Cooperative activation of sodium channels for downgrading the energy efficiency in neuronal information processing

The Hodgkin–Huxley model assumes independent ion channel activation,although mutual interactions are common in biological systems.This raises the problem why neurons would favor independent over cooperative channel activation.In this study,we evaluate how cooperative activation of sodium channels affects the neuron’s information processing and energy consumption.Simulations of the stochastic Hodgkin–Huxley model with cooperative activation of sodium channels show that,while cooperative activation enhances neuronal information processing capacity,it greatly increases the neuron’s energy consumption.As a result,cooperative activation of sodium channel degrades the energy efficiency for neuronal information processing.This discovery improves our understanding of the design principles for neural systems,and may provide insights into future designs of the neuromorphic computing devices as well as systematic understanding of pathological mechanisms for neural diseases.

Research and prospective of traditional Chinese medicine on sodium ion channels

Sodium ion channels are the main activation of electrical signals,which are the basis of a series of physiological processes such as nerve activity and muscle contraction of excitable cells.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has a history of more than 2000 years,and there are more and more researches about TCM on sodium ion channels.This article summarized these researches and had a prospect on its future as well as the next possible focuses in order to lay a foundation for the modern pharmacology and development and promotion of TCM.

Innovative Mn_(3-x)O_(4-y)@NCA design:Leveraging Mn/O vacancies and amorphous architecture for enhanced sodium-ion storage

Manganese-based oxide electrode materials suffer from severe Jahn-Teller(J-T)distortion,leading to severe cycle instability in sodium ion storage.However,it is difficult to adjust the electron at d orbitals exactly to a low spin state to eliminate orbital degeneracy and suppress J-T distortion fundamentally.This article constructed concentration-controllable Mn/O coupled vacancy and amorphous network in Mn_(3)O_(4) and coated it with nitrogen-doped carbon aerogel(Mn_(3-x)O_(4-y)@NCA).The existence of Mn/O vacancies has been confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscopy(STEM)and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy(PALS).Atomic absorption spectroscopy(AAS)and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)determine the most optimal ratio of Mn/O vacancies for sodium ion storage is 1:2.Density functional theory(DFT)calculations prove that Mn/O coupled vacancies with the ratio of 1:2could exactly induce a low spin states and a d~4 electron configuration of Mn,suppressing the J-T distortion successfully.The abundant amorphous regions can shorten the transport distance of sodium ions,increase the electrochemically active sites and improve the pseudocapacitance response.From the synergetic effect of Mn/O coupled vacancies and amorphous regions,Mn_(3-x)O_(4-y)@NCA exhibits an energy density of 37.5 W h kg^(-1)and an ultra-high power density of 563 W kg^(-1)in an asymmetric supercapacitor.In sodium-ion batteries,it demonstrates high reversible capacity and exceptional cycling stability.This research presents a new method to improve the Na^(+)storage performance in manganese-based oxide,which is expected to be generalized to other structural distortion.

Phase-engineering modulation of Mn-based oxide cathode for constructing super-stable sodium storage

The Mn-based oxide cathode with enriched crystal phase structure and component diversity can provide the excellent chemistry structure for Na-ion batteries.Nevertheless,the broad application prospect is obstructed by the sluggish Na^(+)kinetics and the phase transitions upon cycling.Herein,we establish the thermodynamically stable phase diagram of various Mn-based oxide composites precisely controlled by sodium content tailoring strategy coupling with co-doping and solid-state reaction.The chemical environment of the P2/P'3 and P2/P3 biphasic composites indicate that the charge compensation mechanism stems from the cooperative contribution of anions and cations.Benefiting from the no phase transition to scavenge the structure strain,P2/P'3 electrode can deliver long cycling stability(capacity retention of 73.8%after 1000 cycles at 10 C)and outstanding rate properties(the discharge capacity of 84.08 mA h g^(-1)at 20 C)than P2/P3 electrode.Furthermore,the DFT calculation demonstrates that the introducing novel P'3 phase can significantly regulate the Na^(+)reaction dynamics and modify the local electron configuration of Mn.The effective phase engineering can provide a reference for designing other high-performance electrode materials for Na-ion batteries.

Hierarchically Structured Nb_(2)O_5 Microflowers with Enhanced Capacity and Fast-Charging Capability for Flexible Planar Sodium Ion Micro-Supercapacitors

Planar Na ion micro-supercapacitors(NIMSCs) that offer both high energy density and power density are deemed to a promising class of miniaturized power sources for wearable and portable microelectron-ics. Nevertheless, the development of NIMSCs are hugely impeded by the low capacity and sluggish Na ion kinetics in the negative electrode.Herein, we demonstrate a novel carbon-coated Nb_(2)O_5 microflower with a hierarchical structure composed of vertically intercrossed and porous nanosheets, boosting Na ion storage performance. The unique structural merits, including uniform carbon coating, ultrathin nanosheets and abun-dant pores, endow the Nb_(2)O_5 microflower with highly reversible Na ion storage capacity of 245 mAh g^(-1) at 0.25 C and excellent rate capability.Benefiting from high capacity and fast charging of Nb_(2)O_5 microflower, the planar NIMSCs consisted of Nb_(2)O_5 negative electrode and activated car-bon positive electrode deliver high areal energy density of 60.7 μWh cm^(-2),considerable voltage window of 3.5 V and extraordinary cyclability. Therefore, this work exploits a structural design strategy towards electrode materials for application in NIMSCs, holding great promise for flexible microelectronics.

Delving into the dissimilarities in electrochemical performance and underlying mechanisms for sodium and potassium ion storage in N-doped carbon-encapsulated metallic Cu_(2)Se nanocubes

The large volumetric variations experienced by metal selenides within conversion reaction result in inferior rate capability and cycling stability,ultimately hindering the achievement of superior electrochemical performance.Herein,metallic Cu_(2)Se encapsulated with N-doped carbon(Cu_(2)Se@NC)was prepared using Cu_(2)O nanocubes as templates through a combination of dopamine polymerization and hightemperature selenization.The unique nanocubic structure and uniform N-doped carbon coating could shorten the ion transport distance,accelerate electron/charge diffusion,and suppress volume variation,ultimately ensuring Cu_(2)Se@NC with excellent electrochemical performance in sodium ion batteries(SIBs)and potassium ion batteries(PIBs).The composite exhibited excellent rate performance(187.7 mA h g^(-1)at 50 A g^(-1)in SIBs and 179.4 mA h g^(-1)at 5 A g^(-1)in PIBs)and cyclic stability(246,8 mA h g^(-1)at 10 A g^(-1)in SIBs over 2500 cycles).The reaction mechanism of intercalation combined with conversion in both SIBs and PIBs was disclosed by in situ X-ray diffraction(XRD)and ex situ transmission electron microscope(TEM).In particular,the final products in PIBs of K_(2)Se and K_(2)Se_(3)species were determined after discharging,which is different from that in SIBs with the final species of Na_(2)Se.The density functional theory calculation showed that carbon induces strong coupling and charge interactions with Cu_(2)Se,leading to the introduction of built-in electric field on heterojunction to improve electron mobility.Significantly,the theoretical calculations discovered that the underlying cause for the relatively superior rate capability in SIBs to that in PIBs is the agile Na~+diffusion with low energy barrier and moderate adsorption energy.These findings offer theoretical support for in-depth understanding of the performance differences of Cu-based materials in different ion storage systems.

A review of anode materials for sodium ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)are used in electric vehicles and portable smart devices,but lithium resources are dwindling and there is an increasing demand which has to be catered for.Sodium ion batteries(SIBs),which are less costly,are a promising replacement for LIBs because of the abundant natural reserves of sodium.The anode of a SIB is a necessary component of the battery but is less understood than the cathode.This review outlines the development of various types of anodes,including carbonbased,metallic and organic,which operate using different reaction mechanisms such as intercalation,alloying and conversion,and considers their challenges and prospects.Strategies for modifying their structures by doping and coating,and also modifying the solid electrolyte interface are discussed.In addition,this review also discusses the challenges encountered by the anode of SIBs and the solutions.

Access to advanced sodium-ion batteries by presodiation:Principles and applications

Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)are expected to offer affordability and high energy density for large-scale energy storage system.However,the commercial application of SIBs is hurdled by low initial coulombic efficiency(ICE),continuous Na loss during long-term operation,and low sodium-content of cathode materials.In this scenario,presodiation strategy by introducing an external sodium reservoir has been rationally proposed,which could supplement additional sodium ions into the system and thereby markedly improve both the cycling performance and energy density of SIBs.In this review,the significance of presodiation is initially introduced,followed by comprehensive interpretation on technological properties,underlying principles,and associated approaches,as well as our perspectives on present inferiorities and future research directions.Overall,this contribution outlines a distinct pathway towards the presodiation methodology,of significance but still in its nascent phase,which may inspire the targeted guidelines to explore new chemistry in this field.

A Molecular-Sieving Interphase Towards Low-Concentrated Aqueous Sodium-Ion Batteries

Aqueous sodium-ion batteries are known for poor rechargeability because of the competitive water decomposition reactions and the high electrode solubility.Improvements have been reported by saltconcentrated and organic-hybridized electrolyte designs,however,at the expense of cost and safety.Here,we report the prolonged cycling of ASIBs in routine dilute electrolytes by employing artificial electrode coatings consisting of NaX zeolite and NaOH-neutralized perfluorinated sulfonic polymer.The as-formed composite interphase exhibits a molecularsieving effect jointly played by zeolite channels and size-shrunken ionic domains in the polymer matrix,which enables high rejection of hydrated Na^(+)ions while allowing fast dehydrated Na^(+)permeance.Applying this coating to electrode surfaces expands the electrochemical window of a practically feasible 2 mol kg^(-1) sodium trifluoromethanesulfonate aqueous electrolyte to 2.70 V and affords Na_(2)MnFe(CN)_(6)//NaTi_(2)(PO_(4))_(3) full cells with an unprecedented cycling stability of 94.9%capacity retention after 200 cycles at 1 C.Combined with emerging electrolyte modifications,this molecular-sieving interphase brings amplified benefits in long-term operation of ASIBs.

The safety aspect of sodium ion batteries for practical applications

Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)with advantages of abundant resource and low cost have emerged as promising candidates for the next-generation energy storage systems.However,safety issues existing in electrolytes,anodes,and cathodes bring about frequent accidents regarding battery fires and explosions and impede the development of high-performance SIBs.Therefore,safety analysis and high-safety battery design have become prerequisites for the development of advanced energy storage systems.The reported reviews that only focus on a specific issue are difficult to provide overall guidance for building high-safety SIBs.To overcome the limitation,this review summarizes the recent research progress from the perspective of key components of SIBs for the first time and evaluates the characteristics of various improvement strategies.By orderly analyzing the root causes of safety problems associated with different components in SIBs(including electrolytes,anodes,and cathodes),corresponding improvement strategies for each component were discussed systematically.In addition,some noteworthy points and perspectives including the chain reaction between security issues and the selection of improvement strategies tailored to different needs have also been proposed.In brief,this review is designed to deepen our understanding of the SIBs safety issues and provide guidance and assistance for designing high-safety SIBs.

Bimetallic selenide heterostructure with directional built-in electricfield confined in N-doped carbon nanofibers for superior sodium storage with ultralong lifespan

Constructing heterostructure is considered as an effective strategy to address the sluggish electronic and ionic kinetics of anode materials for sodium ion batteries(SIBs).However,realizing the orientated growth and uniform distribution of the heterostructure is still a great challenge.Herein,the regulated novel CoSe_(2)/NiSe_(2)heterostructure confined in N-doped carbon nanofibers(CoSe_(2)/NiSe_(2)@N-C)are prepared by using Co/Ni-ZIF template,in which,the CoSe_(2)/NiSe_(2)heterostructures realize uniform distribution on a micro level.Benefiting from the unique heterostructure and N-doped carbon nanofibers,the CoSe_(2)/NiSe_(2)@N-C deliveries superior rate capability and durable cycle lifespan with a reversible capacity of 400.5 mA h g^(-1)after 5000 cycles at 2 A g^(-1).The Na-ion full battery with CoSe_(2)/NiSe_(2)@N-C anode and layered oxide cathode displays a remarkable energy density of 563 W h kg^(-1)with 241.1 W kg^(-1)at 0.1 A g^(-1).The theoretical calculations disclose that the periodic and directional built-in electric-field along with the heterointerfaces of CoSe_(2)/NiSe_(2)@N-C can accelerate electrochemical reaction kinetics.The in(ex)situ experimental measurements reveal the reversible conversion reaction and stable structure of CoSe_(2)/NiSe_(2)@N-C during Na+insertion/extraction.The study highlights the potential ability of precisely controlled heterostructure to stimulate the electrochemical performances of advanced anode for SIBs.

Experimental and computational optimization of Prussian blue analogues as high-performance cathodes for sodium-ion batteries:A review

In this review,we discuss the electrochemical properties of Prussian blue(PB)for Na^(+)storage by combining structural engineering and electrolyte modifications.We integrated experimental data and density functional theory(DFT)in sodium-ion battery(SIB)research to refine the atomic arrangements and crystal lattices and introduce substitutions and dopants.These changes affect the lattice stability,intercalation,electronic and ionic conductivities,and electrochemical performance.We unraveled the intricate structure-electrochemical behavior relationship by combining experimental data with computational models,including first-principles calculations.This holistic approach identified techniques for optimizing PB and Prussian blue analog(PBA)structu ral properties for SIBs.We also discuss the tuning of electrolytes by systematically adjusting their composition,concentration,and additives using a combination of molecular dynamics(MD)simulations and DFT computations.Our review offers a comprehensive assessment of strategies for enhancing the electrochemical properties of PB and PBAs through structural engineering and electrolyte modifications,combining experimental insights with advanced computational simulations,and paving the way for next-generation energy storage systems.

Solid-state NMR study on sodium intercalation at low voltage window for Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3) as an anode

In-situ XRD,^(31)P NMR and ^(23)Na NMR were used to analyze the interaction behavior of Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3) at low voltage,and then a new intercalation model was proposed.During the transition from Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3) to Na_(4)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3),Na ions insert into M1,M2 and M3 sites simultaneously.Afterwards,during the transition of Na_(4)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)to Na_(5)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3),Na ions mainly insert into M3 site.

Interfacial built-in electric field and crosslinking pathways enabling WS_(2)/Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) heterojunction with robust sodium storage at low temperature

Developing efficient energy storage for sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)by creating high-performance heterojunctions and understanding their interfacial interaction at the atomic/molecular level holds promise but is also challenging.Besides,sluggish reaction kinetics at low temperatures restrict the operation of SIBs in cold climates.Herein,cross-linking nanoarchitectonics of WS_(2)/Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) heterojunction,featuring built-in electric field(BIEF),have been developed,employing as a model to reveal the positive effect of heterojunction design and BIEF for modifying the reaction kinetics and electrochemical activity.Particularly,the theoretical analysis manifests the discrepancy in work functions leads to the electronic flow from the electron-rich Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) to layered WS_(2),spontaneously forming the BIEF and“ion reservoir”at the heterogeneous interface.Besides,the generation of cross-linking pathways further promotes the transportation of electrons/ions,which guarantees rapid diffusion kinetics and excellent structure coupling.Consequently,superior sodium storage performance is obtained for the WS_(2)/Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) heterojunction,with only 0.2%decay per cycle at 5.0 A g^(-1)(25℃)up to 1000 cycles and a high capacity of 293.5 mA h g^(-1)(0.1A g^(-1)after 100 cycles)even at-20℃.Importantly,the spontaneously formed BIEF,accompanied by“ion reservoir”,in heterojunction provides deep understandings of the correlation between structure fabricated and performance obtained.

Extending the solid solution range of sodium ferric pyrophosphate:Off‐stoichiometric Na_(3)Fe(2.5)(P_(2)O_(7))_(2)as a novel cathode for sodium‐ion batteries

Iron‐based pyrophosphates are attractive cathodes for sodium‐ion batteries due to their large framework,cost‐effectiveness,and high energy density.However,the understanding of the crystal structure is scarce and only a limited candidates have been reported so far.In this work,we found for the first time that a continuous solid solution,Na_(4−α)Fe_(2+α)_(2)(P_(2)O_(7))_(2)(0≤α≤1,could be obtained by mutual substitution of cations at center‐symmetric Na3 and Na4 sites while keeping the crystal building blocks of anionic P_(2)O_(7) unchanged.In particular,a novel off‐stoichiometric Na_(3)Fe(2.5)(P_(2)O_(7))_(2)is thus proposed,and its structure,energy storage mechanism,and electrochemical performance are extensively investigated to unveil the structure–function relationship.The as‐prepared off‐stoichiometric electrode delivers appealing performance with a reversible discharge capacity of 83 mAh g^(−1),a working voltage of 2.9 V(vs.Na^(+)/Na),the retention of 89.2%of the initial capacity after 500 cycles,and enhanced rate capability of 51 mAh g^(−1)at a current density of 1600 mA g^(−1).This research shows that sodium ferric pyrophosphate could form extended solid solution composition and promising phase is concealed in the range of Na_(4−α)Fe_(2+α)_(2)(P_(2)O_(7))_(2),offering more chances for exploration of new cathode materials for the construction of high‐performance SIBs.

Enabling High-Performance Sodium Battery Anodes by Complete Reduction of Graphene Oxide and Cooperative In-Situ Crystallization of Ultrafine SnO_(2)Nanocrystals

The main bottleneck against industrial utilization of sodium ion batteries(SIBs)is the lack of high-capacity electrodes to rival those of the benchmark lithium ion batteries(LIBs).Here in this work,we have developed an economical method for in situ fabrication of nanocomposites made of crystalline few-layer graphene sheets loaded with ultrafine SnO_(2)nanocrystals,using short exposure of microwave to xerogel of graphene oxide(GO)and tin tetrachloride containing minute catalyzing dispersoids of chemically reduced GO(RGO).The resultant nanocomposites(SnO_(2)@MWG)enabled significantly quickened redox processes as SIB anode,which led to remarkable full anode-specific capacity reaching 538 mAh g^(−1)at 0.05 A g^(−1)(about 1.45 times of the theoretical capacity of graphite for the LIB),in addition to outstanding rate performance over prolonged charge–discharge cycling.Anodes based on the optimized SnO_(2)@MWG delivered stable performance over 2000 cycles even at a high current density of 5 A g^(−1),and capacity retention of over 70.4%was maintained at a high areal loading of 3.4 mg cm^(−2),highly desirable for high energy density SIBs to rival the current benchmark LIBs.

Effects of Intrathecally Administerd NaV1.8 Antisense Oligonucleotide on the Expression of Sodium Channel mRNA in Dorsal Root Ganglion

Neuropathic pain has been hypothesized to be the result of aberrant expression and function of sodium channels at the site of injury. To investigate the effects of NaV1.8 antisense oligonucleotide on the expression of sodium channel mRNA in dorsal root ganglion （DRG） neurons in chronic neuropathic pain. 24 Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200--260 g were anesthetized with the intraperitoneal injection of 300 mg· kg^-1 choral hydrate. The CCI model was made by loose ligation of sciatic nerve trunk by 4--0 chromic gut. The mechanical and thermal pain threshold were measured before operation and 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 days after operation. A PE-10 catheter was implanted in subarachnoid space at lumbar region. On the 7th postoperative day the animals were randomly divided into 4 groups. The drugs were injected intrathecally twice a day for 5 consecutive days in group 2--4. The animals were decapitated 14 days after the surgery. The L4--L6 DRG of the operated side was removed and crushed, and total RNA was extracted with Trizol reagent. The contralateral side was used as control. The change of NaV1.8 sodium channel transcripts was determined by RT-PCR. Pain threshold was significantly lowered after CCI as compared with that in control group and was elevated 3 days after antisense oligonucleotide injection. Sensory neuron specific TTX-R sodium channel NaV1.8 transcript was down-regulated after antisense oligonucleotide injection at the dosage of 45 μg as compared with that in CCI group （P〈0.01）, and it was even greater at the dosage of 90 μg. The intrathecally injected NaV1.8 antisense oligonucleotide can reduce the mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia partially by downregulating the SNS transcript expression.

MODELING AND SIMULATION OF E1784K MUTATION AND SODIUM IONIC CHANNEL DISEASES

In the clinical reports, the E1784K mutation in SCN5A is recognized as a phenotypic overlap between the long QT syndrome （LQT3） and the Brugada syndrome （BrS） in the characteristics of electrocardiograms （ECGs） since the mutation can influence sodium channel functions. However it is still unclear if the E1784K mutation-induced sodium ionic channel alterations account for the overlap at tissue level. Thsu, a detailed computational model is developed to underpin the functional impacts of the E1784K mutation on the action potential （AP）, the effective refractory period （ERP） and the abnormal ECG. Simulation results stlggest＇that the E1784K mutation-induced sodium channel alterations are insufficient to produce the phenotypic overlap between LQT3 and BrS, and the overlap may arise from the complicated effects of the E1784K mutation-induced changes in sodium channel currents with an increase of the transient outward current ITo or a decrease of the L-type calcium current ICaL .

Hetero-interfacial nickel nitride/vanadium oxynitride porous nanosheets as trifunctional electrodes for HER,OER and sodium ion batteries

The development of single electrode with multifunctional purposes for electrochemical devices remains a symbolic challenge in recent technology.This work explores interfacially-rich transition metal nitride hybrid that consist of nickel nitride and vanadium oxynitride(VO_(0.26)N_(0.52))on robust carbon fiber(denoted CF/Ni_(3)N/VON)as trifunctional electrode for hydrogen evolution reaction(HER),oxygen evolution reaction(OER),and sodium ion batteries(SIBs).The as-prepared CF/Ni_(3)N/VON exhibits low HER overpotential of 48 m V@10 m A cm^(-2),OER overpotential of 287 m V@10 m A cm^(-2),and sodium-ion anode storage reversible capacity of 555 m A h g^(-1)@0.2 C.Theoretical analyses reveal that the Ni_(3)N effectively facilitates hydrogen desorption for HER,increases the electrical conductivity for OER,and promotes the Na-ion storage intercalation process,while the VON substantially elevates the water dissociation kinetics for HER,accelerates the adsorption of OH*intermediate for OER and enhances the Na-ion surface adsorption storage process.Owing to the excellent HER and OER performances of the CF/Ni_(3)N/VON electrode,an overall water splitting device denoted as CF/Ni_(3)N/VON//CF/Ni_(3)N/VON was not only assembled showing an operating voltage of 1.63 V at current density of 10 m A cm^(-2)but was also successfully self-powered by the assembled CF/Ni_(3)N/VON//CF/Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3) flexible sodium ion battery.This work will contribute to the development of efficient and cost-effective flexible integrated electrochemical energy devices.

One-step electrochemical in-situ Li doping and LiF coating enable ultra-stable cathode for sodium ion batteries

Despite of the higher energy density and inexpensive characteristics,commercialization of layered oxide cathodes for sodium ion batteries(SIBs)is limited due to the lack of structural stability at the high voltage.Herein,the one-step electrochemical in-situ Li doping and LiF coating are successfully achieved to obtain an advanced Na0.79Lix[Li_(0.13)Ni_(0.20)Mn_(0.67)]O_(2)@LiF(NaLi-LNM@LiF)cathode with superlattice structure.The results demonstrate that the Li^(+)doped into the alkali metal layer by electrochemical cycling act as"pillars"in the form of Li-Li dimers to stabilize the layered structure.The supplementation of Li to the superlattice structure inhibits the dissolution of transition metal ions and lattice mismatch.Furthermore,the in-situ LiF coating restrains side reactions,reduces surface cracks,and greatly improves the cycling stability.The electrochemical in-situ modification strategy significantly enhances the electrochemical performance of the half-cell.The NaLi-LNM@LiF exhibits high reversible specific capacity(170.6 m A h g^(-1)at 0.05 C),outstanding capacity retention(92.65%after 200 cycles at 0.5 C)and excellent rate performance(80 mA h g^(-1)at 7 C)in a wide voltage range of 1.5-4.5 V.This novel method of in-situ modification by electrochemical process will provide a guidance for the rational design of cathode materials for SIBs.