Practical Capacity Research Articles

Evaluating Whether Nonimmersion Virtual Reality Simulation Training Improves Nursing Competency in Isolation Wards: Randomized Controlled Trial.

During infectious disease outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses are crucial in patient care and public health safety; however, they face challenges such as inadequate training and high stress in isolation wards. Virtual reality (VR) technology offers innovative training solutions to enhance nurses' clinical skills and preparedness. However, extensive studies on its effectiveness in isolation ward environments are still limited. This study aims to develop a nonimmersive VR (NIVR) simulation training program for isolation wards and further validate its feasibility and training effectiveness in aiding nurses in adapting to isolation ward settings. This study was a prospective, parallel, open-label, randomized controlled trial. A total of 90 nurses from 3 hospitals in China were randomly assigned to either the control or intervention group, with 45 (50%) individuals in each group. Both groups received training on isolation ward layout and nursing procedures. The control group underwent a 4-hour conventional training session consisting of 2 hours of face-to-face lectures and 2 hours of ward visits. The intervention group received a 4-hour NIVR simulation training session. Subsequently, both groups completed approximately 4 hours of emergency drills and assessments. After the intervention, there were no significant differences in theoretical test or performance assessment scores between the 2 groups (t88=-0.30, P=.75; Cohen d=-0.06; z score=0.00, P>.99), using a 2-tailed t test. However, the intervention group completed 6 tasks faster than the control group (t88=5.10, P<.001; Cohen d=1.08), with an average reduction of about 3 minutes (control group: mean 43.91, SD 2.99 min; intervention group: mean 40.77, SD 2.85 min). Notably, they completed task 3 (patient reception inward) and task 6 (exiting the isolation area) significantly quicker (t88=3.22, P=.002; Cohen d=0.68; t88=3.03, P=.003; Cohen d=0.64, respectively), with no significant differences for the other tasks. This study highlights the potential of NIVR simulation training for nurses working in isolation wards. Although NIVR simulation training does not significantly surpass traditional methods in imparting theoretical knowledge, it does reduce task completion time for specific activities. Its capacity for safe, repetitive practice and realistic scenario simulation makes NIVR a valuable tool in medical education. Further research and optimization of VR simulation training programs are recommended to enhance nurses' practical skills and pandemic preparedness. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR240083155; https://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.html?id=250356&v=1.0.

Regulation of Extra Li Inventory in Anode-Free Lithium Metal Batteries by Li-Rich Layered Oxide Cathode Materials.

Li-rich layered oxide (LRO) cathode material is utilized in anode-free Li metal batteries to provide extra Li inventory, compensating for the constant Li loss during cycling. The Li compensation mechanism of LRO in the anode-free system is elucidated by exploring the reversible/irreversible Li consumption behaviors. Moreover, the relationship between cathode areal capacity, Li inventory, and the cycling performance of the Cu||LRO cell is quantitatively analyzed. The well-designed Cu||LRO anode-free cell demonstrates 51% capacity retention after 60 cycles at a practical areal capacity of 5.0 mAh cm-2, overwhelming the 0.6% capacity retention for Cu||NCM523. Further optimization with an artificial anode protection layer and a fully fluorinated electrolyte enhances the capacity retention of Cu||LRO to 61.4% and 71.5% after 60 cycles, respectively. Combining its low initial Coulombic efficiency and high specific energy, the LRO cathode shows great prospects in the future development of high energy and long lifespan anode-free Li metal batteries.

Decision-making capacity in rehabilitation psychology practice: Historical, contemporary, and future perspectives.

This article will review the historical underpinnings of informed consent and decisional capacity, current practices, and potential evolving future modifications or elaborations of decision-making practices in clinical settings. Ethical and legal foundations for informed consent for health care are reviewed. Contemporary issues with decision making, clinical capacity, and proxy decision making in rehabilitation psychology practice are discussed with a specific focus on health care decision making. As a subspecialist in psychology, a rehabilitation psychologist necessarily seeks to incorporate a working knowledge of its historical anchors while simultaneously seeking changes sensitive to honoring and advocating for the rights of the individuals whom they serve. The contributions of the disability rights movement have been immeasurable in ensuring that those most impacted with potential challenges to their right to self-determine their choices across a wide range of psycholegal issues are safeguarded. As rehabilitation psychologists, we must remain steadfast stewards and constructive supporters of those under our care through protecting and advocating for their rights. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Sluggish Li2O2 dissolution - a key to unlock high-capacity lithium-oxygen batteries.

While lithium-oxygen batteries have a high theoretical specific energy, the practical discharge capacity is much lower due to the passivation of the solid discharge product, Li2O2, on the electrode surface. Herein, we studied and quantified the deposition and dissolution kinetics of Li2O2 using an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). It is found that the orientation of the electrode greatly influences the formation path and deposition amount of Li2O2. We identified two distinct dissolution modes: surface dissolution and bulk fragmentation, with the latter 100 times faster than the former. By revealing the underlying factors affecting dissolution, 80% of Li2O2 can dissolve within 3 minutes when a desorption potential of 2.9 V is applied. Consequently, we designed an intermittent-desorption discharge strategy, which increased the discharge capacity by an order of magnitude. This work shows that high practical specific energy of Li-O2 batteries can be achieved once problems of Li2O2 dissolution are addressed.

Determining Vulnerability Indicators of Buildings for Sea-Level Rise and Floods in Urban Coastal Areas

Projected sea-level rise and floods due to climate change impacts are the hazards threatening urban coastal areas. In the literature on mitigation and adaptation, it is determined that studies in the field of architectural design for the assessment of risks and vulnerabilities to these hazards are not yet at a sufficient level. This study aims to determine the vulnerability indicators of buildings due to architectural design decisions in the urban coastal areas facing the risk of sea-level rise and flood hazards. In this direction, it is argued that the decisions that are taken regarding the building and its environment during the architectural design process can be interpreted as vulnerability indicators in vulnerability assessments of buildings to be made in the context of these hazards. In this context, an indicator-based assessment framework is proposed as a method of examining the vulnerability and climate resilience capacity of design practices in urban coastal areas. The first stage of the research methodology includes the results of a literature review to identify indicators of building vulnerability. In the second stage, these indicators were presented for expert opinions and analyzed with the Delphi method and an assessment framework was created. This assessment framework is designed to serve as a decision-making tool or checklist for decision makers, facilitating the integration of vulnerability indicators into the design, implementation, and retrofitting of buildings in urban coastal areas. Due to its hierarchical, yet flexible, and adaptable structure, it can be used by architects, urban planners, and policy makers in terms of assessing buildings and its environments so that actions for adaptation can be implemented.

Promoting water accounting implementation processes: an argumentation-based Fuzzy-DEMATEL approach

PurposeThis paper’s purpose is to contribute to the financial management knowledge literature by presenting the framework of water accounting factors and evaluation of its identified factors through an argumentation-based Fuzzy-DEMATEL approach.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted mixed, inductive and deductive approaches to develop a water accounting framework, validate its practicability and verify its effectiveness in selected firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). In developing the framework and implementation procedure, the study employed an exploratory data collection (qualitative) approach to review the phenomenon of water accounting factors. Then, in this study’s second phase, Fuzzy-DEMATEL is used to evaluate the areas identified in the presented framework. In this study, Fuzzy-Delphi is also used to verify the reliability of the core components so that it is possible to generalize the factors to the Fuzzy-DEMATEL process.FindingsThe results obtained from the process of ground theory indicate the identification of 3 categories, 6 core components and 29 propositional themes, which are considered to constitute the framework of water accounting. Besides was determined in the quantitative phase that the optimal water consumption efficiency is considered the most effective component of implementing water accounting in capital market firms.Originality/valueThis research is one of the few studies in the field of water accounting framework and Fuzzy evaluation of its functions in the capital market. Because prior research has only described the importance of financial functions and sustainability in the form of a case study, this study seeks to achieve a framework for the implementation of water accounting. Also, through the evaluation of Fuzzy-DEMATEL, this study tries to develop the strategic functions of firms in managing water consumption. The originality of this study is, firstly, the identification of the driving fields of the water accounting, and secondly, the study follows the Fuzzy-Delphi and Fuzzy-DEMATEL of the factors identified in the TSE. Both implications raised in this section show the knowledge-enhancing and practical capacities of the study.

Comparative Analysis of the Construction Industry in the EU and the Arab States of the Persian Gulf (GCC): Its Impact on Economic Growth

The construction industry plays a pivotal role in propelling global economic growth. This research examines the economic contributions of the construction sectors in the European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The EU's approach is characterised by a focus on sustainability-driven policies, including energy efficiency and circular economy practices. This is intended to foster economic resilience and alignment with international commitments such as the Paris Agreement. In contrast, the construction sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is driven by large-scale infrastructure projects and urbanisation, which are in turn fuelled by oil revenues. This emphasises the importance of diversification as a means of reducing economic volatility. By analysing regulatory frameworks, investment trends and technological innovations, the study demonstrates how the construction industry contributes to GDP growth, job creation and industrial development in both regions. Moreover, it investigates potential avenues for interregional collaboration, underscoring the capacity of sustainable construction practices and innovation to bolster economic stability and competitiveness within the global construction landscape. The study also highlights how circular economy principles can redefine sustainable construction practices, enhancing resource efficiency and promoting resilience.

Advancing Flow Batteries: High Energy Density and Ultra‐Fast Charging via Room‐Temperature Liquid Metal

AbstractGlobal climate change necessitates urgent carbon neutrality. Energy storage is crucial in this effort, but adoption is hindered by current battery technologies due to low energy density, slow charging, and safety issues. A novel liquid metal flow battery using a gallium, indium, and zinc alloy (Ga80In10Zn10, wt.%) is introduced in an alkaline electrolyte with an air electrode. This system offers ultrafast charging comparable to gasoline refueling (&lt;5 min) as demonstrated in the repeated long‐term discharging (123 h) process of 317 mAh capacity at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 with an average voltage of 1.1 V. A high practical capacity density of 635.1 mAh g−1 is achieved in this brand‐new battery with a potential theoretical value of 1004.4 mAh g−1. Microscopic and numerical simulations reveal significant hydrogen evolution reaction and dendrite suppression compared to Zn and pure Ga electrodes. The potassium iodide (KI)‐modified Ga80In10Zn10‐air battery exhibits a reduced charging voltage of 1.77 V and high energy efficiency of 57% at 10 mA cm−2 over 800 cycles, outperforming conventional Pt/C and Ir/C‐based systems with 22% improvement. This innovative battery addresses the limitations of traditional lithium‐ion batteries, flow batteries, and Zn‐air batteries, contributing advanced energy storage technologies to global carbon neutrality.

Triphenylamine-Based Conjugated Microporous Polymers as the Next Generation Organic Cathode Materials.

This paper presents a study on a novel porous polymer based on triphenylamine (LPCMP) as an excellent cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. Through structural design and a scalable post-synthesis approach, improvements in intrinsic conductivity, practical capacity, and redox potential in an organic cathode material is reported. The designed cathode achieves a notable capacity of 146mAhg⁻¹ with an average potential of 3.6V, using 70% active material content in the electrode. Additionally, through appropriate structural design, the capacity can increase to 160mAhg-1. Even at a high current density of 20Ag⁻¹ (360C), the cathode maintains a capacity of 74mAhg⁻¹, enabling full charge within 10 s. A high specific energy density of 569Whkg⁻¹ (at 0.1Ag⁻¹) is combined with a very high power density of 94.5kWkg⁻¹ (at 20Ag⁻¹ corresponding to a specific energy density of 263Whkg⁻¹) surpassing the power density of graphene-based supercapacitors. It exhibits highly stable cyclic performance across various current densities, retaining almost 95% of its initial capacity after 1000 cycles at 5.5C. This work presents a significant breakthrough in developing high-capacity, high-potential organic materials for sustainable, high-energy, and high-power lithium-ion batteries.

Trace Multifunctional Additive Enhancing 4.8 V Ultra‐High Voltage Performance of Ni‐Rich Cathode and SiOx Anode Battery

AbstractThe combination of high‐voltage Ni‐rich cathodes and high‐capacity Si‐based anodes can result in high energy density for next‐generation batteries. However, the practical capacities accesses are severely hindered by unstable electrode/electrolyte interphases (EEI) and irreversible structural degradation, which necessitates efficient additives in electrolyte for generating stable EEI. Herein, a multifunctional additive, 3‐Fluoro‐5‐(4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborolan‐2‐yl)picolinonitrile (FTDP) is proposed to construct robust interfaces at both cathodic and anodic surface, so as to enhance electrochemical performance. FTDP is preferentially decomposed to form B‐contained and cyano (CN) group‐rich cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI), as well as LiF‐, Li3N‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), simultaneously, resulting in the integrity and stability of electrodes. Moreover, the FTDP‐derived CEI can suppress transition metal ions dissolution, further facilitating battery cyclability. The multifunctionality of FTDP, including quenching free radicals, alleviating the hydrolysis of LiPF6 and inhibiting HF generation, thus greatly improving interfacial stability. With trace addition of 0.2 wt.%, NCM811/Li cell can be performed at an extreme condition, i.e., ultra‐high voltage (4.8 V), high temperature (60 °C) and high rate (10C). 1.6 Ah NCM811/SiOx pouch cell delivers a high capacity retention of 84.0% after 300 cycles.

Exploring the experiences of GPs in establishing and operating the chronic disease management programme in clinical practice in Ireland. A qualitative study

Background The management of chronic diseases, in the context of an ageing population and increasing life expectancy, is one of the major challenges facing the Irish health system. In 2020, a chronic disease management programme [CDM] was introduced in Irish general practice as part of a transformation in health policy to meet the changing needs of the population. Objectives To explore GPs’ experiences and perceptions of the impact of the introduction of CDM on general practice in Ireland. Methods 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs in clinical practice from across Ireland. GPs were purposefully recruited to capture the differing experiences faced by GPs in large and small practices in both urban and rural settings. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results GPs were enthusiastic about aspects of CDM, which they felt provided an improved framework for their approach to the management of chronic diseases. However, they described several challenges to implementation, especially around capacity constraints. CDM could have unintended consequences for aspects of routine GP care. GPs described how practice nurses had taken on a central role in both clinical and administrative aspects of the programme. Conclusions GPs value the framework provided by CDM for their approach to the management of chronic disease. However, challenges around practice capacity and its impact both on the delivery of CDM and aspects of routine care highlight the importance for policy makers to provide continued support to strengthen the general practice infrastructure.

Highly Reversible Lithium Deposition and Stripping Under Practical Conditions through Improved Wettability of Polyolefin Separator to Highly Concentrated Electrolytes

Lithium metal is regarded as a promising negative electrode material for rechargeable batteries, but several challenges such as the dendritic growth of lithium metal and side reactions between lithium metal and electrolyte hinder the practical application of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). In recent years, several research groups reported that highly concentrated electrolytes (HCEs) are effective in suppressing side reactions and improving the electrode reversibility of lithium metal.[1] However, the poor wettability of conventional polyolefin separators toward HCEs remains a critical issue to be addressed. Although porous glass fiber filters are often used as separators for HCEs, lithium dendrites easily penetrate the separator during repeated lithium deposition/stripping at areal capacities over 1 mA h cm−2, leading to an internal short circuit. Here, we present the effective strategies to solve the electrolyte wettability issue and to achieve stable cycling of LMBs under practical conditions. The use of a functional polyolefin separator coated on both sides with an aramid layer improves the electrolyte wettability because polar functional groups provide a better affinity between the polyolefin separator and HCE.[2] The combined use of HCE (5 mol dm-3 LiN(SO2F)2 in 1,2-dimethoxyetahne) and aramid-coated polyolefin separator increases the reversible lithium deposition capacity up to >10 mA h cm−2 and results in stable lithium deposition/stripping cycling with high Coulombic efficiency of ~99% at practical areal capacity of 4 mA h cm−2. From these results, the possibility of developing practical high-energy LMBs with HCEs will be discussed.

Development of Aluminum-Foil Anodes for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

Alloy anode materials, such as silicon, tin, and aluminum, are expected to be used in rechargeable lithium batteries owing to high theoretical capacities, compared to conventional carbonaceous anodes. However, the high capacities inevitably cause drastic volume change (+100~300%) of the anode materials during battery reactions (i.e., lithium insertion and extraction), which usually leads to fatal structural degradation.[1,2] Although downsizing the anode materials into fine particles is an effective way to endure the huge volume change,[3] the complicated preparation process raise the production costs, and the indispensable supporting substance (e.g. polymer binder, current collector) for the active material particles decreases the practical capacity of the total anode. Therefore, easy-to-manufacture strategy is still strongly demanded for practical application of alloy anode materials towards high energy-density and low-cost rechargeable lithium batteries.Recently, we have reported a metallurgical approach which stabilizes the structure change of Al foils during repeated lithiation and delithiation. By adjusting the composition and hardness of the Al matrix, a homogeneous in-plane lithiation and an out-of-plane (one-dimensional) volume expansion (+100%) are achieved during lithiation.[4] Because the LiAl phase has a certain tolerance to off-stoichiometry composition, a concentration gradient can be formed from the surface to the inside of Al foils, driving the interdiffusion of Al and Li. During delithiation, the Al matrix is recrystallized and self-organized to pillar/porous structure, which can tolerant the volume changes in subsequent cycles. The reversible structure changes allow the Al foils to work as self-contained anodes. The Al-foil anodes can be divided into a surface layer that alloys Li, and a base layer that maintains the structural stability and electric conductivity. However, during cycling, the electrolyte exhibits a significant impact on the structure stability of the Al-foil anodes. The decomposition products of the conventional carbonate-based electrolytes, such as 1 M LiPF6 in EC-DMC, easily passivate the surface of Al-foil anodes. As a result, the base layer is gradually consumed during cycling accompanied with the pulverization of the surface layer. The electrolyte permeates the fresh Al surface would further passivate the Al surface. Eventually, the capacity would be vanished, when the Al-foil anodes are completely pulverized, or the electrolytes are completely decomposed.To extend the cycle life of Al-foil anodes, in this presentation, we summarize the degradation mechanism of the Al-foil anodes and introduce the improvement strategies from various perspectives, including alloy additions, electrolyte selection and the structural design. Appropriate alloy additions can moderate the surface formation of Al matrix during delithiation, which prevent the electrolyte permeation. In addition, salt concentrations, anion and solvent combinations markedly affects the electrolyte compatibility with the Al-foil anodes, where the cyclability can be significantly improved with electrolytes that are less susceptible to passivating the Al surface. Furthermore, introducing distinct thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics between the surface and base layers, such as cladding Al foils,[5] can effectively prevent the electrolyte permeation and Li penetration consume the base layer.[1] T. Ichitsubo et al, J. Mater. Chem. A 21, 2701 (2011).[2] T. Ichitsubo et al, J. Electrochem. Soc. 159, A14 (2012).[3] T. Wada, T. Ichitsubo et al, Nano Lett. 14, 4505 (2014).[4] H. Li, T. Ichitsubo et al, Nat. Commun. 11, 1584 (2020).[5] H. Li, T. Ichitsubo et al, J. Mater. Chem. A 11, 23311 (2023).

Electrochemical Reactions of LiCoO2-Li3BO3 Composite Electrode Constructed on Li6.6La3Zr1.6Ta0.4O12 solid Electrolyte Sheet Studied By in Situ Hard X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (HAXPES)

LiCoO2 is one of the commercially used cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries due to its relatively high cycle performance and theoretical capacity density of 274 mAh g-1. However, the practical capacity density is limited to ~140 mAh g-1 under the operation below 4.2 V vs. Li+/Li because the high-voltage charging often results in rapid capacity fading.[ 1 ] The degradation mechanism under high-voltage charging has been studied from the structural and electronic aspects using various techniques, such as x-ray diffraction (XRD)[ 2 ] and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).[ 3 ] During the high-voltage charging up to 4.7 V, LiCoO2 transforms from the H3 phase to the H1-3 and then to the O1 phase.[ 1 ] While only the oxidation of Co3+ to Co4+ occurs as a result of the electron extraction from Co 3d (t2g) states during charging up to 4.2 V, the oxidation of O2- to O- also occurs as a result of the electron extraction from O 2p states due to the hybridization of t2g and O 2p orbitals.[ 3 ] These structural changes and oxygen redox are considered as an origin of rapid capacity fading under the high-voltage operation. Although understanding of the high-voltage degradation mechanism may lead to the development of high potential positive electrode materials, change of chemical and electronic structure of LiCoO2 under high-voltage operation yet to be fully clarified.In the present study, we developed a laboratory-based operando hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) system equipped with a Cr-Kα source (5414.9 eV) and bias application apparatus, that enables us HAXPES measurements of all-solid-state cells during charge/discharge cycles, and applied it to investigate the electrochemical reactions of a LiCoO2-Li3BO3 composite electrode layer constructed on a Li6.6La3Zr1.6Ta0.4O12 solid electrolyte sheet.The galvanostatic charge/discharge potential profiles exhibited plateaus corresponding to the delithiation from the H1 and H3-LiCoO2 at around 3.9 and 4.6 V during the charging, respectively. In the subsequent discharging, the cell voltage rapidly dropped from 4.7 V to around 4.2 V without the plateau region at around 4.6 V. In addition to the absence of 4.6 V plateau, the capacity density of 3.9 V plateau in the discharging process was substantially smaller than that of the charging process, confirming the irreversibility caused by high-voltage operation. In the Co 2p3/2 region of the pristine cell, a main peak and a broad satellite peak characteristic to LiCoO2 were observed.[ 4 ] The main peak was deconvoluted into two peaks originated from Co3+ ions of the LiCoO2 and final state effect[ 4,5 ] at around 780 eV and 780.6 eV, respectively. After the charging up to 4.2 V, the main peak was asymmetrically broadened to a higher binding energy because of appearance of Co4+ peak at around 781 eV. After the subsequent discharging, the full width half maximum (FWHM) of Co4+ peak decreased while of Co3+ ions remained unchanged, confirming the reversible redox reaction of Co3+/4+ ions under the operation below 4.2 V. In the O 1s region of the pristine cell, two peaks corresponding to O2- in LiCoO2 lattice and Li2CO3 adsor After the charging up to 4.7 V, however, a new peak corresponding to peroxo-like oxygen dimer ((O2)n- , (n<2))[ 6 ] appeared simultaneously with the disappearance of lattice O2-, as well as the appearance of Co4+ peak as is the case of 4.2 V operation, suggesting the oxidation of lattice O2-. After the subsequent discharging, the FWHM of Co4+ peak and peak intensity of lattice O2- did not fully revert to those of pristine cell, suggesting the irreversible redox reaction to retain Co4+ and (O2)n- species. Further details on the spectral features LiCoO2-Li3BO3 composite electrode under high-voltage operation measured by operando HAXPES system will be discussed.

Tailored Iron Fluoride Lattices and Nanocomposites for High Energy, Rate, and Long Cycle Life

Due to the rapidly growing energy demands of portable electronics, electric vehicles and grid storage, the need for efficient, energy dense secondary batteries is more important than ever before. Current commercial lithium batteries generally use a layered transition metal oxide, such as LiCoO2 (LCO), which is an intercalation positive electrode that has a theoretical capacity of 274mAh/g, but a practical capacity of only 140-160 mAh/g (3). Current graphite negative electrode capacities are approximately 300mAh/g (4), lithium metal has a capacity of 3860mAh/g (5), and newly incorporated Si alloys enable a range of capacities between the two end points. Considering this, it is clear the limiting factor for lithium battery capacities is the positive electrode. Further, LCO as with many of the Ni based layered compounds is toxic, expensive, and requires mining which is both detrimental to the environment and generally done in unethical working conditions (2). Conversion materials offer a solution to this problem having significantly higher capacity than their intercalation counterparts and many of which are sourced from abundant elements. Of particular interest is iron(III) fluoride (FeF3) because of its high theoretical capacity (712mAh/g), low toxicity, and low cost and environmental impact due to the abundance of iron (1). Although much improvement has been accomplished in the community, a number of challenges remain to be addressed before conversion materials can become a competitive alternative. These limitations include poor rate capabilities, cycling stability and electrochemical performance at room temperature. FeF3 is an electrical insulator, which makes it a poor electrode material at room temperature. Our group has also shown that the majority of the impedance is related to ion transport (6). To work around the transport challenged nature of FeF3 and enable it electrochemically, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was used to create conductive pathways in the form of a dense FeF3:xMoS2 nanocomposites. The resulting nanocomposites created a matrix of 10-23nm iron fluoride crystallites encapsulated by quasi 2D MoS2 nanosheets. This nanocomposite also led to modification of the core FeF3 crystal lattice and voltage profile paralleling a systematic improvement of the conversion kinetics, performance, and rate capabilities. At room temperature, the new dense composites exhibited very stable cycling with capacities of up to 693mAh/g (1303 Wh/kg) and good performance at 1C rate; both a significant improvement when compared to benchmark FeF3: C nanocomposites (Fig. 1). Details regarding mechanism, enabling electrolytes, comprehensive physical characterization, data in Li-ion cells and pathways for future enhancement will be discussed. F. Badway et al 2003 J. Electrochem. Soc. 150 A1209Célestin Lubaba Nkulu Banza et al 2009 Environmental Research, Volume 109, Issue 6Qian, J., Liu, L., Yang, J. et al. Nat Commun 9, 4918 (2018)Kaifeng Yu, Jian Li, Hui Qi, Ce Liang, Diamond and Related Materials, Volume 86 (2018)Xu, W et al 2014 Energy Environ. Sci.,7, 513-537Jonathan K. Ko et al 2015 J. Electrochem. Soc. 162 A149 Figure 1

LaAl3 Intermetallic Alloy Anode for Fluoride-Ion Battery

An all-solid-state fluoride-ion battery is one of the promising candidates for next-generation secondary batteries owing to its high energy density compared to a commercial lithium-ion battery [1]. While the practical capacities of cathodes have recently shown improvements in discharge capacities (up to 200 – 500 mAh g–1) [2], the capacities of anodes are still one order of magnitude smaller than that of cathodes, and moreover, their cycle stability are also very low [3]. It is therefore important to improve the electrochemical performance of the anodes in fluoride-ion batteries. Aluminum (Al) is one of the promising metals owing to the high theoretical capacity (2980 mAh g–1) and the low redox potential (–1.7 V vs. Pb/PbF2). However, there is no report on the practical use of Al because of the significantly low F– ion conductivity of AlF3 (10–11 S cm–1 at room temperature). To secure the low F– ion conductivity of AlF3, we explore the intermetallic alloy between Al and La because LaF3 shows a higher F– ion conductivity (10–8 S cm–1) than that of AlF3. Here, we show that LaAl3 reversibly delivers the high capacity with relatively small capacity fade [4].LaAl3 intermetallic alloy was prepared from La with a purity of 99.9% and Al with a purity of 99.999% by arc melting, and then annealed at 950℃ for 336 h. The LaAl3 phase was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. To prepare the anode composites, the LaAl3 powders were mixed with La0.9Ba0.1F2.4 (solid electrolytes) and acetylene black (conductive aids) powders in the weight ratio of 3:6:1, using planetary ball mills with ZrO2 balls under a rotation speed of 100 rpm for 20 h. Using galvanostatic cycling, we performed charge/discharge tests of the all-solid-state fluoride-ion battery, where LaAl3 and PbF2 were used as anode and cathode active materials, respectively. The initial discharge and charge capacities are 445 mAh g–1 and 202 mAh g–1, respectively. While the 1st discharge curve shows a monotonous potential increment, the subsequent charge and discharge curves show stable potential plateaus at –2.0 V and –1.5 V. To elucidate the charge/discharge mechanism of LaAl3, we performed structural and chemical analysis of the 1st discharged and charged LaAl3, using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). We found that LaAl3 is decomposed into LaF3 and AlF3 nanocrystals in the initial discharge process. Detailed discussion will be given in this presentation. Acknowledgements This presentation is based on results obtained from a project, JPNP21006, commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

Mitigating Capacity Degradation and Surface Oxygen Loss of Single-Crystalline LiNiO2 Cathodes Via Al2O3 Surface Coating

The performance of next-generation Li-ion batteries (LIBs) for electric vehicle applications relies on energy-dense and low-cost lithium-ion chemistries. Single-crystalline LiNiO2 (SC-LNO) cathodes are regarded as promising materials for high-energy-density applications owing to their high practical capacity, resistance to particle cracking and competitive cost [1]. However, under high voltage operation (≥ 4.4 vs. graphite), they experience rapid capacity loss, owing to parasitic electrode-electrolyte reactions expedited by surface oxygen loss [2]. Overcoming this, stabilising the long-duration performance of SC-LNO cathodes to operate at high voltages while maintaining capacity retention is critical for their integration into commercial batteries. Surface engineering by coating could provide an effective approach to tune the electrochemistry of Ni-rich cathodes while inhibiting degradation pathways [3,4]. Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) coating is used as a barrier to eliminate highly reactive electrolyte species (HF) from the cathode surface, thereby enhancing long-term stability and improving high voltage performance [5,6]. It offers a viable strategy to control the surface of SC-LNO from O loss (O-n, n > 2) and protect it from electrolyte attack. In this study, we employ an ultrathin and conformal film of AlOx on SC-LNO powder via Powder Atomic Layer Deposition (P-ALD). To minimise moisture exposure, the slurry and casting processes were performed in a controlled dry room environment. Electrochemical testing was carried out in balanced coin cells (vs. commercial graphite) at 25 oC and cycled between a voltage range of 2.5–4.2 V and 2.5–4.4 V. Following two formation cycles performed at a C/20 rate, the cells were cycled 100 times at C/3 rate. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were also performed before and after 100 cycles to assess any impedance changes.The electrochemical data revealed that AlOx coated SC-LNO cathodes provide significantly higher capacity retention (94.5%) than uncoated ones (66.3%) after 50 cycles at 4.4 V (vs. graphite). Regarding the rate capability test, the coated cathode delivers improved and stable capacities at faster rates compared with uncoated SC-LNO cathodes. Online electrochemical mass spectroscopy (OEMS) analysis of the AlOx coated cathodes indicates that the onset potential for oxygen loss related gas evolution is > 4.4 V vs. Li/Li+. In contrast, for the uncoated SC-LNO sample, this was found to be ~4.2 V. Hence, the AlOx coating serves as a protective layer, for the cathode against electrolyte-induced degradation and transition metal dissolution at high voltage by forming Al-O-F species at the surface [6]. This beneficial interaction enhances the electrochemical performance by effectively inhibiting impedance growth and improving the cycling life and stability of SC-LNO cathodes. This study highlights the crucial role of AlOx coatings in mitigating surface oxygen loss, which is a key factor contributing to the deterioration of cell performance and issues related to Li+ kinetics. Our findings significantly contribute to advancing the development of high-performance SC-LNO cathode materials, offering valuable insights into the application of ALD coatings for enhancing the performance of Li-ion battery cells.[1]. Lee, Dong-hee, Maxim Avdeev, Dong-il Kim, Weon Ho Shin, John Hong, and Minkyung Kim. "Regulating Single-Crystal LiNiO2 Size and Surface Coating toward a High-Capacity Cathode for Lithium-Ion Batteries." ACS Applied Energy Materials 6, no. 10 (2023): 5309-5317.[2]. Zhang, Hanlei, Hao Liu, Louis FJ Piper, M. Stanley Whittingham, and Guangwen Zhou. "Oxygen loss in layered oxide cathodes for Li-ion batteries: Mechanisms, effects, and mitigation." Chemical reviews 122, no. 6 (2022): 5641-5681.[3]. Shi, Yang, Yingjie Xing, Kitae Kim, Taehwan Yu, Albert L. Lipson, Arrelaine Dameron, and Justin G. Connell. "Communication—reduction of DC resistance of Ni-rich lithium transition metal oxide cathode by atomic layer deposition." Journal of the Electrochemical Society 168, no. 4 (2021): 040501.[4]. Haworth, Abby R., Beth IJ Johnston, Laura Wheatcroft, Sarah L. McKinney, Nuria Tapia-Ruiz, Sam G. Booth, Alisyn J. Nedoma, Serena A. Cussen, and John M. Griffin. "Structural Insight into Protective Alumina Coatings for Layered Li-Ion Cathode Materials by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy." ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2024).[5]. Chen, Zonghai, Yan Qin, Khalil Amine, and Y-K. Sun. "Role of surface coating on cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries." Journal of materials chemistry 20, no. 36 (2010): 7606-7612.[6]. Lebens-Higgins, Zachary W., David M. Halat, Nicholas V. Faenza, Matthew J. Wahila, Manfred Mascheck, Tomas Wiell, Susanna K. Eriksson et al. "Surface Chemistry Dependence on Aluminum Doping in Ni-rich LiNi0. 8Co0. 2− y Al y O2 Cathodes." Scientific reports 9, no. 1 (2019): 17720. Figure 1

Structural Disorder of a Layered Lithium Manganese Oxide Cathode Paving a Reversible Phase Transition Route toward Its Theoretical Capacity.

Layered lithium manganese oxides suffer from irreversible phase transitions induced by Mn migration and/or dissolution associated with the Jahn-Teller effect (JTE) of Mn3+, leading to inevitable capacity fading during cycling. The popular doping strategy of oxidizing Mn3+ to Mn4+ to relieve the JTE cannot completely eliminate the detrimental structural collapse from the cooperative JTE. Therefore, they are considered to be impractical for commercial use as cathode materials. Here, we demonstrate a layered lithium manganese oxide that can be charged and discharged without any serious structural collapse using metastable Li-birnessite with controlled structural disorder. Although Li-birnessite is thermodynamically unstable under ambient conditions, Li ion exchange into Na-birnessite followed by an optimal dehydration resulted in a disordered Li-birnessite. The control over crystal water in the interlayer provides intriguing short-range order therein, which can help to suppress parasitic Mn migration and dissolution, thereby ensuring a reversible electrochemical cycling. The Mn redox behavior and local structure change of the Li-birnessite were investigated by ex situ soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (sXAS) and X-ray pair distribution function (PDF) analysis. The combined sXAS and PDF with electrochemical analyses disclosed that the reversible Mn redox and suppressed phase transitions in Dh Li-birnessite contribute to dramatically improving its electrochemical reversiblity during cycling. Our findings underscore the substantial effects of controlled static disorder on the structural stability and electrochemical reversibility of a layered lithium manganese oxide, Li-birnessite, which extends the practical capacity of layered oxides close to their theoretical limit.

Breaking the capacity bottleneck of lithium-oxygen batteries through reconceptualizing transport and nucleation kinetics

The practical capacity of lithium-oxygen batteries falls short of their ultra-high theoretical value. Unfortunately, the fundamental understanding and enhanced design remain lacking, as the issue is complicated by the coupling processes between Li2O2 nucleation, growth, and multi-species transport. Herein, we redefine the relationship between the microscale Li2O2 behaviors and the macroscopic electrochemical performance, emphasizing the importance of the inherent modulating ability of Li+ ions through a synergy of visualization techniques and cross-scale quantification. We find that Li2O2 particle distributed against the oxygen gradient signifies a compatibility match for the nucleation and transport kinetics, thus enabling the output of the electrode’s maximum capacity and providing a basis for evaluating operating protocols for future applications. In this case, a 150% capacity enhancement is further achieved through the development of a universalizing methodology. This work opens the door for the rules and control of energy conversion in metal-air batteries, greatly accelerating their path to commercialization.

Polar Molecule Intercalation to Weaken P2─S Bonding in MnPS3 Toward Ultrahigh-Capacity Sodium Storage.

Layered transition metal trithiophosphates (TMPS3, TM = Mn, Fe, Co, etc.) with high theoretical capacity (>1300 mAh g-1) are potential anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, the strong bonding between P2 dimers and S atoms in TMPS3 hinders the efficient alloying reaction between P2 dimers and Na+, resulting in practical capacities much lower than theoretical values. Herein, a polar molecule diisopropylamine (DIPA) is intercalated into MnPS3 for the first time to improve the sodium storage performance effectively. Theoretical calculations show that the electron transfer between DIPA and MnPS3 induces more delocalized S p states and weaker P─S bonds, significantly enhancing the electrochemical activity and sodiation/desodiation reaction kinetics. Moreover, the expanded interlayer spacing from 6.48 to 10.75 Å enables faster Na+ diffusion and more active sites for Na+ adsorption. As expected, the DIPA-MnPS3 exhibits an ultrahigh capacity of 1,023 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 and excellent cycling performance (≈100% capacity retention after 4200 cycles at 10 A g-1), far outperforming those metal thiophosphates anodes reported for SIBs. Interestingly, in situ and ex situ characterizations reveal a quasi-topological intercalation mechanism of DIPA-MnPS3. This work provides a novel strategy for the design of high-performance anode materials for SIBs.