Extending the lifetime of vanadium redox flow batteries by reactivation of carbon electrode materials.

The degradation and aging of carbon felt electrodes is a main reason for the performance loss of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries over extended operation time. In this study, the chemical mechanisms for carbon electrode degradation are investigated and distinct differences in the degradation mechanisms on positive and negative electrodes have been revealed. A combination of surface analysis techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was applied for this purpose.

Pathways from economic hardship to couple conflict by socioeconomic status during COVID-19 in Korea.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the direct and indirect relationships among economic hardship, economic strain, emotional stress, and couple conflict for married Koreans during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, we investigated whether these pathways were different between lower and higher socioeconomic status (SES) groups.

Background: Due to the global economic downturn brought on by COVID-19, many couples experienced economic hardship including increased household debt, job loss, and reduced work hours.