Tailoring Lithium Horizontal Deposition for Long-Lasting High-Loading NCA (≥5 mA h cm)||Lithium-Metal Full Cells in Carbonate Electrolytes.

We report a design for a synergistic lithium (Li) metal hosting layer for high-loading Li(Ni,Co,Al)O (NCA) (≥5 mA h cm)||Li-metal full cells in carbonate electrolytes. Based on density functional theory calculations, the hosting layer was designed as a three-dimensional silver/carbon composite nanofiber (Ag/CNF) network with high Li affinity and a platinum (Pt)-coated polypropylene separator with low Li affinity. This design enabled the tailoring of horizontal Li deposition on the Ag/CNF hosting layer.

Biodegradable, Efficient, and Breathable Multi-Use Face Mask Filter.

The demand for face masks is increasing exponentially due to the coronavirus pandemic and issues associated with airborne particulate matter (PM). However, both conventional electrostatic- and nanosieve-based mask filters are single-use and are not degradable or recyclable, which creates serious waste problems. In addition, the former loses function under humid conditions, while the latter operates with a significant air-pressure drop and suffers from relatively fast pore blockage.

Recent Progress in Coaxial Electrospinning: New Parameters, Various Structures, and Wide Applications.

Electrospinning, a common method for synthesizing 1D nanostructures, has contributed to developments in the electrical, electrochemical, biomedical, and environmental fields. Recently, a coaxial electrospinning process has been used to fabricate new nanostructures with advanced performance, but intricate and delicate process conditions hinder reproducibility and mass production. Herein, recent progress in new emerging parameters for successful coaxial electrospinning, and the various nanostructures and critical application areas resulting from these activities.

Redox-Triggered Coloration Mechanism of Electrically Tunable Colloidal Photonic Crystals.

Electrically tunable colloidal photonic crystals (ETPCs) have been investigated because of several merits such as easy color tunability, no discoloration, and clear color. The coloration mechanism of ETPCs has been explained in terms of only the electric field. Herein, we report on a new mechanism: electric field plus redox reaction.

Fabrication of double-tubular carbon nanofibers using quadruple coaxial electrospinning.

This work reports the fabrication of double-tubular (or tube-in-tube) carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Tetra-layered nanofibers were manufactured using coaxial electrospinning with a concentric quadruple cylindrical nozzle system. Subsequent heat treatment eroded the first and third layers and converted the second and fourth layers into the carbonized structure, resulting in double-tubular CNFs.

Novel multi-layered 1-D nanostructure exhibiting the theoretical capacity of silicon for a super-enhanced lithium-ion battery.

Silicon/carbon (Si/C) nanocomposites have recently received much attention as Li-ion battery negative electrodes due to their mutual synergetic effects in capacity and mechanical integrity. The contribution of Si to the total capacity of the Si/C nanocomposites determines their structural efficiency. Herein, we report on a multi-layered, one-dimensional nanostructure that exhibits the theoretical specific capacity of Si in the nanocomposite.

Effects of substrate on piezoelectricity of electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride)-nanofiber-based energy generators.

We report the effects of various substrates and substrate thicknesses on electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-nanofiber-based energy harvesters. The electrospun PVDF nanofibers showed an average diameter of 84.6 ± 23.

X-ray reflectivity study of a transcription-activating factor-derived peptide penetration into the model phospholipid monolayers.

The penetration of a transcription-activating factor (TAT)-derived, cell-penetration peptide onto 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) or 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-L-serine] (DPPS) monolayer on phosphate-buffered saline subphase was characterized. The surface area at the target pressure increased noticeably by the peptide penetration from the subphase to the phospholipid monolayer, which might suggest a direct penetration of the peptide across the pure phospholipid bilayer membrane. Interestingly, the more significant area increase at 35 mN/m was monitored from DPPC monolayer, contrary to the simple charge interaction: the net neutral DPPC, the net-negative DPPS, and the positive TAT-derived peptides (TDP).