Influence of the annealing atmosphere on the properties of LiCoPO4–graphitic carbon foams composites

The investigation on the properties of LiCoPO₄–graphitic carbon foams (LCP-GCF) composites is reported in this work. The diffraction analysis (XRD) on powders confirmed the presence of LiCoPO₄ as major crystalline phase and Li₄P₂O₇ and Co₂P as secondary phases. The morphological investigation of the composites shows a layer of crystalline spongy-like material on the surface of the GCF for t?=?0 h and of acicular crystallites with different dimensions (5–50 μm) for t?≥?0.1 h. The voltammetric curves (cyclic voltammogramms) show mean values of reduction potential above 5.0 V independently of the annealing time. The LCP-GCF composites deliver a discharge-specific capacity of 76mAh g^?1 (t?=?0 h) and of 102mAh g^?1 (t?=?0.1 h) at a discharge rate of C/10 and room temperature. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data reveal a decrease of the electrical resistance and the improvement of the Li-ion conductivity as a function of the annealing time.     

Unprecedented photocatalytic activity of carbon coated/MoO3 core–shell nanoheterostructurs under visible light irradiation

We reveal that nano-scale carbon layer deposited by hydrothermal process on molybdenum oxide (MoO₃) nanowires surface significantly improve the light absorption range. Furthermore, the graphene-carbon coated MoO₃ nanocopmosite (rGO/C-MoO₃ nanocomposite) exhibits excellent chemical stability and enhanced photocatalytic activity for methylene blue in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation compared to the bare MoO₃ nanowires and carbon coated MoO₃ nanowires (C-MoO₃ nanowires). The enhanced photocatalytic activity of rGO/C-MoO₃ nanocomposite could be attributed to the extended light absorption range, better adsorptivity of dye molecules and efficient separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. Overall, this work provides new insights that the as synthesized rGO/C-MoO₃ nanocomposite can be efficiently used as high performance photocatalysts to improve the environmental protection issues under visible light irradiation.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of CdTe quantum dots–TiO2–graphene hybrid

CdTe–TiO₂–graphene nanocomposites were successfully synthesized via a simple and relatively general hydrothermal method. During the hydrothermal environment, GO was reduced to reduced graphene oxide (RGO), accompanying with the anchoring of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the surface of RGO. In the following process, CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were then in situ grown on the carbon basal planes. The morphologies and structural properties of the as-prepared composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and fluorescent spectroscopy. It is hoped that our current work could pave a way towards the fabrication of QDs–TiO₂–RGO hybrid materials.     

Preparation and characterization of p–n heterojunction photocatalyst p-CuBi2O4/n-TiO2 with high photocatalytic activity under visible and UV light irradiation

In this article, the p-type CuBi₂O₄ powder was prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The p–n heterojunction photocatalyst p-CuBi₂O₄/n-TiO₂ was prepared by ball milling. The photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photoluminescence emission spectra. The photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst was evaluated by photocatalytic reduction of Cr₂O₇ ²⁻ and photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange (MO). The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of the p–n heterojunction photocatalyst p-CuBi₂O₄/n-TiO₂ was much higher than that of TiO₂ and the mixture of p-CuBi₂O₄–n-TiO₂ without ball milling under visible and UV light irradiation. The optimal percentage of doped p-CuBi₂O₄ is 20 wt%. Compared with pure TiO₂, the photoabsorption wavelength range of the photocatalyst is extended greatly toward visible light and improves the utilization of the total spectrum. The effect of ball milling time on the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst was also investigated. The optimum ball milling time is 6 h. The mechanisms of influence of p-CuBi₂O₄ on the photocatalytic activity of p-CuBi₂O₄/n-TiO₂ were also discussed by the p–n junction principle and the valance band theory.     

Sol–gel route of synthesis of nanoparticles of MgFe2O4 and XRD,FTIR and VSM study

Nanoparticles of MgFe₂O₄ are synthesized using sol–gel autocombustion method. Structural studies are carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD pattern of MgFe₂O₄ provides information about single-phase formation of spinel structure with cubic symmetry. The grain size and lattice constant are obtained using XRD data. The cation distribution is also proposed theoretically. The change in site preference of cations in nano-MgFe₂O₄ is compared with its bulk counterpart. The structural morphology of the nanoparticles is studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Formation of spinel structure is conformed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which also lends support for the cation distribution proposed using XRD data. The effect of nanoregime on parameters such as bond length, vibration frequency and force constant are discussed with the help of FTIR data. The M–H loop of MgFe₂O₄ has been traced using the Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and magnetic parameters such as saturation magnetization (M_S), coercivity (H_C) and retentivity (M_R) are obtained from VSM data.     

Efficient photocatalytic degradation of acid orange 7 on metal oxide p–n junction composites under visible light

MO(=CuO, Co₃O₄, NiO)/BiVO₄ p–n junction composites were synthesized by urea-precipitation and wet impregnation method. The physicochemical and optical properties of the as-prepared materials were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra. The photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared materials was investigated for decomposition of azo dye, acid orange 7. The CuO/BiVO₄ and Co₃O₄/BiVO₄ p–n junction composite photocatalysts exhibited the higher photocatalytic degradation of acid orange 7 than those of BiVO₄ and NiO/BiVO₄ as-prepared samples under visible light irradiation. We also discussed the mechanism of enhanced photocatalytic activity of p–n junctioned composites based on their energy band structures.     

Investigation on a novel ZnO/TiO2–B photocatalyst with enhanced visible photocatalytic activity

A new type of composite photocatalysts (ZnO/TiO₂–B) with Zinc oxide nanoparticles dispersed on boron doped titanium dioxide was prepared via a sol–gel method. The as-prepared powders were characterized by HRTEM, XRD, XPS, UV–vis DRS, and PL techniques. The results reveal that B³⁺ ions are doped into the TiO₂ lattice in interstitial mode, while ZnO nanoparticles are dispersed on the surface of TiO₂. The absorption of photocatalysts was extended into visible light region and the photogenerated electrons and holes were separated efficiently. Hence, ZnO/TiO₂–B composite photocatalyst exhibits much better photocatalytic activity than those of pure TiO₂ and TiO₂–B on photodegradation of 4-chlorophenol under visible light irradiation.     

Preparation and photocatalytic properties of hybrid core–shell reusable CoFe2O4–ZnO nanospheres

Magnetically separable and reusable core–shell CoFe₂O₄–ZnO photocatalyst nanospheres were prepared by the hydrothermal synthesis technique using glucose derived carbon nanospheres as the template. The morphology and the phase of core–shell hybrid structure of CoFe₂O₄–ZnO were assessed via TEM, SEM and XRD. The magnetic composite showed high UV photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue in water. The photocatalytic activity was found to be ZnO shell thickness dependent. Thicker ZnO shells lead to higher rate of photocatalytic activity. Hybrid nanospheres recovered using an external magnetic field demonstrated good repeatability of photocatalytic activity. These results promise the reusability of the hybrid nanospheres for photocatalytic activity.     

Microscopic mechanism of plasmon-mediated photocatalytic H2 splitting on Ag–Au alloy chain

Alloy nanostructures supporting localized surface plasmon resonances has been widely used as efficient photocatalysts, but the microscopic mechanism of alloy compositions enhancing the catalytic efficiency is still unclear. By using time-dependent density functional theory(TDDFT), we analyze the real-time reaction processes of plasmon-mediated H₂ splitting on linear Ag–Au alloy chains when exposed to femtosecond laser pulses. It is found that H₂ splitting rate depends on th...     

Solvothermal synthesis and characterization of α-Fe2O3 nanodiscs and Mn3O4 nanoparticles with 1,10-phenanthroline

α-Fe₂O₃ nanodiscs and Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles have been prepared by the 1,10-phenanthroline as complexing agent in the presence of sodium hydroxide under hydrothermal conditions. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. The average diameter of α-Fe₂O₃ nanodiscs is of 2 μm. In the case of Mn₃O₄ sample, the Mn₃O₄ crystallites are nanoparticles with an average size of 34 nm. A formation mechanism for the α-Fe₂O₃ and Mn₃O₄ nanomaterials was proposed.     

Ultrasonic-assisted synthesis of Pd–Pt/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites for enhanced electro-oxidation of ethanol and methanol in alkaline medium

Herein, a facile ultrasonic-assisted strategy was proposed to fabricate the Pd–Pt alloy/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Pd–Pt/CNTs) nanocomposites. A good number of Pd–Pt alloy nanoparticles with an average of 3.4 ± 0.5 nm were supported on sidewalls of CNTs with uniform distribution. The composition of the Pd–Pt/CNTs nanocomposites could also be easily controlled, which provided a possible approach for the preparation of other architectures with anticipated properties. The Pd–Pt/CNTs nanocomposites were extensively studied by electron microscopy, induced coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and applied for the ethanol and methanol electro-oxidation reaction in alkaline medium. The electrochemical results indicated that the nanocomposites had better electrocatalytic activities and stabilities, showing promising applications for fuel cells.     

Facile synthesis and characterization of FeP x V1 − x O4 nanobelts with enhanced photocatalytic performance

Journal of Nanoparticle Research - A 3D heterogeneous TiO2/ZnO array was successfully synthesized on FTO substrate via hydrothermal process. The 3D TiO2/ZnO array exhibited enhanced light...     

Preparation of multi-walled carbon nanotube–Fe composites and their application as light weight and broadband electromagnetic wave absorbers

Multi-walled carbon nanotube （MWCNT）-Fe composites were prepared via the metal organic chemical vapor deposi- tion by depositing iron pentacarbonyl on the surface of MWCNTs. The structural and morphological analyses demonstrated that Fe nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of the MWCNTs. The electromagnetic properties of the MWCNTs were significantly changed, and the absorbing capacity evidently improved after the Fe deposition on the MWCNT surface. A minimum reflection loss of -29.4 dB was observed at 8.39 GHz, and the less than -10 dB bandwidth was about 10.6 GHz, which covered the whole X band （8.2-12.4 GHz） and the whole Ku band （12.4-18 GHz）, indicating that the MWCNT-Fe composites could be used as an effective microwave absorption material.     

Magnetic field dependence of piezoelectric resonance frequency in CoFe2O4–BaTiO3 composites

The particulate and the multilayer CoFe₂O₄(CFO)–BaTiO₃(BT) composites were prepared by the conventional solid state reaction method and the tape casting method, respectively. Both the prepared composites were simultaneously ferroelectric and ferromagnetic at room temperature. For the multilayer composite sample, a piezoelectric resonance frequency remarkably depended on the applied DC magnetic field, while no remarkable magnetic field dependence was observed for the particulate composite samples. An uniform magnetostriction of the CFO phase in the multilayer composite contributes to piezoelectric effect of the BT phases, resulting in the modulation of the piezoelectric resonance frequency.     

Structure of connections of single-walled carbon nanotubes with the use of the combined 5–7 and 4–8 topological defects

The structures of zigzag-zigzag, armchair-zigzag, zigzag-chiral, armchair-armchair, armchair-chiral, and chiral-chiral pair connections produced by single-walled carbon nanotubes 1.5–5.0 diameter with the use of the combined 5–7 and 4–8 topological defects have been calculated by molecular mechanics methods. It has been established that the use of the combined 5–7 topological defect makes it possible to produce connections between pairs of single-walled carbon nanotubes with any conductivities, chiralities, and diameters, whereas the use of the combined 4–8 topological defect provides a means for forming connections between nanotubes only with the same type of conductivity. The angles between the axes of nanotubes connected by the combined 5–7 and 4–8 topological defects lie in the ranges 145°–180° and 112°–178°, respectively. It has been revealed that there are correlations between structural parameters of the connections and the relative arrangement of the simple topological defects in the combined topological defects.     

Anomalous infrared and visible light absorption and local structure of Ag–Au core/shell nanoparticles

We measured infrared and visible light absorption spectra and EXAFS for Ag–Au core/shell particles. The shell thickness and core diameter can be evaluated from the EXAFS results, which are almost consistent with those obtained using TEM. The influence of a thinner shell only slightly appeared in the visible absorption spectra, whereas the influence appeared strongly in the infrared absorption spectra. The spectra of the material in the vicinity of the particle surface appear in the infrared spectra. On the other hand, the spectra of the rather more internal material are observed in the visible spectra. It is thought that the influence of the core metal is different in the visible spectra from the infrared spectra. By considering the penetration depth, this phenomenon can be explained.     

Structure and broadening coefficients (He, Ar and N2) of the ν4 band of CF4

Spectra of CF₄ in the ν₄ fundamental band region have been recorded in pure gas and in mixtures with He, Ar and N₂ at resolution up to . Obtained data allowed us to evaluate the integrated band intensity, line intensity distribution and effective broadening coefficients for J-multiplets. The broadening coefficient behavior is similar to that previously registered for linear molecules: they coincide for P and R branches; the J-dependence in the case of argon is more pronounced than that for helium. The broadening coefficients for nitrogen and helium are practically the same but the values for nitrogen are scattered around the general trend.Q-branch broadening is different from that for J-manifolds. The coefficients of branch broadening are noticeably smaller. Nitrogen broadening is very close to result for the case of argon though there is a marked difference between them for J-manifolds. Collisions with argon and nitrogen broaden the Q-branch almost 3 times more effectively than collisions with helium.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and electrochemical properties of α-MoO3 nanobelts used as cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

Uniform α-MoO₃ nanobelts were successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal process at 180°C for 20 h of the acidic solutions with different pH values of 0–0.75, adjusted using HCl (conc.). XRD and SEM results revealed that the pH of the precursor solutions played an important role in the phase, impurities, and morphology of the products. At the pH=0, the perfect α-MoO₃ nanobelts with a few tens of microns long were synthesized. By the TEM characterization, orthorhombic MoO₃ has a distinctive layered structure along the [010] direction, consisting of distorted MoO₆ octahedrons connected by common corners along the [100] direction and common edges along the [001] direction. The electrochemical measurement showed that the α-MoO₃ nanobelts have high specific charge capacity.     

Magnetic,magnetoelectric and dielectric behavior of CoFe2O4–Pb(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3 particulate and layered composites

Magnetic, magnetoelectric and dielectric properties of multiferroic CoFe₂O₄–Pb(Fe_1/2Nb_1/2)O₃ composites prepared as bulk ceramics were compared with those of tape cast and cofired laminates consisting of alternate ferrite and relaxor layers. X-ray diffraction analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope observations of ceramic samples revealed two-phase composition and fine grained microstructure with uniformly distributed ferrite and relaxor phases. High and broad maxima of dielectric permittivity attributed to dielectric relaxation were found for ceramic samples measured in a temperature range from −55 to 500 °C at frequencies 10 Hz–2 MHz. Magnetic hysteresis, zero-field cooled (ZFC) and field cooled (FC) curves, and dependencies of magnetization on temperature for both magnetoelectric composites were measured with a vibrating sample magnetometer in an applied magnetic field up to 80 kOe at 4–400 K. The hysteresis loops obtained for composites are typical of a mixture of the hard magnetic material with a significant amount of the paramagnet. The bifurcation of ZFC–FC magnetizations observed for both composites implies spin-glass behavior. Magnetoelectric properties at room temperature were investigated as a function of dc magnetic field (0.3–7.2 kOe) and frequency (10 Hz–10 kHz) of ac magnetic field. Both types of composites exhibit a distinct magnetoelectric effect. Maximum values of magnetoelectric coefficient attained for the layered composites exceed 200 mV/(cm Oe) and are almost three times higher than those for particulate composites.