Asymmetrical Functionalization of Polarizable Interface Restructuring Molecules for Rapid and Longer Operative Lithium Metal Batteries.

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have been recognized as high-energy storage alternatives; however, problematic surface reactions due to dendritic Li growth are major obstacles to their widespread utilization. Herein, a 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt (MPS) with asymmetrically functionalized thiol and sulfonate groups as polarizable interface-restructuring molecules is proposed to achieve rapid and longer-operating LMBs. Under a harsh condition of 5 mA cm-2, Li-Li symmetric cells employing MPS can be cycled over 1200 cycles, outperforming those employing other molecules symmetrically functionalized by thiol or sulfonate groups. The improved performance of the Li|V2O5 full cell is demonstrated by introducing MPS additives. MPS additives offer advantages by flattening the surface, reconfiguring Li nucleation and growth along the stable (110) plane, and forming a durable and conductive solid-electrolyte interface layer (SEI). This study suggests an effective way to develop a new class of electrolyte additives for LMBs by controlling engineering factors, such as functional groups and polarizable properties.

Control of murine brown adipocyte development by GATA6.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a thermogenic organ that protects animals against hypothermia and obesity. BAT derives from the multipotent paraxial mesoderm; however, the identity of embryonic brown fat progenitor cells and regulators of adipogenic commitment are unclear. Here, we performed single-cell gene expression analyses of mesenchymal cells during mouse embryogenesis with a focus on BAT development. We identified cell populations associated with the development of BAT, including Dpp4+ cells that emerge at the onset of adipogenic commitment. Immunostaining and lineage-tracing studies show that Dpp4+ cells constitute the BAT fascia and contribute minorly as adipocyte progenitors. Additionally, we identified the transcription factor GATA6 as a marker of brown adipogenic progenitor cells. Deletion of Gata6 in the brown fat lineage resulted in a striking loss of BAT. Together, these results identify progenitor and transitional cells in the brown adipose lineage and define a crucial role for GATA6 in BAT development.

Molecular Dipoles as a Surface Flattening and Interface Stabilizing Agent for Lithium-Metal Batteries.

Reaching the border of the capable energy limit in existing battery technology has turned research attention away from the rebirth of unstable Li-metal anode chemistry in order to achieve exceptional performance. Strict regulation of the dendritic Li surface reaction, which results in a short circuit and safety issues, should be achieved to realize Li-metal batteries. Herein, this study reports a surface-flattening and interface product stabilizing agent employing methyl pyrrolidone (MP) molecular dipoles in the electrolyte for cyclable Li-metal batteries. The excellent stability of the Li-metal electrode over 600 cycles at a high current density of 5 mA cm-2 has been demonstrated using an optimal concentration of the MP additive. This study has identified the flattening surface reconstruction and crystal rearrangement behavior along the stable (110) plane assisted by the MP molecular dipoles. The stabilization of the Li-metal anodes using molecular dipole agents has helped develop next-generation energy storage devices using Li-metal anodes, such as Li-air, Li-S, and semi-solid-state batteries.