Rapid Diffusion Research Articles

Synergizing Electron and Ion Transports of Ti3C2TX MXene Fiber via Dot‐Sheet Heterostructure and Covalent Ti─C─Ti Cross‐Linking for Efficient Charge Storage and Thermal Management

AbstractTi3C2TX MXene with the merits of metallic conductivity, superhigh volumetric capacitance, and efficient absorption of the electromagnetic wave is considered a promising building block for fiber fabrication; nevertheless, the simultaneous improvement in electrochemical charge storage and electrical conductivity/thermal management is seldom achieved for MXene‐based fibers due to the contradictory in material design. Typically, aligned and densified packing of MXene fibers is highly desired for an enhanced intra‐/inter‐flake electron transport; however, the narrowed inter‐layer spacing restricts the kinetics of ion diffusion (the intercalation/de‐intercalation of electrolyte ions) and diminishes the accessible active sites for charge storage. Herein, the electron and ion transports of Ti3C2TX MXene fiber are synergized via a unique dot‐sheet heterostructure covalently bonded by Ti─C─Ti which provides the optimal inter‐layer spacing for rapid ion diffusion and enhances the intra‐/inter‐flake cross‐linking for fast electron transport. As a result, the obtained fiber offers an improved conductivity of 2405 S cm−1, a desirable capacitance of 1597 F cm−3, an impressive energy density of 19.8 mWh cm−3 for the assembled supercapacitor, superior Joule heating performance, and a photo‐thermal temperature. These remarkable attributes enable their practical applications in energy‐supply scenarios, such as powering LEDs and wearable thermal management.

Solar H2O2 production with carbon dots and nickel co-modified titania nanotube photocatalyst stabilized at water/benzyl alcohol interface

An interfacial reaction system with the advantage of in situ H2O2 production and separation has been developed, in which titania nanotube (TNT) photocatalyst modified by nickel species and carbon dots (CDs) can self-stabilize at interface of water/benzyl alcohol. Under visible light irradiation, the CDs/Ni-TNT yields H2O2 with an initial rate of 385.6 μmol/g/h. The improved activity could be attributed to multiple effects such as sufficient oxygen adsorption and mass transfer, separated reduction and oxidation sites at different phases, and rapid diffusion of H2O2 from the interfacial region into bulk aqueous solution.

Integrating CoP/Co heterojunction into nitrogen-doped carbon polyhedrons as electrocatalysts to promote polysulfides conversion in lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have garnered extensive research interest as one of the most promising energy storage devices due to their ultra-high theoretical energy density. However, the sluggish reaction kinetics, abominable shuttling effect and inferior cycling stability severely restrict its practical application. Herein, a multifunctional CoP/Co@NC/CNT heterostructure host material was elaborately designed and synthesized by integrating CoP/Co heterojunction, N-doped carbon hollow polyhedrons (NC) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Specifically, the CoP/Co heterojunction can reconfigure the local electronic structure, resulting in a synergistic effect that enhances adsorption capacity and catalytic activity compared to CoP and Co alone. Furthermore, the CNTs-grafted NC not only provides multi-dimensional pathways for rapid electron transport and ion diffusion, but also physically restricts the diffusion of polysulfides during charge-discharge processes. Owing to these advantages, the battery assembled with the CoP/Co@NC/CNT/S cathode yields an impressive discharge specific capacity of 1479.9 mAh g−1 at 0.1C, and excellent capacity retention of 793.7 mAh g−1 over 500 cycles at 2C (∼85.5 % of initial capacity). The rational integration of multifunctional heterostructures could provide an effective strategy for designing high-efficiency nanocomposite electrocatalysts to promote sulfur redox kinetics in Li-S batteries.

The coupling of rotational and translational dynamics for rapid diffusion of nanorods in macromolecular networks

The rod-like viruses show anomalously rapid diffusion in bio-tissue networks originated from the rotation-facilitated transportation; however, the experimental investigation of the correlation of the rotational and translational dynamics is still in blank. Herein, typical rod-like and spherical gold nanoparticles (NPs) are dispersed in the classical Tetra-PEG gels, respectively, as model systems for light scattering studies. The contributions from translational and rotational diffusive dynamics, and network fluctuation dynamics can be well-resolved and the stretch exponent of rotational dynamics at 0.25 is proven to be the fingerprint for the coupled rotational and translational dynamics of nanorods. The rotation facilitated re-orientation finally leads to the fast transportation of nanorods. The discoveries are confirmed to be valid for rod-like biomacromolecule systems by studying the diffusive dynamics of Tobacco mosaic virus in gels. The work can be inspiring for the development of protocols to prevent infection of microorganism and regulate the transportation of nano-medicines.

Synergistic approach: Microwave assisted carbonisation and high energy ball milling for bionanomaterial fabrication- Analyzing Thermodynamic and kinetic models for arsenite ion adsorption

Arsenic contamination in water poses a significant global health threat, necessitating urgent and comprehensive measures to address this pervasive issue. This research investigates the efficacy of a novel microwave-assisted bionanomaterial derived from Calotropis procera stem, an abundant and eco-friendly adsorbent, for removing arsenite ions from aqueous solutions. Surface properties of Bionanomaterial was Characterised using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis revealed a significant increase in surface area (578 m2/g) after high-energy ball milling, with SEM images showing an uneven surface with enlarged holes. Optimal arsenite removal was achieved at pH 5, a contact time of 90 min, an adsorbent dosage of 4 g, an initial arsenite concentration of 30 ppm, and a temperature of 60 °C. The zeta potential analysis indicated a shift in the isoelectric point from pH 6.2 to pH 5.0, reflecting effective adsorption and surface charge modification. Thermodynamic parameters suggested that adsorption is endothermic and spontaneous, with the Freundlich isotherm model providing the best fit for the adsorption data. Kinetic studies revealed that the process is governed by rapid external diffusion, intraparticle diffusion, and surface chemisorption, consistent with pseudo-second-order kinetics. These findings highlight the bionanomaterial’s potential as a viable adsorbent for arsenic removal from aqueous solutions.

Improvement of rate capability and cycle life of Na-NiCl2 battery via designing a graphene anchoring porous nickel nanostructures as cathode

The integration of renewable energy with advanced energy storage technologies is essential. The sodium-based batteries, particularly sodium-nickel chloride (Na-NiCl2) batteries, show promise due to the abundance and low redox potential of sodium (−2.7 V vs. SHE). Despite their advantages in terms of cost, safety, and high efficiency, the improvement of rate and cycling performance of Na-NiCl2 batteries remains a challenge. To address this issue, a Ni nanostructure-supported reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composite is synthesized and combined with NaCl to serve as the cathode material for Na-NiCl2 batteries. Benefiting from the strong anchoring function of RGO, the growth of Ni is inhibited. As a result, the obtained cathode exhibits a notable specific capacity of 132.7 mAh/g at a high rate of 0.6C, along with excellent Coulombic efficiency of 100 % over 500 cycles and high energy efficiency (95.8 %). In addition, the outstanding conductivity, high specific surface area and abundant pore distribution of Ni@RGO contribute to enhanced conversion reaction and ion diffusion, and thus promoting rate capability. In contrast, the pure Ni nanosheets-based (Ni NSs) cathode is subjected to serious grain growth, which leads to poor rate performance and rapid capacity fading. By introducing conductive framework of RGO and constructing porous Ni nanostructure, the rapid electrons transport and diffusion of ions is achieved, and thus presenting the exceptional electrochemical properties.

Effect of βSn grain orientations on the electromigration-induced evolution of voids in SAC305 BGA solder joints

The electromigration (EM) failure of solder joints is closely related to the development of voids during EM. In this paper, an integrated approach combining experimentation and finite element simulation was employed to reveal the evolution of voids in solder joints under current stress. The results indicate that the quantity and volume of voids near the cathode consistently increase, while those close to the anode decrease. These asymmetric evolutions of voids are mainly due to the Sn flux, which is controlled by both current density and βSn grain orientation. The magnitude of Sn flux increases with higher current densities and larger angles γ between the c-axis of βSn and the current direction. The direction of Sn flux is more significantly influenced by the current direction rather than the βSn orientation, due to the weak anisotropic self-diffusion of Sn. Voids near the anode tend to shrink while those close to the cathode expand, parallel to the substrate, due to higher Sn flux distributions at the waists of voids, where current crowding is seen. Void splitting related to rapid Cu diffusion has been observed, leading to an abnormal increase in the number of voids near the cathode. This study enhances the understanding of the electromigration failure mechanisms involving void evolution in solder joints.

One stone, three birds: Cu2+-substituted chloride electrolyte for high-performance all-solid-state lithium batteries

Emerging solid electrolytes, represented by Li2ZrCl6 (LZC), hold great potential due to their lower costs and superior electrochemical stability compared to sulfide SEs (e.g. Li5.4PS4.4Cl1.6). However, challenges such as relatively low ionic conductivity and instability with lithium hinder its widespread application. This work develops a cost-effective strategy by substituting Cu2+ for Zr4+ in LZC electrolyte. The evolution of electrolyte structure at varying substitution levels is comprehensively investigated by synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The optimized Cu2+-substituted LZC achieves a notable ionic conductivity of 0.75 mS cm−1 due to a reduced energy barrier for Li+ migration confirmed by first-principles calculations. Symmetric lithium cells with the Cu2+-substituted LZC exhibit enhanced inhibition to lithium dendrites than those with Li5.4PS4.4Cl1.6. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy unveils the key role of Cu2+ reduction in the inhibition of the lithium dendrite, enabling the cell to stably cycle at 0.5 mA cm−2. Moreover, the Cu2+-substituted LZC exhibits improved electrochemical stability, marked by small anodic current exceeding 4 V, reduced polarization, and rapid lithium-ion diffusion kinetics. All-solid-state batteries fabricated with the Cu2+-substituted LZC and Li/LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 electrodes present a high reversible capacity of 139.2 mAh g−1 with retention rate of 96.9 % after 200 cycles at 0.5 C.

Preparation and performance evaluation of fast dissolving polymer microneedles piggybacked with sitagliptin

The dramatic rise in the number of obese/overweight people is a global public health challenge that urgently requires novel and effective therapies. In this study, we designed a fast dissolving polymer microneedle array patch (SGN-PVP/PVA-MN) with sitagliptin as a model drug for treating obesity, focusing on the preparation process of the patch. We then characterized the morphology and dimensions of SGN-PVP/PVA-MN. Furthermore, we delved into the mechanical properties, solubility, skin-puncturing capability, and transdermal drug diffusion and release kinetics of SGN-PVP/PVA-MN. The results demonstrated that SGN-PVP/PVA-MN exhibited favorable morphology and mechanical properties, effectively penetrating the stratum corneum and creating microchannels for rapid transdermal drug diffusion. The in vitro transdermal diffusion assays revealed the release of 64.5% of the drug within 2 min and 95.7% within 10 min. With rapid dissolution and high drug diffusion efficiency, SGN-PVP/PVA-MN is poised to serve as an effective and safe treatment option for the individuals with obesity.

Solution-plasma treatment for synthesizing Ketjenblack-supported Pt (1 1 1) nanocatalysts with ultra-low overpotential for Li-O2 batteries

Reducing the loading of noble metals to achieve high catalytic activity is key to enhancing the performance and reducing the cost of lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries. In this study, a highly dispersed platinum (111) catalyst supported on Ketjenblack (p-Pt/KBs) is synthesized using a novel approach that involves the interaction between solution and nonthermal plasma (SNP). The influence of different glow discharge voltages on morphology and performance of catalytic materials is investigated. The results show that the electrocatalyst prepared at 400 V has uniform Pt (111) nanocrystals embedded on Ketjenblack, achieved through plasma-induced decomposition of H2PtCl6 followed by nucleation and growth. The designed catalyst, when used as the cathode catalyst in Li-O2 batteries, demonstrates lower polarization losses with an overall overpotential of only 0.24 V compared to commercial platinum on carbon (Pt/C). The plasma effect results in significantly increased defects and grafted oxygen-containing functional groups on the support surface, providing abundant active sites conducive to anchoring of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) onto the scaffold and promoting their electronic coupling. Moreover, dominant mesopores offer ample triple-phase active zones that facilitates lithium-ion transport and rapid oxygen diffusion, further lowering energy barrier for Li2O2 decomposition and reducing the charge overpotential.

What's old is new: leveraging existing antimicrobial susceptibility test methods for rapid results in patients with bloodstream infections.

The use of rapid disk diffusion or modified automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) system approaches demonstrates excellent performance for gram-negative organisms directly from blood cultures. In a recent study, S. Khan, A. Das, A. Mishra, A. Vidyarthi, et al. (Microbiol Spectr 12:e03081-23, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.03081-23) compared the performance of three direct-from-blood AST methods against standard of care disk diffusion and automated AST. The results demonstrated high categorical agreements and low error rates across three protocols. The study suggests that locally validated direct-from-blood AST protocols offer reliable and fast results, particularly for resource-limited settings. However, local context and workflows should be considered prior to implementing rapid AST protocols, and more research is needed on the performance of rapid AST protocols for gram-positive organisms.

Unveiling Spatiotemporal Diffusion of Hot Carriers Influenced by Spatial Nonuniform Hot Phonon Bottleneck Effect in Monolayer MoS2.

The exceptional semiconducting properties of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have made them highly promising for the development of future electronic and optoelectronic devices. Extensive studies of TMDs are partly associated with their ability to generate 2D-confined hot carriers above the conduction band edges, enabling potential applications that rely on such transient excited states. In this work, room-temperature spatiotemporal hot carrier dynamics in monolayer MoS2 is studied by transient absorption microscopy (TAM), featuring an initial ultrafast expansion followed by a rapid negative diffusion, and ultimately a slow long-term expansion of the band edge C-excitons. We provide direct experimental evidence to identify the abnormal negative diffusion process as a spatial contraction of the hot carriers resulting from spatial variation in the hot phonon bottleneck effect due to the Gaussian intensity distribution of the pump laser beam.

Effect of Au ion irradiation on microstructure, mechanical, and lead‐bismuth eutectic corrosion properties of Cr/ZrO2 coatings

AbstractThe effect of ion irradiation on the microstructure, mechanical, and corrosion properties of Cr/ZrO2 coating was investigated. The monoclinic to tetragonal phase transition is observed under heavy ion irradiation, and the tetragonal phase is stabilized by the irradiation‐induced defect clusters. With increasing irradiation fluence, grain growth, and irradiation‐induced hardening effects are observed. After lead‐bismuth eutectic (LBE) corrosion at 650°C for 1000 h, the irradiated coatings can still maintain structural integrity and protect the substrate from lead/bismuth corrosion. However, in contrast to the unirradiated coating, the irradiation‐induced defects provide a channel for the rapid inward diffusion of oxygen atoms from the LBE, leading to the formation of a thicker Cr‐rich oxide layer beneath the ZrO2 coating. This study also provides insight into how irradiation‐induced microstructural changes affect zirconia's properties as a corrosion protection layer.

High-performance flexible asymmetric supercapacitor utilizing hierarchical NiCo2O4 nanosheets supported on porous carbonized Verbena leaves

This study employed three-dimensional porous carbon with high surface area as the conductive substrate for composite electrode materials, aiming to facilitate rapid charge transfer and ion diffusion to increase the specific capacitance of pseudo-capacitive materials. We employed an in-situ hydrothermal method to anchor NiCo2O4 onto the porous carbonized verbena leaves, yielding nanostructured VC@NiCo2O4-8 composite electrode materials. At a current density of 1.0 A g-1, VC@NiCo2O4-8 exhibited a high specific capacitance of up to 2061.8 F g−1 and remarkable cycling stability (with only 7.8 % capacitance loss after 10000 cycles). Additionally, we assembled VC@NiCo2O4-8//VC asymmetric all-solid-state flexible supercapacitors, attaining a significant energy density of 54.0 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 695 W kg−1, while maintaining good flexibility and stability. This study provides a simple and effective method for the design and construction of high-performance electrode materials for flexible energy storage devices.

Development of Rapid Disk Diffusion Device Using Laser Speckle Formation Technology for Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

The escalation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to the excessive and inappropriate use of antimicrobials has prompted the urgent need for more rapid and effective antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods. Conventional AST techniques often take 16–24 h, leading to empirical prescription practices and the potential emergence of AMR. The study aimed to develop a rapid disk diffusion (RDD) method utilizing laser speckle formation (LSF) technology to expedite AST results. The study aimed to evaluate the performance of LSF technology in determining antimicrobial susceptibility. In this study, preclinical and clinical settings were established to compare the LSF technology with conventional disk diffusion (DD) methods to measure the inhibition zones. Preclinical experiments with different bacterial strains demonstrated more than 70% categorical agreement (CA) against most antimicrobials. Further, clinical experiments with multiple strains and antibiotics revealed CA ranging from 40 to 79%, while major and minor discrepancies were observed around 30% and 11%, respectively. These observations revealed high concordance between RDD and DD for multiple antimicrobials in multiple species. The results underscore the potential of RDD-based LSF technology for hastening AST procedures. The current study is marked by a unique equipment setup and analysis approach. Collectively, the suggested laser-based RDD showed greater potential than previously developed comparable methods. The proposed method and design have a higher application potential than formerly developed similar technologies. Together, the study contributes to the ongoing development of rapid AST methods.

Effects of thermal exposure on microstructure deformation and evolution of shot peened nickel-based single crystal superalloy

Microstructure deformation and thermally activated microstructural evolution of nickel-based single crystal (NBSC) superalloy subjected to shot peening (SP) were investigated. SP induced high-density dislocations and activated the octahedral slip system {111} 〈110〉 of NBSC superalloy. Under 0.25 mmA SP intensity, there appeared a severely deformed layer with a depth of 2.5–3.0 μm beneath the surface. High SP intensity resulted in rougher surface morphology, more dense slip bands, deeper cold work layer and larger mean geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) density. However, the deformed microstructure was thermodynamically unstable. Dislocation annihilation and rearrangement were the main thermally activated mechanism of microstructural evolution, and high temperature promoted dislocation movement and consumption. Under 0.25 mmA SP intensity after 24 h thermal exposure, GND density decreased from 4.86 × 1014 m−2 to 2.72 × 1014 m−2, and the depth of cold work layer decreased from 67 μm to 62 μm. In addition, SP treatment provided rapid diffusion channels for alloy elements, while thermal exposure further aggravated element diffusion.

Comparison of Primary and Metastatic Fumarate Hydratase-Deficient Renal Cell Carcinomas Documents Morphologic Divergence and Potential Diagnostic Pitfall With Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Fumarate hydratase (FH)-deficient renal cell carcinomas are rare neoplasms characterized by wide morphologic heterogeneity and pathogenetic mutations in the FH gene. They often show aggressive behavior with rapid diffusion to distant organs, so novel therapeutic scenarios have been explored, including EGFR inhibitors and PD-L1 expression for targeted immunotherapy. Herein, we investigated a series of 11 primary FH-deficient renal cell carcinomas and 7 distant metastases to evaluate tumor heterogeneity even in metastatic sites and estimate the specific spread rates to various organs. Furthermore, the tumors were tested for immunohistochemical PD-L1 expression and EGFR mutations. Most metastatic cases involved the abdominal lymph nodes (4/7; 57%), followed by the peritoneum (3/7; 42%), the liver (2/7; 29%), and the lungs (1/7; 14%). Six metastatic localizations were histologically documented, revealing a morphologic heterogeneous architecture often differing from that of the corresponding primary renal tumor. Peritoneal involvement morphologically resembled a benign reactive mesothelial process or primary peritoneal mesothelioma, thus advocating to perform an accurate immunohistochemical panel, including PAX8 and FH, to reach a proper diagnosis. A pure low-grade succinate dehydrogenase–looking primary FH-deficient renal cell carcinoma was also recorded. As for therapy, significant PD-L1 labeling was found in 60% of primary renal tumors, whereas none of them carried pathogenetic EGFR mutations. Our data show that FH-deficient renal cell carcinoma may be morphologically heterogeneous in metastases as well, which involve the lymph nodes, the liver, and the peritoneum more frequently than other renal tumors. Due to the high frequency of this latter (42%), pathologists should always be concerned about ruling out mesothelial-derived mimickers, and the occurrence of rarer, primary, low-grade–looking types. Finally, contrary to EGFR mutations, PD-L1 expression could be a possible predictive biomarker for the therapy of these tumors.

Ultrafast pressureless sintering of high conductivity Ni-based cermets inert anode for Carbon‐free electrolytic aluminum

Cermet is a promising inert anode material to solve the problem of high carbon emission and bearing C-F harmful gas generation of primary aluminum produced from bauxite using molten electrolysis with carbon anode. However, a major challenge for traditional methods is to ensure that the cermet inert anode simultaneously has good conductivity, corrosion resistance, and strength. Herein, a new ultrafast pressureless sintering (UPS) method is developed to greatly improve the conductivity of metal ceramic inert anode materials while ensuring good corrosion resistance and strength. In a departure from conventional practice that metal phase undergoes local enrichment accompanied by irregular formation of ceramic particles at low heating rates, here UPS achieves rapid diffusion and uniform distribution of metal phase at regular ceramic particle interfaces during liquid phase sintering. The new method is applicable to Ni-based cermet and the production of Ni-based cermet inert anode with excellent conductivity in a few tens of seconds has been demonstrated, which is able to improve the quality of cermet inert anode requiring a low energy input. The conductivity of cermet produced by the applied UPS process is 15-fold higher than that of other pressureless sintering processes with low heating rates. These Ni-cermet inert anodes exhibit high corrosion resistance and density with excellent mechanical properties. This rapid sintering technique facilitates the structural design of inert anodes and develops a pathway of new systems with scalable, efficient, and high-quality sintering of composite materials.

A Continuous Intestinal Absorption Model to Predict Drug Enterohepatic Recirculation in Healthy Humans: Nalbuphine as a Model Substrate.

Nalbuphine (NAL) is a κ-agonist/μ-antagonist opioid being developed as an oral extended formulation (ER) for the treatment of chronic cough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and itch in prurigo nodularis. NAL is extensively glucuronidated and likely undergoes enterohepatic recirculation (EHR). The purpose of this work is to develop pharmacokinetic models for NAL absorption and enterohepatic recirculation (EHR). Clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) data sets in healthy subjects from three trials that included IV, oral solution, and ER tablets in fed and fasted state and two published trials were used to parametrize a novel partial differential equation (PDE)-based model, termed "PDE-EHR" model. Experimental inputs included in vitro dissolution and permeability data. The model incorporates a continuous intestinal absorption framework, explicit liver and gall bladder compartments, and compartments for systemic drug disposition. The model was fully PDE-based with well-stirred compartments achieved by rapid diffusion. The PDE-EHR model accurately reproduces NAL concentration-time profiles for all clinical data sets. NAL disposition simulations required inclusion of both parent and glucuronide recirculation. Inclusion of intestinal P-glycoprotein efflux in the simulations suggests that NAL is not expected to be a victim or perpetrator of P-glycoprotein-mediated drug interactions. The PDE-EHR model is a novel tool to predict EHR and food/formulation effects on drug PK. The results strongly suggest that even intravenous dosing studies be conducted in fasted subjects when EHR is suspected. The modeling effort is expected to aid in improved prediction of dosing regimens and drug disposition in patient populations.

Dual Strategy of Morphology Optimization and Interlayer Expansion in VS2 Cathode Toward High-Performance Mg-Li Hybrid Ion Batteries.

Combining the merits of the dendrite-free formation of a Mg anode and the fast kinetics of Li ions, the Mg-Li hybrid ion batteries (MLIBs) are considered an ideal energy storage system. However, the lack of advanced cathode materials limits their further practical application. Herein, we report a dual strategy of morphology optimization and interlayer expansion for the construction of hierarchical flower-like VS2 architecture coated by N-doped amorphous carbon layers. This tailored hierarchical flower-like structure coupled with homogeneous N-doped amorphous carbon layers cooperatively provide more active sites and buffer volume changes, thus realizing the enhancement of capacity and structural stability. Moreover, the enlarged interlayer spacing caused by the cointercalation of polyvinylpyrrolidone and ammonium ions can effectively promote the charge transfer rate and facilitate the rapid ion diffusion, as further demonstrated by electrochemical results and theoretical calculations. These features endow the hierarchical flower-like VS2 cathode with superior specific energy density (644.4 Wh kg-1, average voltage of 1.2 V vs Mg2+/Mg) and excellent rate capability (181.1 mAh g-1 at 2000 mA g-1). Systematic ex situ characterization measurements are employed to reveal the ion storage mechanism, which confirms that Li+ storage plays a leading role in the capacity contribution of MLIBs. Our strategy is in favor of providing useful insights to design and construct MLIBs with high energy density and excellent rate performance.