Revealing the degradation pathways of layered Li-rich oxide cathodes.

Layered lithium-rich transition metal oxides are promising cathode candidates for high-energy-density lithium batteries due to the redox contributions from transition metal cations and oxygen anions. However, their practical application is hindered by gradual capacity fading and voltage decay. Although oxygen loss and phase transformation are recognized as primary factors, the structural deterioration, chemical rearrangement, kinetic and thermodynamic effects remain unclear. Here we integrate analysis of morphological, structural and oxidation state evolution from individual atoms to secondary particles. By performing nanoscale to microscale characterizations, distinct structural change pathways associated with intraparticle heterogeneous reactions are identified. The high level of oxygen defects formed throughout the particle by slow electrochemical activation triggers progressive phase transformation and the formation of nanovoids. Ultrafast lithium (de)intercalation leads to oxygen-distortion-dominated lattice displacement, transition metal ion dissolution and lithium site variation. These inhomogeneous and irreversible structural changes are responsible for the low initial Coulombic efficiency, and ongoing particle cracking and expansion in the subsequent cycles.

Crystallization-Induced Liquid Gate for Tunable Gas Flow Control.

Gas flow control is essential in multifarious fields, such as chemical engineering, environmental governance, and biomedical science. More precise regulation, especially tunable gas flow rates, will spark further applications in smart valves, microreactors, and drug delivery. Here, we propose a crystallization-induced liquid gate (CILG) comprising a supersaturated gating liquid confined within a solid framework capable of tunable gas flow rates under steady-state pressure in a simple and compact manner. When ultrasound is employed to stimulate the crystallization, the CILG exhibits different gas transport behaviors due to the adjustable pore sizes modulated by crystal morphologies under varied ultrasound intensities. Additionally, the exothermic crystallization process allows CILG with variable gas permeability to be observable via infrared imaging. Moreover, we demonstrate the potential applications of CILG in infrared-monitored flow-regulating valves and gas-involved chemical reactors.

Synergistic effect of osthole and notopterol combination against Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis by applying zebrafish AD/OP comorbidity model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and osteoporosis (OP) are both serious degenerative diseases, with the potential for concurrent occurrence in clinical settings, and they share certain pathological correlations. Osthole (OST) and notopterol (NOT) are the main active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine, Angelica pubescens and Notopterygium incisum, respectively, and they exhibit neuroprotective and osteoprotective effects. However, whether the combination of OST and NOT produces a synergistic effect against AD and/or OP remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the combination of OST and NOT could produce synergistic anti-AD and/or OP effects using the previously constructed zebrafish AD/OP comorbidity model. Active compounds with anti-AD and OP effects were screened from Angelica pubescens and Notopterygium incisum through network pharmacology, identifying OST and NOT, respectively. Then, the AlCl3-induced (Aluminum chloride, AlCl3) AD combined with OP zebrafish model, in conjunction with the Chou-Talalay synergy evaluation model, was employed to assess whether the OST and NOT combination produced synergistic effects against AD and/or OP. Furthermore, a CuSO4-induced (Copper sulfate, CuSO4) inflammation zebrafish model was used to investigate whether the combination of OST and NOT produced synergistic anti-inflammatory effects, thereby resulting in synergistic anti-AD and/or OP effects. The results demonstrated that the OST-NOT combined treatment produced a synergistic anti-AD and OP effect. Moreover, the combined treatment of OST and NOT significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) release more effectively than OST or NOT alone, indicating a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect of the OST and NOT combined treatment.

Fabrication of Fe-Zr, Co-Zr, and Ni-Zr Catalysts to Boost CNTs Synthesis from Plastic Wastes and the Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

The efficient conversion of plastic wastes to high-value carbon materials like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is one important issue about the rational recycling, reduction, and reuse of solid wastes. Herein, Fe-, Co-, and Ni-Zr catalysts were prepared and used for CNTs synthesis from polyethylene (PE) waste via a two-stage reaction system. At the same time, the effects of the PE/catalyst ratio and reaction temperature on CNTs synthesis have been studied. Compared with Co-Zr and Ni-Zr, Fe-Zr exhibited the best activity in CNTs synthesis from PE, and it achieved the highest CNTs yield of 806.3 mg/g (per gram of Fe-Zr) at 800 °C with a PE/catalyst ratio of 4. Furthermore, the obtained Fe-Zr/CNTs composite exhibited a low overpotential of 267 mV for the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at 20 mA/cm2 in 1 M KOH electrolyte solution, which was 21 mV lower than commercial RuO2 (288 mV) and 50 mV lower than Fe-Zr (317 mV). It was deduced that the in situ growth of CNTs reduced the charge transfer resistance and improved the electron transport efficiency of the Fe-Zr/CNTs composite, leading to superior activity in the electrocatalytic OER. This work provided detailed information for the preparation of the metal/CNTs composite from plastic wastes, which contributed positively to alleviate the environment and energy crisis.

Role of the hydrocarbon molecular structure in CNT growth on Fe-Al catalysts.

Upgrading plastic wastes into high-value products via the thermochemical process is one of the most attractive topics. Although carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been successfully synthesized from plastic pyrolysis gas over Fe-, Co-, or Ni-based catalysts, a deep discussion about the reaction mechanism was seldom mentioned in the literature. Herein, this work was intended to study the growth mechanism of CNTs from hydrocarbons on Fe-Al2O3 catalysts. C5-C7 hydrocarbons were used to synthesize CNTs in a high-temperature fixed-bed reactor, and the carbon products and cracked gas were analyzed in detail. The CNT yield was in the order of cyclohexane, cyclohexene > n-hexane > n-heptane > n-pentane, 1-hexene. It was proposed that CNT growth on Fe-Al2O3 catalysts was mainly determined by the yield and structure of six-membered cyclic species, which was tailored by the carbon chain length, C-C/CC bonds, and linear/cyclic structures of C5-C7 hydrocarbons. Compared with n-hexane, the six-membered rings of cyclohexane and cyclohexene promoted six-membered cyclic species formation, increasing CNT and benzene yields; the seven-membered carbon chain of n-heptane promoted methyl-six-membered cyclic species formation, decreasing CNT and benzene yields while increasing the toluene yield; the five-membered carbon chain of n-pentane and the CC bond of 1-hexene inhibited six-membered cyclic species formation, decreasing CNT and benzene yields. This work revealed the structure-activity relationship between C5-C7 hydrocarbons and CNT growth, which may direct the process design and optimization of CNT synthesis from plastic pyrolysis gas.

NLRP3 inflammasome activation and altered mitophagy are key pathways in inclusion body myositis.

Background: Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most prevalent muscle disease in adults for which no current treatment exists. The pathogenesis of IBM remains poorly defined. Inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction are the most common histopathological findings. In this study, we aimed to explore the interplay between inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in IBM patients, highlighting sex differences. Methods: We included 38 IBM patients and 22 age- and sex-matched controls without myopathy. Bulk RNA sequencing, Meso Scale Discovery ELISA, western blotting, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry were performed on frozen muscle samples from the study participants. Results: We demonstrated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in IBM muscle samples, with the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway being the most upregulated. On muscle histopathology, there is increased NRLP3 immunoreactivity in both inflammatory cells and muscle fibers. Mitophagy is critical for removing damaged mitochondria and preventing the formation of a vicious cycle of mitochondrial dysfunction-NLRP3 activation. In the IBM muscle samples, we showed altered mitophagy, most significantly in males, with elevated levels of p-S65-Ubiquitin, a mitophagy marker. Furthermore, p-S65-Ubiquitin aggregates accumulated in muscle fibers that were mostly type 2 and devoid of cytochrome-c-oxidase reactivity. Type 2 muscle fibers are known to be more prone to mitochondrial dysfunction. NLRP3 RNA levels correlated with p-S65-Ubiquitin levels in both sexes but with loss of in muscle strength only in males. Finally, we identified sex-specific molecular pathways in IBM, with females having activation of pathways that could offset some of the pathomechanisms of IBM. Conclusions: NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in IBM, along with altered mitophagy particularly in males, which is of potential therapeutic significance. These findings suggest sex-specific mechanisms in IBM that warrant further investigation.

High-purity La3-xTe4 Material with Superior Thermoelectric Performance Synthesized via Te-vapor Transport and Solid-State Diffusion.

La3-xTe4 is a very promising high-temperature candidate applied in next-generation Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs). Conventional synthesis of such materials is based on the mechanochemical method, which makes the sample difficult to purify due to the high-energy ball milling. In this report, a novel synthetic method is developed, which utilizes Te-vapor transport and solid-phase diffusion to efficiently produce the RE3-xTe4 phases (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd). Notably, this method obviates the requirement for high-energy ball-milling instruments, conventionally indispensable in the mechanochemical syntheses. For as-synthesized La2.74Te4 material, a high figure of merit of 1.5 is achieved at 1073 K, owning to the reduced electronic thermal conductivity with metal impurities well eliminated.

Harnessing Biomimicry for Controlled Adhesion on Material Surfaces.

Nature serves as an abundant wellspring of inspiration for crafting innovative adhesive materials. Extensive research is conducted on various complex forms of biological attachment, such as geckos, tree frogs, octopuses, and mussels. However, significant obstacles still exist in developing adhesive materials that truly replicate the behaviors and functionalities observed in living organisms. Here, an overview of biological organs, structures, and adhesive secretions endowed with adhesion capabilities, delving into the intricate relationship between their morphology and function, and potential for biomimicry are provided. First, the design principles and mechanisms of adhesion behavior and individual organ morphology in nature are summarized from the perspective of structural and size constraints. Subsequently, the value of engineered and bioinspired adhesive materials through selective application cases in practical fields is emphasized. Then, a forward-looking gaze on the conceivable challenges and associated opportunities in harnessing biomimetic strategies and biological materials for advancing adhesive material innovation is highlighted and cast.

Discovery of baicalein derivatives as novel inhibitors against human pancreatic lipase: Structure-activity relationships and inhibitory mechanisms.

Human pancreatic lipase (hPL) is a vital digestive enzyme responsible for breaking down dietary fats in humans, inhibiting hPL is a feasible strategy for preventing and treating obesity. This study aims to investigate the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of flavonoids as hPL inhibitors, and to find potent hPL inhibitors from natural and synthetic flavonoids. In this work, the anti-hPL effects of forty-nine structurally diverse naturally occurring flavonoids were assessed and the SARs were summarized. The results demonstrated that the pyrogallol group on the A ring was a key moiety for hPL inhibition. Subsequently, a series of baicalein derivatives were synthesized, while 4'-amino baicalein (ABA) and 4'-pyrrolidine baicalein (PBA) were identified as novel potent hPL inhibitors (IC50 < 1 µM). Further investigations showed that scutellarein, ABA and PBA potently inhibited hPL in a non-competitive manner (Ki < 1 µM). Among all tested flavonoids, PBA showed the most potent anti-hPL effect in vitro, while this agent also exhibited favorable safety profiles, unique tissue distribution (high exposure level to intestinal system but low exposure levels to deep organs) and impressive in vivo effects for lowering blood triglyceride levels in mice. Collectively, this work uncovers the SARs of flavonoids against hPL, while a newly synthetic flavonoid (PBA) emerges as a potent hPL inhibitor with favorable safety profiles and impressive anti-hPL effects in vivo.

Development and characterization of phospho-ubiquitin antibodies to monitor PINK1-PRKN signaling in cells and tissue.

The selective removal of dysfunctional mitochondria, a process termed mitophagy, is critical for cellular health and impairments have been linked to aging, Parkinson disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions. A central mitophagy pathway is orchestrated by the ubiquitin (Ub) kinase PINK1 together with the E3 Ub ligase PRKN/Parkin. The decoration of damaged mitochondrial domains with phosphorylated Ub (p-S65-Ub) mediates their elimination though the autophagy system. As such p-S65-Ub has emerged as a highly specific and quantitative marker of mitochondrial damage with significant disease relevance. Existing p-S65-Ub antibodies have been successfully employed as research tools in a range of applications including western blot, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. However, physiological levels of p-S65-Ub in the absence of exogenous stress are very low, therefore difficult to detect and require reliable and ultrasensitive methods. Here we generated and characterized a collection of novel recombinant, rabbit monoclonal p-S65-Ub antibodies with high specificity and affinity in certain applications that allow the field to better understand the molecular mechanisms and disease relevance of PINK1-PRKN signaling. These antibodies may also serve as novel diagnostic or prognostic tools to monitor mitochondrial damage in various clinical and pathological specimens.Abbreviations: AD: Alzheimer disease; CCCP: carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone; ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; HEK293E cell: human embryonic kidney E cell; ICC: immunocytochemistry; IHC: immunohistochemistry: KO: knockout; LoB: limit of blank; LoD: limit of detection; LoQ: limit of quantification; MEF: mouse embryonic fibroblast; MSD: Meso Scale Discovery; n.s.: non-significant; nonTg: non-transgenic; PBMC: peripheral blood mononuclear cell; PD: Parkinson disease; p-S65-PRKN: phosphorylated PRKN at serine 65; p-S65-Ub: phosphorylated Ub at serine 65; Ub: ubiquitin; WT: wild-type.

Single-Pore Nanofluidic Logic Memristor with Reconfigurable Synaptic Functions and Designable Combinations.

The biological neural network is a highly efficient in-memory computing system that integrates memory and logical computing functions within synapses. Moreover, reconfiguration by environmental chemical signals endows biological neural networks with dynamic multifunctions and enhanced efficiency. Nanofluidic memristors have emerged as promising candidates for mimicking synaptic functions, owing to their similarity to synapses in the underlying mechanisms of ion signaling in ion channels. However, realizing chemical signal-modulated logic functions in nanofluidic memristors, which is the basis for brain-like computing applications, remains unachieved. Here, we report a single-pore nanofluidic logic memristor with reconfigurable logic functions. Based on the different degrees of protonation and deprotonation of functional groups on the inner surface of the single pore, the modulation of the memristors and the reconfiguration of logic functions are realized. More noteworthy, this single-pore nanofluidic memristor can not only avoid the average effects in multipore but also act as a fundamental component in constructing complex neural networks through series and parallel circuits, which lays the groundwork for future artificial nanofluidic neural networks. The implementation of dynamic synaptic functions, modulation of logic gates by chemical signals, and diverse combinations in single-pore nanofluidic memristors opens up new possibilities for their applications in brain-inspired computing.

Building Functional Liquid-Based Interfaces: From Mechanism to Application.

Functional liquid-based interfaces, with their inhomogeneous regions that emphasize the functionalized liquids, have attracted much interest as a versatile platform for a broad spectrum of applications, from chemical manufacturing to practical uses. These interfaces leverage the physicochemical characteristics of liquids, alongside dynamic behaviors induced by macroscopic wettability and microscopic molecular exchange balance, to allow for tailored properties within their functional structures. In this Minireview, we provide a foundational overview of these functional interfaces, based on the structural investigations and molecular mechanisms of interaction forces that directly modulate functionalities. Then, we discuss design strategies that have been employed in recent applications, and the crucial aspects that require focus. Finally, we highlight the current challenges in functional liquid-based interfaces and provide a perspective on future research directions.

Electrohydrodynamic Inkjet Printing of Three-Dimensional Perovskite Nanocrystal Arrays for Full-Color Micro-LED Displays.

Perovskite nanocrystal (PeNC) arrays are showing a promising future in the next generation of micro-light-emitting-diode (micro-LED) displays due to the narrow emission linewidth and adjustable peak wavelength. Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) inkjet printing, with merits of high resolution, uniformity, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, is among the competent candidates for constructing PeNC arrays. However, the fabrication of red light-emitting CsPbBrxI(3-x) nanocrystal arrays for micro-LED displays still faces challenges, such as low brightness and poor stability. This work proposes a design for a red PeNC colloidal ink that is specialized for the EHD inkjet printing of three-dimensional PeNC arrays with enhanced luminescence and stability as well as being adaptable to both rigid and flexible substrates. Made of a mixture of PeNCs, polymer polystyrene (PS), and a nonpolar xylene solvent, the PeNC colloidal ink enables precise control of array sizes and shapes, which facilitates on-demand micropillar construction. Additionally, the inclusion of PS significantly increases the brightness and environmental stability. By adopting this ink, the EHD printer successfully fabricated full-color 3D PeNC arrays with a spatial resolution over 2500 ppi. It shows the potential of the EHD inkjet printing strategy for high-resolution and robust PeNC color conversion layers for micro-LED displays.

Alterations of PINK1-PRKN signaling in mice during normal aging.

The ubiquitin kinase-ligase pair PINK1-PRKN identifies and selectively marks damaged mitochondria for elimination via the autophagy-lysosome system (mitophagy). While this cytoprotective pathway has been extensively studied in vitro upon acute and complete depolarization of mitochondria, the significance of PINK1-PRKN mitophagy in vivo is less well established. Here we used a novel approach to study PINK1-PRKN signaling in different energetically demanding tissues of mice during normal aging. We demonstrate a generally increased expression of both genes and enhanced enzymatic activity with aging across tissue types. Collectively our data suggest a distinct regulation of PINK1-PRKN signaling under basal conditions with the most pronounced activation and flux of the pathway in mouse heart compared to brain or skeletal muscle. Our biochemical analyses complement existing mitophagy reporter readouts and provide an important baseline assessment in vivo, setting the stage for further investigations of the PINK1-PRKN pathway during stress and in relevant disease conditions.

Role of GBA variants in Lewy body disease neuropathology.

Rare and common GBA variants are risk factors for both Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). However, the degree to which GBA variants are associated with neuropathological features in Lewy body disease (LBD) is unknown. Herein, we assessed 943 LBD cases and examined associations of 15 different neuropathological outcomes with common and rare GBA variants. Neuropathological outcomes included LBD subtype, presence of a high likelihood of clinical DLB (per consensus guidelines), LB counts in five cortical regions, tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the dorsolateral and ventromedial putamen, ventrolateral substantia nigra neuronal loss, Braak neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) stage, Thal amyloid phase, phospho-ubiquitin (pS65-Ub) level, TDP-43 pathology, and vascular disease. Sequencing of GBA exons revealed a total of 42 different variants (4 common [MAF > 0.5%], 38 rare [MAF < 0.5%]) in our series, and 165 cases (17.5%) had a copy of the minor allele for ≥ 1 variant. In analysis of common variants, p.L483P was associated with a lower Braak NFT stage (OR = 0.10, P < 0.001). In gene-burden analysis, presence of the minor allele for any GBA variant was associated with increased odds of a high likelihood of DLB (OR = 2.00, P < 0.001), a lower Braak NFT stage (OR = 0.48, P < 0.001), a lower Thal amyloid phase (OR = 0.55, P < 0.001), and a lower pS65-Ub level (ß: -0.37, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that GBA variants were most common in LBD cases with a combination of transitional/diffuse LBD and Braak NFT stage 0-II or Thal amyloid phase 0-1, and correspondingly that the aforementioned associations of GBA gene-burden with a decreased Braak NFT stage and Thal amyloid phase were observed only in transitional or diffuse LBD cases. Our results indicate that in LBD, GBA variants occur most frequently in cases with greater LB pathology and low AD pathology, further informing disease-risk associations of GBA in PD, PD dementia, and DLB.

Discovery of a botanical compound as a broad-spectrum inhibitor against gut microbial ß-glucuronidases from the Tibetan medicine Rhodiola crenulata.

Gut microbial ß-glucuronidases (gmß-GUS) played crucial roles in regulating a variety of endogenous substances and xenobiotics on the circulating level, thus had been recognized as key modulators of drug toxicity and human diseases. Inhibition or inactivation of gmß-GUS enzymes has become a promising therapeutic strategy to alleviate drug-induced intestinal toxicity. Herein, the Rhodiola crenulata extract (RCE) was found with potent and broad-spectrum inhibition on multiple gmß-GUS enzymes. Subsequently, the anti-gmß-GUS activities of the major constituents in RCE were tested and the results showed that 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-ß-d-glucopyranose (PGG) acted as a strong and broad-spectrum inhibitor on multiple gmß-GUS (including EcGUS, CpGUS, SaGUS, and EeGUS). Inhibition kinetic assays demonstrated that PGG effectively inhibited four gmß-GUS in a non-competitive manner, with the Ki values ranging from 0.12 µM to 1.29 µM. Docking simulations showed that PGG could tightly bound to the non-catalytic sites of various gmß-GUS, mainly via hydrogen bonding and aromatic interactions. It was also found that PGG could strongly inhibit the total gmß-GUS activity in mice feces, with the IC50 value of 1.24 µM. Collectively, our findings revealed that RCE and its constituent PGG could strongly inhibit multiple gmß-GUS enzymes, suggesting that RCE and PGG could be used for alleviating gmß-GUS associated enterotoxicity.

Visual Biosensing with Specific Liquid-Based Interface Behaviors.

Liquid-based interface behaviors at micro/nano or even smaller scales induced by biomolecules take us into a fascinating realm, fostering a deeper understanding and innovation in visual biosensing. This biosensing technology, grounded in specific liquid-based interface behaviors, redefines how diseases can be detected, monitored, and diagnosed in resource-limited settings, providing rapid, cost-effective, and self-testing solutions to the current healthcare landscape. To date, the technology has witnessed significant advancements in visual sensing, driven by diverse liquid-based materials, advanced nanomanufacturing techniques, and a profound understanding of interface-material interactions. In this Perspective, we discuss and elucidate the interface biosensing mechanisms arising from three types, including liquid-solid, liquid-liquid, and liquid-gas interfaces, and we provide insights into the challenges and future development of visual biosensing applications.

Development and characterization of phospho-ubiquitin antibodies to monitor PINK1-PRKN signaling in cells and tissue.

The selective removal of dysfunctional mitochondria, a process termed mitophagy, is critical for cellular health and impairments have been linked to aging, Parkinson disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions. A central mitophagy pathway is orchestrated by the ubiquitin (Ub) kinase PINK1 together with the E3 Ub ligase PRKN/Parkin. The decoration of damaged mitochondrial domains with phosphorylated Ub (p-S65-Ub) mediates their elimination though the autophagy system. As such p-S65-Ub has emerged as a highly specific and quantitative marker of mitochondrial damage with significant disease relevance. Existing p-S65-Ub antibodies have been successfully employed as research tools in a range of applications including western blot, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. However, physiological levels of p-S65-Ub in the absence of exogenous stress are very low, therefore difficult to detect and require reliable and ultrasensitive methods. Here we generated and characterized a collection of novel recombinant, rabbit monoclonal p-S65-Ub antibodies with high specificity and affinity in certain applications that allow the field to better understand the molecular mechanisms and disease relevance of PINK1-PRKN signaling. These antibodies may also serve as novel diagnostic or prognostic tools to monitor mitochondrial damage in various clinical and pathological specimens.

Selectively Transport and Removal of Fluoride Ion by Pillar[5]Arene Polymer-Filled Nanochannel Membrane.

Excess fluoride ions in groundwater accumulate through the roots of crops, affecting photosynthesis and inhibiting their growth. Long-term bioaccumulation also threatens human health because it is poorly degradable and toxic. Currently, one of the biggest challenges is developing a unique material that can efficiently remove fluoride ions from the environment. The excellent properties of functionalized pillar[5]arene polymer-filled nanochannel membranes were explored to address this challenge. Constructing a multistage porous nanochannel membrane, consisting of microscale etched nanochannels and nanoscale pillar[5]arene cross-linked polymer voids. A fluoride removal rate of 0.0088 mmol ⋅ L-1 ⋅ min-1 was achieved. Notably, this rate surpassed the rates observed with other control ions by a factor of 6 to 8.8. Our research provides a new direction for developing water fluoride ion removal materials.

Multifunctional Flexible Ferroelectric Thin Films with Large Electrocaloric Effect and High Energy Storage Performance.

Flexible ferroelectric films with high polarization hold great promise for energy storage and electrocaloric (EC) refrigeration. Herein, we fabricate a lead-free Mn-modified 0.75 Bi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3-0.25 BaTiO3 (BMT-BTO) thin film based on a flexible mica substrate. Excellent EC performance with maximum adiabatic temperature change (ΔT ∼23.5 K) and isothermal entropy change (ΔS ∼33.1 J K-1 kg-1) is achieved in the flexible BMT-BTO film, which is attributed to the local structural transition and lattice disorder near 90 °C. Meanwhile, a good energy storage density of ∼70.6 J cm-3 and a quite high efficiency of ∼82% are realized in the same ferroelectric film, accompanied by excellent stability of frequency and electric fatigue (500-10 kHz and 108 cycles). Furthermore, there is no apparent variation in performance under different bending strains. These prominent properties indicate that the multifunctional BMT-BTO ferroelectric film is a promising candidate for applications of flexible energy storage and EC refrigeration.