ZnO–SnO2 branch–stem nanowires based on a two-step process: Synthesis and sensing capability

ZnO–SnO₂ branch–stem nanostructures were realized on a basis of a two-step process. In step 1, SnO₂-stem nanowires were synthesized. In step 2, ZnO-branch nanowires were successfully grown on the SnO₂-stem nanowires through a simple evaporation technique. We have pre-deposited thin Au layers on the surface of SnO₂ nanowire stems and subsequently evaporated Zn powders on the nanowires. The ZnO branches, which sprouted from the SnO₂ stems, had diameters in a range of 30–35 nm. As-synthesized branches were of single crystalline hexagonal ZnO structures. Since the branch tips were comprised of Au-containing nanoparticles, the Au-catalyzed vapor–liquid–solid growth mechanism was more likely to control the growth process of the ZnO branches. To test a potential use of ZnO–SnO₂ branch–stem nanostructures in chemical gas sensors, their sensing performances with respect to NO₂ gas were investigated, showing the promising potential in chemical gas sensors.     

Efficient and library-friendly synthesis of furo- and thieno[2,3-d] pyrimidin-4-amine derivatives by microwave irradiation

A new, divergent, efficient, and selective synthesis of furo- and thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-amine derivatives by microwave irradiation has been developed starting from readily available amines and substituted 2-aminofuran-3-carbonitrile or 2-aminothiophene-3-carbonitrile, which are converted into corresponding formamidines in DMF using benzenesulfonyl chloride.     

Debye series expansion of shaped beam scattering by GI-POF

We derive Debye series expansion (DSE) for infinitely long multilayered cylinders normally incident by shaped beam. Typically the interaction between multilayered cylinders and Gaussian beam is derived in detail, and localized approximation is introduced to calculate the beam shaped coefficients. Finally DSE is employed to the study of rainbow scattering by graded-index polymer optical fiber (GI-POF).     

Security of decoy states QKD with finite resources against collective attacks

The number of transmitted signals in practical quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol is always finite. We discuss the security of decoy states QKD protocol with finite resources by considering the statistical fluctuation for the yield and error rate of the quantum state in different sources of pulses (signal sources and decoy sources). The number of exchanged quantum signals vs positive key generation rate is given with experiment results.     

Study of structural stabilities and optical properties of HgTe under high pressure

A theoretical investigation on the structural stabilities and electronic properties of HgTe under high pressure was conducted using first principles based on density functional theory. Our results demonstrate that the sequence of the pressure-induced phase transitions of HgTe is from the zinc blende, to cinnabar, rocksalt, orthorhombic, and CsCl-type structures. The pressure effects on the optical properties were discussed and compared with previous calculations and experimental data whenever available.     

Pyrolysis synthesis of magnetic - and -MnO2 nanostructures and the polymorph discrimination

The concentration of the Mn(NO₃)₂ solution has significant influence on the morphologies and the phases of the MnO₂ products. A large number of ε- MnO₂ nanowires were prepared via a simple pyrolysis under lower reaction concentration. The nanowires have lengths up to tens of micrometers and diameters in the range of 20–100 nm. The β- MnO₂ nanobundles and nanoflowers were prepared by increasing the concentration of Mn(NO₃)₂ solution. The superparamagnetism of ε- MnO₂ nanowires and paramagnetism of β- MnO₂ nanoflowers indicate their potential applications in magnetic materials.