2D Monolayer MoS2–Carbon Interoverlapped Superstructure: Engineering Ideal Atomic Interface for Lithium Ion Storage: Engineering Ideal Atomic Interface for Lithium Ion Storage

A novel strategy for the controlled synthesis of 2D MoS<inf>2</inf>/C hybrid nanosheets consisting of the alternative layer-by-layer interoverlapped single-layer MoS<inf>2</inf> and mesoporous carbon (m-C) is demonstrated. Such special hybrid nanosheets with a maximized MoS<inf>2</inf>/m-C interface contact show very good performance for lithium-ion batteries in terms of high reversible capacity, excellent rate capability, and outstanding cycling stability.

Hydrogel-forming microneedle arrays: Potential for use in minimally-invasive lithium monitoring

We describe, for the first time, hydrogel-forming microneedle (MN) arrays for minimally-invasive extraction and quantification of lithium in vitro and in vivo. MN arrays, prepared from aqueous blends of hydrolysed poly(methyl-vinylether-co-maleic anhydride) and crosslinked by poly(ethyleneglycol), imbibed interstitial fluid (ISF) upon skin insertion. Such MN were always removed intact. In vitro, mean detected lithium concentrations showed no significant difference following 30 min MN application to excised neonatal porcine skin for lithium citrate concentrations of 0.9 and 2 mmol/l. However, after 1 h application, the mean lithium concentrations extracted were significantly different, being appropriately concentration-dependent. In vivo, rats were orally dosed with lithium citrate equivalent to 15 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg lithium carbonate, respectively. MN arrays were applied 1 h after dosing and removed 1 h later. The two groups, having received different doses, showed no significant difference between lithium concentrations in serum or MN. However, the higher dosed rats demonstrated a lithium concentration extracted from MN arrays equivalent to a mean increase of 22.5 % compared to rats which received the lower dose. Hydrogel-forming MN clearly have potential as a minimally-invasive tool for lithium monitoring in out-patient settings. We will now focus on correlation of serum and MN lithium concentrations.

Effect of cation structure on the oxygen solubility and diffusivity in a range of bis{(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl}imide anion based ionic liquids for lithium-air battery electrolytes

This paper reports on the solubility and diffusivity of dissolved oxygen in a series of ionic liquids (ILs) based on the bis{(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl}imide anion with a range of related alkyl and ether functionalised cyclic alkylammonium cations. Cyclic voltammetry has been used to observe the reduction of oxygen in ILs at a microdisk electrode and chronoamperometric measurements have then been applied to simultaneously determine both the concentration and the diffusion coefficient of oxygen in the different ILs. The viscosity of the ILs and the calculated molar volume and free volume is also reported. It is found that, within this class of ILs, the oxygen diffusivity generally increases with decreasing viscosity of the neat IL. An inverse relationship between oxygen solubility and IL free volume is reported for the two IL families implying oxygen is not simply occupying the available empty space. In addition, it is reported that the introduction of ether-group into the IL cation structure promotes the diffusivity of dissolved oxygen but reduces the solubility of the gas.

Collisional-radiative study of lithium plasmas

The sensitivity of lithium plasma models to the underlying atomic data is investigated. Collisional-radiative modeling is carried out with both the Los Alamos and ADAS suite of codes. The effects of plane-wave Born, distorted-wave, and nonperturbative R -matrix with pseudostates and time-dependent close-coupling electron impact atomic data on derived plasma quantities such as the ionization balance and radiated power are studied. Density and temperature regimes are identified where nonperturbative excitation and ionization rate coefficients must be used. The electron temperature and density ranges investigated were 0.2 eV<or = T(e) <or =90 eV and 10(10) cm(-3) <or = N(e) <or = 10(14) cm(-3).

Heat Activated Prestressing of Shape Memory Alloys for Active Confinement of Concrete Sections

This paper presents the results from the experimental investigation on heat activated prestressing of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires for active confinement of concrete sections. Active confinement of concrete is found to be much more effective than passive confinement which becomes effective only when the concrete starts to dilate. Active confinement achieved using conventional prestressing techniques often faces many obstacles due to practical limitations. A class of smart materials that has recently drawn attention in civil engineering is the super elastic SMA which has the ability to undergo reversible hysteretic shape change known as the shape memory effect. The shape memory effect of SMAs can be utilized to develop a convenient prestressing technique for active confinement of concrete sections.
In this study a series of experimental tests are conducted to study Heat Activated Prestress (HAP) in SMAs. Three different types of tests are conducted with different loading protocol to determine parameters such as HAP, residual strain after heating and range of strain that can be used for effective active confinement after HAP. Test results show a maximum HAP of about 500 MPa can be achieved after heating and approximately 450MPa is retained at 25oC in specimens pre-strained by 6%. A substantial amount of strain recovery upon unloading and after heating the SMA wires is recorded. About 2.5% elastic strain recovery upon unloading from 6% strain level is observed. In the specimen pre-strained by 6%, a total of 4% strain is recovered when unloaded after heating. A strain range of 3% is found available for effective confinement after HAP. Test results demonstrate that SMAs have unique features that can be intelligently employed in many civil engineering applications including active confinement of concrete sections.