Rechargeable Devices Research Articles

Low-energy differential target multiplexed SCS derivative reduces pain and improves quality of life through 12 months in patients with chronic back and/or leg pain.

Energy-reducing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) approaches have the potential to impact patient experience with rechargeable and non-rechargeable SCS devices through reducing device recharge time or enhancing device longevity. This prospective, multi-center study evaluated the safety, effectiveness, and actual energy usage of differential target multiplexed (DTM) endurance therapy, a reduced energy DTM SCS derivative. Subjects who reported an overall pain visual analog score (VAS) of ≥6/10 cm and an Oswestry Disability Index score of 21-80 out of 100 at baseline with moderate to severe chronic, intractable back and/or leg pain were eligible. Evaluation visits occurred at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-device activation. The primary objective was to characterize change in overall pain intensity, as measured by VAS, from baseline to 3-month visit. Fifty-seven subjects enrolled at 12 US sites from November 2020 through June 2021, 35 were implanted with a rechargeable SCS device, and 27 completed the 12-month visit. Subjects experienced a 50.4% mean reduction in overall pain from baseline at the 3-month follow-up that was sustained through 12 months. Additional outcomes including changes in overall, back, and leg pain intensity, quality of life, disability, therapy satisfaction, safety, and current battery usage are shown through 12-month follow-up. The use of DTM endurance SCS therapy in this study resulted in reductions in pain relief through 12 months, demonstrating that energy-reducing stimulation patterns can provide clinical benefit. Clinically effective, reduced energy SCS derivatives have the potential to impact patient experience through either reduced recharge requirements or increased device longevity.

Boron-doped carbon nano dot anchored thin film coating on cobalt vanadium oxide for ultrafast energy storage devices

Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) with ultrafast rate capabilities are required to increase the applicability of rechargeable energy storage devices. Considering that the power density of an LIC is primarily determined by the anode properties, carbon coating onto the anode material is a promising method of accelerating electron transfer between particles and alleviating structural collapse during repeated charge–discharge cycles. In this study, a new coating configuration featuring a boron-doped carbon nano dot-anchored thin film on cobalt vanadium oxide (BC-CVO) was demonstrated. The coating morphology, wherein the carbon nano dots were connected by a thin carbon film, induced nano-scale surface roughness on CVO, expanding the contact area between the functional groups on the coating layer and electrolyte. The boron-doped carbon lattice structure provided ultrafast electron transfer inside the CVO particles, which allowed reversible electron transfer even under ultrafast charge–discharge cycles. This morphological and chemical combination significantly improved the ultrafast-rate capability of the LIC anodes (429.6 mAh/g at 4000 mA/g and 534.3 mAh/g after 1000 cycles at 2000 mAh/g) compared to that of bare CVO. Furthermore, an LIC full cell fabricated with a BC-CVO anode and an activated carbon cathode showed high energy and power densities.

Wireless Optogenetic Targeting Nociceptors Helps Host Cells Win the Competitive Colonization in Implant-Associated Infections.

The role of nociceptive nerves in modulating immune responses to harmful stimuli via pain or itch induction remains controversial. Compared to conventional surgery, various implant surgeries are more prone to infections even with low bacterial loads. In this study, an optogenetic technique is introduced for selectively activating peripheral nociceptive nerves using a fully implantable, wirelessly rechargeable optogenetic device. By targeting nociceptors in the limbs of awake, freely moving mice, it is found that activation induces anticipatory immunity in the innervated territory and enhances the adhesion of various host cells to the implant surface. This effect mediates acute immune cell-mediated killing of Staphylococcus aureus on implants and enables the host to win "implant surface competition" against Staphylococcus aureus. This finding provides new strategies for preventing and treating implant-associated infections.

A photo rechargeable capacitor based on the p–n heterojunction of ZnO/ZIF-67 showing enhanced photovoltage

The photo rechargeable device (PRD) has been continuously drawing attention because it combines energy conversion and storage in one device. As for the photoelectrode of PRD, the construction of heterojunction is of crucial importance to enhance the photo performance. In this work, a two-electrode photo rechargeable capacitor based on the p–n heterojunction of ZnO/ZIF-67 is fabricated. ZIF-67 not only serves as the energy storage material but also forms the p–n heterojunction together with ZnO. A fast volatilization method was adopted for the in situ growth of ZIF-67 on ZnO nanorods to ensure sufficient mass loading and fewer interface defects. The results show a photovoltage of 0.36 V (0.2 V higher than single ZnO), a specific capacitance of 759.0 mF/g, and an overall energy conversion efficiency of 0.49%. The enhanced photovoltage is attributed to the p–n heterojunction. Moreover, a practical button cell was also fabricated, with 91% Coulombic efficiency remaining after 3000 cycles in the dark.

Deep brain stimulation in Latin America in comparison with the US and Europe in a real-world population: indications, demographics, techniques, technology, and adverse events.

The aim of this study was to provide geographic comparisons of deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures in Latin America with the US and Europe regarding primary indications, demographic information, clinical and device-related adverse events, technology used, and patient outcomes using the Medtronic Product Surveillance Registry data as of July 31, 2021. Two thousand nine hundred twelve patients were enrolled in the registry (2782 received DBS and 1580 are currently active). Fourteen countries contributed 44,100 years of device experience to the registry. DBS centers in Latin America are located in Colombia (n = 3), Argentina (n = 1), Brazil (n = 1), and Mexico (n = 1). Fisher's exact test was used to compare the difference in proportions of categorical variables between regions. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for the EQ-5D index score change from baseline to follow-up. The most common indication for DBS was Parkinson's disease across all regions. In Latin America, dystonia was the second most common indication, compared to essential tremor in other regions. There was a striking finding with respect to age-patients were an average of 10 years younger at DBS implantation in Latin America. This difference was most likely due to the greater number of patients with dystonia receiving the device implants. The intraoperative techniques were quite similar, showing the same level of quality and covering the main principles of the surgeries with some variations in the brand of frames, planning software, and microrecording systems. Rechargeable batteries were significantly more common in Latin America (72.37%) than in the US (6.44%) and Europe (9.9%). Staging of the DBS procedure differed, with only 11.84% in Latin America staging the procedure compared with 97.58% and 34.86% in the US and Europe, respectively. The EQ-5D score showed significant improvements in all regions during the first 6-12 months (p < 0.0001). However, the 24-month follow-up only showed an improvement in the scale for Latin America (p < 0.0001). DBS was performed in Latin America with similar indications, techniques, and technology as in the US and Europe. Important differences were found, with Latin America implementing more regular use of rechargeable devices, including younger patients at the time of surgery, and showing more sustained quality of life improvements at 24 months of follow-up. The authors hypothesize that these disparities stem from differences in resources among regions. However, more studies are needed to standardize DBS practice across the world to improve patients' quality of life and provide high-quality care.

Transformative impact of molybdenum on nickel phosphate hydrate electrodes towards superior energy storage application

Development of high capacity and long cycle life electrode materials is essential to improving energy storage capacity in electrochemical rechargeable devices. In order to be commercially viable, the synthesis of these materials must be straightforward, cost-effective, and ideally a single-step process. We present a binder-free synthesis method for nickel phosphate hydrate (NiPH) and nickel molybdenum phosphate hydrate (NiMoPH) on nickel foam via a simple hydrothermal process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the formation of NiPH and NiMoPH phases, while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) verified the presence of nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), phosphorus (P), and oxygen (O) in the composite. Scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed the formation of micro-flowers with plate-like structures in NiPH, which transformed into hexagonal rod-like structures upon the introduction of molybdenum in NiPH. This morphological and phase modification increased the charge storage capacity from 1441 mF/cm2 (NiPH) to 2945 mF/cm2 (NiMoPH) at 20 mA/cm2. The NiMoPH electrode demonstrated excellent capacitance retention of 91.8 % over 10,000 cycles. Additionally, asymmetric supercapacitor (ASS) devices were fabricated using NiPH and NiMoPH as positive electrodes and activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode. The NiPH//AC and NiMoPH//AC configurations exhibited energy densities of 0.086 and 0.201 mWh/cm2, respectively, with the NiMoPH//AC device maintaining about 90 % capacitance retention over 15,000 cycles. This study demonstrates the potential of incorporating conductive transition metals to enhance electrode material performance in energy storage applications.

Nano-crystalline Fe3V3O8 material as an efficient advanced anode for energy storage applications

The sodium-ion battery (SIB) is a rapidly developing electrochemically rechargeable storage device and a direct substitute for Li-ion batteries. Therefore, identifying novel materials for sodium-ion storage applications is important. Efficient electrodes are particularly desirable for enhancing storage performance in battery applications. In this study, we fabricated a novel Fe3V3O8 (FVO) anode material for Na/Li-ion storage using hydrothermal technology for the first time. The electrochemical results indicated that the initial sodiation capacity of the FVO anode is as high as 805 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1, and a reversible sodiation capacity of 540 mA h g−1 is maintained over 200 cycles at 500 mA g−1, which is more than 1.8 times the commercial hard carbon of ∼300 mA h g−1. In addition, the oxidation states of the chemical compound and the corresponding sodium reaction mechanism are predicted using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and in-situ/ex-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Overall, the FVO material exhibited significantly higher electrochemical performance, demonstrating promising suitability for sodium-ion storage.

A distributed, high-channel-count, implanted bidirectional system for restoration of somatosensation and myoelectric control

Objective. We intend to chronically restore somatosensation and provide high-fidelity myoelectric control for those with limb loss via a novel, distributed, high-channel-count, implanted system. Approach. We have developed the implanted Somatosensory Electrical Neurostimulation and Sensing (iSens®) system to support peripheral nerve stimulation through up to 64, 96, or 128 electrode contacts with myoelectric recording from 16, 8, or 0 bipolar sites, respectively. The rechargeable central device has Bluetooth® wireless telemetry to communicate to external devices and wired connections for up to four implanted satellite stimulation or recording devices. We characterized the stimulation, recording, battery runtime, and wireless performance and completed safety testing to support its use in human trials. Results. The stimulator operates as expected across a range of parameters and can schedule multiple asynchronous, interleaved pulse trains subject to total charge delivery limits. Recorded signals in saline show negligible stimulus artifact when 10 cm from a 1 mA stimulating source. The wireless telemetry range exceeds 1 m (direction and orientation dependent) in a saline torso phantom. The bandwidth supports 100 Hz bidirectional update rates of stimulation commands and data features or streaming select full bandwidth myoelectric signals. Preliminary first-in-human data validates the bench testing result. Significance. We developed, tested, and clinically implemented an advanced, modular, fully implanted peripheral stimulation and sensing system for somatosensory restoration and myoelectric control. The modularity in electrode type and number, including distributed sensing and stimulation, supports a wide variety of applications; iSens® is a flexible platform to bring peripheral neuromodulation applications to clinical reality. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04430218.

Mxene quantum dots decorated reduced graphene oxide networks as multifunctional electrocatalyst for advanced lithium–sulfur batteries

Lithium sulfur (Li-S) battery has shown great potential as an attractive rechargeable energy storage devices, but the shuttle behavior and slow conversion kinetics of the intermediate lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) are the main obstacles to the practical application of Li-S battery. Herein, a simple and scalable spray drying strategy was used to construct conductive polar Ti3C2 MXene quantum dots (QDs)-decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) microsphere (rGO@Ti3C2 QDs) as efficient electrocatalyst and absorbent for Li-S battery. Firstly, the DFT results show that Ti3C2 QDs can effectively adsorb and catalyze LiPSs conversion. This ability can be attributed to the Ti3C2 QDs can provide a large number of LiPSs catalytic active sites. In addition, the rGO provides physical LiPSs constraint and a flexible substrate to prevent QDs from aggregating. Moreover, both parts are conductive, effectively improving the electron/charge transfer. Therefore, this unique structure and composition show high LiPSs adsorption and catalysis, while allowing rapid Li+/electron transfer. As a result, the S/rGO@Ti3C2 QDs electrode provides high initial capacity (1185 mAh/g at 0.2C), good rate capability (758 mAh/g at 3C), and excellent long-term cyclability (500 cycles at 1C with low attenuation of 0.07% per cycle), as well as an excellent electrochemical performance even at high sulfur loading. Meanwhile, the Li-S pouch cell based on S/rGO@Ti3C2 QDs also achieved a high initial energy density of 230.9 Wh kg−1. This work may provide a promising strategy to obtain better electrochemical performance by introducing quantum dots into Li-S cathodes.

Designed Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance Regulation of the Hierarchical Hollow Structure Cu2S/Cu7S4/NC Anode for Hybrid Supercapacitors.

Copper-based compounds have attracted increasing attention as electrode materials for rechargeable devices, but their poor conductivity and insufficient stability inhibit their further development. Herein, an effective method has been proposed to improve the electrochemical properties of the copper-based electrodes by coating carbon materials and generating unique micro/nanostructures. The prepared Cu2S/Cu7S4/NC with hierarchical hollow structure possesses excellent electrochemical performance, attributing to the composition and structure optimization. The superior charge storage performance has been assessed by theoretical and experimental research. Specifically, the Cu2S/Cu7S4/NC exhibits remarkably higher electrical conductivity and lower adsorption-free energy for O* and OH* than those of Cu2O. Moreover, the Cu2S/Cu7S4/NC delivers a high specific capacitance of 1261.3 F·g-1 at the current density of 1 A·g-1 and also has great rate performance at higher current densities, which are much better than those of the Cu2O nanocubes. In addition, the assembled hybrid supercapacitor using Cu2S/Cu7S4/NC as the anode exhibits great energy density, power density, and cycling stability. This study has proposed a novel and feasible method for the synthesis of high-performance copper-based electrodes and their electrochemical performance regulation, which is of great significance for the advancement of high-quality electrode materials and rechargeable devices.

Marketing claims, promotional strategies, and product information on Malaysian e-cigarette retailer websites-a content analysis

BackgroundMarketing and sales of e-cigarettes are unregulated in Malaysia. We analyzed content displayed on e-cigarette retailer websites to identify marketing claims, promotional strategies, and product details in the year 2022.MethodsWe analyzed 30 Malaysia-based retailer websites using a mixed methods approach. Data were extracted as the frequency of occurrences of marketing claims, presence of regulatory information, product types, and flavors of e-juice as per a predefined codebook based on published literature. We also extracted textual details published on the websites about marketing claims, and slogans.ResultsMost retailer websites provided contact information and physical store addresses (83%) but only half had ‘click through’ age verification (57%) that seldom needed any identification proof for age (3%). Marketing claims were related to health (47%), smoking cessation (37%), and modernity/trend (37%) and none had health warnings. Promotional strategies were discounts (80%). starter kits (57%) and email subscriptions (53%). Product types displayed were rechargeable (97%) and disposable (87%) devices and e-liquids (90%) of an array of flavors (> 100). Nicotine presence, its concentration, and “nicotine is an addictive chemical” were displayed in 93%, 53%, and 23% of websites respectively.ConclusionSurveillance of content displayed online on e-cigarette retailer websites and regulation of online marketing and sales should be implemented by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Such measures are needed to prevent access to, and initiation of e-cigarette use among the youth and adults who do not smoke.

Steering surface reconstruction of hybrid metal oxides for efficient oxygen evolution reaction in water splitting and zinc-air batteries

Surface reconstruction yields real active species in electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) conditions; however, rationally regulating reconstruction in a targeted manner for constructing highly active OER electrocatalysts remains a formidable challenge. Here, an electrochemical activation strategy with selective etching was utilized to guide the reconstruction process of a hybrid cobalt-molybdenum oxide (CoMoO4/Co3O4@CC) in a favorable direction to improve the OER performance. Both in-situ Raman and multiple ex-situ characterization tools demonstrate that controlled surface reconstruction can be easily achieved through Mo etching, with the formation of a dynamically stable amorphous-crystalline heterostructure. Theoretical calculations together with experimental results reveal that the synergistic effects between amorphous CoOOH and crystalline Co3O4 are crucial in enhancing the catalytic performance. Consequently, the reconstructed CoMoO4/Co3O4@CC exhibits a low overpotential of 250 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH, and more importantly it can be practiced in electrolytic water splitting and rechargeable zinc-air batteries devices, achieving ultra-long stability for over 500 and 1200 h, respectively. This work provides a promising route for the construction of high-performance electrocatalysts.

Electrocatalytic Barrier Comprising Polar SnO2 Quantum Dots Anchored Within Porous Carbon Microspheres Prepared by Spray Drying Process for Li–S Batteries

Hypothesis: Porous carbon microspheres (PCMs) with embedded tin di‐oxide (SnO2) quantum dots (QDs) (P‐SnO2@PCMs) are synthesized and employed as polysulfide barriers to enrich the electrochemical properties.Experiments: This composite structure is prepared by spray drying procedure and followed by heat‐treatment, resulting in well‐arranged macropores with a diameter of 59 nm generated by the polystyrene (PS) nanobeads (ϕ = 150 nm) decomposition. P‐SnO2@PCMs is functioned as an electrocatalytic interlayer and offer advantages such as reduced diffusion length for charged particles that guarantees immediate transfer, improved electrode wetting due to efficient electrolyte infiltration, and accommodation of large volume fluctuations during the redox reactions. Furthermore, the incorporation of polar SnO2 QDs within the microspheres allows for efficient chemical confinement and alteration of trapped polysulfide species due to catalytic activity, leading to an extensive use of the active material.Findings: Advancing from the nanostructural eminence, lithium–sulfur (Li–S) cells paired with P‐SnO2@PCMs‐coated separator and conventional sulfur electrode showed outstanding rate performance (321 mA h g−1 at 2.0 C) and prolonged cyclic steadiness at 0.1 C. This innovative synthesis strategy provides valuable insights for developing novel nanostructures applicable to various rechargeable devices.

Durability of S- and N-doped graphene nanoplatelets for electrode performance in solid-state batteries

The main emphasis of the present Highlight paper is to summarise reported works aiming to understand the effect of sulfur and nitrogen doping on graphene nanoplatelets for high capacity electrodes in solid-state rechargeable energy storage devices.

Cooperative Scheduling for Directional Wireless Charging With Spatial Occupation

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technology has been developed rapidly in recent years. The cooperative charging model and corresponding scheduling methods have been proposed to save the charging cost in paid charging service. However, the state-of-the-art methods ignore the spatial occupation issue of rechargeable devices. Moreover, the cooperative charging scheduling in directional wireless charging has not been studied yet. This paper studies the cooperative scheduling for directional wireless charging with spatial occupation. We formulate the Cooperative Charging Scheduling with Spatial occupation (CCSS) problem of Mobile Rechargeable Sensor Devices (MRSDs) for optimizing the total cost of whole charging system. We first investigate the properties of optimal arrangement of MRSDs in charging group and calculate the tight intervals of charging angles of MRSDs. We show that it is sufficient to bound the error by conducting angle discretization for only two MRSDs in each charging group. Then, a <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$(\ln n+1)(1+\varepsilon )$</tex-math></inline-formula> -approximation algorithm of the CCSS problem is proposed based on greedy approach, where <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$n$</tex-math></inline-formula> is the number of MRSDs, and <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\varepsilon$</tex-math></inline-formula> is the discretization error. The results of extensive simulations and field experiments demonstrate that our algorithm can reduce at most 42.5% total cost comparing with the benchmark algorithms.

Advancing Lithium Battery Performance through Gel Electrolytes: Investigating EC-Based Blends with HNBR and PEC for Enhanced Conductivity

Li-ion batteries (LiBs), the most established rechargeable energy storage devices, are currently at closing the gap of their theoretical capacity. That is the main reason why Lithium metal batteries (LMB) have recently regained interest, mainly because of the higher theoretical energy densities achievable with this technology. Therefore, the development of new electrode and electrolyte materials is essential for improving battery performance. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have been presented as safer alternatives for liquid electrolytes which are used commercially in these devices as they tend to be non-flammable, have enough mechanical strength to resist lithium dendrite growth, and do not leak. However, solid polymer electrolytes are less conductive than liquid electrolytes. Improved ionic conductivity in solid electrolyte materials can be obtained through the use of solid-state gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs). These materials combine the ionic conductivity of liquid electrolytes with the increased safety of SPE resulting in electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and good mechanical stability.1 This study introduces a novel approach to creating in-situ gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) from solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) using melt processing followed by sample heating. 2, 3This method capitalizes on the easy processability of SPEs. Initially, the SPE was prepared by blending two polymers with LiTFSI (bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide) through extrusion mixing. The sample was then converted into a GPE via a controlled heating step. Compared to the initial SPE, the resultant GPE possessed improved thermal and electrochemical properties. In this presentation, we will provide supportive data derived from IR, DSC, and NMR analyses to highlight the differences linked to changes in salt-polymer interactions in the GPE. Verdier, N.; Lepage, D.; Zidani, R.; Prebe, A.; Ayme-Perrot, D.; Pellerin, C.; Dolle, M.; Rochefort, D., Cross-linked polyacrylonitrile-based elastomer used as gel polymer electrolyte in Li-ion battery. ACS Applied Energy Materials 2019, 3 (1), 1099-1110.Ma, C.; Cui, W.; Liu, X.; Ding, Y.; Wang, Y., In situ preparation of gel polymer electrolyte for lithium batteries: Progress and perspectives. InfoMat 2021.Verdier, N.; Foran, G.; Lepage, D.; Prébé, A.; Aymé-Perrot, D.; Dollé, M., Challenges in Solvent-Free Methods for Manufacturing Electrodes and Electrolytes for Lithium-Based Batteries. Polymers 2021, 13 (3), 323.√

Controlled establishment of advanced local high-entropy NiCoMnFe-based layered double hydroxide for zinc batteries and low-temperature supercapacitors

The development of high-performance electrodes is essential for improving the charge storage performance of rechargeable devices. In this study, local high-entropy C, N co-doped NiCoMnFe-based layered double hydroxide (C/N-NiCoMnFe-LDH, C/N-NCMF) were designed using a novel method. Multi-component synergistic effects can dramatically modulate the surface electron density, crystalline structure, and band-gap of the electrode. Thus, the electrical conductivity, electron transfer, and affinity for the electrolyte can be optimized. Additionally, the C/N-NCMF yielded a high specific capacitance (1454F·g−1) at 1 A·g−1. The electrode also exhibited excellent cycling stability, with 62 % capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. Moreover, the assembled Zn||C/N-NCMF battery and the C/N-NCMF//AC hybrid supercapacitor yielded excellent energy densities of 63.1 and 35.4 Wh·kg−1 at power densities of 1000 and 825 W·kg−1, and superior cycling performance with 69 % and 88.7 % capacitance retention after 1000 and 30,000 cycles, respectively. Furthermore, the electrode maintained high electrochemical activity and stability and ensured high energy density, power density, and cycling stability of the rechargeable devices even at a low temperature (−20 °C). This study paves a new pathway for regulating the electrochemical performance of LDH-based electrodes.

Effective desolvation of cation by cellulose nanofibrils for high-performance zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors

Aqueous zinc-based rechargeable electrochemical energy storage devices show promising ascendancy because of abundant resources and eco-friendly metals with high theoretic capacity. However, the irregular dendrite growth and byproduct on zinc foil are threatening their practical application. Herein, to mitigate the said drawback in the form of dendrite, a series of novel eco-friendly zinc-ion electrolytes prepared by hemp stem cellulose nanofibril (CNF) are presented in current research work. It provides novel way to inhibit the dendrite growth with different mechanism, which maintains the highly reactive anode surface to increase the nucleus rate rather than surface passivation. Besides, it also improves the conductivity of the liquid electrolytes to a superior record of 158.2 mS cm−1. Hydrogel electrolyte with CNF has an excellent conductivity of 107.8 mS cm−1 and higher mechanical strength as compared to prepared from cellulose. The desolvation effect of Zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors assembled with CNF electrolytes present an ultra-high initial capacity of 450 mAh g−1 and a high capacity remaining after a long charge/discharge cycles. It reveals the promising potential that Zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitor (ZHS) can be used as a kind of outstanding energy storage devices. Simultaneously, it could achieve an energy density of 254.31 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1131.67 W kg−1. Theoretical simulation results reveal that the strong hydrogen bonds and the proper size of CNF are of great significance for the outstanding performances. The remarkable findings of current research work will be great adaption in energy storage devices manufacturing industry.

Emerging Technologies for the Smallest Patients.

Pediatric and congenital heart disease patients may require cardiac implantable electronic device implantation, inclusive of pacemaker, ICD, and implantable cardiac monitor, for a variety of etiologies. While leads, generators, and monitors have decreased in size over the years, they remain less ideal for the smallest patients. The potential for a miniature pacemaker, fetal micropacemaker, improving leadless technology, and rechargeable devices creates hope that the development of pediatric-focused devices will increase. Further, alternative approaches that avoid the need for a transvenous or surgical approach may add more options to the toolbox for the pediatric and congenital electrophysiologist.

Exposed crystal facet regulation of Cu2S/C hollow nanocube anode for high-performance quasi-solid Ni-Cu battery and supercapacitor

Copper sulfides are promising anode materials for aqueous rechargeable devices. However their wide-spread applications have been greatly limited by the rapid activity loss, insufficient structure stability and poor conductivity. Herein, an innovative crystal-facet engineering method has been firstly proposed to remarkably improve the electrochemical reversibility and activity of the anode. And the establishment of the intimate HKUST-1 derived carbon protective layer and the utilization of the gel electrolyte have been simultaneously adopted to optimize the electrochemical reversibility and conductivity of the copper sulfide anode. With the regulation of the dominant exposed facet, the electrode possesses high specific capacitance of 1261.3 F·g−1. The assembled Ni-Cu battery and the hybrid supercapacitor deliver excellent energy densities (56.7 Wh·kg−1 and 16.7 Wh·kg−1) and admirable cycling stabilities (64.9% capacity retention after 2000 cycles and 68.8% capacity retention after 5000 cycles). In addition, the main reason for the cycling stability decay has been investigated in detail. And the density functional theory (DFT) calculations have also completely demonstrated the dramatically positive effects of the exposed facets and carbon covering layer on the improvement of the affinity between the electrode and electrolyte ions, as well as the electrical conductivity.