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.

Simulation of Low-Temperature Coal Tar Hydrocracking in Supercritical Gasoline

The aim of this paper was preliminary design of the process for low-temperature coal tar hydrocrackmg m supercritical gasoline based on Aspen Plus with the concept of energy self-sustainability. In order to ensure the correct- ness and accuracy of the simulation, we did the following tasks： selecting reasonable model compounds for low-tem- perature coal tar; describing the nature of products gasoline and diesel accurately; and confirming the proper property study method for each block by means of experience and trial. The purpose of energy self-sustainability could be pos- sibly achieved, on one hand, by using hot stream to preheat cold stream and achieving temperature control of streams, and on the other hand, by utilizing gas （byproduct of the coal tar hydrocracking） combustion reaction to provide energy. Results showed that the whole process could provide a positive net power of about 609 kW-h for processing the low- temperature coal tar with a flowrate of 2 268 kg/h. The total heat recovery amounted to 2 229 kW-h, among which 845 kW＇h was obtained from the gas combustion reaction, and 1 116 kW＇h was provided by the reactor＇s outlet stream, with the rest furnished by hot streams of the products gasoline, diesel and residue. In addition, the process flow sheet could achieve products separation well, and specifically the purity of product gasoline and diesel reached 97.2% and 100%, respectively.

Identification of five strains of antarctic bacteria producing low-temperature lipase

Five strains of antarctic bacteria producing extracellular low-temperature lipase are screened from seawater collectedby CTD during the Chinese 18th Antarctic Scientific Expedition. Their phylogenetic positions on the basis ofamplification, comparison and analysis of almost complete 16S rDNA sequence are determined by neighbor-joininganalysis. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that all of these five strains belong to g-proteobacteria. The strains 11102 and 92 are classified as genus Pseudoalteromonas sp. and genus Psychrobacter sp. respectively. The strains 25101, 2221 and 1281 are classified as genus Moritella sp.

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.

A Two-step Design Method for Shaft Work Targeting on Low-temperature Process

In low-temperature processes, there are interactions between heat exchanger network(HEN) and refrigeration system. The modification on HEN of the chilling train for increasing energy recovery does not always coordinate with the minimum shaft work consumption of the corresponding refrigeration system. In this paper, a systematic approach for optimizing low-temperature system is presented through mathematical method and exergy analysis. The possibility of "pockets", which appears as right nose section in the grand composite curve(EGCC) of the process, is first optimized. The EGCC with the pockets cutting down is designed as a separate part. A case study is used to illustrate the application of the approach for a HEN of a chilling train with propylene and ethylene refrigerant system in an ethylene production process.

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.

Study on changes of plasmalemma permeability and some primary inorganic ions of Antarctic ice microalgae (Chlamydomonas sp. ICE-L) in the low-temperature stress

The changes of plasmalemma permeability and some primary inorganic ions of Antarctic ice microalgae （ Chlamydomonas sp. ICE-L） in the low-temperature stress were examined. The plasmalemma of 1CE-L could maintain the stability at the freezing condition of -6 ℃. That signifies that it could maintain the proper function of plasmalemma and stability of the intracellular environment during sea ice formation. The function of inorganic ions on low-temperature adaptation of ICE-L was investigated by using the X-ray microanalysis method. Low temperature （0 - -6 ℃ ） induces Ca^2 ＋ concentration increment of cytoplasm, but after 24 h the content decrease quickly to normal value. As a matter of fact, Ca^2 ＋ plays an important role as the second messenger in the low temperature adaptation of ICE-L. In addition, low temperature also influences on the other primary inorganic ions transfer and the cell maintains activity by keeping ratio balance among different ions. Above all, it is necessary for Antarctic ice microalgae to survive and breed by maintaining the stability of K^ ＋ content and the balance of Na^ ＋/Cl^ -.

Research progress and development direction of low-temperature drilling fluid for Antarctic region

By combing the characteristics of drilling in Antarctic region, performance requirements on drilling fluid for Antarctic low temperature conditions, and research progress of low temperature drilling fluid, current problems of the drilling fluid have been sorted out, and the development direction of the drilling fluid has been pointed out. Drilling in the Antarctic region mainly includes drilling in snow, ice and subglacial rock formations, and drilling in Antarctic low temperature conditions will face problems in four aspects:(1) low temperature and large temperature changes in the drilling area;(2) likely well leakage and drillstring-sticking in the snow layer, creep in the ice layer, ice chip gathering jamming in the warm ice layer, well wall collapse in the subglacial rock formations;(3) lack of infrastructure and difficulty in logistical support;(4) fragile environment and low carrying capacity. After years of development, progresses have been made on low-temperature drilling fluids for the Antarctic region. Low-temperature petroleum-based drilling fluid, ethanol/ethylene glycol-based drilling fluid, ester-based drilling fluid and silicone oil-based drilling fluid have been developed. However, these drilling fluids have problems such as insufficient low-temperature tolerance, low environmental performance and weak wellbore stability, etc. In order to meet the performance requirements of drilling fluid under low-temperature conditions in Antarctic region, the working mechanisms of low-temperature drilling fluid must be examined in depth;environment-friendly low-temperature base fluid of drilling fluid and related additives must be developed to prepare environmentally friendly low temperature drilling fluid systems;multi-functional integrated adjustment method for drilling fluid must be worked out to ensure well wall stability and improve cutting-carry capacity when drilling ice formations and ice-rock interlayers;and on-site support operation codes must be established to provide technical support for Antarctic drilling.

Hydrocracking of Low-Temperature Coal Tar over CoMo Catalysts Supported on ZrO2-Al2O3 Composite Oxides

A series of CoMo/ZrO2-Al2O3 catalysts with different contents of ZrO2 were prepared and characterized through XRD,XPS,NH3-TPD,H2-TPR,HR-TEM,and N2 adsorption-desorption technologies.The performance of the catalysts for low-temperature coal tar(LTCT)hydrocracking reaction was investigated.The interaction between active metals and Al2O3 was weakened with the introduction of ZrO2,which increased the MoS2 content and the stack layer number of MoS2 slabs to further promote the catalytic performance.At the same time,the amount of acid sites increased with an increasing ZrO2 content.When the ZrO2 content reached 32%,the pore volume of the catalyst decreased significantly.This phenomenon reduced the content of MoS2 and the stack layer number of MoS2 slabs,which were not conducive to improving the catalytic performance.The catalyst containing 24%of ZrO2 exhibited the best catalytic performance for hydrocracking reaction,with the residue conversion and the total yield of gasoline and diesel fractions reaching 60.64%and 66.54%,respectively,which could fulfill the requirements for hydrocracking LTCT.

Low-temperature photothermal-induced alkyl radical release facilitates dihydroartemisinin-triggered“valve-off”starvation therapy

The high nutrient and energy demand of tumor cells compared to normal cells to sustain rapid proliferation offer a potentially auspicious avenue for implementing starvation therapy.However,conventional starvation therapy,such as glucose exhaustion and vascular thrombosis,can lead to systemic toxicity and exacerbate tumor hypoxia.Herein,we developed a new“valve-off”starvation tactic,which was accomplished by closing the valve of glucose transporter protein 1(GLUT1).Specifically,dihydroartemisinin(DHA),2,20-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane]dihydrochloride(AI),and Ink were co-encapsulated in a sodium alginate(ALG)hydrogel.Upon irradiation with the 1064 nm laser,AI rapidly disintegrated into alkyl radicals(R·),which exacerbated the DHA-induced mitochondrial damage through the generation of reactive oxygen species and further reduced the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate(ATP).Simultaneously,the production of R·facilitated DHA-induced starvation therapy by suppressing GLUT1,which in turn reduced glucose uptake.Systematic in vivo and in vitro results suggested that this radical-enhanced“valveoff”strategy for inducing tumor cell starvation was effective in reducing glucose uptake and ATP levels.This integrated strategy induces tumor starvation with efficient tumor suppression,creating a new avenue for controlled,precise,and concerted tumor therapy.

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.

A review of low-temperature heat recovery technologies for industry processes

The amount of low-temperature heat generated in industrial processes is high,but recycling is limited due to low grade and low recycling efficiency,which is one of the reasons for low energy efficiency.It implies that there is a great potential for low-temperature heat recovery and utilization.This article provided a detailed review of recent advances in the development of low-temperature thermal upgrades,power generation,refrigeration,and thermal energy storage.The detailed description will be given from the aspects of system structure improvement,work medium improvement,and thermodynamic and economic performance evaluation.It also pointed out the development bottlenecks and future development trends of various technologies.The low-temperature heat combined utilization technology can recover waste heat in an all-round and effective manner,and has great development prospects.