Surface of LiCo1/3Ni1/3Mn1/3O2 modified by CeO2-coating

A novel method to improve the cycling performance of LiCo_1/3Ni_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ in lithium-ion batteries by 1.0 wt.% CeO₂-coating is presented in this work. The crystalline structure and morphology of the synthesized powder have been characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and their electrochemical performances were evaluated by CV, EIS and galvonostatic charge/discharge tests. It is found that CeO₂ forms a layer on the surface of LiCo_1/3Ni_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ without destroying the crystal structure of the core material. Electrochemical test indicates that CeO₂-coating could improve the cycling performance of LiCo_1/3Ni_1/3Mn_1/3O₂. At room temperature, the capacity retention of 1.0 wt.% CeO₂-coated material is 93.2% after 12 cycles at 3.0 C while that of the bare sample is only 86.6%. ICP-OES proves the coating layer could protect the dissolution of the transition metal ions from LiCo_1/3Ni_1/3Mn_1/3O₂. From the analysis of EIS, the improvement of cycle ability could be attributed to the suppression of the reaction between cathode and electrolyte.     

Antipsychotic- and Anxiolytic-like Properties of a Multimodal Compound JJGW08 in Rodents

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness, which remains difficult to treat. A high resistance to the available therapies, their insufficient efficacy, and numerous side effects are the reasons why there is an urgent need to develop new antipsychotics. This study aimed to assess the antipsychotic-like effects of JJGW08, a novel arylpiperazine alkyl derivative of salicylamide, in rodents. First, considering the JJGW08 receptor profile, we investigated the compound’s intrinsic activity towards dopamine D₂ and serotonin 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A, and 5-HT₇ receptors using functional assays. Next, we assessed the effect of JJGW08 on MK-801- and amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion, its risk of inducing catalepsy and impairing motor coordination, as well as the anxiolytic-like effects in the four-plate and marble burying tests in mice. Finally, we investigated the antipsychotic-like properties of JJGW08 in rats using MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion and prepulse inhibition tests. We found that JJGW08 showed antagonistic properties at dopamine D₂ and serotonin 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A, and 5-HT₇ receptors. However, the effect on the 5-HT_2A and 5-HT₇ receptors was very weak. Moreover, the tested compound showed an antipsychotic-like effect in MK-801- and amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion but not in a prepulse inhibition test in rats. Notably, JJGW08 demonstrated anxiolytic-like properties in both behavioral tests. Importantly, the compound did not induce catalepsy or motor coordination impairment in mice at antipsychotic-like doses. Our study suggests it is worth searching for new potential antipsychotics among arylpiperazine alkyl derivatives of salicylamide.     

Investigations with Drugs and Pesticides Revealed New Species- and Substrate-Dependent Inhibition by Elacridar and Imazalil in Human and Mouse Organic Cation Transporter OCT2

Multiple drugs are used to treat various indications as well as pesticides that are ingested unintentionally and enter the bloodstream. The residence time or bioavailability of these substances in circulation depends on several mechanisms, such as drug–drug interaction (DDI), drug–pesticide interaction, metabolizing enzymes and the hepatic and renal transport systems, involved in the elimination of the compounds from the body. One of these transporters is the Organic Cation Transporter 2 (OCT2) member of the solute carrier (SLC22) transporter family. OCT2 is highly expressed in the proximal tubule epithelial cells in human and mouse kidney, where it mediates the uptake of endogenous organic cations as well as numerous drugs and xenobiotics, and contributes to the first step of renal clearance. In this study, we examined OCT2 on two subjects: First, the transferability of data from mouse to human, since mice are initially examined in the development of new drugs to assess the renal excretion of organic cations. Second, to what extent the choice of substrate affects the properties of an inhibitor. For this purpose, the functional properties of hOCT2 and mOct2 were validated under the same experimental conditions with the known substrates metformin and 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium iodide (MPP). While hOCT2 and mOct2 showed very low affinities for metformin with K_m values of 3.9 mM and 3.5 mM, the affinity of hOCT2 and mOct2 for MPP (62 and 40 µM) was 64- and 89-fold higher, respectively. For our positive control inhibitor decynium22, we determined the following IC₅₀ values for hOCT2 and mOct2: 2.2 and 2.6 µM for metformin uptake, and 16 and 6.9 µM for MPP uptake. A correlation analysis of the inhibitory effects of 13 drugs and 9 pesticides on hOCT2- and mOct2-mediated transport of metformin showed a correlation coefficient R² of 0.88, indicating good interspecies correlation. Nevertheless, the bioenhancer elacridar and the fungicide imazalil showed species-dependent inhibitory potentials. Concentration-dependent inhibition of hOCT2- and mOct2-mediated metformin uptake by elacridar showed IC₅₀ values of 20 µM and 1.9 µM and by imazalil 4.7 µM and 0.58 µM, respectively. In conclusion, although our data show comparable species-independent interactions for most compounds, there can be large species–specific differences in the interactions of individual compounds, which should be considered when extrapolating data from mice to humans. Furthermore, a comparison of the inhibitory potential of elacridar and imazalil on metformin uptake with that on MPP uptake reveals substrate-dependent differences in hOCT2 and mOct2 for both inhibitors. Therefore, it might be useful to test two different substrates in inhibition studies.     

Synthesis and characterization of LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 by wet-chemical method

A series of LiNi_1/3Mn_1/3Co_1/3O₂ samples with α-NaFeO₂ structure belonging to the D_3d⁵ space group were synthesized using tartaric acid as a chelating agent by wet-chemical method. Different acid to metal-ion ratios R have been used to investigate the effect of this parameter on the physical and electrochemical properties. We have characterized the reaction mechanism, the structure, and morphology of the powders by TGA, XRD, SEM and TEM imaging, completed by magnetic measurements, Raman scattering spectroscopy, and complex impedance experiments. We find that the LiNi_1/3Mn_1/3Co_1/3O₂ sintered at 900 °C for 15 h with an acid to metal-ion ratio R = 2 was the optimum condition for this synthesis. For this optimized sample, only 1.3% of nickel-ions occupied the 3b Wyckoff site of the lithium-ions sublattice. The electrochemical performance has been investigated using a coin-type cell containing Li metal as the anode. The electronic performance is correlated to the concentration of the Ni(3b) defects that increase the charge transfer resistance and reduce the lithium diffusion coefficient. The optimized cell delivered an initial discharge capacity of 172 mAh g⁻¹ in the cut-off voltage of 2.8-4.4 V, with a coulombic efficiency of 93.4%.     

Electrochemical properties of layered Li[Ni1/2Mn1/2]O2 cathode material synthesised by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

Layered Li[Ni_1/2Mn_1/2]O₂ was synthesized by an ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method. The Li[Ni_1/2Mn_1/2]O₂ powder was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, charge/discharge test, and cyclic voltammetry. The discharge capacity increases linearly with increase of the upper cut-off voltage limit and attains a high discharge capacity of 187 mA h g^–1 between 2.8 and 4.6 V with excellent cyclability. A cyclic voltammetric study of the Li[Ni_1/2Mn_1/2]O₂ electrode showed only one redox peak implying no structural phase change during cycling.     

Synthesis of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode materials by using a supercritical water method in a batch reactor

LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ and LiCoO₂ cathode materials were synthesized by using a supercritical water (SCW) method with a metal salt solution in a batch reactor. Stoichiometric LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ was successfully synthesized in a 10-min reaction without calcination, while overlithiated LiCoO₂ (Li_1.15CoO₂) was synthesized using the batch SCW method. The physical properties and electrochemical performances of LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ were compared to those of Li_1.15CoO₂ by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and charge/discharge cycling tests. The XRD pattern of LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ was found to be similar to that of Li_1.15CoO₂, showing clear splitting of the (0 0 6)/(1 0 2) and (1 0 8)/(1 1 0) peak pairs as particular characteristics of the layered structure. In addition, both cathode powders showed good crystallinity and phase purity, even though a short reaction time without calcination was applied to the SCW method. The initial specific discharge capacities of the Li_1.15CoO₂ and LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ powders at a current density of 0.24 mA/cm² in 2.5-4.5 V were 149 and 180 mAh/g, and their irreversible capacity loss was 20 and 17 mAh/g, respectively. The discharge capacities of the Li_1.15CoO₂ and LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ powders decreased with cycling and remained at 108 and 154 mAh/g after 30 cycles, which are 79% and 89% of the initial capacities. Compared to the overlithiated LiCoO₂ cathode powders, the LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ cathode powders synthesized by SCW method had better electrochemical performances.     

Characteristics of Y1Ba2Cu3O7-x high-T c superconductor prepared by partial melting process

The superconducting Y₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7-x (123) and the Y₂Ba₁Cu₁O₅(211) powders in this study were prepared by pyrophoric synthesis method with Y₂O₃ (99.9 %), BaCO₃ (99.9 %), and CuO (99.9 %) powders. Samples of 123 and 211 pellets were first prepared and then piled to have a 123/211/123 arrangement before a partial melting process was applied for phase change of the center piece (211) to 123 phase through a peritectic reaction. The process parameters were a melting temperature of 1,040–1,070 °C and the mass of the 123 piece ranging from 0.4 to 1.2 g. The superconductivity, such as critical temperature (T_c), and mass susceptibility(χ) of bulk 123 and 211 samples were measured by AC four point probe method and AC susceptometer, respectively. The experimental results can be summarized as follows: the best preparation condition in the range examined was a melting temperature of 1,060 °C and mass ratio [123(A)/211(B)] of 2:1 with melting time of 30 minutes to yield the T_c of 88.5 K.     

Synthesis and electrochemical characteristics of Al2O3-coated LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ cathode materials have been coated with Al₂O₃ nano-particles using sol-gel processing to improve its electrochemical properties. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the as-prepared Al₂O₃ nano-particles was indexed to the cubic structure of the γ-Al₂O₃ phase and had an average size of ∼4 nm. The XRD showed that the structure of LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ was not affected by the Al₂O₃ coating. However, the Al₂O₃ coatings on LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ improved the cyclic life performance and rate capability without decreasing its initial discharge capacity. These electrochemical properties were also compared with those of LiAlO₂-coated LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ cathode material. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was studied to understand the enhanced electrochemical properties of the Al₂O₃-coated LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ compared to uncoated LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂.     

A study on electrochemical characteristics of LiCoO2/LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 mixed cathode for Li secondary battery

In this study, the LiCoO₂/LiNi_1/3Mn_1/3Co_1/3O₂ mixed cathode electrodes were prepared and their electrochemical performances were measured in a high cut-off voltage. As the contents of LiNi_1/3Mn_1/3Co_1/3O₂ in the mixed cathode increases, the reversible specific capacity and cycleability of the electrode enhanced, but the rate capability deteriorated. On the contrary, the rate capability of the cathode enhanced but the reversible specific capacity and cycleability deteriorated, according to increasing the contents of LiCoO₂ in the mixed cathode. The cell of LiCoO₂/LiNi_1/3Mn_1/3Co_1/3O₂ (50:50, wt.%) mixed cathode delivers a discharge capacity of ca. 168 mAh/g at a 0.2 C rate. The capacity of the cell decreased with the current rate and a useful capacity of ca. 152 mAh/g was obtained at a 2.0 C rate. However, the cell shows very stable cycleability: the discharge capacity of the cell after 20th charge/discharge cycling maintains ca. 163 mAh/g.     

Effect of synthesis condition on the structure and electrochemical properties of Li[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]O2 prepared by hydroxide co-precipitation method

The layered Li[Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3]O₂ powder with good crystalline and spherical shape was prepared by hydroxide co-precipitation method. The effects of pH value, NH₄OH amount, calcination temperature and extra Li amount on the morphology, structure and electrochemical properties of the cathode material were investigated in detail. SEM results indicate that pH value affected both the morphology and the property of the cathode material, and the highest discharge capacity in the first cycle of 163 mAh g⁻¹ (2.8-4.3 V) was obtained at pH value was 12. On the contrary, the NH₄OH amount, which was used as a chelating agent, only affected the particle size distribution of the material. The calcination temperatures caused great difference in the structure and property of layered Li[Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3]O₂, and the best electrochemical properties were obtained at the calcination temperature of 800 °C. Extra Li amount not only caused difference in the material structure, but also affected their electrochemical properties. With increasing Li amount, the lattice parameters (a and c) increased monotonously, and the highest first cycle coulombic efficiency (the ratio of discharge capacity to charge capacity in the first cycle) was obtained with the Li/M of 1.10. Therefore, the optimum synthetic conditions for the hydroxide co-precipitation reaction were: pH value was 12, NH₄OH amount was 0.36 mol L⁻¹, calcination temperature was 800 °C and the Li/M molar ratio was 1.10.     

In situ synthesis,mechanical and cyclic oxidation properties of Ti3AlC2/Al2O3 composites

ABSTRACT

Ti₃AlC₂/Al₂O₃ composite materials were successfully fabricated from TiO₂/TiC/Ti/Al powders by the in situ reactive hot pressed technique. The microstructure, mechanical and oxidation properties of the composites were investigated in the paper. Vickers hardness increased with the Al₂O₃ content. The relative density of Ti₃AlC₂/Al₂O₃ composites exhibits a declining tendency with Al₂O₃ content especially exceeds 10 vol.?%. The Ti₃AlC₂/Al₂O₃ composites show excellent electrical conductivity. The flexural strength and fracture toughness of Ti₃AlC₂/10 vol. % Al₂O₃ are 461 ± 20?MPa and 6.2?±?0.2?MPa m^1/2, respectively. The cyclic oxidation behaviour of resistance of Ti₃AlC₂/10 vol. % Al₂O₃ composites at 800–1000°C generally obeys a parabolic law. The oxide scale of sample consists of a mass of α-Al₂O₃ and TiO₂, forming a dense and adhesive protect layer. The result indicates that the Al₂O₃ can greatly improve the oxidation resistance of Ti₃AlC₂.     

Synthesis and characterization of high-density non-spherical Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 cathode material for lithium ion batteries by two-step drying method

Non-spherical Li(Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3)O₂ powders have been synthesized using a two-step drying method with 5% excess LiOH at 800 °C for 20 h. The tap-density of the powder obtained is 2.95 g cm⁻³. This value is remarkably higher than that of the Li(Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3)O₂ powders obtained by other methods, which range from 1.50 g cm⁻³ to 2.40 g cm⁻³. The precursor and Li(Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3)O₂ are characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). XPS studies show that the predominant oxidation states of Ni, Co and Mn in the precursor are 2⁺, 3⁺ and 4⁺, respectively. XRD results show that the Li(Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3)O₂ material obtained by the two-step drying method has a well-layered structure with a small amount of cation mixing. SEM confirms that the Li(Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3)O₂ particles obtained by this method are uniform. The initial discharge capacity of 167 mAh g⁻¹ is obtained between 3 V and 4.3 V at a current of 0.2 C rate. The capacity of 159 mAh g⁻¹ is retained at the end of 30 charge-discharge cycle with a capacity retention of 95%.     

5-HT1A Receptor Agonist Treatment Partially Ameliorates Rett Syndrome Phenotypes in mecp2-Null Mice by Rescuing Impairment of Neuron Transmission and the CREB/BDNF Signaling Pathway

Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the gene that encodes methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) and is characterized by the loss of acquired motor and language skills, stereotypic movements, respiratory abnormalities and autistic features. There has been no effective treatment for this disorder until now. In this study, we used a Mecp2-null (KO) mouse model of RTT to investigate whether repeated intraperitoneal treatment with the 5-HT_1A receptor agonist tandospirone could improve the RTT phenotype. The results showed that administration of tandospirone significantly extended the lifespan of Mecp2-KO mice and obviously ameliorated RTT phenotypes, including general condition, hindlimb clasping, gait, tremor and breathing in Mecp2-KO mice. Tandospirone treatment significantly improved the impairment in GABAergic, glutaminergic, dopaminergic and serotoninergic neurotransmission in the brainstem of Mecp2-KO mice. Decreased dopaminergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum of Mecp2-KO mice was also significantly increased by tandospirone treatment. Moreover, RNA-sequencing analysis found that tandospirone modulates the RTT phenotype, partially through the CREB1/BDNF signaling pathway in Mecp2-KO mice. These findings provide a new option for clinical treatment.     

One-step synthesis and improved electrochemical performance of Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 by a modified radiated polymer gel method

We present the mechanism for the synthesis of a layered Li(Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3)O₂ compound by a modified radiated gel method. Pure-phase Li(Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3)O₂ material was achieved when the polymer gel was calcined at 900 °C between 15 and 30 h. The unit cell parameter c decreased, and a varied slightly with increased sintering time. Electrochemical characterization revealed that the optimized sample (25 h) had a high initial discharge capacity of 188 mAh/g (2.8-4.5 V, 20 mA/g), an excellent capacity retention of 90.1% after 30 cycles and a good rate performance.     

Genetic Deletion of NOD1 Prevents Cardiac Ca2+ Mishandling Induced by Experimental Chronic Kidney Disease

Risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases considerably as renal function declines in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 (NOD1) has emerged as a novel innate immune receptor involved in both CVD and CKD. Following activation, NOD1 undergoes a conformational change that allows the activation of the receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 2 (RIP2), promoting an inflammatory response. We evaluated whether the genetic deficiency of Nod1 or Rip2 in mice could prevent cardiac Ca²⁺ mishandling induced by sixth nephrectomy (Nx), a model of CKD. We examined intracellular Ca²⁺ dynamics in cardiomyocytes from Wild-type (Wt), Nod1^−/− and Rip2^−/− sham-operated or nephrectomized mice. Compared with Wt cardiomyocytes, Wt-Nx cells showed an impairment in the properties and kinetics of the intracellular Ca²⁺ transients, a reduction in both cell shortening and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ load, together with an increase in diastolic Ca²⁺ leak. Cardiomyocytes from Nod1^−/−-Nx and Rip2^−/−-Nx mice showed a significant amelioration in Ca²⁺ mishandling without modifying the kidney impairment induced by Nx. In conclusion, Nod1 and Rip2 deficiency prevents the intracellular Ca²⁺ mishandling induced by experimental CKD, unveiling new innate immune targets for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to reduce cardiac complications in patients with CKD.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 for lithium rechargeable batteries

Ultrafine powders of Li(Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3)O₂ cathode materials for lithium-ion secondary batteries were prepared under mild hydrothermal conditions. The influence of the molar ratio of Li/(Ni + Co + Mn) was studied. The products were investigated by XRD, TEM and EDS. The final products were found to be well crystallized Li(Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3)O₂ with an average particle size of about 10 nm.     

Annealing effect on relaxor behaviours of spark plasma sintered Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3 superfine ceramics

Abstract

Abstract

Relaxor ferroelectric Pb(Sc_1/2Nb_1/2)O₃ (PSN) superfine ceramics were fabricated by spark plasma sintering process and subjected to an annealing in oxygen ambience at a low temperature of 500°C. The microstructure of the PSN ceramics was examined by X‐ray diffraction and scanning and transmission electron microscopy, while the dielectric properties were measured in the range of 25–200°C. The dielectric measurements revealed a reverse change in the frequency dispersion ΔT and diffusive factor λ as annealing extended. Transmission electron microscopy observation and conductivity measurement revealed that the uncommon performance in relaxor properties could be attributed to the complex effects of oxygen vacancies and domain structures induced by the annealing.     

Acid-Base Properties of Alumina-Supported M2O3 (M=B, Ga, In) Catalysts

The acid-base properties of -Al₂O₃ and alumina-supported B₂O₃, Ga₂O₃ and In₂O₃ have been determined by microcalorimetry of ammonia and sulfur dioxide adsorption. From the adsorption of NH₃, it was found that the addition of B₂O₃ on alumina leads to an increase of the number of acid sites, while Ga₂O₃ and In₂O₃ additives caused a decrease in the acidity of alumina. Using SO₂ as a probe molecule to study the basicity, the number of surface basic sites on alumina was found to be strongly decreased by the addition of boron oxide, while it was only slightly affected by the addition of gallium oxide and decreased by the addition of indium oxide. The differential heats of adsorption are discussed as a function of the coverage by the probe molecules. The electronic properties of the oxides are examined in order to explain the acid-base properties of the supported oxides.