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This review provides an accessible analysis of the processes on reference electrodes and their applications in Li-ion and next generation batteries research. It covers fundamentals and definitions as well as specific practical applications and is intended to be comprehensible for researchers in the battery field with diverse backgrounds. It covers fundamental concepts, such as two- and three-electrodes configurations, as well as more complex quasi- or pseudo- reference electrodes. The electrode potential and its dependance on the concentration of species and nature of solvents are explained in detail and supported by relevant examples. The solvent, in particular the cation solvation energy, contribution to the electrode potential is important and a largely unknown issue in most the battery research. This effect can be as high as half a volt for the Li/Li+ couple and we provide concrete examples of the battery systems where this effect must be taken into account. With this review, we aim to provide guidelines for the use and assessment of reference electrodes in the Li-ion and next generation batteries research that are comprehensive and accessible to an audience with a diverse scientific background.

Room-temperature sodium–sulfur batteries are promising battery systems because of their high theoretical capacity, high energy density, and low cost. However, their application is hindered by several issues, especially linked with the polysulfide shuttle effect. Herein, Al2O3–Nafion membrane is used to prevent migration of polysulfides from the cathode side to the anode assisting to lessen the active material loss. While Al2O3 is a very effective adsorbent to trap polysulfides anions, Nafion membrane has cation selectivity which permits migration of Na+ cations and repels polysulfide anions due to the negatively charged sulfonic groups. Thus, an increase in the performance of room-temperature sodium–sulfur batteries (RT Na–S batteries) is expected by combining their constructive effects. As a result, higher capacity retention is achieved with ∼250 mAh/g capacities after 100 cycles in the presence of Al2O3–Nafion membrane in contrast to the cell without any interlayer.

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In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) was incorporated into solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulations using both classical and novel preparation methods. The SLNs were investigated by evaluating their stabilities and physicochemical characteristics. UV-protection abilities of formulations were investigated using in vitro Transpore and Sun To See(TM) test methods. Results have been discussed by comparing the classical SLN formulation with the novel SLN, hybrid SLN (H-SLN) and the emulsion formulations. The results showed the superiority of the H-SLN formulations compared with the classical SLN; all SLN formulations were better when compared with the emulsion formulations considering the UV protection. Incorporation of TiO(2) as a sunscreen agent into SLN formulations gives opportunity to produce stable and safe formulations with reduced amount but high UV-protection ability.