The state of sodium inserted in the hard carbon electrode of a sodium ion battery having practical cyclability was investigated using solid state 23 Na NMR. The spectra of anode samples charged (reduced) above 50 mAh g -1 showed clear three components. Two peaks at

Metal foil targets were irradiated with 1 mum wavelength (lambda) laser pulses of 5 ps duration and focused intensities (I) of up to 4x10;{19} W cm;{-2}, giving values of both Ilambda;{2} and pulse duration comparable to those required for fast ignition inertial fusion. The divergence of the electrons accelerated into the target was determined from spatially resolved measurements of x-ray K_{alpha} emission and from transverse probing of the plasma formed on the back of the foils. Comparison of the divergence with other published data shows that it increases with Ilambda;{2} and is independent of pulse duration. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations reproduce these results, indicating that it is a fundamental property of the laser-plasma interaction.

Inspired by homogeneous borane catalysts that promote Si-H bond activation, we herein describe an innovative method for surface modification of silica using hydrosilanes as the modification precursor and tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (B(C6F5)3) as the catalyst. Since the surface modification reaction between surface silanol and hydrosilane is dehydrogenative, progress and termination of the reaction can easily be confirmed by the naked eye. This new metal-free process can be performed at room temperature and requires less than 5 min to complete. Hydrosilanes bearing a range of functional groups, including alcohols and carboxylic acids, have been immobilized by this method. An excellent preservation of delicate functional groups, which are otherwise decomposed in other methods, makes this methodology appealing for versatile applications.

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Lithium metal deposition during overcharge in practical lithium ion cells composed of a lithium metal oxide (LiCoO 2 ) positive electrode coated on Al foil, carbon (synthesized graphite and hard carbon) negative electrodes coated on Cu foil, polypropylene separator, and liquid electrolyte was observed using in situ solid state 7 Li nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements with an original probe featuring a flattened solenoid coil. Li insertion and extraction in carbon electrodes were monitored during charge and discharge and the intensities of certain peaks were found to be proportional to the cell capacity change. The deposition of metallic Li commenced after the cell voltage exceeded the nominal value and almost saturated after 160% of charge at a low current rate. The measurements showed that the deposition of metallic Li was much easier on graphite compared to hard carbon. The metallic Li deposited on hard carbon was almost completely discharged, whereas that on graphite remained after discharging to 2.5 V.