Nanosized TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> particles decorated on SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> spheres (TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>): synthesis and photocatalytic activities

Nanosized TiO₂ and nano-anatase TiO₂ decorated on SiO₂ spherical core shells were synthesized by using a sol–gel method. The synthesized pure TiO₂ nano particle and TiO₂ grafted on SiO₂ sphere with various ratios have been characterized for their structure and morphologies by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their surface areas were measured using the BET method. The photocatalytic activity of all nanocomposites was investigated using methylene blue as a model pollutant. The synthesized TiO₂/SiO₂ particles appeared to be more efficient in the degradation of methylene blue pollutant, as compared to pure TiO₂ particles.     

Moisture and solvent responsive cellulose/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocomposite materials

Water responsive SiO₂/cellulose nanocomposite hydrogels and films were constructed, for the first time, by dispersing SiO₂ nanoparticles into cellulose solution in LiOH/urea solvent, and then by crosslinking with epichlorohydrin or regeneration in coagulation bath, respectively. The cellulose nanocomposite materials were characterized by Field emission scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, dynamic rheology, wide angle X-ray diffraction and mechanical test. The SiO₂/cellulose nanocomposites at wet state or in water displayed unique behaviors, showing higher light transmittance than those before contacting with water. The results revealed that strong hydrogen-bonding interaction among water, cellulose and SiO₂ led the good dispersion of SiO₂ nanoparticles in the cellulose matrix. The incorporation of SiO₂ nanoparticles improved the transmittance and mechanical strength of the cellulose hydrogels, and also enhanced the mechanical strength of the films. Especially, the cellulose/SiO₂ nanocomposite films were milky at dry state, and changed to transparent after being soaked in water, different from the cellulose film without the SiO₂ nanoparticles. In our findings, SiO₂ and cellulose with water could form strong hydrogen bonding to create a homogenous network structure. The cellulose/SiO₂ composite as a smart material exhibited moisture and solvent responsiveness, showing potential applications in moisture detection.     

Fabrication and characterization of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> composite nanoparticles and polyurethane/(TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>) nanocomposite films

TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles were prepared by a sol–gel process. To obtain the assembly of TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles, different molar ratios of Ti/Si were investigated. Polyurethane (PU)/(TiO₂–SiO₂) hybrid films were synthesized using the “grafting from” technique by incorporation of modified TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles building blocks into PU matrix. Firstly, 3-aminopropyltriethysilane was employed to encapsulate TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles’ surface. Secondly, the PU shell was tethered to the TiO₂–SiO₂ core surface via surface functionalized reaction. The particle size of TiO₂–SiO₂ composite sol was performed on dynamic light scattering, and the microstructure was characterized by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared. Thermogravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) employed to study the hybrid films. The average particle size of the TiO₂–SiO₂ composite particles is about 38 nm when the molar ratio of Ti/Si reaches to1:1. The TEM image indicates that TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles are well dispersed in the PU matrix.     

The synthesis of nucleus-shell Cd(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>/CdS structures by chemical precipitation from aqueous solutions

The region of stable coexistence of Cd(OH)₂ and CdS as a function of pH and the concentration of the complex-forming agent (ammonia) was determined by thermodynamic analysis with the purpose of the preparation of Cd(OH)₂ cadmium hydroxide particles surrounded by cadmium sulfide CdS shells. In this region, powders were obtained by chemical precipitation during various precipitation times from aqueous solutions. X-ray diffraction was used to track the growth of the CdS nanophase of a disordered structure and hexagonal Cd(OH)₂ phase consumption with time. It was found by complexonometry that part of cadmium formed insoluble structures as a result of the formation of continuous nanosized CdS shells on single crystalline Cd(OH)₂ particles. A comparative analysis of the experimental data was used to determine the kinetics of formation of nucleus-shell Cd(OH)₂/CdS particles in the system.     

Controlled synthesis and enhanced bacteriostatic activity of Mg(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>/Ag nanocomposite

Silver nanoparticles have good sterilization performance due to their small size and large specific surface area, while the small size also brings about reunification and reduces the sterilization activity. To resolve the problem, magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)₂] microsphere was designed as a supported material to load silver particles on its surface. Mg(OH)₂ microspheres were successfully synthesized under the control of a biotemplate of eggshell membrane. X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to characterize the Mg(OH)₂ microspheres. The results indicate that the Mg(OH)₂ microspheres of average size ~ 2 μm were formed from nanoflakes. The silver nanoparticles were loaded on the surface of Mg(OH)₂ microspheres to form Mg(OH)₂/Ag nanocomposite, which exhibited enhanced antibacterial effect compared to that of silver nanoparticles. The enhanced antibacterial mechanism was investigated in detail.     

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) degradation in aqueous solution by gamma-irradiation/H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>

This work includes the applications of radiation processing to decompose dimethyl phthalate (DMP) with gamma and gamma/H₂O₂ processes. Changes in amounts of DMP, dissolved oxygen, total acidity and formaldehyde with irradiation dose were followed. The qualitative analysis of the DMP and the intermediates were determined by using a gas chromatography combined to mass spectrometry and ion chromatography. The results indicated that degradation rate of DMP was affected by H₂O₂ concentration, irradiation dose and removal efficiency of 25 mg L^?1 DMP can reach 100% for 1.42 kGy irradiation dose in the concentration of 4.8 mM H₂O₂, respectively.     

One-step template-free solution route for Cu(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanowires

Cu(OH)₂ nanowires with a diameter of 8–10 nm and lengths of tens of micrometers were fabricated in the basic solution by dropping simply NaOH solution into CuCl₂ solution at ambient temperature. The formation mechanism of nanowires was discussed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the samples. This article was submitted by the authors in English.     

Be<Subscript>2</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>CO<Subscript>3</Subscript> solubility in carbonate and fluoride aqueous solutions

Be₂(OH)₂CO₃ solubilities at 25°C in 0.7 M NaClO₄ solutions containing variable NaHCO₃ and Na₂CO₃ concentrations has been experimentally determined. The solubilities increase with increasing carbonate alkalinity. The results of the experiments do not contradict the suggestion that the mixed hydroxocarbonate complex Be₂(OH)₂CO ₃ ^2? is the major beryllium solute species. At fluoride concentrations higher than 250 μmol/L, the Be₂(OH)₂CO₃ solubilities noticeably increase as a result of the formation of beryllium fluoride complexes.     

Hydrothermally synthesized Ni(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>@Zn(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript> composite with enhanced electrochemical performance for supercapacitors

Two kinds of electrode materials Ni(OH)₂ and Ni(OH)₂@Zn(OH)₂ composite are fabricated on nickel foam. Electrochemical experiments indicate Ni(OH)₂@Zn(OH)₂ composite deserves further study due to high specific capacitance and good cycle stability, so that it can achieve energy storage and conversion as much as possible. When the hydrothermal time is different, the electrochemical performance of the sample is also different. Accurately, samples can obtain better electrochemical performance at 15 h, and the maximum specific capacitance of Ni(OH)₂@Zn(OH)₂ is 7.87 F cm^?2 compared to Ni(OH)₂ (0.61 F cm^?2) at 5 mA cm^?2. Even at 50 mA cm^?2, specific capacitance is 5.24 F cm^?2 and rate capability is 66.6%. Furthermore, Ni(OH)₂@Zn(OH)₂-15 h loses 19.8% after 1000 cycles, revealing the composite has an outstanding stable cycle. These properties also indicate Ni(OH)₂@Zn(OH)₂-15 h is a promising electrode material.     

Geometry and electronic structure of (SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> clusters

Electronic structure of (SiO₂)₃ clusters was calculated by the density functional method. Charge states were determined using various functionals, bond lengths and total energies of clusters were estimated.     

Multifunctional performances of nanocomposite SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> doped cationic EBODAC film coated on natural cellulose matrix

Reverse micellar microemulsions were utilised to synthesise stable lead titanate colloids from typical sol–gel type molecular precursors. The particles of a few nanometres in diameter that formed by hydrolysis in the micelle cores demonstrated a nanocrystalline texture without the need for thermal treatment. In a chemical solution deposition routine based on the nanoparticle dispersions, ferroelectric PbTiO₃ thin films showing excellent remanent polarisation of more than 50 μC cm⁻² were derived. The electrical characteristics of the layers were correlated to their microstructure which was controlled by the precursor composition and the annealing conditions. A columnar morphology that was realised by spinning on coatings of up to 100 nm in individual thickness proved most favourable with respect to the ferroelectric performance of the films.     

Synthesis characterization and catalytic evaluation of Ni/ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> aerogels catalysts

The Ni/ZrO₂/SiO₂ aerogels catalysts were synthesized via three different routes: (i) impregnation ZrO₂–SiO₂ composite aerogels with a aqueous solution of Ni(NO₃)₂, (ii) impregnation SiO₂ aerogels with a mixed aqueous solution of Ni(NO₃)₂ and ZrO(NO₃)₂ · 2H₂O, (iii) one-pot sol–gel procedure from precursors Ni(NO₃)₂/ZrO(NO₃)₂ · 2H₂O/Si(OC₂H₅)₄. These catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), ammonia temperature-programmed desorption (NH₃-TPD), N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The Liquid-phase hydrogenation of maleic anhydride (MA) was performed over these catalysts. The results revealed that the different preparation routes result in a difference between the obtained samples, concerning the crystal structure and composition, surface acidity, mixed level of each component, texture, and catalytic selectivity.     

Structure of aqueous dispersions of Mg<Subscript>3</Subscript>Si<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanotubes

Behavior of hydrosilicate nanotubes of composition Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄ in aqueous dispersions was studied. Experiments devoted to observation of steady-state and relaxation electro-optical effects demonstrated that, irrespective of their initial concentration in water, nanotubes form stable bulk aggregates with weak anisotropy, rather than a homogeneous system of separate suspended nanosize cylinders.     

Phase relationships in the SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> system

Phase equilibria in a miscibility gap of the SiO₂-TiO₂ system were studied. A visual polythermal analysis and annealing of samples were performed in a Galakhov microfurnace. The microstructure and composition of the obtained samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis. A critical analysis of the experimental data was made. Thermodynamically optimized based on the sub-regular solution model, a phase diagram of the SiO₂-TiO₂ system was constructed.     

Effect of humic acid on the solid phase stability and solubility of UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The stability and solubility of UO₂(OH)₂ has been studied as a function of the humic acid concentration in 0.1M NaClO₄, in the pH range from 4 to 7 under normal atmospheric conditions. The solid phase under investigation has been prepared by alkaline precipitation and characterized by TGA, ATR-FTIR, XRD, SEM and solubility measurements. According to the experimental data UO₂(OH)₂ is stable and remains the solubility limiting solid phase even in the presence of increased humic acid concentration in the solution. However, humic acid affects texture and particle size of the solid phase. Increasing humic acid concentration results in decreasing crystallite size of the UO₂(OH)₂ solid phase. Based on the solubility data, the logK _sp (UO₂(OH)₂) has been evaluated to be −22.0±0.3 and the stability constant for the UO₂(OH)HA(I) species has been estimated to be logβ ₁₁₀₁ = 15.3±0.5.     

The structures and stability of pentacoordinate germylenoid PhCH<Subscript>2</Subscript>(OH)CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>GeLiF

The structures and stability of pentacoordinate germylenoid PhCH₂(OH)CH₃GeLiF were first theoretically studied by density functional theory. Two equilibrium structures, the three-membered ring (1a) and the p-complex (1b) structures, were located. Their energy are in the order of 1b > 1a. The Ge-O coordination energies at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d, p) level are 13.6 and 0.2 kJ/mol in 1a and 1b, respectively. The insertion reactions with CH₃F indicate that germylenoid PhCH₂(OH)CH₃GeLiF is more stable than germylene PhCH₂(OH)CH₃Ge. The insertion barrier of 1a with CH₃F is only 3.1 kJ/mol higher than that of PhCH₃CH₃GeLiF, indicating that the oxygen coordination PhCH₂(OH)CH₃GeLiF has the same stability as PhCH₃CH₃GeLiF.     

Preparation of CuO/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Hollow Spheres for Catalytic Oxidation of Phenol

Porous CuO/SiO₂ hollow microspheres were synthesized via an impregnation method using pure SiO₂ hollow microspheres as the supporter, and Cu species as the functional material. The hollow microspheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction, BET surface area, temperature-programmed reduction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The catalytic activities of the CuO/SiO₂ hollow microspheres were investigated via the removal of the total chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the oxidation of phenol solution with air as an oxidant. The influence of various reaction parameters such as the reaction temperature, the partial pressure of O₂, and the initial pH of the solution were studied in detail. The coordination, dispersion and aggregation degree of copper species on porous materials play an important role for the COD removal of the phenol aqueous solution.