LiCl Research Articles

Effects of patient pleural effusion fluids on the BBSome components expression of human benign mesothelial cells.

Malignant pleural mesothelial cells are affected by the extracellular milieu while such data on benign cells are scarce. Benign cells sense the extracellular environment with the Primary Cilium (PC) and its molecular complex, the BBSome, is critical for this process. Here we aimed at assessing the changes in BBSome genes expression in ordinary 2D and spheroid 3D cell cultures after incubation with pleural effusion fluids (PF) of several etiologies. Benign human mesothelial cells MeT-5A were incubated with PF from patients with mesothelioma (Meso-PF), breast cancer (BrCa-PF), hemothorax (Hemo-PF) and congestive heart failure (CHF-PF). Gene expression of BBS1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 18 was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to monitor PF-induced gene expression changes. MeT-5A cell migration using the PC-modulating drugs ammonium sulfate (AS) and lithium chloride (LC) during PF incubation was also determined. BBSome gene expression upon influence of BrCa-PF and Hemo-PF was more pronounced in 2D compared to 3D, inducing global changes in 2D. CHF-PF and Meso-PF also induced changes in 2D but not as many, while in all cases MeT-5A grown in 3D were more resistant to the effects of the PF. Meso-PF decreased 2D cell migration, while the disturbance of PC in all PF cases resulted in decreased cell migration. These data suggest distinct BBSome molecular profile changes in benign mesothelial cells exposed to malignant and benign PF, in each case, in both 2D and 3D. Cell migration is sensitive to drug disturbance with PC modulators in PF-exposed cells.

Paintable, Fast Gelation, Highly Adhesive Hydrogels for High-fidelity Electrophysiological Monitoring Wirelessly.

High-fidelity wireless electrophysiological monitoring is essential for ambulatory healthcare applications. Soft solid-like hydrogels have received significant attention as epidermal electrodes because of their tissue-like mechanical properties and high biocompatibility. However, it is challenging to develop a hydrogel electrode that provides robust contact and high adhesiveness with glabrous skin and hairy scalp for high-fidelity, continuous electrophysiological signal detection. Here, a paintable, fast gelation, highly adhesive, and conductive hydrogel is engineered for high-fidelity wireless electrophysiological monitoring. The hydrogel, consisting of gelatin, gallic acid, sodium citrate, lithium chloride, glycerol, and Tris-HCl buffer solution exhibits a reversible thermal phase transition capability, which endows it with the attributes of on-skin applicability and fast in situ gelation with 15 s, thereby addressing the aforementioned limitations. The introduction of gallic acid enhances the adhesive properties of the hydrogel, facilitating secure electrode attachment to the skin or hairy scalp. To accentuate the potential applications in at-home electrophysiological health monitoring, the hydrogel electrodes are demonstrated for high-fidelity electrocardiogram recording for one hour during various daily activities, as well as in simultaneous electroencephalogram and electrocardiogram recording during a 30 min nap.

Bifunctional Portable Powder for Freshwater Production With Moisture Harvesting and Undrinkable Water Purification.

Freshwater scarcity threatens human survival, particularly in extreme environments like deserts, oceans, and space. Compatible atmospheric water harvesting and undrinkable water purification offer an affordable approach to solving freshwater scarcity in these extreme environments. Nonetheless, developing composite sorbent to attain efficient atmospheric water harvesting and undrinkable water purification remains challenging. Hence, a portable hybrid hygroscopic powder (HLC powder) consisting of hydroxypropyl chitosan, dibenzaldehyde-functional poly(ethylene glycol), lithium chloride (LiCl), and nano carbon black is proposed. The HLC powder with optimized LiCl load can capture moisture from the air, showing a high water uptake of 1.76g g-1 at 34% relative humidity (RH) and appropriate over a wide humidity from 34% to 75% RH. pH-responsive sol-gel transition induced by Schiff base bonds transforms the HLC solution into hydrogel, inhibiting hydrated salt leakage. Meanwhile, to achieve efficient undrinkable water purification, the LiCl-free hybrid powder is utilized to convert the undrinkable water, including seawater, dye water, and human urine, to photothermal hydrogel evaporators with low evaporation enthalpies and high evaporation rates ranging from 1.81 to 2.05 kg m-2 h-1 under one sun. This strategy establishes a new path to conveniently obtaining freshwater, breaking hydrological restrictions.

Robust conductive hydrogel advances self-powered intelligent sports monitoring and fair judging

Currently, combining multimodal perceptual ability with mechanical robustness poses a significant challenge for developing hydrogel-based flexible electronics. Herein, a robust conductive hydrogel was successfully synthesized by introducing cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as nanofillers and lithium chloride (LiCl) as the conductive component into the copolymer network through a one-pot crosslinking procedure in a water-dimethyl sulfoxide binary solvent. Besides excellent stretchable, self-adhesive, anti-freezing, self-healing, and anti-swelling properties, tunable and reversible optical property was realized due to the polarity-induced microphase separation of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic group in the zwitterionic sulfobetaine chains, enabling cyclic information encryption and decryption. An all-weather wearable sensor array was thus developed for multi-modal sensing of various environmental stimuli, including mechanical, and thermal variations. Specifically, the intensity and spatial distribution of strain can be detected almost in real time within a broad strain range, thus realizing speech recognation, text-to-speech and human electrocardiogram signal acquisition and underwater non-contact sensing functions. Notably, the CPAMD-based triboelectric nanogenerator demonstrates impressive temperature tolerance (−40 °C and 60 °C), and remarkable material identification capability. A non-contact proximity sensing sensor and a foul detection system were thus developed by coupling the piezoresistive, triboelectric and capacitive sensing metrics to serve as an electronic referee for identifying foul in curling. This work provides a valuable reference toward combining excellent mechanical robustness with balanced electrical performance for tactile perception and intelligent sports monitoring.

Hydrophilic PVDF emulsion separation membranes prepared using TA/APTES as a non-solvent: Effect of lithium chloride hydrate additive content

Currently, surfactant-containing oil–water emulsions are the more difficult part of oily wastewater to treat because of their small droplet size and stable oil–water interface. Membrane separation technology is commonly used for emulsion separation due to its surface wettability and adjustable pore size. Here, tannic acid (TA) and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane prepolymerization solutions are used as the exchange solvents, allowing growth on the surface and inside of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF). Among them, the content of lithium chloride (LCM) hydrate modulates the range and amount of growth. In the pressure range of 0.1–0.7 bar, the modified hydrophilic PVDF-TA/LCM-2 membranes exhibit high pure water permeation fluxes and emulsion separation efficiencies that can be adapted to different separation conditions. At 0.2 bar, the PVDF-TA/LCM-2 achieves pure water permeate flux and emulsion separation fluxes of 1860 and 648 L m-2 h−1 bar−1, and an emulsion separation efficiency of 99.5 %. In addition, for different kinds of oil-in-water emulsions, the high separation fluxes and high separation efficiencies indicate that PVDF-TA/LCM-2has good emulsion separation performance.

Inhibiting the soluble epoxide hydrolase increases the EpFAs and ERK1/2 expression in the hippocampus of LiCl-pilocarpine post-status epilepticus rat model

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the enzyme activity of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and quantify its metabolic substrates, namely epoxygenated fatty acids (EpFAs), and products of sEH in the hippocampus after administering TPPU [1-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-3-(1-propionylpiperidin-4-yl)urea], an inhibitor of sEH. Furthermore, it explored whether the extracellular signal-activated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) is involved in the anti-seizure effects of TPPU in the lithium chloride (LiCl)-pilocarpine induced post-status epilepticus (SE) rat model. MethodsThe rats were intraperitoneally (I.P.) injected with LiCl and pilocarpine to induce SE and then spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) were observed. Rats were randomly assigned into SRS + TPPU group (intragastrically administering 0.1 mg/kg/d TPPU), SRS + Vehicle group (administering the vehicle instead), and Control group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western-blot analysis, and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) were performed to measure the enzyme activity of sEH, the protein level of sEH and ERK1/2, and the concentration of TPPU and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) metabolisms in the hippocampus. ResultsThe frequency of SRS events of Racine stage 3 or higher ranged from 0 to 19 per week in the SRS + Vehicle group, compared to 0–5 per week in the SRS + TPPU group. sEH enzyme activity and protein levels were significantly elevated in the SRS + Vehicle group compared to the Control group. After TPPU administration, the hippocampal TPPU concentration reached 10.94 ± 4.37 nmol/kg. sEH enzyme activity was significantly reduced in the LiCl-pilocarpine-induced post-SE rat model, although sEH protein levels did not decrease significantly. The regioisomers 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-EETs, total EETs, the EETs/DHETs ratio, other EpFAs including 16(17)-EpDPA, and the 19(20)-EpDPA/19,20-DiHDPA ratio in the hippocampus were significantly increased. Additionally, the p-ERK1/2 to ERK1/2 ratio in the hippocampus was significantly elevated following TPPU administration. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that inhibiting sEH with TPPU increases the levels of EETs, other EpFAs, and ERK1/2 expression in the hippocampus of a LiCl-pilocarpine-induced post-SE rat model. These findings suggest that the anti-seizure effect of TPPU may be mediated through the EETs-ERK1/2 pathway.

Lithium ion transportation in lignin infused polyvinyl alcohol based eutectogel: A molecular dynamics framework

Eutectogels are an arising material in the field of energy storage applications like high-energy Lithium-Ion batteries (LIBs) due to their properties like higher ionic conductivity, environment friendly and enhanced safety. However, it is important to understand the working mechanism of eutectogels at an atomistic level with the help of Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, in order to enhance their performance as electrolytes for LIBs. Eutectogels are formed by integrating deep eutectic solvent (DES) involving Lithium Chloride (LiCl) and ethylene glycol (EG) in the molar ratio of 1:5 with the polymeric matrix of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) chains considered for this study. Thereafter, lignin molecules are induced in the eutectogel system to improve the characteristics of an eutectogel. The elaborate study of the effect of lignin on the lithium ions movement through the lignin-added-eutectogel is involved in this work. The increase in hydrogen bonds among PVA polymeric chains and lignin molecules show the strength enhancement. From the Radial Distribution Function results it is derived that the lithium ions are showing enhanced interactions with chlorine ions than any other component of the system. Mean Square Displacement gives an idea about diffusivity of lithium ions through the systems and it suggests that the Li+ ion diffusivity is improved after Lignin imposition. On the basis of findings from this work, the modified Lignin infused PVA based eutectogel can be the potential candidate for the battery and energy storage applications.

Electroanalytical detection of fruit ethylene by a novel electroactive biosensing membrane

Purpose This study aims to present an innovative approach to detect and monitor ethylene gas during fruit ripening. Design/methodology/approach It uses a specialized composite membrane in conjunction with a solid-state electrochemical method. This unique electroactive membrane, composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan (CHT), lithium chloride (LiCl) and ammonium molybdate (AMO), exhibits synergistic behavior when applied to a microelectrode chip surface. This composite enhances the sensitivity of electrochemical ethylene detection. Empirical experiments were conducted to elucidate the ripening kinetics in various fruit specimens, including apples, pears and mangoes. These fruits released ethylene, which was analyzed using the molybdenum-permeated electroactive biopolymer composite membrane, a critical determinant of ethylene levels. Findings Characterization of the synthesized composite through techniques such as X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed reduced crystallinity and decreased hydrogen bond interactions upon activation with Mo ions. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images exhibited a distinctive porous surface morphology with spherical microgranules. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis indicated a significant change in the mass or atomic composition of Mo in the composite membrane after Mo ion activation. Electrochemical measurements, including cyclic voltammetry and potentiostatic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, validated the efficiency of the Mo-activated PVA-CHT-LiCl-AMO membrane, manifesting an impressive 87.79% increase in sensitivity compared to the nonactivated membrane. Practical implications This research work represents a significant advancement in the field of ethylene detection and fruit ripening monitoring. The Mo-activated PVA-CHT-LiCl-AMO membrane offers a reliable and effective solution for real-time ethylene detection, providing an invaluable tool for the horticultural industry to optimize fruit ripening processes, extend shelf life and ensure the delivery of high-quality produce to consumers. Social implications The findings of this study hold great promise for fostering sustainability and efficiency within the global fruit supply chain, ultimately benefiting both producers and consumers alike. Originality/value The implications of this research extend to the fabrication of a sensor based on a solid-state electroactive PVA-CHT-LiCl-AMO composite membrane, which upon Mo-activation exhibits robust electrochemical fruit ethylene detection when exposed to different fruits.

The proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle stem cells are enhanced in a bioreactor.

Skeletal muscle (SKM) is the largest organ in mammalian body and it can repair damages by using the residential myogenic stem cells (MuSC), but this repairing capacity reduces with age and in some genetic muscular dystrophy. Under these circumstances, artificial amplification of autologous MuSC in vitro might be necessary to repair the damaged SKM. The amplification of MuSC is highly dependent on myogenic signals, such as sonic hedgehog (Shh), Wnt3a, and fibroblast growth factors, so formulating an optimum myogenic kit composed of specific myogenic signals might increase the proliferation and differentiation of MuSC efficiently. In this study, various myogenic signals have been tested on C2C12 myoblasts and primary MuSC, and a myogenic kit consists of insulin, lithium chloride, T3, and retinoic acid has been formulated, and we found it significantly increased the fusion index and MHC expression level of both C2C12 and MuSC myotubes. A novel bioreactor providing cyclic stretching (CS) and electrical stimulation (ES) has been fabricated to enhance the myogenic differentiation of both C2C12 and MuSC. We further found that coating the bioreactor substratum with collagen gave the best effect on proliferation and differentiation of MuSC. Furthermore, combining the collagen coating and physical stimuli (CS + ES) in the bioreactor can generate more proliferative primary MuSC cells. Our results have demonstrated that the combination of myogenic kit and bioreactor can provide environment for efficient MuSC proliferation and differentiation. These MuSC and mature myotubes amplified in the bioreactor might be useful for clinical grafting into damaged SKM in the future.

Unraveling chemical origins of dendrite formation in zinc-ion batteries via in situ/operando X-ray spectroscopy and imaging

To prevent zinc (Zn) dendrite formation and improve electrochemical stability, it is essential to understand Zn dendrite growth, particularly in terms of morphology and relation with the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film. In this study, we employ in-situ scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and spectro-ptychography to monitor the morphology evolution of Zn dendrites and to identify their chemical composition and distribution on the Zn surface during the stripping/plating progress. Our findings reveal that in 50 mM ZnSO4, the initiation of moss/whisker dendrites is chemically controlled, while their continued growth over extended cycles is kinetically governed. The presence of a dense and stable SEI film is critical for inhibiting the formation and growth of Zn dendrites. By adding 50 mM lithium chloride (LiCl) as an electrolyte additive, we successfully construct a dense and stable SEI film composed of Li2S2O7 and Li2CO3, which significantly improves cycling performance. Moreover, the symmetric cell achieves a prolonged cycle life of up to 3900 h with the incorporation of 5% 12-crown-4 additives. This work offers a strategy for in-situ observation and analysis of Zn dendrite formation mechanisms and provides an effective approach for designing high-performance Zn-ion batteries.

Effective removal of host cell-derived nucleic acids bound to hepatitis B core antigen virus-like particles by heparin chromatography.

Virus-like particles (VLPs) show considerable potential for a wide array of therapeutic applications, spanning from vaccines targeting infectious diseases to applications in cancer immunotherapy and drug delivery. In the context of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) VLPs, a promising candidate for gene delivery approaches, the naturally occurring nucleic acid (NA) binding region is commonly utilized for effective binding of various types of therapeutic nucleic acids (NAther). During formation of the HBcAg VLPs, host cell-derived nucleic acids (NAhc) might be associated to the NA binding region, and are thus encapsulated into the VLPs. Following a VLP harvest, the NAhc need to be removed effectively before loading the VLP with NAther. Various techniques reported in literature for this NAhc removal, including enzymatic treatments, alkaline treatment, and lithium chloride precipitation, lack quantitative evidence of sufficient NAhc removal accompanied by a subsequent high VLP protein recovery. In this study, we present a novel heparin chromatography-based process for effective NAhc removal from HBcAg VLPs. Six HBcAg VLP constructs with varying lengths of the NA binding region and diverse NAhc loadings were subjected to evaluation. Process performance was thoroughly examined through NAhc removal and VLP protein recovery analyses. Hereby, reversed phase chromatography combined with UV/Vis spectroscopy, as well as silica spin column-based chromatography coupled with dye-based fluorescence assay were employed. Additionally, alternative process variants, comprising sulfate chromatography and additional nuclease treatments, were investigated. Comparative analyses were conducted with LiCl precipitation and alkaline treatment procedures to ascertain the efficacy of the newly developed chromatography-based methods. Results revealed the superior performance of the heparin chromatography procedure in achieving high NAhc removal and concurrent VLP protein recovery. Furthermore, nuanced relationships between NA binding region length and NAhc removal efficiency were elucidated. Hereby, the construct Cp157 surpassed the other constructs in the heparin process by demonstrating high NAhc removal and VLP protein recovery. Among the other process variants minimal performance variations were observed for the selected constructs Cp157 and Cp183. However, the heparin chromatography-based process consistently outperformed other methods, underscoring its superiority in NAhc removal and VLP protein recovery.

Effect of Mercerization on the Properties of Cellulose Fiber and Cellulose Hydrogel Extracted from Pineapple Leaf Fiber

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of alkaline treatment on the pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) cellulose extraction and the properties of cellulose hydrogel. PALF was treated with different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (2 to 10 wt %) and at room temperature (RT) and 80 °C. Then, extracted cellulose was then dissolved in N,N’‐dimethyl acetamide (DMAc)/lithium chloride (LiCl) solvent system and formed into hydrogel by phase inversion method. The Fourier transform infrared spectra shows the peak disappearance at 1606 cm−1 proves that lignin was removed starting from 6 and 4 wt % NaOH at RT and 80 °C, respectively. Higher NaOH concentrations treatment increased thermal stability and the crystallinity (71 to 79 %) of the fibers. Higher NaOH concentration and treatment temperature enhanced cellulose extraction from PALF, leading to more physical crosslinking during hydrogel formation. High amount of cellulose extracted decreased the hydrogel's swelling equilibrium and increased the gel fraction. The highest transmittance (87.8 %) and the lowest intensity of absorbance (at 280 nm corresponding to lignin) were obtained by the hydrogel prepared with PALF treated with 8 wt % NaOH at 80 °C. Clearly, this research findings provide new insights into optimizing cellulose extraction using alkaline treatment specifically for cellulose hydrogel formation.

Loofah-based self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator-supercapacitor for an integrated self-charging energy system

New urbanization is ushering in a surge in construction and amplifying a substantial demand for urban road development, simultaneously spurring innovation and development of environmentally sustainable power sources. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), a revolutionary technology of energy conversion, efficiently capturing high-entropy energy from the environment and offering the advantages of self-powered and immediacy. Recognizing the critical need to store the energy harvested by TENGs, we present an integrated energy conversion and storage system that combines a loofah-based self-powered rotating TENG (LS-TENG) with a supercapacitor. The maximum instantaneous output power and the corresponding instantaneous power density of the LS-TENG are 0.75mW and 202.69mW/m2 at 30rpm. The supercapacitor, featuring carbon nanotube (CNT) interdigitated electrodes created through microelectronic printing technology, utilizes polyacrylamide (PAM)-lithium chloride (LiCl) as a gel electrolyte (adhesion strength of 16.69 kPa). The supercapacitor is seamlessly integrated onto the back of the LS-TENG’s stator, which effectively simplified the energy conversion and storage system. At a current density of 0.01mA/cm2, the supercapacitor achieves a high volumetric capacitance of 341.47 mF/cm3, an energy density of 17.07mWh/cm3, and a power density of 257.07 mW/cm3, with a remarkable capacitance retention rate of 99.12% after 30000 cycles at a current density of 0.02mA/cm2. Furthermore, a concept demonstration of an integrated self-charging energy system is implemented, in which the supercapacitor can be charged at wind speed rate of 3.0m/s. The proposed integrated energy storage and conversion system makes it ideal for converting and storing wind energy.

Enhanced electrochemical performance of garnet Li7La3Zr2O12 electrolyte by efficient incorporation of LiCl

Garnet-type Ta-doped Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) lithium-ion-conducting ceramic electrolytes has become the promising and critical candidate for developing the high-energy-density all-solid-state lithium batteries, due to the satisfied Li+ conductivity, stability against metallic lithium anode, and the feasible preparation under ambient air. Here, to further increase the lithium-ion conductivity of LLZO comparable to that of the commercial organic liquid electrolytes, lithium chloride (LiCl) is effectively introduced to synthesize the garnet-type ceramic electrolytes with the nominal composition (Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12)1-x–(LiCl)x (x = 0, 5mol%, 10mol%, 15mol%, 20mol%, and 25mol%) via high-temperature calcination process. The cubic structure with highly conductive performance is confirmed from X-ray diffraction measurement as well as Raman spectra analysis. Structural information is observed according to field emission scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer and density measurements. Among above investigated ceramic compositions, the prepared (Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12)0.85–(LiCl)0.15 ceramic electrolyte sheet sintered at 1200 °C for 12h presents the room-temperature Li-ion conductivity of 1.22 × 10−3 S·cm−1 by alternating current (AC) impedance analysis along with the corresponding activation energy of 0.262eV through Arrhenius equation calculation. The electronic conductivity measurements are also done by direct-current polarization to confirm the ionic nature for all investigated ceramics. Furthermore, the Li|(Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12)0.85–(LiCl)0.15 |Li symmetric batteries can possess the small interfacial resistance of 92.3 Ω cm2 and stably run for 1000 h at 0.1 mA cm−2 without a short circuit at room temperature. The hybridized lithium-sulfur battery with (Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12)0.85–(LiCl)0.15 electrolyte delivered excellent initial room-temperature discharge capacity of 1204mAh·g−1 and 1152 mAh·g−1 under the current density of 0.1C and 0.2C respectively, large coulombic efficiency, and great cycling stability. Moreover, the lithium-sulfur batteries also can show excellent cycling performances under different current densities and a good capacity recoverability. The above investigation results suggest that the low-melting-point LiCl incorporation in Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 electrolyte is an effective measurement to synthesize the cubic and dense Li-stuff garnet ceramic sheets for the high-performance rechargeable next-generation solid-state batteries.

Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile Couplings of Aryl Thianthrenium Salts with Aryl Bromides via C-S Bond Activation.

We report here a step-economic and cost-effective cross-electrophile coupling of aryl thianthrenium salts with widely available aryl bromides, which proceeded effectively via C-S bond activation at ambient temperature in THF in the presence of a palladium catalyst, magnesium turnings, and lithium chloride to enable the facile assembly of a wide array of structurally diverse biaryls in modest to good yields with good functional group compatibility. In addition, the gram-scale reaction could also be realized.

Dibenzodioxin-Based Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity with Enhanced Transport Properties for Lithium Ions in Aqueous Media.

Boosting the transport and selectivity properties of membranes based on polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) toward one specific working analyte of interest is challenging. In this work, a novel family of PIM membranes, prepared by casting and exhibiting optima mechanical properties and high thermal stability, was synthesized from 4,4'-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-phenylethane-1,1-diyl) bis(benzene-1,2-diol) and two tetrafluoro-nitrile derivatives. Gas permeability measurements evidenced a CO2/CH4 selectivity up to 170% relative to the reference polymer, PIM-1, in agreement with their calculated fractional free volume and the analysis of the textural properties by N2 and CO2 gas adsorption. Besides, the chemical modification by acid hydrolysis of the PIM membranes favored the permeability for lithium ions (LiCl 2M, 6 × 10-9 cm2·s-1) compared to other alkali metal analogs such as sodium (NaCl 2M, 7.38 × 10-10 cm2·s-1) and potassium (KCl 2M, 1.05 × 10-9 cm2·s-1). Moreover, the complete mitigation of the crossover of redox species with higher molecular sizes than the ions from alkali metal salts was confirmed by using in-line benchtop NMR methods. Additionally, the modified PIM membranes were measured in a symmetric electrochemical flow cell using an aqueous electrolyte by combining lithium ferro/ferricyanide redox compounds and lithium chloride. The electrochemical tests showed low polarization, high-rate capability, and capacity retention values of 99% when cycled at 10 mA·cm-2 for over 50 cycles. Based on these results, these polymers could be used as highly selective and conducting membranes in electrodialysis for lithium separation and lithium-based redox flow batteries and as a protective layer in high-energy density lithium metal batteries.

Mathematical Modeling of Sorptive Extraction of Lithium Chloride from Lithium-containing Brine of the Aral Sea Region

Introduction The article presents the results of chemical and physicochemical analysis of initial lithium-containing hydromineral raw materials and sorbent based on bentonite clay with titanium oxide addition. Methods It is established that the mineral is montmorillonite group and kaolinite according to the results of the analysis of the microstructure and elemental composition of bentonitic clay of the Darbazinsky deposit. Brine is characterized by the change of lithium chloride content in the range of 403- 1001 mg/l. Physical and mechanical characteristics of the obtained sorbents based on bentonite clay and titanium oxide additive are characterized by a high mechanical strength of 5.31 MPa, density of up to 2,6 g/cm3, and specific surface area of 1572 cm2/g. The technological parameters of sorption extraction of lithium chloride from lithium-containing hydromineral raw materials were optimized using the system analysis “STATISTICA” developed by StatSoft company. It is established that to increase the rate of lithium chloride extraction from brine, it is necessary to maintain the rate of brine flow within 8 l/min at maximum humidity of solution output up to 43g/m3 on the basis of the obtained volumetric graphical dependencies. Results The microstructure of the used sorbents with titanium oxide addition up to 20% is characterized by the predominance of lithium chlorides, which are represented by heap-shaped, prismatic crystals. Conclusion The maximum amount of lithium chloride in the form of clusters of light-white crystals of tabular shape on the surface of the sorbent is observed at increasing the content of titanium oxide up to 40%.

ICP-OES analysis of Lithium in honey, royal jelly, bee bread, propolis, and bees following microwave-assisted sample preparation

AbstractLithium is a natural, ubiquitously-occurring alkali metal found in varying amounts in foods like honey. Recently, lithium chloride (LiCl) was described to be effective against varroosis, a parasitic disease leading to loss of honey bee colonies with limited therapy options. However, LiCl treatment is not currently authorized for use in honey bee colonies. Such treatment might result in elevated lithium amounts in honey. To address this, a robust method for quantifying lithium in honey was validated using a microwave-assisted digestion technique combined with Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), achieving detection levels as low as 0.151 mg/kg. The method was applied to 65 commercially available, randomly chosen honey samples, all of which had lithium levels below the limit of quantitation (LOQ). Furthermore, the method was successfully adapted for use with more complex bee matrices, including royal jelly, bee bread, propolis, and whole bees.

Hygroscopic ionogel for enhanced thermoelectric generation performance

Improving thermoelectric generators (TEGs) performance remains challenging in the context of energy crisis and thermal-pollution. Here, we present a strategy for thermal management and performance enhancement of TEGs by sustainable evaporative cooling utilizing highly hygroscopic and adhesive ionogels (PIGs). Rational swelling and poly-[2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (PDMAPS) chains with group interactions prevent lithium chloride (LiCl) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM][Ac]) leakage, while carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and MIL-101(Cr) optimize the evaporative cooling of PIGs. PIGs possess high sorption (252.72% at 25 °C, 90% RH for 12 h) and steady sorption-desorption kinetics. Meanwhile, PIGs exhibit high adhesion (130.89 N m−1) on TEGs. The evaporative cooling of PIGs enhances the temperature difference of TEGs. The potential of PIG-TEG is increased by three times at heat source temperatures of 50–80 °C, and the output power density stabilizes at ∼706.25 mW m−2 after heating at 50 °C for 1 h. Moreover, the PIG-TEG maintains stable output enhancement for prolonged time (over 24 h). Additionally, we integrate PIG-TEGs for the durable power supply of devices and design a movable model car, which utilizes waste heat for self-powering. PIGs realize effective thermoelectric output enhancement of TEGs, and provide ideas in clean energy conversion, wearable devices, and mobile power.

Synthesis of Self‐Adhesive, Self‐Healing and Antifreeze Conductive Hydrogels for Flexible Strain sensors

Abstract Recently, significant progress has been made regarding conductive hydrogels‐based flexible sensors in health detection, electronic skin, soft robots, etc. However, the requirement of bonding with the substrate through the adhesive tape, brokenness sensitivity, and degradation of performance under low‐temperature environments, strongly limit the wide applications of conductive hydrogels in flexible sensors. To solve these problems, this study introduces lithium chloride (LiCl) into poly(vinyl alcohol)/tannic acid/polyacrylamide (PVA/TA/PAM) hydrogels to endow the hydrogels with excellent conductivity and antifreeze properties. In addition, the addition of tannic acid (TA) and zwitterionic 3‐[Dimethyl‐[2‐(2‐methylprop‐2‐enoyloxy)ethyl]azaniumyl]propane‐1‐sulfonate (SBMA) enables the hydrogel to have good self‐healing performance (after 72 h of healing at 20 °C, the healing efficiency of fracture stress is 24%, and the healing efficiency of fracture strain is 52%) and adhesion (the adhesion strength to paper at 20 °C is 14.12 KPa). The sensors based on PVA/TA/PAM composite hydrogels exhibit good sensibility, stability, and durability, and can respond quickly to human joint activities (finger bending, wrist bending, arm bending, and leg bending). Therefore, the multifunctional PVA/TA/PAM composite hydrogel demonstrates significant potential for applications in flexible strain sensors under extreme environments.