Modeling, Preparation, and Elemental Doping of Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ Garnet-Type Solid Electrolytes: A Review

Cao, Shiyu,Song, Shangbin,Xiang, Xing,Hu, Qing,Zhang, Chi,Xia, Ziwen,Xu, Yinghui,Zha, Wenping,Li, Junyang,Gonzale, Paulina Mercedes,Han, Young-Hwan,Chen, Fei The Korean Ceramic Society 2019 한국세라믹학회지 Vol.56 No.2

Recently, all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) have attracted increasing interest owing to their higher energy density and safety. As the core material of ASSBs, the characteristics of the solid electrolyte largely determine the performance of the battery. Thus far, a variety of inorganic solid electrolytes have been studied, including the NASICON-type, LISICON-type, perovskite-type, garnet-type, glassy solid electrolyte, and so on. The garnet Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (LLZO) solid electrolyte is one of the most promising candidates because of its excellent comprehensively electrochemical performance. Both, experiments and theoretical calculations, show that cubic LLZO has high room-temperature ionic conductivity and good chemical stability while contacting with the lithium anode and most of the cathode materials. In this paper, the crystal structure, Li-ion transport mechanism, preparation method, and element doping of LLZO are introduced in detail based on the research progress in recent years. Then, the development prospects and challenges of LLZO as applied to ASSBs are discussed.

Structure and Performances of xLiFePO4/C·(1 − x)Li3V2(PO4)3/C Cathode for Lithium-Ion Batteries by Using Poly(vinyl alcohol) as Carbon Source

Chang-ling Fan,Wei-hua Zhang,Tao-tao Zeng,Ling-fang Li,Xiang Zhang,Shao-chang Han 대한화학회 2015 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.36 No.11

Poly(vinyl alcohol), whose pyrolysis carbon possesses high conductivity of 8.88 × 10−1 S/cm, was used to synthesize xLiFePO4/C·(1 − x)Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode. It was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, conductivity, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic charge and discharge experiments. Results show that LiFePO4/C and Li3V2(PO4)3/C coexists in the cathode. The particles sizes of 0.75LiFePO4/C·0.25Li3V2(PO4)3/C (x = 0.75) are much smaller than 100 nm due to the role of poly(vinyl alcohol). Its conductivity is 8.79 × 10−2 S/cm. The oxidative and reductive peaks in cyclic voltammetry are sharp and symmetrical. Their low potential gaps indicate that the extractions and insertions of lithium ion possess excellent reversibility. Its discharge capacities at 1 and 5 C are 141.1 and 100.1 mAh/g. The more Li3V2(PO4)3/C in cathode results in the deterioration of electrochemical performances due to its low theoretical capacity. It is concluded that poly(vinyl alcohol) is an effective carbon source in the preparation of xLiFePO4/C·(1 − x)Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite cathode with excellent performances.

In-situ photocrosslinked hydroxide conductive membranes based on photosensitive poly(arylene ether sulfone) block copolymers for anion exchange membrane fuel cells

He, Rui,Wen, Pushan,Zhang, Hai-Ning,Guan, Shumeng,Xie, Guangyong,Li, Li-Zhong,Lee, Myong-Hoon,Li, Xiang-Dan Elsevier 2018 Journal of membrane science Vol.556 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A series of photocrosslinkable multi-block poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymers containing various block lengths of hydrophilic segments were synthesized. For comparison, a series of random poly(arylene ether) copolymers were also synthesized. The anion exchange membranes(AEMs) were fabricated and in-situ photocrosslinking was carried out by UV irradiation in a swollen state. The microphase-separated morphologies of the multi-block membranes were characterized by SAXS and TEM experiments, and the membrane properties were investigated by measuring ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, water swelling ratio, ionic conductivity, methanol permeability and alkaline stability. IECs and water uptakes of the crosslinked multi-block membranes were in the range of 1.11–1.42 meq g<SUP>−1</SUP> and 14.36–31.01% at 20 °C, respectively. The hydroxide conductivity was in the range of 11.38–25.00 mS cm<SUP>−1</SUP> at 20 °C, and showed a maximum value of 178.77 mS cm<SUP>−1</SUP> at 100 °C. The multi-block membranes exhibited low methanol permeability (2.75 × 10<SUP>−7</SUP> cm<SUP>2</SUP> s<SUP>−1</SUP>) at room temperature, which is one order of magnitude lower than that of Nafion® 117 (23.8 × 10<SUP>−7</SUP> cm<SUP>2</SUP> s<SUP>−1</SUP>). The crosslinked membranes showed excellent dimensional stability and alkaline stability with only a slight decrease in ionic conductivity. All the multi-block membranes showed superior properties compared to their corresponding random copolymers.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Multi-block poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymers were synthesized for AEMs. </LI> <LI> <I>In-situ</I> photo-crosslinking was carried out by UV irradiation in hydrated states. </LI> <LI> The block copolymers exhibited hydrophilic/hydrophobic phase separated morphology. </LI> <LI> The block copolymers showed superior properties compare to the random copolymers. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Chelant-enhanced washing of CCA-contaminated soil: Coupled with selective dissolution or soil stabilization

Beiyuan, Jingzi,Lau, Abbe Y.T.,Tsang, Daniel C.W.,Zhang, Weihua,Kao, Chih-Ming,Baek, Kitae,Ok, Yong Sik,Li, Xiang-Dong Elsevier 2018 Science of the Total Environment Vol.612 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Remediation of CCA-contaminated soil (Cr, Cu, and As) by biodegradable chelant-enhanced washing (EDDS, <I>S,S</I>-ethylene-diamine-disuccinic-acid) needs further enhancement. This study investigated the effectiveness of coupling with pre-treatment by selective dissolution and post-treatment by soil amendments, respectively. Three groups of reagents (reductants, alkaline solvents, and organic ligands) were adopted in the pre-treatment to dissolve the oxide minerals before EDDS extraction. In the post-treatment, soil amendments (coal fly ash (CFA), acid mine drainage sludge (AMDS), green waste compost (GWC)), and their mixtures) were used for a 2-month stabilization after 2-h EDDS washing. Multi-endpoint evaluation was performed by assessing the chemical state, leachability, mobility, bioaccessibility, and plant-availability of residual metal(loid)s as well as the cytotoxicity, enzyme activities, and available nutrients of the treated soils. Pre-treatment by dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate significantly enhanced extraction efficiency, but also increased the leachability of As and Cr and bioaccessibility of Cr in the treated soils. While sodium hydroxide removed the majority of As without increasing its leachability and bioaccessibility, it increased the cytotoxicity and inhibited the acid phosphatase activity. Post-treatment with AMDS and CFA effectively controlled the mobility and leachability of residual As and Cr after EDDS washing. However, destabilized Cu was only marginally immobilized by GWC due to strong Cu-EDDS complexation. The bioaccessibility and phytoavailability of Cu was primarily reduced by EDDS washing, while those of As and Cr could be attenuated by AMDS and CFA. This study indicates that coupling chemical extraction with subsequent soil amendment plays complementary roles in mitigating effects of residual metal(loid)s and improving environmental quality.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Selective dissolution improved the removal efficiency of Cr, Cu, and As. </LI> <LI> Leachability and bioaccessibility of residual metal(loid)s were increased. </LI> <LI> NaOH washing boosted cytotoxicity and inhibited acid phosphatase activity. </LI> <LI> Mobility and leachability of residual metal(loid)s were curbed by CFA and AMDS. </LI> <LI> In contrast, bioaccessibility and plant-availability were reduced only by EDDS. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Combined application of EDDS and EDTA for removal of potentially toxic elements under multiple soil washing schemes

Beiyuan, Jingzi,Tsang, Daniel C.W.,Valix, Marjorie,Baek, Kitae,Ok, Yong Sik,Zhang, Weihua,Bolan, Nanthi S.,Rinklebe, Jö,rg,Li, Xiang-Dong Elsevier 2018 CHEMOSPHERE - Vol.205 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Chelant-enhanced soil washing, such as EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and biodegradable EDDS ([<I>S,S</I>]-ethylene-diamine-disuccinic acid), has been widely studied, however, EDTA is persistent under natural conditions while EDDS has a low efficiency for Pb extraction. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of mixed chelants (EDDS and EDTA mixture at 1:1 M ratio) for the removal of Cu, Zn, and Pb from a field-contaminated soil using various washing schemes (multi-pulse, step-gradient chelant, and continuous washing schemes). Speciation modelling of the target metals, mineral elements, and EDDS/EDTA was performed, while the leachability and bioaccessibility of residual metals in the treated soils were also assessed. Our results suggested that the combined use of EDDS and EDTA reached equivalent extraction efficiency of the target metals as EDTA, i.e., 50% reduction in the dosage of EDTA was made possible. This was accomplished by selective extraction of Cu by EDDS and Pb by EDTA, which was supported by the results of speciation calculation. Multi-pulse washing scheme with intermittent water rinsing steps removed entrapped metal-chelant complexes and free chelants, therefore reducing the leachability and bioaccessibility of residual metals in the treated soils. Step-gradient chelant washing with the maximum dosage of chelants in the first washing step only achieved marginal improvement but undesirably promoted Pb bioaccessibility. Continuous washing for 24 h enhanced metal extraction but promoted mineral dissolution, together with a large amount of uncomplexed chelants and increase in Cu leachability. Thus the combined use of EDDS and EDTA in multi-pulse washing is recommended for further studies.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Mixture of EDDS and EDTA extracted comparable amount of PTEs as EDTA washing. </LI> <LI> Mixed chelants allowed complementary metal complexation and higher efficiency. </LI> <LI> Multi-pulse washing better utilized chelants and reduced leachability/bioaccessibility. </LI> <LI> Step-gradient chelant dosage hardly improved extraction but increased bioaccessible Pb. </LI> <LI> Continuous washing increased amounts of uncomplexed chelants and dissolved minerals. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Comprehensive Expression Analysis Suggests Functional Overlapping of Human FOX Transcription Factors in Cancer

Zhang, Ya-Li,Sun, Feng-Ting,Zhang, Ze,Chen, Xiao-Xu,Liu, Ai-Xiang,Pan, Jing-Jing,Peng, Fei,Zhou, Shuai,Sun, Li-Jun Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.23

Forkhead-box (FOX) transcription factors comprise a large gene family that contains more than 50 members in man. Extensive studies have revealed that they not only have functions in control of growth and development, but also play important roles in different diseases, especially in cancer. However, biological functions for most of the members in the FOX family remain unknown. In the present study, the expression of 39 FOX genes in 48 kinds of cancer was mined from the Gene Expression Atlas database of European Bioinformatics Institute. The analysis results showed that some FOX genes demonstrate overlapping expression in various cancers, which suggests particular biological functions. The pleiotropic features of the FOX genes make them excellent candidates in efforts aimed to give medical treatment for cancers at the genetic level. The results also indicated that different FOX genes may have the synergy or antagonistics effects in the same cancers. The study provides clues for further functional analysis of FOX genes, especially for the pleiotropic biological functions and crosstalk of FOX genes in human cancers.

KIF26B-AS1 Regulates TLR4 and Activates the TLR4 Signaling Pathway to Promote Malignant Progression of Laryngeal Cancer

( Li Li ),( Jiahui Han ),( Shujia Zhang ),( Chunguang Dong ),( Xiang Xiao ) 한국미생물생명공학회 2022 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.32 No.10

Laryngeal cancer is one of the highest incidence, most prevalently diagnosed head and neck cancers, making it critically necessary to probe effective targets for laryngeal cancer treatment. Here, realtime quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis were used to detect gene expression levels in laryngeal cancer cell lines. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and subcellular fractionation assays were used to detect the subcellular location. Functional assays encompassing Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU), transwell and wound healing assays were performed to examine the effects of target genes on cell proliferation and migration in laryngeal cancer. The in vivo effects were proved by animal experiments. RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pulldown and luciferase reporter assays were used to investigate the underlying regulatory mechanisms. The results showed that KIF26B antisense RNA 1 (KIF26B-AS1) propels cell proliferation and migration in laryngeal cancer and regulates the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. KIF26B-AS1 also recruits FUS to stabilize TLR4 mRNA, consequently activating the TLR4 signaling pathway. Furthermore, KIF26B-AS1 plays an oncogenic role in laryngeal cancer via upregulating TLR4 expression as well as the FUS/TLR4 pathway axis, findings which offer novel insight for targeted therapies in the treatment of laryngeal cancer patients.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ is essential for secretion of ANP induced by prostaglandin D₂ in the beating rat atrium

Zhang, Ying,Li, Xiang,Liu, Li-Ping,Hong, Lan,Liu, Xia,Zhang, Bo,Wu, Cheng-Zhe,Cui, Xun The Korean Society of Pharmacology 2017 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.21 No.3

Prostaglandin $D_2$ ($PGD_2$) may act against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and play an anti-inflammatory role in the heart. Although the effect of $PGD_2$ in regulation of ANP secretion of the atrium was reported, the mechanisms involved are not clearly identified. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether $PGD_2$ can regulate ANP secretion in the isolated perfused beating rat atrium, and its underlying mechanisms. $PGD_2$ (0.1 to $10{\mu}M$) significantly increased atrial ANP secretion concomitantly with positive inotropy in a dose-dependent manner. Effects of $PGD_2$ on atrial ANP secretion and mechanical dynamics were abolished by AH-6809 ($1.0{\mu}M$) and AL-8810 ($1.0{\mu}M$), $PGD_2$ and prostaglandin $F2{\alpha}$ ($PGF2{\alpha}$) receptor antagonists, respectively. Moreover, $PGD_2$ clearly upregulated atrial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ($PPAR{\gamma}$) and the $PGD_2$ metabolite 15-deoxy-${\Delta}12$, 14-$PGJ_2$ (15d-$PGJ_2$, $0.1{\mu}M$) dramatically increased atrial ANP secretion. Increased ANP secretions induced by $PGD_2$ and 15d-$PGJ_2$ were completely blocked by the $PPAR{\gamma}$ antagonist GW9662 ($0.1{\mu}M$). PD98059 ($10.0{\mu}M$) and LY294002 ($1.0{\mu}M$), antagonists of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling, respectively, significantly attenuated the increase of atrial ANP secretion by $PGD_2$. These results indicated that $PGD_2$ stimulated atrial ANP secretion and promoted positive inotropy by activating $PPAR{\gamma}$ in beating rat atria. MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways were each partially involved in regulating $PGD_2$-induced atrial ANP secretion.

Expression of Ang-2/Tie-2 and PI3K/AKT in Colorectal Cancer

Zhang, Ji-Hong,Wang, Li-Hua,Li, Xiang-Jun,Wang, Ai-Ping,Reng, Li-Qun,Xia, Feng-Guo,Yang, Zhi-Ping,Jiang, Jing,Wang, Xiao-Dan,Wen, Chun-Yang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.20

Purpose: To study the expression of angiogenin-2 (Ang-2) and its receptor Tie-2 in colorectal cancer and discuss the possible mechanisms behind this process. Materials and Methods: Using the streptavidin-peroxidase (SP) immunohistochemical method, paraffin sections from 100 colorectal cancer samples and 10 samples from tumor-adjacent normal tissue (> 2 cm from the edge of the gross tumor) were tested for protein expression of Ang-2, Tie-2, PI3K, and AKT. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blots were further used to measure expression of the 4 genes and proteins in 20 freshly-resected colorectal cancer samples and tumor-adjacent normal tissues. Results: In colorectal cancer tissues, the expression of the Ang-2, Tie-2, PI3K, and AKT genes and their proteins was significantly higher than in tumor-adjacent normal tissues. Protein expression in poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma was higher than that in well and moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. According to Duke's classification, the protein expression in Stages C and D was significantly higher than that in Stages A and B. In the group with lymphatic metastasis, the protein expression was higher than that without lymphatic metastasis. Conclusions: In colorectal cancer, the expression of the Ang-2, Tie-2, PI3K, and AKT genes and their proteins is markedly higher than those in tumor-adjacent normal tissues. No correlation was observed between protein expression and gender, location, or histologic type. Correlations did exist between protein expression and differentiation level, stage of Duke's classification, and lymphatic metastasis; in colorectal cancer tissues with lower differentiation levels, higher stages of Duke's classification, and lymphatic metastasis, the expression of all 4 proteins was higher. The study of their expression patterns and relationships with aggression and metastasis will provide a valuable experimental foundation for assessing prognosis and targeted therapy of colorectal cancer.

Effects of Cavity Size and Density on Polymer Micro Hot Embossing

Xiang Zhang,Ge Fang,Tengjiao Jiang,Na Zhao,Junfeng Li,Bowen Dun,Qian Li 한국정밀공학회 2015 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol. No.

We designed nine micro molds with various cavity geometric parameters to investigate their effects on micropillars replication of the amorphous polymer via micro hot embossing. Picoseconds laser was used to fabricate the micro holes array on the stainless steel plates with 200 μm thickness as micro molds. The mechanical behavior of PMMA above glass transition temperature was investigated by uniaxial compression tests at various temperatures and strain rates, the results were used in simulation as constitutive relation. Confocal microscope and optical microscope showed that the replication height has a complicate nonlinear relationship with cavity size and density. DEFORM 3D was used to model and simulate the embossing process, and it is a good approach to investigate the micropallars replication heights, front angles and filling ratios.