Synthesis of highly ordered SnO2／Fe2O3 composite nanowire arrays by electrophoretic deposition method

Highly ordered SnO2/Fe2O3 composite nanowire arrays have been synthesized by electrophoretic deposition method. The morphology and chemical composition of SnO2/Fe2O3 composite nanowire arrays are characterized by SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS, and XRD. The results show that the SnO2/Fe2O3 composite nanowires are about 180 nm in width and tens of microns in length, and they are composed of small nanoparticles of tetraganal SnO2 and rhombohedral α-Fe203 with diameters of 10-15nm. The SnO2/Fe2O3 composite nanowires are formed by a series of chemical reactions.     

Microwave absorption properties of SiC@SiO2@Fe3O4 hybrids in the 2-18 GHz range

To enhance the microwave absorption performance of silicon carbide nanowires (SiCNWs), SiO₂ nanoshells with a thickness of approximately 2 nm and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were grown on the surface of SiCNWs to form SiC@SiO₂@Fe₃O₄ hybrids. The microwave absorption performance of the SiC@SiO₂@Fe₃O₄ hybrids with different thicknesses was investigated in the frequency range from 2 to 18 GHz using a free-space antenna-based system. The results indicate that SiC@SiO₂@Fe₃O₄ hybrids exhibit improved microwave absorption. In particular, in the case of an SiC@SiO₂ to iron(Ⅲ) acetylacetonate mass ratio of 1:3, the microwave absorption with an absorber of 2-mm thickness exhibited a minimum reflection loss of -39.58 dB at 12.24 GHz. With respect to the enhanced microwave absorption mechanism, the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles coated on SiC@SiO₂ nanowires are proposed to balance the permeability and permittivity of the materials, contributing to the microwave attenuation.     

Magnetic properties of perpendicularly orientated L1<Subscript>0</Subscript> FePt nanoparticles

L10 FePt films were deposited on MgO (001) substrates heated to 700°C by magnetron sputtering.Assisted by the misfit of lattice between film and substrate,strong (001) texture was formed.The film at nominal thickness t N=5 nm was composed of nanoparticles with a size of～70 nm,and showed a high coercivity of～105 kOe at 4.2 K.At t N=～50 nm,as the film changed from discontinuous to continuous,the coercivity dropped about one order of magnitude.Micromagnetic simulation implies that the magnetization reversal is...     

Structural and electrical properties of HCl-polyaniline-Ag composites synthesized by polymerization using Ag-coated (NH4)2S2O8 powder

Ag nanoparticles were sputter-deposited on ammonium persulfate ((NH₄)₂S₂O₈) powder to obtain (NH₄)₂S₂O₈-Ag powder, which was used to synthesize the HCl-doped polyaniline-Ag (HCl-PANI-Ag) composite via a polymerization procedure. The Ag nanoparticles were dispersed in the HCl-PANI matrix, and their sizes mainly ranged from 3 to 6 nm. The Ag nanoparticles did not affect the structure of emeraldine salt in the composite, and they increased the ordered crystalline regions in the HCl-PANI matrix. The HCl-PANI-Ag composite had a conductivity of (6.8 ±0.1) S/cm, which is about four times larger than that of the HCl-PANI. The charge transport mechanism in the composite is explained by the three-dimensional Mott variable-range hopping (3D-Mott-VRH).     

Synthesis and application of bilayer-surfactant-enveloped Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoparticles: water-based bilayer-surfactant-enveloped ferrofluids

Superparamagnetic carbon-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with high magnetization (85 emu·g-1) and high crystallinity were synthesized using polyethylene glycol-4000 (PEG (4000)) as a carbon source. Fe₃O₄ water-based bilayer-surfactant-enveloped ferrofluids were subsequently prepared using sodium oleate and PEG (4000) as dispersants. Analyses using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicate that the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with a bilayer surfactant coating retain the inverse spinel-type structure and are successfully coated with sodium oleate and PEG (4000). Transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and particle-size analysis results indicate that the coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles also retain the good saturation magnetization of Fe₃O₄ (79.6 emu·g-1) and that the particle size of the bilayer-surfactant-enveloped Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles is 42.97 nm, which is substantially smaller than that of the unmodified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (486.2 nm). UV–vis and zeta-potential analyses reveal that the ferrofluids does not agglomerate for 120 h at a concentration of 4 g·L-1, which indicates that the ferrofluids are highly stable.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>/helical carbon nanofiber nanocomposites from the catalytic pyrolysis of ferrocene

High purity Fe3O4 /helical carbon nanofiber composites were obtained on a large scale by the catalytic pyrolysis of ferrocene in the presence of tin powder at 500°C over 12 h. The sizes of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles are 35–65 nm in size, and the diameters of the helical carbon nanofibers range from 40–70 nm. The shapes and compositions of the nanocomposites are simply controlled by adjusting the reaction temperatures. On the basis of the obtained experimental results the formation of the helical Fe3O4/carbon nanofiber composites was investigated and discussed. The magnetic hysteresis loop of the products shows ferromagnetic behavior with saturation magnetization (M s ), remanent magnetization (M r ) and coercivity (H c ) values of ca. 29.8 emu/g, 9.6 emu/g and 306.6 Oe, respectively.     

Size-dependent solid-solid phase transition process of Ag2S nanoparticles

It is well known that for a nanoparticle the solid-solid phase transition begins with the appearance of a high temperature disordered phase at the surface and the phase interface moves inward gradually with the increase of temperature. However, the size-dependent phase transition behavior remains unclear. Here we report an in-situ TEM study of the phase transition process of different-sized Ag₂S nanoparticles at atomic resolution. The onset temperature of disordered phase of the small nanoparticle is found to be lower than that of the big nanoparticle. And, the disordered phase thickness of small nanoparticle is always thicker than that of big nanoparticle. By considering surface and interface free-energy, a phenomenological model based on the minimization of system free-energy is established, which could well explain our experimental results. These discoveries extend our understanding of size dependent phase transition mechanism.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and photoluminescence behavior of CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanowires with the aid of surfactant PVP

Well-crystalline CeO₂ nanowires were prepared via a surfactant-assisted hydrothermal process. Reaction temperature and reaction time were changed for the determination of optimal synthesis parameters. The as-obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results show that single crystal CeO₂ nanowires with high yield and good uniformity can be obtained hydrothermally at 180°C for 12 h with the aid of 2.0 g surfactant (polyvinyl pyrrolidone, PVP). The role of PVP was then discussed and a possible growth mechanism was proposed. Moreover, room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra were obtained for these CeO₂ nanowires, which are believed to be related to the abundant defects in these nanostructures.     

ZnO microsheet modified TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticle composite films for dye-sensitized solar cells

Randomly oriented ZnO microsheets were successfully self-assembled on TiO₂ nanoparticle (TN) film to act as the scattering layer via a cathodic electrodeposition process. The light scattering properties of ZnO microsheets were studied by UV-Vis spectrometer in the 400–800 nm wavelength range. It was found that ZnO microsheets exhibited excellent ability to scatter the incident light for ZnO microsheet-TiO₂ nanoparticle (ZT) composite films. The results showed that dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) fabricated with ZT composite films showed higher short-circuit density (J_sc) and conversion efficiency than TN-based DSSCs, due to the light scattering properties of ZnO microsheets.     

High-temperature synthesis in nonpolar solvent for CsPbBr<Subscript>3</Subscript> and CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>PbBr<Subscript>3</Subscript> perovskite nanocrystals with high-efficient luminescence

We report a method to synthesize both organicinorganic CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ and all-inorganic CsPbBr₃ perovskite nanocrystals in nonpolar solvent at high temperature. The cesium oleate and CH₃NH₃Br (MABr) are prepared and then injected into the nonpolar solvent of octadecene including oleic acid, oleylamine, and lead halide. In the synthesis of organic-inorganic perovskites of CH₃NH₃PbBr₃, the frequently-used polar solvent of dimethylformamide or other polar solvents are not used. The prepared CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals are spherical nanoparticles with the diameter of 250 nm. The CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ perovskites are micro- scale hexagonal nanoplatelets. The colloidal perovskites exhibit high-efficient fluorescence and excellent stability.     

Preparation and upconversion luminescence of YVO<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Er<Subscript>3+</Subscript>, Yb<Subscript>3+</Subscript>

YVO₄:Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ with varying Yb³⁺ concentrations were prepared by a precipitation method. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) show that all the samples have a tetragonal zircon structure; the calculated average crystallite sizes are in the range of 14–22 nm. The lattice constants and cell volume of the samples decrease slightly with the increase in Yb³⁺ concentration. The upconversion luminescence spectra of all the samples were studied under 980 nm laser excitation. The strong green emission is observed, which is attributed to the ²H_11/2 → ⁴I_15/2 and ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺, and the red emission peaks in 650–675 nm can be ignored. The emission intensity for the sample depends on the Yb³⁺ concentration. These results reveal that the upconversion processes of YVO₄:Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ are related to the structure and the doping Yb³⁺ concentration of the sample.     

Preparation of In<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> and Cu-Doped In<Subscript>2</Subscript>S<Subscript>3</Subscript> 2D Ultrathin Nanoflakes with Tunable Absorption and Intense Photocurrent Response

We reported an effective method to synthesize In₂S₃ and Cu-doped In₂S₃ two-dimensional ultrathin nanoflakes by the hydrothermal method through tuning the Cu/In molar ratio. The transmission electron microscope images showed that the products had ultrathin flake-like shape with wrinkling and rolling. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the crystal phase of nanoflakes was varied from β-In₂S₃ to tetragonal-CuInS₂ as the Cu/In molar ratio was increased. The In₂S₃ nanoflakes exhibited absorption band at 450 nm, while new absorption peaks in turn appeared at 550 nm and 670 nm as the Cu/In molar ratio was increased. In addition, the two-dimensional ultrathin nanoflakes exhibited intense photocurrent response.     

Fabrication and photoluminescence of GaN nanowires prepared by ammoniating GaeO3/BN films on Si substrate

GaN nanowires were successfully prepared on Si（111） substrate through ammoniating Ga203/BN films deposited by radio frequency magnetron sputtering system. The synthesized nanowires were confirmed as hexagonal wurtzite GaN by X-ray diffraction, selected-area electron diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectra. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the grown GaN nanowires have a smooth and clean surface with diameters ranging from 40 to 160 nm and lengths typically up to several tens of micrometers. The representative photoluminescence spectrum at room temperature exhibited a strong UV light emission band centered at 363 nm and a relative weak purple light emission peak at 422 nm. The growth mechanism is discussed briefly.     

Preparation and radar-absorbing properties of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/Yb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> composite powder

Al₂O₃/TiO₂/Fe₂O₃/Yb₂O₃ composite powder was synthesized via the sol-gel method. The structure, morphology, and radar-absorption properties of the composite powder were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and RF impedance analysis. The results show that two types of particles exist in the composite powder. One is irregular flakes (100-200 nm) and the other is spherical Al₂O₃ particles (smaller than 80 nm). Electromagnetic wave attenuation is mostly achieved by dielectric loss. The maximum value of the dissipation factor reaches 0.76 (at 15.68 GHz) in the frequency range of 2-18 GHz. The electromagnetic absorption of waves covers 2-18 GHz with the matching thicknesses of 1.5-4.5 mm. The absorption peak shifts to the lower-frequency area with increasing matching thickness. The effective absorption band covers the frequency range of 2.16-9.76 GHz, and the maximum absorption peak reaches -20.18 dB with a matching thickness of 3.5 mm at a frequency of 3.52 GHz.     

Synthesis and characterization of wormhole-like mesoporous Ce0.6Zr0.35Y0.05O2 solid solutions

Nanoparticles of Ce0.6Zr0.35Y0.05O2 (CZY) solid solution have been prepared by the CTAB (hexadecyl-trimethyl ammonium bromide), CTAB-EG (ethylene glycol) templating, and CTAB-EG-NaCl (in which the pores of the precursor synthesized by the CTAB-EG method is filled by a certain amount of NaCl) method, respectively. The physical properties of these materials were characterized by means of tech-niques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and N2 adsorp-tion-desorption measurements. The CZY samples synthesized by the above three methods display wormhole-like mesoporous morphology and cubic crystal structures. The materials are narrow in pore size distribution (averaged pore diameter = 5.3―7.1 nm), high in surface areas (95―119 m2/g), and large in pore volumes (0.16―0.18 cm3/g). It has been demonstrated that the introduction of NaCl is capable of retaining the pore structures of solid nanomaterials at high-temperature calcination.     

Preparation and luminescence properties of monodisperse silica/aminosilane-coated Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>:Yb,Ho upconversion nanoparticles

Monodisperse silica/aminosilane-coated Y 2 O 3:Yb,Ho nanoparticles are prepared via homogenous precipitation combined with a polyvinylpyrrolidone-assisted ammoniation method.The factors that contribute to the success of the coating are examined,and the procedure is optimized.Compared with uncoated nanoparticles,coated nanoparticles exhibit an increased ratio of green to red emission intensity,which can mainly be attributed to the decreased number of surface defects induced by the surface coating.     

ZnO及其掺杂纳米粒子的反相微乳液法合成及表征

 分别以OP/正庚烷/正己醇/水溶液和吐温60/溴代十六烷基吡啶/二甲苯/正戊醇/水溶液反相微乳液体系,合成了ZnO及ZnO-Cr₂O₃,ZnO-Cr₂O₃-NiO,ZnO-Cr₂O₃-NiO-MnO掺杂纳米粒子.研究了前驱物、反应物浓度和后处理对粒子制备和粒径的影响.结果表明:所给微乳液体系适合ZnO及其掺杂纳米粒子的制备;通过选择反应途径及控制反应物浓度可实现对粒径的控制;ZnO纳米粒子的粒径为10～200nm,二元、三元、四元掺杂型纳米粒子的粒径均约为20nm.     

One-step and high-density protein immobilization on epoxysilane-modified silica nanoparticles

Silica nanoparticles are most commonly modified with amino-silanes, followed by post-modification activation for protein immobilization. In this work, epoxy-functionalized silica nanoparticles were prepared by modification with glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane （GPTMS） for direct protein immobilization. Silica nanoparticles possessed an average size of 46 nm, but increased to 63 nm after GPTMS modification. Reaction time, reaction temperature and GPTMS content had no significant effect on par- ticle size. Zeta potential of SiO2 changed from -26mV to ＋38mV after modification. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy revealed alkyl C--H bending and stretching bands at 2944 cm-1, 1343 cm-1 and 1465 cm-1, respectively, for the modified nanoparticles. Fluorescein cadaverine was found to bind to GPTMS-modified SiO2, but not to bare SiO2, indicating the chemical reactivity of epoxy groups on the modified nanoparticle with amines. Finally, fluorescenUy labeled bovine serum albumin （BSA） was used as a model protein to investigate the capacity of epoxy-SiO2 nanoparticles for protein immobilization. The results showed that more proteins were immobilized on the particle with longer reaction time, higher NaCI concentration, lower pH, and less GPTMS content. More importantly, proteins bound to epoxy-SiO2 nanoparticle were highly stable. Under optimized reaction conditions, as much as 25 mg BSA/g nanoparticle was covalentiy attached to the nanoparticle. The epoxy silane modification of silica nanoparticles offers a reactive surface for one-step and high-density protein immobilization.     

Lithium-ion full cell with high energy density using nickel-rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode and SiO-C composite anode

A high-energy-density Li-ion battery with excellent rate capability and long cycle life was fabricated with a Ni-rich layered LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ cathode and SiO-C composite anode. The LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ and SiO-C exhibited excellent electrochemical performance in both half and full cells. Specifically, when integrated into a full cell configuration, a high energy density (280 Wh·kg-1) with excellent rate capability and long cycle life was attained. At 0.5C, the full cell retained 80% of its initial capacity after 200 charge/discharge cycles, and 60% after 600 cycles, indicating robust structural tolerance for the repeated insertion/extraction of Li+ ions. The rate performance showed that, at high rate of 1C and 2C, 96.8% and 93% of the initial capacity were retained, respectively. The results demonstrate strong potential for the development of high energy density Li-ion batteries for practical applications.     

Effect of Ag addition on the thermal stability and glass-forming ability of Zr<Subscript>35</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>30</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>7.5</Subscript>Be<Subscript>27.5</Subscript> bulk metallic glass

The thermal stability and glass forming ability (GFA) of Zr35-xTi30Cu7.5Be27.5Agx (x = 0-10) alloys were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ultrasonic techniques. We found that the addition of 1 at.% Ag can considerably enhance the GFA as indicated by an increase in the critical glass dimension from 15 mm in the Zr35Ti30Cu7.5Be27.5 alloy to 20 mm in the Zr34Ti30Cu7.5Be27.5Ag1 alloy. However, with the addition of more Ag the supercooled liquid region (△Tx) and y parameter (defined as Tx/(Tg+Tl)) drastically decreased from 155 K and 0.436 to 76 K and 0.363, respectively, resulting in a decrease in the GFA. Additionally, the elastic constant (the ratio of shear modulus to bulk modulus or Poisson’s ratio) was also used as a gauge to evaluate the GFA in Zr35-xTi30Cu7.5Be27.5Agx alloys.