Multi-scale quantification and modeling of aged nanostructured silicon-based composite anodes.

Advanced anode material designs utilizing dual phase alloy systems like Si/FeSi nano-composites show great potential to decrease the capacity degrading and improve the cycling capability for Lithium (Li)-ion batteries. Here, we present a multi-scale characterization approach to understand the (de-)lithiation and irreversible volumetric changes of the amorphous silicon (a-Si)/crystalline iron-silicide (c-FeSi) nanoscale phase and its evolution due to cycling, as well as their impact on the proximate pore network. Scattering and 2D/3D imaging techniques are applied to probe the anode structural ageing from nm to μm length scales, after up to 300 charge-discharge cycles, and combined with modeling using the collected image data as an input.

The use of an emulsion templated microcellular poly(dicyclopentadiene-co-norbornene) membrane as a separator in lithium-ion batteries.

The preparation of open-cell macroporous membranes made by the ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of a mixture of norbornene and dicyclopentadiene, and their basic applicability as separators in lithium-ion batteries, is discussed. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements of negative electrodes (graphite) and positive electrodes (LiCoO2 ) are performed and the results prove the absence of parasitic decomposition reactions within the membrane at high oxidative or reductive potentials. Furthermore, LiCoO2 /Li half cell cycling studies of 100 charging/discharging cycles reveal that the newly disclosed separator and conventional commercial polyolefin based separators have similar performance.

Block training periodization in alpine skiing: effects of 11-day HIT on VO2max and performance.

Attempting to achieve the high diversity of training goals in modern competitive alpine skiing simultaneously can be difficult and may lead to compromised overall adaptation. Therefore, we investigated the effect of block training periodization on maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and parameters of exercise performance in elite junior alpine skiers. Six female and 15 male athletes were assigned to high-intensity interval (IT, N = 13) or control training groups (CT, N = 8).