Preventing the Distortion of CoO6 Octahedra of LiCoO2 at High-Voltage Operation of Lithium-Ion Battery: An Organic Surface Reinforcement

Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂, LCO) has been widely used in electronic markets due to its high energy density and wide voltage range applications. Recently, high-voltage (HV, >4.5 V) operation has been required to obey the requirements of high energy density and cycle life in several applications such as electric vehicles and energy storage. However, the HV operation causes structure instability due to the over de-lithiation of LCO, as well as decomposing common carbonate solvents, thereby incurring the decay of battery performance. Moreover, a distortion of the CoO₆ octahedra of LCO during de-lithiation induces a rehybridization of the Co 3d and O 2p orbitals. According to above reasons, decreasing the Co-O covalent bond promptly triggers high risks that significantly limit further use of LCO. In this research, an organic surface reinforcement by using bismaleimide-uracil (BU) that electrochemically forms a cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) on LCO was explored. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and battery performance, such as the c-rate and cyclability tests, demonstrated that the modified CEI formed from BU significantly prevents the distortion of CoO₆ octahedra. X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy and in situ XAS indicated less LiF formation and higher bond energy of Co-O improved. Finally, the differential scanning calorimetry showed the onset temperature of decomposition of LCO was extended from 245 to 270 °C at 100% state of charge, which is about a 25 °C extension. The exothermic heat of LCO decreased by approximately 30% for high-safety use. This research confirms that the BU is eligible for high voltage (>4.5 V) LCO and presents outstanding electrochemical properties and safety performances.

Aqueous Cold Sintering of Li-Based Compounds

Aqueous cold sintering of two lithium-based compounds, the electrolyte Li_6.25La₃Zr₂Al_0.25O₁₂ (LLZAO) and cathode material LiCoO₂ (LCO), is reported. For LLZAO, a relative density of ∼87% was achieved, whereas LCO was sintered to ∼95% with 20 wt % LLZAO as a flux/binder. As-cold sintered LLZAO exhibited a low total conductivity (10^-8 S/cm) attributed to an insulating grain boundary blocking layer of Li₂CO₃. The blocking layer was reduced with a post-annealing process or, more effectively, by replacing deionized water with 5 M LiCl during cold sintering to achieve a total conductivity of ∼3 × 10^-5 S/cm (similar to the bulk conductivity). For LCO-LLZAO composites, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray computer tomography indicated a continuous LCO matrix with the LLZAO phase evenly distributed but isolated throughout the ceramics. [001] texturing during cold sintering resulted in an order of magnitude difference in electronic conductivity between directions perpendicular and parallel to the c-axis at room temperature. The electronic conductivity (∼10^-2 S/cm) of cold sintered LCO-LLZAO ceramics at room temperature was comparable to that of single crystals and higher than those synthesized via either conventional sintering or hot pressing.

Minimal Architecture Lithium Batteries: Toward High Energy Density Storage Solutions

The coupling of thick and dense cathodes with anode-free lithium metal configuration is a promising path to enable the next generation of high energy density solid-state batteries. In this work, LiCoO₂ (30 µm)/LiPON/Ti is considered as a model system to study the correlation between fundamental electrode properties and cell electrochemical performance, and a physical model is proposed to understand the governing phenomena. The first cycle loss is demonstrated to be constant and independent of both cathode thickness and anode configuration, and only ascribed to the diffusion coefficient's abrupt fall at high lithium contents. Subsequent cycles achieve close to 100% coulombic efficiency. The examination of the effect of cathode thickness demonstrate a nearly linear correlation with areal specific capacity for sub-100 µm LiCoO₂ and 0.1 mA cm^-2 current density. These findings bring new insights to better understand the energy density limiting factors and to suggest potential optimization approaches.

Enabling High-Temperature and High-Voltage Lithium-Ion Battery Performance through a Novel Cathode Surface-Targeted Additive

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are being used in locations and applications never imagined when they were first conceived. To enable this broad range of applications, it has become necessary for LIBs to be stable to an ever broader range of conditions, including temperature and energy. Unfortunately, while negative electrodes have received a great deal of focus in electrolyte development, stabilization of positive electrodes remains an elusive target. Here, we report a novel additive that shows the ability to protect positive electrodes against elevated temperatures and voltages. This additive can be used in small quantities, and its targeted behavior allows it to remain functional in complex electrolyte packages. This can prove an effective approach to targeting specific aspects of cell performance.

Reactivity and Potential Profile across the Electrochemical LiCoO2-Li3PS4 Interface Probed by Operando X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

All-solid-state lithium batteries are a promising alternative for next-generation safe energy storage devices, provided that parasitic side reactions and the resulting hindrances in ionic transport at the electrolyte-electrode interface can be overcome. Motivated by the need for a fundamental understanding of such an interface, we present here real-time measurements of the (electro-)chemical reactivity and local surface potential at the electrified interface (Li₂S)₃-P₂S₅ (LPS) and LiCoO₂ (LCO) using operando X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) supplemented by X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (XPEEM). We identify three main degradation mechanisms: (i) reactivity at open circuit potential leading to the formation of reduced Co in the +2 oxidation state at the LCO surface, detected in the Co L-edge, which is further increased upon cycling, (ii) onset of electrochemical oxidation of the LPS at 2.3 V vs InLi_x detected in the S 2p and P 2p core levels, and (iii) Co-ion diffusion into the LPS forming CoS_x species at 3.3 V observed in both S 2p and Co 2p core levels. Concurrently, a local surface overpotential of 0.9 V caused by a negative localized charge layer is detected at the LPS-LCO interface. Furthermore, in agreement with previous theoretical results, the presence of a sharp potential drop at the interface between active materials and solid electrolyte is demonstrated in all-solid-state batteries.

Alpha-Synuclein in the Gastrointestinal Tract as a Potential Biomarker for Early Detection of Parkinson's Disease

The primary pathogenesis associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) occurs in peripheral tissues several years before the onset of typical motor symptoms. Early and reliable diagnosis of PD could provide new treatment options for PD patients and improve their quality of life. At present, however, diagnosis relies mainly on clinical symptoms, and definitive diagnosis is still based on postmortem pathological confirmation of dopaminergic neuronal degeneration. In addition, the similarity of the clinical, cognitive, and neuropathological features of PD with other neurodegenerative diseases calls for new biomarkers, suitable for differential diagnosis. Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a potential PD biomarker, due to its close connection with the pathogenesis of the disease. Here we summarize the currently available information on the possible use of α-Syn as a biomarker of early stages of PD in gastrointestinal (GI) tissues, highlight its potential to distinguish PD and other neurodegenerative diseases, and suggest alternative methods (primarily developed for other tissue analysis) that could improve α-Syn detection procedures or diagnostic methods in general.

Fast Charge Transfer across the Li7La3Zr2O12 Solid Electrolyte/LiCoO2 Cathode Interface Enabled by an Interphase-Engineered All-Thin-Film Architecture

Lithium garnet Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (LLZO) is being investigated as a potential solid electrolyte for next-generation solid-state batteries owing to its high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability against metallic lithium and high potential cathodes. While the LLZO/Li metal anode interface has been thoroughly investigated to achieve almost negligible interface resistances, the LLZO/cathode interface still suffers from high interfacial resistances mainly due to the high-temperature sintering required for proper ceramic bonding. In this work, the LLZO solid electrolyte/LiCoO₂ (LCO) cathode interface is investigated in an all-thin-film model system. This architecture provides an easy access to the interface for in situ and ex situ characterization, allowing one to identify the degradation processes taking place under high-temperature cosintering and to test solutions such as interface modifications. Introducing an in situ-lithiated Nb₂O₅ diffusion barrier at the interface, we were able to lower the LLZO/LCO charge transfer resistance to about 50 Ω cm², a 3-fold reduction with respect to previously reported values. The low interfacial resistance combined with the high conductance through the LLZO thin-film electrolyte allows one to investigate the charge transfer at high charge-discharge rates, unlike in bulk systems. At 1C, discharge capacities of about 140 mA h g^-1 were measured, and at 10C, 60% of the theoretical capacity was retained with a cycle life over 100 cycles. Besides the role of this architecture in the interface investigation, this work also constitutes a milestone in the development of thin-film solid-state batteries with higher power densities.

Posterior condylar resections in total knee arthroplasty: current standard instruments do not restore femoral condylar anatomy

INTRODUCTION

Correct femoral rotational alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is important for femoropatellar knee kinematics as well as for the overall clinical success. The goal of the present study was to evaluate how accurately standard instruments of various manufacturers with specific rotational settings in posterior referencing restore the posterior femoral condylar anatomy and allow a rotational alignment which matches a particular anatomic rotational landmark on CT.

METHODS

The anatomical transepicondylar axis (aTEA) and the posterior condylar line (PCL) were identified and the angle formed by these two axes was measured on 100 consecutive CT scans of knees. A virtual posterior condylar resection was performed relative to the aTEA for femoral sizers of various manufacturers in different external rotations ranging from 3° to 7°. The resections of medial and lateral posterior condyle were calculated as well as the condylar twist angle (CTA) between PCL and aTEA.

RESULTS

The posterior condylar resection varied between 9 mm and 14 mm on the medial side and between 4 mm and 10.5 mm on the lateral side. The mean CTA was 5.5° of internal rotation (SD ± 1.9°). External femoral rotation resulted in increased resection of the medial posterior condyle and decreased resection of the lateral posterior condyle.

CONCLUSION

Femoral sizers using a posterior referencing technique increase, with rising external rotation, medial posterior condylar resection to an extent that may exceed the implant thickness in the majority of systems. Surgeons should be aware that current standard instruments do not restore the anatomy of the posterior medial and lateral condyle and do not align the femoral component parallel to the aTEA, which may result in internal rotation of a symmetric femoral component.

Regulation of hsnT, nodF and nodE genes in Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899 and their roles in the synthesis of Nod factors and in the symbiosis

Rhizobium tropici strain CIAT 899 possesses outstanding agronomic properties as it displays tolerance to environmental stresses, a broad host range and high effectiveness in fixing nitrogen with the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.); in addition, it carries intriguing features such as five copies of the regulatory nodD gene, and the capacity to synthesize a variety of nodulation factors (NFs), even in a flavonoid-independent manner, when submitted to abiotic stresses. However, the roles of several nod genes of the repertoire of CIAT 899 remain to be determined. In this study, we obtained mutants for the hsnT, nodF and nodE genes of CIAT 899 and investigated their expression, NF structures and symbiotic properties. Either in the presence of the flavonoid apigenin, or of salt the expression of hsnT, nodF and nodE in wild-type CIAT 899 was highly up-regulated in comparison to the mutants of all five copies of nodD, indicating the roles that regulatory nodD genes play in the activation of hsnT, nodF and nodE; however, NodD1 was recognized as the main inducer. In total, 29 different NF structures were synthesized by wild-type CIAT 899 induced by apigenin, and 36 when induced by salt, being drastically reduced by mutations in hsnT, nodF and nodE, especially under osmotic stress, with specific changes related to each gene, indicating that the three genes participate in the synthesis of NFs. Mutations in hsnT, nodF and nodE affected differently symbiotic performance (nodule number and shoot dry weight), according to the host plant. Our results indicate that the expression of hsnT, nodF and nodE genes of CIAT 899 is mediated by nodD genes, and although these three genes do not belong to the main set of genes controlling nodulation, they contribute to the synthesis of NFs that will impact symbiotic performance and host specificity.

Understanding the Role of Temperature and Cathode Composition on Interface and Bulk: Optimizing Aluminum Oxide Coatings for Li-Ion Cathodes

Surface coating of cathode materials with Al₂O₃ has been shown to be a promising method for cathode stabilization and improved cycling performance at high operating voltages. However, a detailed understanding on how coating process and cathode composition change the chemical composition, morphology, and distribution of coating within the cathode interface and bulk lattice is still missing. In this study, we use a wet-chemical method to synthesize a series of Al₂O₃-coated LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂ and LiCoO₂ cathodes treated under various annealing temperatures and a combination of structural characterization techniques to understand the composition, homogeneity, and morphology of the coating layer and the bulk cathode. Nuclear magnetic resonance and electron microscopy results reveal that the nature of the interface is highly dependent on the annealing temperature and cathode composition. For Al₂O₃-coated LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂, higher annealing temperature leads to more homogeneous and more closely attached coating on cathode materials, corresponding to better electrochemical performance. Lower Al₂O₃ coating content is found to be helpful to further improve the initial capacity and cyclability, which can greatly outperform the pristine cathode material. For Al₂O₃-coated LiCoO₂, the incorporation of Al into the cathode lattice is observed after annealing at high temperatures, implying the transformation from "surface coatings" to "dopants", which is not observed for LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂. As a result, Al₂O₃-coated LiCoO₂ annealed at higher temperature shows similar initial capacity but lower retention compared to that annealed at a lower temperature, due to the intercalation of surface alumina into the bulk layered structure forming a solid solution.

Biotechnological potential of rhizobial metabolites to enhance the performance of Bradyrhizobium spp. and Azospirillum brasilense inoculants with soybean and maize

Agricultural sustainability may represent the greatest encumbrance to increasing food production. On the other hand, as a component of sustainability, replacement of chemical fertilizers by bio-fertilizers has the potential to lower costs for farmers, to increase yields, and to mitigate greenhouse-gas emissions and pollution of water and soil. Rhizobia and plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been broadly used in agriculture, and advances in our understanding of plant-bacteria interactions have been achieved; however, the use of signaling molecules to enhance crop performance is still modest. In this study, we evaluated the effects of concentrated metabolites (CM) from two strains of rhizobia-Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens USDA 110(T) (BD1) and Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899(T) (RT1)-at two concentrations of active compounds (10(-8) and 10(-9) M)-on the performances of two major plant-microbe interactions, of Bradyrhizobium spp.-soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) and Azospirillum brasilense-maize (Zea mays L.). For soybean, one greenhouse and two field experiments were performed and effects of addition of CM from the homologous and heterologous strains, and of the flavonoid genistein were investigated. For maize, three field experiments were performed to examine the effects of CM from RT1. For soybean, compared to the treatment inoculated exclusively with Bradyrhizobium, benefits were achieved with the addition of CM-BD1; at 10(-9) M, grain yield was increased by an average of 4.8%. For maize, the best result was obtained with the addition of CM-RT1, also at 10(-9) M, increasing grain yield by an average of 11.4%. These benefits might be related to a combination of effects attributed to secondary compounds produced by the rhizobial strains, including exopolysaccharides (EPSs), plant hormones and lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs). The results emphasize the biotechnological potential of using secondary metabolites of rhizobia together with inoculants containing both rhizobia and PGPR to improve the growth and yield of grain crops.