Publications

Lei, G, Zhu, J & Guo, Y 2016, Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Methods for Electrical Machines and Drive Systems, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Berlin, Germany.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

This book presents various computationally efficient component- and system-level design optimization methods for advanced electrical machines and drive systems. Readers will discover novel design optimization concepts developed by the authors and other researchers in the last decade, including application-oriented, multi-disciplinary, multi-objective, multi-level, deterministic, and robust design optimization methods. A multi-disciplinary analysis includes various aspects of materials, electromagnetics, thermotics, mechanics, power electronics, applied mathematics, manufacturing technology, and quality control and management. This book will benefit both researchers and engineers in the field of motor and drive design and manufacturing, thus enabling the effective development of the high-quality production of innovative, high-performance drive systems for challenging applications, such as green energy systems and electric vehicles.

Lei, G, Zhu, J & Guo, Y 2016, 'Application-Oriented Design Optimization Methods for Electrical Machines' in Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Methods for Electrical Machines and Drive Systems, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, pp. 215-235.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Lei, G, Zhu, J & Guo, Y 2016, 'Design Fundamentals of Electrical Machines and Drive Systems' in Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Methods for Electrical Machines and Drive Systems, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, pp. 25-72.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Lei, G, Zhu, J & Guo, Y 2016, 'Design Optimization for High Quality Mass Production' in Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Methods for Electrical Machines and Drive Systems, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, pp. 183-213.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Lei, G, Zhu, J & Guo, Y 2016, 'Design Optimization Methods for Electrical Machines' in Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Methods for Electrical Machines and Drive Systems, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, pp. 107-159.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Lei, G, Zhu, J & Guo, Y 2016, 'Optimization Methods' in Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Methods for Electrical Machines and Drive Systems, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, pp. 73-106.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Ali, Z, Tahir, M, Cao, C, Mahmood, A, Mahmood, N, Butt, FK, Tanveer, M, Shakir, I, Rizwan, M, Idrees, F, Aslam, I & Zou, J-J 2016, 'Solid waste for energy storage material as electrode of supercapacitors', Materials Letters, vol. 181, pp. 191-195.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Angeloski, A, Baker, AT, Bhadbhade, M & McDonagh, AM 2016, 'Bis(κ2S,Sʹ-di(isopropyl)dithiocarbamato)nickel(II): Anagostic C–H⋅⋅⋅Ni interactions and physical properties', Journal of Molecular Structure, vol. 1113, pp. 127-132.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. The molecular structure of bis(κ2S,S′-di(isopropyl)dithiocarbamato)nickel(II) has been examined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The data reveal a C-H·Ni anagostic interaction arising from the interaction of two non-equivalent molecules within the crystal. Thermal analysis data show that the complex decomposes at ∼330 °C. The structure of the resultant NiS material was examined using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy which revealed NiS nanowires.

Angeloski, A, Hook, JM, Bhadbhade, M, Baker, AT & McDonagh, AM 2016, 'Intramolecular H⋯S interactions in metal di-(isopropyl)dithiocarbamate complexes', CrystEngComm, vol. 18, no. 37, pp. 7070-7077.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Intramolecular C–H⋯S interactions create restricted rotation of groups within di(isopropyl)dithiocarbate complexes.

Bao, W, Mondal, AK, Xu, J, Wang, C, Su, D & Wang, G 2016, '3D hybrid–porous carbon derived from carbonization of metal organic frameworks for high performance supercapacitors', Journal of Power Sources, vol. 325, pp. 286-291.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Bao, W, Su, D, Zhang, W, Guo, X & Wang, G 2016, '3D Metal Carbide@Mesoporous Carbon Hybrid Architecture as a New Polysulfide Reservoir for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries', Advanced Functional Materials, vol. 26, no. 47, pp. 8746-8756.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

3D metal carbide@mesoporous carbon hybrid architecture (Ti3C2Tx@Meso‐C, TX ≈ FxOy) is synthesised and applied as cathode material hosts for lithium‐sulfur batteries. Exfoliated‐metal carbide (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets have high electronic conductivity and contain rich functional groups for effective trapping of polysulfides. Mesoporous carbon with a robust porous structure provides sufficient spaces for loading sulfur and effectively cushion the volumetric expansion of sulfur cathodes. Theoretical calculations have confirmed that metal carbide can absorb sulfur and polysulfides, therefore extending the cycling performance. The Ti3C2Tx@Meso‐C/S cathodes have achieved a high capacity of 1225.8 mAh g−1 and more than 300 cycles at the C/2 current rate. The Ti3C2Tx@Meso‐C hybrid architecture is a promising cathode host material for lithium‐sulfur batteries.

Browne, EC, Parakh, S, Duncan, LF, Langford, SJ, Atkin, JD & Abbott, BM 2016, 'Efficacy of peptide nucleic acid and selected conjugates against specific cellular pathologies of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis', Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, vol. 24, no. 7, pp. 1520-1527.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Chen, S, Ao, Z, Sun, B, Xie, X & Wang, G 2016, 'Porous carbon nanocages encapsulated with tin nanoparticles for high performance sodium-ion batteries', Energy Storage Materials, vol. 5, pp. 180-190.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are recognized as an alternative to lithium ion batteries due to the abundance of sodium and potentially low cost of the whole battery system. One of the major challenges facing SIBs is to develop suitable anode materials with high capacity and long cycling life. Herein, we report the synthesis of porous carbon nanocage-Sn (PCNCs-Sn) nanocomposites as anodes of SIBs, demonstrating a high capacity of 828 mAh g−1 at 40 mA g−1. The electrodes also exhibited good rate capabilities (up to 3C) and superior cycling performances (1000 cycles). Post-mortem analyses verified the efficient volume change restriction by carbon nanocages and the well-preserved porous structure. Theoretical calculations indicated that the pulverization of bare Sn electrodes could be ascribed to strong bonds formed between amorphous carbon and the discharge product (Na15Sn4), which also deteriorated the conductivity. In contrast, the relatively weak interaction between Na15Sn4 and graphitic carbon can maintain superior conductivity and structural stability for better cycling performance.

Chen, W, Wu, G, He, T, Li, Z, Guo, Z, Liu, H, Huang, Z & Chen, P 2016, 'An improved synthesis of unsolvated NaB 3 H 8 and its application in preparing Na 2 B 12 H 12', International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 41, no. 34, pp. 15471-15476.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Octahydrotriborates are potential hydrogen storage materials and chemical vapor deposition precursors to boride films. Their syntheses have been quite challenging, however. In this paper, an improved facile route for the preparation of unsolvated sodium octahydrotriborate (NaB3H8), which is an important precursor to other octahydrotriborates and derivatives, is reported. The key steps in the synthesis involve dispersing Na finely in inert media and preparing fresh tetrahydrofuran (THF)·BH3at room temperature. High purity unsolvated NaB3H8can be obtained in tens of grams or more in one batch, depending on the reactor size. Using NaB3H8as the precursor, sodium dodecaborate (Na2B12H12) has been successfully synthesized. Both octahydrotriborates and dodecaborates have been observed as intermediates during the thermal dehydrogenation of borohydrides, and their facile syntheses would facilitate mechanistic studies on the hydrogen storage of borohydrides, among other potential applications.

Chen, W, Yu, H, Wu, G, He, T, Li, Z, Guo, Z, Liu, H, Huang, Z & Chen, P 2016, 'Ammonium Aminodiboranate: A Long‐Sought Isomer of Diammoniate of Diborane and Ammonia Borane Dimer', Chemistry – A European Journal, vol. 22, no. 23, pp. 7727-7729.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractAmmonium aminodiboranate ([NH4][BH3NH2BH3]) is a long‐sought isomer of diammoniate of diborane ([NH3BH2NH3][BH4]) and ammonia borane (NH3BH3) dimer. Our results show that [NH4][BH3NH2BH3] is stable in tetrahydrofuran at −18 °C and decomposes rapidly to NH3BH2NH2BH3 and H2 at elevated temperatures. The decomposition pathway is dictated by the dihydrogen bonding between Hδ+ on NH4+ and Hδ− on BH3, as confirmed by theoretical calculations. This is in contrast to the interconversion between [NH3BH2NH3][BH4] and (NH3BH3)2, although all three have dihydrogen bonds and the same stoichiometry.

Cooper, O, Wang, B, Brown, CL, Tiralongo, J & Iacopi, F 2016, 'Toward Label-Free Biosensing With Silicon Carbide: A Review', IEEE Access, vol. 4, pp. 477-497.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2013 IEEE. Recent innovation in microelectrical-mechanical systems (MEMSs) and plasmonics-based technologies has opened up perspectives for label-free sensing of biological and chemical analytes. Label-free sensing would enable increased sensitivity and miniaturization capabilities for biosensing devices. Silicon carbide is a semiconductor material that happens to possess ideal properties for augmenting both the MEMS/nanoelectromechanical systems and the plasmonics routes. It has remarkable chemical and biological inertness resulting in a high degree of biocompatibility, as well as pronounced mechanical resilience. In addition, it is an efficient (low loss) plasmonic metamaterial. Its cubic polytype can be grown on silicon wafers, allowing easy micromachining into building blocks for sensing devices, scalable to large volume production. Finally, silicon carbide is an ideal starting material for a controlled, wafer-scale growth of graphene, offering an additional wealth of excellent properties for nanosensing. The combination of all of these capabilities makes silicon carbide an outstanding material platform for the realization of label-free, analyte-specific, and highly sensitive biochemical molecule detection systems. These technologies will open exciting horizons in terms of high throughput, efficient drug screening, and early pathogen detection.

De Silva, KSB, Keast, VJ & Cortie, MB 2016, 'Effect of Al additions on the optical properties of Au alpha-phase', JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS, vol. 679, pp. 225-230.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Dilusha Cooray, MC, Sandanayake, S, Li, F, Langford, SJ, Bond, AM & Zhang, J 2016, 'Efficient Enzymatic Oxidation of Glucose Mediated by Ferrocene Covalently Attached to Polyethylenimine Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles', Electroanalysis, vol. 28, no. 11, pp. 2728-2736.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractBioanodes for fuel cell applications require highly efficient oxidation reactions to achieve a sufficiently large current density. In this study, gold nanoparticles have been synthesized using branched polyethylenimine (bPEI), a well‐known polymer that forms a hydrogel in water, as the stabilizer. Primary amine groups available in bPEI provide active sites for further conjugation with ferrocene propionic acid via the 1‐Ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide coupling reaction, with the enzyme glucose oxidase, using glutaraldehyde as linkers. This composite material was then used for the fabrication of glucose oxidase electrodes by drop casting of aqueous solutions onto glassy carbon electrodes. The three‐dimensional structure offered by the new hydrogel facilitates communication between the enzyme and the electrode through the redox mediator ferrocene. This allows the glucose oxidase electrode to exhibit excellent activity towards electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose in phosphate buffer solutions at pH 7 with a maximum current density of approximately 800 μA cm−2, one of the highest values reported so far for redox hydrogel based glucose oxidase electrodes. Over a wide glucose concentration range, the enzyme response follows that predicted by the Michaelis‐Menten equation with a Michaelis constant of 8.4 mM. In the sensing context, this electrode also exhibits a wide linear dynamic glucose concentration range of 0.5–10 mM with a limit of detection of 0.04 mM.

Dowd, A, Geisler, M, Zhu, S, Wood, ML & Cortie, MB 2016, 'Role of multipolar plasmon resonances during surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy on Au micro-patches', RSC Advances, vol. 6, no. 116, pp. 115284-115289.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Large more reproducibly fabricated microstructures can also provide significant Raman signal enhancementviausually neglected multipolar plasmon resonances.

Farooq, MU, Butt, S, Gao, K, Sun, X, Pang, X, Khan, SU, Xu, W, Mohmed, F, Mahmood, A & Mahmood, N 2016, 'Enhanced thermoelectric efficiency of Cu2−Se–Cu2S composite by incorporating Cu2S nanoparticles', Ceramics International, vol. 42, no. 7, pp. 8395-8401.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Farooq, MU, Butt, S, Gao, K, Sun, X, Pang, X, Mahmood, A, Mahmood, W, Khan, SU & Mahmood, N 2016, 'Pronounced effect of ZnTe nanoinclusions on thermoelectric properties of Cu2−x Se chalcogenides', Science China Materials, vol. 59, no. 2, pp. 135-143.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Farrok, O, Islam, MR, Islam Sheikh, MR, Guo, Y, Zhu, J & Xu, W 2016, 'A Novel Superconducting Magnet Excited Linear Generator for Wave Energy Conversion System', IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 26, no. 7, pp. 1-5.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Guo, B, Huang, Y, Guo, Y & Zhu, J 2016, 'Thermal Analysis of the Conical Rotor Motor Using LPTN With Accurate Heat Transfer Coefficients', IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 26, no. 7, pp. 1-7.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Guo, X, Sun, B, Zhang, J, Liu, H & Wang, G 2016, 'Ruthenium decorated hierarchically ordered macro-mesoporous carbon for lithium oxygen batteries', JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A, vol. 4, no. 25, pp. 9774-9780.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Gupta, B, Di Bernardo, I, Mondelli, P, Della Pia, A, Betti, MG, Iacopi, F, Mariani, C & Motta, N 2016, 'Effect of substrate polishing on the growth of graphene on 3C–SiC(111)/Si(111) by high temperature annealing', Nanotechnology, vol. 27, no. 18, pp. 185601-185601.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Jin, JX, Tang, YJ, Xiao, XY, Du, BX, Wang, QL, Wang, JH, Wang, SH, Bi, YF & Zhu, JG 2016, 'HTS Power Devices and Systems: Principles, Characteristics, Performance, and Efficiency', IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 26, no. 7, pp. 1-26.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Keast, VJ, Myles, TA, Shahcheraghi, N & Cortie, MB 2016, 'Corrosion processes of triangular silver nanoparticles compared to bulk silver', Journal of Nanoparticle Research, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 1-11.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Excessive corrosion of silver nanoparticles is a significant impediment to their use in a variety of potential applications in the biosensing, plasmonic and antimicrobial fields. Here we examine the environmental degradation of triangular silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in laboratory air. In the early stages of corrosion, transmission electron microscopy shows that dissolution of the single-crystal, triangular, AgNP (side lengths 50–120 nm) is observed with the accompanying formation of smaller, polycrystalline Ag particles nearby. The new particles are then observed to corrode to Ag2S and after 21 days nearly full corrosion has occurred, but some with minor Ag inclusions remaining. In contrast, a bulk Ag sheet, studied in cross section, showed an adherent corrosion layer of only around 20–50 nm in thickness after over a decade of being exposed to ambient air. The results have implications for antibacterial properties and ecotoxicology of AgNP during corrosion as the dissolution and reformation of Ag particles during corrosion will likely be accompanied by the release of Ag+ ions.

Keast, VJ, Walhout, CJ, Pedersen, T, Shahcheraghi, N, Cortie, MB & Mitchell, DRG 2016, 'Higher Order Plasmonic Modes Excited in Ag Triangular Nanoplates by an Electron Beam', Plasmonics, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 1081-1086.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York. Ag triangular nanoplates are known to generate strong plasmonic resonances when excited by both light and electron beams. Experimental electron energy-loss spectra (EELS) and maps were acquired using an aberration-corrected JEOL-ARM microscope. The corner, edge and centre modes that are often observed in such structures were also observed in these measurements. In addition, novel higher order internal modes were observed and were found to be well reproduced by theoretical calculations using boundary element method (BEM). These modes are “dark modes” so are not observed in the optical extinction spectra. They are confined surface propagating modes and are analogous to laser cavity modes.

Kermany, AR, Bennett, JS, Brawley, GA, Bowen, WP & Iacopi, F 2016, 'Factors affecting the f × Q product of 3C-SiC microstrings: What is the upper limit for sensitivity?', Journal of Applied Physics, vol. 119, no. 5, pp. 055304-055304.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

The fn × Q (Hz) is a crucial sensitivity parameter for micro-electro-mechanical sensing. We have recently shown a fn × Q product of ∼1012 Hz for microstrings made of cubic silicon carbide on silicon, establishing a new state-of-the-art and opening new frontiers for mass sensing applications. In this work, we analyse the main parameters influencing the frequency and quality factor of silicon carbide microstrings (material properties, microstring geometry, clamping condition, and environmental pressure) and investigate the potential for approaching the theoretical upper limit. We indicate that our previous result is only about a factor 2 lower than the thermoelastic dissipation limit. For fully reaching this upper limit, a substantial reduction of the defects in the silicon carbide thin film would be required, while maintaining a high residual tensile stress in the perfect-clamped strings.

Khachadorian, S, Gillen, R, Ton-That, C, Zhu, L, Maultzsch, J, Phillips, MR & Hoffmann, A 2016, 'Revealing the origin of high-energy Raman local mode in nitrogen doped ZnO nanowires', PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI-RAPID RESEARCH LETTERS, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 334-338.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. Raman scattering experiments complemented by density functional theory (DFT) calculations of phonon frequencies have been performed to understand the origin of observed high-energy local Raman modes at 2269 cm-1 and 2282 cm-1 on N-plasma treated ZnO nanowires (NWs). We show that these modes increase in intensity with prolonged N-plasma treatment. Our results reveal that the origin of the high-energy Raman local mode is a loosely bound N2 molecule in the vicinity of a zinc vacancy, which according to our latest work acts as a shallow acceptor and leads to the donor-acceptor-pair transition at 3.232 eV [Phys. Rev. B 92, 024103 (2015)]. Moreover the results provide a more thorough description of nitrogen related complexes in ZnO NWs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of ZnONWs.

Khan, MH, Casillas, G, Mitchell, DRG, Liu, HK, Jiang, L & Huang, Z 2016, 'Carbon- and crack-free growth of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets and their uncommon stacking order', Nanoscale, vol. 8, no. 35, pp. 15926-15933.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

The quality of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h-BNNS) is often associated with the most visible aspects such as lateral size and thickness. Less obvious factors such as sheet stacking order could also have a dramatic impact on the properties of BNNS and therefore its applications. The stacking order can be affected by contamination, cracks, and growth temperatures. In view of the significance of chemical-vapour-decomposition (CVD) assisted growth of BNNS, this paper reports on strategies to grow carbon- and crack-free BNNS by CVD and describes the stacking order of the resultant BNNS. Pretreatment of the most commonly used precursor, ammonia borane, is necessary to remove carbon contamination caused by residual hydrocarbons. Flattening the Cu and W substrates prior to growth and slow cooling around the Cu melting point effectively facilitate the uniform growth of h-BNNS, as a result of a minimal temperature gradient across the Cu substrate. Confining the growth inside alumina boats effectively minimizes etching of the nanosheet by silica nanoparticles originating from the commonly used quartz reactor tube. h-BNNS grown on solid Cu surfaces using this method adopt AB, ABA, AC', and AC'B stacking orders, which are known to have higher energies than the most stable AA' configuration. These findings identify a pathway for the fabrication of high-quality h-BNNS via CVD and should spur studies on stacking order-dependent properties of h-BNNS.

King, DJM, Middleburgh, SC, McGregor, AG & Cortie, MB 2016, 'Predicting the formation and stability of single phase high-entropy alloys', Acta Materialia, vol. 104, pp. 172-179.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Crown Copyright © 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc. A method for rapidly predicting the formation and stability of undiscovered single phase high-entropy alloys (SPHEAs) is provided. Our software implementation of the algorithm uses data for 73 metallic elements and rapidly combines them - 4, 5 or 6 elements at a time - using the Miedema semi-empirical methodology to yield estimates of formation enthalpy. Approximately 186,000,000 compositions of 4, 5 and 6 element alloys were screened, and ∼1900 new equimolar SPHEAs predicted. Of the 185 experimentally reported HEA systems currently known, the model correctly predicted the stability of the SPHEA structure in 177. The other sixteen are suggested to actually form a partially ordered solid solution - a finding supported by other recent experimental and theoretical work. The stability of each alloy at a specific temperature can also be predicted, allowing precipitation temperatures (and the likely precipitate) to be forecast. This combinatorial algorithm is described in detail, and its software implementation is freely accessible through a web-service allowing rapid advances in the design, development and discovery of new technologically important alloys.

King, SR, Shimmon, S, Gentle, AR, Westerhausen, MT, Dowd, A & McDonagh, AM 2016, 'Remarkable thermal stability of gold nanoparticles functionalised with ruthenium phthalocyanine complexes', Nanotechnology, vol. 27, no. 21, pp. 215702-215702.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IOP Publishing Ltd. A gold nanoparticle (AuNP) ruthenium phthalocyanine (RuPc) nanocomposite has been synthesised that exhibits high thermal stability. Electrical resistance measurements revealed that the nanocomposite is stable up to ∼320 °C. Examination of the nanocomposite and the RuPc stabiliser complex using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry show that the remarkable thermal stability is due to the RuPc molecules, which provide an effective barrier to sintering of the AuNPs.

Kretschmer, K, Sun, B & Wang, G 2016, 'Highly Efficient Rechargeable Sodium-Oxygen Battery Using Carbon Paper As Binder and Catalyst Free Air Cathode', ECS Meeting Abstracts, vol. MA2016-03, no. 2, pp. 1166-1166.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Metal-air batteries, which utilize conversion chemistry rather than intercalation mechanisms, have attracted large research interest due to their high theoretical energy density. Much work has been devoted to investigate and optimize Li-O2 cell, which suffer from large overpotential and poor energy efficiency due to complex cell chemistry and undesired side reactions. Recently, Janek et al. have reported the approach of substituting lithium with sodium in an air battery system and surprised the research community with outstanding performance. Their Na-O2 was reversibly charged/discharged at very low overpotentials using a pure carbon cathode without the addition of a catalyst [1]. They further more claimed that low surface area can provide a more efficient cycling performance as well as high absolute capacity [2]. To further understand the impact of the carbon material used as air cathode inside the Na-O2 system, we investigated a range of carbonized fiber based materials. We found that commercially available and heat-treated filter paper provides outstanding oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction activities without any additional catalyst. An initial absolute capacity of 1.26 mAh cm-2 and low overpotential <400 mV could be achieved when cycled between 1.8 and 3.0 V at 100 µA cm-2 without any capacity restriction. References: [1] P. Hartmann, C.L. Bender, J. Janek et al., N at. mater. 2013, 12, 228-232. [2] C.L. Bender, P. Hartmann, J. Janek et al. Adv. Energy Mater. 2014, 4

Kretschmer, K, Sun, B, Xie, X, Chen, S & Wang, G 2016, 'A free-standing LiFePO4-carbon paper hybrid cathode for flexible lithium-ion batteries', GREEN CHEMISTRY, vol. 18, no. 9, pp. 2691-2698.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 The Royal Society of Chemistry. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely implemented to power portable electronic devices and are increasingly in demand for large-scale applications. One of the major obstacles for this technology is still the low cost-efficiency of its electrochemical active materials and production processes. In this work, we present a novel impregnation-carbothermal reduction method to generate a LiFePO4-carbon paper hybrid electrode, which doesn't require a metallic current collector, polymeric binder or conducting additives to function as a cathode material in a LIB system. A shell of LiFePO4 crystals was grown in situ on carbon fibres during the carbonization of microcrystalline cellulose. The LiFePO4-carbon paper electrode achieved an initial reversible areal capacity of 197 μA h cm-2 increasing to 222 μA h cm-2 after 500 cycles at a current density of 0.1 mA cm-2. The hybrid electrode also demonstrated a superior cycling performance for up to 1000 cycles. The free-standing electrode could be potentially applied for flexible lithium-ion batteries.

Lei, G, Liu, C, Guo, Y & Zhu, J 2016, 'Robust Multidisciplinary Design Optimization of PM Machines With Soft Magnetic Composite Cores for Batch Production', IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 52, no. 3, pp. 1-4.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 1965-2012 IEEE. This paper presents a robust approach for multidisciplinary design optimization of permanent magnet (PM) motors with soft magnetic composite (SMC) cores to improve their manufacturing quality in batch production. First, a general multidisciplinary design analysis framework is developed for PM-SMC motors, which includes electromagnetic, thermal, modal, and manufacturing analyses. Second, an improved multilevel optimization method is presented to improve the efficiency of the robust optimization. Finally, to demonstrate the effectiveness, a PM-SMC transverse flux machine is investigated. The numerical solutions, including electromagnetic and thermal analyses, are validated by the experimental results. As shown, the proposed method can significantly increase motor's reliability and greatly reduce the computation cost, which benefits the mass production in industrial applications.

Lei, G, Liu, C, Jafari, M, Zhu, J & Guo, Y 2016, 'Multilevel Robust Design Optimization of a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage Based on a Benchmark Study', IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 26, no. 7, pp. 1-5.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IEEE. Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems with different superconducting materials are attracting great attentions and funding from the governments around the world because they are promising large-scale energy storage devices for future smart grid. Due to the high cost of SMES, its manufacturing quality and operation reliability have to be investigated in the design optimization stage. This paper presents a robust design optimization method to solve this issue based on a benchmark problem, TEAM problem 22. The proposed method is based on a technique called design for Six Sigma. Meanwhile, a three-level optimization framework is employed to reduce the computation cost of a finite-element analysis due to high-dimensional design space and Monte-Carlo analysis. As shown, the manufacturing reliability and quality of the investigated SMES after robust optimization have been increased greatly.

Liu, C, Zhu, J, Wang, Y, Lei, G & Guo, Y 2016, 'Cogging Torque Minimization of SMC PM Transverse Flux Machines Using Shifted and Unequal-Width Stator Teeth', IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 1-4.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Liu, C, Zhu, J, Wang, Y, Lei, G & Guo, Y 2016, 'Design Considerations of PM Transverse Flux Machines With Soft Magnetic Composite Cores', IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 1-5.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Liu, J, Han, L, Ma, H, Tian, H, Yang, J, Zhang, Q, Seligmann, BJ, Wang, S & Liu, J 2016, 'Template-free synthesis of carbon doped TiO2 mesoporous microplates for enhanced visible light photodegradation', Science Bulletin, vol. 61, no. 19, pp. 1543-1550.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Liu, T, Tian, H, Liu, J, Liu, L & Liu, S 2016, 'Inorganic-Salts Assisted Self-Assembly of Pluronic F127-Organosilica into Ordered Mesostructures', Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, vol. 16, no. 9, pp. 9173-9179.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Liu, X, Wang, Y, Zhu, J, Guo, Y, Lei, G & Liu, C 2016, 'Calculation of Capacitance in High-Frequency Transformer Windings', IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 52, no. 7, pp. 1-4.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Liu, X, Wang, Y, Zhu, J, Guo, Y, Lei, G & Liu, C 2016, 'Calculation of core loss and copper loss in amorphous/nanocrystalline core-based high-frequency transformer', AIP Advances, vol. 6, no. 5, pp. 055927-055927.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys are now widely used for the cores of high-frequency transformers, and Litz-wire is commonly used as the windings, while it is difficult to calculate the resistance accurately. In order to design a high-frequency transformer, it is important to accurately calculate the core loss and copper loss. To calculate the core loss accurately, the additional core loss by the effect of end stripe should be considered. It is difficult to simulate the whole stripes in the core due to the limit of computation, so a scale down model with 5 stripes of amorphous alloy is simulated by the 2D finite element method (FEM). An analytical model is presented to calculate the copper loss in the Litz-wire, and the results are compared with the calculations by FEM.

Mahamedi, B, Zhu, JG & Hashemi, SM 2016, 'A Setting-Free Approach to Detecting Loss of Excitation in Synchronous Generators', IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 2270-2278.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Mahmood, A, Guo, W, Tabassum, H & Zou, R 2016, 'Metal‐Organic Framework‐Based Nanomaterials for Electrocatalysis', Advanced Energy Materials, vol. 6, no. 17, pp. 1600423-1600423.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with high surface area and tunable chemical structures have attracted tremendous attention. Recently, there has been increasing interest in deriving advanced materials from MOFs for electrochemical energy storage and conversion. This progress report highlights recent breakthroughs in electrocatalysis by using MOF‐based novel catalysts, such as in oxygen reduction and evolution, hydrogen evolution and carbon dioxide reduction. The advantages of preparing electrocatalysts from MOFs are introduced and discussed. Then, the development of MOF derived electrocatalysis‐active products, such as heteroatom‐doped carbon, metal oxide (MO), metal sulfide (MS), metal carbide (MC), metal phosphide (MP) and their hybrids with carbon, are summarized. The detailed functions of these materials in representative electrocatalysis systems are also reviewed. The demonstrated examples will provide understanding in preparing highly active and stable electrocatalysts. The progress report concludes with the future applications of MOF‐based materials in the field of electrocatalysis.

Mahmood, A, Zou, R, Wang, Q, Xia, W, Tabassum, H, Qiu, B & Zhao, R 2016, 'Nanostructured Electrode Materials Derived from Metal–Organic Framework Xerogels for High-Energy-Density Asymmetric Supercapacitor', ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 2148-2157.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Maniam, S, Sandanayake, S, Izgorodina, EI & Langford, SJ 2016, 'Unusual Products from Oxidation of Naphthalene Diimides', Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 490-493.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractTransforming the naphthalene diimide (NDI) core into unusual aromatic systems has large potential for applications in which current NDI‐based systems show promise. Treatment of N,N‐dialkylNDIs under mild oxidizing conditions with ruthenium(III) chloride and sodium periodate affords the corresponding 1,4‐diones in good yield. Interestingly, while aliphatic substituents at the N‐imide positions allowed oxidation to take place easily, the presence of neutral, electron‐rich or electron‐deficient phenyl groups retarded the oxidation process under these reaction conditions. The chemistry of the 1,4‐dione is then explored through reduction and condensation reactions. In two examples, reaction of the 1,4‐dione with diamines gives an unusual, ring‐contracted product 20, which has a high quantum yield. Additionally, the 1,4‐dione can be converted into larger heterocycles such as 21 and 22 featuring an isoquinoline core. The 1,4‐diones and their products have been investigated by spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, theoretical studies, and X‐ray crystallography. The results obtained demonstrate the potential of the 1,4‐dione to serve as an invaluable precursor for NDI‐based research.

Mishra, N, Boeckl, J, Motta, N & Iacopi, F 2016, 'Graphene growth on silicon carbide: A review', physica status solidi (a), vol. 213, no. 9, pp. 2277-2289.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Graphene has been widely heralded over the last decade as one of the most promising nanomaterials for integrated, miniaturized applications spanning from nanoelectronics, interconnections, thermal management, sensing, to optoelectronics. Graphene grown on silicon carbide is currently the most likely candidate to fulfill this promise. As a matter of fact, the capability to synthesize high‐quality graphene over large areas using processes and substrates compatible as much as possible with the well‐established semiconductor manufacturing technologies is one crucial requirement. We review here, the enormous scientific and technological advances achieved in terms of epitaxial growth of graphene from thermal decomposition of bulk silicon carbide and the fine control of the graphene electronic properties through intercalation. Finally, we discuss perspectives on epitaxial graphene growth from silicon carbide on silicon, a particularly challenging area that could result in maximum benefit for the integration of graphene with silicon technologies.

Mishra, N, Boeckl, J, Motta, N & Iacopi, F 2016, 'Graphene growth on silicon carbide: A review (Phys. Status Solidi A 9∕2016)', physica status solidi (a), vol. 213, no. 9, pp. 2269-2269.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Moezzi, A, Cortie, M & McDonagh, A 2016, 'Transformation of zinc hydroxide chloride monohydrate to crystalline zinc oxide', DALTON TRANSACTIONS, vol. 45, no. 17, pp. 7385-7390.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Muhammad Umer Farooq, Ziyuan Gao, Sajid Butt, Kewei Gao, Xiaolu Pang, Hidayat Ullah Shah, Hasnain Mehdi Jafr, Asif Mahmod, Xigui Sun & Nasir Mahmood 2016, 'Enhanced Thermoelectric Transport Properties of La0.98Sr0.02CoO3-BiCuSeO Composite', J. of Electrical Engineering, vol. 4, no. 2.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Muhammad Yousaf, Asif Mahmood, Yunsong Wang, Yijun Chen, Zhimin Ma & Ray P. S. Han 2016, 'Advancement in Layered Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Composites for Lithium and Sodium Ion Batteries', J. of Electrical Engineering, vol. 4, no. 2.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Palee, J, Dheeranupattana, S, Wangkarn, S, Pyne, SG & Ung, AT 2016, 'Effects of chitosan and salicylic acid on stemona alkaloid production in hydroponic culture of stemona curtisii Hook. f.', Chiang Mai Journal of Science, vol. 43, no. 5, pp. 1070-1076.
View description>>

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the elicitors, salicylic acid (SA) and chitosan, on the improvement of Stemona alkaloid production in hydroponic cultures of S. curtisii. In vitro plantlets were used as plant materials. The elicitors were added into the culture medium and samples of the roots and medium were collected on week 2 and 4 after the elicitor addition and then analyzed for Stemona alkaloid production by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This study revealed that both SA and chitosan increased production of three Stemona alkaloids and that chitosan is better than SA for the enhancement of the production of these alkaloids. The elicitation by 20 mg L-1 of chitosan for 4 weeks induced highest amount of oxyprotostemonine (274.31 μg g-1 DW) stemocurtisine (35.46 μg g-1 DW) and stemocurtisinol (99.48μg g-1 DW), which were 1.9, 2.0 and 1.5 fold higher than that of the control, respectively.

Perkins, G, Khatib, O, Peterson, M, Kallinen, A, Pham, T, Ung, A, Greguric, I & Pascali, G 2016, 'Microfluidic implementation of Ru-catalyzed methylation of amines using CO₂ as carbon source', Journal of Flow Chemistry, vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 302-308.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Carbon dioxide chemistry is an area of continuing growth in recent times, due to socioeconomic and environmental reasons. Several methods have now been reported for obtaining N-methylation on primary and secondary amines directly from CO2. We have translated in two microfluidic setups (Slug Flow [SF] and Tube-in-Tube [TiT]) a ruthenium (Ru)-catalyzed process previously reported using a pressure vessel. Here, we demonstrate how the SF approach is more efficient but requires more input to reach a steady state, while the TiT system is less efficient but more tuneable.We have tested these processes on three model amines and two radiopharmaceutical precursors that are routinely used in 11C chemistry. The microfluidic processes tested are also potentially more efficient than the pressure vessel counterpart, in terms of amount of Ru catalyst needed (1% vs. 10%) and projected reaction completion time.

Porter, SH, Xiong, J, Avdeev, M, Merz, D, Woodward, PM & Huang, Z 2016, 'Structural, Magnetic, and Optical Properties of A₃V₄(PO₄)₆ (A = Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni)', Inorganic Chemistry, vol. 55, no. 12, pp. 5772-5779.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Combined synchrotron and neutron powder diffraction indicates that A3V4(PO4)6 (A = Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) compounds crystallize with triclinic P1̅ symmetry. Lattice parameters expand as expected with successive increases in the ionic radius of the A(2+) ion. Cation disorder on the octahedral sites increases as the ionic radii of A(2+) ion decreases. Direct-current magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that all compounds with magnetic A(2+) ions order anti-ferromagnetically with transition temperatures ranging from 12 to 15 K. Effective magnetic moments for A3V4(PO4)6 (A = Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) are 5.16, 11.04, 10.08, 9.76, and 7.96 μB per formula unit, respectively, in line with calculated values for high-spin transition metal ions. With the exception of Co3V4(PO4)6 the ultraviolet-visible spectra are dominated by d-d transitions of the V(3+) ions. The striking emerald green color of Co3V4(PO4)6 arises from the combined effects of d-d transitions involving both V(3+) and Co(2+).

Pradeepkumar, A, Mishra, N, Kermany, AR, Boeckl, JJ, Hellerstedt, J, Fuhrer, MS & Iacopi, F 2016, 'Catastrophic degradation of the interface of epitaxial silicon carbide on silicon at high temperatures', Applied Physics Letters, vol. 109, no. 1, pp. 011604-011604.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Epitaxial cubic silicon carbide on silicon is of high potential technological relevance for the integration of a wide range of applications and materials with silicon technologies, such as micro electro mechanical systems, wide-bandgap electronics, and graphene. The hetero-epitaxial system engenders mechanical stresses at least up to a GPa, pressures making it extremely challenging to maintain the integrity of the silicon carbide/silicon interface. In this work, we investigate the stability of said interface and we find that high temperature annealing leads to a loss of integrity. High–resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis shows a morphologically degraded SiC/Si interface, while mechanical stress measurements indicate considerable relaxation of the interfacial stress. From an electrical point of view, the diode behaviour of the initial p-Si/n-SiC junction is catastrophically lost due to considerable inter-diffusion of atoms and charges across the interface upon annealing. Temperature dependent transport measurements confirm a severe electrical shorting of the epitaxial silicon carbide to the underlying substrate, indicating vast predominance of the silicon carriers in lateral transport above 25 K. This finding has crucial consequences on the integration of epitaxial silicon carbide on silicon and its potential applications.

Pradeepkumar, A, Mishra, N, Kermany, AR, Boeckl, JJ, Hellerstedt, J, Fuhrer, MS & Iacopi, F 2016, 'Response to “Comment on ‘Catastrophic degradation of the interface of epitaxial silicon carbide on silicon at high temperatures’” [Appl. Phys. Lett. 109, 196101 (2016)]', Applied Physics Letters, vol. 109, no. 19, pp. 196102-196102.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Rajan, A, Rogers, DJ, Ton-That, C, Zhu, L, Phillips, MR, Sundaram, S, Gautier, S, Moudakir, T, El-Gmili, Y, Ougazzaden, A, Sandana, VE, Teherani, FH, Bove, P, Prior, KA, Djebbour, Z, McClintock, R & Razeghi, M 2016, 'Wafer-scale epitaxial lift-off of optoelectronic grade GaN from a GaN substrate using a sacrificial ZnO interlayer', Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, vol. 49, no. 31, pp. 315105-315105.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IOP Publishing Ltd. Full 2 inch GaN epilayers were lifted off GaN and c-sapphire substrates by preferential chemical dissolution of sacrificial ZnO underlayers. Modification of the standard epitaxial lift-off (ELO) process by supporting the wax host with a glass substrate proved key in enabling full wafer scale-up. Scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction confirmed that intact epitaxial GaN had been transferred to the glass host. Depth-resolved cathodoluminescence (CL) analysis of the bottom surface of the lifted-off GaN layer revealed strong near-band-edge (3.33 eV) emission indicating a superior optical quality for the GaN which was lifted off the GaN substrate. This modified ELO approach demonstrates that previous theories proposing that wax host curling was necessary to keep the ELO etch channel open do not apply to the GaN/ZnO system. The unprecedented full wafer transfer of epitaxial GaN to an alternative support by ELO offers the perspective of accelerating industrial adoption of the expensive GaN substrate through cost-reducing recycling.

Scott, JA, Totonjian, D, Martin, AA, Tran, TT, Fang, J, Toth, M, McDonagh, AM, Aharonovich, I & Lobo, CJ 2016, 'Versatile method for template-free synthesis of single crystalline metal and metal alloy nanowires', Nanoscale, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. 2804-2810.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

A versatile, template-free growth technique for single crystalline metal nanowires using gas or solution phase precursors.

Shahcheraghi, N, Keast, VJ, Gentle, AR, Arnold, MD & Cortie, MB 2016, 'Anomalously strong plasmon resonances in aluminium bronze by modification of the electronic density-of-states', Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, vol. 28, no. 40, pp. 405501-405501.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IOP Publishing Ltd. We use a combination of experimental measurements and density functional theory calculations to show that modification of the band structure of Cu by additions of Al causes an unexpected enhancement of the dielectric properties. The effect is optimized in alloys with Al contents between 10 and 15 at.% and would result in strong localized surface plasmon resonances at suitable wavelengths of light. This result is surprising as, in general, alloying of Cu increases its DC resistivity and would be expected to increase optical loss. The wavelengths for the plasmon resonances in the optimized alloy are significantly blue-shifted relative to those of pure Cu and provide a new material selection option for the range 2.2-2.8 eV.

Shen, Z, Wang, G, Tian, H, Sunarso, J, Liu, L, Liu, J & Liu, S 2016, 'Bi-layer photoanode films of hierarchical carbon-doped brookite-rutile TiO 2 composite and anatase TiO 2 beads for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells', Electrochimica Acta, vol. 216, pp. 429-437.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Smith, G, Gentle, A, Arnold, M & Cortie, M 2016, 'Nanophotonics-enabled smart windows, buildings and wearables', Nanophotonics, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 55-73.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractDesign and production of spectrally smart windows, walls, roofs and fabrics has a long history, which includes early examples of applied nanophotonics. Evolving nanoscience has a special role to play as it provides the means to improve the functionality of these everyday materials. Improvement in the quality of human experience in any location at any time of year is the goal. Energy savings, thermal and visual comfort indoors and outdoors, visual experience, air quality and better health are all made possible by materials, whose “smartness” is aimed at designed responses to environmental energy flows. The spectral and angle of incidence responses of these nanomaterials must thus take account of the spectral and directional aspects of solar energy and of atmospheric thermal radiation plus the visible and color sensitivity of the human eye. The structures required may use resonant absorption, multilayer stacks, optical anisotropy and scattering to achieve their functionality. These structures are, in turn, constructed out of particles, columns, ultrathin layers, voids, wires, pure and doped oxides, metals, polymers or transparent conductors (TCs). The need to cater for wavelengths stretching from 0.3 to 35 μm including ultraviolet-visible, near-infrared (IR) and thermal or Planck radiation, with a spectrally and directionally complex atmosphere, and both being dynamic, means that hierarchical and graded nanostructures often feature. Nature has evolved to deal with the same energy flows, so biomimicry is sometimes a useful guide.

Song, J, Su, D, Xie, X, Guo, X, Bao, W, Shao, G & Wang, G 2016, 'Immobilizing Polysulfides with MXene-Functionalized Separators for Stable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries', ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, vol. 8, no. 43, pp. 29427-29433.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Song, J, Sun, B, Ma, Z, Chen, Z, Shao, G & Wang, G 2016, 'Enhancement of the Rate Capability of LiFePO4 by a New Highly Graphitic Carbon-Coating Method', ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES, vol. 8, no. 24, pp. 15225-15231.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Low lithium ion diffusivity and poor electronic conductivity are two major drawbacks for the wide application of LiFePO4 in high-power lithium ion batteries. In this work, we report a facile and efficient carbon-coating method to prepare LiFePO4/graphitic carbon composites by in situ carbonization of perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride during calcination. Perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride containing naphthalene rings can be easily converted to highly graphitic carbon during thermal treatment. The ultrathin layer of highly graphitic carbon coating drastically increased the electronic conductivity of LiFePO4. The short pathway along the [010] direction of LiFePO4 nanoplates could decrease the Li+ ion diffusion path. In favor of the high electronic conductivity and short lithium ion diffusion distance, the LiFePO4/graphitic carbon composites exhibit an excellent cycling stability at high current rates at room temperature and superior performance at low temperature (−20 °C).

Sornalingam, K, McDonagh, A & Zhou, JL 2016, 'Photodegradation of estrogenic endocrine disrupting steroidal hormones in aqueous systems: Progress and future challenges', Science of The Total Environment, vol. 550, pp. 209-224.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 Elsevier B.V. This article reviews different photodegradation technologies used for the removal of four endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs): estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2). The degradation efficiency is greater under UV than visible light; and increases with light intensity up to when mass transfer becomes the rate limiting step. Substantial rates are observed in the environmentally relevant range of pH7-8, though higher rates are obtained for pH above the pKa (~10.4) of the EDCs. The effects of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on EDC photodegradation are complex with both positive and negative impacts being reported. TiO2 remains the best catalyst due to its superior activity, chemical and photo stability, cheap commercial availability, capacity to function at ambient conditions and low toxicity. The optimum TiO2 loading is 0.05-1gl-1, while higher loadings have negative impact on EDC removal. The suspended catalysts prove to be more efficient in photocatalysis compared to the immobilised catalysts, while the latter are considered more suitable for commercial scale applications. Photodegradation mostly follows 1st or pseudo 1st order kinetics. Photodegradation typically eradicates or moderates estrogenic activity, though some intermediates are found to exhibit higher estrogenicity than the parent EDCs; the persistence of estrogenic activity is mainly attributed to the presence of the phenolic moiety in intermediates.

Su, D, Han Seo, D, Ju, Y, Han, Z, Ostrikov, K, Dou, S, Ahn, H-J, Peng, Z & Wang, G 2016, 'Ruthenium nanocrystal decorated vertical graphene nanosheets@Ni foam as highly efficient cathode catalysts for lithium-oxygen batteries', NPG Asia Materials, vol. 8, no. 7, pp. e286-e286.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Su, D, Kretschmer, K & Wang, G 2016, 'Improved Electrochemical Performance of Na‐Ion Batteries in Ether‐Based Electrolytes: A Case Study of ZnS Nanospheres', Advanced Energy Materials, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 1501785-1501785.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Sodium‐ion batteries are considered as a promising technology for large‐scale energy storage applications, owing to their low cost. However, there are many challenges for developing sodium‐ion batteries with high capacity, long cycle life, and high‐rate capability. Herein, the development of high‐performance sodium‐ion batteries using ZnS nanospheres as anode material and an ether‐based electrolyte, which exhibit improved electrochemical performance over the pure alkyl carbonate electrolytes, is reported. ZnS nanospheres deliver a high specific capacity of 1000 mA h g−1 and high initial Columbic efficiency of 90%. Electrochemical testing and first‐principle calculations demonstrate that the ether‐based solvent can facilitate charge transport, reduce the energy barrier for sodium‐ion diffusion, and thus enhance electrochemical performances. Ex situ measurements (X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping) reveal that ZnS nanospheres maintain structural integrity during the charge and discharge processes over 100 cycles. As anode material for sodium‐ion batteries, ZnS nanospheres deliver high reversible sodium storage capacity, high Coulombic efficiencies, and extended cycle life.

Su, S, NuLi, Y, Huang, Z, Miao, Q, Yang, J & Wang, J 2016, 'A High-Performance Rechargeable Mg²⁺/Li⁺ Hybrid Battery Using One-Dimensional Mesoporous TiO₂(B) Nanoflakes as the Cathode', ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, vol. 8, no. 11, pp. 7111-7117.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Mg(2+)/Li(+) hybrid batteries have recently been constructed combining a Mg anode, a Li(+)-intercalation electrode, and an electrolyte containing both Mg(2+) and Li(+). These batteries have been reported to outperform all the previously reported magnesium batteries in terms of specific capacity, cycling stability, and rate capability. Herein, we report the outstanding electrochemical performance of Mg(2+)/Li(+) hybrid batteries consisting of a one-dimensional mesoporous TiO2(B) cathode, a Mg anode, and an electrolyte consisting of 0.5 mol L(-1) Mg(BH4)2 + 1.5 mol L(-1) LiBH4 in tetraglyme. A highly synergetic interaction between Li(+) and Mg(2+) ions toward the pseudo-capacitive reaction is proposed. The hybrid batteries show superior rate performance with 130 mAh g(-1) at 1 C and 115 mAh g(-1) at 2 C, together with excellent cyclability up to 6000 cycles.

Sun, B & Wang, G 2016, 'Mesoporous Carbon Nanocube Architecture for High-Performance Lithium-Oxygen Batteries', ECS Meeting Abstracts, vol. MA2016-03, no. 2, pp. 792-792.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

One of the major challenges to develop high-performance lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) battery is to find effective cathode catalysts and design porous architecture for the promotion of both oxygen reduction reactions and oxygen evolution reactions. Herein, the synthesis of mesoporous carbon nanocubes as a new cathode nanoarchitecture for Li–O2 batteries is reported. The oxygen electrodes made of mesoporous carbon nanocubes contain numerously hierarchical mesopores and macropores, which can facilitate oxygen diffusion and electrolyte impregnation throughout the electrode, and provide sufficient spaces to accommodate insoluble discharge products. When they are applied as cathode catalysts, the Li–O2 cells deliver discharge capacities of 26 100 mA h g-1 at 200 mA g-1, which is much higher than that of commercial carbon black catalysts. Furthermore, the mesoporous nanocube architecture can also serve as a conductive host structure for other highly efficient catalysts. For instance, the Ru functionalized mesoporous carbon nanocubes show excellent catalytic activities toward oxygen evolution reactions. Li–O2 batteries with Ru functionalized mesoporous carbon nanocube catalysts demonstrate a high charge/discharge electrical energy efficiency of 86.2% at 200 mA g-1 under voltage limitation and a good cycling performance up to 120 cycles at 400 mA g-1 with the curtaining capacity of 1000 mA h g-1.

Sun, B, Guo, L, Ju, Y, Munroe, P, Wang, E, Peng, Z & Wang, G 2016, 'Unraveling the catalytic activities of ruthenium nanocrystals in high performance aprotic Li–O2 batteries', Nano Energy, vol. 28, pp. 486-494.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Ruthenium (Ru)-catalyzed aprotic Li–O2 batteries have attracted a great deal of interests because of their excellent electrochemical performances including high specific energy and round-trip efficiency. However, it remains unclear how the incorporated Ru catalysts function to enhance the batteries’ performance. Herein, we report Ru nanocrystal-catalyzed carbon nanotube-based aprotic Li–O2 batteries with electrochemical performances that can match or even surpass some of the best literature results. The catalytic mechanism of Ru nanocrystals has been studied by a combination of Coulometry and in situ differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS). It has been found that through the synergy of water additive in electrolyte and Ru-based catalysts, the charging reaction overpotential can be brought down to 0.12 V (usually η>1 V). Moreover, an isotope-labeled DEMS study on the electrochemical oxidation of Li213CO3 indicated that Ru nanocrystals also have the capability to decompose Li2CO3, a detrimental by-product formed in almost all aprotic Li–O2 batteries, at a surprisingly low potential of ~3.5 V vs. Li/Li+ (usually >4.0 V). The capabilities of Ru nanocrystals to decompose Li2O2, LiOH, and Li2CO3 at low voltages, which drastically decreases the degradation of electrode and/or electrolyte, are crucial to achieve outstanding electrochemical performances for Li–O2 batteries.

Sun, X, Xue, Z, Zhu, J, Guo, Y, Yang, Z, Chen, L & Chen, J 2016, 'Suspension Force Modeling for a Bearingless Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Using Maxwell Stress Tensor Method', IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 26, no. 7, pp. 1-5.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IEEE. Bearingless permanent magnet synchronous motors (BPMSMs) have been received more and more attention during the past few decades. To realize the high-performance control for rotation and levitation, we will first need to obtain the accurate suspension force model of a BPMSM. In this work, different from conventional suspension force models, a modeling scheme for the suspension force of a BPMSM is presented by taking into account rotor eccentricity with the Maxwell stress tensor modeling scheme. The theoretical value of a suspension force model is compared by the two-dimensional finite element (FE) analysis, and calculation results reveal that the theoretical value closely agree with the FE computed one. Furthermore, the digital control system is devised by taking advantage of TMS320F2812, and a test platform for experiments is then set up. In accordance with the corresponding findings of the experiments, the rotor stabilization with magnetic levitation can be achieved. The results lay a theoretical and experimental foundation for further study of the BPMSM.

Tai, MC, Gentle, A, Arnold, MD & Cortie, MB 2016, 'Optical in situ study of de-alloying kinetics in nanoporous gold sponges', RSC Advances, vol. 6, no. 89, pp. 85773-85778.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Nanoporous gold sponges are useful for a variety of applications but the kinetics of the dissolution process used to make them is not well understood.

Tan, KX, Lintang, HO, Maniam, S, Langford, SJ & Bakar, MB 2016, 'Synthesis and photophysical studies of fluorenone-armed porphyrin arrays', Tetrahedron, vol. 72, no. 35, pp. 5402-5413.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Tan, SY, Ang, CY, Mahmood, A, Qu, Q, Li, P, Zou, R & Zhao, Y 2016, 'Doxorubicin‐Loaded Metal–Organic Gels for pH and Glutathione Dual‐Responsive Release', ChemNanoMat, vol. 2, no. 6, pp. 504-508.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractAn emerging class of porous materials known as metal–organic gels (MOGs) has been gaining popularity due to their stability under reduced pressure and sensitivity to varying chemical environment. In this work, MOGs were used for the storage and controlled release of an anticancer drug, doxorubicin (Dox). In acidic pH or high concentration of glutathione, significant release of Dox from Dox‐loaded MOGs was observed. In addition, structural integrity of MOGs was disrupted in an acidic or glutathione‐containing environment, which was demonstrated by several characterization techniques. In vitro experiments on HeLa cancer cells showed the low toxicity of MOGs and further confirmed triggered drug release of Dox‐loaded MOGs. Based on the promising results obtained, Dox‐loaded MOGs present a great potential for future drug delivery applications.

Tang, Z, Zhang, L, Wan, L, Huang, Z, Liu, H, Guo, Z & Yu, X 2016, 'Regeneration of alkaline metal amidoboranes with high purity', International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 407-412.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

In this manuscript, we report a facile and safe process for highly efficient regeneration of dehydrogenated alkaline metal amidoboranes (MNH2BH3, MAB, M = Li, K), in which CH3OH is employed as a digestion reagent; then LiAlH4 is used as a reduction reagent in the presence of NH4Cl giving ammonia borane (NH3BH3, AB) as the intermediate; finally the generated AB reacts with corresponding metal hydride to complete the whole self-contained cycle. Using this chemical process, MABs are reproduced in a high purity of 98%. The byproducts of regeneration procedure can be converted to mass commodity chemicals as recyclable auxiliary reagents utilizing the recycling pathways. More importantly, our finding of successful scission of dehydrogenated polymeric MAB residues into small molecule B species that guarantees to facilitate the following regeneration process, provides a general strategy for the efficient regeneration for other MAB compounds and a potentially viable route for the chemical recycling of metal-B-N containing hydrogen storage materials.

Teng, QF, Li, GF, Zhu, JG & Guo, YG 2016, 'Finite-control-set model predictive control for PMSM systems driven by three-phase four-switch fault-tolerant inverter', Dianji yu Kongzhi Xuebao/Electric Machines and Control, vol. 20, no. 10, pp. 15-22.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Based on three-phase four-switch inverter, a finite-control-set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) strategy is proposed for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive system with MRAS observer. Because of the reason that permanent magnet flux linkage is varied with temperature change, a MRAS observer was designed to identify permanent magnet flux online. In order to improve the inverter reliability, its switch frequency optimization was taken into account in designing cost function of FCS-MPC. Compared with conventional FCS-MPC, the proposed one in this paper obviously reduces the computation amount of control system. Meanwhile the current feedback characteristic provided by this method can automatically suppress the adverse effect resulting from two capacitor voltages' unbalance of DC bus terminal in three-phase four-switch inverter. Numerical simulation results illustrate that the proposed FCS-MPC can enable whole system to not only run continuously and stably but also achieve satisfactory torque and speed control as well as reduce the average inverter switching frequency.

Teng, QF, Li, GF, Zhu, JG & Guo, YG 2016, 'Sensorless active disturbance rejection model predictive torque control using extended state observer for permanent magnet synchronous motors fed by three-phase four-switch inverter', Kongzhi Lilun Yu Yingyong/Control Theory and Applications, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 676-684.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

A novel sensorless active disturbance rejection model predictive torque control (ADRMPTC) strategy is developed for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) fed by three-phase four-switch inverters, an after-faulttopology for a fault-tolerant three-phase six-switch inverter. Firstly the mathematical model of a PMSM fed by a three-phase four-switch inverter is built. Secondly by the use of technique of extended state observer (ESO), a sensorless estimator is constructed to realize rapid and accurate speed identification. Thirdly an active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC), acting as speed regulator, is designed to realize disturbance estimation and disturbance compensation for the purpose of enhancing robustness. Finally a model predictive torque controller (MPTC) is designed in order to reduce the torque and flux ripples. The resultant ESO-based sensorless ADRMPTC strategy for PMSMs fed by an unhealthy inverter has fault-tolerant ability with dynamical performance very close to the PMSMs fed by a healthy inverter. On the other hand, compared with PI-based MPTC strategy, the ADRMPTC strategy enables the PMSMs to possess better command-following characteristics and stronger robustness in the presence of variations of reference speed and load torque. The simulation results validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.

Tian, H, Liu, J, O’Donnell, K, Liu, T, Liu, X, Yan, Z, Liu, S & Jaroniec, M 2016, 'Revisiting the Stӧber method: Design of nitrogen-doped porous carbon spheres from molecular precursors of different chemical structures', Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, vol. 476, pp. 55-61.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Tian, H, Saunders, M, Dodd, A, O'Donnell, K, Jaroniec, M, Liu, S & Liu, J 2016, 'Triconstituent co-assembly synthesis of N,S-doped carbon–silica nanospheres with smooth and rough surfaces', Journal of Materials Chemistry A, vol. 4, no. 10, pp. 3721-3727.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

This paper reports a facile synthesis of N,S-doped carbon–silica nanospheres with smooth and rough surfaces by using an extended Stöber method.

Veeramachineni, A, Sathasivam, T, Muniyandy, S, Janarthanan, P, Langford, S & Yan, L 2016, 'Optimizing Extraction of Cellulose and Synthesizing Pharmaceutical Grade Carboxymethyl Sago Cellulose from Malaysian Sago Pulp', Applied Sciences, vol. 6, no. 6, pp. 170-170.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Sago biomass is an agro-industrial waste produced in large quantities, mainly in the Asia-Pacific region and in particular South-East Asia. This work focuses on using sago biomass to obtain cellulose as the raw material, through chemical processing using acid hydrolysis, alkaline extraction, chlorination and bleaching, finally converting the material to pharmaceutical grade carboxymethyl sago cellulose (CMSC) by carboxymethylation. The cellulose was evaluated using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Field Emission Scanning Electronic Microscopy (FESEM). The extracted cellulose was analyzed for cellulose composition, and subsequently modified to CMSC with a degree of substitution (DS) 0.6 by typical carboxymethylation reactions. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the crystallinity of the sago cellulose was reduced after carboxymethylation. FTIR and NMR studies indicate that the hydroxyl groups of the cellulose fibers were etherified through carboxymethylation to produce CMSC. Further characterization of the cellulose and CMSC were performed using FESEM and DSC. The purity of CMSC was analyzed according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International standards. In this case, acid and alkaline treatments coupled with high-pressure defibrillation were found to be effective in depolymerization and defibrillation of the cellulose fibers. The synthesized CMSC also shows no toxicity in the cell line studies and could be exploited as a pharmaceutical excipient.

Wang, B, Ahmed, M, Wood, B & Iacopi, F 2016, 'All-solid-state supercapacitors on silicon using graphene from silicon carbide', Applied Physics Letters, vol. 108, no. 18, pp. 183903-183903.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Carbon-based supercapacitors are lightweight devices with high energy storage performance, allowing for faster charge-discharge rates than batteries. Here, we present an example of all-solid-state supercapacitors on silicon for on-chip applications, paving the way towards energy supply systems embedded in miniaturized electronics with fast access and high safety of operation. We present a nickel-assisted graphitization method from epitaxial silicon carbide on a silicon substrate to demonstrate graphene as a binder-free electrode material for all-solid-state supercapacitors. We obtain graphene electrodes with a strongly enhanced surface area, assisted by the irregular intrusion of nickel into the carbide layer, delivering a typical double-layer capacitance behavior with a specific area capacitance of up to 174 μF cm−2 with about 88% capacitance retention over 10 000 cycles. The fabrication technique illustrated in this work provides a strategic approach to fabricate micro-scale energy storage devices compatible with silicon electronics and offering ultimate miniaturization capabilities.

Wang, B, Zhao, F, Du, G, Porter, S, Liu, Y, Zhang, P, Cheng, Z, Liu, HK & Huang, Z 2016, 'Boron-Doped Anatase TiO₂ as a High-Performance Anode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries', ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, vol. 8, no. 25, pp. 16009-16015.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Pristine and boron-doped anatase TiO2 were prepared via a facile sol-gel method and the hydrothermal method for application as anode materials in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The sol-gel method leads to agglomerated TiO2, whereas the hydrothermal method is conducive to the formation of highly crystalline and discrete nanoparticles. The structure, morphology, and electrochemical properties were studied. The crystal size of TiO2 with boron doping is smaller than that of the nondoped crystals, which indicates that the addition of boron can inhibit the crystal growth. The electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the reversible capacity of the B-doped TiO2 is higher than that for the pristine sample. B-doping also effectively enhances the rate performance. The capacity of the B-doped TiO2 could reach 150 mAh/g at the high current rate of 2C and the capacity decay is only about 8 mAh/g over 400 cycles. The remarkable performance could be attributed to the lattice expansion resulting from B doping and the shortened Li(+) diffusion distance due to the nanosize. These results indicate that B-doped TiO2 can be a good candidate for SIBs.

Wang, C, Huang, Y, Pan, H, Jiang, J, Yang, X, Xu, Z, Tian, H, Han, S & Wu, D 2016, 'Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon/Graphene Aerogel with Much Enhanced Capacitive Behaviors', Electrochimica Acta, vol. 215, pp. 100-107.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Wang, Y, Wang, C, Wang, Y, Liu, H & Huang, Z 2016, 'Boric Acid Assisted Reduction of Graphene Oxide: A Promising Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries', ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, vol. 8, no. 29, pp. 18860-18866.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Reduced graphene oxide, an intensively investigated material for Li-ion batteries, has shown mostly unsatisfactory performance in Na-ion batteries, since its d-spacing is believed to be too small for effective insertion/deinsertion of Na(+) ions. Herein, a facile method was developed to produce boron-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (BF-rGO), with an enlarged interlayer spacing and defect-rich structure, which effectively accommodates the sodiation/desodiation and provides more active sites. The Na/BF-rGO half cells exhibit unprecedented long cycling stability, with ∼89.4% capacity retained after 5000 cycles (0.002% capacity decay per cycle) at 1000 mA·g(-1) current density. High specific capacity (280 mAh·g(-1)) and great rate capability were also delivered in the Na/BF-rGO half cells.

Wang, Y, Wang, C, Wang, Y, Liu, H & Huang, Z 2016, 'Superior sodium-ion storage performance of Co₃O₄@nitrogen-doped carbon: derived from a metal–organic framework', Journal of Materials Chemistry A, vol. 4, no. 15, pp. 5428-5435.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Nitrogen-doped carbon coated Co₃O₄ nanoparticles (Co₃O₄@NC) with high Na-ion storage capacity and unprecedented long-life cycling stability are reported in this paper.

Wang, Z, Xu, W, Lei, G & Zhu, J 2016, 'Multilayer Winding Effect on Performance of Flux-Switching Permanent Magnet Machines', IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 26, no. 7, pp. 1-4.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2002-2011 IEEE. Flux-switching permanent magnet machines (FSPMMs) with fractional-slot concentrated windings (FSCWs) are good candidates for electric vehicle applications due to their simple doubly salient construction, the magnets and windings being removed from rotor to stator, and strong mechanical robustness. They have attracted considerable interest from academia and industry not only because of their essentially sinusoidal phase back electromotive force (back-EMF) waveform, but also their high electromagnetic torque/power densities. Although the FSCW can reduce the end-winding overlap and deliver near-sinusoidal back-EMF, it still contains a little amount of harmonics so as to result in other more losses. The inherent nature of the FSPMMs with different types of FSCWs has not been investigated in detail till now. In this paper, a typical three-phase FSPMM with 12/13 stator teeth/rotor poles with FSCW is employed, to investigate the effect of number of winding layer on key electromagnetic indexes based on finite element analysis. Comprehensive simulations demonstrate that significant reduction can be got on torque ripple, total harmonic distortion of back-EMF and losses with higher number of winding layer.

Wei, Y, Sun, B, Su, D, Zhu, J & Wang, G 2016, '3D Free-Standing NiCo2O4@graphene Foam for High-Performance Supercapacitors', ENERGY TECHNOLOGY, vol. 4, no. 6, pp. 737-743.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Xia, G, Tan, Y, Wu, F, Fang, F, Sun, D, Guo, Z, Huang, Z & Yu, X 2016, 'Graphene-wrapped reversible reaction for advanced hydrogen storage', Nano Energy, vol. 26, pp. 488-495.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Here, we report the fabrication of a graphene-wrapped nanostructured reactive hydride composite, i.e., 2LiBH4-MgH2, made by adopting graphene-supported MgH2 nanoparticles (NPs) as the nanoreactor and heterogeneous nucleation sites. The porous structure, uniform distribution of MgH2 NPs, and the steric confinement by flexible graphene induced a homogeneous distribution of 2LiBH4-MgH2 nanocomposite on graphene with extremely high loading capacity (80 wt%) and energy density. The well-defined structural features, including even distribution, uniform particle size, excellent thermal stability, and robust architecture endow this composite with significant improvements in its hydrogen storage performance. For instance, at a temperature as low as 350 °C, a reversible storage capacity of up to 8.9 wt% H2, without degradation after 25 complete cycles, was achieved for the 2LiBH4-MgH2 anchored on graphene. The design of this three-dimensional architecture can offer a new concept for obtaining high performance materials in the energy storage field.

Xia, W, Mahmood, A, Liang, Z, Zou, R & Guo, S 2016, 'ChemInform Abstract: Earth‐Abundant Nanomaterials for Oxygen Reduction', ChemInform, vol. 47, no. 14.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractReview: 253 refs.

Xia, W, Mahmood, A, Liang, Z, Zou, R & Guo, S 2016, 'Earth‐Abundant Nanomaterials for Oxygen Reduction', Angewandte Chemie International Edition, vol. 55, no. 8, pp. 2650-2676.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractReplacing the rare and precious platinum (Pt) electrocatalysts with earth‐abundant materials for promoting the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode of fuel cells is of great interest in developing high‐performance sustainable energy devices. However, the challenging issues associated with non‐Pt materials are still their low intrinsic catalytic activity, limited active sites, and the poor mass transport properties. Recent advances in material sciences and nanotechnology enable rational design of new earth‐abundant materials with optimized composition and fine nanostructure, providing new opportunities for enhancing ORR performance at the molecular level. This Review highlights recent breakthroughs in engineering nanocatalysts based on the earth‐abundant materials for boosting ORR.

Xia, W, Mahmood, A, Liang, Z, Zou, R & Guo, S 2016, 'Platinfreie Nanomaterialien für die Sauerstoffreduktion', Angewandte Chemie, vol. 128, no. 8, pp. 2698-2726.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractDer Ersatz von Platin (Pt) durch billigere, unedle Elemente in Elektrokatalysatoren für die Sauerstoffreduktionsreaktion (ORR) ist für die Entwicklung nachhaltiger, leistungsfähiger Brennstoffzellen zur Energieumwandlung von größtem Interesse. Platinfreie Materialien bergen jedoch eine Reihe von Herausforderungen, wie eine geringe intrinsische katalytische Aktivität, eine begrenzte Zahl aktiver Zentren und schlechte Stofftransporteigenschaften. Jüngste Fortschritte in den Materialwissenschaften und der Nanotechnologie ermöglichen nun ein rationales Design von neuen Materialien mit unedlen Elementen mit optimierter Zusammensetzung und präziser Nanostruktur. Dies eröffnet neue Möglichkeiten zur Verbesserung der ORR‐Leistung auf molekularer Ebene. Dieser Aufsatz beleuchtet die aktuellen Durchbrüche bei der Entwicklung von Nanokatalysatoren für die ORR.

Xiao, F, Chen, Z, Casillas, G, Richardson, C, Li, H & Huang, Z 2016, 'Controllable synthesis of few-layered and hierarchically porous boron nitride nanosheets', Chemical Communications, vol. 52, no. 20, pp. 3911-3914.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Few-layered porous boron nitride nanosheets prepared using MgB₂ as a dynamic template show good CO₂ adsorption selectivity.

Xu, J, Su, D & Wang, G 2016, 'High Electrochemical Performance of Rose Flower like NiCO₂O₄ with Hierachically Porous Structure for Lithium-Ion Battery', ECS Meeting Abstracts, vol. MA2016-03, no. 2, pp. 146-146.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Hybrid nanostructured transition metal oxides have attracted great attention as high-performance electrode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. In this work, novel porous NiCo2O4 nanoparticles are synthesized by a solvothermal method using poly (vinylpyrolidone) (PVP) as the structure-directing agent followed by a simple thermal annealing treatment. Through the XRD, FESEM, TEM, and N2 sorption analyses, it has been found that the as-prepared NiCo2O4 nanoparticles show hierarchical China rose flower-like architecture constituted by 2D hierarchically porous nanosheets. The 2D porous nanosheets provide sufficient void space generated during thermal annealing treatment, benefiting electrolyte penetration and fast electron transfer. The porous structure also can tolerate the volume variation upon prolonged charge / discharge cycling. Therefore, when the as-prepared NiCo2O4 nanoparticles are used as anode materials for the Li-ion batteries, they exhibit high capacity, remarkable capacity retention at increased current densities, and outstanding cycling stability (4 % loss after 100 cycles at 1000 mA g-1). Figure 1

Xu, J, Su, D, Bao, W, Zhao, Y, Xie, X & Wang, G 2016, 'Rose flower-like NiCo2O4 with hierarchically porous structures for highly reversible lithium storage', Journal of Alloys and Compounds, vol. 684, pp. 691-698.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Xu, J, Su, D, Zhang, W, Bao, W & Wang, G 2016, 'A nitrogen–sulfur co-doped porous graphene matrix as a sulfur immobilizer for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries', Journal of Materials Chemistry A, vol. 4, no. 44, pp. 17381-17393.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

The combination of the physical adsorption of lithium polysulfides onto porous graphene and the chemical binding of polysulfides to N and S sites promotes reversible Li₂S/polysulfide/S conversion, realizing high performance Li–S batteries with long cycle life and high-energy density.

Xu, W, Duan, N, Wang, S, Guo, Y & Zhu, J 2016, 'A Stress-Dependent Magnetic Hysteresis Model for Soft Magnetic Composite Materials', IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 26, no. 7, pp. 1-5.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Xu, W, Wang, G, Duan, N, Wang, S, Guo, Y & Zhu, J 2016, 'Extended Finite-Element Method for Weak Discontinuities in Electric Fields', IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, vol. 26, no. 7, pp. 1-5.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Zarotti, F, Gupta, B, Iacopi, F, Sgarlata, A, Tomellini, M & Motta, N 2016, 'Time evolution of graphene growth on SiC as a function of annealing temperature', Carbon, vol. 98, pp. 307-312.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Zhang, C, Tian, H, Yang, D, Sunarso, J, Liu, J & Liu, S 2016, 'Enhanced CO₂ Resistance for Robust Oxygen Separation Through Tantalum‐doped Perovskite Membranes', ChemSusChem, vol. 9, no. 5, pp. 505-512.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractOxygen selective membranes with enhanced oxygen permeability and CO2 resistance are highly required in sustainable clean energy generation technologies. Here, we present novel, cobalt‐free, SrFe1−xTaxO3−δ (x=0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2) perovskite membranes. Ta‐doping induced lattice structure progression from orthorhombic (x=0) to cubic (x=0.05). SrFe0.95Ta0.05O3−δ (SFT0.05) showed the highest oxygen flux rates reaching 0.85 mL min−1 cm−2 at 950 °C on a 1.0 mm‐thick membrane. Surface decoration can increase the permeation rate further. Ta inclusion within the perovskite lattice of SrFeO3−δ (SF) enhanced the CO2 resistance of the membranes significantly as evidenced by the absence of the carbonate functional groups on the FTIR spectrum when exposed to CO2 atmosphere at 850 °C. The CO2 resistance of Ta‐doped SF compounds correlates with the lower basicity and the higher binding energy for the lattice oxygen. SFT0.05 demonstrated high stability during long‐term permeation tests under 10 % CO2 atmosphere.

Zhang, C, Zhu, J & Han, X 2016, 'Rotor strength analysis of high-speed surface mounted permanent magnet rotors', Zhongguo Dianji Gongcheng Xuebao/Proceedings of the Chinese Society of Electrical Engineering, vol. 36, no. 17, pp. 4719-4727.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

During high speed operation, permanent magnets (PMs) cannot withstand tensile stress due to the large centrifugal force, and an alloy enclosure is commonly employed to protect the permanent magnets. In order to ensure the safe operation of permanent magnet rotors, it is necessary to calculate the stress in the alloy enclosures and PMs. Because of the slim characteristic of high speed permanent magnet rotors, analytical expressions of stress, strain and displacement were deduced based on the theory of the thick-walled cylinder. The validity of the theoretic analysis was verified by the finite element method (FEM). Based on the derived analytic expressions, the influences of static interference, the thickness of alloy enclosures and shaft material character on strength were analyzed, and the general design guidelines were derived. Using a high speed PM machine of 30000r/min and 15kW as an example, the design method of high speed PM rotor strength and a basis for protective sleeve design are given.

Zhang, J, Sun, B, Xie, X, Zhao, Y & Wang, G 2016, 'A Bi-Functional Organic Redox Catalyst for Rechargeable Lithium-Oxygen Batteries with Enhanced Performances', ECS Meeting Abstracts, vol. MA2016-03, no. 2, pp. 88-88.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

The Li-O2 battery provides the highest energy density among all rechargeable battery systems. To date, the large over-potentials during the oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction lead to low round-trip efficiency and short cycle life. Herein, we report a Li-O2 battery with outstanding performance. Application of a bi-functional organic catalyst, poly(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy-4-yl methacrylate) (PTMA), significantly lowered the charge potential to 3.73 V and increased the discharge potential to 2.75 V. PTMA facilitates both efficient formation and oxidation of Li2O2 through its n- and p-doping ability coupled with superior catalytic activity. Furthermore, PTMA effectively coats the surface of the carbon electrodes, which suppresses side-reactions between carbon and the electrolyte leading to enhanced lifetimes. Figure 1

Zhang, J, Sun, B, Xie, X, Zhao, Y & Wang, G 2016, 'A Bifunctional Organic Redox Catalyst for Rechargeable Lithium-Oxygen Batteries with Enhanced Performances', ADVANCED SCIENCE, vol. 3, no. 4.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Zhang, X, Yuan, Z, Yang, Q, Li, Y, Zhu, J & Li, Y 2016, 'Coil Design and Efficiency Analysis for Dynamic Wireless Charging System for Electric Vehicles', IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 52, no. 7, pp. 1-4.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Wireless charging electric vehicles (EV) is the development trend of EV. However, the battery taken by EVs has the disadvantages of big volume, long time to recharge, and limited driving distance. In this paper, an innovative dynamic wireless charging system based on magnetic coupled resonant power transmission is presented. The transmitting coil of this charging system can selectively turn ON/OFF for charging vehicles while driving. The structures of the transmitting coil and receiving coil are researched and improved. In addition, the dispersed coupling structure named grouped periodic series spiral coupler is proposed, and its characteristics are described. A simulation of coupling coefficients at different D values is carried out. A prototype is built to experiment on the dynamic wireless charging process of EV. Meanwhile, the coil coupling and variation of transmission efficiency are analyzed. The comparison of the experiment indicated that the EV can obtain a stable charging process under 25 mm transmission distance using the improved receiving coil with R : H : D=4:5:13. Moreover, the dynamic charging process is relatively stable without an obvious fluctuation while passing the interval between two transmitting coils, and the transmission efficiency is promoted by 50%.

Zheng, L, Zhang, L, Zhu, J, Wang, G & Jiang, J 2016, 'Co-estimation of state-of-charge, capacity and resistance for lithium-ion batteries based on a high-fidelity electrochemical model', Applied Energy, vol. 180, pp. 424-434.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Zheng, L, Zhu, J, Wang, G, He, T & Wei, Y 2016, 'Novel methods for estimating lithium-ion battery state of energy and maximum available energy', Applied Energy, vol. 178, pp. 1-8.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 Elsevier Ltd. The battery state of energy (SOE) allows a direct determination of the ratio between the remaining and maximum available energy of a battery, which is critical for energy optimization and management in energy storage systems. In this paper, the ambient temperature, battery discharge/charge current rate and cell aging level dependencies of battery maximum available energy and SOE are comprehensively analyzed. An explicit quantitative relationship between SOE and state of charge (SOC) for LiMn2O4 battery cells is proposed for SOE estimation, and a moving-window energy-integral technique is incorporated to estimate battery maximum available energy. Experimental results show that the proposed approaches can estimate battery maximum available energy and SOE with high precision. The robustness of the proposed approaches against various operation conditions and cell aging levels is systematically evaluated.

Zhu, LF, Zhu, JG, Tong, WM & Han, XY 2016, 'Experimental research on influences of shrink fitting process to iron losses of amorphous alloy motor', Dianji yu Kongzhi Xuebao/Electric Machines and Control, vol. 20, no. 9, pp. 40-45.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

In order to research the influences of shrink fitting process to the iron losses of amorphous alloy permanent magnet motor, experimental method was adopted to measure the loss characteristics of amorphous alloy material at several shrink ranges, and the results were analyzed. The iron losses calculation method of amorphous alloy motor was given which is in consideration of the influences of shrink fitting process. The calculated results were verified by measured results of an amorphous alloy motor, and the influences of shrink fitting process to amorphous alloy motor was analyzed. The results show that, the eddy current part of amorphous alloy material and the yoke loss of amorphous alloy motor increase a lot because of the shrink fitting process, which leads to a increasing of temperature raise and decreasing of efficiency performance. So, the shrink range should be as small as possible or the shrink fitting process is not used during the casing of amorphous alloy motors.

Zhu, S, Xiao, L & Cortie, MB 2016, 'Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy on metal nitride thin films', Vibrational Spectroscopy, vol. 85, pp. 146-148.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Duan, N, Xu, W, Wang, S & Zhu, J 1970, 'Current distribution calculation of superconducting layer in HTS cable considering magnetic hysteresis by using XFEM', 2016 IEEE Conference on Electromagnetic Field Computation (CEFC), 2016 IEEE Conference on Electromagnetic Field Computation (CEFC), IEEE, Miami, FL, USA, pp. 1-1.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IEEE. This paper presents a coupled field-circuit analysis method for the high temperature superconducting (HTS) cable considering magnetic hysteresis by using the improved extended finite element method (XFEM). The quasi-3D cylindrical coordinate HTS cable model is firstly proposed based on the shell element theory. The quasi-3D meshing elements are used instead of the traditional 3D meshing elements to overcome the difficulties in meshing. A new Preisach type hysteresis model of HTS tapes is firstly combined with the improved XFEM to determine the magnetic hysteresis inductance. The numerical simulation results of this field-circuit coupled method are reported compared with the experimental test results for the case of an HTS cable with 2 layers.

Guo, B, Huang, Y, Guo, Y & Zhu, J 1970, 'Analytical modeling of manufacturing imperfections in double rotor axial flux PM machines: Effects on back EMF', 2016 IEEE Conference on Electromagnetic Field Computation (CEFC), 2016 IEEE Conference on Electromagnetic Field Computation (CEFC), IEEE, Miami, FL, USA, pp. 1-1.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IEEE. In this paper, a general analytical model is proposed to investigate various eccentricities in double rotor axial flux permanent magnet (DRAFPM) machine, the back electromotive forces (EMFs) is calculated and compared in this paper. At first, the radial and tangential flux density in the air gap under healthy condition is developed via Maxwell's equations and Schwarz-Christoffel mapping. After that, variable air gap length and radii are introduced to calculate the flux density caused by eccentricities. The back EMF at each case is calculated and compared with that in healthy condition. At each section, FEM models are built to validate the analytical model, and the results show that the analytical model predictions agree well with those from the FE results. Finally, the analytical model is verified via experimental results.

Guo, Y, Zhu, J, Lu, H & Lei, G 1970, 'Design considerations of electric motors with soft magnetic composite cores', 2016 IEEE 8th International Power Electronics and Motion Control Conference (IPEMC-ECCE Asia), 2016 IEEE 8th International Power Electronics and Motion Control Conference (IPEMC 2016 - ECCE Asia), IEEE, Hefei, China, pp. 3007-3011.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IEEE. Soft magnetic composite (SMC) materials possess many unique properties, which are particularly suitable for development of novel structure electric motors for various electric drive systems. The unique properties of SMC material include three-dimensional (3-D) magnetic and thermal isotropy, very low eddy current loss, and prospect of very low cost mass production. Therefore, the application of SMC materials in electrical appliance, particularly in electric motors, has attracted great interest in research. However, SMC materials also have some drawbacks, e.g. low permeability, high hysteresis loss and low mechanical strength, and hence a direct replacement of electrical steels by SMC would not necessarily lead to satisfaction or improvement of motor performance. To fully explore the application potential of the SMC materials, their unique properties should be fully employed and at the same time the effects of their drawbacks should be avoided or minimized. This paper aims to present some key issues on design of SMC electric motors based on the extensive research in the past two decades by various researchers including the authors of this paper. The key design issues are discussed and some conclusions are drawn for future effort in this area.

Lei, G, Zhu, J, Liu, C & Ma, B 1970, 'Robust design optimization of electrical machines and drive systems for high quality mass production', 2016 6th International Electric Drives Production Conference (EDPC), 2016 6th International Electric Drives Production Conference (EDPC), IEEE, Nuremberg, Germany, pp. 217-223.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IEEE. Electrical drive is the heart in many modern appliances, as well as industry equipment and systems. In order to achieve the best design objectives, such as high performance and low material cost, various deterministic optimization methods have been developed for optimal design of electrical machines, power electronic converters, and parameters of control algorithms. On the other hand, the final quality of a motor drive system in mass production depends highly on the manufacturing technology employed and can be greatly affected by essential manufacturing tolerances and unavoidable uncertainties due to material diversity, machining error, and assembling inaccuracy, etc. An aggressively optimized design may be difficult to mass produce and end up with high manufacturing cost and/or high rejection rates. To solve this challenge, a robust design technique called design for six-sigma has been introduced to improve the manufacturing quality of both electrical machines and drive systems based on the multi-disciplinary, multi-level and multi-objective optimization methods. This work aims to show the development of these methods and their applications.

Li, H, Wang, S, Yuan, D, Duan, N, Wang, S & Zhu, J 1970, 'Titanium droplet formation in electromagnetic levitation melting process', 2016 IEEE Conference on Electromagnetic Field Computation (CEFC), 2016 IEEE Conference on Electromagnetic Field Computation (CEFC), IEEE, Miami, FL, USA, pp. 1-1.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IEEE. This paper simulates the melting process and liquid titanium droplet formation in electromagnetic levitation melting (EML) process by using the finite element method. The modelling of the physical EML process involves the coupling of electromagnetic, thermal, and fluid flow fields. The bidirectional interactions of different fields are also consided. The electrical parameters, such as frequency, current, and number of turns of the excitation coils, which might affect the size of droplet, are studied. The arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation is employed to model the deformation of metal sample during the melting process. The results show that the method adopted in this paper could dynamically predict the melting process, and size of the droplet could be controlled by modifying the electrical parameters.

Linfeng Zheng, Jianguo Zhu & Guoxiu Wang 1970, 'A comparative study of battery balancing strategies for different battery operation processes', 2016 IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference and Expo (ITEC), 2016 IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference and Expo (ITEC), IEEE, Dearborn, Michigan, USA, pp. 1-5.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IEEE. To reduce the effect of cell inconsistencies and improve battery pack capacity, battery balancing techniques are essentially required in battery management systems (BMSs). This paper presents a comparative study of four battery balancing strategies for different battery operation processes. These balancing strategies are developed from the state-of-the-art battery balancing circuits and algorithms reported in recent literature. The performance of balancing strategies is evaluated and compared by battery pack maximum available capacity, state of charge (SOC) variances at the end of charge (EOC) and end of discharge (EOD). The comparative result is helpful for BMSs developers to employ optimal balancing strategies in actual applications.

Teng, Q-F, Li, G-F, Zhu, J-G, Guo, Y-G & Li, S-Y 1970, 'ADRC-based model predictive torque control for PMSMs fed by three-phase four-switch inverters', 2016 35th Chinese Control Conference (CCC), 2016 35th Chinese Control Conference (CCC), IEEE, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, pp. 4550-4555.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IEEE.A novel automatic disturbances rejection control (ADRC)-based model predictive current control (MPCC) strategy is developed for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) fed by three-phase four-switch inverters, an after-fault-topology for fault-tolerant three-phase six-switch inverters. The mathematical model of a PMSM fed by a three-phase four-switch inverter is built firstly. Then the ADRC and MPCC are respectively designed, with the former being used to realize disturbance estimation and disturbance compensation while the latter being used to reduce stator current ripple and improve the quality of the torque and speed control. The resultant ADRC-based MPCC PMSM fed by an unhealthy inverter has fault-tolerant effective with dynamical performance very close to an ADRC-based MPCC PMSM fed by a healthy inverter. On the other hand, compared with PI-based MPCC PMSM fed by an unhealthy inverter, it possesses better dynamical response behavior and stronger robustness as well as smaller THD index of three-phase stator current in the presence of variation of load torque. The simulation results validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.

Xu, W, Duan, N, Wang, S & Zhu, J 1970, 'A temperature-dependent hysteresis model for soft ferrites based on a vectorial elemental operator', 2016 IEEE Conference on Electromagnetic Field Computation (CEFC), 2016 IEEE Conference on Electromagnetic Field Computation (CEFC), IEEE, Miami, FL, USA, pp. 1-1.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IEEE. This paper introduces a temperature dependent hysteresis model based on a vectorial elemental operator with temperature-sensitive spontaneous magnetization and biaxial anisotropy for the soft ferrites. This model is validated by the substantial agreement between the simulated and measured major hysteresis loops of a soft ferrite sample at different temperatures.

Xu, W, Duan, N, Wang, S & Zhu, J 1970, 'Modelling of magnetic properties in soft magnetic composite material under rotational magnetization', 2016 IEEE Conference on Electromagnetic Field Computation (CEFC), 2016 IEEE Conference on Electromagnetic Field Computation (CEFC), IEEE, Miami, FL, USA, pp. 1-1.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IEEE. This paper proposes a vectorial magnetic hysteresis model based on a vectorial elemental operator and its distribution function to represent the magnetization mechanisms of soft magnetic materials. The magnetic hysteresis of a soft magnetic composite material under rotational magnetization is simulated and compared with the experimental results.

Zhang, C, Tong, W, Ma, X, Tang, R & Zhu, J 1970, 'Development of a High-Speed Permanent Magnet Machine Using Amorphous Alloy Cores', 2016 IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference (VPPC), 2016 IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference (VPPC), IEEE, Hangzhou, China, pp. 1-5.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

© 2016 IEEE.This paper details the design of high-speed permanent magnet machine made of amorphous alloy core. The motor is rated as 15kW, and base speed is 20000rpm. A multidisciplinary approach is used to optimize the machine. The select of pole-slot numbers is presented in this paper. The effect of converter switching frequency on the machine is analyzed. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties of rotor is analyzed. The machine is prototyped and tested to validate the analytical-computational performances predicted in the design and analysis stage.

Zheng, Z, Sun, D & Zhu, J 1970, 'Torque Ripple Suppression of Open-Winding PMSMs by Current Injection Considering Magnetic Saturation', 2016 IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference (VPPC), 2016 IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference (VPPC), IEEE, Hangzhou, China, pp. 1-5.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

This paper proposes a modified harmonic currents injection strategy for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) with open winding topology to suppress torque ripples considering magnetic saturation. Harmonic current injection strategy is commonly used to reduce torque ripples generated by interaction between non-sinusoidal flux linkage and sinusoidal current. However, the influence of magnetic saturation, which is one of the major causes of flux linkage and back-EMF distortion, is not considered by the current control schemes. In this paper, a modified harmonic current injection strategy is proposed to adapt magnetic saturation condition. It is demonstrated by numerical simulation results that the proposed harmonic compensation method can effectively reduce the torque ripples.

Payne, M, Ung, AT, Harry, E & Bottomley, A 2016, 'Synthesis of FtsZ Inhibitors: Potential Antibiotic Agents'.
View description>>

Using the crystal structure of S. aureus FtsZ with a co-crystallised known inhibitor, a pharmacophore was developed that could be utilized in the design of novel inhibitors. A library of 19 molecules were synthesized and structurally elucidated that contain a pyrazole linker (Scheme 1). These molecules were screened against S. aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli (E. coli) MG1556 cells to determine their antibacterial activity.

Williams, SG, Rawling, T & Ung, AT 2016, 'Alkaloid-like Molecules for Drug Discovery'.
View description>>

The alkaloid class of natural compounds is extensively known for their variety of biological activities. A high percentage of currently employed chemotherapeutic drugs - more than 60% for cancer are of plant origin, and many are alkaloids.[1] Synthetic compounds that display similar structures to alkaloids are known as alkaloid-like molecules. Alkaloids are commonly documented to poses pharmacological properties such as antineoplasticity and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. The Aristotelia alkaloids (1 and 2) have a broad spectrum of biological activities,[2] several of which contain the same 3-aza-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane core structure architecture, seen in blue in Figure 2. Figure 1: Aristotelia alkaloids, 1 and 2.As these Alkaloids are both rare and require complex isolation, it is more resourceful to generate libraries of molecules with the same core scaffold through synthetic pathways, such as the Bridging Ritter reaction.[3] Through the use of the Bridging Ritter reaction with (-)-β-pinene (3) and various nitriles, a small library of alkaloid-like molecules has been synthesized. Figure 2: The bridging Ritter reaction of (-)-β-pinene with various nitriles.AChE inhibitors are currently the front line of drugs used for relieving the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by restoring natural levels neurotransmitter acetylcholine, found to be low in the synapse of AD suffers.[4] All of the currently approved AChE inhibitors have severe undesirable side-effects and with the diseases mortality rate expected to increase greatly, it is imperative that more suitable drug candidates be developed. Therefore, these alkaloid-like compounds were screened for AChE inhibitory activity using The TLC bioautographic method[5] and Ellman Assay[6].A library of 27 alkaloid-like molecules has been synthesised. The library is currently undergoing in-house anticancer testing using the MTS assay[7] against the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. External scr...