Search Results (868)

Non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as an extension of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology, enables detailed characterization of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in model systems. This review summarizes the fundamental principles of MRI and its applications in liquid/solid electrolytes, electrodes, and limited commercial diagnostics. Key capabilities include quantifying ion diffusion coefficients and mobility numbers in electrolytes, visualizing dendrite growth in lithium metal, and tracking lithium distribution in porous electrodes such as graphite and LiCoO₂. However, spatial and temporal resolution (typically 10–100 μm with acquisition times ranging from minutes to hours) and metal-induced shielding effects severely limit direct imaging in complete commercial batteries. Indirect methods like magnetic field imaging (MFI) show potential for defect detection. Future work should focus on sequence optimization and multimodal fusion, while emphasizing MRI’s primary role in fundamental research rather than conventional industrial testing. Full article

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have been widely studied due to their high energy density; however, the practical implementation of LMBs is limited by issues of uncontrolled dendrite growth, continuous electrolyte decomposition, and poor Coulombic efficiency (CE). Highly concentrated electrolytes (HCEs) have emerged as a promising approach to addressing the above issues. In this work, we propose a new HCE system based on a single carbonate solvent of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methyl carbonate (FEMC) with a high concentration of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI). The resulting electrolytes exhibit enhanced anodic stability and improved compatibility with lithium metal anodes and high-voltage cathodes. The optimized 4 M LiFSI–FEMC HCE achieved the highest CE for Li plating/stripping in Li/Cu cell and lowest overpotential in Li/Li symmetric cells, outperforming both low-concentration FEMC and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC)-based electrolytes. In full-cell configurations with LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ (NCM811) cathodes, the HCE demonstrates stable cycling with minimal capacity fade over 250 cycles. Importantly, the HCE enables stable operation of 4.6 V high-voltage NCM811/Li cells for more than 120 cycles with a high-capacity retention of 88.61%. Post-mortem analysis revealed a more uniform and compact solid electrolyte interphase and a thinner cathode electrolyte interphase, contributing to the enhanced cycling performance. Full article

The commercialization of lithium metal batteries is hindered by critical challenges such as uncontrollable lithium dendrite growth and interfacial instability. Constructing functional nanocoatings on separator surfaces represents an effective strategy to address these issues. In this study, a uniform aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) modification layer was deposited on the separator via magnetron sputtering to enhance the electrochemical performance and safety of lithium metal batteries. The AZO layer combines the functions of a physical barrier and an interfacial regulator. On one hand, it effectively suppresses lithium dendrite penetration through the separator. On the other hand, its surface properties facilitate uniform lithium-ion transport and reduce the deposition overpotential. Experimental results demonstrate that the symmetric cells employing AZO-modified separators exhibit significantly reduced and stable lithium deposition overpotentials. In full cells assembled with a nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) cathode, the system demonstrates higher specific capacity and notably extended cycle life compared to cells using unmodified polyethylene (PE) separators. This work proposes a practical strategy based on AZO-modified separators, offering a promising pathway toward the development of next-generation lithium metal batteries with high energy density and improved safety. Full article

The demand for high-energy-density and fast-charging solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) often subjects practical devices to internal thermal loads, making high-temperature operation a common operational condition rather than an isolated scenario. To address the interfacial degradation and dendrite growth accelerated by such thermomechanical stresses, we developed a composite gel electrolyte (CGE) by incorporating an optimal concentration of active Li_6.4La₃Zr_1.4Ta_0.6O₁₂ (LLZTO) into a fluoropolymer network. The abundant Lewis acidic sites on the LLZTO surfaces promote competitive solvation decoupling by interacting with anions, thereby modulating the primary solvation sheath of Li⁺. This localized modulation lowers the lithium-ion migration activation energy to 0.248 eV and facilitates a dual-interfacial passivation mechanism. Specifically, a rigid, inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) forms to suppress morphological instability at the lithium anode, while an organic-dominated cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) enhances the oxidative stability up to 4.3 V. As a result, symmetric cells demonstrate stable electrodeposition for over 450 h at 80 °C and 0.5 mA cm⁻². Furthermore, NCM811/Li full cells utilizing this CGEs exhibit significantly improved thermal resilience and cycling stability. Full article

Background: The combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and immunotherapy has been explored as an innovative approach to enhance efficacy against tumors. However, PDT shows limited effectiveness in treating deep-seated tumors, as light and lasers do not sufficiently penetrate tissue. Methods: Herein, we introduced a nanocarrier (NP_VR) via self-assembly, using an amphiphilic copolymer to co-deliver the hydrophobic photosensitizer verteporfin (VP) and the immunoadjuvant imiquimod (R837). Results: Our X-ray-induced photodynamic therapy (X-PDT) mechanism induced NP_VR to generate a large amount of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), which directly killed cancer cells. Moreover, the released R837 facilitated immunogenic cell death following the X-PDT process and promoted the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), thereby eliciting immune responses against malignant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In animal experiments, the combined therapy using NP_VR showed a tumor growth inhibition rate of ~70%. Conclusions: This novel strategy opens new avenues to designing next-generation nanomedicines for use in immunotherapy and other combination therapies. Full article

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for large-scale grid storage due to inherent safety, low cost, environmental compatibility, high theoretical capacity (820 mAhg⁻¹), and suitable redox potential (−0.763 V vs. SHE). However, practical deployment is hindered by coupled challenges at the zinc anode–hydrogen evolution, dendrite growth, and corrosion/passivation, which severely limit cycle life and coulombic efficiency. This review systematically summarizes key advances in AZIB research. It first elucidates working principles and four cathode energy storage mechanisms: Zn²⁺ insertion/extraction, H⁺/Zn²⁺ co-insertion, chemical conversion, and dissolution/deposition. Second, it examines four mainstream cathodes (manganese-based, vanadium-based, Prussian blue analogs, and organic compounds), analyzing performance bottlenecks and corresponding optimization via structural modification. Third, it explores functional mechanisms of advanced separators (polymer, inorganic/ceramic composite, MOF-based, and cellulose-based) in regulating uniform Zn²⁺ deposition and suppressing dendrites. Fourth, it summarizes anode optimization strategies: artificial protective layers for interface stabilization, electrolyte additives to modulate Zn²⁺ solvation/deposition, and 3D porous structures to reduce local current density and provide nucleation sites. Finally, key scientific challenges and future directions are discussed—multi-strategy synergy, in situ characterization, practical battery construction, and sustainable technological development, offering theoretical guidance for advancing AZIBs toward large-scale applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective spanning from materials to systems, and from mechanisms to applications. Its core objective is not merely to list the types of cathode materials, but to establish a logical bridge directly connecting “key challenges” to “optimization strategies,” with a particular emphasis on the issues and solutions related to the cathode side. Full article

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) typically suffer from sluggish kinetics and interfacial instability at elevated temperatures and high voltages. Herein, 3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole (TTA) is employed to construct an ultrathin (~25 μm), robust, and homogeneous GPE. TTA acts as a molecular bridge, significantly improving compatibility between the PVDF-HFP (Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)) matrix and LLZTO (Li_6.4La₃Zr_1.4Ta_0.6O₁₂) fillers to create continuous ion-conducting pathways. Consequently, the TTA-GPEs exhibits high ionic conductivity (0.267 mS cm⁻¹ at room temperature), low activation energy (0.181 eV), and an increased lithium-ion transference number (0.425). Advanced surface analysis reveals that TTA preferentially reacts to form a dense, gradient hierarchical interphase (solid electrolyte interphase/cathode electrolyte interphase, SEI/CEI) enriched with inorganic species (LiF, Li₃N, and Li₂S) on the inner side. This architecture suppresses parasitic reactions and lithium dendrite growth. Accordingly, NCM811(LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂)//Li batteries with TTA-GPEs demonstrate stable cycling at 80 °C and 1C, retaining 57.68% capacity after 125 cycles—significantly outperforming benchmarks. This study offers a molecular engineering strategy to simultaneously optimize bulk transport and interfacial stability for high-energy-density solid-state batteries. Full article

Cemented carbides are essential in applications requiring exceptional hardness and wear resistance. However, the reliance on cobalt as a binder raises concerns related to cost, supply security, and health. High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are promising cobalt-free binders offering favorable mechanical properties and potential grain-growth control. This work presents a new approach for the development of Co-free WC-based cemented carbide employing an HEA binder designed through CALPHAD-guided simulations. An optimized composition corresponding to Al5Cr5Cu10Fe35Mn10Ni35 (at%) alloy is predicted to be FCC-dominant with minimal σ-phase formation and good compatibility with WC. A preliminary batch of powder of the proposed binder was produced by blending elemental powders, arc remelting, and ultrasonic atomization, yielding predominantly spherical particles with a dendritic microstructure. WC–HEA composites (WC–12 wt% HEA) were then prepared by ball milling, pressing, vacuum sintering, and sinter-HIP for a first evaluation of the microstructure and achievable hardness. The microstructure exhibited residual porosity without significant WC grain coarsening. XRD analyses showed the dominant presence of WC, along with FCC and M₃W₃C phases (M mainly Fe and Mn), indicating thermal interaction between the binder and WC. Despite these effects, the composite achieved a hardness of 1913 HV and retained a fine WC grain size (0.86 μm). The proposed design approach allowed the definition of a promising Co-free binder composition based on HEA with the expected microstructure, which will need further evaluation, especially aimed at investigating toughness properties as a function of the WC content. Full article

In recent years, flow batteries have emerged as a crucial technological solution for large-scale energy storage, leveraging their unique power-capacity decoupling characteristics and long cycle life to demonstrate significant potential in applications such as renewable energy integration and grid frequency regulation. Based on differences in electrolyte systems, mainstream flow battery technologies are primarily categorized into three types: all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), iron-chromium redox flow batteries (ICFBs), and zinc-based redox flow batteries (ZRFBs). However, each of these technologies faces critical challenges in practical commercialization: VRFBs are constrained by cost pressures due to fluctuations in vanadium resource prices and relatively low energy efficiency; ICFBs require urgent solutions to issues such as hydrogen evolution side reactions at the negative electrode and the sluggish kinetic responses of the Cr³⁺/Cr²⁺ redox couple; while ZRFBs grapple with safety concerns such as zinc dendrite growth and morphology instability. To overcome these technical bottlenecks, extensive innovative research has been conducted in key materials (electrodes, ion-exchange membranes, electrolytes). Against this backdrop, this paper systematically reviews recent advances in the modification and optimization of flow battery technologies and conducts an extended discussion on the emerging organic redox flow batteries in recent years. Full article

Zinc-ion batteries have garnered significant research interest owing to their inherent safety, low cost, and environmental compatibility. Nevertheless, their widespread adoption is impeded by critical challenges including uncontrollable dendrite growth, parasitic side reactions stemming from active water molecules, and the corrosion of the zinc anode in conventional aqueous electrolytes. Herein, a hydrated deep eutectic solvent (HDES) electrolyte based on ZnSO₄, MnSO₄, and ethylene is proposed for high-performance zinc-ion batteries. This electrolyte demonstrates excellent stability and simultaneously enables the formation of a protective coating on the Zn anode surface. Spectroscopic analyses and theoretical simulations reveal that this electrolyte reconfigures the primary Zn²⁺ solvation shell by replacing water molecules with HDES components. This tailored solvation structure facilitates interfacial desolvation, elevates nucleation overpotential, and promotes uniform, dendrite-free zinc deposition. Simultaneously, a robust hydrogen bond network effectively sequesters free water, significantly suppressing the hydrogen evolution reaction and anode corrosion. Benefiting from these features, the HDES-based full cell delivers exceptional long-term stability, achieving over 2000 cycles at 3 mA cm⁻² with a capacity retention exceeding 95% and a Coulombic efficiency surpassing 85%. In sharp contrast, the traditional aqueous counterpart fails within only 200 cycles. This tenfold lifespan enhancement, coupled with cost-effectiveness and non-flammability, presents a promising strategy for advanced, grid-scale zinc-based energy storage. Full article

The mechanical performance of secondary aluminum alloys depends on Secondary Dendrite Arm Spacing (SDAS). Commercial casting simulations accurately predict local thermal history but typically neglect the influence of compositional variability on SDAS by using fixed material constants. This study introduces a physics-informed machine learning framework to bridge macroscopic process simulation and microscopic solidification physics. A computational Design of Experiments covering 500 AlSi7 alloy variants was generated, and a theoretical SDAS ground truth was calculated using an analytical model incorporating the growth restriction factor. A Gradient Boosting Regressor surrogate was trained to predict the physics-informed SDAS from thermal and chemical inputs. The analysis reveals a solute sensitivity gap, where standard simulations misestimate SDAS by up to 20% for high-impurity batches. The surrogate model captures this variance ($R^2=0.95$, $\mathrm{MAE}=0.24\mathsf{\mu }\mathrm{m}$), enabling rapid, composition-specific microstructural prediction without additional simulation cost. This approach supports the reliable simulation of casting with secondary alloys, where the composition can be hardly considered constant. Full article

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries have emerged as a research hotspot due to their advantages of safety, environmental friendliness, low cost, and high capacity. At the same time, there are some problems with anode materials, such as zinc dendrite growth and corrosion reactions. In this work, silica fume, a byproduct of industrial silicon smelting, was selected as a coating material for the Zn anode (SF@Zn). This material is not only cost-effective and widely available but also exhibits superior hydrophilicity, enhancing the electrolyte’s wettability on the anode. Additionally, it serves as an ion shunt, preventing uneven deposition of Zn²⁺, and it was demonstrated that the symmetrical cell achieved a cycle life of up to 1800 h at 0.5 mA·cm⁻². The full cell delivered a capacity of 246.2 mAh·g⁻¹ at 1 mA·cm⁻² and retained a capacity of 100.4 mAh·g⁻¹ after 1800 cycles. Full article

Primary hepatocyte cultures serve as an ex vivo model of liver physiology. This study aims to employ poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofiber membranes (NMs) to establish a three-dimensional (3D) culture system that supports the long-term functionality of primary hepatocytes. Primary hepatocytes were monocultured on a PVA NM or indirectly cocultured with NIH3T3 fibroblasts on a distinct polycaprolactone (PCL) NM layer. Monocultured and cocultured hepatocytes maintained prolonged survival without supplemental growth factors. Cocultured hepatocytes formed larger aggregates composed of cell clusters attached to untreated nanofibers than monocultured cells. However, most primary hepatocytes cultured on NaOH-treated PVA NM and Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) peptide-blended PVA (RGD-PVA) NM, under monoculture and coculture conditions, formed non-aggregated cells in a single-cell layer. In a bioinert assay, unstimulated dendritic cells were activated on untreated but not NaOH-treated PVA NM. CYP3A4 activity was higher in cocultured cells on RGD-PVA NM with fibroblasts than in monocultured cells on PVA and RGD-PVA NM. Functional hepatocyte cultures were successfully maintained in a 3D single-cell layer on RGD-PVA NM, along with fibroblasts in a layer-by-layer coculture, for a prolonged period. The prolonged culture of hepatocytes in a 3D single-cell layer may facilitate further drug discovery, toxicity studies, and translational liver research. Full article

Objectives Breast cancer remains a major cause of female cancer-related deaths, with current therapies limited by poor tumor targeting and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. This study designed CA/ZYII-siP-c-L—an asymmetric lipid bilayer-coated calcium/aluminum (CA)-core nanoparticle—to co-deliver PD-L1 siRNA (siP) and ziyuglycoside II (ZYII) to boost therapeutic efficacy. Methods CA/ZYII-siP-c-L was fabricated through modified microemulsification to first construct the CA cores, followed by thin-film hydration for encapsulation of ZYII within the hydrophobic domain, and via hybridization of the outer lipid layer with DSPE-PEG1000-PAMAM to finally enable specific adsorption of siP. The characterization of CA/ZYII-siP-c-L was performed to get size distribution, zeta potential and in vitro release behavior. In vitro cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles to NIH3T3 and 4T1 cells was detected by the CCK-8 method. The uptake capacity to 4T1 breast cancer cells was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic studies and tissue distribution experiments were performed. In BALB/c mice bearing orthotopic 4T1 tumors, efficacy evaluations were conducted with the detection of tumor immune microenvironment; meanwhile, organ damage was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining of major organs and detection of routine biochemical indicators. Results CA/ZYII-siP-c-L was characterized by dynamic light scattering (mean size ~185.7 nm) and zeta potential analysis (~9.35 mV). In vitro, the nanoparticle exhibited low cytotoxicity in NIH3T3 normal cells, high uptake by 4T1 breast cancer cells, and pH-responsive release. For the pharmacokinetic study, CA nanoparticle system could significantly enhance the systemic exposure of ZYII, compared to free ZYII suspension. In BALB/c mice with orthotopic 4T1 tumors, CA/ZYII-siP-c-L accumulation in tumors was 3.5-fold higher than that of free drugs, significantly enriching helper T cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes while reducing regulatory T cells and suppressive dendritic cells in the tumor immune microenvironment; this immunomodulatory effect, combined with PD-L1 silencing at protein levels, contributed to ~62% inhibition of tumor growth with no organ damage (confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin staining of major organs and normal biochemical indices). Conclusions CA/ZYII-siP-c-L integrates safety, targeting, and codelivery capabilities, offering a promising strategy for breast cancer treatment by combining siP-mediated immunity regulation and the antitumor effects of ZYII. Full article

Using the seeding method, nickel-based single-crystal superalloy DD6 specimens with different growth orientations were prepared in a liquid metal cooling (LMC) directional solidification furnace. Subsequent standard heat treatment was carried out, and the influence of growth orientation on the microstructure of the (001) crystal plane of the alloy after heat treatment was investigated. Results show that with the increase in growth orientation deviation angle from the <001> orientation, the area fraction of residual eutectic content is reduced, the average size and volume of pore and γ′ strengthening phase increase, and the cubicity of the γ′ strengthening phase decreases. The growth orientation does not significantly affect the morphology of residual eutectic content or the morphology of the strengthening phase of the γ′ in the dendrite cores and interdendrite regions. However, the size uniformity of the γ′ strengthening phase in dendrite cores and the width of the γ matrix channels decrease as the growth orientation deviation angle increases. Full article