IN SITU OBSERVATION OF 2-DIMENSIONAL TEXTURE OF EUROPIUM COMPLEX ON WATER SURFACE BY BREWSTER ANGLE MICROSCOPY

Monolayers of europium complexes on water surface have been directly visualized in the gas-liquid expanded region at different temperatures using Brewster angle microscopy (BAM). The film texture with network patterns of the complex (C₁₈)₂ Eu(DBM)₄ and hs evolution with time and temperature of the subphase were examined. The average linear cell dimension and the polygon areas have been analyzed as a function of time and the temperature. The mechanism of the domain growth is qualitatively discussed.     

Effect of additives on the structure and electrochemical performance of mesoporous nickel hydroxide

Nickel hydroxide mesoporous structures are synthesized by a simple method in the presence of different additives (oxalic acid, aminoacetic acid, and sulfosalicylic acid). Structural characterizations reveal that the additives can affect the crystal structure, increase the specific surface area, and reduce the pore size of the products. The electrochemical properties of the synthesized Ni(OH)₂ samples are dependent on their crystal phase, surface area, and pore size distribution. Mesoporous β-Ni(OH)₂ with poor crystallinity shows high specific capacitances at different current densities and excellent cycling ability. A highest specific capacitance of 1,693 F?g^?1 can be achieved at a scan rate of 5 mV?s^?1. The results suggest its potential application in electrochemical supercapacitors.     

Effects of the laser surface treatment on the mechanical properties of CuZr-based bulk metallic glasses

Surfaces of three types of CuZr-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) were modified by laser surface treatment (LST), and the influence of the treatment on structure and mechanical properties of these alloys was investigated. The phase structure of as-cast and laser-treated samples was characterized by XRD and the morphology of the alloys after fracture was examined by SEM. The compressive plasticity of treated Cu47.5Zr47.5Al5 and Cu46.5Zr47.5Al5Co1 BMGs can be improved from 0.5% to 2.0% and from 1.2% to 5.7% respectively compared with the as-cast ones, while (Cu0.55Zr0.40Al0.05)99Er1 BMG shows insignificant change of plasticity. The improvement in plasticity is attributed to induced crystallization of B2 CuZr phase in the treated surface zone of selected metallic glasses.     

Size-refinement enhanced flexibility and electrochemical performance of MXene electrodes for flexible waterproof supercapacitors

Increasing mechanical flexibility without sacrificing electrochemical performance of the electrode mate-rial is highly desired in the design of flexible electro...     

Coral reef-like polyanaline nanotubes prepared by a reactive template of manganese oxide for supercapacitor electrode

Coral reef-like PANI nanotubes composed of nanopaticles were successfully synthesized by a reactive template of manganese oxide.The structure was characterized by using SEM,TEM,and FT-IR,and the supercapacitive behaviors of these nanotubes were investigated with cyclic voltammetry（CV）,and charge-discharge tests,respectively.A maximum specific capacitance of 533 F/g could be achieved in 1mol/L aqueous H₂SO₄ with the potential range of -0.2 to 0.8 V（vs.the saturated calomel electrode） in a half-cell setup configuration for PANI electrode,suggesting its potential application in the electrode material for electrochemical capacitors.     

The effect of drying method on the properties and nanoscale structure of cellulose whiskers

Cellulose whiskers were prepared from wood- and cotton-based microcrystalline cellulose and dried by two methods: freeze-drying or air-drying. The effect of drying method on the properties and structure of the whiskers were studied. Furthermore, the influence of the source of cellulose on the nanoscale structure was investigated. Drying method was observed to slightly influence the thermal stability of cellulose whiskers, whereas the char residue varied significantly depending on the drying process performed. Small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to examine the crystallinity and nanoscale structure of the dried whiskers. It was observed that the crystal structure and crystallinity of cellulose whiskers remained during all treatments, whereas their nanoscale structure was significantly influenced by drying method, neutralization, and source of cellulose. Relationships between thermal behavior and nanoscale structure were reported and discussed.     

An environmentally benign benzylic oxidation catalyzed by hypervalent iodine intermediate in water

An effective and environmentally benign benzylic oxidation for transition of alkylarenes into the corresponding carbonyl compounds was reported.Alkylarenes were mixed and stirred with potassium bromide,m-chloroperbenzoic acid and a catalytic amount of iodobenzene in water at 60 8C for several hours,a series of the corresponding carbonyl compounds was obtained in moderate to good yields.In the reaction,iodobenzene was first oxidized by m-chloroperbenzoic acid into the hypervalent iodine intermediate which then reacted with potassium bromide to form the key radical initiator for the benzylic oxidation.