Redox-neutral α-functionalization of pyrrolidines: facile access to α-aryl-substituted pyrrolidines.

α-Aryl-substituted pyrrolidine moiety is found in many natural alkaloids. Starting from pyrrolidine, we were able to synthesize α-aryl-substituted pyrrolidines in one step using quinone monoacetal as the oxidizing agent and DABCO as the base. We also discovered the reaction condition needed to efficiently remove the N-aryl moiety from the α-arylated product. When the above reaction was carried out without the addition of an aryl nucleophile, the reaction of pyrrolidine and quinone monoacetal in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol afforded octahydro-dipyrroloquinoline in high yield, which has the same skeleton as that of natural product incargranine B.

Red phosphorus encapsulated in 3D N-doped porous carbon nanofibers: an enhanced sodium-ion battery anode material.

We report a sodium-ion battery anode design using red phosphorus encapsulated in nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanofibers that mitigates volume expansion and poor conductivity issues, enhancing battery performance. Density functional theory calculations suggest nitrogen doping promotes robust phosphorus interactions, and finite element analysis indicates the design controls volume expansion.

Simultaneous Catalytic Acceleration of White Phosphorus Polymerization and Red Phosphorus Potassiation for High-Performance Potassium-Ion Batteries.

Red phosphorus (P) as an anode material of potassium-ion batteries possesses ultra-high theoretical specific capacity (1154 mAh g-1 ). However, owing to residual white P during the preparation and sluggish kinetics of K-P alloying limit its practical application. Seeking an efficient catalyst to address the above problems is crucial for the secure preparation of red P anode with high performance. Herein, through the analysis of the activation energies in white P polymerization, it is revealed that the highest occupied molecular orbital energy of I2 (-7.40 eV) is in proximity to P4 (-7.25 eV), and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy of I2 molecule (-4.20 eV) is lower than that of other common non-metallic molecules (N2 , S8 , Se8 , F2 , Cl2 , Br2 ). The introduction of I2 can thus promote the breaking of the P─P bond and accelerate the polymerization of white P molecules. Besides, the ab initio molecular dynamics simulations show that I2 can enhance the kinetics of P-K alloying. The as-obtained red P/C composites with I2 deliver excellent cycling stability (358 mAh g-1 after 1200 cycles at 1 A g-1 ). This study establishes catalysis as a promising pathway to tackle the challenges of P anode for alkali metal ion batteries.

Associations Between GGT/ALT Ratio and Carotid Plaque in Inpatients With Coronary Artery Disease: A RCSCD-TCM Study.

This study investigated the relationship between gamma-glutamyltransferase/alanine aminotransferase (GGT/ALT) ratio and carotid plaques in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This multicenter retrospective study included 8,255 patients with CAD who were divided according to GGT/ALT quartiles: Q1 (GGT/ALT ≤ 1.00), Q2 (1.00 < GGT/ALT ≤ 1.41), Q3 (1.41 < GGT/ALT ≤ 2.05), and Q4 (GGT/ALT > 2.05). Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between GGT/ALT, carotid plaques, and carotid plaque echogenicity. GGT/ALT ratio (odds ratio [OR]: 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-1.21; P < .001) was significantly associated with carotid plaque risk. The degree of relevance was higher in men (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.35-2.15; P < .001) than in women (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.28-1.91; P < .001). The ORs value of carotid plaque risk was higher in middle-aged patients (OR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.78-2.80; P < .001) than in older patients (OR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.44-2.18; P < .001). The GGT/ALT ratio was significantly associated with different carotid plaque echogenicity, and the highest OR values were for isoechoic plaques (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.12-1.24; P < .001). These findings suggest that the GGT/ALT ratio might be associated with a high risk of developing carotid plaques and different types of plaque echoes and was more significantly associated with isoechoic plaques.

The Transformer Bridge Principle Circuit Using RF Admittance Technology.

To investigate the problem of the lag stability of the capacitance value during the level drop of the dirty U-shaped liquid level sensor, the equivalent circuit of the dirty U-shaped liquid level sensor was analyzed, and the transformer bridge's principle circuit that uses RF admittance technology was designed accordingly. Using the method of controlling a single variable, the measurement accuracy of the circuit was simulated when the dividing capacitance and the regulating capacitance had different values. Then, the right parameter values for the dividing capacitance and the regulating capacitance were found. On this basis, the change of the sensor output capacitance and the change of the length of the attached seawater mixture were controlled separately under the condition of removing the seawater mixture. The simulation outcomes showed that the measurement accuracy was excellent under various situations, validating the transformer principle bridge circuit's efficacy in minimizing the influence of the output capacitance value's lag stability.

Multi-Scale Structure Engineering of ZnSnO3 for Ultra-Long-Life Aqueous Zinc-Metal Batteries.

Suppressing the severe water-induced side reactions and uncontrolled dendrite growth of zinc (Zn) metal anodes is crucial for aqueous Zn-metal batteries to achieve ultra-long cyclic lifespans and promote their practical applications. Herein, a concept of multi-scale (electronic-crystal-geometric) structure design is proposed to precisely construct the hollow amorphous ZnSnO3 cubes (HZTO) for optimizing Zn metal anodes. In situ gas chromatography demonstrates that Zn anodes modified by HZTO (HZTO@Zn) can effectively inhibit the undesired hydrogen evolution. The pH stabilization and corrosion suppression mechanisms are revealed via operando pH detection and in situ Raman analysis. Moreover, comprehensive experimental and theoretical results prove that the amorphous structure and hollow architecture endow the protective HZTO layer with strong Zn affinity and rapid Zn2+ diffusion, which are beneficial for achieving the ideal dendrite-free Zn anode. Accordingly, excellent electrochemical performances for the HZTO@Zn symmetric battery (6900 h at 2 mA cm-2 , 100 times longer than that of bare Zn), HZTO@Zn||V2 O5 full battery (99.3% capacity retention after 1100 cycles), and HZTO@Zn||V2 O5 pouch cell (120.6 Wh kg-1 at 1 A g-1 ) are achieved. This work with multi-scale structure design provides significant guidance to rationally develop advanced protective layers for other ultra-long-life metal batteries.

Relationship between red cell distribution width/albumin ratio and carotid plaque in different glucose metabolic states in patients with coronary heart disease: a RCSCD-TCM study in China.

BACKGROUND: Red cell distribution width/albumin ratio (RAR) is thought to be associated with the prognosis of a variety of diseases, including diabetes and heart failure. To date, no studies have focused on the relationship between RAR and carotid plaque in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: A total of 10,267 patients with CHD were divided according to RAR quartiles (Q1: RAR ≤ 2.960; Q2: 2.960 < RAR ≤ 3.185; Q3: 3.185 < RAR < 3.441; Q4: RAR ≥ 3.441). Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between RAR and carotid plaques in CHD patients. The relationship between RAR and carotid plaques in according to sex, age and glucose regulation state groups were also assessed. RESULTS: Among the 10,267 participants, 75.43% had carotid plaques. After adjusting for confounding factors, RAR was found to be associated with carotid plaque formation (OR: 1.23; 95% CI 1.08-1.39). The risk of carotid plaque formation in the Q4 group was 1.24 times higher than that in the Q1 group. After multivariate adjustment, RAR was associated with the risk of carotid plaque in female (OR: 1.29; 95% CI 1.09-1.52). And the relationship between RAR and carotid plaques in patients younger than 60 years old (OR: 1.43; 95% CI 1.16-1.75) was stronger than that in those older than 60 years old (OR: 1.29; 95% CI 1.10-1.51). Under different glucose metabolism states, RAR had the highest correlation with the risk of carotid plaques in diabetes patients (OR: 1.28; 95% CI 1.04-1.58). CONCLUSIONS: RAR was significantly related to carotid plaques in patients with CHD. In addition, the correlation between RAR and the incidence of carotid plaque in patients with CHD was higher in women and middle-aged and elderly patients. In patients with CHD and diabetes, the correlation between RAR and carotid plaque was higher.

Association between sensitivity to thyroid hormones and risk of arrhythmia in patients with coronary heart disease: a RCSCD-TCM study in China.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid dysfunction is closely related to arrhythmia. However, the relationship between sensitivity to thyroid hormone and risk of arrhythmia remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between the thyroid system complex index and risk of arrhythmia in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: This large, multicenter study included 28,413 patients with CHD. Central sensitivity to thyroid hormone was assessed by calculating the thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI). Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between sensitivity to thyroid hormone and risk of arrhythmia. This study also assessed the relationship between sensitivity to thyroid hormone and risk of arrhythmia in different sexes, ages, and glucose regulation and blood lipid states. RESULTS: Of the 28,413 participants, 8935 (31.4%) patients with CHD had arrhythmia. There was a remarkable association between TFQI and risk of arrhythmia (odds ratio [OR]: 0.783; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.735-0.836). Furthermore, the association between the TFQI and risk of arrhythmia in women (OR: 0.731; 95% CI: 0.667-0.802) was stronger than that in men (OR: 0.894; 95% CI: 0.816-0.910), as well as higher in elder (OR: 0.779; 95% CI: 0.721-0.843) than middle-aged (OR: 0.789; 95% CI: 0.703-0.886) patients. Furthermore, the association was strong in the state of diabetes (OR: 0.635; 95% 0.569-0.709) and dyslipidemia (OR: 0.706; 95% CI: 0.644-0.774). CONCLUSION: There is a remarkable association between sensitivity to thyroid hormone and risk of arrhythmia in patients with CHD, which is more pronounced among women and the elderly. The association is also stronger in CHD patients with dyslipidemia or diabetes.

Single-Atom Vanadium Catalyst Boosting Reaction Kinetics of Polysulfides in Na-S Batteries.

The practical application of the room-temperature sodium-sulfur (RT Na-S) batteries is hindered by the insulated sulfur, the severe shuttle effect of sodium polysulfides, and insufficient polysulfide conversion. Herein, on the basis of first principles calculations, single-atom vanadium anchored on a 3D nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon matrix (denoted as 3D-PNCV) is designed and fabricated to enhance sulfur reactivity, and adsorption and catalytic conversion performance of sodium polysulfide. The 3D-PNCV host with abundant and active V sites, hierarchical porous structure, high electrical conductivity, and strong chemical adsorption/conversion ability of V-N bonding can immobilize the polysulfides and promote reversibly catalytic conversion of polysulfides toward Na2 S. Therefore, as-fabricated RT Na-S batteries can achieve a high reversible capacity (445 mAh g-1 over 800 cycles at 5 A g-1 ) and excellent rate capability (224 mAh g-1 at 10 A g-1 ). The electrocatalysis mechanism of sodium polysulfides is further experimentally and theoretically revealed, which provides a new strategy to develop the highly stable RT Na-S batteries.

Association between sensitivity to thyroid hormones and dyslipidemia in patients with coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid hormones affect lipid metabolism via central and peripheral regulation. However, there have been few studies on the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and dyslipidemia. We aimed to investigate the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and dyslipidemia in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: A total of 31,678 patients with CHD were included in this large multicenter retrospective study. Central thyroid hormone sensitivity was evaluated using the thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI), parametric thyroid feedback quantile-based index (PTFQI), thyroid-stimulating hormone index (TSHI), and thyrotropin thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI); peripheral thyroid hormone sensitivity was assessed by the ratio of free triiodothyronine (FT3)/free thyroxine (FT4). Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and dyslipidemia. RESULTS: Among 31,678 participants, 21,648 (68.34%) had dyslipidemia. In the multi-adjusted models, the risk of dyslipidemia was positively correlated with TFQI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.05), PTFQI (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06-1.12), TSHI (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.06-1.11), and TT4RI (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.05-1.11). Conversely, the risk of dyslipidemia was negatively correlated with FT3/FT4 (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.92-0.97). In stratified analyses, the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and dyslipidemia was statistically significant for different sexes, glucose levels, and blood pressure states. CONCLUSION: There is a significant association between sensitivity to thyroid hormones and dyslipidemia, regardless of sex, glucose level, or blood pressure. Graphical abstract.

Impaired sensitivity to thyroid hormones and carotid plaque in patients with coronary heart disease: A RCSCD-TCM study in China.

Context: Previous studies on the association between thyroid function and carotid plaque have shown contradictory results, which may be attributable to the sensitivity to thyroid hormone indices. This study aimed to analyze the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and risk of carotid plaque in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and further explore this association according to sex, age, smoking, and drinking status. Methods: This large-scale, multi-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study included 6679 patients with CHD (age 35-75). Central sensitivity to thyroid hormone was evaluated by the thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI), parametric thyroid feedback quantile-based index (PTFQI), thyroid-stimulating hormone index (TSHI), and thyrotroph thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI). Peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormone was assessed by free triiodothyronine/free thyroxine (FT3/FT4) ratio. Taking no carotid plaque as a reference, this study used logistic regression to analyze the association between central and peripheral thyroid hormone sensitivity and carotid plaque in patients with CHD. Results: Of the 6679 patients with CHD, 4843 (72.50%) had carotid plaque. In the multi-adjusted models, the TFQI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-1.78; P < 0.001), PTFQI (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.46-2.12; P < 0.001), TSHI (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.10-1.33; P < 0.001), and TT4RI (OR: 1.00; 95% CI: 1.00-1.01; P = 0.003) were positively associated with the risk of carotid plaque. Compared with that in females and people > 60 years, the OR value for carotid plaque was higher in males and people ≤ 60 years. Similarly, smokers and drinkers had higher OR values for carotid plaque than non-smokers and non-drinkers. Conversely, FT3/FT4 ratio (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.70-0.81; P < 0.001) was negatively associated with carotid plaque, and the OR value for carotid plaque was lower in males, patients ≤ 60 years, smokers, and drinkers. Conclusion: This study showed that thyroid hormone sensitivity is significantly associated with carotid plaque in patients with CHD. This association is more significant in males, patients ≤ 60 years, smokers, and drinkers.

Relationship Between Prognostic Nutrition Index and New York Heart Association Classification in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A RCSCD-TCM Study.

Aim: This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between the prognostic nutrition index (PNI) of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification and the complex relationship between PNI combined body mass index (BMI) and NYHA classification. Methods: The PNI was applied to 17,413 consecutive patients with CHD. Patients were divided into three groups according to PNI: normal nutrition (PNI ≥ 38), moderate malnutrition (35 < PNI < 38), and severe malnutrition (PNI ≤ 35). A total of 2,052 CHD patients with BMI were selected and stratified by combined subgroups of nutritional status and BMI. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the PNI and NYHA classification and to adjust for confounding factors. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition among the 17,413participants with CHD was 4.2%. Moderate and severe malnutrition were significantly related to NYHA class III and V, and the strongest relationship was observed in NYHA class V (odd ratio [OR]: 6.564; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.043-10.658). Malnourished-underweight patients and malnourished-overweight patients were significantly associated with higher NYHA classification, and malnourished-underweight patients (OR: 8.038; 95% CI: 2.091-30.892) were significantly more than malnourished-overweight patients (OR: 3.580; 95% CI: 1.286-9.966). Conclusion: There were differences in the NYHA classification of CHD patients with different nutritional statuses. The lower the PNI, the worse the NYHA classification of CHD patients. Malnourished-underweight patients had a worse NYHA classification than malnourished-overweight patients.

Impaired Sensitivity to Thyroid Hormones Is Associated With Elevated Blood Glucose in Coronary Heart Disease.

Context: Thyroid hormones influence glucose homeostasis through central and peripheral regulation. To date, the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and elevated blood glucose (EBG) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and risk of EBG in patients with CHD, and to further explore their association in different sexes and ages. Methods: This large multicenter retrospective study included 30,244 patients with CHD (aged 30-80 years) between 1 January 2014 and 30 September 2020. Parameters representing central and peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormones were calculated. Central sensitivity to thyroid hormones was assessed by calculating the Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index (TFQI), Thyroid-stimulating Hormone Index (TSHI), and Thyrotropin Thyroxine Resistance Index (TT4RI), and Parametric Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index (PTFQI); peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormones was evaluated using the ratio of free triiodothyronine (FT3) /free thyroxine (FT4). Taking normal glucose tolerance (NGT) as a reference, logistic regression was used to analyse the relationship between central and peripheral thyroid hormone sensitivity and EBG in patients with CHD. Results: Among the 30,244 participants, 15,493 (51.23%) had EBG. The risk of EBG was negatively correlated with TSHI (OR: 0.91; 95%CI: 0.91 to 0.92; P < 0.001), TT4RI (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99 to 0.99; P<0.001), TFQI (OR: 0.82; 95%CI: 0.80 to 0.84; P <0.001) and PTFQI (OR: 0.76; 95%CI: 0.74 to 0.78; P<0.001). Compared to males and patients aged 60 and below, the OR value for EBG was lower in females and in patients aged over 60 years old. Conversely, EBG risk was positively associated with FT3/FT4 (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.09; P <0.001) and in the sex-categorized subgroups, males had higher OR values than females. Conclusions: This study showed that thyroid hormone sensitivity is significantly associated with EBG in patients with CHD. This association is higher in females than in males, and the association in those aged over 60 years old is higher than that in patients aged 60 years and below.

Artificial Heterogeneous Interphase Layer with Boosted Ion Affinity and Diffusion for Na/K-Metal Batteries.

Metallic Na (K) are considered a promising anode materials for Na-metal and K-metal batteries because of their high theoretical capacity, low electrode potential, and abundant resources. However, the uncontrolled growth of Na (K) dendrites severely damages the stability of the electrode/electrolyte interface, resulting in battery failure. Herein, a heterogeneous interface layer consisting of metal vanadium nanoparticles and sodium sulfide (potassium sulfide) is introduced on the surface of a Na (K) foil (i.e., Na2 S/V/Na or K2 S/V/K). Experimental studies and theoretical calculations indicate that a heterogeneous Na2 S/V (K2 S/V) protective layer can effectively improve Na (K)-ion adsorption and diffusion kinetics, inhibiting the growth of Na (K) dendrites during Na (K) plating/stripping. Based on the novel design of the heterogeneous layer, the symmetric Na2 S/V/Na cell displays a long lifespan of over 1000 h in a carbonate-based electrolyte, and the K2 S/V/K electrode can operate for over 1300 h at 0.5 mA cm-2 with a capacity of 0.5 mAh cm-2 . Moreover, the Na full cell (Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 ||Na2 S/V/Na) exhibits a high energy density of 375 Wh kg-1 and a high power density of 23.5 kW kg-1 . The achievements support the development of heterogeneous protective layers for other high-energy-density metal batteries.

Design Principles of Sodium/Potassium Protection Layer for High-Power High-Energy Sodium/Potassium-Metal Batteries in Carbonate Electrolytes: a Case Study of Na2 Te/K2 Te.

The sodium (potassium)-metal anodes combine low-cost, high theoretical capacity, and high energy density, demonstrating promising application in sodium (potassium)-metal batteries. However, the dendrites' growth on the surface of Na (K) has impeded their practical application. Herein, density functional theory (DFT) results predict Na2 Te/K2 Te is beneficial for Na+ /K+ transport and can effectively suppress the formation of the dendrites because of low Na+ /K+ migration energy barrier and ultrahigh Na+ /K+ diffusion coefficient of 3.7 × 10-10 cm2 s-1 /1.6 × 10-10 cm2 s-1 (300 K), respectively. Then a Na2 Te protection layer is prepared by directly painting the nanosized Te powder onto the sodium-metal surface. The Na@Na2 Te anode can last for 700 h in low-cost carbonate electrolytes (1 mA cm-2 , 1 mAh cm-2 ), and the corresponding Na3 V2 (PO4 )3 //Na@Na2 Te full cell exhibits high energy density of 223 Wh kg-1 at an unprecedented power density of 29687 W kg-1 as well as an ultrahigh capacity retention of 93% after 3000 cycles at 20 C. Besides, the K@K2 Te-based potassium-metal full battery also demonstrates high power density of 20 577 W kg-1 with energy density of 154 Wh kg-1 . This work opens up a new and promising avenue to stabilize sodium (potassium)-metal anodes with simple and low-cost interfacial layers.

Knockdown of circNRIP1 sensitizes colorectal cancer to 5­FU via sponging miR­532­3p.

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of circular RNA nuclear receptor­interacting protein 1 (circNRIP1) on the chemotherapeutic effect of 5­fluorouracil (5­FU) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and reveal its potential molecular mechanisms. The effects of circNRIP1 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and apoptosis were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit­8, Transwell and flow cytometric assays, respectively. A dual­luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the potential interaction between circNRIP1 and microRNA (miR)­532­3p. The results of the present study indicated that circNRIP1 was upregulated in CRC and its increased expression was associated with CRC progression. Furthermore, overexpression of circNRIP1 promoted CRC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, while it inhibited apoptosis. Knockdown of circNRIP1 significantly enhanced the 5­FU­induced inhibition of the viability of HCT116 and SW480 cells. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that miR­532­3p was a direct target of circNRIP1, which was further confirmed by a dual­luciferase reporter assay. miR­532­3p silencing reversed the effects of circNRIP1 knockdown on the sensitivity of 5­FU in the chemotherapy of CRC. The results suggested that circNRIP1 and miR­532­3p may be utilized to improve the diagnosis of CRC and serve as diagnostic markers. In conclusion, overexpression of circNRIP1 promoted the progression of CRC, while circNRIP1 silencing sensitized CRC cells to 5­FU via sponging miR­532­3p.

The Synergetic Effect of Lithium Bisoxalatodifluorophosphate and Fluoroethylene Carbonate on Dendrite Suppression for Fast Charging Lithium Metal Batteries.

Fluorinated solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) derived from fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) is particularly favored for dendrite suppression in lithium metal batteries because of the high Young's modulus (≈64.9 Gpa) and low electronic conductivity (10-31 S cm-1 ) of LiF. However, the transportation ability of Li+ in this fluorinated SEI under high current densities is limited by the low ionic conductivity of LiF (≈10-12 S cm-1 ). Herein, by rational design, 0.1 m lithium bisoxalatodifluorophosphate (LiDFBOP) is adopted to modify fluorinated SEI in FEC based electrolyte for fast charging lithium metal batteries. Benefiting from the synergetic effect of LiDFBOP and FEC, a fluorinated SEI rich in LiF and Lix POy Fz species can be yielded, which can further improve the stability and ionic conductivity of SEI for fast Li+ transportation. Meanwhile, the average coulombic efficiency for Li plating/stripping is improved from 92.0% to 96.7%, thus promoting stable cycling of Li||Li symmetrical batteries with dendrite free morphologies, even at high current densities (3.0 mA cm-2 ) and high plating/stripping capacities (3.0 mAh cm-2 ). More attractively, in practical Li||LiNi0.6 Co0.2 Mn0.2 O2 batteries, the cycling life at 1C and rate capacities at 6C are also significantly improved. Therefore, the synergetic effect of LiDFBOP and FEC provides great potential for achieving advanced lithium metal batteries with fast charging ability.

Constructing Co3 O4 Nanowires on Carbon Fiber Film as a Lithiophilic Host for Stable Lithium Metal Anodes.

Lithium metal has been considered as the most promising anode electrode for substantially improving the energy density of next-generation energy storage devices. However, uncontrollable lithium dendrite growth, an unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI), and infinite volume variation severely shortens its service lifespan and causes safety hazards, thus hindering the practical application of lithium metal electrodes. Here, carbon fiber film (CFF) modified by lithiophilic Co3 O4 nanowires (denoted as Co3 O4 Nws) was proposed as a matrix for prestoring lithium metal through a thermal infusion method. The homogeneous needle-like Co3 O4 nanowires can effectively promote molten lithium to infiltrate into the CFF skeleton. The post-formed Co-Li2 O nanowires produced by the reaction of Co3 O4 Nws and molten lithium can homogeneously distribute lithium ions flux and efficaciously increase the adsorption energy with lithium ions proved by density functional theory (DFT) calculation, boosting a uniform lithium deposition without dendrite growth. Therefore, the obtained composite anode (denoted as CFF/Co-Li2 O@Li) exhibits superior electrochemical performance with high stripping/plating capacities of 3 mAh cm-2 and 5 mAh cm-2 over long-term cycles in symmetrical batteries. Moreover, in comparison with bare lithium anode, superior Coulombic efficiencies coupled with copper collector and full battery behaviors paired with LiFePO4 cathode are achieved when CFF/Co-Li2 O@Li composite anode was employed.

Prelithiated V2 C MXene: A High-Performance Electrode for Hybrid Magnesium/Lithium-Ion Batteries by Ion Cointercalation.

The pursuit of high reversible capacity and long cycle life for rechargeable batteries has gained extensive attention in recent years, and the development of applicable electrode materials is the key point. Herein, thanks to the preintercalation of lithium ions, a stable and highly conductive nanostructure of V2 C MXene is successfully fabricated via a facile self-discharge mechanism, which provides open spaces for rapid ion diffusion and guarantees fast electron transport. Taking the prelithiated V2 C as electrode, an outstanding initial coulombic efficiency of 80% and an impressive capacity retention of ≈98% after 5000 charge/discharge cycles are achieved for lithium-ion batteries. Especially, it demonstrates a fascinating reversible capacity of up to 230.3 mA h g-1 at 0.02 A g-1 and a long cycling life of 82% capacity retention over 480 cycles in the hybrid magnesium/lithium-ion batteries. In addition, the Mg2+ and Li+ ions cointercalation mechanism of the prelithiated V2 C is elucidated through ex situ X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterizations. This work not only offers an effective approach to compensate the large initial lithium loss of high-capacity anode materials but also opens up a new and viable avenue to develop promising hybrid Mg/Li-storage materials with eminent electrochemical performance.

A Dual-Functional Conductive Framework Embedded with TiN-VN Heterostructures for Highly Efficient Polysulfide and Lithium Regulation toward Stable Li-S Full Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are strongly considered as next-generation energy storage systems because of their high energy density. However, the shuttling of lithium polysulfides (LiPS), sluggish reaction kinetics, and uncontrollable Li-dendrite growth severely degrade the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries. Herein, a dual-functional flexible free-standing carbon nanofiber conductive framework in situ embedded with TiN-VN heterostructures (TiN-VN@CNFs) as an advanced host simultaneously for both the sulfur cathode (S/TiN-VN@CNFs) and the lithium anode (Li/TiN-VN@CNFs) is designed. As cathode host, the TiN-VN@CNFs can offer synergistic function of physical confinement, chemical anchoring, and superb electrocatalysis of LiPS redox reactions. Meanwhile, the well-designed host with excellent lithiophilic feature can realize homogeneous lithium deposition for suppressing dendrite growth. Combined with these merits, the full battery (denoted as S/TiN-VN@CNFs || Li/TiN-VN@CNFs) exhibits remarkable electrochemical properties including high reversible capacity of 1110 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C and ultralong cycle life over 600 cycles at 2 C. Even with a high sulfur loading of 5.6 mg cm-2 , the full cell can achieve a high areal capacity of 5.5 mAh cm-2 at 0.1 C. This work paves a new design from theoretical and experimental aspects for fabricating high-energy-density flexible Li-S full batteries.