Synthesis of Li4Ti5O12 nanostructural anode materials with high charge–discharge capability

Recent Advancements Towards Closing the Gap between Electrocatalysis and Battery Science Communities: The Computational Lithium Electrode and Activity-Stability Volcano Plots

Despite of the fact that the underlying processes are of electrochemical nature, electrocatalysis and battery research are commonly perceived as two disjointed research fields. Herein, recent advancements towards closing this apparent community gap by discussing the concepts of the constrained ab initio thermodynamics approach and the volcano relationship, which were originally introduced for studying heterogeneously catalyzed reactions by first-principles methods at the beginning of the 21st century, are summarized. The translation of the computational hydrogen electrode (CHE) approach or activity-based volcano plots to a computational lithium electrode (CLiE) or activity-stability volcano plots, respectively, for the investigation of electrode surfaces in batteries may refine theoretical modeling with the aim that enhancements of the underlying concepts are transferred between the research communities. The presented strategy of developing novel approaches by interdisciplinary research activities may trigger further progress of improved theoretical concepts in the near future.

Nanoparticle systems for cancer vaccine

As effective tools for public health, vaccines prevent disease by priming the body's adaptive and innate immune responses against an infection. Due to advances in understanding cancers and their relationship with the immune system, there is a growing interest in priming host immune defenses for a targeted and complete antitumor response. Nanoparticle systems have shown to be promising tools for effective antigen delivery as vaccines and/or for potentiating immune response as adjuvants. Here, we highlight relevant physiological processes involved in vaccine delivery, review recent advances in the use of nanoparticle systems for vaccines and discuss pertinent challenges to viably translate nanoparticle-based vaccines and adjuvants for public use.