Sulfur Dioxide and Sulfolane as Additives in Organic Electrolytes to Develop Room-Temperature Sodium Batteries

Sodium metal anodes have attracted great attention for the development of a next generation of high-energy batteries because of their high theoretical capacity (1166 mAh·g−1), low redox potential (−2.71 V vs. SHE), and abundance. However, sodium reacts with most of the liquid electrolytes described to date and it has the shortcoming of dendrite formation during sodium deposition. Several strategies have been proposed to overcome these issues, including the incorporation of electrolyte additives. This work reports on the use of SO2 and sulfolane as additives in organic electrolytes to modify the sodium–electrolyte interphase, making the sodium plating/stripping process more robust. Not only is the process more stable in the case of sodium metal anodes, but also the use of copper substrates is enabled. In fact, high-quality sodium films on copper have been attained by adding small mole fractions of the additives, which paves the way for the development of anode-free batteries. In a general vein, this work stresses the importance of researching on compatible and cost-effective additives that can be easily implemented in practice.This research was partially funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/Agencia Estatal de Investigación/Fondos FEDER through project RTI2018-102061-B-I00 and by the Generalitat Valenciana through project PROMETEO/2020/089

The liquid ammoniate of sodium iodide as an alternative electrolyte for sodium ion batteries: The case of titanium dioxide nanotube electrodes

Efforts for the development of sodium ion batteries (NIB) are focusing on insertion electrode materials rather than on novel electrolytes. In a radically new approach, sodium insertion into amorphous TiO2 nanotubes, chosen as a typical electrode material for NIBs, is studied for the NaI liquid ammoniate (NaI·3.3NH3) and compared with the behavior in typical organic electrolytes (for instance 1 M NaClO4 in propylene carbonate, PC). The liquid ammoniate leads to significantly larger electrode capacities (between 0.5 and 2.6 V vs. Na+/Na): 145 mA h g−1 in NaI·3.3NH3 versus 105 mA h g−1 in 1M NaClO4/PC at 1 mA cm−2 (14C for the ammoniate). This is linked to the outstanding conductivity and sodium concentration of NaI·3.3NH3, together with the much smaller charge transfer resistance observed for this electrolyte. In more general vein, the prospects for using the NaI·3.3NH3 liquid ammoniate in NIBs are finally discussed.This work was partly supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through projects MAT2015-71727-R and RTI2018-102061-B-I00 (FONDOS FEDER)

A stable anthraquinone-derivative cathode to develop sodium metal batteries: the role of ammoniates as electrolytes

Rechargeable sodium metal batteries constitute a cost-effective option for energy storage although sodium shows some drawbacks in terms of reactivity with organic solvents and dendritic growth. Here we demonstrate that an organic dye, indanthrone blue, behaves as an efficient cathode material for the development of secondary sodium metal batteries when combined with novel inorganic electrolytes. These electrolytes are ammonia solvates, known as liquid ammoniates, which can be formulated as NaI·3.3NH3 and NaBF4·2.5NH3. They impart excellent stability to sodium metal, and they favor sodium non-dendritic growth linked to their exceedingly high sodium ion concentration. This advantage is complemented by a high specific conductivity. The battery described here can last hundreds of cycles at 10 C while keeping a Coulombic efficiency of 99% from the first cycle. Because of the high capacity of the cathode and the superior physicochemical properties of the electrolytes, the battery can reach a specific energy value as high as 210 Wh kg−1IB, and a high specific power of 2.2 kW kg−1IB, even at below room temperature (4 °C). Importantly, the battery is based on abundant and cost-effective materials, bearing promise for its application in large-scale energy storage.This work has been developed in the context of project RTI2018–102061–B–I00 financed by FEDER/Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación-Agencia Estatal de Investigación. The Generalitat Valenciana through project PROMETEO/2020/089 is also gratefully acknowledged

Synthesis of Allylic Amines by Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of α,β-Unsaturated N-(tert-Butylsulfinyl)imines

Primary allylic amines with enantiomeric excesses from 97 to >99% were prepared by asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated N-(tert-butylsulfinyl)ketimines followed by removal of the sulfinyl group. The effect caused by different substituents at the C═C bond and at the iminic carbon atom on the chemoselectivity of the reduction was studied. The desired enantiomer of the final allylic amine can be synthesized by choosing the sulfinyl group with the appropriate absolute configuration.This work was generously supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN; Grant CTQ2011-24151), the Spanish Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (Grant CTQ2015-66624-P), and the University of Alicante. E.S. thanks the University of Alicante for a predoctoral fellowship. O.P. thanks the Spanish Ministerio de Educación for a predoctoral fellowship (Grant AP-2008-00989)

Planificación de la enseñanza basada en problemas en asignaturas del área de Química Física

El proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje denominado Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas (ABP) es una metodología que concita cada vez un mayor interés. Esta metodología ha sido probada con éxito tanto en diferentes niveles educativos como en diferentes áreas de conocimiento generando un aprendizaje significativo en que el protagonista es el alumno, generando a su vez una mayor motivación. La organización tradicional del proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje, incluso con el empleo de nuevas tecnologías, no siempre ha dado lugar a resultados positivos en la motivación e implicación del alumnado en dicho proceso. Es por eso que se requiere el empleo de nuevas metodologías que nos permitan obtener unos resultados más satisfactorios del proceso educativo. El ABP fomenta el desarrollo de habilidades dirigidas hacia un pensamiento racional, crítico y creativo. Este tipo de habilidades si bien son deseables en todo ámbito de conocimiento son imprescindibles en el aprendizaje de materias relacionadas con el ámbito científico, y en concreto de la Química Física, ya que se trata de habilidades perdurables que permiten estudiar e investigar a lo largo de la vida. Las asignaturas del área de la Química Física se encuentra generalmente incluidas dentro de aquellas que mayor dificultad de aprendizaje presentan, por lo que conviene tratar de reflexionar sobre los posibles cambios metodológicos para su enseñanza y proponer las líneas de trabajo para poder implementar dichos cambios

The occupation of Benzu Cave (Ceuta) by Neolithic and Bronze Age Societies

Abstract This study presents the results of the archaeological investigation in Benzú Cave, located on the North African shore of the Strait of Gibraltar. The archaeological deposits, approximately 1 m deep, belong to two occupational levels dated to theNeolithic and the Bronze Age. Awide range of artifacts was found, and this led to an interdisciplinary study that led us to reach new conclusions concerning the material life, subsistence economy, and environment of the Neolithic and Bronze Age societies in northern Africa and the southern Iberian Peninsula.Résumé Cette étude présente les résultats des recherches archéologiques menées dans la grotte de Benzú, située sur la rive nord-africaine du détroit de Gibraltar. Les gisements archéologiques, d'environ un mètre de profondeur, appartiennent à deux niveaux d'occupation datant du néolithique et de l'âge du bronze. Une large gamme d'artefacts ont été trouvés, ce qui a conduit à une étude interdisciplinaire qui nous a amenés à tirer de nouvelles conclusions concernant la vie matérielle, l'économie de subsistance et l'environnement des sociétés du Néolithique et de l'Age du Bronze en Afrique du Nord et au sud de la Péninsule Ibérique

Acceptability and feasibility of a virtual community of practice to primary care professionals regarding patient empowerment: A qualitative pilot study

Background: Virtual communities of practice (vCoPs) facilitate online learning via the exchange of experiences and knowledge between interested participants. Compared to other communities, vCoPs need to overcome technological structures and specific barriers. Our objective was to pilot the acceptability and feasibility of a vCoP aimed at improving the attitudes of primary care professionals to the empowerment of patients with chronic conditions. Methods: We used a qualitative approach based on 2 focus groups: one composed of 6 general practitioners and the other of 6 practice nurses. Discussion guidelines on the topics to be investigated were provided to the moderator. Sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed using the ATLAS-ti software. Results: The available operating systems and browsers and the lack of suitable spaces and time were reported as the main difficulties with the vCoP. The vCoP was perceived to be a flexible learning mode that provided up-to-date resources applicable to routine practice and offered a space for the exchange of experiences and approaches. Conclusions: The results from this pilot study show that the vCoP was considered useful for learning how to empower patients. However, while vCoPs have the potential to facilitate learning and as shown create professional awareness regarding patient empowerment, attention needs to be paid to technological and access issues and the time demands on professionals. We collected relevant inputs to improve the features, content and educational methods to be included in further vCoP implementation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02757781. Registered on 25 April 2016.This study was financed by Instituto de Salud Carlos III and Cofinanced by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad. Gobierno de España. (PI15/00164, PI15/00586, PI15/00566

EuReCa ONE—27 Nations, ONE Europe, ONE Registry A prospective one month analysis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes in 27 countries in Europe

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of the EuReCa ONE study was to determine the incidence, process, and outcome for out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) throughout Europe.MethodsThis was an international, prospective, multi-centre one-month study. Patients who suffered an OHCA during October 2014 who were attended and/or treated by an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) were eligible for inclusion in the study. Data were extracted from national, regional or local registries.ResultsData on 10,682 confirmed OHCAs from 248 regions in 27 countries, covering an estimated population of 174 million. In 7146 (66%) cases, CPR was started by a bystander or by the EMS. The incidence of CPR attempts ranged from 19.0 to 104.0 per 100,000 population per year. 1735 had ROSC on arrival at hospital (25.2%), Overall, 662/6414 (10.3%) in all cases with CPR attempted survived for at least 30 days or to hospital discharge.ConclusionThe results of EuReCa ONE highlight that OHCA is still a major public health problem accounting for a substantial number of deaths in Europe.EuReCa ONE very clearly demonstrates marked differences in the processes for data collection and reported outcomes following OHCA all over Europe. Using these data and analyses, different countries, regions, systems, and concepts can benchmark themselves and may learn from each other to further improve survival following one of our major health care events

Estudio de nuevos electrolitos inorgánicos para su uso en baterías recargables basadas en sodio

El aumento del consumo energético en los últimos años hace necesario el diseño de dispositivos para el almacenamiento y distribución de energía a mediana y gran escala. En este contexto las baterías recargables juegan un papel importante debido a que son dispositivos versátiles y con poco mantenimiento. Adicionalmente, con el uso de las baterías recargables se podría reducir el consumo de combustibles fósiles de manera considerable si, por ejemplo, encuentra su aplicación en vehículos eléctricos. En los últimos años, las baterías de ion litio han dominado el mercado de las baterías recargables debido a que son dispositivos que presentan elevada densidad de energía y de potencia. Sin embargo, dada la escasez de este metal y su elevado coste, el diseño de nuevas baterías basadas en litio, sobre todo a gran escala, resulta difícil y costoso. La presente tesis doctoral se centra en el diseño de nuevas baterías recargables basadas en sodio (como alternativa a las baterías basadas en litio), empleando nuevos electrolitos inorgánicos basados en amoníaco líquido. Las propiedades de estos amoniatos líquidos (elevada concentración en la sal de sodio y elevada conductividad específica), los hacen especialmente atractivos para el desarrollo de nuevas baterías de ion sodio y metal sodio. En lo que respecta a las baterías de metal sodio, se estudia el proceso de depósito y disolución de sodio metálico sobre sodio y sobre otros sustratos, prestando especial atención a la eficiencia culómbica asociada al proceso así como a la morfología y distribución de las partículas del sodio electrodepositado. En lo que refiere a las baterías de ion sodio, se estudian materiales de inserción basados en óxidos de metales de transición, analizándose cómo afecta la morfología de las partículas del electrodo de trabajo al proceso de inserción de sodio y, por consiguiente, a la capacidad específica del mismo. Finalmente, en la presente tesis doctoral se estudian dos compuestos orgánicos basados en una estructura tipo antraquinona como material activo en el electrodo positivo de la batería