Core-shell Spheres Research Articles

Unconventionally microspheric quasi-solid electrolyte interface approach for durable and highly reactive phosphorus for lithium-ion storage

Solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film is the most important separation layer between nonaqueous electrolytes and anodes to protect anode from corrosion and maintain continuous ionic diffusion tunnels. However, SEI film, especially for high-capacity anode materials, is still confined to continuous and stable ionic conductive layer despite the conventional SEI film is intrinsically poor to resist against the drastic volumetric changes of active centers. Herein, an unconventional spheric quasi-SEI film is thus strategically configured on cost-effective red phosphorus electrode materials by moderate phosphorylation combined with pore-forming process. Microstructure adjustment from solid microspheres structure to hollowed core–shell spheres is visibly taken place on this amazing spheric quasi-SEI film during the stabilization. Benefiting from the highly activated surface with weakened PP bond strength and the strengthened binding force between phosphorus and binders, the optimized phosphorus anode presents an outstanding long-term durability with a high discharge capacity of 1126.4 mAh/g over 400 cycles at 200 mA g−1 even at a high phosphorus load ratio of 70 wt%. This revolutionary configuration of quasi-SEI film provides high-capacity anode materials subject to large volumetric changes an unconventional approach from dependence on conductive framework/matrix.

Frequency-Selective Radar-Absorbing Composites Using Hybrid Core-Shell Spheres.

Radar-absorbing materials (RAMs) covering the exterior surfaces of installed parts and assembled devices are crucial in absorbing most incident electromagnetic (EM) waves. This absorption minimizes reflected energy, thereby enhancing pilot safety and the stability of operating electronic devices without interference. Particularly, active stealth aircraft require effective protection from near- and far-field EM radiation across a wide spectrum of frequencies from both highly integrated electronic components and advanced enemy radars. Studies of RAMs often prioritize absorption over crucial tunability in frequency selectivity, revealing a research gap. In this study, we propose smart RAMs with frequency-selective absorption capabilities. Our approach involves incorporating two types of core-shell spheres in a polymer matrix, which feature shells of either wave-diffuse reflecting metal or wave-absorbing graphene. The key innovation lies in the ability to tailor absorption frequencies in the X-band range (8.2-12.4 GHz) by adjusting the interstitial spaces between the metallic spheres while the scattered waves are efficiently attenuated by graphene networks in the composites. On a metal substrate, a 2 mm-thick composite with an optimized structural composition and ratio of the two types of spheres exhibits a maximum absorption efficiency of 99.3%, effectively trapping and extinguishing incident waves. Combined with the structural tunability and frequency-selective properties of spherical fillers, our approach provides a scalable and effective method for creating functional isotropic coverings on various metallic surfaces.

Investigation of morphology and structure of drug-loaded PLA-b-PEO-b-PLA polymeric micelle: A dissipative particle dynamics simulations study.

The dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation was used to study the morphologies and structures of the paclitaxel-loaded PLA-b-PEO-b-PLA polymeric micelle. We focused on the influences of PLA block length, PLA-b-PEO-b-PLA copolymer concentration, paclitaxel drug content on morphologies and structures of the micelle. Our simulations show that: (i) with the PLA block length increase, the self-assemble structure of PLA-b-PEO-b-PLA copolymers with paclitaxel vary between onion-like structure (core-middle layer-shell) to spherical core-shell structure. The PEO shell thins and the size of the PLA core increases. The onionlike structures are comprised of the PEO hydrophilic core, the PLA hydrophobic middle layer, and the PEO hydrophilic shell, the distribution of the paclitaxel drug predominantly occurs within the hydrophobic intermediate layer; (ii) The system forms a spherical core-shell structure when a small amount of the drug is added, and within a certain range, the size of the spherical structure increases as the drug amount increases. When the drug contents (volume fraction) cdrug = 10%, it can be observed that the PLA4-b-PEO19-b-PLA4 spherical structures connect to form rod-shaped structures. With the length of PLA block NPLA = 8, as the paclitaxel drug concentrations cdrug = 4%, PEO has been insufficient to completely encapsulate the PLA and paclitaxel drug beads. To enhance drug loading capacity while maintaining stability of the system in aqueous solution, the optimal composition for loading paclitaxel is PLA4-b-PEO19-b-PLA4; the drug content is not higher than 4%; (iii) The paclitaxel-loaded PLA4-b-PEO19-b-PLA4 micelle undergo the transition from onionlike (core-middle layer-shell) to spherical (core-shell) to rod-shaped and lamellar structure as the PLA4-b-PEO19-b-PLA4 copolymer concentration increases from ccp = 10% to 40%.

Cation-driven self-assembly of core–shell covalent organic frameworks@Ti3CN MXene nanospheres for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors

Rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZISCs) with the superiorities of high theoretical capacity, low redox potential and aqueous electrolytes with superior ionic conductivity (∼1 S cm−1) are promising energy storage systems. However, a primary concern persists due to the absence of cathode materials with both high energy densities and satisfactory cycling stability for robust ZISCs. In this study, we design a spherical core–shell covalent organic frameworks@Ti3CN MXene (CM-P) cathode via a cation-driven electrostatic self-assembly strategy. The CM-P with the constructed heterostructures shows both well-organized pore channels and excellent intrinsic conductivity, facilitating fast accessibility to intrinsic redox-active sites (such as C = O and N), and promoting effective ion diffusion characterized by low energy barriers. Consequently, the CM-P cathodes demonstrate excellent electrochemical performance, featuring an ultrahigh specific capacity of 260 mAh/g at 0.1 A, a high-rate capability with 68 % retention at 1 A/g, and long-term cycling stability. First-principle calculations elucidate that the enhanced charge-storage mechanism relies on the heterostructures of CM-P, accelerating ion adsorption/diffusion and electron transfer. Furthermore, the assembled CM-P//Zn ZISCs devices show a high energy density of 217.1 Wh kg−1 along with power density of 22.3 kW kg−1. This work provides an innovative approach to design COFs-based heterostructures for advanced ZISCs.

Regulating the microstructure of Ti@TiAlSi core-shell structured reinforcing particles endows Al–Si alloy matrix composites with high strength and ductility

Forming spherical core-shell (CS) structured reinforcing particles, consisting of a Ti core and a surrounding TiAlSi intermetallic shell, by in situ reaction between Ti and Al matrix is a promising approach to overcome the strength-ductility trade-off in particle reinforced Al–Si matrix composites. However, the phase constituent and microstructure of the shells are highly sensitive to the Al–Si alloy composition and processing parameters of the powder thixoforming method. Therefore, the effects of Si content and partial remelting temperature on the microstructure of CS particles and the tensile properties of the resultant composites were investigated in this study. The results indicate that uniform and compact shell can be achieved only by the τ2-phase reaction layer generated during partial remelting. To form the τ2 phase, the Si content in the liquid phase of the semisolid billet prior to thixoforming must be higher than 10.3 wt%. This can be achieved through adjusting the Si content in the Al–Si alloy matrix or/and partial remelting temperature. Moreover, the Ti core radius to shell thickness ratio of ∼1.5 was proposed to achieve the composites with both high strength and ductility. These findings are helpful for designing the microstructure and fabricating CS particles reinforced metal matrix composites with excellent comprehensive mechanical properties.

Core-shell structured Mn3O4@CdIn2S4 microspheres with S-scheme charge transfer route for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

In this study, core–shell Mn3O4@CdIn2S4 (Mn3O4@CIS) microspheres were prepared via synthesis of Mn3O4 microspheres with Mn-MOF as precursor followed by in-situ growth of CdIn2S4 (CIS) shell. The hydrogen evolution rate of the optimized Mn3O4@CIS was 2.6 mmol·g−1·h−1, which were 11.54-fold and 17.44-fold that of CIS and Mn3O4 alone, respectively. The spherical core–shell structure could broaden the light absorption range and enhance the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers, thereby promoting solar energy utilization. More importantly, experimental and computational results proved that the charge migration followed an S-scheme transfer route in the interface between Mn3O4 and CIS, accumulating photogenerated electrons in the conduction band of CIS for robust photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. This work provided a facile strategy for the design and fabrication of efficient photocatalysts via synchronous morphology and S-scheme heterojunction architecture.

Mesoporous silica-based pH/enzyme dual-response system: Nanoparticles for smart delivery of indoxacarb with improved insecticidal activity and biocompatibility

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) are ideal carriers for agrochemical control release systems due to their smart environmental stimulus response by easy modification. Herein, MSN loaded with indoxacarb (IN) were successfully prepared using the hard template method. Dopamine (DA) and α-cyclohexapentylose (α-CD) were encapsulated around the MSN surface to obtain pH and enzyme dual-response nanoparticles (IN@MSN@PDA@α-CD). The prepared nanoparticles showed a spherical core-shell structure with a loading content of 22.5 %, and the polymer coating covering the surface of the nanoparticles effectively protected IN from photolysis. Moreover, different biostimuli associated with Spodoptera frugiperda can trigger the release of IN from nanoparticles. Compared with the commercial emulsifiable concentrate (14.93 mg L−1), IN@MSN@PDA@α-CD (8.89 mg L−1) extended the effective duration of IN against Spodoptera frugiperda, and considerably decreased the toxicity of IN to Eisenia fetida, zebrafish and human BEAS-2B cells. Thus, pH/enzyme dual-responsive nanoparticles have substantial potential for sustainable on-demand targeted delivery of agrochemicals and for improving their environmental safety.

Modulation of Methoxyfenozide Release from Lignin Nanoparticles Made of Lignin Grafted with PCL by ROP and Acylation Grafting Methods.

An efficient and sustainable agriculture calls for the development of novel agrochemical delivery systems able to release agrochemicals in a controlled manner. This study investigated the controlled release of the insecticide methoxyfenozide (MFZ) from lignin (LN) nanoparticles (LNPs). LN-grafted poly(ε-caprolactone) (LN-g-PCL) polymers were synthesized using two grafting methods, ring-opening polymerization (ROP)(LN-g-PCLp) and acylation reaction (LN-g-PCLa), creating polymers capable of self-assembling into nanoparticles of different properties, without surfactants. The LN-g-PCLp polymers exhibited a degree of polymerization (DP) from 22 to 101, demonstrating enhanced thermal stability after LN incorporation. LNPs loaded with MFZ exhibited a spherical core-shell structure with a hydrophilic LN outer layer and hydrophobic PCL core, with sizes affected by grafting methods and DP. LNPs controlled MFZ release, displaying variation in release profiles depending on the grafting methodology used, LN-g-PCLp DP, and temperature variations (23 to 30 °C). LNPs formulated with LN-g-PCLa showed a cumulative release of MFZ of 36.78 ± 1.23% over 196 h. Comparatively, increasing the DP of the LN-g-PCLp polymers, a reduction of the LNPs release rate from 92.39 ± 1.46% to 70.59 ± 2.40% was achieved within the same time frame. These findings contribute to identifying ways to modulate the controlled release of agrochemicals by incorporating them in renewable-based LNPs.

Nano‐Calcium Carbonate with Core–Shell Structure was Prepared by Dopamine Chelation Using Pluronic F‐127 as Template

AbstractHerein, a new template carbonization method is used to prepare calcite‐type nano‐calcium carbonate (CaCO3) with a core–shell structure using calcium hydroxide as a solute and Pluronic F‐127 as a templating and pore‐forming agent. Dopamine hydrochloride is added to control the size of calcium hydroxide particles. The morphology, particle size, and crystal type of CaCO3 are characterized via transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, nanoparticle size, and zeta potentiometer. The creation of core–shell calcium carbonate nanoparticles is examined in relation to reaction circumstances (i.e., additive sequence, additive amount, and additive mixing time), carbonization temperature, liquid flow rate, and templates with varying chain lengths. Furthermore, a discussion is held regarding the formation mechanism of spherical core–shell calcium carbonate that is created using the innovative template carbonization method. The results show that the order, amount, liquid flow rate, and template type of additives have a significant effect on the crystal shape of calcium carbonate nanoparticles. The mixing time of additives has a significant effect on the particle size of calcium carbonate nanoparticles. Interestingly, the thickness of the shell depends on the carbonization temperature, and too slow or too fast flow rate will lead to the formation of cyclic calcium carbonate nanoparticles.

Enhanced electrochemical behavior of C@CdS Core-Shell heterostructures

The current work presents hydrothermally synthesized carbon@cadmium sulfide core–shell nanostructures with varying carbon nanosphere concentrations. The series is prepared to investigate the shell thickness depending on the concentration of precursors and consequently impacting the optical and electrochemical properties of the core–shell structures. XRD analysis reveals enhanced crystallinity with reduced carbon. SEM & TEM confirm uniform spherical core–shell structures, with optimal uniformity at lower carbon levels. UV–vis spectroscopy demonstrates visible range absorption and reduced band gap with decreased carbon. Electrochemical analysis exhibits diffusion-controlled behavior and Warburg impedance, making the low-carbon sample most suitable for solar cells. Core-shell structures outperform pure carbon samples in absorbance and impedance spectroscopy, showcasing potential for solar cell applications.

Co9S8 core-shell hollow spheres for enhanced oxygen evolution and methanol oxidation reactions by sulfur vacancy engineering.

Cobalt sulfides, especially Co9S8, have been widely studied as a potential earth-abundant electrocatalyst for many electrochemical reactions, such as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). However, the electrocatalytic performance of Co9S8 is not satisfactory because of its comparatively sluggish charge transport and reaction kinetics. Defect engineering and constructing hollow nanostructures are effective methods to improve their electrocatalytic performance, therefore, exploring an efficient route to obtain Co9S8 catalysts, simultaneously possessing sulfur vacancies and hollow nanostructure, is necessary. In this study, Co9S8-x core-shell hollow spheres with sulfur vacancies were prepared via a two-step solvothermal strategy, followed by thermal treatment under an H2/Ar atmosphere. The content of sulfur vacancies can be regulated by varying the temperature during the thermal treatment. The obtained Co9S8-x core-shell hollow spheres exhibited interesting sulfur vacancy defect-dependent activity, one of which showed outstanding electrocatalysis performance for OER with an overpotential (η) of 294 m V (at 10 mA cm-2) and MOR catalysis efficiency (164.9 mA cm-2 at 1.8 V vs. RHE) in an alkaline medium. This study provides a promising and feasible pathway for developing efficient trifunctional electrocatalysts for renewable energy technologies.

V-MOFs derived Na3V2(PO4)3/C core-shell spheres toward ultrastable sodium-ion batteries

Due to the large ionic radius of sodium-ion, the transport of ions is hindered, leading to slow ion diffusion. This, in turn, results in significant structural stresses, causing rapid material deterioration and reduced cycle stability. Furthermore, the low electronic conductivity of Na3V2(PO4)3 further contributes to the unsatisfactory rate performance. To address these challenges, we have employed an adjustable V-MOFs as precursors to synthesize Na3V2(PO4)3/C core-shell spheres with tunable sizes. The incorporation of a carbon shell serves a dual purpose: it not only alleviates the structural stress experienced during charge and discharge processes but also facilitates rapid electron conduction. Moreover, the small-sized core-shell structure effectively shortens the ion and electron transport distances while providing more reactive sites, thus enhancing the kinetics. Consequently, the NVP-0.01M sample obtained exhibits exceptional rate performance, with a remarkable reversible capacity of 115.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and 92.2 mAh g−1 at 30C. Furthermore, this material demonstrates remarkable long-term stability, as evidenced by a specific discharge capacity of 99.3 mAh g−1 even after 500 cycles at 1C, corresponding to a capacity retention rate of 91.3 %. The NVP-0.01M∥HC full cell also display outstanding electrochemical performance. This research introduces a novel approach for synthesizing high-performance cathode materials specifically designed for sodium-ion batteries.

Diblock bottlebrush polymer in a non-polar medium: Self-assembly, surface forces, and superlubricity

Whilst bottlebrush polymers have been studied in aqueous media for their conjectured role in biolubrication, surface forces and friction mediated by bottlebrush polymers in non-polar media have not been previously reported. Here, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) showed that a diblock bottlebrush copolymer (oligoethyleneglycol acrylate/ethylhexyl acrylate; OEGA/EHA) formed spherical core–shell aggregates in n-dodecane (a model oil) in the polymer concentration range 0.1–2.0 wt%, with a radius of gyration Rg ∼ 7 nm, comprising 40–65 polymer molecules per aggregate. The surface force apparatus (SFA) measurements revealed purely repulsive forces between surfaces bearing inhomogeneous polymer layers of thickness L ∼ 13–23 nm, attributed to adsorption of a mixture of polymer chains and surface-deformed micelles. Despite the surface inhomogeneity, the polymer layers could mediate effective lubrication, demonstrating superlubricity with the friction coefficient as low as µ ∼ 0.003. The analysis of velocity-dependence of friction using the Eyring model shed light on the mechanism of the frictional process. That is, the friction mediation was consistent with the presence of nanoscopic surface aggregates, with possible contributions from a gel-like network formed by the polymer chains on the surface. These unprecedented results, correlating self-assembled polymer micelle structure with the surface forces and friction the polymer layers mediate, highlight the potential of polymers with the diblock bottlebrush architecture widespread in biological living systems, in tailoring desired surface interactions in non-polar media.

Functionalized nano core-shell polystyrene spheres with polyionic liquids: An efficient shale stabilizer with both inhibit hydration and physical plugging

Due to shale hydration and the development of nano and micropores, wellbore instability often occurs during shale drilling, and high-performance shale stabilizers are urgently needed. A novel nano spherical shale stabilizer (i.e., PSIL) was prepared by polymerizing vinyl imidazole ionic liquid with amino group and polystyrene seed. The electron microscopy experiments and particle size analysis indicated that PSIL had a core-shell spherical structure with a particle size distribution between 200 and 300 nm. The plugging performance of PSIL was analyzed using the microporous membrane filtration experiment and pressure transfer experiment. The final filtration loss volume of 3 wt% PSIL aqueous solution was only 20 mL, and the final pressure at the end of the core was 4.0 MPa, which demonstrated that PSIL could form a dense plugging layer in the nanopore gap, thus reducing filtration loss and pressure transfer. Moreover, when the solution contained 3 wt% PSIL, the linear expansion rates of the bentonite pellets decreased from 69.1% to 38.3%, and the rolling recovery rate of shale cuttings increased from 10.5% to 41.2%. The experimental results indicated that PSIL could effectively be adsorbed onto the clay surface through electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonds, thus reducing the repulsive force between clay interlayers and inhibiting the hydration dispersion of shales. Therefore, PSIL could play a dual role in physical plugging and inhibiting hydration, providing a new direction for developing high-performance shale inhibitors, thereby enhancing wellbore stability during drilling.

Thermomechanical study on toughened PVC with an impact modifier based on the acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate core-shell particles

Development of impact modifiers with the core-shell structure for enhancing toughness of rigid polymers have attracted a great deal of interest. In this study, poly (butyl acrylate) (PBA) as the core was prepared via emulsion polymerization and subsequently grafted with styrene and acrylonitrile (SAN) to construct the shell layer through seeded emulsion polymerization and to produce ASA particles. Then, ASA particles containing 40, 50, and 60 wt% of PBA core and those with non-crosslinked shell were compounded with PVC through melt-blending technique in different compositions. DLS, SEM and TEM analyses revealed uniform spherical core-shell morphologies with average particle size of 170–190 nm. Cross-sectional SEM images exhibited a well-distribution and dispersion of ASA particles in PVC matrix relative to the non-crosslinked one. This can be attributed to the formation and grafting of the rigid thermoplastic SAN layer on the PBA core. Impact results of the prepared compounds showed an increasing trend with the increase in core content and also amount of ASA. The highest impact strength (135 kJ/m2) was found for the compound containing 15 wt% of ASA (with 60 wt% of PBA core) particles, which was 26 times higher than the neat PVC (5 kJ/m2). A comparative study between PVC compounds demonstrated higher heat deformation temperature, elastic modulus, and impact strength for those containing ASA with the crosslinked shell. Remarkable compatibility with PVC matrix and enhancement in thermomechanical properties for the prepared core-shell ASA particles revealed their promising potential for toughening of PVC.

Preparation of Photochromic Microcapsules of Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Inorganic Metal Oxide Composite Shells with UV‐Resistant Properties and Application to Printing on Cotton Fabrics

AbstractTo further enhance the fatigue resistance of spiropyran‐based photochromic materials and to explore the functionality of organic–inorganic metal oxide microcapsule shell materials, cross‐linked (P(MMA‐PETA)) and homopolymer (PMMA) shells have been developed by cross‐linking TiO2 and hybridizing ZnO on a PMMA matrix. PMMA/TiO2 photochromic microcapsules and PMMA/ZnO photochromic microcapsules with ultraviolet (UV)‐absorbing function are prepared by successfully encapsulating spiropyran photochromic compounds using these two composite shells. The results show that both microcapsules exhibit a complete spherical core–shell structure with good UV resistance and thermal stability. The TG test underlines a 50% coating rate of PMMA/ZnO microcapsules on spiropyran photochromic material, with an optimal ZnO addition of 10% and particle size range from 2 to 8 µm, effectively blocking UV‐A and part UV‐B radiation. Further, a 75% maximal coating rate is observed for PMMA/TiO2 microcapsules on spiropyran with optimal TiO2 addition at 2–4%, a particle size of around 5 µm, diffusely reflecting 48% of UV rays. The photochromic fabrics prepared with PMMA/TiO2 microcapsules have better UV resistance, with a UV protection factor value of 59.48, and excellent fatigue resistance after at least 30 cycles of UV–visible light irradiation.

Synthesis and Characterization of Ni-Doped Fe₃O₄/ZnS Core-Shell Spheres

Synthesis and Characterization of Ni-Doped Fe₃O₄/ZnS Core-Shell Spheres

Binary nitrate molten salt magnetic microcapsules modified with Fe3O4-functionalized carbon nanotubes for accelerating thermal energy storage

Molten salts are important media for heat transfer and thermal energy storage in concentrated solar power (CSP) system, but it has drawbacks such as poor thermal conductivity and corrosive properties. This study increases the thermal energy utilization rate and expand the range of applications for phase change materials by developing a multifunctional magnetic microcapsule phase change material composed of SiO2@Solar Salt microcapsule and Fe3O4-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs-Fe3O4). The microcapsules have regular spherical core-shell structure and relatively small size, which improves the disadvantage of corrosiveness of molten salt and prolongs their working life. The microcapsule not only shows a good latent heat-storage capability with satisfactory phase-change enthalpies of over 88.6 J/g under an encapsulation efficiency of over 61.6 %, but also exhibits high temperature stability and cycling stability. The encapsulation of SiO2 and introduction of the CNTs-Fe3O4 high thermal conductivity enhancement phase increased the thermal conductivity of the microcapsules by approximately 53.4 % compared with pure nitrate. The microcapsules also possess superparamagnetic characteristics and photothermal conversion characteristics, both of which may be used as an additional method to improve the thermal storage efficiency. As a result, this novel material provides a promising solution for energy collecting, conversion, and storage.

Numerical investigation on retrieval errors of mixing states of fractal black carbon aerosols using single-particle soot photometer based on Mie scattering and the effects on radiative forcing estimation

Abstract. The mixing state of black carbon (BC) aerosols, which is the diameter ratio of coated particle to BC core (Dp/Dc), can be retrieved by the single-particle soot photometer (SP2). However, the retrieved Dp/Dc contains errors, because the core–shell model and Mie scattering calculation are normally employed in the retrieval principle of SP2 and the spherical core–shell structure seriously deviated from the real morphology of coated BC. In this study, fractal models are constructed to represent thinly and thickly coated BC particles for optical simulations, the differential scattering cross-sections are selected as references to conduct optical retrieval of particle diameter (Dp) based on Mie theory, just like the retrieval principle of SP2, and the volume equivalent diameter of BC core (Dc) is the same for fractal and spherical models. Then, the retrieval errors of the mixing state (Dp/Dc) of BC are investigated from numerical aspects, and the estimation accuracy of BC radiative forcing is analyzed through the simple forcing efficiency (SFE) equation with SP2 retrieval results taken into consideration. Results show that SP2 retrieved Dp/Dc based on Mie theory underestimates the realistic Dp/Dc of coated BC at most particle sizes. The retrieval errors of Dp/Dc of thinly coated BC for both single particles and particle groups are larger than those of thickly coated BC. In addition, evaluation errors of radiative forcing of coated BC caused by retrieval errors of SP2 are up to about 55 % and 95 % at 1064 and 532 nm, respectively. This study provides meaningful referential understandings of the retrieved Dp/Dc of SP2 based on Mie scattering.

Integrated interconnected porous and lamellar structures realized fast ion/electron conductivity in high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

The practical application of high-energy-density lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have been highly praised for energy storage devices, while are largely hindered by the “shuttling effect”. Herein, core-shell carbon spheres composed of interlinked porous core and lamellar shell were designed to restrain the polysulfide shuttling. The microporous structure with pore size of around 1 nm effectively trap lithium polysulfides. Furthermore, the interconnected porous core shortens the ion transfer distance and the lamellar carbon shell endows the carbon spheres with fast electron conduction, finally facilitating polysulfide conversion kinetics. Therefore, the Li-S batteries with the carbon spheres as the interlayer show high discharge specific capacity of 1002 mAh/g at 2 C with 574 mAh/g remaining after 600 cycles, and high areal capacity of 5.48 mAh/cm2 with sulfur loading of 4.67 mg/cm2 at 0.1 C. The corresponding pouch cells also exhibit stable cycling stability with an initial discharge specific capacity of 1082 mAh/g at 0.1 C.