Stabilization of the cubic, fast-ion conducting phase of LiLaSnO garnet by gallium doping.

All-solid-state batteries present promising high-energy-density alternatives to conventional Li-ion chemistries, and Li-stuffed garnets based on LiLaZrO (LLZO) remain a forerunner for candidate solid-electrolytes. One route to access fast-ion conduction in LLZO phases is to stabilize the cubic LLZO phase by doping on the Li sites with aliovalent ions such as Al or Ga. Despite prior attempts, the stabilization of the cubic phase of isostructural LiLaSnO (LLSO) by doping on the Li sites has up to now not been realised.

A novel characterisation approach to reveal the mechano-chemical effects of oxidation and dynamic distension on polypropylene surgical mesh.

Polypropylene (PP) surgical mesh, used successfully for the surgical repair of abdominal hernias, is associated with serious clinical complications when used in the pelvic floor for repair of stress urinary incontinence or support of pelvic organ prolapse. While manufacturers claim that the material is inert and non-degradable, there is a growing body of evidence that asserts PP fibres are subject to oxidative damage and indeed explanted material from patients suffering with clinical complications has shown some evidence of fibre cracking and oxidation. It has been proposed that a pathological cellular response to the surgical mesh contributes to the medical complications; however, the mechanisms that trigger the specific host response against the material are not well understood.

Solubility, speciation and local environment of chlorine in zirconolite glass-ceramics for the immobilisation of plutonium residues.

The immobilisation and disposal of fissile materials from civil and defence nuclear programmes requires compatible, passively safe and proliferation resistant wasteforms. In this study, we demonstrate the application of an albite glass-zirconolite ceramic material for immobilisation of chloride contaminated plutonium oxide residues in the United Kingdom. The chlorine solubility limit in the albite glass phase was determined to be 1.