Interfacial architecture for extra Li+ storage in all-solid-state lithium batteries

The performance of nanocomposite electrodes prepared by controlled ball-milling of TiS2 and a Li2S-P2S5 solid electrolyte (SE) for all-solid-state lithium batteries is investigated, focusing on the evolution of the microstructure. Compared to the manually mixed electrodes, the ball-milled electrodes exhibit abnormally increased first-charge capacities of 416 mA h g-1and 837 mA h g-1 in the voltage ranges 1.5-3.0 V and 1.0-3.0 V, respectively, at 50 mA g-1 and 30??C. The ball-milled electrodes also show excellent capacity retention of 95% in the 1.5-3.0 V range after 60 cycles as compared to the manually mixed electrodes. More importantly, a variety of characterization techniques show that the origin of the extra Li+ storage is associated with an amorphous Li-Ti-P-S phase formed during the controlled ball-milling process.open1

Trace metal dynamics in the sediments of a constructed and natural urban tidal marsh: The role of iron, sulfide, and organic complexation

Two tidal marshes in the New Jersey Meadowlands, one constructed and one natural were characterized to compare their ability to immobilize trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn). Surface and pore waters were sampled four times a year between 2008 and 2010 and sediment cores were collected yearly in the constructed marsh and once in 2010 in the natural marsh. Interactions of trace metals with redox active species such as iron and sulfide as well as with organic matter were investigated. Precipitation with sulfides played a major role in immobilizing certain trace metals, including Cr, Mn, and Pb. At both sites, the presence of sulfide did not preclude the presence of dissolved trace metals in pore-water at concentrations exceeding their metal sulfide solubility product. Thermodynamic equilibrium modeling indicated these dissolved metals remained in solution due to an association with heterogeneous dissolved organic carbon. No net trace metal accumulation in the surficial sediments of the constructed marsh was noted between 2007 and 2010. This implied that a dynamic equilibrium of trace metal flux into and out of the sediments was established, rather than a long-term net accumulation of trace metals. In the constructed marsh, little difference was found between the immobilization potential in the area of intermittent flooding (high marsh) and the area of sustained flooding (low marsh). The newly constructed wetland immobilized significantly more Cr, Mn, and Zn than the natural marsh and similar concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Pb. This may be due to increased redox buffering through a larger FeS buffering pool against tidally induced oxygen delivery

Rheological method for alpha test evaluation of developing superplasticizers' performance: Channel flow test

Advance in high-range water-reducing admixture revolutionizes the workability and constructability of conventional vibrated concrete as well as self-consolidating concrete. Its need from construction fields has increased, and consequently a variety of new-type polycarboxylates, base polymers for the admixture, are being formulated in these days. Synthesizing new polymers needs a quick, but reliable, test to evaluate its performance on concrete. The test is also asked for selecting the best applicable brand of them before a test concrete will be mixed. This paper proposes a channel flow test and its usage for the purpose. The proposed procedure for the test includes the mix proportion of a test mortar, the test method, and rheological interpretation of the test results.ope

A Study on the Effect of Consumer Involvement and Affect Intensity before and after Plagiarism Suspicion on the Purchase Intention of Music Goods

This study aims to examine the effect of consumers' involvement and affect intensity on the purchase intention of music items. In particular  domestically, there is no clear standard for judgment of plagiarism, and thus it is expected that plagiarism suspicion is likely to affect consumers' involvement and affect intensity, and as a result, their purchase intention as well. Accordingly, consumer characteristics (involvement, affect intensity) were chosen as independent variables, and consumers' purchase intention on music items as a subordinate variable, respectively. The first questionnaire-based survey was conducted before the awareness of plagiarism suspicion, followed by the second survey after the awareness of plagiarism suspicion. It turned out that the higher level of involvement and affect intensity, both of which are consumer characteristics, the higher level of purchase intention of music goods. While plagiarism suspicion caused C.R values to decrease in every item, a significant difference was observed only in the relation of ‘involvement - purchase intention’. This study shows that music items which involve plagiarism suspicion result in changes in consumers' purchase intention, which will cause damage to the creators and performers of related music items. Thus, for the development of the music industry and creative activity, tools and standards that can clearly distinguish plagiarism need to be developed