Facile Preparation of Snowflake-Like MnO2@NiCo2O4 Composites for Highly Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

Snowflake-like MnO₂@NiCo₂O₄ composites were successfully fabricated by employing crossed snowflake-like MnO₂ nanorods as cores and one-dimensional (1D) NiCo₂O₄ nanoneedles as shells. Impressively, the MnO₂@NiCo₂O₄ composites exhibited a highly efficient electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing capability, and the minimum reflection loss (RL) value reached −58.4 dB at 6.8 GHz for a thickness of 4.0 mm. The reasons for the improved EMW absorption capability of snowflake-like MnO₂@NiCo₂O₄ composites were analyzed. The unique core–shell structure, good impedance matching, and high dielectric loss were all found to be important contributors. Moreover, the interfacial polarization mainly stemmed from the heterostructure, a microcurrent generated from the 1D MnO₂ nanorods and NiCo₂O₄ nanoneedles under alternating electromagnetic fields, and the synergistic effect from the different components were all beneficial to improve the EMW absorption performance. These results demonstrated that snowflake-like MnO₂@NiCo₂O₄ composites could be utilized as promising materials for practical EMW absorbing applications.     

Microwave absorbing properties of Fe3O4–poly(3, 4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) hybrids in low‐frequency band

A facile method is proposed to obtain microwave absorbing materials (MAMs), which possess strong microwave absorption properties in low‐frequency range. By simply mechanical mixing, the obtained Fe₃O₄–poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) hybrids exhibit more excellent microwave absorbing properties than that of Fe₃O₄ or PEDOT individually. The analysis on the microwave absorbing properties of the Fe₃O₄–PEDOT hybrids indicates that the excellent microwave absorbing properties are ascribed to several factors, like the dielectric loss, the interface polarization, eddy current effect, natural ferromagnetic resonance, and the impedance as well as the thickness of the coating. The Fe₃O₄–PEDOT hybrids with appropriate mass ratios of PEDOT to Fe₃O₄ (represented by (PEDOT)/(Fe₃O₄)) show superior microwave absorbing property at low frequency. When the thickness is 4 mm, the reflection loss of the sample reached ?15.8 dB at 3.2 GHz with (PEDOT)/(Fe₃O₄) of 3 and ?31.4 dB at 4.5 GHz with (PEDOT)/(Fe₃O₄) of 2, respectively. The obtained Fe₃O₄–PEDOT MAMs will have a promising application in the practical industry and commerce affairs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of Manganese Dioxide Dispersion on the Absorbing Properties of Manganese Dioxide (MnO2)‐Epoxy Composites

Manganese dioxide (MnO₂) particle was synthesized and introduced into epoxy resin to be microwave absorber. The spectroscopic characterization of the formation processes of MnO₂ was studied by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microwave absorbing properties with different volume fractions of MnO₂ were investigated by measuring complex permittivity, complex permeability and reflection loss in the 2–18 and 18–40 GHz microwave frequency range using the free space method. The absorbing performance of MnO₂‐epoxy composites at same sample thickness and at various sample thickness were also studied. It was found that the best absorbing property and an absorption frequency range shifting could be obtained at the frequency range of 2–18 and 18–40 GHz.     

Template‐free Fabrication of Hierarchical Macro‐/mesoporous N‐doped TiO2/graphene Oxide Composites with Enhanced Visible‐light Photocatalytic Activity

Hierarchical macro‐/mesoporous N‐doped TiO₂/graphene oxide (N‐TiO₂/GO) composites were prepared without using templates by the simple dropwise addition mixed solution of tetrabutyl titanate and ethanol containg graphene oxide (GO) to the ammonia solution, and then calcined at 350 °C. The as‐prepared samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange in an aqueous solution under visible‐light irradiation. The results show that N‐TiO₂/GO composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity. GO content exhibited an obvious influence on photocatalytic performance, and the optimal GO addition content was 1 wt%. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the synergetic effects of three factors including the improved visible light absorption, the hierarchical macro‐mesoporous structure, and the efficient charge separation by GO.     

Nickel‐substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles supported on arginine‐modified graphene oxide nanosheets: Synthesis and catalytic activity

The amino acid arginine was used to modify the surface of graphene oxide nanosheets and then nickel‐substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were supported on those arginine‐grafted graphene oxide nanosheets (Ni_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄@Arg–GO). The prepared Ni_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄@Arg–GO was characterized using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The application of Ni_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄@Arg–GO as a catalyst was examined in a one‐pot tandem oxidative cyclization of primary alcohols with o ‐phenylenediamine to benzimidazoles under aerobic oxidation conditions. The results showed that 2‐phenylbenzimidazole derivatives were successfully achieved using Ni_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄@Arg–GO nanocomposite catalyst via the one‐pot tandem oxidative cyclization strategy.     

NZFO-PZT磁电复合纳米纤维的制备及其吸波性能

采用静电纺丝法制备(1-x)Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄-(x)Pb(Zr_0.52Ti_0.48)O₃(简称为(1-x)NZFO-(x)PZT, x=0.1、0.2、0.3、0.4、0.5)磁电复合纳米纤维, 研究了PZT含量对复合纳米纤维结构、电磁特性及微波吸收性能的影响。所有样品均由尖晶石结构NZFO和钙钛矿结构PZT两相所组成。由于NZFO磁损耗与PZT介电损耗的协同效应及界面效应的加强, 适量PZT相的引入可改善复合纳米纤维吸波涂层的电磁阻抗匹配和衰减特性, 提高微波吸收性能。x=0.3和0.4的复合纳米纤维分别在低频和高频范围表现出最强的微波吸收能力。当涂层厚度为2.5~5.0 mm时, x=0.3样品的最小反射损耗在6.1 GHz处达-77.2 dB, 反射损耗小于-10 dB的有效吸收带宽为11.2 GHz(2.8~12.9和16.9~18 GHz);x=0.4样品的最小反射损耗位于18 GHz处为-37.6 dB, 有效吸收带宽达到12.5 GHz(3.3~12.5和14.7~18 GHz)。     

NZFO-PZT磁电复合纳米纤维的制备及其吸波性能

采用静电纺丝法制备(1-x)Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄-(x)Pb(Zr_0.52Ti_0.48)O₃(简称为(1-x)NZFO-(x)PZT, x=0.1、0.2、0.3、0.4、0.5)磁电复合纳米纤维, 研究了PZT含量对复合纳米纤维结构、电磁特性及微波吸收性能的影响。所有样品均由尖晶石结构NZFO和钙钛矿结构PZT两相所组成。由于NZFO磁损耗与PZT介电损耗的协同效应及界面效应的加强, 适量PZT相的引入可改善复合纳米纤维吸波涂层的电磁阻抗匹配和衰减特性, 提高微波吸收性能。x=0.3和0.4的复合纳米纤维分别在低频和高频范围表现出最强的微波吸收能力。当涂层厚度为2.5~5.0 mm时, x=0.3样品的最小反射损耗在6.1 GHz处达-77.2 dB, 反射损耗小于-10 dB的有效吸收带宽为11.2 GHz(2.8~12.9和16.9~18 GHz);x=0.4样品的最小反射损耗位于18 GHz处为-37.6 dB, 有效吸收带宽达到12.5 GHz(3.3~12.5和14.7~18 GHz)。     

Enhanced Visible Light Irradiation Photocatalytic Performance of MgFe2O4 After Growing with ZnO Nanoshell and Silver Nanoparticles

MgFe₂O₄ implanted with ZnO and silver nanoparticles has been successfully synthesized. The formation mechanism of the core~shell structured Ag/ZnO /MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles was investigated. The efficacy of degradation of an organic dye was compared under the visible light irradiation with the individual components (MgFe₂O₄ , ZnO , and Ag). The structure of Ag/ZnO /MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles was established from detailed structural analyses using a vibrating‐sample magnetometer (VSM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD ), selected area electron diffraction (SAED ), scanning electron microscopy (SEM ), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS ), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM ). Ag/ZnO /MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles showed a saturation magnetization (M _s) of 44 emu/g. It is seen from the results that ZnO is coated on the surface of MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, and Ag nanoparticles are attached to the edge of the ZnO /MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. In addition, the nanoparticles were found to be spherical with appropriate structures. The electron transfer mechanism greatly enhances the rhodamine B (RhB ) degradation rate, which is illustrated and discussed in detail. The obtained Ag/ZnO /MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were photostable and magnetically recyclable with potential application in the degradation of organic pollutants.     

Achieving full effective microwave absorption in X band by double-layered design of glass fiber epoxy composites containing MWCNTs and Fe3O4 NPs

The glass fiber epoxy composites containing MWCNTs and Fe₃O₄ NPs were manufactured by composites liquid molding process. The microwave absorbing properties of single-layered and double-layered glass fiber/MWCNTs/epoxy and glass fiber/Fe₃O₄ NPs/epoxy composites were evaluated. The reflection loss(RL) were calculated by the measured complex permittivity and permeability using waveguide method by vector network analyzer. Based on the mechanism analysis and deficiency of single-layer absorber, the double-layered composites were fabricated by using matching layer and absorbing layer to enhance the microwave absorption performance, which can be modulated by tailoring the electromagnetic parameters and thicknesses of each layer. The optimized microwave absorbing properties of double-layered composites with minimum RL of −45.7 dB and full X-band effective absorption can be achieved when the total thickness of the matching layer and absorbing layer is 1.8 mm, which can be attributed to synergistic effect of improved impedance matching characteristic and superior microwave attenuation characteristic of the absorbing layer. The combined utilization of dielectric loss and magnetic loss absorbent and their double-layered structure design shows great design flexibility and diversity and can be a promising candidate for designing high performance microwave absorbing materials.     

Magnetically recoverable copper nanorods and their catalytic activity in Ullmann cross‐coupling reaction

A novel polydentate ligand supported on Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ was designed and demonstrated for the synthesis of Cu nanorods. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/EP.EN.EG@Cu was characterized using X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/EP.EN.EG@Cu showed excellent catalytic efficiency for the cross‐coupling reaction of nitrogen‐containing heterocycles with aryl halides. The catalyst could be effectively separated from the reaction mixture by simply applying an external magnetic field and reused at least five times without loss of activity.     

Facile synthesis of Fe3O4/reduced graphene oxide/polyvinyl pyrrolidone ternary composites and their enhanced microwave absorbing properties

In this paper, ternary nanocomposites of Fe₃O₄/reduced graphene oxide/polyvinyl pyrrolidone (Fe₃O₄/rGO/PVP) as a novel type of electromagnetic microwave absorbing materials were synthesized by a three-step chemical approach. First, Fe₃O₄ nanospheres were made by solvent thermal method. Successively, the Fe₃O₄ particles were assembled with rGO after having activated by para-aminobenzoic acid. PVP grafting and reduction of GO happened simultaneously in the third step. It is found that the electromagnetic absorption (EA) performance of synthesized ternary composites with suitable PVP amount had been significantly enhanced comparing to Fe₃O₄ and Fe₃O₄/rGO. Merely 15?wt% low loading in paraffin and thin as 2.8?mm can reach effective EA bandwidth (below ?10 Db) of 11.2?GHz, and the highest reflection loss reached ?67?dB at 10.7?GHz. It was demonstrated that these composites show an effective route to novel microwave absorbing material design.     

Bifunctional Reduced Graphene Oxide/V2O5 Composite Hydrogel: Fabrication,High Performance as Electromagnetic Wave Absorbent and Supercapacitor

Multifunctional graphene hydrogels have attracted great attention aimed at practical applications. Herein, the novel and bifunctional composite hydrogel containing reduced graphene‐oxide nanosheets (RGO) and V₂O₅ nanobelts (RGO/V₂O₅) is successfully prepared for the first time. Surprisingly, tridimensional (3D) RGO/V₂O₅ composite hydrogels cannot only be used as high‐performance electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbents; they also exhibit excellent properties suitable for supercapacitor electrodes. The composites exhibit a maximum absorption of up to ?21.5 dB. In particular, a composite hydrogel showed a bandwidth of 6.63 GHz, corresponding to a reflection loss at ?10 dB, which opens the possibility for the use of 3D graphene with other functional nanomaterials as lightweight and high‐performance EM wave absorption materials. Remarkably, the composite hydrogel is capable of delivering a high specific capacitance of about 320 F g^?1 at a current density of 1.0 A g^?1.     

Microwave‐Induced In Situ Synthesis of Zn2GeO4/N‐Doped Graphene Nanocomposites and Their Lithium‐Storage Properties

Zn₂GeO₄/N‐doped graphene nanocomposites have been synthesized through a fast microwave‐assisted route on a large scale. The resulting nanohybrids are comprised of Zn₂GeO₄ nanorods that are well‐embedded in N‐doped graphene sheets by in situ reducing and doping. Importantly, the N‐doped graphene sheets serve as elastic networks to disperse and electrically wire together the Zn₂GeO₄ nanorods, thereby effectively relieving the volume‐expansion/contraction and aggregation of the nanoparticles during charge and discharge processes. We demonstrate that an electrode that is made of the as‐formed Zn₂GeO₄/N‐doped graphene nanocomposite exhibits high capacity (1463 mAh g^?1 at a current density of 100 mA g^?1), good cyclability, and excellent rate capability (531 mAh g^?1 at a current density of 3200 mA g^?1). Its superior lithium‐storage performance could be related to a synergistic effect of the unique nanostructured hybrid, in which the Zn₂GeO₄ nanorods are well‐stabilized by the high electronic conduction and flexibility of N‐doped graphene sheets. This work offers an effective strategy for the fabrication of functionalized ternary‐oxide‐based composites as high‐performance electrode materials that involve structural conversion and transformation.     

Preparation of graphene/BaFe12O19–Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 nanocomposite and its microwave absorbing properties

BaFe₁₂O₁₉–Ni_0.8Zn_0.2Fe₂O₄/graphene nanocomposites were prepared by a deoxidation technique. The structure, morphology and electromagnetic properties of the samples were detected by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, Raman, thermogravimetric analysis. Results show that the BaFe₁₂O₁₉–Ni_0.8Zn_0.2Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles dispersed on the graphene sheets. The magnetic properties of the composites decreased with the increasing of graphene contents, However, the electrical conductivity is in the contrary. Measurement of electromagnetic parameters shows that when the mass ratio of BaFe₁₂O₁₉–Ni_0.8Zn_0.2Fe₂O₄ to graphene is 5:1, it can be matched well. The microwave absorption property of it is below ?10 dB at 6.8–8.2 GHz and the minimum loss value is ?19.63 dB at 7.2 GHz. The introduction of graphene can increase the dielectric loss and has an important effect on the microwave absorption properties.     

Enhanced Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Properties of Ultrathin MnO2 Nanosheet-Decorated Spherical Flower-Shaped Carbonyl Iron Powder

In this work, spherical flower-shaped composite carbonyl iron powder@MnO₂ (CIP@MnO₂) with CIP as the core and ultrathin MnO₂ nanosheets as the shell was successfully prepared by a simple redox reaction to improve oxidation resistance and electromagnetic wave absorption properties. The microwave-absorbing properties of CIP@MnO₂ composites with different filling ratios (mass fractions of 20%, 40%, and 60% after mixing with paraffin) were tested and analyzed. The experimental results show that compared with pure CIP, the CIP@MnO₂ composites have smaller minimum reflection loss and a wider effective absorption bandwidth than CIP (RL < −20 dB). The sample filled with 40 wt% has the best comprehensive performance, the minimum reflection loss is −63.87 dB at 6.32 GHz, and the effective absorption bandwidth (RL < −20 dB) reaches 7.28 GHz in the range of 5.92 GHz–9.28 GHz and 11.2 GHz–15.12 GHz, which covers most C and X bands. Such excellent microwave absorption performance of the spherical flower-like CIP@MnO₂ composites is attributed to the combined effect of multiple beneficial components and the electromagnetic attenuation ability generated by the special spherical flower-like structure. Furthermore, this spherical flower-like core–shell shape aids in the creation of discontinuous networks, which improve microwave incidence dispersion, polarize more interfacial charges, and allow electromagnetic wave absorption. In theory, this research could lead to a simple and efficient process for producing spherical flower-shaped CIP@MnO₂ composites with high absorption, a wide band, and oxidation resistance for a wide range of applications.     

Synthesis and characterization of zinc bis(O‐isopropylxanthate) as a single‐source chemical vapor deposition precursor for ZnS

The utilization of single‐source molecular precursors in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) experiments requires a deep knowledge of their chemico‐physical properties, with particular regard to thermal stability and fragmentation pattern. This study describes the synthesis and characterization of zinc bis(O‐isopropylxanthate), Zn(O‐ⁱPrXan)₂, [O‐ⁱPrXan = (CH₃)₂CHOCS₂], a single‐source precursor for the CVD of zinc(II) sulfide thin films and nanorods. Several analytical methods yielding complementary information (extended X‐ray absorption fine structure, Raman, FT‐IR, UV–Vis optical absorption, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry as well as mass spectrometry techniques, i.e. electrospray and electron ionization, mass‐analyzed ion kinetic energy) are adopted for a comprehensive investigation of purity, structure, thermal behavior and decomposition pathways of the molecule. The most significant results are discussed critically and the properties useful for CVD applications are highlighted. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ni@Pd core–shell nanoparticles immobilized on yolk–shell Fe3O4@polyaniline composites as a highly efficient,magnetically separable and atom‐economical catalyst for reduction of nitrobenzenes

The preparation of Ni@Pd core–shell nanoparticles immobilized on yolk–shell Fe₃O₄@polyaniline composites is reported. Fe₃O₄ nanoclusters were first synthesized through the solvothermal method and then the SiO₂ shell was coated on the Fe₃O₄ surface via a sol–gel process. To prepare Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@polyaniline composites, polyvinylpyrrolidone was first grafted on to the surface of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ composites and subsequently polymerization of aniline was carried out via an ultrasound‐assisted in situ surface polymerization method. Selective etching of the middle SiO₂ layer was then accomplished to obtain the yolk–shell Fe₃O₄@polyaniline composites. The approach uses polyaniline (PANI) conductive polymer as a template for the synthesis of Ni@Pd core–shell nanoparticles. The catalytic activity of the synthesized yolk–shell Fe₃O₄@PANI/Ni@Pd composite was investigated in the reduction of o‐nitroaniline to benzenediamine by NaBH₄, which exhibited conversion of 99% in 3 min with a very low content of the catalyst. Transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TGA, X‐ray diffraction, UV–visible, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray energy dispersion spectroscopy and FT‐IR were employed to characterize the synthesized nanocatalyst. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Magnetic solid‐phase extraction of brominated flame retardants from environmental waters with graphene‐doped Fe3O4 nanocomposites

Graphene‐doped Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites were prepared by a solvothermal reaction of an iron source with graphene. The nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, superconducting quantum interference, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This nanomaterial has been used as a magnetic solid‐phase extraction sorbent to extract trace brominated flame retardants from environmental waters. Various extraction parameters were optimized including dosage and reusability of the nanocomposites, and pH of sample matrix. The reliability of the magnetic solid‐phase extraction protocol based on graphene‐doped Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites was evaluated by investigating the recoveries of 2,4,6‐tribromophenol, tetrabromobisphenol A, 4‐bromodiphenyl ether, and 4,4?‐dibromodiphenyl ether in water samples. Good recoveries (85.0–105.0%) were achieved with the relative standard deviation ranging from 1.1–7.1%. Moreover, it is speculated from characterization and magnetic solid‐phase extraction experiment that there is not only π–π stacking but also possible hydrophobic interaction between the graphene‐doped Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites and analytes.     

Application of the Fe3O4@1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐diol@Mn nano‐catalyst for the green synthesis of tetrazoles and its biological performance

The Fe₃O₄ magnetic particles were modified with 1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐diol (Phen) and the related Mn complex (Fe₃O₄@Phen@Mn) synthesized as a heterogeneous catalyst to be used for the one‐pot three‐component synthesis of various tetrazoles. The catalysts were characterized by several methods, such as the elemental analysis, FT‐IR, X‐ray powder diffraction, dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetric‐differential thermal analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the catalyst and its Phen ligand were in vitro screened with 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl by free radical scavenging methods. Results showed that the synthesized compounds possess strong antioxidant activity (IC50; 0.172  ±  0.005 mg ml^?1) as well as a good antibacterial potential in comparison to standards.     

基于Li0.35Zn0.3Fe2.35O4和碳纳米纤维双层吸波体的结构设计与吸收性能研究

通过静电纺丝技术和热处理制备了Li_0.35Zn_0.3Fe_2.35O₄纳米纤维和碳纳米纤维,并将它们各自均匀分散在硅橡胶基质中,测量了相应复合体在2~18GHz频率范围内的相对复介电常数和复磁导率,并根据传输线理论评估了由它们所构成的单层和双层结构吸波体的微波吸收特性。结果显示由于Li_0.35Zn_0.3Fe_2.35O₄纳米纤维与碳纳米纤维的电磁特性的有机结合,双层吸波体的微波吸收性能明显优于同厚度的单层吸波体。当以厚为1.8mm的Li_0.35Zn_0.3Fe_2.35O₄纳米纤维/硅橡胶复合体为吸收层和厚为0.2mm的碳纳米纤维/硅橡胶复合体为匹配层时,双层吸波体的反射率在13.9GHz达到一个最小值-47.8dB,反射率低于-10dB的吸收带宽为8.8GHz,频率范围为9.2~18GHz,反射率小于-20dB的频率范围为11.5~18GHz,带宽为6.5GHz,覆盖整个Ku波段。优化设计的双层吸波体有望作为一种轻质高效的Ku波段微波吸收材料。