While supply chain scholars have made considerable progress in theory building and testing, there has been a relative dearth of middle range theory. Middle-range theory (MRT) is context-specific conceptualization providing theoretically grounded insights readily applicable to an empirical context. It promotes rigorous and relevant research, bridges practice and theory, and conveys deeper understanding of how and why phenomena occur. The lack of significant MRT is surprising given the considerable efforts supply chain scholars exert to stay grounded in industry practices. As a result, we put forth a broad call for more middle-range theorizing and provide guidance on how supply chain scholars may meet this call. Specifically, we describe a MRT lever—theoretical contextualization—that strikes a balance between theory and industry and then present two overarching strategies (bottom-up and top-down) for MRT development. We discuss these strategies in the supply chain domain and identify how middle-range theorizing may be undertaken in four emerging, yet important, topics.
High-Ni layered oxide cathode is considered as one of the most promising cathodes for high-energydensity lithium-ion batteries due to its high capacity and low cost. However, surficial residues, such as NiO-type rock-salt phase and Li 2 CO 3 , are often formed at the particle surface due to the high reactivity of Ni 3+ , and inevitably result in an inferior electrochemical performance, hindering the practical application. Herein, unprecedentedly clean surfaces without any surficial residues are obtained in a representative LiNi 0.8 Co 0.2 O 2 cathode by Ti gradient doping. High-resolution TEM reveals that the particle surface is composed of disordered layered phase (~ 6 nm in thickness) with the same rhombohedra structure as its interior. The formation of this disordered layered phase at the particle surface is electrochemically-favored. It leads to the highest rate capacity ever reported and a superior cycling stability. First-principles calculations further confirm that the excellent electrochemical performance roots in the great chemical/structural stability of such a disordered layered structure, mainly arising from the improved robustness of the oxygen framework by Ti doping. This strategy of constructing the disordered layered phase at the particle surface could be extended to other high-Ni layered transition metal oxides, which will contribute to the enhancement of their electrochemical performance. Received: ((will be filled in by the editorial staff)) Revised: ((will be filled in by the editorial staff))
Elektrochemischer Energiespeicher: Das Leistungsverhalten von MnO2 als pseudokapazitives Material wurde durch Dotieren mit Goldatomen gesteigert (siehe Bild). Die resultierende MnO2‐Elektrode zeigte eine erhöhte elektrische Leitfähigkeit und eine bemerkenswerte Stabilität unter cyclovoltammetrischer Zyklierung.
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