Initial Discharge Research Articles

How sintering temperature affects the electrochemical performance of ultra-high nickel (Ni > 0.9) cathode material

The burgeoning demand for electric vehicles with extended driving ranges has propelled ongoing development efforts for ultra-high nickel (Ni > 0.9) cathode materials. Despite significant ongoing research focused on Ni-rich cathode materials, a more comprehensive foundational understanding of ultra-high nickel cathode materials is essential. In our research, we employed LiNi0.94Co0.06O2 as a model ultra-high nickel cathode material to systematically delve into the interplay between sintering temperature, structural features, and electrochemical behavior. Within a sintering temperature spectrum of 660–720 °C, we discerned that specimens produced at diminished temperatures manifest a reduced initial discharge capacity yet excel in cycling endurance. In stark contrast, their counterparts produced at augmented temperatures behave inversely. Identifying a singular sintering temperature that achieves equilibrium between initial discharge capacity and cycling performance proves elusive. Through X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, it became evident that samples synthesized at lower temperatures exhibit pronounced lithium-nickel mixing and develop a thicker NiO layer on the surface, leading to compromised initial discharge performance and capacity. Utilizing focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, differential capacity analysis, and in-situ X-ray diffraction, we confirm that samples synthesized at lower temperatures possess smaller particle sizes, enabling them to withstand volumetric expansion stress during cycling, resulting in enhanced cycling performance. In the realm of ultra-high nickel cathode materials, elevating the sintering temperature is a conduit to superior initial discharge efficiency and capacity. Yet, the imperative of preserving diminutive particle dimensions, as a stratagem to bolster cycling performance, stands out as a pivotal research frontier.

A small molecule phenazine-based cathode materials with H+ storage in mild electrolyte

Aqueous zinc-organic batteries using organic cathode materials with resourceful and environmental friendliness have attracted much attention for their sustainability and excellent electrochemical performance. And selectively storing H+ in mild aqueous electrolytes by organic active materials can lead to fast reaction kinetics for zinc-organic batteries, thus providing excellent rate performance. Herein, we have synthesized 2,3,7,8-Tetraamino-phenazine (TAPZ) with four π-conjugated amino groups, CN active sites, and extended aromatic planes, including small energy gap values and accessible electrochemically active centers, as well as good electrical conductivity, enables selective storage of H+ in aqueous electrolytes. In the optimized 3 M ZnSO4 electrolyte, TAPZ demonstrates excellent electrochemical properties as a cathode material, including the high initial discharge specific capacity (238.8 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1), a good rate capacity (125.4 mAh g-1 at 3 A g-1), and the long cycle stability (over 3000 cycles at 1 A g-1). In addition, the H+ storage mechanism of TAPZ in mild electrolytes is verified by ex-situ spectroscopic characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Advancements in the long-term performance of aqueous lithium-sulfur batteries

Yolk-shell sulfur@multi-wall carbon nanotube (S@MWCNT) nanocomposites as the anode for rechargeable aqueous lithium‑sulfur batteries have been successfully prepared by capillary filling assisted with ultrasonication method. The S@MWCNT−40 nanocomposite electrode, totally encapsulated sulfur, represents superior electrochemical performance with an initial discharge capacity up to 668 mA h g−1 and 252 mAh g−1 (on the basis of the sulfur content) at 0.5 A g−1 and 3 A g−1, respectively. This prepared electrode displays high-capacity retention of 91.27 % over 3700 cycles, which is principally attributed to the prevention of aqueous electrolyte from dissolving of long-chain polysulfides and favorable yolk-shell structure that traps polysulfides and balancing sulfur volume changes during lithiation/delithiation. The promising results of this study hold great potential for the future commercialization of rechargeable aqueous lithium‑sulfur batteries.

The Effectiveness of a Criteria-Led Discharge Initiative on the Length of Stay of Patients Who Underwent a Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

ObjectivesTo determine the impact of a criteria-led discharge initiative (CLD) on the hospital length of stay of patients undergoing a robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP).MethodsThis is a cohort study of prospectively collected data completed at a major tertiary hospital from December 2017 to August 2020. The CLD initiative consists of 4 criteria: clinical haemodynamic stability (heart rate < 100 beats/minute, systolic blood pressure > 100mmHg), a drain output of less than 50 mL, flatulence or bowel movement, and the ability to tolerate an oral diet. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay for patients before and after the introduction of CLD.ResultsOne hundred men undergoing RALP before the implementation of the CLD initiative were compared to 118 men undergoing RALP following the implementation of CLD. The patients had similar baseline demographic features. There was a significant difference found in hospital LOS with the pre-CLD group LOS (mean = 1.8 days, SE = 0.12) being longer than the LOS in the post-CLD group (mean = 1.4 days, SE = 0.09, P = 0.015). There were no significant between-group differences in the proportion of patients discharged on the first postoperative day and the 30-day readmission rate.ConclusionWithin our study population, we have demonstrated that the introduction of CLD was associated with reduced hospital LOS with no increase in adverse events. These findings support the need for the development of CLD in other conditions.

A rigid-flexible gel polymer electrolytes with long cycle life and dendrite-free in lithium metal batteries

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are promising alternatives to liquid electrolytes due to their higher safety and energy density. However, GPE suffers from low ionic conductivity and poor interfacial compatibility. Here, we demonstrate a rigid-flexible GPE (CPE(PVAc)) of the PVDF-HFP/LAGP/PVAc/LiTFSI was prepared by a simple solution casting method. A fast route and efficient for the transport of lithium ions had been constructed by dripping a small amount of LEF (1 M LiTFSI/EC-DMC-FEC (1:1:0.2 v/v/v)) on both sides of the membrane. Moreover, a stable LiF-rich SEI layer was formed on the Li anode, effectively inhibited the growth of lithium dendrites. The CPE(PVAc) possesses high ionic conductivity (1.47 mS cm−1 at 30 °C) and robust mechanical properties (230 % fracture length and 3.4 MPa fracture strength). The Li-symmetric cell with CPE(PVAc) can operate for >1500 h of stable operation at 0.1 mA cm−2 and 25 °C. The assembled LiFePO4|CPE(PVAc)|Li coin cells presented excellent initial discharge specific capacity (135.4 mAh g−1 at 2C and 25 °C, and 157.5 mAh g−1 at 1C and 55 °C) and long-term cycling stability (97.6 % capacity retention after 500 cycles at 2C and 25 °C, and 80 % capacity retention after 400 cycles at 1C and 55 °C). The advantages of CPE(PVAc) electrolyte have shown great potential for application in high-performance lithium metal batteries.

Effect of fluorinated polymer matrix type in the performance of solid polymer electrolytes based on ionic liquids for solid-state lithium-ion batteries

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have been produced using an ionic liquid (IL) (1-Methyl-1-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide – [PMPyrr][TFSI]) embedded in different fluorinated polymer matrices, including poly(vinylidene-fluoride) – PVDF, poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) – P(VDF-HFP), poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) – P(VDF-TrFE) and poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) – P(VDF-TrFE-CFE), in order to evaluate the effect of the polymer chain polarity, degree of crystallinity and dielectric constant on the electrochemical properties and battery performance. It is shown that the use of the different polymers for SPE development does not have significant influence on the morphology, and thermal properties of the samples. The degree of crystallinity is significantly reduced for the P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) sample. The mechanical characteristics (Young modulus and yield strength and strain) are also associated with the crystallinity degree, being reduced for lower crystallinities. Regarding the electrochemical parameters, the samples present considered high ionic conductivity, with a maximum room temperature value of 6.2 × 10−5 S cm−1 for the P(VDF-HFP) sample. The lithium transference number for all samples show their suitability for application in lithium-ion batteries with an outstanding value of 0.71 for the P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) sample associated with the higher dielectric constant and lower degree of crystallinity of this polymer. Battery cycling tests show a maximum initial discharge capacity of 146 mAh/g for the P(VDF-TrFE) sample at room temperature and C/10 rate. Furthermore, the P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) sample presents an excellent ability to cycle at high discharge rates, achieving 91 mAh/g at 1C rate, an maintaining a high stability after 60 cycles at room temperature, showing excellent potential for application in lithium-ion batteries due to its low crystallinity and high dielectric constant. This work proves the suitability of fluorinated polymer based SPE with embedded ionic liquids for the next generation of solid-state batteries and provides a valuable insight on the role of the polymer dielectric constant and degree of crystallinity on battery performance.

Enhancing electrochemical performance of solid-state Li-ion batteries with composite electrolytes of fibrous LLZTO and PVDF-HFP: The role of LLZTO fiber diameter

Composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) are synthesized using poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) incorporated in a three-dimensional framework of Li6.75La3Zr1.75Ta0.25O12 (LLZTO) ceramic fibers with varying diameters (80 nm, 140 nm, 290 nm, and 6 μm). The influence of LLZTO fiber diameter on the electrochemical performance of the CSEs is investigated. LLZTO fibers of smaller diameter improve the mechanical strength and electrochemical properties of the CSEs, including conductivity, activation energy, and transference number of lithium ion (Li+). Lithium iron phosphate batteries based on different CSEs are evaluated in terms of Li+ polarization, charge-discharge capacity, cycle life, and rate capability. The battery utilizing CSE with 6 μm LLZTO fibers displays an initial discharge capacity of 147 mAh g−1 at 0.2C but has a short charge-discharge life of only 47 cycles, with poor capacity retentions of 64 % and 17 % at 0.5C and 1.0C, respectively. In contrast, the battery with CSE containing 80 nm LLZTO fibers exhibits excellent cycle stability and satisfactory rate capability, maintaining an initial capacity of 161 mAh g−1 at 0.2C for over 200 cycles, with capacity retentions of 95 % and 78 % at 0.5C and 1.0C, respectively. Finite element simulations are employed to elucidate the intricate Li+ flux and trajectory within the ceramic and polymer regions of the composite electrolytes. Such details are beyond the reach of experimental methods alone, thereby enabling us to unravel the mechanism underlying the enhanced electrochemical properties of Li+ in CSEs with thinner LLZTO fibers.

Bi-Continuous Si/C Anode Materials Derived from Silica Aerogels for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Poor cycling performance caused by massive volume expansion of silicon (Si) has always hindered the widespread application of silicon-based anode materials. Herein, bi-continuous silicon/carbon (Si/C) anode materials are prepared via magnesiothermic reduction of silica aerogels followed by pitch impregnation and carbonization. To fabricate the expected bi-continuous structure, mesoporous silica aerogel is selected as the raw material for magnesiothermic reduction. It is successfully reduced to mesoporous Si under the protection of NaCl. The as-obtained mesoporous Si is then injected with molten pitch via vacuuming, and the pitch is subsequently converted into carbon at a high temperature. The innovative point of this strategy is the construction of a bi-continuous structure, which features both Si and carbon with a cross-linked structure, which provides an area to accommodate the colossal volume change of Si. The pitch-derived carbon facilitates fast lithium ion transfer, thereby increasing the conductivity of the Si/C anode. It can also diminish direct contact between Si and the electrolyte, minimizing side reactions between them. The obtained bi-continuous Si/C anodes exhibit excellent electrochemical performance with a high initial discharge capacity of 1481.7 mAh g−1 at a current density of 300 mA g−1 and retaining as 813.5 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles and an improved initial Coulombic efficiency of 82%. The as-prepared bi-continuous Si/C anode may have great potential applications in high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Effects of strontium oxide on synthesis and performance of monocrystalline ultrahigh-Ni layered cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

Monocrystalline layered cathode is of particular interest owing to the satisfactory mechanical integrity against long-term cycling. However, the high-temperature calcination, which is perceived as the indispensable reaction condition, favors the formation of Ni2+ that triggers the Li+/Ni2+ disorder and the formation of electrochemically inactive NiO. Herein, we develop a SrO-assistant method to synthesize a monocrystalline ultrahigh-Ni LiNi0.95Co0.04Mn0.01O2 under a moderate calcination temperature. The addition of an appropriate amount of SrO (0.3 wt%, SCN95–Sr-3) facilitates the formation of monocrystalline LiNi0.95Co0.04Mn0.01O2 (grain size: 2–4 μm) under 790 °C. The obtained LiNi0.95Co0.04Mn0.01O2 represents excellent electrochemical properties with an initial discharge capacity of 240.5 mAh g−1 and a Coulombic efficiency of 90.1 % at 0.1C (1C = 220 mA g−1) in a Li-metal half cell. Upon long-term cycling, the monocrystalline feature with less crystallographic defect effectively enhances the structural stability and inhibits the formation of intergranular cracks, resulting in an enhanced cyclic stability (discharge capacity of 151.0 mAh g−1 maintained after 300 cycles at 1C in a Li-metal half cell). Coupled with a graphite anode, the LiNi0.95Co0.04Mn0.01O2|| graphite full cell represents a stable cycling at 1C, with a capacity retention of 99.0 % after 100 cycles.

Lamellar multi-arch microstructure of Co3O4/N-CNTs-CNF composites as anodes for high-performance flexible lithium-ion batteries

Co3O4 is considered as one of the most promising candidates in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) anodes due to its low-cost, abundant availability, and high theoretical capacity. However, problems of heavy aggregation, and volume change of Co3O4 hinder its practical applicability. Based on above challenges, we successfully designed and prepared an electrode by adding carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofiber (CNF) via directional freeze-drying. The as-prepared Co3O4/N-CNTs-CNF anode exhibits three-dimensional (3D) network structure to alleviate the volume expansion of Co3O4 and short the electron/ion transport paths. CNTs form a continuous conductive network that provides electron migration paths and prevents agglomeration of Co3O4, while CNF enhances the mechanical strength granting better flexibility. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the N-CNTs/Co3O4 interface resulted in an electric field of the heterointerface, which facilitated charge transport. Moreover, the heterointerface possesses good electronic conductivity since more electronic states across the Fermi level. Based on these advantages, Co3O4/N-CNTs-CNF anode demonstrates an initial discharge capacity of 1176 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.2C, high discharge specific capacity of 545 mAh g−1 at a current density of 5C, only 17.5% capacity loss over 824 cycles at 5C rate. Owing to its good electrochemical performance and flexibility, such design has great potential for applications of portable electronics.

Rapid preparation of cobalt-free lithium rich cathode materials with layered structure and excellent performance via capillary microreactors

High voltage and high energy density cathode materials are the future development trend of power batteries. Li-and Mn-rich layered oxide (LMR) materials exhibit high capacity, low cost, and environmental friendliness, making them a promising cathode material for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. In this study, a continuous-flow process for rapid co-precipitation synthesis of LMR precursor (Mn0.75Ni0.25CO3) in capillary microreactors was developed. Due to the good mixing characteristics of the microreactor (tm=54 ms), Mn0.75Ni0.25CO3 displays a complete spherical morphology and uniform elemental distribution without adding any complexing agent during the synthesis. The reaction time can be controlled within 11.78 s. The prepared Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 (LMR) cathode exhibits excellent properties with a high initial discharge capacity of 266.52 mAh•g−1 at 0.1C and a superior capacity retention of 93.7 % after 200 cycles at 1C. This work demonstrates that microfluidic technology presents a viable and promising approach for quickly producing lithium battery cathode precursors.

Sustainable Cow Hair Biocarbon‐Sulfur Cathodes with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance

AbstractA sustainable cow hair‐based biocarbon/sulfur composite was prepared via a melt‐diffusion process and used as cathode for lithium–sulfur (Li−S) batteries, exhibiting high capacity, good rate capability, and excellent cyclability. The effect of the activation process during the formation of the biocarbon was deeply analyzed by thermogravimetry, N2 adsorption, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microcopy, among others. A correlation between the composition and the surface area with the electrochemical performance was found. The best results were obtained using an activated sample and composite electrode containing 73 wt % sulfur, which present an initial discharge capacity of around 1200 mAh/g and 799 mAh/g after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A/g. Moreover, a specific capacity of ~701 mAh/g was measured at 1 C. The great electrochemical performance of this electrode in Li−S batteries is attributed to the porous carbon structure. Taking into account that hair is one of the major waste produced in the leather sector, this work presents a promising approach to reuse this material by giving it added value through the preparation of carbon/sulfur composites for high‐performance Li−S batteries.

Nitrogen and oxygen co-doped porous biocarbon@sulfur/carbon nanotubes as cathodes for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Practical applications of lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are limited due to the shuttle effect and the low conductivity of sulfur (S) and lithium polysulfide (LiPS). Currently, porous carbon materials doped with heteroatoms show extraordinary potential in this regard. Therefore, using KOH activation, we successfully prepared porous London Plane seed stems biochar (LPSC) with nitrogen and oxygen co-doping as the S carrier. We used carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as electrode coatings to improve the conductivity and suppress the shuttle effect. The results showed that the LPSC@S/CNTs composite electrode had an initial discharge capacity of 1090.4 mAh g−1 at 0.05 C. Furthermore, the capacity remained at 86.0 % after 300 cycles. This study provides a promising and sustainable approach to high-performance energy storage solutions.

Aqueous heterocoagulation-driven assembly of graphene oxide and polycation-coated sulfur particles for nanocomposite Li-S battery cathodes

HypothesisReduced graphene oxide (rGO/polycation/sulfur) composites are promising cathode materials for Li-S battery applications because homogeneously dispersed sulfur nano/micro clusters in suitable carbon hosts enable remarkable cycle life for Li-S battery cells. New, benign and economic synthesis methods based only on aqueous colloidal dispersions are demanded for achieving high dispersity grade of sulfur within the carbon host. Colloidal interactions leading to heteroaggregation between carbonaceous lamellae and polycation-modified sulphur nanoparticles at ambient conditions in water are foreseen to afford nanocomposite cathodes, which maintain excellent electrochemical performance. ExperimentsHydrophilic sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) were coated by low doses of polycation (PDDA) until reaching the isoelectric point (IEP), and in high dose to achieve charge reversal. Streaming potential titrations were performed to reveal appropriate mass ratios of PPDA, SNP and GO. Positively charged SNPs formed stable heteroaggregated structures with GO, and were employed to fabricate rGO/polycation/sulphur cathodes. FindingsCharge reversal characteristics of SNPs, polycation and GO were characterized quantitatively and mass ratios of PDDA to SNP beyond IEP were found to mediate attractive interactions leading to rapid heteroaggregation between SNPs and GO and also alleviate lithium polysulfide migration. The composite cathode showed an initial discharge capacity of 522 mAhg−1 at 0.2C rate with an excellent capacity retention of 91.4 % and coulombic efficiency of 98.5% after 100 charge–discharge cycles.

Homogenous conduction: Stable multifunctional gel polymer electrolyte for lithium-sulfur batteries

The low sulfur utilization rate and polysulfide shuttle are the main reasons that hinder the practical process of lithium-sulfur batteries. Here, an effective structural engineering strategy of multifunctional gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) by electrospinning was proposed. The HCNF@HPAN-GPE for lithium-sulfur batteries contained halloysite-base carbon nanofibers (HCNF) offered abundant active sites as sulfur fixation layer and halloysite-base polyacrylonitrile (HPAN) provided ion transport channel as ion transport layer. Both layers were abundant in the halloysite nanotubes as “transduction segment” and established the synergistic interface conduction. The HCNF@HPAN-GPE exhibited an ionic conductivity of 8.01 × 10−3 S cm−1. Therefore, the HCNF@HPAN-GPE displayed excellent interface compatibility and stabilized lithium deposition/ stripping over 800 h. Meanwhile, it demonstrated an initial discharge specific capacity of 1461.2 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C and an ultra-low-capacity attenuation of 0.056 % per cycle of 800 cycles at 1 C. In sum, this study may provide a novel strategy for the effective design of GPE toward the high performance lithium-sulfur batteries.

Al2O3 decorated carbon nanotubes enhance Li-ion storage properties of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2

The LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode is susceptible to degradation due to the presence of trace amounts of HF generated from H2O interacting with the electrolyte salt LiPF6. In this work, Al2O3-decorated carbon nanotubes was introduced as a conductive additive to safeguard the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode, resulting in a significant enhancement of its reversible capacity and cycling stability. The electrode incorporated of Al2O3/CNTs delivered an initial discharge capacity of 184.1 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 under 1.0 C, and retained 65.6 % of its capacity at 100th cycle, outperforming traditional electrodes. The synthesis of Al2O3/CNTs involves only two straightforward steps: precipitation and heat treatment. Additionally, the amount of this additive occupies a mere 2.0 wt% of the overall electrode material, making it suitable for large-scale applications.

Direct regeneration of spent LiFePO4 materials via a green and economical one-step hydrothermal process

The rapid development of electronic devices, electric vehicles and mobile energy storage devices, has increasingly emphasized the shortage of lithium resources for us in lithium-ion batteries are developing rapidly. The key to the disposal of spent lithium-ion batteries is to carry out green and efficient regeneration. Herein, we propose a one-step hydrothermal process for the direct regeneration of spent LiFePO4. To reduce the Fe3+ in the spent LiFePO4, the hydroxyl group was oxidized to an aldehyde group via a decarburization reaction, with DL-malic acid utilized as a low-cost and environmentally friendly reducing agent. The effects of various different Li concentrations, hydrothermal times and hydrothermal temperatures on the performance of regenerated LiFePO4 were investigated. The results revealed optimal electrochemical performance under a Li concentration of 1.2 mol L−1, a hydrothermal time of 6 h, and a hydrothermal temperature of 100 °C. The cycling stability of LiFePO4 regenerated under these conditions considerably improved. The initial discharge specific capacity and the discharge specific capacity of the regenerated LFP after 200 cycles were 138.4 mAh g−1 and 136.6 mAh g−1. All coulomb efficiencies of the regenerated LFP were above 97.2 %, and the capacity retention rate was 98.7%. This developed method can therefore be considered a green and feasible means for regeneration of LiFePO4.

A three-dimensional fibrous tungsten-oxide/carbon composite derived from natural cellulose substance as an anodic material for lithium-ion batteries

To meet the ever-growing demands over electrochemical energy storage, tungsten trioxide (WO3) has aroused substantial attention as a promising anodic material for lithium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity, abundant earth storage, and eco-friendliness. However, developing high-performance WO3-based electrodes is hampered by its restrictive conductivity and tremendous structural as well as the volumetric changes during the charge/discharge processes. Herein, a novel bio-inspired nanofibrous WO3/carbon composite was synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method employing pre-carbonized cellulose substrate (e.g., ordinary filter paper) as both the structural scaffold and the carbon source. The urchin-like WO3 microspheres with diameters of 3–6 μm assembled by nanorods were uniformly anchored on the surfaces of the cellulose-derived carbon fibers. The three-dimensional network structure of the composite was beneficial in alleviating the volume expansion of WO3 nanorods and enhanced the charge-transport kinetics of the electroactive materials. The composite with an optimized content of WO3 (26.36 wt%) exhibited superior lithium storage properties with an initial discharge capacity of 1470 mAh g−1 and an extraordinary long-term cycling performance of 682 mAh g−1 capacity retention after 300 cycles at 100 mA g−1. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetry, ex-situ XRD, and SEM measurements for mechanism studies were carried out to yield deeper insights into the synergism in the WO3/carbon electrodes, revealing the predominance of reversible pseudocapacitive intercalation of lithium-ions during the electrochemical reaction inside the WO3/carbon anode.

Examining therapy duration in adults with induced laryngeal obstruction (ILO)

ObjectiveThis study examined the number of therapy sessions required to sufficiently improve (exercise) induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO/ILO) symptoms for discharge. Factors predicting therapy duration were examined as was the likelihood of patients returning for additional therapy sessions following initial discharge. MethodsRetrospective observational cohort design. Data for 350 patients were gathered from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Voice and Swallow Clinics Outcome Database. Patients (>18 years of age) diagnosed with EILO/ILO received therapy from a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and were successfully discharged. EILO/ILO treatment details, symptoms, triggers, medical comorbidities, and patient demographics were collected from initial evaluations and subsequent course of therapy. ResultsPatients required an average of 3.59 (SD = 3.7) therapy sessions prior to discharge. A comorbid behavioral health diagnosis (p = .026), higher Vocal Handicap Index Score (p = .009) and reduced physical activity due to EILO/ILO symptoms (p = .032) were associated with increased therapy duration. Patients with ILO or EILO with secondary environmental triggers required significantly more sessions than those with exercise-induced symptoms (p < .01). Eight percent of patients returned for additional sessions following discharge. Patients returning for additional sessions all came from affluent neighborhoods as measured by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). ConclusionsPatients with EILO/ILO required an average of 3.59 therapy sessions prior to discharge. As such, 4 sessions is a reasonable estimate for clinicians to provide patients. Six sessions may be a more conservative estimate for patients who present with a behavioral health diagnosis, a voice complaint, or reduced physical activity from EILO/ILO symptoms.

In-situ construction of MoC quantum dots embedded in n-doped 2D nanocarbon as a multifunctional host for high-performance lithium sulfide cathode

Lithium–ion batteries using Li2S cathode are considered as an optimal alternative for current lithium–ion batteries since their high theoretical capacity (1166 mAh/g) and high energy density (2600 W h kg−1). However, low electronic/ionic conductivity, severe lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) shuttle, and sluggish electrochemical reaction kinetics are the three major challenges for the practical application of Li2S. Herein, we report a multifunctional host of MoC quantum dots embedded in N–doped 2D nanocarbon (MoC@2D–NNC) with high electronic/ionic conductivity, strong LiPSs capture ability and superior electrochemistry catalytic activation for Li2S electrode. Nano Li2S is successfully entered into the MoC@2D–NNC to form MoC@2D–NNC/Li2S composite via facile liquid–phase dissolution precipitation. The obtained MoC@2D–NNC/Li2S composite displays a high electronic conductivity of 0.1624 S cm−1, high initial discharge capacity of 1059 mAh/g, and long–term cycling performance over 1000 cycles. This reported MoC@2D–NNC/Li2S composite exhibits promising applications in advanced Li–S batteries.