Insights from Li and Zn systems for advancing Mg and Ca metal batteries.

The inherent limitations of lithium (Li)-ion batteries have sparked interest in exploring alternative technologies, especially those relying on metallic anodes: monovalent Li and divalent zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) metals. In particular, Mg and Ca metal batteries offer significant advantages based on the natural abundance of their raw materials and high energy-storage capabilities resulting from the bivalency of the carrier ions. Yet, these battery systems are far from commercialization, and the lack of reliable electrolytes constitutes a primary concern.

Developing centrifugal force real-time digital PCR for detecting extremely low DNA concentration.

Digital PCR (dPCR) is a technique for absolute quantification of nucleic acid molecules. To develop a dPCR technique that enables more accurate nucleic acid detection and quantification, we established a novel dPCR apparatus known as centrifugal force real-time dPCR (crdPCR). This system is efficient than other systems with only 2.

Naked metallic skin for homo-epitaxial deposition in lithium metal batteries.

Regulating the morphology of lithium plating is the key to extending the cycle life of lithium metal batteries. Fatal dendritic growth is closely related to out-of-plane nucleation on the lithium metal surface. Herein, we report a nearly perfect lattice match between the lithium metal foil and lithium deposits by removing the native oxide layer using simple bromine-based acid-base chemistry.