In Situ NMR Study on the Interaction between LiBH4-Ca(BH4)2 and Mesoporous Scaffolds

Exploring Ternary and Quaternary Mixtures in the LiBH4 -NaBH4 -KBH4 -Mg(BH4 )2 -Ca(BH4 )2 System

Binary combinations of borohydrides have been extensivly investigated evidencing the formation of eutectics, bimetallic compounds or solid solutions. In this paper, the investigation has been extended to ternary and quaternary systems in the LiBH₄ -NaBH₄ -KBH₄ -Mg(BH₄ )₂ -Ca(BH₄ )₂ system. Possible interactions among borohydrides in equimolar composition has been explored by mechanochemical treatment. The obtained phases were analysed by X-ray diffraction and the thermal behaviour of the mixtures were analysed by HP-DSC and DTA, defining temperature of transitions and decomposition reactions. The release of hydrogen was detected by MS, showing the role of the presence of solid solutions and multi-cation compounds on the hydrogen desorption reactions. The presence of LiBH₄ generally promotes the release of H₂ at about 200 °C, while KCa(BH₄ )₃ promotes the release in a single-step reaction at higher temperatures.

Interface-enhanced Li ion conduction in a LiBH4–SiO2 solid electrolyte

We have developed a fast solid state Li ion conductor composed of LiBH₄ and SiO₂ by means of interface engineering.

Tissue engineering scaffolds of mesoporous magnesium silicate and poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) composite

Mesoporous magnesium silicate (m-MS) and poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PEG-PCL) composite scaffolds were fabricated by solvent-casting and particulate leaching method. The results suggested that the incorporation of m-MS into PCL-PEG-PCL could significantly improve the water adsorption of the m-MS/PCL-PEG-PCL composite (m-MPC) scaffolds. The in vitro degradation behavior of m-MPC scaffolds were determined by testing weight loss of the scaffolds after soaking into phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and the result showed that the degradation of m-MPC scaffolds was obviously enhanced by addition of m-MS into PCL-PEG-PCL after soaking for 10 weeks. Proliferation of MG63 cells on m-MPC was significantly higher than MPC scaffolds at 4 and 7 days. ALP activity on the m-MPC was obviously higher than MPC scaffolds at 7 days, revealing that m-MPC could promote cell differentiation. Histological evaluation showed that the introduction of m-MS into PCL-PEG-PCL enhanced the efficiency of new bone formation when the m-MPC scaffolds implanted into bone defect of rabbits. The results suggested that the inorganic/organic composite of m-MS and PCL-PEG-PCL scaffolds exhibited good biocompatibility, degradability and osteogenesis.