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Through a solution approach, SnSe(2) nanoplate-graphene composites were prepared and applied as anode materials in lithium ion batteries, showing promising storage performance superior to SnSe(2) nanoplates or graphene alone.

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Nanoscaled Pt conductors were prepared from genetically engineered Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) templates through Pt cluster deposition on the outer surface of the TMV. Pt clusters were synthesized and deposited on the engineered TMV with surface-exposed cysteine via the in situ mineralization of hexachloroplatinate anions. This deposition was driven by the specific binding between thiols and the solid metal clusters. In addition, Pt-thiolate adducts are suggested to form on the engineered TMV in aqueous solutions that work as nucleation sites for the formation of the Pt clusters. The specific binding between Pt clusters and the engineered TMV template was investigated using UV/vis spectrophotometry and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) analysis. The electric conductance of Pt-deposited TMV was greater than that of the uncoated TMV virion particles. This result suggests the application of metal cluster-deposited engineered TMV in future electrical devices such as rapid response sensors.

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Human adipose samples collected in Tokyo, Japan in 1970 and 2000 were analyzed for the presence of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PBDDs), dibenzofurans (PBDFs), and diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and the concentrations in the two groups were compared. As far as we know, the concentrations of the PBDD/Fs in adipose tissue from the general Japanese population are reported for the first time. Three PBDD/F congeners were found in the following adipose tissues: 2,3,7,8-TeBDD, 2,3,7,8-TeBDF, and 2,3,4,7,8-PeBDF. The median concentrations (ranges) of three PBDD/Fs in 1970 and 2000 were 5.1 (3.4-8.3) and 3.4 (1.9-5.3) pg/g lipid wt (l.w.), respectively. For PBDEs, seven PBDE congeners were determined in the following samples: 2,4,4'-tribromodiphenyl ether (BDE-28), 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), 2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-99), 2,2',4,4',6-pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-100), 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-153), 2,2',4,4',5',6-hexabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-154), and 2,2',3,4,4',5',6-heptabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-183). Median concentrations (ranges) of PBDEs showed a significant increase from 29.2 (6.8-78.4) pg/g l.w. in 1970 to 1288 (466-2,753) pg/g l.w. in 2000. BDE-47, the major congener of PBDEs, was 56.2% and 35.6% of the total in 1970 and 2000, respectively, whereas the BDE-153 was < 1% and 29.7% of the total in 1970 and 2000, respectively. This may indicate that the source of PBDEs had changed during this period. Further analysis of archived human samples from 1970 to 2000 is needed to describe the details of the contamination trends of PBDD/Fs and PBDEs in the Japanese population. Furthermore, PBDD/F monitoring, particularly 2,3,7,8-TeBDD and 2,3,7,8-TeBDF, may give more toxicological information based on TeCDD toxic equivalents (TEQs).

An organic radical battery ͑ORB͒ operating at room temperature with lithium metal anode and radical polymer poly͑2,2,6,6tetramethylpiperidinyloxy-4-ylmethacrylate͒ ͑PTMA͒ cathode with a microporous polymer electrolyte based on electrospun poly͑vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene͒ membrane has been demonstrated. The polymer electrolyte with a fully interconnected pore structure, high electrolyte uptake, and high ionic conductivity is found to be suitable for use in PTMA-based ORBs. The cell with a thin cathode of 17 m thickness incorporating 40 wt % of PTMA exhibits a discharge capacity of 111 mAh/g at 1 C-rate ͑0.1 mA/cm 2 ͒ that corresponds to ϳ100% theoretical capacity. Good rate capability is shown by the ORB; thus, a specific capacity of 98 mAh/g is delivered even at the very high 50 C-rate. A stable cycle property is obtained at all C-rates, with the cathode structure remaining intact during cycling. The polymer electrolyte shows good compatibility with the electrodes and leads to a decrease of electrode/electrolyte interfacial resistance with cycling. The study indicates the suitability of microporous, polymer electrolyte-based ORB as a safe, lightweight, environmentally benign, flexible battery with high power-rate capability for varied applications.