Effect of Zn2+ and F- Co-Modification on the Structure and Electrochemical Performance of Li4Ti5O12 Anode Material

Aijia Wei,Wen Li,Lihui Zhang,Xiaohui Li,Xue Bai,Zhenfa Liu 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2017 NANO Vol.12 No.5

Zn2+ and F- ions are successfully used to modify pure Li4Ti5O12 via a co-precipitation method followed by calcination at 400℃ for 5 h in an Ar atmosphere in order to further investigate the reaction mechanism of the fluoride modification process. Zn2+ and F- co-modified Li4Ti5O12 samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical measurements. After the modification process, no ZnF2 coating layer is formed on the surface of Li4Ti5O12, instead, F- ions react with Li4Ti5O12 to generate a new phase, composed of a small amount of anatase TiO2, rutile TiO2, LiF, and Zn2+ ions are suspected to form a ZnO coating layer on Li4Ti5O12 particles. The electrolyte reduction decomposition is suppressed in Zn2+ and F- co-modified Li4Ti5O12 due to the ZnO coating layer. 1 wt.% Zn2+ and F- co-modified Li4Ti5O12 exhibits the best rate capability, which leads to a charge capacity of 236.7, 227.8, 222.1, 202.7, 188.9 and 150.7 mAh g -1 at 0.2C, 0.5C, 1C, 3C, 5C and 10C, respectively, between 0 V and 3 V. Furthermore, 1 wt.% Zn2+ and F- comodified Li4Ti5O12 exhibits 96.0% charge capacity retention at 3C rate after 200 cycles, which is significantly higher than that of pure Li4Ti5O12 (78.4%).

In-situ PECVD-enabled graphene-V₂O₃ hybrid host for lithium–sulfur batteries

Song, Yingze,Zhao, Wen,Wei, Nan,Zhang, Li,Ding, Feng,Liu, Zhongfan,Sun, Jingyu Elsevier 2018 Nano energy Vol.53 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have been regarded as promising candidates for current energy-storage technologies due to their remarkable advantages in energy density and theoretical capacity. However, one of the daunting challenges remained for advanced Li–S systems thus far deals with the synchronous suppression of polysulfide (LiPS) shuttle and acceleration of redox kinetics. Herein, a cooperative interface bridging adsorptive V<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> and conductive graphene is constructed <I>in-situ</I> by virtue of direct plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), resulting in the design of a novel V<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB>-graphene hybrid host to synergize the LiPS entrapment and conversion. The redox kinetics and electrochemical performances of thus-derived cathodes were accordingly enhanced owing to the smooth adsorption-diffusion-conversion of LiPSs even at a sulfur mass loading of 3.7 mg cm<SUP>–2</SUP>. Such interfacial engineering offers us a valuable opportunity to gain insight into the comprehensive regulation of LiPS anchoring ability, electrical conductivity and ion diffusive capability in hybrid hosts on suppressing the LiPS shuttle and propelling the redox kinetics. Our devised PECVD route might pave a new route toward the facial and economic design of hetero-phased multi-functional hosts for high-performance Li–S systems.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Graphene-V<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> hybrid host was designed <I>in-situ</I> based on PECVD route. </LI> <LI> Thus-derived cathode showed a low capacity decay of merely 0.046% per cycle at 2 C after 1000 cycles. </LI> <LI> Cathodes with a relatively high sulfur mass loading (3.7 mg cm<SUP>–2</SUP>) were fabricated. </LI> <LI> The smooth adsorption-diffusion-conversion of polysulfides was thoroughly probed <I>via</I> experimental studies and DFT simulations. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Identification of candidate odorant‐degrading enzyme genes in the antennal transcriptome of Aphidius gifuensis

Kang Zhi‐Wei,Liu Fang‐Hua,Xu Yong‐Yu,Cheng Jia‐Hui,Lin Xiao‐Li,Jing Xiang‐Feng,Tian Hong‐Gang,Liu Tong‐Xian 한국곤충학회 2021 Entomological Research Vol.51 No.1

Odorant‐degrading enzymes (ODEs) have been found in insect antennae and play a critical role in signal chemical degradation once the message is conveyed. Significant progress has been made in characterizing ODEs in a variety of pests but very little is known in their natural enemies. We have carried out an antennae‐ and sex‐specific transcriptome of Aphidius gifuensis, a natural enemy of aphid, to identify the candidate ODEs. Based on the antennae‐ and sex‐specific transcriptome, a total of 100 putative ODEs were identified including one aldehyde oxidase (AOX), four alcohol dehydrogenases (ADs), eight UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), 45 cytochrome P450 (P450s), nine glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) and 40 carboxylesterases (CCEs or CXEs). Additionally, we used RT‐qPCR to determine the expression profiles of these genes in tissues of both sexes. Based on the phylogenic analysis and tissue‐expression patterns, AgifEstE4, AgifCXE3, AgifCCE4, AgifCCE7, and AgifCCE18 were suggested as key ODEs in A. gifuensis. In addition, the female or male specifically enriched genes, such as AgifCCE17, AgifEstB1, AgifCYP18a1, AgifUGT2C2, were also considered to involve in the chemosensory processing in A. gifuensis. This study not only identified the candidate ODEs in A. gifuensis but also provided source for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms of chemical signal transductions in A. gifuensis, as well as other hymenopteran species.

Evolution of the effect of sulfur confinement in graphene-based porous carbons for use in Li-S batteries

Jia, Xiangling,Zhang, Chen,Liu, Juanjuan,Lv, Wei,Wang, Da-Wei,Tao, Ying,Li, Zhengjie,Zheng, Xiaoyu,Yu, Jong-Sung,Yang, Quan-Hong The Royal Society of Chemistry 2016 Nanoscale Vol.8 No.8

<P>A controllable drying strategy is proposed for the precise and non-destructive control over the structure of a 3D graphene assembly. Such an assembly is used as a model carbon material to investigate the pore structure-dependent shuttle effect and cycling performance of the cathode of a Li-S battery.</P>

Facile and controllable synthesis of nitrogen self-doped chitosan-derived carbon for high-performance Li-ion batteries

Xia Wentao,Cheng Miao,Hu Jing,Liu Qianqian,Wei Tao,Wang Ruirui,Li Wanfei,Liu Bo 한국탄소학회 2024 Carbon Letters Vol.34 No.1

N-doping content and configurations have a significant effect on the electrochemical performance of carbon anodes. Herein, we proposed a simple method to synthesize highly N self-doped chitosan-derived carbon with controllable N-doping types by introducing 2ZnCO3·3Zn(OH)2 into the precursor. The as-synthesized NC-CS/2ZnCO3·3Zn(OH)2 electrode exhibited more than twice the reversible capacity (518 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 200 mA g−1) compared to the NC-CS electrode, superior rate performance and outstanding cycling stability. The remarkable improvement should be mainly attributed to the increase of N-doping content (particularly the pyrrolic-N content), which provided more active sites and favored Li+ diffusion kinetics. This study develops a cost-effective and facile synthesis route to fabricate high-performance N self-doped carbon with tunable doping sites for rechargeable battery applications.

Catalytic synthesis and enhanced Curie temperature of ε-Fe₃N@C nanostructure synthesized in a tetraethylenepentamine solution

Li, Yong,Pan, Desheng,Li, Da,Feng, Yang,Choi, C.J.,Liu, Wei,Zhang, Zhidong Elsevier 2018 Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials Vol.465 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N@C nanocrystals without oxidation are one-pot synthesized by using the iron(II) acetylacetonate and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) as Fe and N precursors under a low temperature (533 K) in the presence of a small quantity of Pt atoms as the co-catalyst. The ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N@C nanoparticles with a core-shell structure are nearly spherical and have a wide particle size distribution of 100–500 nm in diameter. Fe nanoparticles obtained by reduction of Fe<SUP>2+</SUP> with TEPA are an effective catalyzer for decomposing TEPA to produce N and C atoms at a temperature much lower than the boiling point of TEPA. The diffusion of N atoms into Fe nanoparticles for the formation of ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N@C is proposed, based on the results obtained by kinetically controlling the synthetic temperature and surfactants. The ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N@C nanoparticles have an excellent saturation magnetization of 135.5 emu/g at room temperature. A significantly enhanced Curie temperature (T<SUB>C</SUB>) of 614 K is reached in the present ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N@C nanoparticles, which is much higher than the T<SUB>C</SUB> values in the previously reported ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N<SUB>x</SUB>.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Tetraethylenepentamine is proposed as a new N source to synthesize Fe nitride. </LI> <LI> Core-shelled ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N@C nanoparticles are one-pot synthesized at 260 °C. </LI> <LI> Curie temperature of ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N is significantly enhanced to 614 K. </LI> <LI> ε-Fe<SUB>3</SUB>N@C shows a high saturation magnetization of 135.5 emu/g at 300 K. </LI> </UL> </P>

Pharmacological blockade of cholesterol trafficking by cepharanthine in endothelial cells suppresses angiogenesis and tumor growth

Lyu, Junfang,Yang, Eun Ju,Head, Sarah A.,Ai, Nana,Zhang, Baoyuan,Wu, Changjie,Li, Ruo-Jing,Liu, Yifan,Yang, Chen,Dang, Yongjun,Kwon, Ho Jeong,Ge, Wei,Liu, Jun O.,Shim, Joong Sup Elsevier 2017 Cancer letters Vol.409 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Cholesterol is an important modulator of membrane protein function and signaling in endothelial cells, thus making it an emerging target for anti-angiogenic agents. In this study, we employed a phenotypic screen that detects intracellular cholesterol distribution in endothelial cells (HUVEC) and identified 13 existing drugs as cholesterol trafficking inhibitors. Cepharanthine, an approved drug for anti-inflammatory and cancer management use, was amongst the candidates, which was selected for in-depth mechanistic studies to link cholesterol trafficking and angiogenesis. Cepharanthine inhibited the endolysosomal trafficking of free-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in HUVEC by binding to Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) protein and increasing the lysosomal pH. The blockade of cholesterol trafficking led to a cholesterol-dependent dissociation of mTOR from the lysosomes and inhibition of its downstream signaling. Cepharanthine inhibited angiogenesis in HUVEC and in zebrafish in a cholesterol-dependent manner. Furthermore, cepharanthine suppressed tumor growth in vivo by inhibiting angiogenesis and it enhanced the antitumor activity of the standard chemotherapy cisplatin in lung and breast cancer xenografts in mice. Altogether, these results strongly support the idea that cholesterol trafficking is a viable drug target for anti-angiogenesis and that the inhibitors identified among existing drugs, such as cepharanthine, could be potential anti-angiogenic and antitumor agents.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A phenotypic screen identified 13 existing drugs, including cepharanthine, as cholesterol trafficking inhibitors. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine inhibited lysosomal cholesterol trafficking by binding to NPC1 protein and increasing the lysosomal pH. </LI> <LI> The blockade of cholesterol trafficking led to a cholesterol-dependent dissociation of mTOR from the lysosomes. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine inhibited angiogenesis in HUVEC and in zebrafish in a cholesterol-dependent manner. </LI> <LI> Cepharanthine treatment enhanced the antitumor activity of cisplatin in lung and breast cancer xenografts in mice. </LI> </UL> </P>

Semaphoring mAb: a New Guide in RIT in Inhibiting the Proliferation of Human Skin Carcinoma

Liu, Yuan,Ma, Jing-Yue,Luo, Su-Ju,Sun, Chen-Wei,Shao, Li-Li,Liu, Quan-Zhong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.3

Semaphoring is a transmembrane receptor which participates in many cytokine-mediated signal pathways that are closely related to the angiogenesis, occurrence and development of carcinoma. The present study was designed to access the effect of mono-antibody (mAb) guided radioimmunotherapy (RIT) on skin carcinoma and investigate the potential mechanisms. Semaphoring mAb was acquired from mice (Balb/c), purified with rProtein A column; purity, concentration and activity were tested with SDS-PAGE and indirect ELISA; specificity and expression on the cutanuem carcinoma line and tissue were tested by Western blotting; morphology change was assessed by microscopy. MTT assay and colony inhibition tests were carried out to test the influence on the proliferation of tumor cells; Western blotting was also carried out for expression of apoptosis-associated (caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2) and proliferation-related (PI3K, p-Akt, Akt, p-ERK1/2, ERK1/2) proteins and analyse the change in signal pathways (PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK). The purity of purified semaphorin mAb was 96.5% and the titer is about $1{\times}10^6$. Western blotting showed semaphoring mAb to have specifically binding stripes with semaphoring b1b2 protein, B16F10, and A431 cells at 39KDa, 100KDa and 130KDa, respectively. Positive expression was detected both in cutanuem carcinoma line and tissue and it mostly located in cell membranes. MMT assay revealed dose-relate and time-relate inhibitory effect of semaphorin mAb on A431 and B16F10. Colony inhibition tests also showed dose-relate inhibitory effects. Western blotting demonstrated the expression of apoptosis and proliferation-related protein and changes in signal pathway. In conclusion, we demonstrated that semaphorin is highly expressed on the tumor cell-surfaces and RIT with semaphorin mAb has effect in i nhibiting proliferation and accelerating apoptosis of tumor cells.

No Association Between the USP7 Gene Polymorphisms and Colorectal Cancer in the Chinese Han Population

Li, Xin,Wang, Yang,Li, Xing-Wang,Liu, Bao-Cheng,Zhao, Qing-Zhu,Li, Wei-Dong,Chen, Shi-Qing,Huang, Xiao-Ye,Yang, Feng-Ping,Wang, Quan,Wang, Jin-Fen,Xiao, Yan-Zeng,Xu, Yi-Feng,Feng, Guo-Yin,Peng, Zhi-Ha Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Colorectal cancer (CRC), now the third most common cancer across the world, is known to aggregate in families. USP7 is a very important protein with an important role in regulating the p53 pathway, which is critical for genomic stability and tumor suppression. We here genotyped eight SNPs within the USP7 gene and conducted a case-control study in 312 CRC patients and 270 healthy subjects in the Chinese Han population. No significant associations were found for any single SNP and CRC risk. Our data eliminate USP7 as a potential candidate gene towards for CRC in the Han Chinese population.

Novel arylhydrazone derivatives bearing a rhodanine moiety: synthesis and evaluation of their antibacterial activities

Li, Wei,Zheng, Chang-Ji,Sun, Liang-Peng,Song, Ming-Xia,Wu, Yan,Li, Yin-Jing,Liu, Yi,Piao, Hu-Ri 대한약학회 2014 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.37 No.7

A series of arylhydrazone derivatives bearing a rhodanine moiety have been synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as antibacterial agents. Some of these compounds showed potent antibacterial activities against several different strains of Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. Of the compounds tested, IIk and IIIk were identified as the most effective, with minimum inhibitory concentration values of $2-4{\mu}g/mL$ against multidrug-resistant Gram-positive organisms, including methicillin-resistant and quinolone-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. None of the compounds exhibited any activity against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli 1356 at $64{\mu}g/mL$.