Sichuan University

About: Sichuan University is a education organization based out in Chengdu, China. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Population. The organization has 107623 authors who have published 102844 publications receiving 1612131 citations. The organization is also known as: Sìchuān Dàxué.

H+‐Insertion Boosted α‐MnO2 for an Aqueous Zn‐Ion Battery

Abstract: Rechargeable Zn/MnO2 batteries using mild aqueous electrolytes are attracting extensive attention due to their low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness. However, the charge-storage mechanism involved remains a topic of controversy so far. Also, the practical energy density and cycling stability are still major issues for their applications. Herein, a free-standing α-MnO2 cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) is directly constructed with ultralong nanowires, leading to a rather high energy density of 384 mWh g-1 for the entire electrode. Greatly, the H+ /Zn2+ coinsertion mechanism of α-MnO2 cathode for aqueous ZIBs is confirmed by a combined analysis of in situ X-ray diffractometry, ex situ transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical methods. More interestingly, the Zn2+ -insertion is found to be less reversible than H+ -insertion in view of the dramatic capacity fading occurring in the Zn2+ -insertion step, which is further evidenced by the discovery of an irreversible ZnMn2 O4 layer at the surface of α-MnO2 . Hence, the H+ -insertion process actually plays a crucial role in maintaining the cycling performance of the aqueous Zn/α-MnO2 battery. This work is believed to provide an insight into the charge-storage mechanism of α-MnO2 in aqueous systems and paves the way for designing aqueous ZIBs with high energy density and long-term cycling ability.

Role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and the clinical applications (Review).

Abstract: Oncogene activation and tumor-suppressor gene inactivation are considered as the main causes driving the transformation of normal somatic cells into malignant tumor cells. Cancer cells are the driving force of tumor development and progression. Yet, cancer cells are unable to accomplish this alone. The tumor microenvironment is also considered to play an active role rather than simply acting as a by-stander in tumor progression. Through different pathways, tumor cells efficiently recruit stromal cells, which in turn, provide tumor cell growth signals, intermediate metabolites, and provide a suitable environment for tumor progression as well as metastasis. Through reciprocal communication, cancer cells and the microenvironment act in collusion leading to high proliferation and metastatic capability. Understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression provides us with novel approaches through which to target the tumor microenvironment for efficient anticancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms involved in the recruitment of stromal cells by tumor cells to the primary tumor site and highlight the role of the tumor microenvironment in the regulation of tumor progression. We further discuss the potential approaches for cancer therapy.