Gyroid Liquid Crystals as Quasi-Solid-State Electrolytes Toward Ultrastable Zinc Batteries.

The potential for optimizing ion transport through triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures renders promising electrochemical applications. In this study, as a proof-of-concept, we extend the inherent efficiency and mathematical beauty of TPMS structures to fabricate liquid-crystalline electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and superior structural stability for aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries. The specific topological configuration of the liquid-crystalline electrolytes, featuring a Gyroid geometry, enables the formation of a continuous ion conduction pathway enriched with confined water. This, in turn, promotes the smooth transport of charge carriers and contributes to high ionic conductivity. Meanwhile, the quasi-solid hydrophobic phase assembled by hydrophobic alkyl chains exhibits notable rigidity and toughness, enabling uniform and compact dendrite-free Zn deposition. These merits synergistically enhance the overall performance of the corresponding full batteries. This work highlights the distinctive role of TPMS structures in developing high-performance, liquid-crystalline electrolytes, which can provide a viable route for the rational design of next-generation quasi-solid-state electrolytes.

Microstructural Evolution of Zinc-Ion Species from Aqueous to Hydrated Eutectic Electrolyte for Zn-Ion Batteries.

Despite their intrinsic safety and environmental friendliness, typical aqueous Zn-ion rechargeable batteries have been struggling with poor reversibility and electrochemical stability. Hydrated eutectic electrolytes (HEEs) have been attracting extensive attention due to their appealing features of high designability and superior performances over typical aqueous electrolytes. However, an in-depth understanding of unique microstructure in HEEs and the ensuing superior performances remains obscure, limiting the development of enhanced electrolytes. Herein, we demonstrate a distinct evolution path of Zn-ion species from aqueous to superior hydrated eutectic electrolytes, which experience a special transition state enriched with H-bonds between eutectic molecules. Complementary with the well-studied reorganized solvation structure induced by short-ranged salt-solvent interaction, long-range solvent-solvent interactions arising from the H-bond reorganizes the extended electrolyte microstructure, which in turn influences the cation diffusion mechanisms and interfacial reaction kinetics. Overall, we highlight the importance of ion species microstructural evolution in the rational design of superior aqueous electrolytes.

Annealed Covalent Organic Framework Thin Films for Exceptional Absorption of Ultrabroad Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Waves.

Different from harvesting of ultraviolet and visible lights via electronic transitions, absorption of low-frequency electromagnetic waves is sophisticated in mechanism and poor in efficiency, imposing the structural design arduous and challenging. Here, the first example of exploring covalent organic frameworks for highly efficient absorption of low-frequency electromagnetic waves is reported. Three pyrene frameworks are synthesized and annealed into porous networks, which upon mixture with paraffin are processed into thin films with tunable thickness. The films absorb ultrabroad low-frequency electromagnetic waves covering S, C, X, and Ku bands and achieve exceptional efficiency of 99.999% with a thickness of only 2.5 mm and a loading content of only 20%. This result originates from a synergistic effect of conductivity, heteroatoms, and pores and outperforms the state-of-the-art polymers, carbons, and metals. This approach opens a way to electromagnetic wave absorption.

Synthesis of Electron-Rich Porous Organic Polymers via Schiff-Base Chemistry for Efficient Iodine Capture.

As one of the main nuclear wastes generated in the process of nuclear fission, radioactive iodine has attracted worldwide attention due to its harm to public safety and environmental pollution. Therefore, it is of crucial importance to develop materials that can rapidly and efficiently capture radioactive iodine. Herein, we report the construction of three electron-rich porous organic polymers (POPs), denoted as POP-E, POP-T and POP-P via Schiff base polycondensations reactions between Td-symmetric adamantane knot and four-branched "linkage" molecules. We demonstrated that all the three POPs showed high iodine adsorption capability, among which the adsorption capacity of POP-T for iodine vapor reached up to 3.94 g·g-1 and the removal rate of iodine in n-hexane solution was up to 99%. The efficient iodine capture mechanism of the POP-T was investigated through systematic comparison of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) before and after iodine adsorption. The unique π-π conjugated system between imine bonds linked aromatic rings with iodine result in charge-transfer complexes, which explains the exceptional iodine capture capacity. Additionally, the introduction of heteroatoms into the framework would also enhance the iodine adsorption capability of POPs. Good retention behavior and recycling capacity were also observed for the POPs.

Ionic-Liquid-Based Aqueous Two-Phase Systems Induced by Intra- and Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonds.

In recent years, aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) have been widely used in different fields and have become an increasingly attractive subject due to their application in the separation and purification of biomolecules. In this work, the aqueous phase behavior of ionic liquids (ILs) was modulated by changing the cis-trans structure of the anion in ILs. With the same tetra-butyl-phosphine as the cation, the cis-anion exhibited upper critical solution temperature (UCST) phenomena. In contrast, the trans-anion exhibited lower critical solution temperature (LCST) phenomena. The proposed mechanism shows that the main factors responsible for these phenomena include variations in the dissociation degree with temperature and the steric hindrance of the ILs. This phase behavior combines the chemical equilibrium in a solution with the microstructure of the molecule and is useful for constructing new chemical dynamic equilibria in ATPS. As an example of its application, aqueous solutions of both ILs can be used for the efficient separation and extraction of specific amino acids. The two ATPS systems reported in this work highlight a simple, effective, and environmentally friendly method for separating small biological molecules.

Molecular Insight into Microstructural and Dynamical Heterogeneities in Magnesium Ionic Liquid Electrolytes.

Ionic liquids (ILs) are promising designer solvents for multivalent electrolytes, enabling the modulation of molecular-level interactions of solvate species. The molecular mechanism of multivalent-ion clustering and its impact on electrolytes properties is far less studied than that of ion pairs. Herein, we explore the effect of ion clusters on the transport and electrochemical behavior of IL-based electrolytes for Mg batteries. Simulation and small-angle X-ray scattering results indicate that ILs with higher denticity effectively suppress ion agglomeration and parasitic reactions of the Mg electrolytes. Although ion clustering reduces the diffusivity of Mg2+, the Coulombic efficiency for the reversible Mg deposition/stripping process is improved, highlighting the importance of microstructural and dynamical heterogeneities in the rational design of enhanced multivalent electrolytes.

The use of deep learning on endoscopic images to assess the response of rectal cancer after chemoradiation.

BACKGROUND: Accurate response evaluation is necessary to select complete responders (CRs) for a watch-and-wait approach. Deep learning may aid in this process, but so far has never been evaluated for this purpose. The aim was to evaluate the accuracy to assess response with deep learning methods based on endoscopic images in rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS: Rectal cancer patients diagnosed between January 2012 and December 2015 and treated with neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy were retrospectively selected from a single institute. All patients underwent flexible endoscopy for response evaluation. Diagnostic performance (accuracy, area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUC), positive- and negative predictive values, sensitivities and specificities) of different open accessible deep learning networks was calculated. Reference standard was histology after surgery, or long-term outcome (>2 years of follow-up) in a watch-and-wait policy. RESULTS: 226 patients were included for the study (117(52%) were non-CRs; 109(48%) were CRs). The accuracy, AUC, positive- and negative predictive values, sensitivity and specificity of the different models varied from 0.67-0.75%, 0.76-0.83%, 67-74%, 70-78%, 68-79% to 66-75%, respectively. Overall, EfficientNet-B2 was the most successful model with the highest diagnostic performance. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study shows that deep learning has a modest accuracy (AUCs 0.76-0.83). This is not accurate enough for clinical decision making, and lower than what is generally reported by experienced endoscopists. Deep learning models can however be further improved and may become useful to assist endoscopists in evaluating the response. More well-designed prospective studies are required.

Enhanced Li+ Transport in Ionic Liquid-Based Electrolytes Aided by Fluorinated Ethers for Highly Efficient Lithium Metal Batteries with Improved Rate Capability.

FSI- -based ionic liquids (ILs) are promising electrolyte candidates for long-life and safe lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, their practical application is hindered by sluggish Li+ transport at room temperature. Herein, it is shown that additions of bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) ether (BTFE) to LiFSI-Pyr14 FSI ILs can effectively mitigate this shortcoming, while maintaining ILs' high compatibility with lithium metal. Raman spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering indicate that the promoted Li+ transport in the optimized electrolyte, [LiFSI]3 [Pyr14 FSI]4 [BTFE]4 (Li3 Py4 BT4 ), originates from the reduced solution viscosity and increased formation of Li+ -FSI- complexes, which are associated with the low viscosity and non-coordinating character of BTFE. As a result, Li/LiFePO4 (LFP) cells using Li3 Py4 BT4 electrolyte reach 150 mAh g-1 at 1 C rate (1 mA cm-2 ) and a capacity retention of 94.6% after 400 cycles, revealing better characteristics with respect to the cells employing the LiFSI-Pyr14 FSI (operate only a few cycles) and commercial carbonate (80% retention after only 218 cycles) electrolytes. A wide operating temperature (from -10 to 40 °C) of the Li/Li3 Py4 BT4 /LFP cells and a good compatibility of Li3 Py4 BT4 with LiNi0.5 Mn0.3 Co0.2 O2 (NMC532) are demonstrated also. The insight into the enhanced Li+ transport and solid electrolyte interphase characteristics suggests valuable information to develop IL-based electrolytes for LMBs.

Quasi-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries Using the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2-Li1+xAlxTi2-x(PO4)3 Composite Positive Electrode.

NASICON-type Li1+xAlxTi2-x(PO4)3 (LATP) is a promising solid electrolyte (SE) candidate for next-generation solid-state batteries. However, its use in solid-state composite electrodes is inhibited by its stiffness, which results in poor interparticle contact unless high-temperature treatments are applied. The poor LATP-LATP and LATP-active material in the positive electrode (cathode) composite produced at ambient temperature yield poor ionic conductivity, impeding the electrode's performance. Herein, we focus on the optimization of the electrochemical performance of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811)-LATP composite electrodes made by tape casting, taking advantage of a small fraction of an ionic liquid electrolyte (ILE) filling the composite cathode porosity. The incorporated LATP particles are found to closely surround the large NCM811 secondary particles, partially filling the composite electrode pores and resulting in a porosity reduction from 37 vol % (NCM811 only) to 32 vol % (NCM811-LATP). After filling up the majority of the electrode porosity with ILE, the NCM811-LATP composite electrodes offer improved capacity retention upon both long-term cycling tests (>99.3% after 200 cycles) and high-rate tests (>70% at 2 C-rate), due to the more stable LATP|NCM811 interface, and facilitated Li+ diffusion in the composite electrode bulk. Results obtained from proof-of-concepts monopolar (3.0-4.3 V) and bipolar-stacked (6.0-8.6 V) cells are reported.

Dually cross-linked single network poly(ionic liquid)/ionic liquid ionogels for a flexible strain-humidity bimodal sensor.

Gel electrolytes have aroused extensive interest for diverse flexible electronics due to their high ionic conductivity and inherent stretchability. However, gel electrolytes still face challenges in terms of mechanical properties, fatigue resistance, and environmental adaptation, which severely limit the practical application of gel-based electronics. In this paper, we have synthesized a novel polymerizable ionic liquid [SBMA][AA] by mixing zwitterionic sulfobetaine methacrylate with acrylic acid. Then a dually cross-linked single network poly(ionic liquid)/ionic liquid (DCSN PIL/IL) ionogel was prepared by a simple one-step photopolymerization of the [SBMA][AA] in another IL 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanoamide ([EmIm][DCA]). The synergistic effect between covalent crosslinking and dynamic physical crosslinking points endows the ionogel with good mechanical properties as well as outstanding fatigue resistance. Gratifyingly, the entrapment of [EmIm][DCA] in the ionogel matrix yields excellent environmental adaptability and high ionic conductivity. Meanwhile, the DCSN PIL/IL ionogel also exhibited strong adhesive capacity due to the abundance of carboxyl and sulphonic acid groups. The outstanding electromechanical properties make the DCSN PIL/IL ionogel a perfect candidate for strain sensors to monitor diverse human body activities, such as the movement of the thumb knuckle and handwriting. Interestingly, the DCSN PIL/IL ionogel also displayed high responsiveness to humidity. Therefore, it is believed that this DCSN PIL/IL ionogel offers a broad prospect in flexible strain-humidity bimodal sensors.

ATF5, a putative therapeutic target for the mitochondrial DNA 3243A > G mutation-related disease.

The mitochondrial DNA m.3243A > G mutation is well-known to cause a variety of clinical phenotypes, including diabetes, deafness, and osteoporosis. Here, we report isolation and expansion of urine-derived stem cells (USCs) from patients carrying the m.3243A > G mutation, which demonstrate bimodal heteroplasmy. USCs with high levels of m.3243A > G mutation displayed abnormal mitochondrial morphology and function, as well as elevated ATF5-dependent mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), together with reduced Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and osteogenic potentials. Knockdown of ATF5 in mutant USCs suppressed UPRmt, improved mitochondrial function, restored expression of GSK3B and WNT7B, and rescued osteogenic potentials. These results suggest that ATF5-dependent UPRmt could be a core disease mechanism underlying mitochondrial dysfunction and osteoporosis related to the m.3243A > G mutation, and therefore could be a novel putative therapeutic target for this genetic disorder.

Double-network hydrogels with adjustable surface morphology and multifunctional integration for flexible strain sensors.

The next generation of high-performance flexible electronics has put forward new demands on the development of ionic conductive hydrogels. In recent years, many efforts have been made toward developing double-network (DN) hydrogels due to their excellent mechanical properties and unique network structures. However, profound challenges remain in achieving controllable surface morphology and multifunctional integration within DN hydrogels. In this work, we report the fabrication of a multifunctional DN hydrogel by multiple cross-linking between an innovative K+-containing poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) and κ-carrageenan. The resulting hydrogel possesses fascinating physicochemical properties, ranging from remarkable mechanical properties and machinability to adjustable surface morphology and superior adhesion ability. The extremely versatile DN hydrogels exhibited outstanding potential for the future of wearable strain sensors in real-time monitoring of human health, and the optimized design strategy opens new possibilities for the fabrication of multiscale structured and multifunctional integrated ionic conductive hydrogels.

Acidic Ionic Liquids Enabling Intermediate Temperature Operation Fuel Cells.

Herein we show that protic ionic liquids (PILs) are promising electrolytes for fuel cells operating in the temperature range 100-120 °C. N,N-Diethyl-N-methyl-3-sulfopropan-1-ammonium hydrogen sulfate ([DEMSPA][HSA]), N,N-diethyl-N-methyl-3-sulfopropan-1-ammonium triflate ([DEMSPA][TfO]), N,N-diethyl-3-sulfopropan-1-ammonium hydrogen sulfate ([DESPA][HSA]), and N,N-diethyl-3-sulfopropan-1-ammonium triflate ([DESPA][TfO]) are investigated in this study with regard to their specific conductivity, thermal stability, viscosity, and electrochemical properties. The [DEMSPA][TfO] and [DESPA][TfO] electrolytes offer high limiting current densities for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on platinum electrodes, that is, about 1 order of magnitude larger than 98% H3PO4. This is explained by the minor poisoning of the Pt catalyst and the significantly larger product of the oxygen self-diffusion coefficient and concentration in these two PILs.

Alkaline Double-Network Hydrogels with High Conductivities, Superior Mechanical Performances, and Antifreezing Properties for Solid-State Zinc-Air Batteries.

For the development of advanced flexible and wearable electronic devices, functional electrolytes with excellent conductivity, temperature tolerance, and desirable mechanical properties need to be engineered. Herein, an alkaline double-network hydrogel with high conductivity and superior mechanical and antifreezing properties is designed and promisingly utilized as the flexible electrolyte in all-solid-state zinc-air batteries. The conductive hydrogel is comprised of covalently cross-linked polyelectrolyte poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid potassium salt) (PAMPS-K) and interpenetrating methyl cellulose (MC) in the presence of concentrated alkaline solutions. The covalently cross-linked PAMPS-K skeleton and interpenetrating MC chains endow the hydrogel with good mechanical strength, toughness, an extremely rapid self-recovery capability, and an outstanding antifatigue property. Gratifyingly, the entrapment of a concentrated alkaline solution in the hydrogel matrix yields an extremely high ionic conductivity (105 mS cm-1 at 25 °C) and an excellent antifreezing capacity. The hydrogel retains comparable conductivity and eligible strength to withstand various mechanical deformations at -20 °C. The all-solid-state zinc-air batteries using PAMPS-K/MC hydrogels as flexible alkaline electrolytes exhibit comparable values of specific capacity (764.7 mAh g-1), energy capacity (850.2 mWh g-1), cycling stability, and mechanical flexibility. The batteries still possess competitive electrochemical performances even when the operating temperature drops to -20 °C.

Operando pH Measurements Decipher H+/Zn2+ Intercalation Chemistry in High-Performance Aqueous Zn/δ-V2O5 Batteries.

Vanadium oxides have been recognized to be among the most promising positive electrode materials for aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs). However, their underlying intercalation mechanisms are still vigorously debated. To shed light on the intercalation mechanisms, high-performance δ-V2O5 is investigated as a model compound. Its structural and electrochemical behaviors in the designed cells with three different electrolytes, i.e., 3 m Zn(CF3SO3)2/water, 0.01 M H2SO4/water, and 1 M Zn(CF3SO3)2/acetonitrile, demonstrate that the conventional structural and elemental characterization methods cannot adequately clarify the separate roles of H+ and Zn2+ intercalations in the Zn(CF3SO3)2/water electrolyte. Thus, an operando pH determination method is developed and used toward Zn/δ-V2O5 AZMBs. This method indicates the intercalation of both H+ and Zn2+ into δ-V2O5 and uncovers an unusual H+/Zn2+-exchange intercalation-deintercalation mechanism. Density functional theory calculations further reveal that the H+/Zn2+ intercalation chemistry is a consequence of the variation of the electrochemical potential of Zn2+ and H+ during the electrochemical intercalation/release.

Concentrated Ionic-Liquid-Based Electrolytes for High-Voltage Lithium Batteries with Improved Performance at Room Temperature.

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been widely explored as alternative electrolytes to combat the safety issues associated with conventional organic electrolytes. However, hindered by their relatively high viscosity, the electrochemical performances of IL-based cells are generally assessed at medium-to-high temperature and limited cycling rate. A suitable combination of alkoxy-functionalized cations with asymmetric imide anions can effectively lower the lattice energy and improve the fluidity of the IL material. The Li/Li1.2 Ni0.2 Mn0.6 O2 cell employing N-N-diethyl-N-methyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl)ammonium (fluorosulfonyl)(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (DEMEFTFSI)-based electrolyte delivered an initial capacity of 153 mAh g-1 within the voltage range of 2.5-4.6 V, with a capacity retention of 65.5 % after 500 cycles and stable coulombic efficiencies exceeding 99.5 %. Moreover, preliminary battery tests demonstrated that the drawbacks in terms of rate capability could be improved by using Li-concentrated IL-based electrolytes. The improved room-temperature rate performance of these electrolytes was likely owing to the formation of Li+ -containing aggregate species, changing the concentration-dependent Li-ion transport mechanism.

Interaction among Worm-like Micelles in Polyoxometalate-Based Supramolecular Hydrogel.

The co-assembly of zwitterionic amphiphile and polyoxometalate is a new and promising technique to construct a hierarchical and multifunctional supramolecular hydrogel. To comprehensively investigate the assemble mechanism, zwitterionic amphiphiles with different cations, namely, 3-(1-hexadecyl-3-imidazolio) propanesulfonate (C16IPS) and 3-(1-hexadecyl-2-methyl-3-imidazolio) propanesulfonate (C16bIPS), were designed to complex with silicotungstic acid (HSiW). Hydrogen bonding between the oxygen atoms of HSiW and the protons on C-2 of the imidazolium rings and the steric effect significantly influence the morphology and rheological property of the hydrogel. Interestingly, cross-linked worm-like micelles in parallel, vertical, and tilted distribution were observed using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. In addition, these aggregates were further stacked into hexagonal phases on a large scale. Hence, deep insights into the relationship among the structure of zwitterionic amphiphile, self-assembled architecture, and the mechanical property of a polyoxometalate-based hydrogel were disclosed.

Polyoxometalate-Based Photochromic Supramolecular Hydrogels with Highly Ordered Spherical and Cylindrical Micellar Nanostructures.

Polyoxometalates (POMs) have attracted much attention in the field of photochromic materials. However, POM-based photochromic supramolecular hydrogels with high transparency and good photochromic properties are seldom reported. In this work, a homogenous, optically transparent, injectable, and photochromic supramolecular hydrogel was fabricated through the coassembly of ammonium heptamolybdate (Mo7 ) and an imidazolium-based zwitterionic amphiphile (3-(1-hexadecyl-3-imidazolio)propanesulfonate (C16 IPS)). The balance between electrostatic attraction and repulsion of Mo7 clusters and zwitterionic amphiphiles enables them to coassemble into a homogenous and transparent supramolecular hydrogel. By adjusting the molar ratio of C16 IPS/Mo7 , ordered spherical micelle-based hydrogels and aligned wormlike micelle-based hydrogels can be obtained. The incorporation of Mo7 into hydrogels endows these hydrogels with excellent photochromic properties. Specifically, after coassembly with C16 IPS, the photochromic ability of hydrogels is significantly enhanced compared with that of a pure aqueous solution of Mo7 . These hydrogels exhibit great potential applications as photochromic materials for the recording of rewritable information.

Unbiased transcriptomic analyses reveal distinct effects of immune deficiency in CNS function with and without injury.

The mammalian central nervous system (CNS) is considered an immune privileged system as it is separated from the periphery by the blood brain barrier (BBB). Yet, immune functions have been postulated to heavily influence the functional state of the CNS, especially after injury or during neurodegeneration. There is controversy regarding whether adaptive immune responses are beneficial or detrimental to CNS injury repair. In this study, we utilized immunocompromised SCID mice and subjected them to spinal cord injury (SCI). We analyzed motor function, electrophysiology, histochemistry, and performed unbiased RNA-sequencing. SCID mice displayed improved CNS functional recovery compared to WT mice after SCI. Weighted gene-coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) of spinal cord transcriptomes revealed that SCID mice had reduced expression of immune function-related genes and heightened expression of neural transmission-related genes after SCI, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis and was consistent with better functional recovery. Transcriptomic analyses also indicated heightened expression of neurotransmission-related genes before injury in SCID mice, suggesting that a steady state of immune-deficiency potentially led to CNS hyper-connectivity. Consequently, SCID mice without injury demonstrated worse performance in Morris water maze test. Taken together, not only reduced inflammation after injury but also dampened steady-state immune function without injury heightened the neurotransmission program, resulting in better or worse behavioral outcomes respectively. This study revealed the intricate relationship between immune and nervous systems, raising the possibility for therapeutic manipulation of neural function via immune modulation.