Publications

We report a biomorphic hierarchical mixed metal oxide (MMO) framework through a biotemplated synthesis method. A uniform Al2O3 coating was deposited on the surface of the biotemplate with an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, and the film of ZnAl-layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH), which faithfully inherits the surface structure of the biotemplate, was prepared by an in situ growth technique. Subsequently, a polycrystal ZnAl−MMO framework obtained by calcination of the LDH precursor has been demonstrated as an effective and recyclable photocatalyst for the decomposition of dyes in water, owing to its rather high specific surface area and hierarchical distribution of pore size. Therefore, the new strategy reported in this work can be used to fabricate a variety of biomorphic LDHs as well as MMO frameworks through replication of complicated and hierarchical biological structures for the purpose of catalysis, adsorbents, and other potential applications.

Rationale: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a severe form of acute lung injury, leading to increased early morbidity and mortality after lung transplant. Obesity is a major health problem, and recipient obesity is one of the most significant risk factors for developing PGD. Objectives: We hypothesized that T-regulatory cells (Tregs) are able to dampen early ischemia–reperfusion events and thereby decrease the risk of PGD, whereas that action is impaired in obese recipients. Methods: We evaluated Tregs, T cells, and inflammatory markers, plus clinical data, in 79 lung transplant recipients and 41 liver or kidney transplant recipients and studied two groups of mice on a high-fat diet (HFD), which did (“inflammatory” HFD) or did not (“healthy” HFD) develop low-grade inflammation with decreased Treg function. Measurements and Main Results: We identified increased levels of IL-18 as a previously unrecognized mechanism that impairs Tregs’ suppressive function in obese individuals. IL-18 decreases levels of FOXP3, the key Treg transcription factor, decreases FOXP3 di- and oligomerization, and increases the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of FOXP3. IL-18–treated Tregs or Tregs from obese mice fail to control PGD, whereas IL-18 inhibition ameliorates lung inflammation. The IL-18–driven impairment in Tregs’ suppressive function before transplant was associated with an increased risk and severity of PGD in clinical lung transplant recipients. Conclusions: Obesity-related IL-18 induces Treg dysfunction that may contribute to the pathogenesis of PGD. Evaluation of Tregs’ suppressive function together with evaluation of IL-18 levels may serve as a screening tool to identify obese individuals with an increased risk of PGD before transplant.

Abstract The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which is suitable for low‐frequency and high‐entropy mechanical energy harvesting, has great advantages in ocean energy collection and potential blue energy applications. The rational structural design can ensure the best working state of TENG in complex marine environment. Herein, an unidentified flying object (UFO) shaped integrated triboelectric energy harvester (U‐TENG) is proposed for complex and random ocean wave energy harvesting. The U‐TENG is assembled in a vertical structure by combining a coping TENG in a rotational structure and a bottom TENG in a rolling‐ball design. The proposed vertically integrated TENG structure can increase the efficiency of space utilization and improve the entirety output performance compared with the single device structure. A sophisticated auxiliary facility has also been pioneerily designed to simulate the ocean waving during the experiment tests. The prepared U‐TENG can easily light up dozens of light emitting diodes and power a commercial hygrothermograph at a low operating frequency. This work provides a highly efficient means to the development of high‐performance and robust TENG for ocean energy harvesting.

Energy generation and energy storage are two distinct processes that are usually accomplished using two separated units designed on the basis of different physical principles, such as piezoelectric nanogenerator and Li-ion battery; the former converts mechanical energy into electricity, and the latter stores electric energy as chemical energy. Here, we introduce a fundamental mechanism that directly hybridizes the two processes into one, in which the mechanical energy is directly converted and simultaneously stored as chemical energy without going through the intermediate step of first converting into electricity. By replacing the polyethylene (PE) separator as for conventional Li battery with a piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) film, the piezoelectric potential from the PVDF film as created by mechanical straining acts as a charge pump to drive Li ions to migrate from the cathode to the anode accompanying charging reactions at electrodes. This new approach can be applied to fabricating a self-charging power cell (SCPC) for sustainable driving micro/nanosystems and personal electronics.

A ball-bearing structure based triboelectric nanogenerator (B-TENG) with interdigitative-electrodes was developed that can not only collect energy from rotational kinetic energy, but also serve as a self-powered and multifunctional sensor. The B-TENG relies on the rolling electrification between PTFE balls on Cu interdigitative-electrodes, which delivers an open-circuit voltage of ∼40 V and a short-circuit current of ∼1.2 μA at a rotating speed of 300 rpm for 4 mm PTFE balls. Using the output signals of B-TENG, a nondestructive detection for the damage of PTFE balls was realized without demounting the bearing. Besides, based on the periodic signals produced from B-TENG, the rotation speed of ball-bearing can be obtained according to the time difference between several cycles.

A free-standing, binder-free, N-doped double-layered three-dimensional (3D) CNT/G cathode consisting of a structure with vertically aligned N-doped CNTs sandwiched between two N-doped graphene layers of a seamless junction at the CNT/G interfaces (3D NCNT/G) was developed for Li-CO2 batteries. It was found that the N-doped 3D CNT/G architecture could not only facilitate CO2 gas and electrolyte diffusion through the vertically aligned open channels and electron transport via the 3D carbon network but also provide a large surface area to support numerous triphase active sites for efficient charge and discharge. As a result, the resultant Li-CO2 batteries showed a large specific capacity of 17534.1 mAh g–1 with high Coulombic efficiency of 98.3% and low overpotential (1.13 V) and good cycling stability (up to 180 discharge–charge cycles with a cutoff capacity of 1000 mAh g–1 at 100 mA g–1). This work represents a new approach to efficient energy storage with affordable, metal-free, binder-free, and porous carbon-based catalytic electrodes.

The development of wearable and large-area energy-harvesting textiles has received intensive attention due to their promising applications in next-generation wearable functional electronics. However, the limited power outputs of conventional textiles have largely hindered their development. Here, in combination with the stainless steel/polyester fiber blended yarn, the polydimethylsiloxane-coated energy-harvesting yarn, and nonconductive binding yarn, a high-power-output textile triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with 3D orthogonal woven structure is developed for effective biomechanical energy harvesting and active motion signal tracking. Based on the advanced 3D structural design, the maximum peak power density of 3D textile can reach 263.36 mW m-2 under the tapping frequency of 3 Hz, which is several times more than that of conventional 2D textile TENGs. Besides, its collected power is capable of lighting up a warning indicator, sustainably charging a commercial capacitor, and powering a smart watch. The 3D textile TENG can also be used as a self-powered active motion sensor to constantly monitor the movement signals of human body. Furthermore, a smart dancing blanket is designed to simultaneously convert biomechanical energy and perceive body movement. This work provides a new direction for multifunctional self-powered textiles with potential applications in wearable electronics, home security, and personalized healthcare.