Synthesis of Copper‐Substituted CoS2@CuxS Double‐Shelled Nanoboxes by Sequential Ion Exchange for Efficient Sodium Storage

The construction of hybrid architectures for electrode materials has been demonstrated as an efficient strategy to boost sodium‐storage properties because of the synergetic effect of each component. However, the fabrication of hybrid nanostructures with a rational structure and desired composition for effective sodium storage is still challenging. In this study, an integrated nanostructure composed of copper‐substituted CoS₂@Cu_xS double‐shelled nanoboxes (denoted as Cu‐CoS₂@Cu_xS DSNBs) was synthesized through a rational metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based templating strategy. The unique shell configuration and complex composition endow the Cu‐CoS₂@Cu_xS DSNBs with enhanced electrochemical performance in terms of superior rate capability and stable cyclability.     

Dual Plasmonic Au−Cu2−xS Nanocomposites: Design Strategies and Photothermal Properties

Coupling two different materials to create a hybrid nanostructured system is a powerful strategy for achieving synergistically enhanced properties and advanced functionalities. In the case of Au and Cu_2−xS, their combination on the nanoscale results in dual plasmonic Au−Cu_2−xS nanocomposites that exhibit intense photon absorption in both the visible and the near-infrared spectral ranges. Their strong light-absorbing properties translate to superior photothermal transduction efficiency, making them attractive in photothermal-based applications. There are several nanostructure configurations that are possible for the Au−Cu_2−xS system, and the successful fabrication of a particular architecture often requires a carefully planned synthetic strategy. In this Minireview, the different synthetic approaches that can be employed to produce rationally designed Au−Cu_2−xS nanocomposites are presented, with a focus on the experimental protocols that can lead to heterodimer, core–shell, reverse core–shell, and yolk–shell configurations. The photothermal behavior of these materials is also discussed, providing a glimpse of their potential use as photothermally active agents in therapeutic and theranostic applications.     

NiFe2O4@SiO2@Cu3(BTC)2 nanocomposite as a magnetic metal–organic framework

A new magnetic metal–organic framework (MOF), namely, NiFe₂O₄@SiO₂@Cu₃(BTC)₂, was synthesized via an in situ method using Fe(NO₃)₃, Ni(NO₃)₂, CuN₂O₆, TEOS, (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, and benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid. Three different samples were fabricated according to a formula; xNiFe₂O₄@(100 − x)SiO₂@Cu₃(BTC)₂, where x = 10, 30, and 50. The integration of the intrinsic characteristic of Cu₃(BTC)₂ as an MOF with strong magnetic properties of NiFe₂O₄ could lead to an exquisite material with specific behaviors. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and simulated thermal analyzer (STA) were utilized to characterize the mentioned samples. Results approved that the synthesized compounds were composed of SiO₂ and Cu-MOF and NiFe₂O₄ crystalline phases with rod-like morphology. The similarity between the morphology of the synthesized samples and Cu-MOF approved that an appropriate fabrication method has been selected. This fact led to observe mesoporous composites with 38–90 m² g⁻¹ specific surface area. PL spectroscopy confirmed the near bandgap emission, ligand-to-metal charge transfer, and metal-to-ligand charge transfer. Although all the samples had magnetic hysteresis, the highest magnetization was seen in the 50NiFe₂O₄@SiO₂@Cu₃(BTC)₂ sample. This composite compound with a magnetization value of 2 emu g⁻¹ at 8000 Oe and a specific surface area of 90 m² g⁻¹ could be classified as a magnetic MOF (MMOF). STA results suggested that 400°C is the highest operating temperature for this compound.     

Boosting Na+ Storage Ability of Bimetallic MoxW1−xSe2 with Expanded Interlayers

In spite of the valuable advancements in the fabrication of transition-metal selenides (TMSs)-based hybrid structures, only single-metal selenides have been obtained through most of the present methods. Herein, a facile room-temperature self-polymerization and subsequent selenization strategy is proposed for the synthesis of bimetallic Mo_xW_1−xSe₂ nanosheets with expanded interlayers decorated with N-doped carbon-matrix assembled flowerlike hierarchical microspheres (Mo_xW_1−xSe₂/NC). Depending on the excellent coordination ability of dopamine with metal ions, self-formed flowerlike single precursors are harvested. The unique hybrid architecture benefits the penetration of the electrolyte, accelerates Na⁺ insertion/extraction kinetics, enhances electron-transfer ability, and alleviates the volume expansion and aggregation during cycling processes. Therefore, the bimetallic Mo_xW_1−xSe₂/NC electrode delivers high reversible capacities of 264 mA h g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ for 700 cycles, 204.4 mA h g⁻¹ at 4 A g⁻¹ for 1400 cycles, and 153.3 mA h g⁻¹ at 8 A g⁻¹ for 2000 cycles, as well as an excellent rate capability up to 10 A g⁻¹ with a capacity of 188.9 mA h g⁻¹. Our study offers an effective strategy to boost sodium storage performance through elaborate structural engineering.     

Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Encased in Ruthenium Oxide Film as a Hybrid Material for Neurotransmitters Sensor

A hybrid film (MWCNTs‐RuO_x?nH₂O) which contains multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) along with the incorporation of ruthenium oxide (RuO_x?nH₂O) has been synthesized on glassy carbon electrode (GCE), gold (Au), indium tin oxide (ITO) and screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) by potentiostatic methods. The presence of MWCNTs in the hybrid film enhances surface coverage concentration (Γ) of RuO_x?nH₂O to ≈2100%. The surface morphology of the hybrid film deposited on ITO has been studied using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. These two techniques reveal that the RuO_x?nH₂O incorporated on MWCNTs. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance study too reveals the incorporation of MWCNTs and RuO_x?nH₂O. The MWCNTs‐RuO_x?nH₂O hybrid film exhibits promising enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards the biochemical compounds such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. The electrocatalytic responses of these analytes at RuO_x?nH₂O, MWCNTs and MWCNTs‐RuO_x?nH₂O hybrid films have been measured using cyclic voltammetry. The obtained sensitivity values from electrocatalysis studies of analytes for MWCNTs‐RuO_x?nH₂O hybrid film are higher than the RuO_x?nH₂O and MWCNTs films. Finally, the flow injection analysis has been used for the amperometric studies of analytes at MWCNTs‐RuO_x?nH₂O hybrid film modified SPCEs.     

Solid Solubility,Raman Spectra and Electrical Property of the Solid Solutions Ce1‐xNdxO2‐δ by Sol‐gel Route

Ce_1‐xNd_xO_2‐δ (x = 0.05–0.55) solid solutions prepared by sol‐gel route were crystallized in a cubic fluorite structure. The solid limit was determined to be as high as x = 0.45. Raman spectra of the solid solutions with lower composition exhibited only one band, which was assigned to F_2g mode. Increasing composition produced broad and asymmetric F_2g mode with an appearance of low frequency tail. The new broad peak observed at higher frequency side of the F_2g mode associated with the oxygen vacancy in the lattice. The impedance spectra of the solid solutions showed definitely ionic conduction, and Ce_0.80Nd_0.20O_2‐δ solid solution possessed a maximum conductivity. At 500 °C, the conductivity and activation energy were 2.65 × 10^?3S/cm and 0.82 eV, respectively.     

Ether‐Soluble Cu53 Nanoclusters as an Effective Precursor of High‐Quality CuI Films for Optoelectronic Applications

An effective strategy is developed to synthesize high‐nuclearity Cu clusters, [Cu₅₃(RCOO)₁₀(C≡CtBu)₂₀Cl₂H₁₈]⁺ ( Cu₅₃ ), which is the largest Cu^I/Cu⁰ cluster reported to date. Cu powder and Ph₂SiH₂ are employed as the reducing agents in the synthesis. As revealed by single‐crystal diffraction, Cu₅₃ is arranged as a four‐concentric‐shell Cu₃@Cu₁₀Cl₂@Cu₂₀@Cu₂₀ structure, possessing an atomic arrangement of concentric M₁₂ icosahedral and M₂₀ dodecahedral shells which popularly occurs in Au/Ag nanoclusters. Surprisingly, Cu₅₃ can be dissolved in diethyl ether and spin coated to form uniform nanoclusters film on organolead halide perovskite. The cluster film can subsequently be converted into high‐quality CuI film via in situ iodination at room temperature. The as‐fabricated CuI film is an excellent hole‐transport layer for fabricating highly stable CuI‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with 14.3 % of efficiency.     

Lead‐ and Iodide‐Deficient (CH3NH3)PbI3 (d‐MAPI): The Bridge between 2D and 3D Hybrid Perovskites

3D and 2D hybrid perovskites, which have been known for more than 20 years, have emerged recently as promising materials for optoelectronic applications, particularly the 3D compound (CH₃NH₃)PbI₃ (MAPI). The discovery of a new family of hybrid perovskites called d ‐MAPI is reported: the association of PbI₂ with both methyl ammonium (MA⁺) and hydroxyethyl ammonium (HEA⁺) cations leads to a series of five compounds with general formulation (MA)_1−2.48x(HEA)_3.48x[Pb_1−xI_3−x]. These materials, which are lead‐ and iodide‐deficient compared to MAPI while retaining 3D architecture, can be considered as a bridge between the 2D and 3D materials. Moreover, they can be prepared as crystallized thin films by spin‐coating. These new 3D materials appear very promising for optoelectronic applications, not only because of their reduced lead content, but also in account of the large flexibility of their chemical composition through potential substitutions of MA⁺, HEA⁺, Pb²⁺ and I⁻ ions.     

Thiourea complexes in synthesis of Cd1 ? xZnxS solid solutions

Solid solutions of the CdS-ZnS system deposited as polycrystalline films by aerosol pyrolysis from aqueous solutions of cadmium and zinc thiourea complexes have been studied. The phase composition and solid-phase solubility are dictated by the nature of initial complexes. From solutions of [M(thio)₂(CH₃COO)₂] complexes, sphalerite sulfides are precipitated, which form a continuous solid solution s-Cd_1−x Zn _x S, whereas the use of the [M(thio)₂Cl₂] precursor leads to crystallization of the wurtzite w-Cd_1−x Zn _x S solid solution based on CdS (the homogeneity range 0–20 mol % ZnS) and the s-Cd_1−x Zn _x S solid solution based on zinc sulfide (50–100 mol % ZnS). The structure of the solid phase in the sulfide system is attributed to the specific features of the stereochemistry of complex precursors.     

Heterostructured Inter‐Doped Ruthenium–Cobalt Oxide Hollow Nanosheet Arrays for Highly Efficient Overall Water Splitting

The development of transition‐metal‐oxides (TMOs)‐based bifunctional catalysts toward efficient overall water splitting through delicate control of composition and structure is a challenging task. Herein, the rational design and controllable fabrication of unique heterostructured inter‐doped ruthenium–cobalt oxide [(Ru–Co)O_x] hollow nanosheet arrays on carbon cloth is reported. Benefiting from the desirable compositional and structural advantages of more exposed active sites, optimized electronic structure, and interfacial synergy effect, the (Ru–Co)O_x nanoarrays exhibited outstanding performance as a bifunctional catalyst. Particularly, the catalyst showed a remarkable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity with an overpotential of 44.1 mV at 10 mA cm^?2 and a small Tafel slope of 23.5 mV dec^?1, as well as an excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity with an overpotential of 171.2 mV at 10 mA cm^?2. As a result, a very low cell voltage of 1.488 V was needed at 10 mA cm^?2 for alkaline overall water splitting.     

Strong Metal–Support Interactions between Copper and Iron Oxide during the High‐Temperature Water‐Gas Shift Reaction

The commercial high‐temperature water‐gas shift (HT‐WGS) catalyst consists of CuO‐Cr₂O₃‐Fe₂O₃, where Cu functions as a chemical promoter to increase the catalytic activity, but its promotion mechanism is poorly understood. In this work, a series of iron‐based model catalysts were investigated with in situ or pseudo in situ characterization, steady‐state WGS reaction, and density function theory (DFT) calculations. For the first time, a strong metal‐support interaction (SMSI) between Cu and FeO_x was directly observed. During the WGS reaction, a thin FeO_x overlayer migrates onto the metallic Cu particles, creating a hybrid surface structure with Cu‐FeO_x interfaces. The synergistic interaction between Cu and FeO_x not only stabilizes the Cu clusters, but also provides new catalytic active sites that facilitate CO adsorption, H₂O dissociation, and WGS reaction. These new fundamental insights can potentially guide the rational design of improved iron‐based HT‐WGS catalysts.     

Enantioselective Self‐Assembly of Triangular Dy3 Clusters with Single‐Molecule Magnet Behavior

Three pairs of enantiopure chiral triangular Ln₃ clusters, [Ln₃L_{RRRRRR/SSSSSS}(μ₃‐OH)₂(H₂O)₂(SCN)₄]?xCH₃OH?yH₂O ( R ‐Dy₃ , Ln=Dy, x=6, y=0; S ‐Dy₃ , Ln=Dy, x=6, y=1; R ‐Ho₃ , Ln=Ho, x=6, y=1; S ‐Ho₃ , Ln=Ho, x=6, y=1; R ‐Er₃ , Ln=Er, x=6, y=0; S ‐Er₃ , Ln=Er, x=6, y=1), have been successfully synthesized by a rational enantioselective synthetic strategy. The core of triangular Ln₃ is bound in the central N₆O₃ of the macrocyclic ligand, and the coordination spheres of Ln ions are completed by four SCN^? anions and two H₂O molecules in axial positions of the macrocycle. The circular dichroism (CD) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra of the enantiomers demonstrate that the chirality is successfully transferred from the ligands to the resulting Ln₃ clusters. Ac susceptibility measurements reveal that single‐molecule magnet behavior occurs for both enantiopure clusters of R ‐Dy₃ and S ‐Dy₃ . This work is one of the few examples of the successful design of a pair of triangular Dy₃ clusters showing simultaneously slow magnetic relaxation and optical activity, and this might open up new opportunities to develop novel multifunctional materials.     

Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen‐Production Performance of Graphene–ZnxCd1−xS Composites by Using an Organic S Source

In response to the increasing concerns over energy and environmental sustainability, photocatalytic water‐splitting technology has attracted broad attention for its application in directly converting solar energy to valuable hydrogen (H₂) energy. In this study, high‐efficiency visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic H₂ production without the assistance of precious‐metal cocatalysts was achieved on graphene–Zn_xCd_1?xS composites with controlled compositions. The graphene‐Zn_xCd_1?xS composites were for the first time fabricated by a one‐step hydrothermal method with thiourea as an organic S source. It was found that thiourea facilitates heterogeneous nucleation of Zn_xCd_1?xS and in situ growth of Zn_xCd_1?xS nanoparticles on graphene nanosheets. Such a scenario results in abundant and intimate interfacial contact between graphene and Zn_xCd_1?xS nanoparticles, efficient transfer of the photogenerated charge carriers, and enhanced photocatalytic activity for H₂ production. The highest H₂‐production rate of 1.06 mmol h^?1 g^?1 was achieved on a graphene–Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S composite photocatalyst with a graphene content of 0.5 wt %, and the apparent quantum efficiency was 19.8 % at 420 nm. In comparison, the graphene–Zn_xCd_1?xS composite photocatalyst prepared by using an inorganic S source such as Na₂S exhibited much lower activity for photocatalytic H₂ production. In this case, homogeneous nucleation of Zn_xCd_1?xS becomes predominant and results in insufficient and loose contact with the graphene backbone through weak van der Waals forces and a large particle size. This study highlights the significance of the choice of S source in the design and fabrication of advanced graphene‐based sulfide photocatalytic materials with enhanced activity for photocatalytic H₂ production.     

Photocatalytic production of hydrogen in systems based on Cd<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Zn<Subscript>1–<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>S/Ni<Superscript>0</Superscript> nanostructures

A relation was established between the composition of Cd _x Zn_1–x S nanoparticles and their ability to accumulate excess negative charge during irradiation. The rate of expenditure of the accumulated charge depends on the composition of the nanoparticles and is determined by their electric capacitance. A correlation was found between the photocatalytic activity of the Cd _x Zn_1–x S nanoparticles in the release of hydrogen from solutions of Na₂SO₃, their composition, and their capacity for photoinduced accumulation of excess charge. It was shown that Ni⁰ nanoparticles photodeposited on the surface of Cd _x Zn_1–x S are effective cocatalysts for the release of hydrogen. It was found that Zn^II additions in photocatalytic systems based on Cd _x Zn_1–x S/Ni⁰ nanostructures have a promoting action on the release of hydrogen from water–ethanol mixtures. Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 45, No. 1, pp. 8–16, January-February, 2009.     

Controllable Synthesis of Bandgap‐Tunable CuSxSe1−x Nanoplate Alloys

Composition engineering is an important approach for modulating the physical properties of alloyed semiconductors. In this work, ternary CuS_xSe_1?x nanoplates over the entire composition range of 0≤x≤1 have been controllably synthesized by means of a simple aqueous solution method at low temperature (90 °C). Reaction of Cu²⁺ cations with polysulfide/‐selenide ((S_nSe_m)^2?) anions rather than independent S_n^2? and Se_m^2? anions is responsible for the low‐temperature and rapid synthesis of CuS_xSe_1?x alloys, and leads to higher S/Se ratios in the alloys than that in reactants owing to different dissociation energies of the Se?Se and the S?S bonds. The lattice parameters ‘a’ and ‘c’ of the hexagonal CuS_xSe_1?x alloys decrease linearly, whereas the direct bandgaps increase quadratically along with the S content. Direct bandgaps of the alloys can be tuned over a wide range from 1.64 to 2.19 eV. Raman peaks of the S?Se stretching mode are observed, thus further confirming formation of the alloyed CuS_xSe_1?x phase.     

HKUST-1 Derived Hollow C-Cu2−xS Nanotube/g-C3N4 Composites for Visible-Light CO2 Photoreduction with H2O Vapor

As the main component of syngas, reducing CO₂ to CO with high selectivity through photocatalysis could provide a sustainable way to alleviate energy shortage issues. Developing a photocatalytic system with low cost and high performance that is environmentally friendly is the ultimate goal towards CO₂ photoreduction. Herein, an efficient and economic three-component heterojunction photocatalyst is designed and fabricated for converting CO₂ to CO in the absence of organic sacrificial agents. The heterojunction is made of Cu_2−xS nanotubes coated with a carbon layer (C-Cu_2−xS) and g-C₃N₄. By using the classical MOF material HKUST-1 as a precursor, hollow tubular-like metal sulfides (C-Cu_2−xS) with carbon coating were synthesized and further loaded on g-C₃N₄, forming a three-component heterojunction C-Cu_2−xS@g-C₃N₄. The carbon coat in C-Cu_2−xS@g-C₃N₄ acts as an electron reservoir, which facilitates electron–hole pair separation. The optimized C-Cu_2−xS@g-C₃N₄ acted as a photocatalyst in CO₂ reduction with a high reactivity of 1062.6 μmol g⁻¹ and selectivity of 97 %. Compared with bare g-C₃N₄ (158.4 μmol g⁻¹) and C-Cu_2−xS, the reactivity is nearly 7 and 23-fold enhanced and this CO generation rate is higher than most of the reported Cu₂S or g-C₃N₄ composites under similar conditions. The prominent activity may result from enhanced light adsorption and effective charge separation. This work might open up an alternative method for the design and fabrication of high-performance and low-cost photocatalysts for efficiently and durably converting CO₂ to CO with high selectivity.     

Ternary BiOBr/TiO2/Ti3C2Tx MXene nanocomposites with heterojunction structure and improved photocatalysis performance

The rational design and construction of heterojunction structure is an effective strategy to improve the photocatalytic performance. Herein, a series of BiOBr nanosheets-immobilized TiO₂/Ti₃C₂T_x MXene hybrid materials with heterojunction structure were synthesized by a facial one-step hydrothermal method. The ternary composites show outstanding performance as photocatalysts for the degradation of rhodamine B due to the optimized synergetic effects of BiOBr, TiO₂ and Ti₃C₂T_x. The improved photocatalytic performance is remarkably attributed to the construction of a heterojunction between TiO₂ and BiOBr due to their well-matching of energy band position, which can enhance the absorption for visible light and promote the transfer of photo-generated charge carriers. Moreover, Ti₃C₂T_x acts as an electron trap to further accelerate the separation of photo-generated electrons and holes.     

Heterostructured Inter-Doped Ruthenium–Cobalt Oxide Hollow Nanosheet Arrays for Highly Efficient Overall Water Splitting

The development of transition-metal-oxides (TMOs)-based bifunctional catalysts toward efficient overall water splitting through delicate control of composition and structure is a challenging task. Herein, the rational design and controllable fabrication of unique heterostructured inter-doped ruthenium–cobalt oxide [(Ru–Co)O_x] hollow nanosheet arrays on carbon cloth is reported. Benefiting from the desirable compositional and structural advantages of more exposed active sites, optimized electronic structure, and interfacial synergy effect, the (Ru–Co)O_x nanoarrays exhibited outstanding performance as a bifunctional catalyst. Particularly, the catalyst showed a remarkable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity with an overpotential of 44.1 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² and a small Tafel slope of 23.5 mV dec⁻¹, as well as an excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity with an overpotential of 171.2 mV at 10 mA cm⁻². As a result, a very low cell voltage of 1.488 V was needed at 10 mA cm⁻² for alkaline overall water splitting.     

Electrochemically Generated γ‐LixV2O5 as Insertion Host for High‐Energy Li‐Ion Capacitors

In this study, we explored the feasibility of using electrochemically generated γ‐Li_xV₂O₅ as an insertion‐type anode in the lithium‐ion capacitor (LIC) with activated carbon (AC) as a cathode. Along with the native form of V₂O₅, their carbon composites are also used as the electrode material which is prepared by high‐energy ball milling. The electrochemical pre‐lithiation strategy is used to generate the desired γ‐phase of V₂O₅ (γ‐Li_xV₂O₅). Under the optimized mass loading conditions, the LICs are assembled with γ‐Li_xV₂O₅ as anode and AC as a cathode in the organic medium. Among the different LICs fabricated, AC/γ‐Li_xV₂O₅‐BM50 configuration delivered an energy density of 33.91 Wh kg^?1 @ 0.22 kW kg^?1 with excellent capacity retention characteristics. However, a dramatic increase in energy density (43.98 Wh kg^?1@0.28 kW kg^?1) is noted after the electrolyte modification with fluoroethylene carbonate. The high temperature performance of the assembled LIC is also studied and found that γ‐Li_xV₂O₅ phase can be used as a potential battery‐type component to construct high‐performance hybrid charge storage devices.     

Oxygen Vacancies in Amorphous InOx Nanoribbons Enhance CO2 Adsorption and Activation for CO2 Electroreduction

Tuning surface electron transfer process by oxygen (O)‐vacancy engineering is an efficient strategy to develop enhanced catalysts for CO₂ electroreduction (CO₂ER). Herein, a series of distinct InO_x NRs with different numbers of O‐vacancies, namely, pristine (P‐InO_x), low vacancy (O‐InO_x) and high‐vacancy (H‐InO_x) NRs, have been prepared by simple thermal treatments. The H‐InO_x NRs show enhanced performance with a best formic acid (HCOOH) selectivity of up to 91.7 % as well as high HCOOH partial current density over a wide range of potentials, largely outperforming those of the P‐InO_x and O‐InO_x NRs. The H‐InO_x NRs are more durable and have a limited activity decay after continuous operating for more than 20 h. The improved performance is attributable to the abundant O‐vacancies in the amorphous H‐InO_x NRs, which optimizes CO₂ adsorption/activation and facilitates electron transfer for efficient CO₂ER.