Comparison of cadmium manganese telluride crystals grown by traveling heater method and vertical Bridgman method

In this paper, the CdMnTe crystals were grown by the Travelling Heater Method (THM) and the Vertical Bridgman (VB) method, respectively. The crystal properties, including the Mn axial distribution, impurity concentrations, resistivity, Hall effects and energy response spectra, were characterized and compared. The results shown that the CdMnTe crystal grown by the THM had more uniform Mn distribution and lower impurity concentrations compared to the crystal grown by VB method. The resistivity of CdMnTe grown by THM was (1.5 ∼ 8) × 10¹⁰ Ω.cm, while the resistivity of CdMnTe grown by VB was 10⁷∼10⁸ Ω.cm. The In dopant distributed uniformly throughout the crystal ingot grown by THM with the doping concentration of 0.6–0.7 ppm, while the In dopant concentration throughout the crystal grown by VB method is in the range of 1.31–2.4 ppm. Hall measurements revealed that the conductivity of the THM grown crystal was weak n‐type conductivity and the VB grown crystal was p‐type conductivity. A planar CdMnTe detector from the THM grown crystal showed a resolution of 8% of the ²⁴¹Am radiation at 59.5 keV peak, however, no energy response was revealed with the CdMnTe detector by the VB method. The results demonstrate that CdMnTe crystal grown by THM have better crystal quality and detector properties compared to that by VB method.     

Physical and chemical studies on cement containing sugarcane molasses

Molasses is generally used as a grinding aid in cement and as a water reducer and retarder in concrete. In China, the output primarily consists of sugarcane molasses. In this paper, the effects of sugarcane molasses on the physical performance and hydration chemistry of conventional Portland cement were investigated. The setting times, the normal consistency of cement pastes, the compressive strengths and fluidities of the mortars were respectively determined according to Chinese Standard GB/T 1346, GB/T17671 and GB/T 2419. The effect of molasses on the hydration kinetics of cement was investigated using a calorimeter. The hydration products and pore size distribution of the cement pastes were analysed by X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and a mercury injection apparatus. The results show that a small amount of sugarcane molasses retards the setting and hardening of cement paste and increases the fluidity of cement mortar, while excess molasses accelerates the setting and hardening. Molasses improves significantly the compressive strength at 3d due to the decrease of porosity. The addition of 1.0 % molasses accelerates the formation of ettringite, prevents the second hydration of aluminate phase and delays the hydration of C₃S.     

Green and facile synthesis of Pt/{PW12-GN} composite film and its electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation

In this paper, H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ (PW₁₂)-functionalized graphene nanosheets (PW₁₂-GNs) were prepared using a green and facile method via a UV-irradiated photoreduction process, in which PW₁₂ was directly deposited on the GNs as a reductant and also as an anionic stabilizer. The as-prepared water-dispersive PW₁₂-GN composite is used as matrices for electrodeposition of the interesting orchidlike Pt nanoclusters in situ. The PW₁₂-GN composite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). It was shown that the electrochemical properties of PW₁₂ were maintained in PW₁₂-GNs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that Pt had been deposited on the PW₁₂-GN composite surface. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed that the interesting orchidlike Pt nanoparticles were uniformly immobilized on the surface of the {PW₁₂-GN} composite film. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometric curves were used to study the electrocatalytic activity of Pt/{PW₁₂-GN} regarding methanol oxidation in 0.5 M H₂SO₄. It is worthy of note that the Pt/{PW₁₂-GN} composite film-modified electrode presents a high catalytic activity (j?=?353 mA mg^?1) and better tolerance of CO towards methanol electrooxidation.     

Preparation of yolk-shell sulfur/carbon nanocomposite via an organic solvent route for lithium–sulfur batteries

A yolk-shell sulfur/carbon (S/C) composite for the cathode of lithium–sulfur batteries was successfully prepared by an accessible method with tetrahydrofuran as solvent. The as-prepared composites are characterized by thermal gravimetric, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption and desorption. In this composite, sulfur particle is encapsulated in the carbon shell even entering into the micropores of carbon Bp2000. The electrochemical performance of the S/C composites is evaluated. The results indicate that the S/C composite with 50 wt% sulfur content shows good reversibility, excellent rate capability, and slow degradation. It delivers an initial capacity of 784.4 mAh g^?1 (based on sulfur weight) and preserves at 598.3 mAh g^?1 after 195 cycles at 1C. It achieves a high-capacity retention of 76.27 % from the 5th to 200th cycle, and as high as 91.19 % during the latter 150 cycles. The improvement is mainly attributed to the favorable structure of the S/C composite, in which the carbon cannot only facilitate transport of electrons and Li⁺ ions but also trap polysulfides and retard the shuttle effect during charge/discharge process.     

Synthesis of polyaniline/Au composite nanotubes and their high performance in the detection of NADH

Polyaniline (PANI)/Au composite nanotubes were synthesized and developed as an electrode material for a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) sensor. A MnO₂ self-degradable template method was used to prepare the tube-like PANI nanomaterial. By introducing PANI nanotubes into Au colloid, Au nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully decorated onto the surface of PANI nanotubes through electrostatic effects. The morphology, composition, and optical properties of the resulting products were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectra, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In addition, the obtained PANI/Au composites were used as catalysts for the electrochemical oxidation of NADH. Cyclic voltammogram (CV) experiments indicated that PANI/Au-modified glassy carbon electrode showed a higher electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of NADH in a neutral environment. Differential pulse voltammogram (DPV) results illustrated that the fabricated NADH sensor had excellent anti-interference ability and displayed a wide linear range from 4?×?10^?4 to 8?×?10^?3 M with a detection limit of 0.5?×?10^?7 M.     

Rhodium‐Catalyzed Ketone Methylation Using Methanol Under Mild Conditions: Formation of α‐Branched Products

The rhodium‐catalyzed methylation of ketones has been accomplished using methanol as the methylating agent and the hydrogen‐borrowing method. The sequence is notable for the relatively low temperatures that are required and for the ability of the reaction system to form α‐branched products with ease. Doubly alkylated ketones can be prepared from methyl ketones and two different alcohols by using a sequential one‐pot iridium‐ and rhodium‐catalyzed process.     

Fiber‐Based Flexible All‐Solid‐State Asymmetric Supercapacitors for Integrated Photodetecting System

Integrated nanodevices with the capability of storing energy are widely applicable and have thus been studied extensively. To meet the demand for flexible integrated devices, all‐solid‐state asymmetric supercapacitors that simultaneously realize energy storage and optoelectronic detection were fabricated by growing Co₃O₄ nanowires on nickel fibers, thus giving the positive electrode, and employing graphene as both the negative electrode and light‐sensitive material. The as‐assembled integrated systems were characterized by an improved energy storage, enhanced power density (at least by 1860 % enhanced) by improving the potential window from 0–0.6 V to 0—1.5 V, excellent photoresponse to white light, and superior flexibility of both the fiber‐based asymmetric supercapacitor and the photodetector. Such flexible integrated devices might be used in smart and self‐powered sensory, wearable, and portable electronics.     

Study on the performance of LiMn2O4 using spent Zn–Mn batteries as manganese source

Recycling spent Zn–Mn batteries by synthesizing the products with high added value is very active internationally. In this work, we have successfully synthesized the spinel LiMn₂O₄ cathode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries by simple sol–gel method using the manganese source that is recovered from spent Zn–Mn batteries through hydrometallurgy recycling technology. The influence of sintering temperature on the structure, the morphological properties, and the electrochemical properties of the product is investigated. The results show that spinel LiMn₂O₄ prepared at 700 °C has the best comprehensive performance. Moreover, the electrochemical performance of spinel LiMn₂O₄ has been further optimized by Co-ion doping.     

Tunable Oxygen Activation for Catalytic Organic Oxidation: Schottky Junction versus Plasmonic Effects

The charge state of the Pd surface is a critical parameter in terms of the ability of Pd nanocrystals to activate O₂ to generate a species that behaves like singlet O₂ both chemically and physically. Motivated by this finding, we designed a metal–semiconductor hybrid system in which Pd nanocrystals enclosed by {100} facets are deposited on TiO₂ supports. Driven by the Schottky junction, the TiO₂ supports can provide electrons for metal catalysts under illumination by appropriate light. Further examination by ultrafast spectroscopy revealed that the plasmonics of Pd may force a large number of electrons to undergo reverse migration from Pd to the conduction band of TiO₂ under strong illumination, thus lowering the electron density of the Pd surface as a side effect. We were therefore able to rationally tailor the charge state of the metal surface and thus modulate the function of Pd nanocrystals in O₂ activation and organic oxidation reactions by simply altering the intensity of light shed on Pd–TiO₂ hybrid structures.     

Mechanistic Insights into the Interface‐Directed Transformation of Thiols into Disulfides and Molecular Hydrogen by Visible‐Light Irradiation of Quantum Dots

Quantum dots (QDs) offer new and versatile ways to harvest light energy. However, there are few examples involving the utilization of QDs in organic synthesis. Visible‐light irradiation of CdSe QDs was found to result in virtually quantitative coupling of a variety of thiols to give disulfides and H₂ without the need for sacrificial reagents or external oxidants. The addition of small amounts of nickel(II) salts dramatically improved the efficiency and conversion through facilitating the formation of hydrogen atoms, thereby leading to faster regeneration of the ground‐state QDs. Mechanistic studies reveal that the coupling reaction occurs on the QD surfaces rather than in solution and offer a blueprint for how these QDs may be used in other photocatalytic applications. Because no sacrificial agent or oxidant is necessary and the catalyst is reusable, this method may be useful for the formation of disulfide bonds in proteins as well as in other systems sensitive to the presence of oxidants.