Cobalt‐Free High‐Capacity Ni‐Rich Layered Li[Ni0.9Mn0.1]O2 Cathode

Li[Ni_0.9Co_0.1]O₂ (NC90), Li[Ni_0.9Co_0.05Mn_0.05]O₂ (NCM90), and Li[Ni_0.9Mn_0.1]O₂ (NM90) cathodes are synthesized for the development of a Co‐free high‐energy‐density cathode. NM90 maintains better cycling stability than the two Co‐containing cathodes, particularly under harsh cycling conditions (a discharge capacity of 236 mAh g^?1 with a capacity retention of 88% when cycled at 4.4 V under 30 °C and 93% retention when cycled at 4.3 V under 60 °C after 100 cycles). The reason for the enhanced stability is mainly the ability of NM90 to absorb the strain associated with the abrupt anisotropic lattice contraction/extraction and to suppress the formation of microcracks, in addition to enhanced chemical stability from the increased presence of stable Mn⁴⁺. Although the absence of Co deteriorates the rate capability, this can be overcome as the rate capability of the NM90 approaches that of the NCM90 when cycled at 60 °C. The long‐term cycling stability of NM90 is confirmed in a full cell, demonstrating that it is one of the most promising Co‐free cathodes for high‐energy‐density applications. This study not only provides insight into redefining the role of Mn in a Ni‐rich cathode, it also represents a clear breakthrough in achieving a commercially viable Co‐free Ni‐rich layered cathode.     

Ultrafine Co3Se4 Nanoparticles in Nitrogen‐Doped 3D Carbon Matrix for High‐Stable and Long‐Cycle‐Life Lithium Sulfur Batteries

Lithium–sulfur batteries are a promising high energy output solution for substitution of traditional lithium ion batteries. In recent times research in this field has stepped into the exploration of practical applications. However, their applications are impeded by cycling stability and short life‐span mainly due to the notorious polysulfide shuttle effect. In this work, a multifunctional sulfur host fabricated by grafting highly conductive Co₃Se₄ nanoparticles onto the surface of an N‐doped 3D carbon matrix to inhibit the polysulfide shuttle and improve the sulfur utilization is proposed. By regulating the carbon matrix and the Co₃Se₄ distribution, N‐CN‐750@Co₃Se₄‐0.1 m with abundant polar sites is experimentally and theoretically shown to be a good LiPSs absorbent and a sulfur conversion accelerator. The S/N‐CN‐750@Co₃Se₄‐0.1 m cathode shows excellent sulfur utilization, rate performance, and cyclic durability. A prolonged cycling test of the as‐fabricated S/N‐CN‐750@Co₃Se₄‐0.1 m cathode is carried out at 0.2 C for more than 5 months which delivers a high initial capacity of 1150.3 mAh g^?1 and retains 531.0 mAh g^?1 after 800 cycles with an ultralow capacity reduction of 0.067% per cycle, maintaining Coulombic efficiency of more than 99.3%. The reaction details are characterized and analyzed by ex situ measurements. This work highly emphasizes the potential capabilities of transition‐metal selenides in lithium–sulfur batteries.     

Highly Air‐Stable Single‐Crystalline β‐CsPbI3 Nanorods: A Platform for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

The synthesis of single‐crystalline β‐CsPbI₃ perovskite nanorods (NRs) using a colloidal process is reported, exhibiting their improved photostability under 45–55% humidity. The crystal structure of CsPbI₃ NRs films is investigated using Rietveld refined X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns to determine crystallographic parameters and the phase transformation from orthorhombic (γ‐CsPbI₃) to tetragonal (β‐CsPbI₃) on annealing at 150 °C. Atomic resolution transmission electron microscopy images are utilized to determine the probable atomic distribution of Cs, Pb, and I atoms in a single β‐phase CsPbI₃ NR, in agreement with the XRD structure and selected area electron diffraction pattern, indicating the growth of single crystalline β‐CsPbI₃ NR. The calculation of the electronic band structure of tetragonal β‐CsPbI₃ using density functional theory (DFT) reveals a direct transition with a lower band gap and a higher absorption coefficient in the solar spectrum, as compared to its γ‐phase. An air‐stable (45–55% humidity) inverted perovskite solar cell, employing β‐CsPbI₃ NRs without any encapsulation, yields an efficiency of 7.3% with 78% enhancement over the γ‐phase, showing its potential for future low cost photovoltaic devices.     

Long‐term mammal and nocturnal bird trends are influenced by vegetation type,weather and climate in temperate woodlands

Many studies have documented the individual effects of variables such as vegetation, long‐term climate and short‐term weather on biodiversity. Few, however, have explicitly explored how interactions among these major drivers can influence species abundance. We used data from a 15‐year study (2002–2017) in the endangered temperate woodlands of south‐eastern Australia to test hypotheses associated with the effects of vegetation type, long‐term climate and short‐term weather on population trajectories of seven species of (largely) nocturnal mammals and birds. Despite prolonged drought conditions, there was a significant increase in the abundance of some species over time (e.g. the Eastern Grey Kangaroo). It is possible that destocking of domestic livestock may have reduced competition with Kangaroos, thereby facilitating increases in abundance. The Common Brushtail Possum and Common Ringtail Possum were significantly less likely to occur in replanted woodlands, possibly because of the paucity of nesting sites. We found no evidence that replanted woodlands are refuges for exotic pest species like the European Rabbit and Red Fox. Short‐ and long‐term rainfall and vegetation type had important independent and combined effects on animal abundance. That is, responses to periods of high short‐term rainfall were dependent on vegetation type and whether sites occurred in long‐term climatically wet versus climatically dry locations. For example, the Red Fox responded positively to high levels of short‐term rainfall, but only at climatically dry sites. Our results highlight the complementary value of different vegetation types across the landscape and the context‐specific responses of animals to short‐term fluctuations in moisture availability. They also underscore the value of long‐term monitoring at a landscape scale for examining how multiple interacting factors influence trends in animal abundance.     

Technoecological analysis of energy carriers for long‐haul transportation

Long‐haul transportation demand is predicted to increase in the future, resulting in higher carbon dioxide emissions. Different drivetrain technologies, such as hybrid or battery electric vehicles, electrified roads, liquefied natural gas and hydrogen, might offer solutions to this problem. To assess their ecological and economic impact, these concepts were simulated including a weight and cost model to estimate the total cost of ownership. An evolutionary algorithm optimizes each vehicle to find a concept specific optimal solution. A model calculates the minimum investment in infrastructure required to meet the energy demand for each concept. A well‐to‐wheel analysis takes into account upstream and on‐road carbon dioxide emissions, to compare fully electric vehicles with conventional combustion engines. Investment in new infrastructure is the biggest drawback of electrified road concepts, although they offer low CO₂ emissions. The diesel hybrid is the best compromise between carbon reduction and costs.     

The Ability of Tetrahymena utriculariae (Ciliophora,Oligohymenophorea) to Colonize Traps of Different Species of Aquatic Carnivorous Utricularia

The host specificity of the recently described ciliate species Tetrahymena utriculariae was tested in a greenhouse growth experiment, which included 14 different species of aquatic Utricularia as potential host plants. We confirmed the high specificity of the interaction between U. reflexa and T. utriculariae, the former being the only tested host species able to maintain colonization for prolonged time periods. We conclude that this plant–microbe relationship is a unique and specialized form of digestive mutualism and the plant–microbe unit a suitable experimental system for future ecophysiological studies.