Influence of substrate effect on near-field radiative modulator based on biaxial hyperbolic materials

Relative rotation between the emitter and receiver could effectively modulate the near-field radiative heat transfer(NFRHT)in anisotropic media.Due to the strong in-plane anisotropy,natural hyperbolic materials can be used to construct near-field radiative modulators with excellent modulation effects.However,in practical applications,natural hyperbolic materials need to be deposited on the substrate,and the influence of substrate on modulation effect has not been studied yet.In this work,we investigate the influence of substrate effect on near-field radiative modulator based onα-MoO_(3).The results show that compared to the situation without a substrate,the presence of both lossless and lossy substrate will reduce the modulation contrast(MC)for different film thicknesses.When the real or imaginary component of the substrate permittivity increases,the mismatch of hyperbolic phonon polaritons(HPPs)weakens,resulting in a reduction in MC.By reducing the real and imaginary components of substrate permittivity,the MC can be significantly improved,reaching 4.64 forε_(s)=3 at t=10 nm.This work indicates that choosing a substrate with a smaller permittivity helps to achieve a better modulation effect,and provides guidance for the application of natural hyperbolic materials in the near-field radiative modulator.

Advances in All-Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries for Commercialization

Solid-state batteries are commonly acknowledged as the forthcoming evolution in energy storage technologies.Recent development progress for these rechargeable batteries has notably accelerated their trajectory toward achieving commercial feasibility.In particular,all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries(ASSLSBs)that rely on lithium-sulfur reversible redox processes exhibit immense potential as an energy storage system,surpassing conventional lithium-ion batteries.This can be attributed predominantly to their exceptional energy density,extended operational lifespan,and heightened safety attributes.Despite these advantages,the adoption of ASSLSBs in the commercial sector has been sluggish.To expedite research and development in this particular area,this article provides a thorough review of the current state of ASSLSBs.We delve into an in-depth analysis of the rationale behind transitioning to ASSLSBs,explore the fundamental scientific principles involved,and provide a comprehensive evaluation of the main challenges faced by ASSLSBs.We suggest that future research in this field should prioritize plummeting the presence of inactive substances,adopting electrodes with optimum performance,minimizing interfacial resistance,and designing a scalable fabrication approach to facilitate the commercialization of ASSLSBs.

Boosting the cycling stability of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries through MOF-based polymeric protective layers

Solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)play a pivotal role in advancing next-generation lithium metal battery technology.However,they commonly encounter substantial interfacial resistance and poor stability when interfacing with lithium metal,hindering practical applications.Herein,we introduce a flexible metal-organic framework(MOF:NUS-6)-incorporated polymeric layer,denoted as NP,designed to protect the sodium superionic conductor(NASICON)-type Li_(1.3)Al_(0.3)Ti_(1.7)(PO_(4))_(3)(LATP)electrolyte from Li metal anodes.The NP matrix establishes a soft interface with the LATP surface,effectively reducing voids and gaps that may arise between the LATP electrolyte and Li metal.Moreover,the MOF component in NP enhances ionic conductivity,offers abundant Li^(+)transport sites,and provides hierarchical ion channels,ensuring a homogeneous Li^(+)flow and thus effectively inhibiting Li dendrite formation.Utilizing NP,we fabricate Li symmetrical cells cycled for over 1600 h at 0.2 mA cm^(-2)and all-solid-state LiINP-LATPI LiFePO_(4)batteries,achieving a remarkable 99.3%capacity retention after 200 cycles at 0.2 C.This work outlines a general strategy for designing long-lasting and stable solid-state Li metal batteries.

Stable Cycling of All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries Enabled by Cyano-Molecular Diamond Improved Polymer Electrolytes

The interfacial instability of the poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)-based electrolytes impedes the long-term cycling and further application of all-solid-state lithium metal batter-ies.In this work,we have shown an effective additive 1-adaman-tanecarbonitrile,which con-tributes to the excellent per-formance of the poly(ethylene oxide)-based electrolytes.Owing to the strong interaction of the 1-Adamantanecarboni-trile to the polymer matrix and anions,the coordination of the Li^(+)-EO is weakened,and the binding effect of anions is strengthened,thereby improving the Li^(+)conductivity and the electrochemical stability.The diamond building block on the surface of the lithium anode can sup-press the growth of lithium dendrites.Importantly,the 1-Adamantanecarbonitrile also regulates the formation of LiF in the solid electrolyte interface and cathode electrolyte interface,which contributes to the interfacial stability(especially at high voltages)and protects the electrodes,enabling all-solid-state batteries to cycle at high voltages for long periods of time.Therefore,the Li/Li symmetric cell undergoes long-term lithium plating/stripping for more than 2000 h.1-Adamantanecarbonitrile-poly(ethylene oxide)-based LFP/Li and 4.3 V Ni_(0.8)Mn_(0.1)Co_(0.1)O_(2)/Li all-solid-state batteries achieved stable cycles for 1000 times,with capacity retention rates reaching 85%and 80%,respectively.

A dynamic database of solid-state electrolyte(DDSE)picturing all-solid-state batteries

All-solid-state batteries(ASSBs)are a class of safer and higher-energy-density materials compared to conventional devices,from which solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)are their essential components.To date,investigations to search for high ion-conducting solid-state electrolytes have attracted broad concern.However,obtaining SSEs with high ionic conductivity is challenging due to the complex structural information and the less-explored structure-performance relationship.To provide a solution to these challenges,developing a database containing typical SSEs from available experimental reports would be a new avenue to understand the structureperformance relationships and find out new design guidelines for reasonable SSEs.Herein,a dynamic experimental database containing>600 materials was developed in a wide range of temperatures(132.40–1261.60 K),including mono-and divalent cations(e.g.,Li^(+),Na^(+),K^(+),Ag^(+),Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+),and Zn^(2+))and various types of anions(e.g.,halide,hydride,sulfide,and oxide).Data-mining was conducted to explore the relationships among different variates(e.g.,transport ion,composition,activation energy,and conductivity).Overall,we expect that this database can provide essential guidelines for the design and development of high-performance SSEs in ASSB applications.This database is dynamically updated,which can be accessed via our open-source online system.

Solid-state synthesis and ion transport characteristics of the β-KSbF_(4) for all-solid-state fluoride-ion batteries

All-solid-state fluoride ion batteries(FIBs)have been recently considered as a post-lithium-ion battery system due to their high safety and high energy density.Just like all solid-state lithium batteries,the key to the development of FIBs lies in room-temperature electrolytes with high ionic conductivity.β-KSbF_(4) is a kind of promising solid-state electrolyte for FIBs owing to its rational ionic conductivity and relatively wide electrochemical stability window at room temperature.However,the previous synthesis routes ofβ-KSbF_(4) required the use of highly toxic hydrofluoric acid and the ionic conductivity of as-prepared product needs to be further improved.Herein,the β-KSbF_(4) sample with an ionic conductivity of 1.04×10^(-4)s cm^(-1)(30°C)is synthesized through the simple solid-state route.In order to account for the high ionic conductivity of the as-synthesizedβ-KSbF_(4),X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS)are used to characterize the physic-ochemical properties.The results show that the as-synthesizedβ-KSbF_(4) exhibits higher carrier concentra-tion of 1.0×10^(-6)S cm-Hz^(-1)K and hopping frequency of 1.31×10^(6)Hz at 30°C due to the formation of the fluorine vacancies.Meanwhile,the hopping frequency shows the same trend as the changes of ionic conductivity with the changes of temperature,while the carrier concentration is found to be almost con-stant.The two different trends indicate the hopping frequency is mainly responsible for the ionic conduc-tion behavior withinβ-KSbF_(4).Furthermore,the all-solid-state FIBs,in which Ag and Pb+PbF_(2) are adopted as cathode and anode,andβ-KSbF_(4) as fluoride ion conductor,are capable of reversible charge and discharge.The assembled FIBs show a discharge capacity of 108.4 mA h g^(-1) at 1st cycle and 74.2 mA h g^(-1) at 50th cycle.Based on an examination of the capacity decay mechanism,it has been found that deterioration of the electrolyte/electrode interface is an important reason for hindering the commer-cial application of FIBs.Hence,the in-depth comprehension of the ion transport characteristics inβ-KSbF_(4) and the interpretation of the capacity fading mechanism will be conducive to promoting development of high-performanceFIBs.

Fluorine-Doped High-Performance Li_6PS_5Cl Electrolyte by Lithium Fluoride Nanoparticles for All-Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries

All-solid-state lithium-metal batteries(ASSLMBs)are widely considered as the ultimately advanced lithium batteries owing to their improved energy density and enhanced safety features.Among various solid electrolytes,sulfide solid electrolyte(SSE)Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl has garnered significant attention.However,its application is limited by its poor cyclability and low critical current density(CCD).In this study,we introduce a novel approach to enhance the performance of Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl by doping it with fluorine,using lithium fluoride nanoparticles(LiFs)as the doping precursor.The F-doped electrolyte Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl-0.2LiF(nano)shows a doubled CCD,from 0.5 to 1.0 mA/cm~2 without compromising the ionic conductivity;in fact,conductivity is enhanced from 2.82 to 3.30 mS/cm,contrary to the typical performance decline seen in conventionally doped Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl electrolytes.In symmetric Li|SSE|Li cells,the lifetime of Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl-0.2LiF(nano)is 4 times longer than that of Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl,achieving 1500 h vs.371 h under a charging/discharging current density of 0.2 mA/cm~2.In Li|SSE|LiNbO_3@NCM721 full cells,which are tested under a cycling rate of 0.1 C at 30℃,the lifetime of Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl-0.2LiF(nano)is four times that of Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl,reaching 100 cycles vs.26 cycles.Therefore,the doping of nano-LiF off ers a promising approach to developing high-performance Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl for ASSLMBs.

Exploring the modulatory role of bovine lactoferrin on the microbiome and the immune response in healthy and Shiga toxin‑producing E.coli challenged weaned piglets

Background Post-weaned piglets suffer from F18+Escherichia coli(E.coli)infections resulting in post-weaning diar-rhoea or oedema disease.Frequently used management strategies,including colistin and zinc oxide,have contrib-uted to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.Novel antimicrobials capable of directly interacting with pathogens and modulating the host immune responses are being investigated.Lactoferrin has shown promising results against porcine enterotoxigenic E.coli strains,both in vitro and in vivo.Results We investigated the influence of bovine lactoferrin(bLF)on the microbiome of healthy and infected weaned piglets.Additionally,we assessed whether bLF influenced the immune responses upon Shiga toxin-producing E.coli(STEC)infection.Therefore,2 in vivo trials were conducted:a microbiome trial and a challenge infection trial,using an F18+STEC strain.BLF did not affect theα-andβ-diversity.However,bLF groups showed a higher relative abundance(RA)for the Actinobacteria phylum and the Bifidobacterium genus in the ileal mucosa.When analysing the immune response upon infection,the STEC group exhibited a significant increase in F18-specific IgG serum levels,whereas this response was absent in the bLF group.Conclusion Taken together,the oral administration of bLF did not have a notable impact on theα-andβ-diversity of the gut microbiome in weaned piglets.Nevertheless,it did increase the RA of the Actinobacteria phylum and Bifi-dobacterium genus,which have previously been shown to play an important role in maintaining gut homeostasis.Furthermore,bLF administration during STEC infection resulted in the absence of F18-specific serum IgG responses.

Thin polymer electrolyte with MXene functional layer for uniform Li^(+) deposition in all-solid-state lithium battery

Solid polymer electrolyte(SPE) shows great potential for all-solid-state batteries because of the inherent safety and flexibility;however, the unfavourable Li+deposition and large thickness hamper its development and application. Herein, a laminar MXene functional layer-thin SPE layer-cathode integration(MXene-PEO-LFP) is designed and fabricated. The MXene functional layer formed by stacking rigid MXene nanosheets imparts higher compressive strength relative to PEO electrolyte layer. And the abundant negatively-charged groups on MXene functional layer effectively repel anions and attract cations to adjust the charge distribution behavior at electrolyte–anode interface. Furthermore,the functional layer with rich lithiophilic groups and outstanding electronic conductivity results in low Li nucleation overpotential and nucleation energy barrier. In consequence, the cell assembled with MXene-PEO-LFP, where the PEO electrolyte layer is only 12 μm, much thinner than most solid electrolytes, exhibits uniform, dendrite-free Li+deposition and excellent cycling stability. High capacity(142.8 mAh g-1), stable operation of 140 cycles(capacity decay per cycle, 0.065%), and low polarization potential(0.5 C) are obtained in this Li|MXene-PEO-LFP cell,which is superior to most PEO-based electrolytes under identical condition. This integrated design may provide a strategy for the large-scale application of thin polymer electrolytes in all-solid-state battery.

Sandwich-type composited solid polymer electrolytes to strengthen the interfacial ionic transportation and bulk conductivity for all-solid-state lithium batteries from room temperature to 120℃

The insurmountable charge transfer impedance at the Li metal/solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)interface at room temperature as well as the ascending risk of short circuits at the operating temperature higher than the melting point,dominantly limits their applications in solid-state batteries(SSBs).Although the inorganic filler such as CeO_(2)nanoparticle content of composite solid polymer electrolytes(CSPEs)can significantly reduce the enormous charge transfer impedance at the Li metal/SPEs interface,we found that the required content of CeO_(2)nanoparticles in SPEs varies for achieving a decent interfacial charge transfer impedance and the bulk ionic conductivity in CSPEs.In this regard,a sandwich-type composited solid polymer electrolyte with a 10%CeO_(2)CSPEs interlayer sandwiched between two 50%CeO_(2)CSPEs thin layers(sandwiched CSPEs)is constructed to simultaneously achieve low charge transfer impedance and superior ionic conductivity at 30℃.The sandwiched CSPEs allow for stable cycling of Li plating and stripping for 1000 h with 129 mV polarized voltage at 0.1 mA cm^(-2)and 30℃.In addition,the LiFePO_(4)/Sandwiched CSPEs/Li cell also exhibits exceptional cycle performance at 30℃and even elevated120℃without short circuits.Constructing multi-layered CSPEs with optimized contents of the inorganic fillers can be an efficient method for developing all solid-state PEO-based batteries with high performance at a wide range of temperatures.

A high-contrast imaging coronagraph for segmented-mirror large aperture telescopes using a spatial light modulator

The primary mirrors of current and future large telescopes always employ a segmented mirror configuration.The small but non-negligible gaps between neighboring segments cause additional diffraction,which restricts the performance of high-contrast coronagraph.To solve this problem,we propose a coronagraph system based on a single liquid crystal spatial light modulator(SLM).This spatial light modulator is used for amplitude apodization,and its feasibility and potential performance are demonstrated using a laboratory setup using the stochastic parallel gradient descent(SPGD)algorithm to control the spatial light modulator,which is based on point spread function(PSF)sensing and evaluation and optimized for maximum contrast in the discovery working area as a merit function.The system delivers a contrast in the order of 10−6,and shows excellent potential to be used in current and future large aperture telescopes,both on the ground and in space.

Viability of all-solid-state lithium metal battery coupled with oxide solid-state electrolyte and high-capacity cathode

Owing to the utilization of lithium metal as anode with the ultrahigh theoretical capacity density of 3860 mA h g^(-1)and oxide-based ceramic solid-state electrolytes(SE),e.g.,garnet-type Li7La_(3)Zr_(2)O_(12)(LLZO),all-state-state lithium metal batteries(ASLMBs)have been widely accepted as the promising alternatives for providing the satisfactory energy density and safety.However,its applications are still challenged by plenty of technical and scientific issues.In this contribution,the co-sintering temperature at 500℃is proved as a compromise method to fabricate the composite cathode with structural integrity and declined capacity fading of LiNi_(0.5)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.3)O_(2)(NCM).On the other hand,it tends to form weaker grain boundary(GB)inside polycrystalline LLZO at inadequate sintering temperature for LLZO,which can induce the intergranular failure of SE during the growth of Li filament inside the unavoidable defect on the interface of SE.Therefore,increasing the strength of GB,refining the grain to 0.4μm,and precluding the interfacial defect are suggested to postpone the electro-chemo-mechanical failure of SE with weak GB.Moreover,the advanced sintering techniques to lower the co-sintering temperature for both NCM-LLZO composite cathode and LLZO SE can be posted out to realize the viability of state-of-the-art ASLMBs with higher energy density as well as the guaranteed safety.

Tailoring Practically Accessible Polymer/Inorganic Composite Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries:A Review

Solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)are widely considered the essential components for upcoming rechargeable lithium-ion batteries owing to the potential for great safety and energy density.Among them,polymer solid-state electrolytes(PSEs)are competitive candidates for replacing commercial liquid electrolytes due to their flexibility,shape versatility and easy machinability.Despite the rapid development of PSEs,their practical application still faces obstacles including poor ionic conductivity,narrow electrochemical stable window and inferior mechanical strength.Polymer/inorganic composite electrolytes(PIEs)formed by adding ceramic fillers in PSEs merge the benefits of PSEs and inorganic solid-state electrolytes(ISEs),exhibiting appreciable comprehensive properties due to the abundant interfaces with unique characteristics.Some PIEs are highly compatible with high-voltage cathode and lithium metal anode,which offer desirable access to obtaining lithium metal batteries with high energy density.This review elucidates the current issues and recent advances in PIEs.The performance of PIEs was remarkably influenced by the characteristics of the fillers including type,content,morphology,arrangement and surface groups.We focus on the molecular interaction between different components in the composite environment for designing high-performance PIEs.Finally,the obstacles and opportunities for creating high-performance PIEs are outlined.This review aims to provide some theoretical guidance and direction for the development of PIEs.

Integrated interface configuration by in-situ interface chemistry enabling uniform lithium deposition in all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

All-solid-state lithium metal batteries(ASSLMBs)are considered as one of the ultimate goals for the development of energy storage systems due to their high energy density and high safety.However,the mismatching of interface transport kinetics as well as interfacial instability induces the growth of lithium dendrite and thus,leads to severe degradation of battery electrochemical performances.Herein,an integrated interface configuration(IIC)consisting of in-situ generated Li I interphase and Li-Ag alloy anode is proposed through in-situ interface chemistry.The IIC is capable of not only regulating charge transport kinetics but also synchronously stabilizing the lithium/electrolyte interface,thereby achieving uniform lithium platting.Therefore,Li||Li symmetric cells with IIC achieve a critical current density of up to 1.6 mA cm^(-2)and achieve stable cycling over 1600 hours at a high current density of 0.5 mA cm^(-2).Moreover,a high discharge capacity of 140.1 mA h g-1at 0.1 C is also obtained for the Li(Ni_(0.6)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.2))O_(2)(NCM622)full battery with a capacity retention of 65.6%after 300 cycles.This work provides an effective method to synergistically regulate the interface transport kinetics and inhibit lithium dendrite growth for high-performance ASSLMBs.

Sulfide-Based All-Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries:Challenges and Perspectives

Lithium-sulfur batteries with liquid electrolytes have been obstructed by severe shuttle effects and intrinsic safety concerns.Introducing inorganic solid-state electrolytes into lithium-sulfur systems is believed as an effective approach to eliminate these issues without sacrificing the high-energy density,which determines sulfidebased all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries.However,the lack of design principles for high-performance composite sulfur cathodes limits their further application.The sulfur cathode regulation should take several factors including the intrinsic insulation of sulfur,well-designed conductive networks,integrated sulfur-electrolyte interfaces,and porous structure for volume expansion,and the correlation between these factors into account.Here,we summarize the challenges of regulating composite sulfur cathodes with respect to ionic/electronic diffusions and put forward the corresponding solutions for obtaining stable positive electrodes.In the last section,we also outlook the future research pathways of architecture sulfur cathode to guide the develop high-performance all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries.

All-Solid-State Thin-Film Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lithium-sulfur(Li-S)system coupled with thin-film solid electrolyte as a novel high-energy micro-battery has enormous potential for complementing embedded energy harvesters to enable the autonomy of the Internet of Things microdevice.However,the volatility in high vacuum and intrinsic sluggish kinetics of S hinder researchers from empirically integrating it into allsolid-state thin-film batteries,leading to inexperience in fabricating all-solid-state thin-film Li-S batteries(TFLSBs).Herein,for the first time,TFLSBs have been successfully constructed by stacking vertical graphene nanosheets-Li2S(VGsLi2S)composite thin-film cathode,lithium-phosphorous-oxynitride(LiPON)thin-film solid electrolyte,and Li metal anode.Fundamentally eliminating Lipolysulfide shuttle effect and maintaining a stable VGs-Li2S/LiPON interface upon prolonged cycles have been well identified by employing the solid-state Li-S system with an“unlimited Li”reservoir,which exhibits excellent longterm cycling stability with a capacity retention of 81%for 3,000 cycles,and an exceptional high temperature tolerance up to 60℃.More impressively,VGs-Li2S-based TFLSBs with evaporated-Li thin-film anode also demonstrate outstanding cycling performance over 500 cycles with a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.71%.Collectively,this study presents a new development strategy for secure and high-performance rechargeable all-solid-state thin-film batteries.

In situ formed LiF-Li_(3)N interface layer enables ultra-stable sulfide electrolyte-based all-solid-state lithium batteries

Sulfide solid electrolytes are promising for high energy density and safety in all-solid-state batteries due to their high ionic conductivity and good mechanical properties.However,the application of sulfide solid electrolytes in all-solid-state batteries with lithium anode is restricted by the side reactions at lithium/electrolytes interfaces and the growth of lithium dendrite caused by nonuniform lithium deposition.Herein,a homogeneous LiF-Li_(3)N composite protective layer is in situ formed via a manipulated reaction of pentafluorobenzamide with Li metal.The LiF-Li_(3)N layer with both high interfacial energy and interfacial adhesion energy can synergistically suppress side reactions and inhibit the growth of lithium dendrite,achieving uniform deposition of lithium.The critical current densities of Li_(10)GeP_(2)S_(12)and Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl are increased to 3.25 and 1.25 mA cm^(-2)with Li@LiF-Li_(3)N layer,which are almost triple and twice as those of Li-symmetric cells in the absence of protection layer,respectively.Moreover,the Li@LiF-Li_(3)N/Li10GeP2S12/Li@LiF-Li_(3)N cell can stably cycle for 9000 h at 0.1 mA cm^(-2)under 0.1 mA h cm^(-2),and Li@LiF-Li_(3)N/Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl/Li@LiF-Li_(3)N cell achieves stable Li plating/stripping for 8000 h at 0.1 mA cm^(-2)under10 m A h cm^(-2).The improved dynamic stability of lithium plating/stripping in Li@LiF-Li_(3)N/Li_(10)GeP_(2)S_(12)or Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl interfaces is proved by three-electrode cells.As a result,LiCoO_(2)/electrolytes/Li@LiF-Li_(3)N batteries with Li_(10)GeP_(2)S_(12)and Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl exhibit remarkable cycling stability of 500 cycles with capacity retentions of 93.5%and 89.2%at 1 C,respectively.

Composite polymer electrolyte reinforced by graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets for room-temperature all-solid-state lithium batteries

By virtue of the flexibility and safety, polyethylene oxide(PEO) based electrolytes are regarded as an appealing candidate for all-solid-state lithium batteries. However, their application is limited by the poor ionic conductivity at room temperature, narrow electrochemical stability window and uncontrolled growth of lithium dendrite. To alleviate these problems, we introduce the ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets(GCN) as advanced nanofillers into PEO based electrolytes(GCN-CPE). Benefiting from the high surface area and abundant surface N-active sites of GCN, the GCN-CPE displays decreased crystallinity and enhanced ionic conductivity. Meanwhile, Fourier transform infrared and chronoamperometry studies indicate that GCN can facilitate Li+migration in the composite electrolyte. Additionally, the GCN-CPE displays an extended electrochemical window compared with PEO based electrolytes. As a result, Li symmetric battery assembled with GCN-CPE shows a stable Li plating/stripping cycling performance, and the all-solid-state Li/LiNi_(0.6)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.2)O_(2)(NCM622) batteries using GCN-CPE exhibit satisfactory cyclability and rate capability in a voltage range of 3-4.2 V at 30 ℃.

Broadband all-fiber optical phase modulator based on photo-thermal effect in a gas-filled hollow-core fiber

We report broadband all-fiber optical phase modulation based on the photo-thermal effect in a gas-filled hollow-core fiber.The phase modulation dynamics are studied by multi-physics simulation.A phase modulator is fabricated using a 5.6-cm-long anti-resonant hollow-core fiber with pure acetylene filling.It has a half-wave optical power of 289 mW at 100 kHz and an average insertion loss 0.6 dB over a broad wavelength range from 1450 to 1650 nm.The rise and fall time constants are 3.5 and 3.7μs,respectively,2–3 orders of magnitude better than the previously reported microfiber-based photo-thermal phase modulators.The gas-filled hollow-core waveguide configuration is promising for optical phase modulation from ultraviolet to mid-infrared which is challenging to achieve with solid optical fibers.

Laminar Composite Solid Electrolyte with Poly(Ethylene Oxide)-Threaded Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets for High-Performance All-Solid-State Lithium Battery

Developing laminar composite solid electrolyte with ultrathin thickness and continuous conduction channels in vertical direction holds great promise for all-solid-state lithium batteries.Herein,a thin,laminar solid electrolyte is synthesized by filtrating–NH 2 functionalized metal-organic framework nanosheets and then being threaded with poly(ethylene oxide)chains induced by the hydrogen-bonding interaction from–NH_(2) groups.It is demonstrated that the threaded poly(ethylene oxide)chains lock the adjacent metal-organic framework nanosheets,giving highly enhanced structural stability(Young’s modulus,1.3 GPa)to 7.5-μm-thick laminar composite solid electrolyte.Importantly,these poly(ethylene oxide)chains with stretching structure serve as continuous conduction pathways along the chains in pores.It makes the non-conduction laminar metal-organic framework electrolyte highly conductive:3.97×10^(−5) S cm^(−1) at 25℃,which is even over 25 times higher than that of pure poly(ethylene oxide)electrolyte.The assembled lithium cell,thus,acquires superior cycling stability,initial discharge capacity(148 mAh g^(−1) at 0.5 C and 60℃),and retention(94% after 150 cycles).Besides,the pore size of nanosheet is tailored(24.5–40.9˚A)to evaluate the mechanisms of chain conformation and ion transport in confined space.It shows that the confined pore only with proper size could facilitate the stretching of poly(ethylene oxide)chains,and meanwhile inhibit their disorder degree.Specifically,the pore size of 33.8˚A shows optimized confinement effect with trans-poly(ethylene oxide)and cis-poly(ethylene oxide)conformation,which offers great significance in ion conduction.Our design of poly(ethylene oxide)-threaded architecture provides a platform and paves a way to the rational design of next-generation high-performance porous electrolytes.