Controllable synthesis of layered Co–Ni hydroxide hierarchical structures for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors

A facile solvothermal method is developed for synthesizing layered Co–Ni hydroxide hierarchical structures by using hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) as alkaline reagent. The electrochemical measurements reveal that the specific capacitances of layered bimetallic (Co–Ni) hydroxides are generally superior to those of layered monometallic (Co, Ni) hydroxides. The as-prepared Co_0.5Ni_0.5 hydroxide hierarchical structures possesses the highest specific capacitance of 1767 F g⁻¹ at a galvanic current density of 1 A g⁻¹ and an outstanding specific capacitance retention of 87% after 1000 cycles. In comparison with the dispersed nanosheets of Co–Ni hydroxide, layered hydroxide hierarchical structures show much superior electrochemical performance. This study provides a promising method to construct hierarchical structures with controllable transition-metal compositions for enhancing the electrochemical performance in hybrid supercapacitors.     

Sonochemical synthesis and application of rhodium–graphene nanocomposite

Abstract  

Highly water dispersible rhodium–graphene nanocomposite have been successfully synthesized by the simple reduction of Rh³⁺ salt on poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(propylene oxide)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO/PPO/PEO) triblock copolymer or pluronic-stabilized graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets with borohydride. Rhodium nanoparticles, having average size of 1–3 nm, are homogeneously distributed through out the graphene sheets. Some porous structures of graphene sheets have also been observed after the reduction of pluronic-stabilized GO in the presence of metal ions. The material is very effective for hydrogenation of arenes, especially for benzene as the substrate material at the room temperature and 5 atm pressure of hydrogen.     

Facile synthesis and photocatalytic activity of ZnO–CuO nanocomposite

Nanostructured ZnO–CuO composite with an open and porous surface was successfully prepared through a simple one-step homogeneous coprecipitation method under low temperature (80 °C), without using any organic solvent or surfactant. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the ZnO–CuO nanocomposite presented a hierarchical 3D morphology composed of flower-like ZnO microstructures adorned with leaf-like CuO nanopatches. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO–CuO nanocomposite was evaluated by the photodegradation of rhodamine B under the simulated sunlight irradiation, and compared with those of the monocomponent oxides synthesized by the identical synthetic route and their physical mixture in the approximate molar ratio as that of the nanocomposite. The results indicated that the ZnO–CuO nanocomposite exhibited an appreciable photocatalytic activity, which was mainly attributed to the extended photo-responding range and the increased charge separation rate in the nanocomposite.     

Solid-state synthesis of molybdenum–vanadium mixed oxide of tubular morphology

The thermally stimulated processes in the disperse carbon–V₂O₅: MoO₃ mixed oxide composite at 400°C were studied by electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and EPR. The mixed oxide phase recrystallized to form tubulene-like structures in the form of rolled lamellae.     

Ultrasonic approach to the synthesis of HMX@TATB core–shell microparticles with improved mechanical sensitivity

To improve the safety of sensitive explosive HMX while maintaining explosion performance, a moderately powerful but insensitive explosive TATB was used to coat HMX microparticles via a facile ultrasonic method. By using Estane as surface modifier and nano-sized TATB as the shell layer, the HMX@TATB core–shell microparticles with a monodisperse size and compact shell structure were successfully constructed. Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results confirmed the formation of perfect core–shell structured composites. Based on a systematic and comparative study of the effect of experimental conditions, a possible formation mechanism of core–shell structure was proposed in detail. Moreover, the perfect core–shell HMX@TATB microparticles exhibited a unique thermal behavior and significantly improved mechanical sensitivity compared with that of the physical mixture.     

Bipolar resistive switching of solution processed TiO2–graphene oxide nanocomposite for nonvolatile memory applications

In this study, we report the observation of memory effect in TiO₂–GO nanocomposite films. Electrical properties of the prepared Al/TiO₂–GO composite/ITO devices have shown stable and reproducible bipolar resistive switching behavior. The TiO₂–GO composite films were prepared using solution method by spin coating technique. Observed results have shown that the inclusion of GO in the TiO₂ matrix have exhibited a significant role in the resistive switching mechanism. The device has exhibited an excellent memory characteristic with low operating voltages, good endurance up to 10⁵ cycles and long retention time more than 5×10³ s$5\times {10}^3\text{s}$.     

Laser induced self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of TiNi alloy

TiNi alloy, especially porous TiNi, a good biocompatible material, can be made by laser induced self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS). A 40-W CO2 laser was used to ignite the powders of Ti and Ni, and TiNi intermetallic compound was synthesized by SHS in a reaction kettle of stainless steel. High-speed photography, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate and analyze the reaction process, phase composing, and microstructure of the product, respectively. The influence factors on the reaction process and the product were discussed. The results indicate that laser induced SHS is an efficient, energy-saving method; The phase ingredient of the product consists of TiNi, Ti2Ni, and Ni3Ti. With the increase of the preparing pressure of the sample, the reacting rate decreases; With the increase of the laser power and the preheating temperature, the reacting rate increases. Under the condition of 30℃/min, the synthesis reaction had been carried out consistently and     

One-pot approach to synthesize PPy@S core–shell nanocomposite cathode for Li/S batteries

Journal of Nanoparticle Research - Graphene and graphene oxide are potential candidates as nanofluids for thermal management applications. Here, we investigate the rheological properties and...     

Laser Running Waves for the Kapitza–Dirac Diffraction in the Atom Interferometer

The scheme of multi-momentum atom interferometer based on the resonant Kapitza–Dirac diffraction is considered. The conclusion is made that the arms of counter propagating waves forming the standing wave, which scatters the atoms, should have the equal length.     

Laser–plasma interaction physics in the context of fusion

Of vital importance for Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) are the understanding and control of the nonlinear processes which can occur during the propagation of the laser pulses through the underdense plasma surrounding the fusion capsule. The control of parametric instabilities has been studied experimentally, using the LULI six-beam laser facility, and also theoretically and numerically. New results based on the direct observation of plasma waves with Thomson scattering of a short wavelength probe beam have revealed the occurence of the Langmuir decay instability. This secondary instability may play an imporant role in the saturation of stimulated Raman scattering. Another mechanism for reducing the growth of the scattering instabilities is the so-called `plasma-induced incoherence'. Namely, recent theoretical studies have shown that the propagation of laser beams through the underdense plasma can increase their spatial and temporal incoherence. This plasma-induced beam smoothing can reduce the levels of parametric instabilities. One signature of this process is a large increase of the spectral width of the laser light after propagation through the plasma. Comparison of the experimental results with numerical simulations shows an excellent agreement between the observed and calculated time-resolved spectra of the transmitted laser light at various laser intensities.     

Green synthesis of biocompatiable chitosan–graphene oxide hybrid nanosheet by ultrasonication method

Ultrasound-induced synthesis of chitosan-modified nano-scale graphene oxide (CS-NGO) hybrid nanosheets, which has great potential pharmaceutical applications, in supercritical CO₂ without catalyst was presented for the first time. The preparation process does not require organic solvent and post-processing, and CO₂ easily escapes from the product. The morphology and structure of the CS-NGO, characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, confirms that it was combined via the amide linkage, and had excellent dispersibility and stability toward acidic and physiological aqueous solution, which implies that it could be used as a drug-carrier. The sonication power played a crucial role in inducing forming amidation, and the conversion rate increased with the sonication time. The mechanism of this reaction was explained.     

Synthesis and characterization of nickel–manganese oxide via the hydrothermal route for electrochemical capacitors

Nano-sized and well dispersed manganese oxide and nickel–manganese oxide (Ni–Mn–O) powders are synthesized via the hydrothermal route. The addition of nickel ions significantly affects the morphology, particle size and the electrochemical properties of the obtained powders. Adding nickel ions results in a significant change in the shape of the powders from rod-like to plate-like. The electrochemical analysis of the electrode reveals that the specific capacitance of the synthesized powders is greatly increased with the addition of nickel ions. When the hydrothermal temperature is increased to 125 °C, the specific capacitance also increases to 284 F/g and decreases by about 4% after 1500 cycles of charge and recharge. Ni–Mn–O is considered to be a promising material for the electrodes used in electrochemical capacitors.     

Polarization-preserving anisotropic mirror on the basis of metal–dielectric nanocomposite

The model of a polarization-preserving anisotropic mirror is proposed. The mirror is a plane boundary of a metal–dielectric nanocomposite that consists of silver spheroidal nanoparticles dispersed in a transparent matrix. The dependence of reflection spectra on the shape of the nanoparticles is studied. It is shown that in one region of the spectrum, the mirror preserves the sign of polarization in the reflected light.     

Laser synthesis of metal–metaloxide nanoparticles on carbonic materials in an electric field

Nanoparticles of palladium and its oxides are synthesized on carbonic materials via the laser ablation and deposition of metals in electric fields. Studies of the materials show it is possible to control the crystallinity, size, and chemical state of nanoparticles without changing the laser beam parameters.     

Facile synthesis of a sulfur/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite cathode with core–shell structure for lithium rechargeable batteries

A novel sulfur/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite (S/MWCNT) was prepared by a facile quasi-emulsion template method in an O/W system. Transmission and scanning electronic microscopy show the formation of a highly developed core–shell tubular structure consisting of S/MWCNT composite with uniform sulfur coating on its surface. The homogenous dispersion and integration of MWCNT in the S/MWCNT composite create a highly conductive and mechanically flexible framework, enhancing the electronic conductivity and consequently the rate capability of the material. The S/MWCNT composite cathode could deliver a stable discharge (the fifth cycle) capacity of about 903 mAh g^?1 at 0.1 C, 751 mAh g^?1 at 0.5 C, and 631 mAh g^?1 at 1 C.     

Application of the method of static fluctuational approach to the Bogolyubov–Kolesnikov–Shelah model

A method of calculating the equilibrium correlation functions of any arbitrary order for the Baldwin– Kolesnikov–Shelah (BKSh) model is suggested based on the static fluctuational approach. The method based on only one controllable approach allows the so-called equations of long-range coupling to be obtained which contain all information on the sought-after equilibrium correlation functions within the scope of the BKSh model. Calculations of the sought-after equilibrium correlation functions allow one to go beyond the scope of the conventional molecular field approach and to take into account the effect of field fluctuations on the gap behavior and the heat capacity to the left and right of the critical point. For the simplest case disregarding a dependence of the potential on the wave vector, temperature dependences of the energy gap and heat capacity with allowance for the fluctuations are presented. It is demonstrated that in this case, the fluctuations are small for three-dimensional systems, but sharply increase with decreasing dimensionality of the system.     

Study of the synthesis of nanocrystalline mixed tantalum–zirconium carbide

The synthesis conditions of refractory tantalum–zirconium carbide Ta_0.8Zr_0.2C on the basis of Ta₂O₅–ZrO₂–C ultrafine initial blend prepared via the sol–gel method are explored. The initial blend is prepared via hydrolysis in the presence of Ta(OC₅H₁₁)₅ and [Zr(O₂C₅H₇)_4–x (OC₅H₁₁) _x ] carbon source polymer solutions, gel drying, and carbonization at a temperature of 450°C. A series of the carbothermal synthesis experiments is implemented at various temperatures and exposure times. The synthesis conditions are shown to affect not only the phase composition of products but also their oxidation resistance related to the particle size.