Outstanding Safety Research Articles

Rational strategy for construction of multifunctional coatings for achieving high fire safety, antibacterial, UV protection and electrical conductivity functions of textile fabrics

Sustainable and innovative multifunctional organic coatings were designed and developed for integrating effective flame retardancy, ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection, electrical conductivity and antibacterial functions to viscose textiles. The coatings-based nanocomposites were prepared from cellulose nanocrystal phosphate derived from waste cotton clothes, graphene sheets derived from mandarin shell, polyaniline nanofibers and polypyrrole (PPy) and elucidated using microscopic and spectroscopic tools. The nanomaterials-based coatings were first synthesized individually from their sustainable precursors and then utilized in nanocoatings fabrication. Variety of nanocoatings were developed from different combinations of nanofillers and mass ratios and then coated on viscose textile fabrics. The flammability, thermal stability, UV protection, electrical conductivity and antibacterial properties of the treated textile fabrics were studied and optimized. The flame retardancy properties of the developed textile fabrics were significantly improved achieving zero rate of burning compared to 193 mm/min for uncoated fabrics. This outstanding fire safety was ascribed to synergistic flame retardancy effect of coating layer based phosphorylated cellulose nanocrystals, graphene sheets and polyaniline nanofibers affording protective char barrier. The flame retardancy action was further elucidated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy of protective char layer developed. Moreover, the coated fabrics affords excellent UV protection properties achieving ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) value of 90 compared to 2.7 for uncoated one. Additionally, new electrical conductivity feature was incorporated to the developed fabrics achieving reduction in electrical resistivity by 10,000 time affording conductive fabrics with convenient dissipation factor. Interestingly, the fabricated nanocoating integrates superior antibacterial properties against different bacteria strains Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and E-coli (Gram-negative) achieving clear antibacterial inhibition zone of 14.5 and 18.4 mm compared to zero mm inhibition for untreated one respectively. Furthermore, the influence of different nanocoatings on tensile strength properties of coated fabrics was studied and optimized.

A High-Efficient DOPO-Based Flame Retardant as a Co-Curing Agent for Simultaneously Enhancing the Fire Safety and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin.

Simultaneously enhancing the fire safety and mechanical properties of epoxy resin (EP) remains a persistent challenge. Herein, a high-efficient phosphaphenanthrene-based flame retardant (FNP) is synthesized using 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole, 4-formylbenzoic acid, and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide. Due to the presence of active amine groups, FNP is employed as a co-curing agent for fabricating EP composites with outstanding fire safety and mechanical properties. EP containing 8 wt% FNP (EP/8FNP) achieves a vertical burning (UL-94)V-0 rating with a limiting oxygen index of 31%. Meanwhile, FNP declines the peak heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke release of EP/8FNP by 41.1%, 31.8%, and 16.0%, respectively, compared to those of unmodified EP. The increased fire safety of EP/FNP composites is because FNP promotes the formation of an intumescent, compact, and cross-linking char layer for EP/FNP composites, and releases P-containing substances and noncombustible gases in the gas phase during combustion. In addition, EP/8FNP exhibits 20.3% and 5.4% increase in the flexural strength and modulus compared with those of pure EP. Furthermore, FNP enhances the glass transition temperature of EP/FNP composites from 141.6 °C for pure EP to 147.3 °C for EP/8FNP. Therefore, this work is conducive to the future development of fabricating fire-safe EP composites with enhanced mechanical properties.

Competitive Li+ Coordination in Ionogel Electrolytes for Enhanced Li-Ion Transport Kinetics.

Developing ionogel electrolytes based on ionic liquid instead of volatile liquid in gel polymer electrolytes is regarded to be effective to diminish safety concerns in terms of overheating and fire. Herein, a zwitterion-based copolymer matrix based on the copolymerization of trimethylolpropane ethoxylate triacrylate (ETPTA) and 2-methacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine (MPC, one typical zwitterion) is developed. It is shown that introducing zwitterions into ionogel electrolytes can effectively optimize local lithium-ion (Li+ ) coordination environment to improve Li+ transport kinetics. The interactions between Li+ and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI- )/MPC lead to the formation of Li+ coordination shell jointly occupied by MPC and TFSI- . Benefiting from the competitive Li+ attraction of TFSI- and MPC, the energy barrier of Li+ desolvation is sharply decreased and thus the room-temperature ionic conductivity can reach a value of 4.4×10-4 S cm-1 . Besides, the coulombic interaction between TFSI- and MPC can greatly decrease the reduction stability of TFSI- , boosting insitu derivation of LiF-enriched solid electrolyte interface layer on lithium metal surface. As expected, the assembled Li||LiFePO4 cells deliver a high reversible discharge capacity of 139 mAh g-1 at 0.5 C and good cycling stability. Besides, the pouch cells exhibit a steady open-circuit voltage and can operate normally under abuse testing (fold, cut), showing its outstanding safety performance.

Designing MXene-Wrapped AgCl@Carbon core shell cathode for robust quasi-solid-state Ag-Zn battery with ultralong cycle life

Quasi-solid-state silver-zinc (Ag-Zn) batteries, featuring high energy density, stable voltage output, and outstanding safety, have been considered as promising power source for wearable electronics, while they suffer from poor areal capacity and insufficient rechargeability caused by low surface area and structural deterioration of cathode. In this work, we address these problems through redesigning the cathode with core-shell AgCl/carbon fiber structure decorated with MXene nanosheets. Benefiting from the unique structure with high surface area, the capacity is over two times higher than that with irregular morphology, and undesired Ag migration is suppressed owing to MXene protective layer, leading to enhanced structural integrity and ultralong cycle life. Theoretical calculations and experimental result reveal that a heterostructure is formed between MXene and Zn-coated AgCl, stabilizing the cathode structure. The battery demonstrates high capacity of 2.97 mAh cm−2 and impressive cyclability, maintaining 78% of initial capacity after 400 cycles at 4 mA cm−2, with nearly 100% coulombic efficiency. Moreover, robust mechanical flexibility is demonstrated in the separator-free batteries, and they can operate when twisted, cut, put on fire, and sealed in ice, suggesting the viability for practical application scenarios. This work offers pivotal guidance to construct stable electrodes and advanced batteries for powering electronics.

Ultrafast microwave heated form-stable thermal package providing operating temperature for PEO all-solid-state batteries

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) have been regarded as satisfying future energy storage devices owing to the advantages of notably high energy density and outstanding safety. However, their attainable energy density, especially in poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based ASSBs, is limited by low operating ambient temperature due to sluggish lithium-ion transport of solid electrolyte. Herein, a functional anti-leakage skeleton (alumina ceramic and boron nitride) with efficient graphene-modified phase change material (GPCM) and microwave thermal energy storage system is proposed for providing the operating temperature of ASSBs. The composite, prepared by alumina ceramic fiber, boron nitride, and GPCM, presenting excellent thermal properties such as great enhancement of thermal conductivity (64.6%) and low enthalpy loss (11.27%). The superior thermal effect is confirmed by experiments and simulations of microwave absorption. Through microwave irradiating the ASSBs wrapped with the composite, ASSBs can realize cold-starting in 1 min from room temperature in a fast, safe and low-power heating pathway. Significantly, the combination of multi-scale characteristics in graphene increases the thermal energy generated by the composite during microwave processing. Furthermore, the composite material (GPBC), used as portable auxiliary heating equipment, enables the ASSB to exhibit 92% capacity of those ASSBs placed in 55 °C ovens at 1C. This work provides a distinctive route to achieve efficient and extensive applications of ASSBs through external preheating.

Preventing the Distortion of CoO6 Octahedra of LiCoO2 at High-Voltage Operation of Lithium-Ion Battery: An Organic Surface Reinforcement.

Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2, LCO) has been widely used in electronic markets due to its high energy density and wide voltage range applications. Recently, high-voltage (HV, >4.5 V) operation has been required to obey the requirements of high energy density and cycle life in several applications such as electric vehicles and energy storage. However, the HV operation causes structure instability due to the over de-lithiation of LCO, as well as decomposing common carbonate solvents, thereby incurring the decay of battery performance. Moreover, a distortion of the CoO6 octahedra of LCO during de-lithiation induces a rehybridization of the Co 3d and O 2p orbitals. According to above reasons, decreasing the Co-O covalent bond promptly triggers high risks that significantly limit further use of LCO. In this research, an organic surface reinforcement by using bismaleimide-uracil (BU) that electrochemically forms a cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) on LCO was explored. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and battery performance, such as the c-rate and cyclability tests, demonstrated that the modified CEI formed from BU significantly prevents the distortion of CoO6 octahedra. X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy and in situ XAS indicated less LiF formation and higher bond energy of Co-O improved. Finally, the differential scanning calorimetry showed the onset temperature of decomposition of LCO was extended from 245 to 270 °C at 100% state of charge, which is about a 25 °C extension. The exothermic heat of LCO decreased by approximately 30% for high-safety use. This research confirms that the BU is eligible for high voltage (>4.5 V) LCO and presents outstanding electrochemical properties and safety performances.

Understanding Electrochemical Reaction Mechanisms of Sulfur in All‐Solid‐State Batteries through Operando and Theoretical Studies **

AbstractDue to its outstanding safety and high energy density, all‐solid‐state lithium‐sulfur batteries (ASLSBs) are considered as a potential future energy storage technology. The electrochemical reaction pathway in ASLSBs with inorganic solid‐state electrolytes is different from Li‐S batteries with liquid electrolytes, but the mechanism remains unclear. By combining operando Raman spectroscopy and ex situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, we investigated the reaction mechanism of sulfur (S8) in ASLSBs. Our results revealed that no Li2S8, Li2S6, and Li2S4 were formed, yet Li2S2 was detected. Furthermore, first‐principles structural calculations were employed to disclose the formation energy of solid state Li2Sn (1≤n≤8), in which Li2S2 was a metastable phase, consistent with experimental observations. Meanwhile, partial S8 and Li2S2 remained at the full lithiation stage, suggesting incomplete reaction due to sluggish reaction kinetics in ASLSBs.

Understanding Electrochemical Reaction Mechanisms of Sulfur in All-Solid-State Batteries through Operando and Theoretical Studies.

Due to its outstanding safety and high energy density, all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries (ASLSBs) are considered as a potential future energy storage technology. The electrochemical reaction pathway in ASLSBs with inorganic solid-state electrolytes is different from Li-S batteries with liquid electrolytes, but the mechanism remains unclear. By combining operando Raman spectroscopy and ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we investigated the reaction mechanism of sulfur (S8 ) in ASLSBs. Our results revealed that no Li2 S8, Li2 S6, and Li2 S4 were formed, yet Li2 S2 was detected. Furthermore, first-principles structural calculations were employed to disclose the formation energy of solid state Li2 Sn (1≤n≤8), in which Li2 S2 was a metastable phase, consistent with experimental observations. Meanwhile, partial S8 and Li2 S2 remained at the full lithiation stage, suggesting incomplete reaction due to sluggish reaction kinetics in ASLSBs.

Scalable Synthesis of Bulk TiO2 Hybrids Toward Efficient Li‐Storage Performance in “Rocking‐Chair” Type Full‐Cell Assembly With High Voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Cathode

AbstractExploring anode materials with outstanding safety, high capacities, and superior rate performance for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) remains a constant objective. A simple and green synthesis method with an excellent electrochemical performance of a TiO2 bronze/anatase hybrid is herein reported as an anode at different temperature conditions (400 °C, 450 °C, and 500 °C) for LIBs. The Li‐ion insertion/extraction properties are studied in a half‐cell assembly (Li/TiO2) and subsequently in a “rocking‐chair” type full‐cell configuration with a high voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) cathode. In both half and full‐cell assemblies, all three TiO2 hybrids exhibit promising results with an initial discharge capacity of >165 mAh g−1 at a current rate of 0.05 A g−1 along with a capacity retention of >90% after 100 cycles. The initial coulombic efficiency of ≈78% is observed for the full‐cell, LNMO/TiO2‐400 °C, with a maximum energy density of 192.75 Wh kg−1 and good cyclability at room temperature conditions.

A new generation Mpro inhibitor with potent activity against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly the Omicron variant and its sublineages, continually threaten the global public health. Small molecule antivirals are an effective treatment strategy to fight against the virus. However, the first-generation antivirals either show limited clinical efficacy and/or have some defects in pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Moreover, with increased use of these drugs across the globe, they face great pressure of drug resistance. We herein present the discovery and characterization of a new generation antiviral drug candidate (SY110), which is a potent and selective inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). This compound displayed potent in vitro antiviral activity against not only the predominant SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineage BA.5, but also other highly pathogenic human coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. In the Omicron-infected K18-hACE2 mouse model, oral treatment with SY110 significantly lowered the viral burdens in lung and alleviated the virus-induced pathology. Importantly, SY110 possesses favorable PK properties with high oral drug exposure and oral bioavailability, and also an outstanding safety profile. Furthermore, SY110 exhibited sensitivity to several drug-resistance Mpro mutations. Collectively, this investigation provides a promising new drug candidate against Omicron and other variants of SARS-CoV-2.

Polymeric Heart Valves Will Displace Mechanical and Tissue Heart Valves: A New Era for the Medical Devices.

The development of a novel artificial heart valve with outstanding durability and safety has remained a challenge since the first mechanical heart valve entered the market 65 years ago. Recent progress in high-molecular compounds opened new horizons in overcoming major drawbacks of mechanical and tissue heart valves (dysfunction and failure, tissue degradation, calcification, high immunogenic potential, and high risk of thrombosis), providing new insights into the development of an ideal artificial heart valve. Polymeric heart valves can best mimic the tissue-level mechanical behavior of the native valves. This review summarizes the evolution of polymeric heart valves and the state-of-the-art approaches to their development, fabrication, and manufacturing. The review discusses the biocompatibility and durability testing of previously investigated polymeric materials and presents the most recent developments, including the first human clinical trials of LifePolymer. New promising functional polymers, nanocomposite biomaterials, and valve designs are discussed in terms of their potential application in the development of an ideal polymeric heart valve. The superiority and inferiority of nanocomposite and hybrid materials to non-modified polymers are reported. The review proposes several concepts potentially suitable to address the above-mentioned challenges arising in the R&D of polymeric heart valves from the properties, structure, and surface of polymeric materials. Additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, anisotropy control, machine learning, and advanced modeling tools have given the green light to set new directions for polymeric heart valves.

Hierarchical Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):Poly(styrenesulfonate)/Reduced graphene oxide/Polypyrrole hybrid electrode with excellent rate capability and cycling stability for fiber-shaped supercapacitor

Fiber-shaped supercapacitor (FSSC) is considered as a promising energy storage device for wearable electronics due to its high power density and outstanding safety. However, it is still a great challenge to simultaneously achieve high specific capacitance especially at rapid charging/discharging rate and long-term cycling stability of fiber electrode in FSSC for practical application. Here, a ternary poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)/reduced graphene oxide/polypyrrole (PEDOT:PSS/rGO/PPy) fiber electrode was constructed by in situ chemical polymerization of pyrrole on hydrothermally-assembled and acid-treated PEDOT:PSS/rGO (PG) hybrid hydrogel fiber. In this case, the porous PG hybrid fiber framework possesses combined advantages of highly-conductive PEDOT and flexible two-dimensional (2D) small-sized rGO sheets, which provides large surface area for the deposition of high-pseudocapacitance PPy, multiscale electrons/ions transport channels for the efficient utilization of active sites, and buffering layers to accommodate the structure change during electrochemical process. Attributed to the synergy, as-obtained ternary fiber electrode presents ultrahigh volumetric/areal specific capacitance (389 F cm−3 at 1 A cm−3 or 983 mF cm−2 at 2.5 mA cm−2) and outstanding rate performance (56 %, 1–20 A cm−3). In addition, 80 % preservation of initial capacitance after 8000 cycles for the corresponding FSSC also illustrates its greatly improved cycle stability compared with 64 % of binary PEDOT:PSS/PPy based counterpart. Accordingly, here proposed strategy promises a new opportunity to develop high-activity and durable electrode materials with potential applications in supercapacitor and beyond.

Safety, Efficacy, and Immunogenicity of Varying Types of COVID-19 Vaccines in Children Younger Than 18 Years: An Update of Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Vaccination is one of the most effective measures for children as the epidemic progresses. However, there is a significant research gap in the meta-analysis of the COVID-19 vaccines for children younger than 18 years. This study is a comprehensive review of different COVID-19 vaccines. Published articles were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Twelve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of COVID-19 vaccines were included in the review until 21 October 2022. Most local and systemic adverse reactions were predominantly mild to moderate in severity and disappeared quickly after different types of vaccines. The subunit vaccine had the highest safety. The significant risk was lower in the subunit vaccine group after the initial (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.26-2.17, p = 0.0003) and booster vaccination (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.02-1.92, p = 0.04). Younger children had a more outstanding safety profile in the mRNA and inactivated vaccine groups. The humoral immune response was proportional to the number of doses in the inactivated and the adenovirus vaccine groups, and the strength of immunogenicity was negatively correlated with age in the inactivated vaccine. The mRNA and the subunit vaccines provided satisfactory prevention against COVID-19, especially seven days after the booster dose. However, more research and longer-term follow-up are needed to assess the duration of immune responses, efficacy, and safety.

Insights of the adsorption mechanism of ketamine on 3D hierarchically porous carbon: Characterization, experiment and simulation calculation

Psychoactive substances can irreversibly harm human health and threaten ecologic environment after entering the environment. 3D hierarchically porous carbon obtained from magnetic biochar/metal–organic framework (MBC/MOF) has been successfully prepared by changing ZIF-8 and waste biomass ratio. Comprehensive characterization results before and after ketamine adsorption showed the possible adsorption mechanisms including chelation, π-π, H-bond interaction and pore filling. Batch experiments have proved chemical and physical adsorption coexist, in which chemisorption was dominant. π-π interaction and H-bond interaction were confirmed by the humic acid and pH experiments, respectively. Further analysis of Molecular Dynamics simulations indicated that the chelation was stronger than the π-π interaction and H-bond interaction. Specifically, the Zn of ZIF-8 in MBC/MOF acted as a chelating site, the π-π interaction occurred between the graphene-like structure of MBC and the benzene ring of ketamine, the hydrogen bonding interaction was found between the oxygen-rich functional groups of MBC/MOF and the oxygen atoms of ketamine (OH···O). Anion, cation, leaching and cycle experiments indicated the MBC/MOF had outstanding anti-interference ability, high reusability, excellent stability and safety. These findings will broaden the applications of metal organic framework and magnetic biochar in the field of pollutants adsorption.

Modeling assisted synthesis of Zr-doped Li3-xIn1-xZrxCl6 with ultrahigh ionic conductivity for lithium-ion batteries

All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLBs) are an important milestone for the future of energy storage because of their capability of impressive energy density and outstanding safety. However, oxide and sulfide solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) suffer from either low ionic conductivity or poor chemical stability. In contrast, halide-based SSEs, are promising as candidate materials owing to high conductivity, good stability, and broad cathode compatibility. Though element doping of the SSEs is an effective and common approach to further improve their electrochemical properties, dopant exploration and optimization through solely experimental trials are both costly and time-consuming. For this aspect, computational simulations for dopant element and concentration screening are adopted in this research and zirconium is selected as a suitable dopant for Li3InCl6. The synthesized Li2.75In0.75Zr0.25Cl6 exhibited Li ionic conductivity of 5.82 × 10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature, which is the highest among reported halide SSEs. The ASSLB formed with Li2CoO2–Li2.75In0.75Zr0.25Cl6–Li/In delivers a high initial capacity of 129.3 mAh·g−1. Conclusively, this work provides an effective approach which combines computational modeling and experimental verification for the development of halide SSEs with improved stability and conductivity. The successful design approach and compelling results provide further possibilities and capabilities in future SSE research.

Hierarchical hybrid glass fibers modified by hyperbranched polyphosphoramide and graphene oxide sheets to improve flame retardancy and suppress candlewick effect of poly(lactic acid)/glass fibers composites

AbstractGlass fibers (GFs) reinforced polymer composites display high mechanical performance but deteriorated flame retardancy due to the “candlewick effect” caused by fibers. To solve this problem, novel hierarchal hybrid glass fibers (GF@HBPPA@GO) were prepared by multistep coating of 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), hyperbranched polyphosphoramide (HBPPA) and graphene oxide (GO) in sequence. Several GFs reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites were fabricated with the same GFs loading. PLA/GF@HBPPA@GO composite showed the highest limited oxygen index (LOI) value of 25.2% and much decreased peak heat release rate, total heat release and mass loss rate, corresponding to a drop of 23.2%, 16.6%, and 53.8% respectively compared with PLA/GF‐APTES composite. Meanwhile, it maintained similar tensile and impact strength values. The improved flame retardancy was mainly attributed to the good synergistic effect of HBPPA and GO on generating high‐yield char residues encapsulating GFs perfectly in the condensed phase, which effectively reduced the interface energy and increased the surface roughness of GFs to suppress the wetting and spreading of PLA melt toward the flame zone, and consequently weakened the candlewick effect of GFs and achieved better flame retardancy. This provides new ideas for preparing fiber reinforced polymer composites with encouraging mechanical properties and outstanding fire safety simultaneously.

A 20-year journey in transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Evolution to current eminence.

Since the first groundbreaking procedure in 2002, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has revolutionized the management of aortic stenosis (AS). Through striking developments in pertinent equipment and techniques, TAVI has now become the leading therapeutic strategy for aortic valve replacement in patients with severe symptomatic AS. The procedure streamlining from routine use of conscious sedation to a single arterial access approach, the newly adapted implantation techniques, and the introduction of novel technologies such as intravascular lithotripsy and the refinement of valve-bioprosthesis devices along with the accumulating experience have resulted in a dramatic reduction of complications and have improved associated outcomes that are now considered comparable or even superior to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). These advances have opened the road to the use of TAVI in younger and lower-risk patients and up-to-date data from landmark studies have now established the outstanding efficacy and safety of TAVI in patients with low-surgical risk impelling the most recent ESC guidelines to propose TAVI, as the main therapeutic strategy for patients with AS aged 75 years or older. In this article, we aim to summarize the most recent advances and the current clinical aspects involving the use of TAVI, and we also attempt to highlight impending concerns that need to be further addressed.

Case report: The remarkable response of pembrolizumab combined with RC48 in the third-line treatment of metastatic urothelial carcinoma

Systemic chemotherapy has been the mainstay treatment for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). In the past few years, novel immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have improved the treatment of advanced UC. Here, we report systemic therapy of a 68-year-old male diagnosed with HER2 positive (immunohistochemistry 3+), programmed cell death ligand 1(PD-L1) negative metastatic UC, and renal insufficiency. He had encountered numerous metastases and failed first-line platinum-based chemotherapy and second-line treatment with pembrolizumab and trastuzumab. During third-line treatment with RC48 (a HER2 targeting ADC) combined with pembrolizumab, he achieved a rapid partial response (PR) in the first evaluation and subsequent complete response (CR) on PET/CT and long-term progression-free survival (>12 months) at the last follow-up on 25 August 2022. There are no grade 3 or 4 adverse events or aggravations of renal insufficiency during the third-line therapy. RC48 combined with pembrolizumab demonstrated outstanding efficacy and safety in this HER2-positive metastatic UC patient. ADC combined with ICI is a promising anti-tumor strategy that deserves further exploration in advanced UC.

Rational design and construction of iron oxide and titanium carbide MXene hierarchical structure with promoted energy storage properties for flexible battery

Aqueous rechargeable Ni/Fe batteries are appropriate energy storage devices for portable and wearable electronics due to their outstanding safety and cost-effectiveness. However, their energy storage properties are limited by the sluggish kinetics of iron-based anodes. Herein, we design and construct a high-performance iron-based material with a hierarchical structure developed by electrodepositing iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanosheets on titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene nanoplates modified carbon fiber (3D-MXene/Fe2O3). Taking advantage of the interaction between Fe2O3 and the terminal functional groups on Ti3C2Tx MXene, such a hierarchical structure offers improved conductivity, enhanced ion-diffusion paths, and high electrochemical stability. The fabricated 3D-MXene/Fe2O3 anode delivers a high volumetric specific capacity of 38.2 mAh cm−3, and improved capacity retention. After being coupled with NiCoO cathode, the fibrous Ni/Fe battery shows a maximum volumetric specific capacity of 35.1 mAh cm−3 and an extraordinary energy density of 56.2 mWh cm−3. Meanwhile, the as-prepared Ni/Fe battery confirms good cycling durability (92.9% for 12,500 cycles), and mechanical flexibility also verifies the potential practical application of our device. Thus, this study can provide a powerful route toward high-performance anodes for next-generation wearable energy storage devices.

Enhanced ionic conductivity in a novel composite electrolyte based on Gd-doped SnO2 nanotubes for ultra-long-life all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

All-solid-state electrolytes are exceedingly attractive because of the outstanding inherent safety and energy density compared to liquid electrolytes. Whereas, it is still formidable to simultaneously design solid electrolytes with favorable electrode/electrolyte interface compatibility and high ionic conductivity in a simple and scalable manner. Hence, the oxygen-vacancy-rich Gd-doped SnO2 nanotubes (GDS NTs) are innovatively prepared and applied to the electrolyte of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries for the first time. The addition of GDS NTs can validly construct long-range continuous ion transport networks in the poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based system and greatly improve the mechanical properties of the electrolyte. Compared to the PEO-based electrolyte, the composite electrolyte displays a higher lithium ion conductivity of 2.41 × 10–4 S cm−1 at 30 ℃, a higher lithium ion transference number up to 0.62 and a wider electrochemical window of 5 V at 50 ℃. In addition, the composite electrolyte manifests outstanding compatibility with high-voltage LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathode, LiFePO4 cathode and lithium metal anode. The assembled Li/Li symmetric battery exhibits stable Li plating/stripping cycling performance, which can cycle steadily for 1500 h at a capacity of 0.3 mA h cm−2. And Li/LiFePO4 battery still maintains a high capacity of 131.54 mA h g−1 at 0.5C after 800 cycles, which has a superior capacity retention rate of 93.2%. The obtained novel composite electrolyte has promising application prospects in the field of all-solid-state lithium metal cells.