for Na-ion batteries due to high energy density and low-cost.Nevertheless,such cathodes usually suffer from phase transitions,sluggish kinetics and air instability,making it difficult to achieve high performance solid-state sodium-ion batteries.Herein,the high-entropy design and Li doping strategy alleviate lattice stress and enhance ionic conductivity,achieving high-rate performance,air stability and electrochemically thermal stability for Na_(0.95)Li_(0.06)Ni_(0.25)Cu_(0.05)Fe_(0.15)Mn_(0.49)O_(2).This cathode delivers a high reversible capacity(141 mAh g^(−1)at 0.2C),excellent rate capability(111 mAh g^(−1)at 8C,85 mAh g^(−1)even at 20C),and long-term stability(over 85%capacity retention after 1000 cycles),which is attributed to a rapid and reversible O3–P3 phase transition in regions of low voltage and suppresses phase transition.Moreover,the compound remains unchanged over seven days and keeps thermal stability until 279℃.Remarkably,the polymer solid-state sodium battery assembled by this cathode provides a capacity of 92 mAh g^(−1)at 5C and keeps retention of 96%after 400 cycles.This strategy inspires more rational designs and could be applied to a series of O3 cathodes to improve the performance of solid-state Na-ion batteries.

Using cemented paste backfill to tackle the phosphogypsum stockpile in China:A down-to-earth technology with new vitalities in pollutant retention and CO_(2) abatement

Phosphogypsum(PG),a hard-to-dissipate by-product of the phosphorus fertilizer production industry,places strain on the biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem functions of storage sites.This pervasive problem is already widespread worldwide and requires careful stewardship.In this study,we review the presence of potentially toxic elements(PTEs)in PG and describe their associations with soil properties,anthropogenic activities,and surrounding organisms.Then,we review different ex-/in-situ solutions for promoting the sustainable management of PG,with an emphasis on in-situ cemented paste backfill,which offers a cost-effective and highly scalable opportunity to advance the value-added recovery of PG.However,concerns related to the PTEs'retention capacity and long-term effectiveness limit the implementation of this strategy.Furthermore,given that the large-scale demand for ordinary Portland cement from this conventional option has resulted in significant CO_(2) emissions,the technology has recently undergone additional scrutiny to meet the climate mitigation ambition of the Paris Agreement and China's Carbon Neutrality Economy.Therefore,we discuss the ways by which we can integrate innovative strategies,including supplementary cementitious materials,alternative binder solutions,CO_(2) mineralization,CO_(2) curing,and optimization of the supply chain for the profitability and sustainability of PG remediation.However,to maximize the co-benefits in environmental,social,and economic,future research must bridge the gap between the feasibility of expanding these advanced pathways and the multidisciplinary needs.

Trend of Developing Aqueous Liquid and Gel Electrolytes for Sustainable,Safe,and High‑Performance Li‑Ion Batteries

Current lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)rely on organic liquid electrolytes that pose significant risks due to their flammability and toxicity.The potential for environmental pollution and explosions resulting from battery damage or fracture is a critical concern.Water-based(aqueous)electrolytes have been receiving attention as an alternative to organic electrolytes.However,a narrow electrochemicalstability window,water decomposition,and the consequent low battery operating voltage and energy density hinder the practical use of aqueous electrolytes.Therefore,developing novel aqueous electrolytes for sustainable,safe,high-performance LIBs remains challenging.This Review first commences by summarizing the roles and requirements of electrolytes–separators and then delineates the progression of aqueous electrolytes for LIBs,encompassing aqueous liquid and gel electrolyte development trends along with detailed principles of the electrolytes.These aqueous electrolytes are progressed based on strategies using superconcentrated salts,concentrated diluents,polymer additives,polymer networks,and artificial passivation layers,which are used for suppressing water decomposition and widening the electrochemical stability window of water of the electrolytes.In addition,this Review discusses potential strategies for the implementation of aqueous Li-metal batteries with improved electrolyte–electrode interfaces.A comprehensive understanding of each strategy in the aqueous system will assist in the design of an aqueous electrolyte and the development of sustainable and safe high-performance batteries.

Evaluation of slope stability through rock mass classification and kinematic analysis of some major slopes along NH-1A from Ramban to Banihal, North Western Himalayas

The network of Himalayan roadways and highways connects some remote regions of valleys or hill slopes,which is vital for India’s socio-economic growth.Due to natural and artificial factors,frequency of slope instabilities along the networks has been increasing over last few decades.Assessment of stability of natural and artificial slopes due to construction of these connecting road networks is significant in safely executing these roads throughout the year.Several rock mass classification methods are generally used to assess the strength and deformability of rock mass.This study assesses slope stability along the NH-1A of Ramban district of North Western Himalayas.Various structurally and non-structurally controlled rock mass classification systems have been applied to assess the stability conditions of 14 slopes.For evaluating the stability of these slopes,kinematic analysis was performed along with geological strength index(GSI),rock mass rating(RMR),continuous slope mass rating(CoSMR),slope mass rating(SMR),and Q-slope in the present study.The SMR gives three slopes as completely unstable while CoSMR suggests four slopes as completely unstable.The stability of all slopes was also analyzed using a design chart under dynamic and static conditions by slope stability rating(SSR)for the factor of safety(FoS)of 1.2 and 1 respectively.Q-slope with probability of failure(PoF)1%gives two slopes as stable slopes.Stable slope angle has been determined based on the Q-slope safe angle equation and SSR design chart based on the FoS.The value ranges given by different empirical classifications were RMR(37-74),GSI(27.3-58.5),SMR(11-59),and CoSMR(3.39-74.56).Good relationship was found among RMR&SSR and RMR&GSI with correlation coefficient(R 2)value of 0.815 and 0.6866,respectively.Lastly,a comparative stability of all these slopes based on the above classification has been performed to identify the most critical slope along this road.

Probabilistic analysis of tunnel face seismic stability in layered rock masses using Polynomial Chaos Kriging metamodel

Face stability is an essential issue in tunnel design and construction.Layered rock masses are typical and ubiquitous;uncertainties in rock properties always exist.In view of this,a comprehensive method,which combines the Upper bound Limit analysis of Tunnel face stability,the Polynomial Chaos Kriging,the Monte-Carlo Simulation and Analysis of Covariance method(ULT-PCK-MA),is proposed to investigate the seismic stability of tunnel faces.A two-dimensional analytical model of ULT is developed to evaluate the virtual support force based on the upper bound limit analysis.An efficient probabilistic analysis method PCK-MA based on the adaptive Polynomial Chaos Kriging metamodel is then implemented to investigate the parameter uncertainty effects.Ten input parameters,including geological strength indices,uniaxial compressive strengths and constants for three rock formations,and the horizontal seismic coefficients,are treated as random variables.The effects of these parameter uncertainties on the failure probability and sensitivity indices are discussed.In addition,the effects of weak layer position,the middle layer thickness and quality,the tunnel diameter,the parameters correlation,and the seismic loadings are investigated,respectively.The results show that the layer distributions significantly influence the tunnel face probabilistic stability,particularly when the weak rock is present in the bottom layer.The efficiency of the proposed ULT-PCK-MA is validated,which is expected to facilitate the engineering design and construction.

Molecular insights into clinical trials for immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer:Unravelling challenges and future directions

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a complex disease with diverse etiologies and clinical outcomes.Despite considerable progress in development of CRC therapeutics,challenges remain regarding the diagnosis and management of advanced stage metastatic CRC(mCRC).In particular,the five-year survival rate is very low since mCRC is currently rarely curable.Over the past decade,cancer treatment has significantly improved with the introduction of cancer immunotherapies,specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors.Therapies aimed at blocking immune checkpoints such as PD-1,PD-L1,and CTLA-4 target inhibitory pathways of the immune system,and thereby enhance anti-tumor immunity.These therapies thus have shown promising results in many clinical trials alone or in combination.The efficacy and safety of immunotherapy,either alone or in combination with CRC,have been investigated in several clinical trials.Clinical trials,including KEYNOTE-164 and CheckMate 142,have led to Food and Drug Administration approval of the PD-1 inhibitors pembrolizumab and nivolumab,respectively,for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high or deficient mismatch repair CRC.Unfortunately,these drugs benefit only a small percentage of patients,with the benefits of immunotherapy remaining elusive for the vast majority of CRC patients.To this end,primary and secondary resistance to immunotherapy remains a significant issue,and further research is necessary to optimize the use of immunotherapy in CRC and identify biomarkers to predict the response.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical trials involving immune checkpoint inhibitors in CRC.The underlying rationale,challenges faced,and potential future steps to improve the prognosis and enhance the likelihood of successful trials in this field are discussed.

A Study on the Transmission Dynamics of the Omicron Variant of COVID-19 Using Nonlinear Mathematical Models

This research examines the transmission dynamics of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 using SEIQIcRVW and SQIRV models,considering the delay in converting susceptible individuals into infected ones.The significant delays eventually resulted in the pandemic’s containment.To ensure the safety of the host population,this concept integrates quarantine and the COVID-19 vaccine.We investigate the stability of the proposed models.The fundamental reproduction number influences stability conditions.According to our findings,asymptomatic cases considerably impact the prevalence of Omicron infection in the community.The real data of the Omicron variant from Chennai,Tamil Nadu,India,is used to validate the outputs.

Constructing long-cycling crystalline C_(3)N_(4)-based carbonaceous anodes for sodium-ion battery via N configuration control

Carbon nitrides with two-dimensional layered structures and high theoretical capacities are attractive as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries while their low crystallinity and insufficient structural stability strongly restrict their practical applications.Coupling carbon nitrides with conductive carbon may relieve these issues.However,little is known about the influence of nitrogen(N)configurations on the interactions between carbon and C_(3)N_(4),which is fundamentally critical for guiding the precise design of advanced C_(3)N_(4)-related electrodes.Herein,highly crystalline C_(3)N_(4)(poly(triazine imide),PTI)based all-carbon composites were developed by molten salt strategy.More importantly,the vital role of pyrrolic-N for enhancing charge transfer and boosting Na+storage of C_(3)N_(4)-based composites,which was confirmed by both theoretical and experimental evidence,was spot-highlighted for the first time.By elaborately controlling the salt composition,the composite with high pyrrolic-N and minimized graphitic-N content was obtained.Profiting from the formation of highly crystalline PTI and electrochemically favorable pyrrolic-N configurations,the composite delivered an unusual reverse growth and record-level cycling stability even after 5000 cycles along with high reversible capacity and outstanding full-cell capacity retention.This work broadens the energy storage applications of C_(3)N_(4) and provides new prospects for the design of advanced all-carbon electrodes.

Tailoring MXene Thickness and Functionalization for Enhanced Room‑Temperature Trace NO_(2) Sensing

In this study,precise control over the thickness and termination of Ti3C2TX MXene flakes is achieved to enhance their electrical properties,environmental stability,and gas-sensing performance.Utilizing a hybrid method involving high-pressure processing,stirring,and immiscible solutions,sub-100 nm MXene flake thickness is achieved within the MXene film on the Si-wafer.Functionalization control is achieved by defunctionalizing MXene at 650℃ under vacuum and H2 gas in a CVD furnace,followed by refunctionalization with iodine and bromine vaporization from a bubbler attached to the CVD.Notably,the introduction of iodine,which has a larger atomic size,lower electronegativity,reduce shielding effect,and lower hydrophilicity(contact angle:99°),profoundly affecting MXene.It improves the surface area(36.2 cm^(2) g^(-1)),oxidation stability in aqueous/ambient environments(21 days/80 days),and film conductivity(749 S m^(-1)).Additionally,it significantly enhances the gas-sensing performance,including the sensitivity(0.1119Ωppm^(-1)),response(0.2% and 23%to 50 ppb and 200 ppm NO_(2)),and response/recovery times(90/100 s).The reduced shielding effect of the–I-terminals and the metallic characteristics of MXene enhance the selectivity of I-MXene toward NO2.This approach paves the way for the development of stable and high-performance gas-sensing two-dimensional materials with promising prospects for future studies.

An Information-Based Elite-Guided Evolutionary Algorithm for Multi-Objective Feature Selection

Dear Editor, This letter is concerned with the evolution strategy for addressing multi-objective feature selection problems in classification. Previous methods suffer from limitations such as being trapped in local optima and lacking stability. To overcome them, we propose a novel eliteguided mechanism based on information theory. Firstly, an elite solution is generated through a dimension reduction strategy and incorporated to the initialization population.

High performance wide bandgap perovskite solar cell with low V_(OC) deficit less than 0.4 V

Wide bandgap perovskite solar cells(PSCs)have attracted significant attention because they can be applied to the top cells of tandem solar cells.However,high open-circuit voltage(V_(OC))deficit(>0.4 V)result from poor crystallization and high non-radiative recombination losses become a serious limitation in the pursuit of high performance.Here,the relevance between different Pbl_(2)proportions and performance parameters are revealed through analysis of surface morphology,residual stress,and photostability.The increase of Pbl_(2)proportion promotes crystal growth and reduces the work function of the perovskite film surface and promotes the energy level alignment with the carrier transport layer,which decreased the V_(OC)deficit.However,residual PbI_(2)exacerbated the stress level of perovskite film,and the resulting lattice disorder deteriorated the photostability of the device.Ultimately,after the synergistic passivation of residual PbI_(2)and PEAI,the V_(OC)achieves 1.266 V and V_(OC)deficit is less than 0.4 V,the record value in wide bandgap PSCs.

Self-polarized RGB device realized by semipolar micro-LEDs and perovskite-in-polymer films for backlight applications

In backlighting systems for liquid crystal displays,conventional red,green,and blue(RGB)light sources that lack polarization properties can result in a significant optical loss of up to 50%when passing through a polarizer.To address this inefficiency and optimize energy utilization,this study presents a high-performance device designed for RGB polarized emissions.The device employs an array of semipolar blueμLEDs with inherent polarization capabilities,coupled with mechanically stretched films of green-emitting CsPbBr3 nanorods and red-emitting CsPbI3-Cs4PbI6 hybrid nanocrystals.The CsPbBr3 nanorods in the polymer film offer intrinsic polarization emission,while the aligned-wire structures formed by the stable CsPbI3-Cs4PbI6 hybrid nanocrystals contribute to substantial anisotropic emissions,due to their high dielectric constant.The resulting device achieved RGB polarization degrees of 0.26,0.48,and 0.38,respectively,and exhibited a broad color gamut,reaching 137.2%of the NTSC standard and 102.5%of the Rec.2020 standard.When compared to a device utilizing c-plane LEDs for excitation,the current approach increased the intensity of light transmitted through the polarizer by 73.6%.This novel fabrication approach for polarized devices containing RGB components holds considerable promise for advancing next-generation display technologies.

Gouge stability controlled by temperature elevation and obsidian addition in basaltic faults and implications for moonquakes

Basalt is a major component of the earth and moon crust.Mineral composition and temperature influence frictional instability and thus the potential for seismicity on basaltic faults.We performed velocitystepping shear experiments on basalt gouges at a confining pressure of 100 MPa,temperatures in the range of 100-400℃ and with varied obsidian mass fractions of 0-100%under wet/dry conditions to investigate the frictional strength and stability of basaltic faults.We observe a transition from velocity-neutral to velocity-weakening behaviors with increasing obsidian content.The frictional stability response of the mixed obsidian/basalt gouges is characterized by a transition from velocitystrengthening to velocity-weakening at 200℃ and another transition to velocity-strengthening at temperatures>300℃.Conversely,frictional strengths of the obsidian-bearing gouges are insensitive to temperature and wet/dry conditions.These results suggest that obsidian content dominates the potential seismic response of basaltic faults with the effect of temperature controlling the range of seismogenic depths.Thus,shallow moonquakes tend to occur in the lower lunar crust due to the corresponding anticipated higher glass content and a projected temperature range conducive to velocity-weakening behavior.These observations contribute to a better understanding of the nucleation mechanism of shallow seismicity in basaltic faults.

Tuning the reactivity of TiO_(2)layer with uniform distribution of Sub-5 nm Fe_(2)O_(3)particles via in situ voltage-assisted oxidation for robust catalytic reduction

The trade-off between efficiency and stability has limited the application of TiO_(2)as a catalyst due to its poor surface reactivity.Here,we present a modification of a TiO_(2)layer with highly stable Sub-5 nm Fe_(2)O_(3)nanoparticles(NP)by modulating its structure-surface reactivity relationship to attain efficiency-stability balance via a voltage-assisted oxidation approach.In situ simultaneous oxidation of the Ti substrate and Fe precursor using high-energy plasma driven by high voltage resulted in uniform distribution of Fe_(2)O_(3)NP embedded within porous TiO_(2)layer.Comprehensive surface characterizations with density functional theory demonstrated an improved electronic transition in TiO_(2)due to the presence of surface defects from reactive oxygen species and possible charge transfer from Ti to Fe;it also unexpectedly increased the active site in the TiO_(2)layer due to uncoordinated electrons in Sub-5 nm Fe_(2)O_(3)NP/TiO_(2)catalyst,thereby enhancing the adsorption of chemical functional groups on the catalyst.This unique embedded structure exhibited remarkable improvement in reducing 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol,achieving approximately 99%efficiency in 20 min without stability decay after 20 consecutive cycles,outperforming previously reported TiO_(2)-based catalysts.This finding proposes a modified-electrochemical strategy enabling facile construction of TiO_(2)with nanoscale oxides extandable to other metal oxide systems.

On the evolutionary trail of MagRs

Magnetic sense,or termed magnetoreception,has evolved in a broad range of taxa within the animal kingdom to facilitate orientation and navigation.MagRs,highly conserved A-type iron-sulfur proteins,are widely distributed across all phyla and play essential roles in both magnetoreception and iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis.However,the evolutionary origins and functional diversification of MagRs from their prokaryotic ancestor remain unclear.In this study,MagR sequences from 131 species,ranging from bacteria to humans,were selected for analysis,with 23 representative sequences covering species from prokaryotes to Mollusca,Arthropoda,Osteichthyes,Reptilia,Aves,and mammals chosen for protein expression and purification.Biochemical studies revealed a gradual increase in total iron content in MagRs during evolution.Three types of MagRs were identified,each with distinct iron and/or iron-sulfur cluster binding capacity and protein stability,indicating continuous expansion of the functional roles of MagRs during speciation and evolution.This evolutionary biochemical study provides valuable insights into how evolution shapes the physical and chemical properties of biological molecules such as MagRs and how these properties influence the evolutionary trajectories of MagRs.

Influence of variable viscosity and double diffusion on the convective stability of a nanofluid flow in an inclined porous channel

The influence of variable viscosity and double diffusion on the convective stability of a nanofluid flow in an inclined porous channel is investigated.The DarcyBrinkman model is used to characterize the fluid flow dynamics in porous materials.The analytical solutions are obtained for the unidirectional and completely developed flow.Based on a normal mode analysis,the generalized eigenvalue problem under a perturbed state is solved.The eigenvalue problem is then solved by the spectral method.Finally,the critical Rayleigh number with the corresponding wavenumber is evaluated at the assigned values of the other flow-governing parameters.The results show that increasing the Darcy number,the Lewis number,the Dufour parameter,or the Soret parameter increases the stability of the system,whereas increasing the inclination angle of the channel destabilizes the flow.Besides,the flow is the most unstable when the channel is vertically oriented.

Mechanical Modeling and Analysis of Stability Deterioration of Production Well During Marine Hydrate Depressurization Production

Different from oil and gas production,hydrate reservoirs are shallow and unconsolidated,whose mechanical properties deteriorate with hydrate decomposition.Therefore,the formations will undergo significant subsidence during depressurization,which will destroy the original force state of the production well.However,existing research on the stability of oil and gas production wells assumes the formation to be stable,and lacks consideration of the force exerted on the hydrate production well by formation subsidence caused by hydrate decomposition during production.To fill this gap,this paper proposes an analytical method for the dynamic evolution of the stability of hydrate production well considering the effects of hydrate decomposition.Based on the mechanical model of the production well,the basis for stability analysis has been proposed.A multi-field coupling model of the force state of the production well considering the effect of hydrate decomposition and formation subsidence is established,and a solver is developed.The analytical approach is verified by its good agreement with the results from the numerical method.A case study found that the decomposition of hydrate will increase the pulling-down force and reduce the supporting force,which is the main reason for the stability deterioration.The higher the initial hydrate saturation,the larger the reservoir thickness,and the lower the production pressure,the worse the stability or even instability.This work can provide a theoretical reference for the stability maintaining of the production well.

Atom substitution of the solid-state electrolyte Li_(10)GeP_(2)S_(12)for stabilized all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

Solid-state electrolyte Li_(10)GeP_(2)S_(12)(LGPS)has a high lithium ion conductivity of 12 mS cm^(-1)at room temperature,but its inferior chemical stability against lithium metal anode impedes its practical application.Among all solutions,Ge atom substitution of the solid-state electrolyte LGPS stands out as the most promising solution to this interface problem.A systematic screening framework for Ge atom substitution including ionic conductivity,thermodynamic stability,electronic and mechanical properties is utilized to solve it.For fast screening,an enhanced model Dop Net FC using chemical formulas for the dataset is adopted to predict ionic conductivity.Finally,Li_(10)SrP_(2)S_(12)(LSrPS)is screened out,which has high lithium ion conductivity(12.58 mS cm^(-1)).In addition,an enhanced migration of lithium ion across the LSr PS/Li interface is found.Meanwhile,compared to the LGPS/Li interface,LSrPS/Li interface exhibits a larger Schottky barrier(0.134 eV),smaller electron transfer region(3.103?),and enhanced ability to block additional electrons,all of which contribute to the stabilized interface.The applied theoretical atom substitution screening framework with the aid of machine learning can be extended to rapid determination of modified specific material schemes.