Improved electrochemical performance of nano-crystalline Li2FeSiO4/C cathode material prepared by the optimization of sintering temperature

Li₂FeSiO₄/C cathode materials have been prepared using the conventional solid-state method by varying the sintering temperature (650 °C, 700 °C and 750 °C), and the structure and electrochemical performance of Li₂FeSiO₄/C materials are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), galvanostatic charge–discharge tests, respectively. The results show that Li₂FeSiO₄ nano-crystals with a diameter of about 6–8 nm are inbedded in the amorphous carbon, and the Li₂FeSiO₄/C material obtained at 700 °C exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 195 mA?h g^?1 at 1/16 C in the potential range of 1.5–4.8 V. The excellent electrochemical performance of Li₂FeSiO₄/C attributes to the improvement of conductivity and reduction of impurity by the optimization of the sintering temperature.     

Phase Stability and Elastic Properties of Chromium Borides with Various Stoichiometries

Phase stability is important to the application of materials. By first‐principles calculations, we establish the phase stability of chromium borides with various stoichiometries. Moreover, the phases of CrB₃ and CrB₄ have been predicted by using a newly developed particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Formation enthalpy–pressure diagrams reveal that the MoB‐type structure is more energetically favorable than the TiI‐type structure for CrB. For CrB₂, the WB₂‐type structure is preferred at zero pressure. The predicted new phase of CrB₃ belongs to the hexagonal P‐6m2 space group and it transforms into an orthorhombic phase as the pressure exceeds 93 GPa. The predicted CrB₄ (space group: Pnnm) phase is more energetically favorable than the previously proposed Immm structure. The mechanical and thermodynamic stabilities of predicted CrB₃ and CrB₄ are verified by the calculated elastic constants and formation enthalpies. The full phonon dispersion calculations confirm the dynamic stability of WB₂‐type CrB₂ and predicted CrB₃. The large shear moduli, large Young’s moduli, low Poisson ratios, and low bulk and shear modulus ratios of CrB₄? PS_C and CrB₄? PS_D indicate that they are potential hard materials. Analyses of Debye temperature, electronic localization function, and electronic structure provide further understanding of the chemical and physical properties of these borides.     

Visible‐Light‐Active Elemental Photocatalysts

Seeking visible‐light‐active photocatalysts for efficient solar‐energy conversion has become an intensifying endeavor worldwide. In this concept paper, general requirements for finding new visible‐light‐active photocatalysts are briefly introduced, and recent progress in exploring elemental photocatalysts for clean‐energy generation and environmental remediation are reviewed. Finally, opportunities and challenges facing elemental photocatalysts are discussed.     

Self‐Assembly of Anionic Porphyrins and Alkaline or Alkaline Earth Metal Ions Mediated by Cucurbit[7,8]uril

Nanoscaled coordination polymers based on biologically prevalent ions have potential applications in drug delivery and biomedical imaging. Herein, coordination polymer nanoparticles of anionic porphyrins, including meso‐tetra(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐porphyrin (H₂TCPP^4?) and meso‐tetra(4‐sulfonatophenyl)‐porphyrin (H₂TPPS^4?), and alkaline or alkaline earth metal cations, such as K⁺ and Ca²⁺, were constructed in aqueous solution in the presence of cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) or cucurbit[8]uril (CB8). UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were applied to explore the assembly and particle formation of porphyrin anions and metal cations mediated by CBn. The particle size depends on the kinds of CBn and metal cations and their concentrations. The uptake of H₂TPPS^4? particles by tumor cells (A549 cells) was found to be more efficient than H₂TPPS^4? at 37 °C, showing the application potential of such assembled particles in biology and medicine.