Lithium-polymer battery based on an ionic liquid–polymer electrolyte composite for room temperature applications

A lithium-polymer battery based on an ionic liquid–polymer electrolyte (IL–PE) composite membrane operating at room temperature is described. Utilizing a polypyrrole coated LiV₃O₈ cathode material, the cell delivers >200 mAh g⁻¹ with respect to the mass of the cathode material. Discharge capacity is slightly higher than those observed for this cathode material in standard aprotic electrolytes; it is thought that this is the result of a lower solubility of the LiV₃O₈ material in the IL–PE composite membrane.

Control of magnesium interfacial reactions in aqueous electrolytes towards a biocompatible battery

A stable magnesium battery has been developed based on a magnesium anode, a poly(dioxyethane thiophene) (PEDOT) cathode and a near-saturated aqueous solution of LiCl, MgCl₂, or mixture of these salts at pH of 11. This combination leads to a low water activity in the electrolyte, which thus suppresses the hydrogen evolution reaction on Mg, as well as producing a stable oxy-hydroxide film which protects the metal surface from freely corroding. The conducting polymer cathode is reduced somewhat during the discharge process, however, appears to be readily re-oxidised (as determined from the resistance) by the oxygen present in the cell. The cell is therefore primarily a Mg/O₂ battery, however, the PEDOT appears to enhance the performance, in particular the discharge voltage.

Compounding factors and their effect on the design of long range battery electric vehicles

 It is well known that the one of the main problems concerning battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is their short range compared to conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. In this work the technical factors that will enable long range BEVs are investigated. The concept of Compounding Factors is presented and shows that if certain parameters can be met then BEV’s can have a comparable performance to conventional petrol cars. The development and initial testing of a long range BEW prototype is presented and discussed.

Mild and cost-effective synthesis of iron fluoride-graphene nanocomposites for high-rate Li-ion battery cathodes

Exploring high performance cathode materials is essential to realize the adoption of Li-ion batteries for application in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. FeF3, as a typical iron-based fluoride, has been attracting considerable interest due to both the high electromotive force value of 2.7 V and the high theoretical capacity of 237 mA h g_1 (1e_ transfer). In this study, we report a facile lowtemperature solution phase approach for synthesis of uniform iron fluoride nanocrystals on reduced graphene sheets stably suspended in ethanol solution. The resulting hybrid of iron fluoride nanocrystals and graphene sheets showed high specific capacity and high rate performance for iron fluoride type cathode materials. High stable specific capacity of about 210 mA h g_1 at a current density of 0.2 C was achieved, which is much higher than that of LiFePO4 cathode material. Notably, these iron fluoride/ nanocomposite cathode materials demonstrated superior rate capability, with discharge capacities of 176, 145 and 113 mA h g_1 at 1, 2 and 5 C, respectively.

Brief report: children with ADHA without co-morbid autism do not have impaired motor proficiency on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children

Motor proficiency was investigated in a sample of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Combined type (ADHD-CT) without autism. Accounting for the influence of co-morbid autistic symptoms in ADHD motor studies is vital given that motor impairment has been linked to social–communication symptoms in children who have co-morbid ADHD and autistic-like symptoms. Two groups of children aged between 7–14 years were recruited; children with ADHD-CT (n = 16; mean age 10 years, 7 months [SD = 1 year, 10 months]) and a typically developing (n = 16; mean age 10 years, 6 months [SD = 2 years, 6 months]) group. Motor proficiency was measured using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd Edition, ADHD symptoms were measured using the Conner’s Parent Rating Scale. Children with ADHD-CT who had been screened for co-morbid autism did not display motor difficulties on the MABC-2. Higher levels of inattention, but not hyperactivity or impulsivity were associated with poorer motor performance. These findings provide indirect evidence that the motor problems that children with ADHD experience may be related to co-occurring social responsiveness impairments.