Improved Safety Features Research Articles

Polymer electrolytes based on PEO and lithium tetraalkoxyborate salts with ionic liquid properties for lithium-based batteries

The development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with improved safety features is crucial due to the inherent risks associated with liquid electrolytes, such as fires, explosions, and leakage. This study explores the potential of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and lithium tetraalkoxyborate salts (LiTAB) with ionic liquid properties as a safer alternative. Ionic liquids (ILs) are examined for their high ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical window, and excellent thermal stability, despite their high synthesis costs and viscosity challenges. The study proposes the use of a novel LiTAB salt with an oligomeric star-shaped anion structure that reduces mobility, enhancing lithium ion transference numbers. This IL serves as both a lithium salt and an active plasticizer in PEO-based SPEs, offering potential for 3D printing applications. Experimental results demonstrate that these electrolytes exhibit favorable rheological properties, high ionic conductivities, and significant lithium ion transference numbers, addressing the key limitations of conventional PEO-based electrolytes. The findings suggest that incorporating these LiTAB salts in SPEs could significantly enhance the safety and performance of LIBs, particularly for applications in miniaturized consumer electronics and electronic implants.

Quasi-Gel Polymer Electrolyte Interfaced with Electrodes through Solvent-Swollen Poly(ethylene oxide) for High-Performance Lithium/Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are regarded as a superior alternative to traditional liquid electrolytes of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their improved safety features. The practical implementation of SPEs faces challenges, such as low ionic conductivity at room temperature (RT) and inadequate interfacial contact, leading to high interfacial resistance across the electrode and electrolyte interfaces. In this study, we addressed these issues by designing a quasi-gel polymer electrolyte (QGPE), a blend of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and succinonitrile (SN), with the desired mechanical strength, ionic conductivity, and interfacial stability through a simple solution casting technique. The QGPE features a thin solvated PEO layer on its surface, which wets the electrode, reducing the interfacial resistance and ensuring a homogeneous Li-ion flux across the interface. The optimized QGPE exhibits a good lithium-ion conductivity of 1.14 × 10-3 S cm-1 with a superior lithium-ion transference number of 0.7 at 25 °C. The Li/QGPE/Li symmetric cell exhibits a highly reversible lithium plating/stripping process for over 1300 h with minimal voltage polarization of ∼20 mV. The Li/QGPE/LiFePO4 full cell demonstrates good rate capability and excellent long-term cycling performance at a 0.1 C rate at 25 °C, maintaining a specific discharge capacity of 148 mAh g-1 over 200 cycles. The effectiveness of QGPE for LIBs is proven using a graphite/QGPE/LiFePO4 4 × 4 cm pouch cell, showcasing outstanding flexibility and tolerance against intentional abuse.

Synthesis and Characterizations of Novel Copolymers with Zwitterionic Moiety-Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Solid-State Lithium Metal Battery

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become the dominant choice in the automotive industry, displacing internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to some extent. The development of high-efficiency batteries is essential to meet these market demands. Conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which consist of a cathode, anode, separator, and liquid electrolyte (such as 1M LiPF6 in carbonate solvents), have been widely utilized in portable electronic devices, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and EVs. This popularity is attributed to their relatively high energy density and extended cycle life [1]. However, LIBs with energy density exceeding 240 Wh kg-1 face challenges in terms of thermal stability, potentially leading to fire and explosions by overcharging or accidental cell penetration. This drawback significantly hinders their application in automotive settings [2, 3]. In response to these safety concerns, there is a shift towards incorporating solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) as a replacement for liquid electrolytes. SSEs include solid polymer electrolyte (SPE), inorganic solid electrolyte (ISE), and composite polymer electrolyte (CPE).Solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) incorporating SPE hold significant promise for advancing energy storage technologies due to their high energy density and improved safety features. However, the low ionic conductivity and ionic transference number of SPEs present challenges in their application for solid-state batteries. This work focuses on designing novel copolymers with polar soft unit and zwitterionic unit to address these challenges.In this study, poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (PEGMEA) and sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) were selected as the polar soft segment and zwitterionic unit, respectively. Various ratios of PEGMEA/SBMA in copolymers were synthesized and characterized, and the resultant SPEs consisting of resultant copolymers and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) were prepared. Subsequently, their electrochemical, thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties were systematically investigated. The copolymers-based SPEs exhibited improved electrochemical properties. The optimized SPE comprising the copolymer with the molar ratio of PEGMEA/SBMA = 1/3 and 50 wt% LiTFSI exhibited the ionic conductivity of approx. 2×10–4 S cm–1, lithium-ion transference number of approx. 0.3, Li+ diffusion coefficient of 15×10-12 cm² s-1, and oxidation stability of 5.2 V (vs. Li/Li+) at 25 oC. Additionally, the mechanical properties of such SPEs were assessed, showing improved tensile strength (up to approx. 6 MPa) and Young’s modulus (up to approx. 83 MPa) with increasing SBMA content. The selected SPE with the best electrochemical properties was sandwiched between a Li metal electrode and a LiFePO4 electrode to assemble a SSLMB. As a result, the discharge capacity (DC) at 0.1 C-rate and room temperature was approx. 170 mA h g–1. Furthermore, the DC at a 0.5 C-rate was approx. 146 mA h g–1, and the capacity retention of 70% obtained after 470 cycles. In summary, this work demonstrates the potential of tailored copolymers with zwitterionic moiety-based SPEs for SSLMB. The comprehensive characterization and performance assessments provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of polymer electrolytes for next-generation energy storage systems.The copolymers and corresponding SPEs underwent characterization through various techniques such as DSC, SEM, XRD, and FTIR. The Ionic conductivity of the SPEs was determined by analyzing the results obtained from EIS measurement. The lithium-ion diffusion coefficient (DLi+) for SPE in a symmetric SSLMB cell, Li/SPE/Li, was also calculated based on the EIS results [4]. The oxidation stability window of the SPE was measured using the linear sweep voltammetry technique, and the ion transfer number was determined using the Evans-Vincent-Bruce method [5].

Comparative multivariate analysis for high-touch surface disinfection using optimized ultraviolet-C LEDs configuration

UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been regarded as feasible alternatives for traditional UV lamps since the early 2000s, owing to their improved safety features, environmental advantages, and efficiency. Because of the inherent challenges associated with lower intensity of LEDs over extended distances, our findings demonstrated the optimized disinfection efficiency using various LED setups. This study evaluated the antimicrobial effectiveness of single, six, and eight-LED configurations against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), specifically emphasizing attaining the utmost disinfection efficiency within an extended range of up to 60 cm. With an 8-LED configuration, the study achieved a substantial reduction of 6.10×104 CFU/mL from an initial level of 5.20×109 CFU/mL, corresponding to 4.9-log10 inactivation, requiring a dose of 264 µJ-cm−2. 2.9-log10 inactivation was achieved using a 6-LED, yielding lower yet comparable efficiency requiring 192 µJ-cm−2 of dose. However, with 60 µJ-cm−2 of dose, a single LED could only reduce the bacterial burden from the initial level to merely 0.2-log10 inactivation, corresponding to 2.9 × 109 CFU/mL, under similar exposure settings. In conclusion, UV-LEDs show promise for disinfection, with LED configuration and distance significantly impacting their efficiency, holding perspective for various applications, particularly within healthcare facilities.

INNOVATIVE APPLICATIONS OF COMPOSITE POLYMERS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

This article explores the use of composite polymers in the automotive industry, focusing on their advantages, challenges, and implications for the future development of vehicles. Composite polymers offer significant benefits, including lightweight structures, increased strength, corrosion resistance, and improved safety features. However, their widespread application faces challenges such as higher production costs. Despite these challenges, the potential of composite polymers to revolutionize automotive engineering remains promising, paving the way for lighter, safer, and more environmentally friendly vehicles.

In Situ Polymerization Facilitating Practical High-Safety Quasi-Solid-State Batteries.

Quasi-solid-state batteries (QSSBs) are gaining widespread attention as a promising solution to improve battery safety performance. However, the safety improvement and the underlying mechanisms of QSSBs remain elusive. Herein, a novel strategy combining high-safety ethylene carbonate-free liquid electrolyte and in situ polymerization technique is proposed to prepare practical QSSBs. The Ah-level QSSBs with LiNi0.83Co0.11Mn0.06O2 cathode and graphite-silicon anode demonstrate significantly improved safety features without sacrificing electrochemical performance. As evidenced by accelerating rate calorimetry tests, the QSSBs exhibit increased self-heating temperature and onset temperature (T2), and decreased temperature rise rate during thermal runaway (TR). The T2 has a maximum increase of 48.4°C compared to the conventional liquid batteries. Moreover, the QSSBs do not undergo TR until 180°C (even 200°C) during the hot-box tests, presenting significant improvement compared to the liquid batteries that run into TR at 130°C. Systematic investigations show that the in situ formed polymer skeleton effectively mitigates the exothermic reactions between lithium salts and lithiated anode, retards the oxygen release from cathode, and inhibits crosstalk reactions between cathode and anode at elevated temperatures. The findings offer an innovative solution for practical high-safety QSSBs and open up a new sight for building safer high-energy-density batteries.

Transient Analysis of LBLOCA with Subsequent Loss of Offsite Power and Loss of All AC Power in VVER-1200 Reactor

The generation III+ VVER-1200 (AES-2006) reactor is equipped with improved safety features with component redundancy compared to the previous models. This paper is concerned with the performance of active and passive safety features during the transient of a major beyond design basis accident (BDBA) scenario of the reactor. The study is done considering large break loss of coolant accident (LB LOCA) with loss of offsite power (LOOP) and LB LOCA with loss of all AC power (LOACP) sources namely station blackout (SBO) using VVER-1200 NPP simulator. It was found that the reactor is capable of mitigating such BDBA scenarios by the effectiveness of the active and passive safety systems. Moreover, LB LOCA with LOACP is observed to be more severe compared to LBLOCA with LOOP. This comparative analysis is compatible with IAEA safety guidelines.

Polarization Reduction of a Novel Cell Configuration Based on Thin-Film Electrolyte on Porous Oxide Framework for Solid State Batteries Application

In early 1990s, rechargeable Li batteries using inorganic ionic conductors as solid electrolytes have been proposed. Because of their improved safety features, solid state batteries have received great attention recently. Although using Li metal as an ideal high-capacity anode has been a long-term goal, the critical issues remaining to be solved are the polarization contributed from the solid electrolyte and the electrode/electrolyte interface. Thus, to form a Li-conducting thin film with good adhesion with an adequate conducting and porous oxide framework in between Li anode and thin electrolyte may be a solution for the reduction of above-mentioned polarization observed in the solid state batteries. Thus, the main objective of this study is to (i) calculate/estimate the polarization reduction in a solid state cell using thin-film inorganic electrolyte and metallic Li as anode, (ii) to complete the experimental design for in-situ formation of thin electrolyte based on sol-gel deposition of an oxides precursor on a porous and conducting oxide framework followed by heat-treatment at temperatures > 700°C. The verification of polarization reduction contributed from the proposed thin-film electrolyte as well as the porous/conducting framework will be carried out in the near future.

A Promising Solid-State Synthesis of LiMn1- yFeyPO4 Cathode for Lithium-ion Batteries.

LiMn1-yFeyPO4 (LMFP) is a significant and cost-effective cathode material for Li-ion batteries, with a higher working voltage than LiFePO4 (LFP) and improved safety features compared to layered oxide cathodes. However, its commercial application faces challenges due to a need for a synthesis process to overcome the low Li-ion diffusion kinetics and complex phase transitions. Herein, a solid-state synthesis process using LFP and nano LiMn0.7Fe0.3PO4 (MF73) is proposed. The larger LFP acts as a structural framework fused with nano-MF73, preserving the morphology and high performance of LFP. These results demonstrate that the solid-state reaction occurs quickly, even at a low sintering temperature of 500 °C, and completes at 700 °C. However, contrary to the expectations, the larger LFP particles disappeared and fused into the nano-MF73 particles, revealing that Fe ions diffuse more easily than Mn ions in the olivine framework. This discovery provides valuable insights into understanding ion diffusion in LMFP. Notably, the obtained LMFP can still deliver an initial capacity of 142.3 mAh g-1, and the phase separation during the electrochemical process is significantly suppressed, resulting in good cycling stability (91.1% capacity retention after 300 cycles). These findings offer a promising approach for synthesizing LMFP with improved performance and stability.

GB261, an Fc-Function Enabled and CD3 Affinity De-Tuned CD20/CD3 Bispecific Antibody, Demonstrated a Highly Advantageous Safety/Efficacy Balance in an Ongoing First-in-Human Dose-Escalation Study in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Introduction: GB261 is a novel and highly differentiated CD20/CD3 bispecific T cell engager antibody computationally designed to maintain Fc effector function, i.e., antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) to broaden the mechanisms of action (MOA) for tumor cell killing. Furthermore, the “imbalanced” design of GB261 integrates de-tuned CD3 binding to reduce CRS incidence and improve safety features of the Fc effector function. Extensive pre-clinical studies have shown that GB261 has a highly advantageous safety/efficacy balance.Here, we present the preliminary clinical safety and efficacy results of an ongoing phase I/II study for GB261 (NCT04923048). Methods: This is an open-label, multicenter (China and Australia), dose-escalation/expansion phase 1/2 study of GB261 to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy in patients with Relapsed or Refractory B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma(B-NHL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Adult patients were eligible when they have CD20+ r/r B-NHL or CLL with no available standard of care treatments, adequate organ function, and no CNS involvement or other CNS disease, infections or other active/serious medical issues that may affect compliance or interpretation of results. GB261 was administered in 21-day cycles, weekly (QW) for the first 6 doses followed by every 3 weeks (Q3W) until disease progression, or other situation defined in protocol. Response assessment was based on Lugano 2014 and LYRIC 2016 criteria. Results: As of June 17, 2023, 47 r/r B-NHL patients (DLBCL:76.6%; FL:23.4%) were enrolled at flat or step-up doses of GB261 ranging from 1mg to 300 mg. Median age was 60.0 years (range: 28, 81), 55.3% of patients were male. Median prior lines of therapy were 3 (range: 1, 10). 78.7% of patients were refractory to any anti-CD20 therapy, 70.2% refractory to their last systemic therapy. Median time since last prior therapy to first study treatment was 1.9 months. In efficacy evaluable patients (n=22) from 3mg to 100mg, with at least 75% dose exposure before the first radiographic assessment, the median duration of study follow-up was 4.5 months (95%CI: 4.0, 7.4). The overall response rate (ORR) was 73% (16/22), and complete response rate (CRR) was 45.5% (10/22). ORR and CRR were 100% and 100% in 3mg, 56% and 22% in 10mg, 67% and 33% in 30mg. At 100mg dose, there were 5 evaluable patients, with ORR 100% (5/5), CRR 80% (4/5) and PR (20%, 1/5; mosunetuzumab-refractory rrDLBCL patient). Median time to response (TTR) was 1.3 months (95%CI: 1.2, 1.5), the same as median time to CR. Median duration of response (DOR) was not reached. In safety evaluable patients (n=47), the median duration of study follow-up was 4.1 months (95%CI: 2.9, 5.3). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were 95.7%, treatment-related adverse events were 85.1%. The most common TEAEs were COVID-19 infection (40.4%; grade 1 or 2: 27.6%; grade >=3: 12.8%) and neutropenia (31.9%; grade 1or 2: 14.9%; grade >=3: 17.0%). AE related treatment discontinuation and death were reported in 2 patients, which were all due to COVID-19 pneumonia. CRS occurred in 12.8% (6/47) patients, was mild and transient. CRS in 100mg were 14.3% (2/14). All cases of CRS were grade 1 (8.5%, 4/47) or 2 (4.3%, 2/47), no grade 3 (Lee et al., ASTCT criteria), no interruptions of treatment, and no administration of Tocilizumab. The median duration of CRS was 7 hours. No ICANS were reported. The PK profile of GB261 appeared to be linear across dose ranges tested (1mg-100mg). Effective half-life appeared to be 2-3 weeks which supports every 3-4 weeks dosing. Conclusion: GB261, a novel and highly differentiated CD20/CD3 bispecific antibody, is the first clinical stage Fc+ CD20/CD3 T cell engager. In heavily pretreated B-NHL patients, GB261 showed a highly advantageous safety/efficacy balance, consistent with the MOA. The safety profile is excellent especially for the CRS which is very mild, transient and less frequent compare with other CD20/CD3 bispecific antibodies. The response after GB261 treatment was early, deep and durable. At the 100mg dose level, 80% of patients achieved CR and with favorable safety. Additionally, clinical benefit seen in other CD20/CD3 bispecific antibody failed patients provides clinical support to the unique and differentiated MOA of GB261.

Visible-Light-Promoted Aryl Cation Formation: Aromatic SN1 Reactions of Areneazo-2-(2-nitro)propanes.

The visible light excitation of areneazo-2-(2-nitro)propane·HCl salts generated the singlet aryl cation that readily underwent aromatic SN1 reactions with a variety of nucleophiles. The in situ generated singlet aryl cation was stabilized by a counter nitronate anion that prevented other intersystem crossing and single electron transfer processes. With the improved safety features of neutral areneazo-2-(2-nitro)propane derivatives, the current visible-light-promoted aromatic SN1 reactions provide an alternative aryl Csp2-X bond forming strategy.

Advancements in Performance Optimization of Electrospun Polyethylene Oxide-Based Solid-State Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based solid-state electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries have garnered significant interest due to their enhanced potential window, high energy density, and improved safety features. However, the issues such as low ionic conductivity at ambient temperature, substantial ionic conductivity fluctuations with temperature changes, and inadequate electrolyte interfacial compatibility hinder their widespread applications. Electrospinning is a popular approach for fabricating solid-state electrolytes owing to its superior advantages of adjustable component constitution and the unique internal fiber structure of the resultant electrolytes. Thus, this technique has been extensively adopted in related studies. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in optimizing the performance of PEO solid-state electrolytes via electrospinning technology. Initially, the impacts of different lithium salts and their concentrations on the performance of electrospun PEO-based solid-state electrolytes were compared. Subsequently, research pertaining to the effects of various additives on these electrolytes was reviewed. Furthermore, investigations concerning the enhancement of electrospun solid-state electrolytes via modifications of PEO molecular chains are herein detailed, and lastly, the prevalent challenges and future directions of PEO-based solid-state electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries are summarized.

Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of an Oral Anticancer Management Program

Oral anticancer (OA) agents have become more frequently used for patients diagnosed with cancer. Errors with OA agents can lead to costly and harmful adverse drug reactions and inferior efficacy; however, a standard procedure for prescribing and monitoring OA agents has not been established. An interdisciplinary team of clinicians identified the need for improved safety features in prescribing and monitoring patients prescribed OA agents. The goal of this collaborative project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a standardized program to improve safety for patients newly prescribed OA agents.

Carba Analogues of Flupirtine and Retigabine with Improved Oxidation Resistance and Reduced Risk of Quinoid Metabolite Formation.

The KV7 potassium channel openers flupirtine and retigabine have been valuable options in the therapy of pain and epilepsy. However, as a result of adverse reactions, both drugs are currently no longer in therapeutic use. The flupirtine‐induced liver injury and the retigabine linked tissue discolouration do not appear related at first glance; nevertheless, both events can be attributed to the triaminoaryl scaffold, which is affected by oxidation leading to elusive reactive quinone diimine or azaquinone diimine metabolites. Since the mechanism of action, i. e. KV7 channel opening, seems not to be involved in toxicity, this study aimed to further develop safer replacements for flupirtine and retigabine. In a ligand‐based design strategy, replacing amino substituents of the triaminoaryl core with alkyl substituents led to carba analogues with improved oxidation resistance and negligible risk of quinoid metabolite formation. In addition to these improved safety features, some of the novel analogues exhibited significantly improved KV7.2/3 channel opening activity, indicated by an up to 13‐fold increase in potency and an efficacy of up to 176 % compared to flupirtine, thus being attractive candidates for further development.

Experimental verification of increased electronic excitation energy of water in hydrate-melt water by attenuated total reflection-far-ultraviolet spectroscopy.

The demand for Li secondary batteries is increasing, with the need for batteries with a higher level of performance and improved safety features. The use of a highly concentrated aqueous electrolyte solution is an effective way to increase the safety of batteries because it is possible to use "water-in-salt" (WIS) and "hydrate-melt" (HM) electrolytes for practical applications. These electrolytes exhibit a potential window of >3.0V, which is attributed to the difference between the HOMO and the LUMO energies of the n orbital of the pure water molecules and that of the water molecules in the hydration shells of a metal ion, according to theoretical predictions. Thus, in the present study, the attenuated total reflectance (ATR)-far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectra of water and super-concentrated aqueous solutions, such as WIS and HM using a Li salt, were experimentally investigated. The effects of anions, cations, and deuteriums on the ATR-FUV spectra were examined. The ATR-FUV method is an excellent means of studying highly concentrated aqueous salt solutions. The results suggest that the transition energy of water molecules in an ultrahighly concentrated aqueous electrolyte containing HM and WIS increased by nearly 0.4eV (corresponding to an energy shift of over 10nm) compared to an aqueous electrolyte with a typical water concentration. It was also revealed that the transition energy of water changes depending on the environment of the non-bonding electron, which is directly connected with or affected by hydrogen bonding with other water molecules or directly connected with Li+.

Pre-design of an innovative passive decay heat removal system for ATRIUM AMR-SFR

The Fukushima accident emphasized additional needs to improve the performance of the safety systems in the new generation of nuclear power plants. The design of the loop-type ATRIUM reactor proposes some breakthrough in the inherent safety of a Sodium Cooled Fast Reactor (SFR), including the neutronic behavior of the core and the Decay Heat Removal function. The first improvement is accomplished by a new type of core, characterized by a reinforced Doppler reactivity feedback that guarantees a margin with respect to the unprotected reactivity injection transients. The second aspect is improved by a design of a fully passive Decay Heat Removal System (DHRS), performing this function from the outside of the Primary Vessel. This system is coupled with a tank containing a Phase Change Material (PCM) inside, which confers a strong diversification with respect to the other classical systems accomplishing the same function. The design of the major reactor components, as well as the one of the new DHRS, is illustrated in this article. The purpose is to design a new type of passive safety system maintaining the integrity of the fuel cladding and the one of the primary vessel during a Station Blackout transient. The overall design presents some improved safety features by enhancing the natural convection of the inner NaK, improving the compactness of the innovative heat sink coupled with the DHRS. This last characteristic would allow the heat sink to ensure a further protection against external attacks.

Facile and Effective Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) Layer for Safer Lithium-Ion Batteries

With the popularization of lithium-ion battery propelled electric vehicles, the safety requirements of lithium-ion batteries are under immense scrutiny. Minimizing catastrophic cell failure events by developing improved safety features for lithium-ion batteries is an important endeavor. Herein, we report a novel, safe cathode configuration, achieved by sandwiching a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material layer between the Al foil and active cathode material. The PTC layer (2–3 μm thick) was a composite of the carbon-coated LiFePO4(C-LFP), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and Super P. Due to the structural stability, good conductivity, and limited amount of C-LFP, the PTC layer maintained good structural integrity as a supporting layer between the Al current collector and active material layer. At high temperatures (>80 °C), the PTC effect was triggered in the protective layer by PVDF volume expansion, which effectively disrupted electron flow, leading to a dramatic increase in cathode resistance, thus preventing thermal runaway from occurring. Such a PTC layer-containing cell design not only shows outstanding safety performance during overheating scenarios but also has no degradation on cell performance. Furthermore, the PTC layer has good processability and is a convenient and practical material layer for commercial applications.

Formability of tailor welded blanks of high strength steel: A review

A tailor welded blanks (TWBs) are formed when sheets of several grades, various thicknesses and different coatings are joined by welding process, which are used to improve safety features, fuel consumption, crashworthiness, and weight reduction. TWB sheets are extensively used in auto-body design. The use of TWB in the body structure can significantly reduce the weight of the vehicle, thereby reducing material waste in the workshop, which also results in the reduction of the energy utilization during manufacturing. With this review paper, we highlight and focus the recent advances in the field of Tailor Welded Blanks which are investigated and analysed by researchers mathematically and numerically and found good agreement with the results.

A Molecular Dynamics Study of the Mechanical Properties of Ionic Copolymers during Tension–Recovery Deformation

AbstractPolymer electrolytes have attracted ever‐increasing attention in the field of energy storage and conversion due to their significantly improved safety features and processability compared with liquid electrolytes and inorganic solid electrolytes. The mechanical integrity of ionic copolymers is one of the most important properties that need to be considered in the development of polymer electrolytes. In this study, the uniaxial tension–recovery studies are conducted in single‐ion diblock copolymers via coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulation, where the fraction of the charged block is varied to form spherical, cylindrical, and lamellar morphologies. It is found that the dynamic hysteresis loss and permanent displacement have strong dependence on the fraction of the charged block and charge ratio. The change in the radius of gyration greatly varies for the different morphology. Furthermore, the charged copolymers are subjected to more changes in bond orientation during tension and also preserve more changes at recovery. It is likely that the charged monomers and counterions contribute to the stronger crosslinking effect in charged copolymers, reducing chain slippage and hysteresis loss.

Base Editing Eliminates the Sickle Cell Mutation and Pathology in Hematopoietic Stem Cells Derived Erythroid Cells

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic, life-altering multisystem disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Strategies for genetic therapy of autologous SCD hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) include lentiviral vector (LV) delivery of an anti-sickling β-like globin gene and genome editing, either to revert the SCD mutation by homology-directed repair (HDR) or to induce the expression of fetal hemoglobin (HbF, α2γ2) in red blood cell (RBC) by non-homologous end-joining repair (NHEJ). Base editing is a newer technology that offers the potential for facile generation of more precise genetic alterations with improved safety features. Adenosine base editors (ABEs) convert A-T base pairs to G-C pairs at loci targeted by a single guide (sg) RNA and Cas9 nickase. In contrast to LV vectors and standard Cas9 genome editing, ABEs function through mechanisms that are independent of double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs), which can cause large deletions, structural DNA rearrangements and TP53-mediated DNA damage responses leading to cell death or malignant transformation. Base editors cannot generate the T-to-A transversion required to revert the mutant SCD codon (Val, GTG) to wild-type (Glu, GAG). However, ABEs can convert the Val codon to Ala (GCG) to generate the naturally occurring, non-sickling variant hemoglobin "Makassar" (HbG). Hemoglobin Makassar heterozygotes and 1 reported homozygote exhibit normal RBC indices, indicating that the variant is benign. We used protein directed evolution to generate a new ABE (ABE8e-NRCH) that accesses a nearby CACC PAM to convert HbS alleles to HbG efficiently in heterologous cells. To demonstrate therapeutic proof of concept, we electroporated ABE8e-NRCH mRNA and targeting sgRNA or ABE8e-NRCH/sgRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex into 3 different SCD donor CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). After 48 hours, conversion of the HbS allele to HbG was 58±5% with ABE8e-NRCH mRNA/sgRNA and 34±5% with RNP (n=3). On target editing was maximal at 144 hours: 80±2% with ABE8e-NRCH mRNA/sgRNA and 44±7% with ABE8e-NRCH protein (n=3). The indel rate resulting from inadvertent DSBs was <1%, and missense bystander mutations were not detected. In vitro differentiation of base-edited CD34+ cells generated late stage erythroid cells with 76% HbG/14% HbS protein after editing with ABE8e-NRCH mRNA/sgRNA, and 52% HbG/37% HbS after editing with RNP. The sickling rate of in vitro-generated reticulocytes exposed to hypoxia (2% O2) was 52% in controls derived from unedited CD34+ cells, 16% after editing with ABE8e-NRCH mRNA/sgRNA and 27% after editing with RNP. To assess base editing in repopulating HSCs, we transplanted ABE8e-NRCH-edited SCD CD34+ cells into NBSGW mice. The editing frequency before transplantation was ~64% for ABE8e-NRCH mRNA/sgRNA and 40% for RNP at 48 hours after electroporation. Mice were euthanized after 16 weeks and base editing was analyzed in human donor-derived cells. Overall editing rates were preserved in repopulating cells: 68%±3% for ABE8e-NRCH mRNA/sgRNA and 36%±3% for RNP (n=4). The editing frequencies were similar in donor cell-derived myeloid, erythroid, and B cell-lineages, indicating that base editing did not alter hematopoietic development. Bone marrow erythroblasts derived from base-edited and control CD34+ HSPCs exhibited similar maturation profiles and enucleation. Erythroblasts generated in vivo from HSPCs from SCD patient exhibited potentially therapeutic levels of HbG protein: 58±3% with ABE8e-NRCH mRNA/sgRNA and 27%±3% with RNP (n=4). Adenine base editor conversion of the HbS allele to the Makassar variant in autologous HSCs represents a new therapeutic approach for SCD. Disclosures Yen: Beam Therapeutics: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Ended employment in the past 24 months. Henderson:Trilink Biotech: Current Employment. Mccaffrey:Trilink Biotech: Current Employment. Liu:Pairwise Plants: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties; Prime Medicine: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties; Editas Medicine: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties; Beam Therapeutics: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties. Weiss:Rubius Inc.: Consultancy, Current equity holder in private company; Cellarity Inc.: Consultancy, Current equity holder in private company; Novartis: Consultancy, Current equity holder in private company; Esperion Therapeutics: Consultancy, Current equity holder in private company; Beam Therapeuticcs: Consultancy, Current equity holder in private company.