Tokyo University of Science

About: Tokyo University of Science is a education organization based out in Tokyo, Japan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Thin film & Enantioselective synthesis. The organization has 15800 authors who have published 24147 publications receiving 438081 citations. The organization is also known as: Tōkyō Rika Daigaku & Science University of Tokyo.

New O2/P2‐type Li‐Excess Layered Manganese Oxides as Promising Multi‐Functional Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Li/Na Batteries

Abstract: A new and promising P2-type layered oxide, Na5/6[Li1/4Mn3/4]O2 is prepared using a solid-state method. Detailed crystal structures of the sample are analyzed by synchrotron X-ray diffraction combined with high-resolution neutron diffraction. P2-type Na5/6[Li1/4Mn3/4]O2 consists of two MeO2 layers with partial in-plane √3a × √3a-type Li/Mn ordering. Na/Li ion-exchange in a molten salt results in a phase transition accompanied with glide of [Li1/4Mn3/4]O2 layers without the destruction of in-plane cation ordering. P2-type Na5/6[Li1/4Mn3/4]O2 translates into an O2-type layered structure with staking faults as the result of ion-exchange. Electrode performance of P2-type Na5/6[Li1/4Mn3/4]O2 and O2-type Lix[Li1/4Mn3/4]O2 is examined and compared in Na and Li cells, respectively. Both samples show large reversible capacity, ca. 200 mA h g−1, after charge to high voltage regardless of the difference in charge carriers. Structural analysis suggests that in-plane structural rearrangements, presumably associated with partial oxygen loss, occur in both samples after charge to a high-voltage region. Such structural activation process significantly influences electrode performance of the P2/O2-type phases, similar to O3-type Li2MnO3-based materials. Crystal structures, phase-transition mechanisms, and the possibility of the P2/O2-type phases as high-capacity and long-cycle-life electrode materials with the multi-functionality for both rechargeable Li/Na batteries are discussed in detail.

Particulate Photocatalyst Sheets Based on Carbon Conductor Layer for Efficient Z-Scheme Pure-Water Splitting at Ambient Pressure.

Abstract: Development of sunlight-driven water splitting systems with high efficiency, scalability, and cost-competitiveness is a central issue for mass production of solar hydrogen as a renewable and storable energy carrier. Photocatalyst sheets comprising a particulate hydrogen evolution photocatalyst (HEP) and an oxygen evolution photocatalyst (OEP) embedded in a conductive thin film can realize efficient and scalable solar hydrogen production using Z-scheme water splitting. However, the use of expensive precious metal thin films that also promote reverse reactions is a major obstacle to developing a cost-effective process at ambient pressure. In this study, we present a standalone particulate photocatalyst sheet based on an earth-abundant, relatively inert, and conductive carbon film for efficient Z-scheme water splitting at ambient pressure. A SrTiO3:La,Rh/C/BiVO4:Mo sheet is shown to achieve unassisted pure-water (pH 6.8) splitting with a solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency (STH) of 1.2% at 331 K a...

The intestinal microbiota regulates body composition through NFIL3 and the circadian clock

Abstract: The intestinal microbiota has been identified as an environmental factor that markedly affects energy storage and body-fat accumulation in mammals, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we show that the microbiota regulates body composition through the circadian transcription factor NFIL3. Nfil3 transcription oscillates diurnally in intestinal epithelial cells, and the amplitude of the circadian oscillation is controlled by the microbiota through group 3 innate lymphoid cells, STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), and the epithelial cell circadian clock. NFIL3 controls expression of a circadian lipid metabolic program and regulates lipid absorption and export in intestinal epithelial cells. These findings provide mechanistic insight into how the intestinal microbiota regulates body composition and establish NFIL3 as an essential molecular link among the microbiota, the circadian clock, and host metabolism.