Charge-response of magnetization in nanoporous Pd-Ni alloys

This work reports isothermal reversible variation of magnetization in nanoporous Pd-Ni alloys subjected to continuous charging and discharging of the sample in aprotic electrolyte medium. Polarizing metal surface with excess charge also finds strain in the nanoporous structure using the sample as working electrode. Therefore, it is proposed that pressure induced by strain is the key parameter for the observed reversible magnetization in the transition metal alloys.     

One-step synthesis of Fe3O4@C/reduced-graphite oxide nanocomposites for high-performance lithium ion batteries

In this paper, we propose a facile one-step strategy to prepare Fe₃O₄@amorphous carbon/reduced graphite oxide nanocomposites (FCRGs) under hydrothermal conditions. A transmission electron microscopy image has shown that the as-formed Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles coated with a layer of amorphous carbon are wrapped by reduced graphite oxide (r-GO) sheets. The diameter of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles is less than 50 nm. N₂ adsorption/desorption isotherms indicate that the specific surface area of FCRG is 31.6 m²/g with porous structure. FCRG exhibits improved cycling stability and rate performances as a potential anode material for high-performance lithium ion batteries.     

Sonochemical synthesis of carbon supported Sn nanoparticles and its electrochemical application

A sonochemical approach was employed to prepare Vulcan carbon XC-72R supported by Sn nanoparticles at room temperature in the presence of ethylene glycol. The reduction of metallic Sn ion and ethylene glycol takes place and in turn the glycolate ion as formed acts as a stabilizing agent. Transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have illustrated that the metallic Sn nanoparticles are successfully embedded on the carbon. The significantly observed reduction over potential for oxygen reduction reaction displays a higher catalytic activity of carbon supported by Sn nanoparticles due to the large surface area of the modified electrode.     

Design and application of phase photon sieve

The imaging principle of Fresnel zone plate and photon sieve were analyzed in this paper. The design and fabrication of phase photon sieve were discussed. The feasibility of using phase photon sieve to realize nano-lithography was analyzed, a novel lithography experiment system based on phase photon sieve was presented, which not only has higher resolution and image contrast than the Fresnel zone plate lithography but also have higher diffractive efficiency than the amplitude photon sieve lithography.     

Effects of carbonization temperature on microstructure and electrochemical performances of phenolic resin-based carbon spheres

Activated phenol resin-based carbon spheres (APCS) electrodes with high double layer capacitance and good rate capability were prepared from phenol resin-based spheres (PS) at different carbonization temperatures prior to KOH activation. The carbonization temperature has a marked effect on both the pore structure and the electrochemical performances of the APCS in 6 M KOH electrolyte. APCS carbonized at 600 °C results in higher specific surface area and larger pore size, and hence higher capacitance and better rate capability. The specific capacitance of the APCS in 6 M KOH aqueous solution can be as high as 282 F g⁻¹. It remains 252 F g⁻¹ as the current density increases to 1000 mA g⁻¹.     

Electrochemical, morphological and microstructural characterization of carbon film resistor electrodes for application in electrochemical sensors

The electrochemical and microstructural properties of carbon film electrodes made from carbon film electrical resistors of 1.5, 15, 140 Ω and 2.0 kΩ nominal resistance have been investigated before and after electrochemical pre-treatment at +0.9 V vs SCE, in order to assess the potential use of these carbon film electrodes as electrochemical sensors and as substrates for sensors and biosensors. The results obtained are compared with those at electrodes made from previously investigated 2 Ω carbon film resistors. Cyclic voltammetry was performed in acetate buffer and phosphate buffer saline electrolytes and the kinetic parameters of the model redox system Fe(CN)₆^3−/4− obtained. The 1.5 Ω resistor electrodes show the best properties for sensor development with wide potential windows, similar electrochemical behaviour to those of 2 Ω and close-to-reversible kinetic parameters after electrochemical pre-treatment. The 15 and 140 Ω resistor electrodes show wide potential windows although with slower kinetics, whereas the 2.0 kΩ resistor electrodes show poor cyclic voltammetric profiles even after pre-treatment. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy related these findings to the interfacial properties of the electrodes. Microstructural and morphological studies were carried out using contact mode Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Confocal Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. AFM showed more homogeneity of the films with lower nominal resistances, related to better electrochemical characteristics. X-ray diffraction and Confocal Raman spectroscopy indicate the existence of a graphitic structure in the carbon films.     

Mechanical fabrication of metal nano-contacts showing conductance quantization under electrochemical potential control

We have mechanically fabricated Ni and Cu nano-constrictions in solution to study their quantized conductance behavior under electrochemical potential control. Conductance quantization was observed at both metals in solution at room temperature for the first time. The conductance of Cu nano-constriction was quantized in units of G₀(=2e²/h). A sharp 1G₀ peak was observed in the conductance histogram. For Ni, a rather broad peak at 1–1.5G₀ was observed in the histogram. The conductance quantization behavior was discussed by comparing previously documented results of nano-constrictions fabricated in air or ultra-high vacuum conditions, with those fabricated in solution.     

Solution-combusting preparation of mono-dispersed Mn3O4 nanoparticles for electrochemical applications

Manganese oxide (Mn₃O₄) nanoparticles with average diameter of 15 nm were prepared using alcohol solution of manganese chloride as starting material via a facile solution-combusting method. The flame core zone was chosen to prepare mono-dispersed and high crystalline products, which were employed to modify glassy carbon electrode and detect dopamine via cyclic voltammetry. The results exhibited excellent electrochemical sensitivity. A linear relationship between the concentration of dopamine and its oxidation peak current was obtained by differential pulse voltammetry, which will find wide application in the biological detection.     

Effects of modulation phase of ultrasound-modulated light on the ultrasound-modulated optical image in turbid media

In this paper, our investigations suggest that the modulation phase of ultrasound-modulated light escaping from the different locations in the ultrasonic field is different. In turbid media, the modulation phase causes the ultrasound-modulated light intensity collected outside the media to fluctuate. However, the ultrasound-modulated optical technology uses the ultrasound-modulated light signals to image. Consequently, the modulation phase affects the quality of ultrasound-modulated optical imaging.     

Electrochemical cells with multilayer functional electrodes

Microstructural and chemical changes in a NiO-YSZ electrocatalytic electrode were studied. The microstructural changes in the NiO-YSZ electrocatalytic electrode after the cell operation was compared with the electrode quenched under the applied voltage to suppress the oxidation process. The reversible reduction of NiO into Ni and the formation of intergranular Ni layers at the NiO/YSZ interface were investigated. It was shown that in a compositional range of the NiO-YSZ electrodes from 1/3 to 2/3 the value of the ambipolar conductivity increased with increasing voltage applied to the electrochemical cell. The observed reversible increase in the value of ambipolar conductivity of the electrocatalytic electrode is described in frames of the model of reversible reduction of NiO into Ni under the conditions of cell operation.