Adequate Lithium Research Articles

Compliant Solid Polymer Electrolytes (SPEs) for Enhanced Anode-Electrolyte Interfacial Stability in All-Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries (LMBs).

Practical application of high energy density lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) has remained elusive over the last several decades due to their unstable and dendritic electrodeposition behavior. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) with sufficient elastic modulus have been shown to attenuate dendrite growth and extend cycle life. Among different polymer architectures, network SPEs have demonstrated promising overall performance in cells using lithium metal anodes. However, fine-tuning network structures to attain adequate lithium electrode interfacial contact and stable electrodeposition behavior at extended cycling remains a challenge. In this work, we designed a series of comb-chain cross-linker-based network SPEs with tunable compliance by introducing free dangling chains into the SPE network. These dangling chains were used to tune the SPE ionic conductivity, ductility, and compliance. Our results demonstrate that increasing network compliance and ductility improves anode-electrolyte interfacial adhesion and reduces voltage hysteresis. SPEs with 56.3 wt % free dangling chain content showed a high Coulombic efficiency of 93.4% and a symmetric cell cycle life 1.9× that of SPEs without free chains. Additionally, the improved anode compliance of these SPEs led to reduced anode-electrolyte interfacial resistance growth and greater capacity retention at 92.8% when cycled at 1C in Li|SPE|LiFePO4 half cells for 275 cycles.

Surface coating engineering of prelithiation cathode additives for lithium-ion batteries

The active lithium ions loss during the initial charge and discharge process of lithium ion batteries seriously hampers its increasement of energy density. Pre-lithiation, involving the pre-storage of active lithium ions prior to cycling, emerges as a promising and effective strategy to offset this loss. Li6CoO4 has been identified as a candidate capable of releasing adequate lithium ions to compensate for such loss. However, its poor air stability renders it susceptible to side reactions in the atmosphere, leading to the formation of residual lithium and consequently affecting its electrochemical performance. In this study, we propose application of a lithium aluminate (LiAlO2) coated onto the surface of lithium cobalt oxide (Li6CoO4) to mitigate the presence of residual lithium. Meanwhile, with decreasing of residual lithium, the rate capability is also enhanced. The research results demonstrate that samples treated with this coating layer exhibit an enhanced energy density in the full cell, indicating the efficacy of this approach in optimizing the electrochemical performance of prelithiation additives.

Resolving the Incomplete Charging Behavior of Redox-Mediated Li-O2 Batteries Via Sustainable Protection of Li Metal Anode

Lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) have attracted worldwide attention due to their high specific energy. However, the poor rechargeability and cycling stability of LOBs hinders their practical use in applications. Here, we explore the incomplete charging behavior of redox-mediated LOBs operated at a feasible capacity for practical level (3.25 mAh cm–2) and resolve it using a sustainable lithium protection strategy. The incomplete charging behavior, promoted by self-discharge of redox mediators (RMs), hampers the reversible cycling of LOBs, which was investigated through multi-angle in-situ and ex-situ analyses. Meanwhile, the proposed lithium protection strategy; introducing an inorganic/organic hybrid artificial composite layer with a pre-formed stable interface between the lithium metal and the composite layer, enhances the stability of the lithium metal anode during the prolonged cycling by preventing the chemical/electrochemical interactions of RMs on the lithium metal surface, and thus, improving the overall rechargeability of LOBs. This work provides guidelines for the effective use of RMs with an adequate lithium protection strategy to achieve sustainable cycling of LOBs, creating a feasible approach for the practical use of LOBs with high areal capacity.

Resolving the Incomplete Charging Behavior of Redox-Mediated Li-O2 Batteries via Sustainable Protection of Li Metal Anode.

Lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) have attracted worldwide attention due to their high specific energy. However, the poor rechargeability and cycling stability of LOBs hinders their practical use in applications. Here, we explore the incomplete charging behavior of redox-mediated LOBs operated at a feasible capacity for a practical level (3.25 mAh cm-2) and resolve it using a sustainable lithium protection strategy. The incomplete charging behavior, promoted by self-discharge of redox mediators (RMs), hampers the reversible cycling of LOBs, which was investigated through multiangle in situ and ex situ analyses. Meanwhile, the proposed lithium protection strategy, introducing an inorganic/organic hybrid artificial composite layer with a preformed stable interface between the lithium metal and the composite layer, enhances the stability of the lithium metal anode during the prolonged cycling by preventing the chemical/electrochemical interactions of RMs on the lithium metal surface, thus improving the overall rechargeability of LOBs. This work provides guidelines for the effective use of RMs with an adequate lithium protection strategy to achieve sustainable cycling of LOBs, creating a feasible approach for the practical use of LOBs with high areal capacity.

Lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder - monitoring of the adverse effects

Introduction. Lithium therapy remains the gold standard in the treatment of bipolar disorder and clinical guidelines recommend it as the first choice for maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. However, the use of lithium has decreased over the years, mainly due to the fear of its adverse effects. The aim of this paper was to review current literature data for the monitoring and overcoming side effects of lithium therapy in order to provide contemporary evidence for adequate lithium use. Material and Methods. A literature review of lithium therapy in bipolar disorder, using both Medline and manual searches, was performed. Classification of studies, in relation to their quality, was performed using the guidelines established by the American Academy of Neurology. Results. Despite methodological limitations of recent studies, there is irrefutable evidence that lithium therapy can cause toxicity and side effects related to renal, thyroid and parathyroid function, as well as weight gain. Conclusion. There is clear evidence that lithium can cause various side effects, but clinically significant conditions in this regard are rare and successfully treated. Literature data confirm strong efficacy of lithium and suggest its wider use in bipolar disorder. By following clinical recommendations and careful monitoring during lithium treatment, the risk of serious side effects is low compared to its efficacy.

Hierarchical Co3O4 Nanofiber–Carbon Sheet Skeleton with Superior Na/Li‐Philic Property Enabling Highly Stable Alkali Metal Batteries

AbstractUncontrollable dendritic behavior and infinite volume expansion in alkali metal anode results in the severe safety hazards and short lifespan for high‐energy batteries. Constructing a stable host with superior Na/Li‐philic properties is a prerequisite for commercialization. Here, it is demonstrated that the small Gibbs free energy change in the reaction between metal oxide (Co3O4, SnO2, and CuO) and alkali metal is key for metal infusion. The as‐prepared hierarchical Co3O4 nanofiber–carbon sheet (CS) skeleton shows improved wettability toward molten Li/Na. The 3D carbon sheet serves as a primary framework, offering adequate lithium nucleation sites and sufficient electrolyte/electrode contact for fast charge transfer. The secondary framework of Co/Li2O nanofibers provides physical confinement of deposited Li and further redistributes the Li+ flux on each carbon fiber, which is verified by COMSOL Multiphysics simulations. Due to the uniform deposition behavior and near‐zero volume change, modified symmetrical Li/Li cells can operate under an ultrahigh current density of 20 mA cm−2 for more than 120 cycles. When paired with LiFePO4 cathodes, the Li/Co–CS cell shows low polarization and 88.4% capacity retention after 200 cycles under 2 C. Convincing improvement can also be observed in Na/Co–CS symmetrical cells applying NaClO4‐based electrolyte. These results illustrate a significant improvement in developing safe and stable alkali metal batteries.

Experimental Validation of Surface Coverage Model for Li-Air Battery

The Lithium-air battery has captured so much interest and been considered as a promising candidate for the future renewable energy sources because of its high specific energy density comparable to gasoline. But unfortunately, the maximum amount of the lithium metal utilized is limited because of the tunnel blockage and surface coverage inside cathode, which are caused by insoluble lithium composite generated at cathode. In other words, the total energy capacity is restricted by the cathode under adequate lithium. So if we can fully understand how the deposits work on the cathode, we are supposed to develop a better cathode, which can hold more products per unit volume, with immensely higher energy capacity per unit cathode volume. This paper describes a surface coverage model and two relative dominating effects, electrode passivation and transport resistance. By using the electron conservation combined with experimental formula from previous works, we could investigate how much the insoluble there is and the coverage coefficient used to evaluate what degree deposits damage the effectivity of cathode to. We could use the coverage coefficient to describe the effective surface area under different stage of precipitation. We may go further to obtain the oxygen profile by taking the oxygen transport equation into account. Then we have a chance to use the above model to formulate the loss of effective voltage and total energy capacity. We could eventually split the voltage loss into 2 pieces, one caused by electrode passivation and another caused by oxygen transport resistance. We can compare them to find out which one is the prime force to kill the battery, or that they cooperate together. We can also know how much deposits the cathode can be filled with before exhausted. Then the total energy capacity is ready to come out by integrating the voltage along the time under constant current. By looking into the integral, there are actually three parts, which are the capacity without considering voltage loss effect, and two capacity losses solely considering the voltage loss from the electrode passivation or oxygen transport resistance respectively. If we compare these different part, we could have a knowledge of whether the capacity loss is immense enough to be cared about, or which kind of loss costs more. To validate our model, we will also perform the experiments by using our sandwich cell to get the discharging curve, which will be used to validate our model by comparing the voltage loss and energy capacity loss. The sandwich cell structure from bottom to top is: bottom frame, aluminum foil, lithium metal, separator, rubble sealing ring, top frame with air window and electrolyte pool on top, and cathode. The whole cell is assembled by using screws. We could get open circuit voltage and discharging curves under different current. The data will be used to validate and improve our model mentioned above.

Bipolar disorder and socioeconomic status: what is the nature of this relationship?

BackgroundIn psychiatric literature stretching over a century, there have been glaring discrepancies in the findings describing the relationship between bipolar disorder (BD) and socioeconomic status (SES). Early studies indicated an overall association between manic-depressive illness and higher social class. However, recent epidemiologic studies have failed to find an association between BD and SES. Instead, they report a similar distribution of BD among social classes and educational levels, and in one particular study, a lower family income was reported. The determinants of SES are complex, and the early findings are now interpreted as having been incorrect and stemming from past methodological weaknesses.MethodsFor this analysis we explored the relationship between SES and BD in a sample of patients who had participated in prior clinical and therapeutic studies. These patients met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for BD, required long-term stabilizing treatment, and were assessed in terms of their response to lithium stabilization and a number of other clinical characteristics in accordance with research protocol. Good response to lithium stabilization (LiR) served as a proxy for identifying a subtype of manic-depressive illness, the classical form of BD. Non-responders to stabilizing lithium (LiNR) were considered belonging to other subtypes of bipolar spectrum disorder. The SES of the parents was measured upon entry into treatment using the Hollingshead SES scale, which despite its limitations has been used in psychiatry most widely to determine SES. The groups of LiR and LiNR were compared statistically in terms of SES. The influence of bipolar subtype and gender on SES was investigated.Results and discussionA significantly higher SES was associated with the lithium-responsive form (LiR) of BD when compared with patients continuing to relapse despite adequate lithium treatment (representing other types of bipolar spectrum). Our observation suggests that the discrepant literature findings about SES and BD may be better explained by the change in diagnostic practices: early studies describing a positive relationship included mostly classical manic-depressive disorder, while the patients in recent studies have been diagnosed according to much broader criteria, reflecting the era of bipolar spectrum disorder.

Lithium availability in the EU27 for battery-driven vehicles: The impact of recycling and substitution on the confrontation between supply and demand until2050

The adverse impacts of climate change are widely recognized as well as the importance of the mitigation of carbon dioxide (CO2). Battery driven vehicles are expected to have a bright future, since GHG emissions can be reduced. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries appear to be the most promising, due to their high energy density. Recently, the discussion concerning adequate lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) resources is resolved. The current challenge is the needed increase in flow rate of Li2CO3 into society to foresee in forecasted demand. This research determines ten factors which influence the availability of Li-ion batteries for the EU27 in the coming decades. They are used in a system dynamics analysis. The results of this research show that undersupply can be expected in the EU27 until 2045 somewhere between 0.5Mt and 2.8Mt. Substitution of Li2CO3 in other end-use markets and recycling can relieve the strain on Li2CO3 supply to some extent. In 2050, 20% of the vehicle fleet in the EU27 can be battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The lack of resources in the EU27 and the geographical distribution of lithium in politically sensitive areas suggest that the shares of lithium available for the EU27 will be less than assumed in this research. The increase in flow rate shows to be the bottle-neck for a transition to (partly) battery driven vehicles in the EU27, at least when Li-ion batteries are used. Focusing on large-scale application of BEVs with Li-ion batteries in order to substantially mitigate CO2 emissions in transport is a futile campaign.

Does lithium exert an independent antisuicidal effect?

Recent investigations have indicated that adequate lithium treatment lowers the suicide mortality associated with affective illness. One important question is whether the mechanism by which lithium prophylaxis may be effective in prolonging survival can be explained exclusively in terms of successful protection against the recurrence of depressive episodes, or whether one should consider an independent anti-suicidal factor. We investigated a group of high-risk patients with recurrent affective disorders (n = 167) who had committed one or more suicide attempts before the start of lithium prophylaxis within a collaborative project by the International Group for the Study of Lithium Treated Patients (IGSLI). According to their recurrence-related response to long-term lithium prophylaxis, patients were classified into three groups: excellent (n = 45), moderate (n = 81) and poor responders (n = 41). Only depressive episodes resulting into hospitalisation were considered. A marked reduction in the number of suicide attempts was observed in the excellent lithium responders. However, we also found that over 80% of moderate responders and nearly 50% of poor responders did not exhibit any further suicidal behaviour during lithium treatment. Furthermore, we could demonstrate a significant reduction of suicide attempts per year as compared to a corresponding pre-lithium period in all three groups (0.10 vs. 0.33, 0.06 vs. 0.27, 0.02 vs. 0.26). There were four suicides in this high-risk group, corresponding to a suicide-related standardised mortality ratio (SMR) of 13.7. This contrasts sharply with an expected suicide SMR of approx. 100 in this population. Suicide risk was not related to the recurrence-preventing effect. The reduction in suicide attempts, in both responders and non-responders, indicates that lithium possesses a specific anti-suicidal effect besides its mood-stabilising property.

S39.02 Prevention of suicide and suicide attempt by adequate lithium long-term treatment

S39.02 Prevention of suicide and suicide attempt by adequate lithium long-term treatment

Suicidal behavior on and off lithium prophylaxis in a group of patients with prior suicide attempts.

One hundred patients who had attempted suicide before commencing lithium prophylaxis were followed up. Outcome was analyzed in terms of attempted or completed suicide after a mean of 10 years since admission to the lithium clinics. Of 10 patients who committed suicide, 9 had discontinued adequate lithium prophylaxis for a period ranging from 2 weeks to 7 years before death. Having discontinued lithium therapy was associated with suicide also in the subgroup of patients for whom lithium had not completely prevented episodes during lithium treatment. Suicide risk was 24 times as high during periods off compared with periods on adequate lithium prophylaxis. Incidence of attempting suicide was similar during the periods before receiving or after discontinuing lithium treatment, whereas it was 5 to 6 times lower during prophylaxis. Continuous and adequate lithium prophylaxis should be considered in the presence of high suicide risk, even if the prophylactic effect on the underlying mood disorder may be incomplete.

Effects of adequate lithium prophylaxis on suicidality and mortality of patients with affective disorders: Retrospective and prospective studies

Effects of adequate lithium prophylaxis on suicidality and mortality of patients with affective disorders: Retrospective and prospective studies

Completed suicide and recent lithium treatment

Of 1397 completed suicides in Finland in one year, all victims ( N = 20) that had used lithium in prophylaxis and treatment of a mood disorder during the three final months were carefully examined. Eight victims (40%) fulfilled the criteria of recent adequate lithium prophylaxis. Continuous or intermittent noncompliance with psychopharmacological treatment during the last two years was reported in the majority (85%) of the victims. Only two cases used lithium as a suicide method. The study suggests that problems especially in compliance but also in quality of treatment are likely to limit the usefulness of lithium treatment in suicide prevention.

Predictors of immediate response in the treatment of mania: The importance of comorbidity

Four hundred thirty-eight bipolar manies were admitted to an acute care psychiatric inpatient ward over a 12-year period. Eighty percent had good and 20% poor immediate outcome. Good outcome patients were characterized by short episode duration, older age of onset, a longer hospitalization, fewer suicide thoughts, and less psychiatric and medical comorbidity than the poor outcome group. Patients were divided into four treatment groups based on primary mode of therapy during index hospitalization: electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), adequate lithium, inadequate lithium, and neither treatment. Patients experiencing good outcome were more likely to be in the adequate lithium group and less likely to receive neither treatment. Regression analysis identified the absence of comorbidity, duration of lithium treatment more than 2 weeks, and duration of episode of less than 1 month as predictors of good outcome at hospital discharge.

Potential lithium requirements for fusion power plants

Because future shortages of essential materials could slow the deployment of fusion power reactors, it is important to assess the future availability of these materials. This article reviews the fuel requirements of fusion power plants in current conceptual designs with emphasis on lithium requirements.The first generation fusion reactors using the deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel cycle are expected to consume lithium (primarily 6Li) in nuclear reactions and in replacement of neutron-damaged blanket materials. The quantity of lithium actually consumed in nuclear reactions or blanket replacement will be a small part of the natural lithium required by fusion power plant concepts that use liquid lithium metal as a moderator, fertile material, and primary coolantLithium inventories for a 103-GWe generating capacity will require from 400,000 to 1,200,000 metric tons of natural lithium for different power plant designs, which is about 50–160 yr worth of current U.S. lithium production or up to 13 of known U.S. lithium resources.A discussion of lithium requirements and supply suggests that the lithium usage anticipated by the developing fusion power industry may require lithium production well beyond current production growth rates. Present U.S. lithium resources appear sufficient, however, and it is expected that the costs of increasing lithium production would be within acceptable costs for fusion power plants. Careful planning will be required to manage possible problems in obtaining adequate lithium production capacity.