Life cycle assessment of secondary use and physical recycling of lithium-ion batteries retired from electric vehicles in China.

With the rapid development of the global new energy vehicle industry, how to minimize the environmental impact of the recovery has become a common concern and urgent concern. China is a major production and consumption market for electric vehicles, there are no specific and extensive resource and environmental assessment system for batteries. In this paper, the retired Electric vehicles lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) was the research object, and a specific analysis of the recycling treatment and gradual use stages of power batteries were based on life cycle assessment. Different battery assessment scenarios were established according to the development of battery recycling in China. The results showed that the secondary use has the optimal performance compared to the full-component physical, pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgy recycling. The results showed that direct recycling has a GWP of 0.037 kg-CO2 eq·kg LIB-1, which is lower than others. Secondary use of LIB accounts for the most emission reductions with Global warming (GWP) as 12.134 kg-CO2 eq·kg LIB-1. The secondary use has the greatest impact on the assessment results, especially in dynamic scenarios. Through a comprehensive comparison of different recycling technologies, the secondary use, increasing the recycling rate, reducing resource, energy consumption and pollution emissions.

The influence of H2O or/and O2 introduction during the low-temperature gas-phase sulfation of organic COS + CS2 on the conversion and deposition of sulfur-containing species in the sulfated CeO2-OS catalyst for NH3-SCR.

Herein, the typical components of blast furnace gas, including H2O and O2, were introduced to improve the NH3-SCR activity of the sulfated CeO2-OS catalyst during the gas-phase sulfation of organic COS + CS2 at 50 °C. The characterization results demonstrate that the introduction of O2 or H2O during gas-phase sulfation enhances the conversion of organic COS + CS2 on a cubic fluorite CeO2 surface and reduces the formation of sulfur and sulfates in the catalyst, but decreases the BET surface area and pore volume of the sulfated CeO2-OS catalyst. However, the introduction of O2 or H2O during the gas-phase sulfation increases the molar ratios of Ce3+/(Ce3+ + Ce4+) and Oß/(Oα + Oß + Oγ) on the sulfated CeO2-OS catalyst surface, thus promoting the formation of surface oxygen vacancies and chemisorbed oxygen, and these properties of the catalyst are further enhanced by the co-existence of O2 and H2O. Furthermore, the reduction of sulfates formed under the action of O2 or H2O decreases the weak acid sites of the sulfated CeO2-OS catalyst, but the few and highly dispersive sulfates present stronger reducibility, and the proportion of medium-strong acid sites of the catalyst increases. These factors help to improve the NH3-SCR activity of the sulfated CeO2-OS catalyst. Thus, there exists a synergistic effect of H2O and O2 introduction during gas-phase sulfation on the physical-chemical properties and catalytic performance of the sulfated CeO2-OS catalyst by organic COS + CS2 at 50 °C.

Review on corrosion of alloys for application in supercritical carbon dioxide brayton cycle.

The supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayton cycle is considered a promising power generation system because of its high efficiency, simple layout, and compact configuration. Furthermore, it is applicable to thermal and nuclear power generation. Because the key end equipment of this system is exposed to a high-temperature and high-pressure S-CO2 environment for a long duration, the high-temperature corrosion resistance of this equipment has been investigated extensively. This paper provides a review of recent studies pertaining to the corrosion behavior of candidate materials for high-temperature components in the S-CO2 Brayton cycle system. Additionally, the effects of internal microstructure, metal element content and external environment (temperature, pressure, impurities, etc.) on the corrosion behavior of alloys, including oxidation and carburizing corrosion are analyzed. Problems pertaining to the corrosion behavior of candidate materials are highlighted, and possible areas for future research are proposed.

Optimizing study on the NH3-SCR activity of Ce-W-Ti@g-C3N4 catalyst: influence of graphite carbon nitride types.

Herein, three g-C3N4(MCN/TCN/UCN), obtained by the direct pyrolysis of melamine/urea/thiourea respectively, were introduced as supports to optimize the NH3-SCR activity of Ce-W-Ti catalyst. Compared to CWT-400-Air, CWT@g-C3N4(2)-300-N2 exhibits lower crystalline anatase TiO2 and larger specific surface area, which improves the dispersion of Ce/W/Ti species on catalysts surface. Furthermore, the introduction of g-C3N4 as supports also contributes to doping C/N elements into Ce-W-Ti catalyst and increases the Ce3+/(Ce3++Ce4+) and Oα/(Oα+Oß) molar ratios on catalyst surface. These all are advantageous to the NH3-SCR activity. However, UCN shows better promotional effect than MCN and TCN. This might be mainly attributed to the loose and porous stacked layered fold structure of UCN, the larger BET surface area, higher dispersion of Ce/W/Ti species and moderate weak/medium-strong acid sites of CWT@UCN(2)-300-N2. At the same time, the influence of carbon nitride amount, calcination atmosphere and calcination temperature on the NH3-SCR activity of CWT@g-C3N4 catalyst were also investigated.

CoCx­induced interfacial octahedral Co2+ sites of NiCo-LDH electrode with improved faradic reactivity toward high-performance supercapacitor.

Battery-like electrode materials are characterized by large theoretical capacitance but suffer from poor surface reactivity and insufficient electroactive sites thus limiting their practical charge storage capacity. To overcome this challenge, an effective strategy for vacancy modulation on battery-like electrode materials is necessary. Herein, we report for the first time an elaborately designed three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical heterostructure consisting of CoCx@NiCo-LDH on conductive nickel foam as a freestanding supercapacitor electrode. Benefiting from the weakening of the coordination of CoO bonds, the CoCx structure induces in-situ reconstruction of the NiCo-LDH lattice, resulting in the formation of abundant oxygen vacancies (interfacial octahedral Co2+ sites) that lower the OH- adsorption energy as determined by the density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The resulting CoCx@NiCo-LDH/NF electrode exhibits an ultrahigh rate capability (2330 mF cm-2 at 0.3 mA cm-2, with capacitance retention of 51.5 % at 30 mA cm-2) and remarkable cycling performance (capacitance retention of 81.6 % after 10,000 cycles). Additionally, the assembled asymmetric devices deliver an extremely high energy density of 246 µWh cm-2 at the power density of 798 µW cm-2, with 87.8 % capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles at 8 mA cm-2. Overall, this study presents a simple yet effective strategy to construct high-performance battery-like electrodes for potential applications in energy storage, transportation, and communication.

Spectral broadening of a mixed Nd: CYGA crystal with tunable laser operation beyond 1100†nm.

A broader emission band of the novel Nd: CaY0.9Gd0.1AlO4 (Nd: CYGA) mixed crystal was proved by the introduction of Gd3+ ions in Nd: CaYAlO4 (Nd: CYA) crystal, and a diode-pump tunable Nd: CYGA laser operation was achieved successfully. Due to the broad emission spectrum with the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 23 nm, a tuning range of 32 nm from 1075 nm to 1107 nm was achieved, and the results were considered to be the first time for Nd-doped crystals to be tuned to such a long wavelength at 1107 nm, which promotes the further development of near-infrared tunable lasers. The maximum output power was 1.05 W at the center wavelength of 1081.4 nm, corresponding to the slope efficiency of 26.6%. Furthermore, we also demonstrated a continuous-wave 1105 nm laser with the output power of 53 mW. Our work indicates that Nd: CYGA crystal is a potential Nd-doped gain medium for generating all-solid-state near-infrared lasers.

Role of complement C1q/C3-CR3 signaling in brain injury after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage and the effect of minocycline treatment.

Aim: The complement cascade is activated and may play an important pathophysiologic role in brain injury after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the exact mechanism of specific complement components has not been well studied. This study determined the role of complement C1q/C3-CR3 signaling in brain injury after ICH in mice. The effect of minocycline on C1q/C3-CR3 signaling-induced brain damage was also examined. Methods: There were three parts to the study. First, the natural time course of C1q and CR3 expression was determined within 7 days after ICH. Second, mice had an ICH with CR3 agonists, LA-1 or vehicle. Behavioral score, neuronal cell death, hematoma volume, and oxidative stress response were assessed at 7 days after ICH. Third, the effect of minocycline on C1q/C3-CR3 signaling and brain damage was examined. Results: There were increased numbers of C1q-positive and CR3-positive cells after ICH. Almost all perihematomal C1q-positive and CR3-positive cells were microglia/macrophages. CR3 agonist LA-1 aggravated neurological dysfunction, neuronal cell death, and oxidative stress response on day 7 after ICH, as well as enhancing the expression of the CD163/HO-1 pathway and accelerating hematoma resolution. Minocycline treatment exerted neuroprotective effects on brain injury following ICH, partly due to the inhibition of C1q/C3-CR3 signaling, and that could be reversed by LA-1. Conclusions: The complement C1q/C3-CR3 signaling is upregulated after ICH. The activation of C1q/C3-CR3 signaling by LA-1 aggravates brain injury following ICH. The neuroprotection of minocycline, at least partly, is involved with the repression of the C1q/C3-CR3 signaling pathway.

The Novel Nrf2 Activator Omaveloxolone Regulates Microglia Phenotype and Ameliorates Secondary Brain Injury after Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Mice.

The polarization of microglia is recognized as a crucial factor in reducing neuroinflammation and promoting hematoma clearance after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Previous studies have revealed that redox components participate in the regulation of microglial polarization. Recently, the novel Nrf2 activator omaveloxolone (Omav) has been validated to improve neurological function in patients with neurodegenerative disorders by regulating antioxidant responses. In this study, we examined the efficacy of Omav in ICH. Omav significantly promoted Nrf2 nuclear accumulation and the expression of HO-1 and NQO1 in BV2 cells. In addition, both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that Omav treatment inhibited M1-like activation and promoted the activation of the M2-like microglial phenotype. Omav inhibited OxyHb-induced ROS generation and preserved the function of mitochondria in BV2 cells. Intraperitoneal administration of Omav improved sensorimotor function in the ICH mouse model. Importantly, these effects were blocked by pretreatment with ML385, a selective inhibitor of Nrf2. Collectively, Omav modulated microglial polarization by activating Nrf2 and inhibiting ROS generation in ICH models, suggesting that it might be a promising drug candidate for the treatment of ICH.

Intense 2.1-4.2 µm broadband emission of Co/Er:PbF2 mid-infrared laser crystal.

A novel mid-infrared (MIR) laser crystal Co/Er:PbF2 was successfully grown. The use of Er3+ ion co-doping to sensitize a Co2+ ion and enhance the 2.1-4.2 µm broadband MIR emission of the Co2+ ion in a PbF2 crystal was studied for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The Er3+ ion was demonstrated to be an effective sensitizer of the Co2+ ion, making the Co/Er:PbF2 crystal propitious to be pumped by commercialized laser diodes. Furthermore, with Er3+ ion co-doping, the local symmetry of Co2+ and Er3+ ions was seriously distorted, thereby enhancing the 2.1-4.2 µm MIR emissions. This study provides a path for designing MIR laser materials with optimal performance.

Nanosecond pulsed deep-red laser source by intracavity frequency-doubled crystalline Raman laser.

We demonstrated a deep-red laser source by intracavity frequency-doubled crystalline Raman laser for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The actively Q-switched 1314 nm Nd:LiYF4 laser was first converted to the eye-safe Raman laser using a KGd(WO4)2 (KGW) crystal, which was subsequently frequency-doubled in a bismuth borate crystal. Benefiting from the KGW bi-axial properties, the deep-red laser source was able to lase separately at two different spectral lines at 730 and 745 nm. Under an optimal repetition rate of 4 kHz, the maximum average powers of 1.7 and 2.0 W were attained with good beam quality of M2≈1.7. The corresponding pulse durations were determined to be 3.0 and 2.8 ns with the peak powers up to approximately 140 and 180 kW, respectively.

Lack of association between insulin resistance as estimated by homeostasis model assessment and stroke risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Epidemiologic studies have reported conflicting results on the association between insulin resistance and risk of stroke. This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the association between homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and risk of stroke. Eligible studies were identified by searching PubMed and Emabse databases up to December 2018. Prospective observational studies investigating the association between HOMA-IR and incident stroke were included. Seven studies involving 36,343 participants were identified. The pooled risk ratio (RR) of stroke was 1.29 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.89-1.87) for the highest versus the lowest HOMA-IR category. Similarly, individuals with insulin resistance did not significantly increase the risk of ischemic stroke (RR 1.65; 95%CI 0.76-3.56). Likewise, insulin resistance was also not associated with higher risk of stroke in the general population (RR 1.38; 95%CI 0.88-2.18) and non-diabetic population subgroup (RR 1.76; 95%CI 0.71-4.35). This meta-analysis suggests lack of association between HOMA-IR and risk of stroke. However, interpretation of these findings should be with caution due to the small number of studies analyzed and significant heterogeneity across studies.

[Effects of air temperature change on spring wheat growth at different altitudes in northwest arid area].

Based on the 1981-2006 observation data from agricultural meteorological stations at Minle (high altitude) and Zhangye (low altitude) in northwest arid area, the effects of air temperature change at the two altitudes on the growth and yield of spring wheat were studied. It was shown that during study period, the air temperature at the two altitudes had an increasing trend, and the increment was greater at high altitude than at low altitude. At high altitude, the growth duration of spring wheat shortened but the grain yield increased; while at low altitude, the growth duration shortened and the yield decreased. When the mean daily air temperature during spring wheat growth period increased by 1 degrees C, the growth duration shortened by 8.3 days at high altitude and by 3.8 days at low altitude. The growth duration and grain yield of spring wheat at high altitude had a slight increase when the maximum air temperature during growth period was below 30.4 degrees C, but decreased when the maximum air temperature was above 30.4 degrees C.

[Study on eco-climatic applicability of Angelica sinensis].

OBJECTIVE: In the interest of establish planting base of Angelica sinensis on a large scale, enhance economic benefit, and improve decision-making reasons, the eco-climatic applicability of A. sinensis was studied. METHOD: Using integral regression, eco-climatic applicability and the effect of meteorological conditions for the yield of A. sinensis' were analysed by field experimental data. RESULT: Selected > or =0 degrees C accumulated temperature and annual precipitation as leading index, altitude as assistant index, yield and rate of finished products as reference index, the integrated eco-climatic division index and the planting division applicability of A. sinensis was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Accordancing to theory of climate similitude and leading index summarisation, combining with assistant index and reference index, the integrated division index of eco-climate was confirmed. The planting division of co-climate applicability was divided into 5 grades as best suitable, suitable hypo-suitable, just suitable and no suitable regions. At the same time,the way to enhanced utilizing efficiency of eco-climate resources was brought forward.