The accurate protein-protein separation is important but technically challenging. Achieving such a precise separation using membrane requires the selective channels with appropriate pore geometry structure and high anti-fouling property. In this study, polyethersulfone-b-poly(sulfobetaine methyl methacrylate) (PES-b-PSBMA) was synthesized and engineered onto polysulfone (PSF) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane to fabricate zwitterionic nanospheres engineered co-polymer (ZN-e-CoP) composite membrane via dynamic self-assembly micelle deposition. On the one hand, self-assembly zwitterionic nanospheres were used as blocks to construct hydrophilic layers with size-dependent sieving channels, endowing ZN-e-CoP composite membranes with enhanced permselectivity and protein-protein separation abilities, meanwhile zwitterionic groups from nanospheres reinforced the structure stability of nanospheres/nanospheres and nanospheres/membrane via multiple intermolecular interactions. On the other hand, zwitterionic nanospheres can induce to produce the hydration layer enveloping themselves by binding water molecules, where hydration layer acts as a protective barrier on the membrane surface, impeding the protein adhesion. Hence, ZN-e-CoP_1a composite membrane exhibited superior separation properties with Lysozyme/Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) separation factor of 18.1 and 95.4% rejection against BSA, 10.1 and 2.3 times, respectively, higher these of pristine PSF membrane (1.8 and 42.1%), without obviously sacrificing water flux. Simultaneously, hydration layer enables the ZN-e-CoP_1a membrane with enhanced anti-fouling performance and durability during the long-term operations. The proposed approach opens new pathways to fabricate excellent anti-fouling membranes for precise protein-protein separation.

The evolution of porous membranes has revitalized their potential application in sustainable osmotic-energy conversion. However, the performance of multiporous membranes deviates significantly from the linear extrapolation of single-pore membranes, primarily due to the occurrence of ion-concentration polarization (ICP). This study proposes a robust strategy to overcome this challenge by incorporating photoelectric responsiveness into permselective membranes. By introducing light-induced electric fields within the membrane, the transport of ions is accelerated, leading to a reduction in the diffusion boundary layer and effectively mitigating the detrimental effects of ICP. The developed photoelectric-responsive covalent-organic-framework membranes exhibit an impressive output power density of 69.6 W m-2 under illumination, surpassing the commercial viability threshold by approximate to 14-fold. This research uncovers a previously unexplored benefit of integrating optical electric conversion with reverse electrodialysis, thereby enhancing energy conversion efficiency. Concentration polarization (CP) poses a substantial constraint on the maximum attainable power density in the context of salinity gradient energy extraction through reverse electrodialysis. This issue can be effectively alleviated by incorporating photoelectric responsiveness into a multiporous ionic membrane, resulting in an impressive output power density of 69.6 W m-2 when exposed to light.image

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) have acquired more and more attention owing to their intrinsically high safety, environmental friendliness, low cost, and high power density. However, Zn dendrite growth, side reactions, and cathode dissolution caused by the high activity of free water hamper the practical applications of ZIBs. In this work, we report an organics/H2O hybrid aqueous electrolyte that is composed of 50 wt % polyethylene glycol (PEG), 10 wt % ethanol (EtOH), and 40 wt % H2O to address these issues. This electrolyte has a combined merit of low cost, environmental friendliness, and safety, and it also ensures dendrite-free Zn stripping/plating and chemical/electrochemical stability of the manganese-based Prussian blue (Mn-PB) cathode. Daniell-type Na/Zn-ion cells assembled with Zn anode, Mn-PB cathode, and the above electrolyte exhibit long cycle life (61.1% after 9000 cycles at 5 C) and superior rate performance (56.6% retention at 50 C relative 0.5 C). Stable cycling is also realized for the pouch-type cell and cell group. Flammability tests indicate that both the electrolyte and the pouch cell with the electrolyte exhibit nonflammability. This work sheds light on the design of low-cost, safe, and sustainable electrolytes for aqueous Na/Zn hybrid batteries for sustainable energy storage.

Due to the urgent demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with a high energy density, silicon (Si) possessing an ultrahigh capacity has aroused wide attention. However, its practical application is seriously hindered by enormous volume changes of the Si anode during cycling. Developing novel binders suitable for the Si anode has proven to be an effective strategy to improve its electrochemical performance. Herein, we constructed a three-dimensional network binder, in which the polyacrylic acid (PAA) long chains are cross-linked with one kind of amino acid, lysine (Lys). The abundant polar groups in PAA/Lys enable it to tightly adhere to the Si particles via hydrogen bonds, and the cross-linked structure prevents irreversible slipping of the PAA chains upon volume variation of the particles. The Si used was obtained from a sustainable route by recycling photovoltaic waste silicon. With high elasticity and strong adhesion, the PAA/Lys binder can effectively keep the structural integrity of the Si electrode and improve its electrochemical performance. The Si electrode using the PAA/Lys binder exhibits a good cycling stability (1008 mAh g-1 at 2 A g-1 after 250 cycles). Even with a high mass loading of 3.03 mg cm-2, the Si anode can remain stable for 100 cycles at a high fixed areal capacity of 3.03 mAh cm-2. This work gives a practical method to make stable Si electrodes using sustainable Si source and environmentally friendly amino acid-based binders.

Although silicon is regarded as the appealing anode for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high specific capacity, its practical application is still hindered by large volume expansion upon lithiation. To tackle the issue, novel binders have been developed in recent years. Herein, we construct a three-dimensional cross-linked binder by forming hydrogen bonds between carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium (EDTA-2Na) with EDTA-2Na further coordinated to calcium ions (Ca2+). Compared with the bare CMC binder, the cross-linked CMC/EDTA-Ca2+ binder exhibits a better mechanical property and higher adhesion strength, which enables reversible volume change and improves the cycling performance of Si/C anode (80.7% retention after 380 cycles at 1 A g(-1)). Meanwhile, low-cost and abundant photovoltaic waste silicon was recycled as Si source to fabricate Si/C anode. This work provides a sustainable route to fabricate Si anode by recycling photovoltaic Si and a practical method to stabilize Si anode by constructing a cross-linked binder. (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Garnet-type Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) ceramics has been considered as an ideal solid-state electrolyte for Li metal cells because of its high ionic conductivity and relatively stable interface with Li. However, it is electrochemically incompatible with some high-voltage cathodes, e.g. LiCoO2. In this work, a nanoscale Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)(3) (LATP) fast ion conductor was coated on LiCoO2 (only 1 wt% LATP), bringing obviously enhanced interfacial compatibility with a composite electrolyte composed of Al, Nb-codoped LLZO and polyethylene oxide (PEO). A free-standing, flexible and ultrathin (20 mu m) electrolyte membrane was successfully fabricated by a facile and scalable route, even though with a high ceramics content (67 wt%). Quasi-solid-state coin and pouch-type Li cells were assembled with the LATP-coated LiCoO2 cathode, free-standing composite electrolyte and Li anode, together with soft interface modification by in-situ polymerization. The cells show stable cycling due to combined factors of enhanced electrode/electrolyte compatibility, ultrathin nature of the electrolyte membrane and the in-situ built soft interface. The pouch cells can be cycled for 300 cycles at 0.3 C and 60 degrees C with 80% retention. The pouch cells can endure abuse tests of bending, cutting and nail penetration. At a practical LiCoO2 loading of 3 mAh cm(-2), the Li vertical bar LiCoO2 pouch cell still shows stable cycling with 90% retention after 100 cycles at 60 degrees C (0.2 C charge/0.5 C discharge). This work provides a practical method to fabricate high-performance solid-state Li cells. (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Single. crystal LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622) was prepared by a facile solid. state calcination method at 910 degrees C using Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2(OH)(2) and LiOH center dot H2O as the precursors with no excess of LiOH center dot H2O. As.obtained materi. al can be used to make electrode slurry directly with no need to wash, dry, and anneal. Electrochemical tests showed that the single. crystal NCM622 has a high specific capacity and a long cycle life. The first discharge capacity of the sample was 181.2 mAh.g(-1) at 0.1C and 174.4 mAh.g(-1) at 0.3C. Under a current density of 0.3C, the sample deliv. ered a discharge capacity of 150.7 mAh.g(-1) after 300 cycles with a capacity retention of 86.4%. After 500 cycles at 0.3C, a relatively high discharge capacity of 141.2 mAh.g(-1) was still maintained with a capacity retention of 81.0%. The electrochemical performance of single. crystal NCM622 prepared at 910. was better than that of polycrystal. line NCM622 prepared at 850. and large. size single. crystal NCM622 prepared at 940 and 960 degrees C, indicating that the reasonable calcination temperature for single crystal NCM622 was 910.. The results show that the structural stability of single-crystal NCM622 can be maintained during repeated cycling.

Manganese hexacyanoferrate Prussian blue (Mn-PB) is regarded as promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) because of high energy density, low cost and facile preparation route. However, poor rate capability and short cycle life restrain practical applications of Mn-PB. In this work, a Na-rich Mn-based Prussian blue with codoped Ni and Fe (MnFeNi-PB) was prepared via a citrate sodium-assisted coprecipitation route. The Ni/Fe codoping significantly increases rate capability and cycling performance of the Mn-PB. Even at 100 C, the MnFeNi-PB exhibits a high capacity of 84.0 mAh g(-1), with 72.8% capacity delivered relative to 0.1 C. The material also shows stable cycling with 65.6% capacity retained after 2000 cycles at a current density up to 5 C. Even under stringent circumstances, the MnFeNi-PB also exhibits a high capacity retention of 83.5% after 300 cycles at 45 degrees C and 92.1% after 700 cycles at -20 degrees C at 1 C. The enhanced rate capability and cycling performance is attributed to the increased electronic conductivity and stabilized crystal structure by Ni/Fe codoping. Scalable preparation of kilogram-grade MnFeNi-PB was realized using a 100 L reactor. Pouch-type Na-ion full battery with the MnFeNi-PB cathode shows stable cycling with 84.9% capacity retained after 200 cycles at 0.5 C/1 C current rate. (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Although rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) are very attractive as one of the most promising energy storage systems with merits of low cost, environmental friendliness, high power density and high safety, practical applications of ZIBs are largely limited by Zn corrosion, Zn dendrite growth and cathode dissolution. In this work, a cost-effective water/ethanol hybrid (WEH) electrolyte with a normal salt concentration was proposed to solve the above issues in Daniell-type zinc/manganese Prussian blue (MnPB) battery with MnPB cathode and Zn anode. The unique WEH electrolyte endows the batteries with a high specific capacity of-80 mAh g(-1), superior rate capability with 90.4% capacity yielded at 50 C relative to 0.5 C, and an extremely stable cycling with 91.6% capacity retained after 20000 cycles at 5 C (the cycling time lasts as long as similar to 1 year). Dendrite-free Zn stripping/deposition is confirmed by in situ optical microscopy and first-principles calculation. Pouch-type batteries were assembled which exhibit stable cycling and easy scale up in capacity and voltage by connecting cells in series and parallel. A low-cost strategy was further demonstrated by using low-concentration salt, cheap salt (Na2SO4) and waste liquor. This work provides a practical strategy to design low-cost, environmentally friendly and high-performance Zn-based batteries.

Dental caries have become a major global public health problem. Plaque control and remineralization of initial enamel lesions are paramount for the prevention and control of caries. Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) is a type of cationic amphipathic antibacterial agent with broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and good biological safety. Fluoride delays demineralization and promotes the remineralization of hard dental tissues. However, a high concentration is needed for it to function as an antibacterial agent. In order to create a PHMB with the benefits associated with fluoride, we synthesized a fluorine-containing cationic polymer, PHMB-F. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance characterization confirmed the successful synthesis of PHMB-F. Antibacterial tests showed that PHMB-F had better antiseptic efficacy for Streptococcus mutans compared with just PHMB. Moreover, positively-charged PHMB-F allows fluoride ions to exist closer to the enamel surface with negative potential, which markedly lowers the ion concentrations in the microenvironment adjacent to hard dental tissues needed to maintain equilibrium. Thus, only low concentrations of PHMB-F are required for enamel remineralization.

The FeVxOy, catalysts, used for selective oxidation of propane to propylene and CO, were prepared via sol-gel method using F-127 as chelating agent. And the catalyst with V/Fe (molar ratio) = 0.1 showed quite good selectivity of propylene and CO and the sum of them can be more than 90%. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman, H-2-TPR and NH3-TPD. The relationship between the structure and catalytic properties was also preliminarily discussed. The results indicated that chemical interaction took place between the vanadium and iron, which could be referred to V-O-Fe bonds and the formation of Fe(VO4). Meanwhile, with the increase of vanadium content, the distribution of all the elements proportion and valence state on the surface of the catalysts as well as the acid amount and acid sites changed immensely. All of these affected the catalytic performance and improve the selectivity of CO and inhibit that of CO2. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasma spraying is employed to prepare porous La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSM) cathode for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) using both liquid suspension and solid feedstocks. The surface morphology and microstructure of the LSM deposits are characterized by SEM. The electrochemical behavior is investigated through the impedance spectroscopy. The specific surface resistance of 0.36 Ω•cm2 and 0.74 was obtained at 1000oC for SPS and APS LSM cathodes, respectively. The polarization of SPS LSM cathode is lower than APS LSM cathode by a factor of 2 to 2.4 in the temperature range from 850 to 1000 oC.

A series of V-doped zirconia nanocrystal (the molar ratio of V/Zr varying from 0.001 to 0.15) were prepared via hydrothermal method and performed in oxidative dehydrogenation of propane. It was found that vanadium was highly dispersed on the surface and in the bulk of ZrO2. The distribution of the vanadium species, the valence states and the aggregation state of V species on the surface, as well as the acid properties of the catalysts including kinds, number and strength were detected by the various characteristic methods. The correlation between the V content and the surroundings of the different V species has been studied. The function of acid properties, especially Bronsted acid in the catalytic performance has been discussed. Oxidative dehydrogenation reactions were carried out in a continuous flow fixed bed reactor and ZrV0.01 catalyst showed good conversion and selectivity with a yield of propylene of 21.3%. Crown Copyright (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mesoporous Cr–TiO2 materials with chromium content from 0.02 to 0.30 (Cr/Ti molar ratio) were synthesized using a nonionic Pluronic F127 surfactant, and the mesostructure was confirmed by BET, SAXS and TEM. The stability of the mesoporous structure under the atmospheres of propane oxidative dehydrogenation (PODH) and air was investigated. The variety in valence states and the distribution of Cr species on the surface were also evaluated by WXRD, XPS, UV–vis and H2-TPR methods. The acid properties including kinds, number and strength were measured by NH3-TPD and IR-Py experiment. Propane oxidative dehydrogenation to propylene employed as a probe reaction suggested that the catalytic performance relates closely with the content of Cr, the easily reducible soluble Cr species, and the modification of the acid properties on the surface, while TiCr0.15 catalyst performs good conversion and selectivity, with a yield of propylene near 19%.

A series of Ce(1-x)M(x)O(2-δ) (M = Gd, Zr, La, Sm, Y, Lu, and Pr) samples were characterized by Raman spectroscopy to investigate the evolution of defect sites (oxygen vacancies and MO(8)-type complex) and their distributions in the samples. It was found that the evolution of oxygen vacancies was due to the different ionic valence state of dopant from that of Ce(4+), while the evolution of the MO(8)-type complex was due to the different ionic radius of dopant from that of Ce(4+). The distributions of defect sites were investigated using 325 and 514 nm excitation laser lines, indicating that the defect sites were surface enriched. Moreover, the increasing ordering level of the sample led to a decline in the concentration of the MO(8)-type complex in the sample but the constant concentration of oxygen vacancies, implying that the metastable MO(8)-type complex species were more disordered compared to the oxygen vacancies.