Search Results (33)

Solid-state electrolytes are widely expected to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries, providing higher energy density and improved safety. However, challenges still need to be solved in their practical application due to low ionic conductivity and high interfacial resistance at room temperature. In this study, we successfully developed a high-performance gel polymer electrolyte (GPEs) by blending poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)(PVDF-HFP) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) through UV curing, cross-linking with ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate (ETPTA), and incorporating Li_6.4La₃Zr_1.4Ta_0.6O₁₂ (LLZTO). At room temperature, the ionic conductivity of the GPEs was 2.8 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm, with a lithium-ion transference number of 0.6. Moreover, during lithium plating/stripping tests, the assembled Li/PPEL/Li symmetric cell exhibited stable cycling for up to 600 h at a current density of 0.1 mA/cm². Notably, the GPEs enabled the LiFePO₄/GPEs/Li battery to achieve excellent performance, delivering high discharge capacities at room temperature (164.3 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C and 88.8 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 C), with a capacity retention of 89.4% after 200 cycles at 0.5 C. Therefore, solid-state batteries using this electrolyte exhibit excellent performance, including adequate capacity and cycling stability. Full article

A fixed ratio amount, i.e., L-arginine (LA) and trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate (TSP) at 2:0.25, is considered as a hybrid inhibitor. This research aims to extensively investigate the impact of utilizing the hybrid corrosion inhibitor on the corrosion resistance properties in accelerated condition, mechanical characteristics, and predictive estimation of the lifespan of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Various experiments, such as setting time, slump, air content, porosity, compressive strength, and chloride diffusion coefficient, were conducted to elucidate the influence of the hybrid corrosion inhibitor on the mechanical properties of the concrete matrix. Meanwhile, linear polarization resistance (LPR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 10 wt. % NaCl under wet–dry cycles are utilized to assess the corrosion resistance property, corrosion initiation time, and kinetics of the passive film formation on the steel rebar. Alternatively, both deterministic and probabilistic-based predictions of service life by Life 365 software are utilized to demonstrate the efficacy of the hybrid corrosion inhibitor in protecting the steel rebar in RC structures. All the results confirm that the HI-4 mix (LA:TSP = 3.56:0.44) exhibits excellence in preventing the corrosion and extending the service life of RC structures, due to the adsorption of inhibitor molecules and formation of P-Zwitterions-(Cl)-Fe, Zwitterions-(Cl)-Fe, and FePO₄ complexes onto the steel rebar surface. However, HI-3 shows the optimal mechanical and electrochemical properties for RC structures. Full article

The Herrera township (86.0 km²), located in La Chorrera, is Panama’s leading pineapple production area. Ensuring sustainable agricultural management in this region is crucial for long-term productivity, resource conservation, and environmental protection. This study evaluates soil and irrigation water quality to provide insights into improved management practices. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, EC, OM, SM, CEC, texture, and content of Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, P, Si, Sr, and Zn. Water samples, including surface water and groundwater, were assessed for Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, N, HCO₃, SO₄, PO₄, NO₃-N, and salinity. Soil quality was evaluated using the Igeo, and geospatial techniques were applied to map the soil parameter distribution. The water quality analysis confirmed its suitability for irrigation, though groundwater in the central area requires caution due to elevated Na levels and a moderate risk of salinization. Soil maps indicate adequate levels of essential nutrients but highlight the need for N amendments. This study is the first comprehensive assessment of an agricultural township in Panama, providing critical data for decision-making and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices that enhance resource management and mitigate climate change impacts. Full article

In the early Cambrian period, a severe greenhouse effect subjected the Gondwanan continents to accelerated erosion, enriching oceanic waters with essential nutrients, including phosphate, silicon, calcium, magnesium, iron, and trace elements. The nutrient flux, sourced from the volcanic composition of west Gondwana, was recorded as sequences of nodular phosphoritic limestones intercalated with chlorite-rich silts, containing ferrous phyllosilicates such as chamosite and chlorite. The abundant and diverse fossil record within these deposits corroborates that the ion supply facilitated robust biogeochemical and nutrient cycling, promoting elevated biological productivity and biodiversity. This paper investigates the early Cambrian nutrient fluxes from the Gondwanan continental region, focusing on the formation of phosphoritic and ferrous facies and the diversity of the fossil record. We estimate and model the biogeochemical cycling within a unique early Cambrian ecosystem located in South Spain, characterized by calcimicrobial reefs interspersed with archaeocyathids that settled atop a tectonically elevated volcano-sedimentary platform. The configuration enclosed a shallow marine lagoon nourished by riverine contributions including ferric and phosphatic complexes. Geochemical analyses revealed varying concentrations of iron (0.14–3.23 wt%), phosphate (0.1–20.0 wt%), and silica (0.27–69.0 wt%) across different facies, with distinct patterns between reef core and lagoonal deposits. Using the Geochemist’s Workbench software and field observations, we estimated that continental andesite weathering rates were approximately 23 times higher than the rates predicted through modeling, delivering, at least, annual fluxes of 0.286 g·cm⁻²·yr⁻¹ for Fe and 0.0146 g·cm⁻²·yr⁻¹ for PO₄³⁻ into the lagoon. The abundant and diverse fossil assemblage, comprising over 20 distinct taxonomic groups dominated by mollusks and small shelly fossils, indicates that this nutrient influx facilitated robust biogeochemical cycling and elevated biological productivity. A carbon budget analysis revealed that while the system produced an estimated 1.49·10¹⁵ g of C over its million-year existence, only about 0.01% was preserved in the rock record. Sulfate-reducing and iron-reducing chemoheterotrophic bacteria played essential roles in organic carbon recycling, with sulfate reduction serving as the dominant degradation pathway, processing approximately 1.55·10¹¹ g of C compared to the 5.94·10⁸ g of C through iron reduction. A stoichiometric analysis based on Redfield ratios suggested significant deviations in the C:P ratios between the different facies and metabolic pathways, ranging from 0.12 to 161.83, reflecting the complex patterns of organic matter preservation and degradation. The formation of phosphorites and ferrous phyllosilicates was primarily controlled by suboxic conditions in the lagoon, where microbial iron reduction destabilized Fe(III)-bearing oxyhydroxide complexes, releasing scavenged phosphate. This analysis of nutrient cycling in the Las Ermitas reef–lagoon system demonstrates how intensified continental weathering and enhanced nutrient fluxes during the early Cambrian created favorable conditions for the development of complex marine ecosystems. The quantified nutrient concentrations, weathering rates, and metabolic patterns established here provide a baseline data for future research addressing the biogeochemical conditions that facilitated the Cambrian explosion and offering new insights into the co-evolution of Earth’s geochemical cycles and early animal communities. Full article

Since it is a limiting nutrient element in rivers and lakes, the effective removal of phosphorus is key to alleviating eutrophication. In this study, the one-pot solvothermal method was adopted to prepare an environmentally friendly Ca-Fe-La composite. This is an amorphous material with a large specific surface area of 278.41 m² g⁻¹. The effects of coexisting anions and pH on the phosphate removal performance were explored. Phosphate adsorption mechanisms were revealed by various characterization techniques. The phosphate adsorption obeyed the fractal-like pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model, implying that the overall adsorption system was highly heterogeneous. In this work, the maximum adsorption capacity predicted by the Langmuir model was 93.0 mg g⁻¹ (as PO₄³⁻-P). The phosphate-loaded Ca-Fe-La composite could be used as a slow-release fertilizer, achieving waste management and resource utilization. The presence of SO₄²⁻, CO₃²⁻ and HCO₃⁻ anions inhibited the phosphate adsorption significantly. It was unfavorable for phosphate removal at a high pH value. Inner-sphere complexation and electrostatic attraction were mainly responsible for phosphate adsorption onto the Ca-Fe-La composite. Full article

Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), particularly garnet-type Li_6.4La₃Zr_1.4Ta_0.6O₁₂ (LLZTO), offer high stability and a wide electrochemical window. However, their grain boundaries limit ionic conductivity, necessitating high-temperature sintering for improved performance. Yet, this process results in brittle electrolytes prone to fracture during manufacturing. To address these difficulties, solvent-free solid-state electrolytes with a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) coating on LLZTO particles are reported in this work. Most notably, the PAN-coated LLZTO (PAN@LLZTO) electrolyte demonstrates self-supporting characteristics, eliminating the need for high-temperature sintering. Importantly, the homogeneous polymeric PAN coating, synthesized via the described method, facilitates efficient Li⁺ transport between LLZTO particles. This electrolyte not only achieves an ionic conductivity of up to 2.11 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ but also exhibits excellent interfacial compatibility with lithium. Furthermore, a lithium metal battery incorporating 3% PAN@LLZTO-3%PTFE as the solid-state electrolyte and LiFePO₄ as the cathode demonstrates a remarkable specific discharge capacity of 169 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 °C. The strategy of organic polymer-coated LLZTO provides the possibility of a green manufacturing process for preparing room-temperature sinter-free solid-state electrolytes, which shows significant cost-effectiveness. Full article

In this study LiFePO₄/C composite particles were synthesized using five different carbon sources via a one-step sol-gel method. La-doped LiFePO₄ was also synthesized using the sol-gel method. The XRD pattern of Li_xLa_yFePO₄ (x = 0.9~1.0, y = 0~0.1) after being calcined at 700 °C for 10 h indicates that as the doping ratio increased, the sample’s cell volume first increased then decreased, reaching a maximum value of 293.36 ų (x = 0.94, y = 0.06). The XRD patterns of Li_0.92La_0.08FePO₄ after being calcined at different temperatures for 10 h indicate that with increasing calcination temperature, the (311) diffraction peak drifted toward a smaller diffraction angle. Similarly, the XRD patterns of Li_0.92La_0.08FePO₄ after being calcined at 700 °C for different durations indicate that with increasing calcination times, the (311) diffraction peak drifted toward a larger diffraction angle. The infrared spectrum pattern of Li_xLa_yFePO₄ (x = 0.9~1.0, y = 0~0.1) after being calcined at 700 °C for 10 h shows absorption peaks corresponding to the vibrations of the Li–O bond and PO₄^3- group. An SEM analysis of Li_xLa_yFePO₄ (x = 1, y = 0; x = 0.96, y = 0.04; x = 0.92, y = 0.08) after being calcined at 700 °C for 10 h indicates that the particles were irregular in shape and of uniform size. The hysteresis loops of Li_0.92La_0.08FePO₄ after being calcined at 600 °C, 700 °C, or 800 °C for 10 h indicate that with increasing calcination temperature, the Ms gradually increased, while the Mr and Hc decreased, with minimum values of 0.08 emu/g and 58.21 Oe, respectively. The Mössbauer spectra of Li_xLa_yFePO₄ (x = 1, y = 0; x = 0.96, y = 0.04; x = 0.92, y = 0.08) after being calcined at 700 °C for 10 h indicate that all samples contained Doublet(1) and Doublet(2) peaks, dominated by Fe²⁺ compounds. The proportions of Fe²⁺ were 85.5% (x = 1, y = 0), 89.9% (x = 0.96, y = 0.04), and 96.0% (x = 0.92, y = 0.08). The maximum IS and QS of Doublet(1) for the three samples were 1.224 mm/s and 2.956 mm/s, respectively. Full article

Replacing the flammable liquid electrolytes with solid ones has been considered to be the most effective way to improve the safety of the lithium batteries. However, the solid electrolytes often suffer from low ionic conductivity and poor rate capability due to their relatively stable molecular/atomic architectures. In this study, we report a composite solid electrolyte, in which polyethylene oxide (PEO) is the matrix and Li_6.4La₃Zr_1.45Ta_0.5Mo_0.05O₁₂ (LLZTMO) and Li_6.4La₃Zr_1.4Ta_0.6O₁₂ (LLZTO) are the fillers. Ta/Mo co-doping can further promote the ion transport capacity in the electrolyte. The synthesized composite electrolytes exhibit high thermal stability (up to 413 °C) and good ionic conductivity (LLZTMO–PEO 2.00 × 10⁻⁴ S·cm⁻¹, LLZTO–PEO 1.53 × 10⁻⁴ S·cm⁻¹) at 35 °C. Compared with a pure PEO electrolyte, whose ionic conductivity is in the range of 10⁻⁷~10⁻⁶ S·cm⁻¹, the ionic conductivity of composite solid electrolytes is greatly improved. The full cell assembled with LiFePO₄ as the positive electrode exhibits excellent rate performance and good cycling stability, indicating that prepared solid electrolytes have great potential applications in lithium batteries. Full article

Double perovskite materials have gradually become widely studied due to their potential applications in solar cells and other optoelectronic devices. We take Cs₂NaFeCl₆ as an example to investigate the carrier mobility with respect to the acoustic phonon and the optical phonon scattering mechanisms. By considering the deformation potential, carrier effective mass, and bulk modulus, the longitudinal acoustic (LA) phonon-determined mobilities for electrons and holes in Cs₂NaFeCl₆ are found to be μ_e = 2886.08 cm² v⁻¹ s⁻¹ and μ_h = 39.09 cm² v⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively. The optical scattering mechanism involves calculating the Fröhlich coupling constant, dielectric constant, and polaron mass to determine the multiple polar optical (PO) phonon-scattering-determined mobilities, resulting in μ_e = 279.25 cm² v⁻¹ s⁻¹ and μ_h = 21.29 cm² v⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively. By combining both interactions, the total electron mobility and hole mobility are determined to be 254.61 cm² v⁻¹ s⁻¹ and 13.78 cm² v⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively. The findings suggest that the polarization of both electrons and ions, small coupling constant, and bulk modulus in Cs₂NaFeCl₆’s lattice make PO scattering a significant contribution to carrier mobility in this specific double perovskite, highlighting the importance of considering this in enhancing the optoelectronic properties of Cs₂NaFeCl₆ and other double perovskites. Full article

Composite solid-state electrolytes are viewed as promising materials for solid-state lithium-ion batteries due to their combined advantages of inorganic solid-state electrolytes and solid-state polymer electrolytes. In this study, the solid electrolytes Li_6.7−xLa₃Zr_1.7−xSb_0.3Nb_xO₁₂ (LLZSNO) with Sb and Nb co-doping were prepared by a high-temperature solid-phase method. Results indicate that Sb/Nb co-doping causes lattice deformation in LLZO and increases the lithium vacancy concentration and conductivity of LLZO. Then, with the co-doped LLZSNO as an inorganic filler, a composite solid electrolyte of polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) was prepared with a casting method. The obtained composite solid electrolyte exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 1.76 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm at room temperature, a wide electrochemical stable window of 5.2 V, and a lithium-ion transfer number of 0.32. The Li|LiFePO₄ coin battery with the composite solid electrolyte shows a high specific capacity of 161.2 mAh/g and a Coulombic efficiency close to 100% at 1 C. In addition, the symmetrical lithium battery Li|Li with the composite electrolyte could cycle stably for about 1500 h without failure at room temperature. Full article

Solid-state lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have been extensively investigated owing to their safer and higher energy density. In this work, we prepared a novel elastic solid-state polymer electrolyte based on an in situ-formed elastomer polymer matrix with ion-conductive plasticizer crystal embedded with Li_6.5La₃Zr_1.5Ta_0.5O₁₂ (LLZTO) nanoparticles, denoted as LZT/SN-SPE. The unique structure of LZT/SN-SPE shows excellent elasticity and flexibility, good electrochemical oxidation tolerance, high ionic conductivity, and high Li⁺ transference number. The role of LLZTO filler in suppressing the side reactions between succinonitrile (SN) and the lithium metal anode and propelling the Li⁺ diffusion kinetics can be affirmed. The Li symmetric cells with LZT/SN-SPE cycled stably over 1100 h under a current density of 5 mA cm⁻², and Li||LiFePO₄ cells realized an excellent rate (92.40 mAh g⁻¹ at 5 C) and long-term cycling performance (98.6% retention after 420 cycles at 1 C). Hence, it can provide a promising strategy for achieving high energy density solid-state LMBs. Full article

The current policy of managing high-level waste (HLW) derived in the closed nuclear fuel cycle consists in their vitrification into B-Si or Al-P vitreous forms. These compounds have rather limited capacity with respect to the HLW (5–20 wt%), and their properties change over time due to devitrification of the glasses. Cardinal improvement in the management of HLW can be achieved by their separation onto groups of elements with similar properties, followed by their immobilization in robust waste forms (matrices) and emplacement in deep disposal facilities. One of the possible fractions contains trivalent rare-earth elements (REEs) and minor actinides (MAs = Am and Cm). REEs are the fission products of actinides, which are mainly represented by stable isotopes of elements from La to Gd as well as Y. This group also contains small amounts of short-lived radionuclides with half-lives (T_1/2) from 284 days (¹⁴⁴Ce) to 90 years (¹⁵¹Sm), including ¹⁴⁷Pm (T_1/2 = 2.6 years), ¹⁵⁴Eu (T_1/2 = 8.8 years), and ¹⁵⁵Eu (T_1/2 = 5 years). However, the main long-term environmental hazard of the REE–MA fraction is associated with Am and Cm, with half-lives from 18 years (²⁴⁴Cm) to 8500 years (²⁴⁵Cm), and their daughter products: ²³⁷Np (T_1/2 = 2.14 × 10⁶ years), ²³⁹Pu (T_1/2 = 2.41 × 10⁴ years), ²⁴⁰Pu (T_1/2 = 6537 years), and ²⁴²Pu (T_1/2 = 3.76 × 10⁵ years), which should be immobilized into a durable waste form that prevents their release into the environment. Due to the heat generated by decaying radionuclides, the temperature of matrices with an REE–MA fraction will be increased by hundreds of centigrade above ambient. This process can be utilized by selecting a vitreous waste form that will crystallize to form durable crystalline phases with long-lived radionuclides. We estimated the thermal effects in a potential REE–MA glass composite material based on the size of the block, the content of waste, the time of storage before immobilization and after disposal, and showed that it is possible to select the waste loading, size of blocks, and storage time so that the temperature of the matrix during the first decades will reach 500–700 °C, which corresponds to the optimal range of glass crystallization. As a result, a glass–ceramic composite will be produced that contains monazite ((REE,MA)PO₄) in phosphate glasses; britholite (Ca_x(REE,MA)_10-x(SiO₄)₆O₂) or zirconolite ((Ca,REE,MA)(Zr,REE,MA)(Ti,Al,Fe)₂O₇), in silicate systems. This possibility is confirmed by experimental data on the crystallization of glasses with REEs and actinides (Pu, Am). The prospect for the disposal of glasses with the REE–MA fraction in deep boreholes is briefly considered. Full article

Poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)-based gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are considered a promising electrolyte candidate for polymer lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of their free-standing shape, versatility, security, flexibility, lightweight, reliability, and so on. However, due to problems such as low ionic conductivity, PVDF-HFP can only be used on a small scale when used as a substrate alone. To overcome the above shortcomings, GPEs were designed and synthesized by a UV curing process by adding NASICON-type Li_1.5Al_0.5Ge_1.5(PO₄)₃ (LAGP) and garnet-type Li_6.46La₃Zr_1.46Ta_0.54O₁₂ (LLZTO) to PVDF-HFP. Experimentally, GPEs with 10% weight LLZTO in a PVDF-HFP matrix had an ionic conductivity of up to 3 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at 25 °C. When assembled into LiFePO₄/GPEs/Li batteries, a discharge-specific capacity of 81.5 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 1 C and a capacity retention rate of 98.1% after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.2 C occurred. Therefore, GPEs added to LLZTO have a broad application prospect regarding rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Full article

Composite solid electrolytes (CSEs), often incorporating succinonitrile (SCN), offer promi I confirm sing solutions for improving the performance of all-solid-state batteries. These electrolytes are typically made of ceramics such as Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (LLZO) and polymers such as poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP). Garnet-applied polymer–ceramic electrolyte (g-PCE) is composed of PVDF-HFP, SCN, and LLZO. However, the interface between SCN and LLZO is reportedly unstable owing to the polymerization of SCN. This polymerization could cause two serious problems: (1) gelation during the mixing of LLZO and SCN and (2) degradation of ionic performance during charge and discharge. To prevent this catalytic reaction, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) can be added to the g-PCE (g-PPCE). PAN blocks the polymerization of SCN through a cyclization process involving La ions which occurs more rapidly than SCN polymerization. In this study, the enhanced chemical stability of the garnet-applied PAN-added polymer ceramic electrolyte (g-PPCE) was achieved by using an impregnation process which added SCN with 5 wt.% of PAN. The resulting CSE has an ionic conductivity of ~10^-⁴ S/cm at room temperature. Coin-type cells assembled with LFP (LiFePO₄) and LNCM (LiNi₀.₆Co₀.₂Mn₀.₂O₂) cathodes with Li-metal anodes show specific discharge capacities of 150 and 167 mAh/g at 0.1 C, respectively, and stable cycle performance. Additionally, a pouch-type cell with a discharge capacity of 5 mAh also exhibits potential electrochemical performance. Full article

Background: The protection of pregnant workers should be based on evidence regarding the risks to reproductive health from exposure to specific work environments and conditions. The objective of this study was to identify the effects on mothers and newborns resulting from environmental exposure to various occupational risks. Methods: The study cohort was composed of 399 women admitted to the Obstetrics/Postpartum ward at Hospital La Fe in Valencia, Spain. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to establish associations between workplace exposure during pregnancy and its effects on maternal and newborn health. Sex, anthropometric characteristics, and blood gas analysis in arterial and venous umbilical cord blood at delivery were collected. Results: A total of 138 women were exposed to biological and/or chemical risks, 122 to physical risks, and 139 at no risk of exposure. In the group with chemical and/or biological risks, the frequency of women who resorted to in vitro fertilization to achieve the studied pregnancy is less than half of the group exposed to physical risks, with statistically significant differences (p = 0.047). The mean values for the arterial analysis in both exposure groups were within average values, with similar pH values between them, but the mean values of PCO2 and PO2 were lower in the group of neonates of mothers exposed to physical risks, with a significant difference for arterial PO2 (p = 0.027). Conclusion: Our analysis contributes evidence for planning and prioritizing preventive actions to protect women’s reproductive health. The results suggest the continuation of a future project that would consider more factors and potentially increase the sample size. Full article