Silicon (Si) is a promising anode material due to its high specific capacity (∼3580 mAh g-1), far exceeding that of graphite (∼372 mAh g-1). However, its large volumetric expansion (∼300%) during lithiation induces mechanical stress, fracturing particles, and repeatedly exposing fresh surfaces to the electrolyte. This leads to continuous SEI growth, consuming lithium and electrolyte, and causing rapid capacity fading. To address these issues, strategies such as incorporating Si into graphite (Gr) composites and optimizing electrolytes have shown promise in improving the stability and performance of Si-based anodes. NMR spectroscopy offers element-specific sensitivity and can probe local chemical environments, making it a powerful tool for examining both the surface and bulk properties of battery materials. In this work, we use solid-state NMR spectroscopy to investigate Si/Gr anodes in two systematically chosen electrolytes: one EC-based (known to form organic-rich SEI) and one FEC-based (inorganic-rich SEI). We conducted 1D 7Li, 19F, and 1H NMR experiments to elucidate the lithiation mechanism and identify SEI components in Si/Gr composite anodes during the first cycle and after extended cycling in the fully lithiated state for these two electrolyte systems. Additionally, we performed cross-polarization (CP) and two-dimensional exchange spectroscopy (EXSY) NMR experiments to gain deeper insight into Li+ coordination within different SEI components and to probe dynamic exchange processes between the SEI and lithiated Si/Gr phases (Li x Si/Li x C6). 1H/19F → 7Li CP-MAS EXSY NMR was employed to selectively probe Li+ exchange originating from either the organic or inorganic fraction of the SEI. These NMR results were correlated to the electrochemical performance of the Si/Gr anode in both electrolyte systems.

A solvent-free, gas-phase grafting route was used to introduce hydrophobic triethoxy(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl) silane (PFOTES) to an as synthesised LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622) cathode material. Multimodal analyses confirmed PFOTES-derived surface modification, as well as the retention of electrochemical performance. The effect of humidity exposure on the grafted and ungrafted materials was explored, and it was found that the evolution of lithium carbonate associated with moisture-based degradation was significantly suppressed by the presence of the PFOTES. This was reflected in the electrochemistry, where the grafted material was shown to retain better capacity than the ungrafted material after humidity exposure (ca. 100% vs ca. 88% of the pre-exposure 1st cycle discharge capacity), as well as cyclability (ca. 36% vs ca. 28% capacity retention over 100 post-formation cycles) and rate capability (ca. 52 mAh g−1 vs ca. 21 mAh g−1 at 2C). This investigation demonstrates the viability of the solvent-free gas-phase grafting method with respect to cathode materials, as well as the potential for hydrophobic grafting to improve their air and moisture stability, providing a useful foundation for the further development of green routes to surface modification for enhanced characteristics.

As an alternative to lithium metal, this article employs porous silicon‐graphite (Si@C) composite anodes in combination with polymeric solid electrolytes made entirely of Poly(ethylene oxide) and (Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide), and LiFePO 4 composite cathodes. The low initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) of the full cells is improved via prelithiation of the anode. In fact, anodes with a prelithiation degree of 50% achieve the highest ICE reported in the literature (99.88%) up to date. However, these cells experience a faster capacity loss. The differential capacity plots reveal the different alloying and intercalation processes. The degree of anode prelithiation is responsible of sustaining the activity of the Fe 2+ / 3+ redox couple, which directly impacts the cell capacity and its retention. This Si‐solid‐state batterie. concept has the potential to revolutionize the transportation sector and bring us closer to a fully sustainable future.

Silicon is considered one of the most promising next-generation anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its exceptionally high theoretical capacity, but its large volume changes during cycling demand careful composite design. In this work, Si/carbon@Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 @graphite composites containing 24 wt% silicon were synthesized via two scalable, one-step methods (mechanomilling and speed-mixing) to assess the impact of processing and component distribution on electrochemical performance. Physicochemical and electrochemical analyses revealed that the mechanomilled Si/carbon@LTO composite without graphite (M-SLC) outperformed all others, delivering ∼870 mAh g −1 at C/10 and 430 mAh g −1 at 10 C. Its superior performance stemmed from excellent component integration, low surface area, fast Li⁺ diffusion, and suppression of crystalline Li 3.75 Si formation, confirmed by EIS, in situ- Raman, and XPS. In contrast, the other composites suffered from graphite amorphization and poor component integration. These results highlight the importance of carefully selecting an appropriate synthesis method and understanding correlations between the electrode’s physicochemical and electrochemical properties in order to enhance the development of high-performance silicon anodes.

Silicon is considered one of the most promising next-generation anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its exceptionally high theoretical capacity, but its large volume changes during cycling demand careful composite design. In this work, Si/carbon@Li4Ti5O12@graphite composites containing 24 wt% silicon were synthesized via two scalable, one-step methods (mechanomilling and speed-mixing) to assess the impact of processing and component distribution on electrochemical performance. Physicochemical and electrochemical analyses revealed that the mechanomilled Si/carbon@LTO composite without graphite (M-SLC) outperformed all others, delivering similar to 870 mAh g-1 at C/10 and 430 mAh g-1 at 10 C. Its superior performance stemmed from excellent component integration, low surface area, fast Li+ diffusion, and suppression of crystalline Li3.75Si formation, confirmed by EIS, in situ- Raman, and XPS. In contrast, the other composites suffered from graphite amorphization and poor component integration. These results highlight the importance of carefully selecting an appropriate synthesis method and understanding correlations between the electrode's physicochemical and electrochemical properties in order to enhance the development of high-performance silicon anodes.

The O3-NaNi0.4Mn0.4Fe0.2O2 (NaNMF442) cathode material was synthesised using a scalable coprecipitation and calcination process, yielding a high-purity and crystalline material well-suited for sodium ion batteries. Electrochemical properties were investigated using sodium metal anode counter electrodes and the cells were found to give a capacity of 140.5 mAh g-1, an average voltage of 3.17 V vs. Na+/Na, and an energy density of 445.4 Wh Kg-1 at a (dis)charge rate of 24 mA g-1, and 118.8 mAh g-1, 3.1 V vs. Na+/Na, and 316.8 Wh Kg-1 at 240 mA g-1. Further testing in proof-of-concept full cells against commercial hard carbon counter electrodes, followed by a comprehensive post-cycling analysis, revealed that the half cell performance had been limited by electrolyte decomposition. This was attributed to side reaction with the sodium metal, highlighting the importance of a holistic analysis of all cell components, from synthesis to post-cycling, in order to ensure a comprehensive understanding of material performance. These results demonstrate the promising nature of the sodium nickel-manganese-iron layered oxide family, in particular those based on the NaNMF442 stoichiometry, as highperformance cathode materials with good rate capability for sodium ion batteries.

Polylepis forests represent one of the most endangered high mountain ecosystems in South America. Therefore, it is necessary to inform local nurseries of the best soil inoculum to grow healthy and strong P. australis seedlings for forest restoration purposes. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) affect plant performance and plants respond differently to them. Previous studies show that the best AMF source is from non-degraded P. australis forests. However, inoculum from degraded areas has never been tested. The response of P. australis seedlings to inoculation with soils from four sites differing in livestock-associated forest degradation and the identification of root-colonizing of AMF species were evaluated. Natural soils inoculum was collected within the Sierras Grandes Mountain range in central Argentina and belongs to degraded grassland, degraded P. australis forest, intermediate degraded and non-degraded P. australis forests. The samples were described with regard to AMF diversity, soil characteristics, and mycorrhizal inoculum potential. The AMF species diversity and the soil infectivity were high in the degraded forest. Contrary to our expectations, the most advantageous AMF inoculum for promoting the shoot growth of P. australis seedlings in production facilities was sourced from degraded soils (forest and grassland). Seven AMF species were trapped by P. australis root plants and six of them were found in degraded forest soils. Only two AMF species, Septoglomus constrictum and Gigaspora sp., were found to be restricted to degraded forest. These data suggest that degraded forest soils provide the most effective inoculum for promoting sapling growth in a greenhouse setting.

Plants associated with mycorrhizal fungi has the ability to establish on metal-contaminated soils playing an important role in phytoremediation programs. The objective of this study was to examine the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (spores density, diversity, indicator species, and root colonization) and dark septate endophytic fungi (DSE fungal root colonization) in three metal accumulator plants (Sorghum halepense, Bidens pilosa, and Tagetes minuta) growing in soils with high Pb content. The Pb content in AMF spores and plant biomass were also assessed. Rhizosphere soil samples were taken from the three dominant plant species at six study sites surrounding the abandoned Pb smelter and one uncontaminated site. The three studied plants were colonized by AMF and DSE fungi. A total of 24 AMF morphospecies were present in the Pb-contaminated areas. The AMF indicator species in the control site (non-contaminated area) was Funneliformis mosseae and in the most contaminated site were Gigaspora decipiens and Denticustata biornata. There was an increase in mycorrhizal variables such as the number of AMF vesicles, spore number, Pb content in AMF spores and plant biomass and DSE colonization (in Sorghum) with increasing soil Pb contamination, but a decrease in AMF diversity and richness was found. For upcoming soil restoration projects, it is crucial to understand the mycorrhizal fungi as well as the plant community that has adapted to the highly contaminated environment.

The main advantages of calcium are its divalence, low cost, and high natural abundance as compared to lithium. Several promising host compounds proposed for hosting calcium include Chevrel phases, MoO3, V2O5, TiS2, CaCo2O4 and alloys. The sluggish mobility of this alkali-earth ion into the host framework could be argued as the main inconvenience to overcome. Their electrochemical characterization as electrodes can be affected by side-reactions interfering with the reversible insertion. Some of the charge and discharge reactions may not be the usual cation intercalation process. The development of this emerging technology is a challenge from both experimental and theoretical approaches. The latest advances in the development of new electrolytes allow us to be optimistic, enabling even the development of Ca metal batteries and promoting reversible calcium plating could be possible.

Biodeterioration of building materials causes financial losses as restoration and conservation processes need to be carried out. Filamentous fungi invade the surface of ceramic materials causing fungal deterioration, in these cases, coatings with antimicrobial additives are used to control this phenomenon. This research is aimed to assess the use of sol-gel coating with antifungal nanoparticles to control biodeterioration on ceramic materials. Nanoparticles were obtained by green synthesis using an aqueous solution of tannin from Schinopsis balansae and Caesalpinia spinose. Moreover, AgNO3 salt, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (AMEO), or 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MTMO) were used as precursors on the sol-gel coatings. Coatings with AMEO and silver nanoparticles showed better antifungal performance to protect ceramic materials, as opposed to those coatings containing MTMO and silver nanoparticles. Therefore, the functionalized sol-gel coatings with antifungal nanoparticles showed their efficiency in the control of fungal deterioration to protect clay bricks.

This paper presents selected interim results of the H2020 project 3beLiEVe, which aims to deliver next-generation Lithium-Nickel-Manganese-Oxide (Generation 3b) battery cells for automotive applications, encompassing research activities across three pillars: (i) Selection and optimisation of the cathode (LNMO) and anode (Si/C) materials, as well as the high-voltage electrolyte, (ii) development and integration of cell-internal and external sensors, and demonstration at cell, module and pack level, (iii) demonstration of large-scale manufacturing capability and compatibility with a circular economy. This article shows selected results of the project achieved so far in these three pillars, aiming to inform the scientific community about some of the latest achievements of European research on Generation 3b Li-ion batteries.

The evolutionary history of the symbiotic association between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and embryophytes dates back to the Devonian period. Previous ecological and physiological studies have described the presence of arbuscules, inter- and intracellular hyphae, vesicles, coils and spores, in liverworts and hornworts, which are considered absent in mosses. This study aimed to report the presence of AMF in a community of bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) from Punta Lara Natural Reserve, Argentina. Senescent and green sections of gametophytes were stained and, following microscopic observation, revealed AMF structures. We found intracellular hyphae, vesicles, spores and sporocarps associated with thallus and rhizoids of mosses and liverworts and senescent moss caulidia. The morphological characterization of spores resulted in the determination of Rhizophagus intraradices and Dominikia aurea. The species D. aurea is reported for the first time for Argentina. Sequencing of the D1 variable domain of the LSUrDNA from AMF spores mixes plus hyphae resulted in high similitude to the Dominikia sequences available from NCBI. This study reported the presence of AMF associated with declining and senescent gametophytes of bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) in a Natural Reserve in Argentina. These findings open up new lines of study, which should further investigate these associations and their diversity, physiology and significance.

Lithium manganese-rich layered oxides are promising cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to their high discharge capacity, but they suffer from capacity fading and poor rate performance. Herein we report on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of Li1.15Mn0.7Ni0.2Co0.1O2 synthesized via a sol gel method, and study the effect of copper doping on the resulting materials. Electrochemical testing at 1 C revealed 1 % Cu doping enhanced capacity retention (from 58 % to 78 %) but also decreased capacity, while in contrast 10 % Cu doping increased capacity by 21 %. Thorough characterization (including x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, and electrochemical analyses such as voltage vs. capacity and dQ/dV plots) was employed to understand these results, which may be attributed to the competition of two different phenomena depending on the copper content. Consequently, this work highlights the importance of targeting bespoke stoichiometries depending on the desired electrochemical characteristics - an important point for the future design of materials for fast charging and high power applications.

This study aimed to evaluate the root colonization and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated with Lotus tenuis grown in natural and L. tenuis-promoted grasslands (by herbicide application, which consists in removing above-ground biomass to favor the establishment and growth of L. tenuis) in the Salado River Basin (Argentina). Soils ranged from saline and/or sodic to neutral and non-saline. AMF colonization was slightly higher in natural grasslands than in L. tenuis-promoted sites (93% and 86%, respectively). A total of 22 AMF species were identified in root-associated soil. The Glomeraceae was the only family present in all sites, and Funneliformis mosseae was the only species found in all the sites studied, regardless of the soil properties and management. Claroideoglomus etunicatum and Septoglomus constrictum were present in all sites except in one of the L. tenuis-promoted sites studied. The PCR-Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism analysis showed that amplicons of AMF-Glomeraceae did not cluster in a site-specific or management-specific way. The sequences obtained were highly similar to sequences of Glomeraceae detected by morphological spore taxonomy. L. tenuis promotion by herbicide application did not negatively affect AMF colonization or diversity. L. tenuis contributed to maintaining AMF diversity through high root colonization, regardless of soil properties or management. This should be considered for the maintenance of L. tenuis and AMF-associated communities.

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are currently under development with the aim of reaching the market in the following years. However, to enable cost-effective battery cells, the optimization of the slurry mixing process is essential since this step affects the particle size and the distribution of the electrode components. The mixing methods can be classified into dry or wet depending on the use or not of liquids during the mixing process. Selecting one or another will directly impact on the properties, the cost and the environmental sustainability of the final electrodes and cells. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the techniques that are currently employed for the mixing of solid-state electrodes and the basic theory and principles that explain their fundamentals are described in this paper. In addition, the recent advances in the state of the art are discussed in detail, focusing on the performances of the SSBs. Finally, we share our views of the remaining challenges in SSB manufacturing and propose future development directions for manufacturing research in SSBs.

Con profunda tristeza, anunciamos el adiós de una científica brillante de un espíritu generoso: la profesora e investigadora Irma J. Gamundí de Amos, quien nos dejó el 17 de octubre de 2023 a los 96 años en la localidad patagónica de San Carlos de Bariloche (Río Negro). Irma nació el 13 de enero de 1927 en González Moreno (partido de Rivadavia, provincia de Buenos Aires). Se graduó como Licenciada en Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (Orientación Biológica) en la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires en 1953, y obtuvo su doctorado en la misma casa de Altos Estudios en 1959. La Dra. Gamundí dejó una huella imborrable en el ámbito científico. Publicó una centena de artículos en revistas de jerarquía entre los que destaca la descripción de tres géneros y 15 especies nuevas para la ciencia. Estos hallazgos, junto a la descripción de numerosísimas especies registradas por primera vez para Argentina, contribuyeron de manera significativa al conocimiento de la diversidad fúngica de nuestro país. Por esta razón en 2008 recibió la mención “por el valioso aporte a la Conservación de la Biodiversidad”, en el III Congreso Argentino de la Conservación de la Biodiversidad. Todos los materiales que recolectó y estudió fueron depositados en el Fungario LPS del Instituto Spegazzini (Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata), acrecentando de esta manera el legado del Dr. Carlos Spegazzini. Además, la Dra. Gamundí realizó importantes estudios sobre fisiología y genética en hongos, sucesiones fúngicas en ambientes naturales y ensayos de producción de enzimas involucradas en la degradación de hojarasca.

Climate change, the shortage of fertilizers and reduced land for cultivation have drawn attention to the potential aid provided by soil-borne organisms. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) offer a wide range of ecosystem benefits and hence, understanding the mechanisms that control AMF occurrence and maintenance is essential for resilient crop production. We conducted a survey of 123 soybean fields located across a 75,000-km 2 area of Argentina to explore AMF community composition and to quantify the impact of soil, climate, and geographical distance on these key soil organisms. First, based upon morphological identification of spores, we compiled a list of the AMF species found in the studied area and identified Acaulospora scrobiculata and Glomus fuegianum as the most frequent species. G. fuegianum abundance was negatively correlated with precipitation seasonality and positively correlated with mean annual precipitation as well as mycorrhizal colonisation of soybean roots. Second, we observed that species richness was negatively correlated with soil P availability (Bray I), clay content and mean annual precipitation. Finally, based on partitioning variation analysis, we found that AMF exhibited spatial patterning at a broad scale. Therefore, we infer that geographical distance was positively associated with spore community composition heterogeneity across the region. Nevertheless, we highlight the importance of precipitation sensitivity of frequent species, overall AMF richness and community composition, revealing a crucial challenge to forthcoming agriculture considering an expected change in global climate patterns.

La expansión del cultivo de soja en la Argentina reemplazó a otros cultivos, a la ganadería extensiva y a ecosistemas forestales. Se desconoce el impacto sobre poblaciones microbianas nativas edáficas que podrían brindar servicios ecosistémicos, como los hongos micorrícicos arbusculares (HMA). Los HMA son simbiontes de las raíces de la mayoría de las plantas superiores y son reconocidos por favorecer la nutrición y el crecimiento del hospedador, y la sustentabilidad edáfica. La magnitud del aporte por los HMA depende, en parte, de su abundancia en el suelo y de su potencial para formar micorrizas con las raíces. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar variaciones en la infectividad micorrícica (IMS50) del suelo y en la colonización micorrícica arbuscular (MA) espontánea en raíces de cultivos de soja implantados en tres sitios agrícolas del norte de la Región Pampeana (Córdoba), en relación con el historial de uso de suelo (Agrícola [soja por más de 60 años], Mixto agrícolaganadero [A-G, soja en los últimos 35 años], y Sierras [soja en los últimos 20 años]). Un bioensayo in vivo permitió determinar que las mayores IMS50 ocurrieron en el sitio Agrícola y en el de Sierras, en relación con el Mixto A-G, cuyo contenido de P disponible en el suelo es mayor. Tanto la IMS50 como la micorrización correlacionaron negativamente con el P del suelo; la IMS50 se asoció negativamente con el contenido de arena y positivamente con el de agua, carbono y arcilla. Se detectó un alto grado de potencialidad infectiva por HMA nativos en suelos destinados al cultivo de soja con diferente historial de uso. El IMS50 fue un método de detección más sensible que la determinación de la colonización MA a campo. Se concluye que la IMS50 podría utilizarse para definir estrategias de manejo agrícola tendientes a mantener/favorecer las comunidades de HMA nativos.