Applications of Nanoscale Materials in the Fields of Electrochemistry and Photoelectrochemistry

We have illustrated the important role played by the nanoscale materials in three-up-to-date energy topics

PLR (Plastic Lithium Rechargeable) Batteries Using Nanoscale Materials: A Convenient Electrical Energy Power for the Future?

This communication describes the synthesis of: (i) non toxic and low cost nanocrystalline electrode materials which can be advantageously prepared at low temperature; (ii) highly conductive electrolyte membranes formed by the nano-encapsulation within a poly (acrylonitrile)-based polymer matrix of a solution of LiPF6 in organic solvants. The performances of rechargeable PLR (Plastic Lithium Rechargeable) batteries using the above mentioned components are presented

An Agent-Based Model to study the epidemiological and evolutionary dynamics of Influenza viruses

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Influenza A viruses exhibit complex epidemiological patterns in a number of mammalian and avian hosts. Understanding transmission of these viruses necessitates taking into account their evolution, which represents a challenge for developing mathematical models. This is because the phrasing of multi-strain systems in terms of traditional compartmental ODE models either requires simplifying assumptions to be made that overlook important evolutionary processes, or leads to complex dynamical systems that are too cumbersome to analyse.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Here, we develop an Individual-Based Model (IBM) in order to address simultaneously the ecology, epidemiology and evolution of strain-polymorphic pathogens, using Influenza A viruses as an illustrative example.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We carry out careful validation of our IBM against comparable mathematical models to demonstrate the robustness of our algorithm and the sound basis for this novel framework. We discuss how this new approach can give critical insights in the study of influenza evolution.</p

Particle Size Dependence of TiO2 Electrodes in Rechargeable Lithium Battery

Particle size effects in five anatase TiO2 pellet electrodes with different particle sizes (4 ∼ 300nm) and surface areas (8 ∼ 380m2/g) were studied by XRD analysis, chronopotentiometry and chronoamperometry in Li/LiN(CF3SO2)2 + EC:DME/TiO2 cells. Nanosized TiO2 electrodes showed by 22% larger storage capacity, 50% lower overvoltage loss at the same current density, and 75% higher charge density for a given time than microsized ones; electric storage capacity enhances more rapidly with decreasing particle size and increasing surface area in a nanoscale region than in a microscale region. The particle size dependence may be explained by surface morphology of electrodes and existence of structural defects or distortion in the surface layer of TiO2 nanosized particles

Mechanisms of the Reversible Electrochemical Insertion of Lithium Occurring With NCIMs (Nano-Crystallite-Insertion-Materials)

A new family of insertion-compound electrodes, so called NCIMs (Nano-Crystallite-Insertion-Materials), has been proposed: the major requirement is that the electrode materials have to be polycrystalline with a crystallite and particle size as small as possible (the accepted definition being that many crystallites make a particle). Indeed, by minimizing the size of the crystallites, the formation of defects bonds is favored, particularly at the.crystallite surface, acting as reversible (de)grafting sites of Li+. Also, the cation-anion bonding is weakened not only in the grain boundary region but also within the crystallite close to its surface: then the electrochemical insertion of Li+ takes place through easy bonding rearrangements