Electrochemical Preparation of WO_3 Nanowire Arrays

1 Results Ordered WO3 nanowires arrays have been fabricated by electrochemical deposition with anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates and annealing the W nanowire arrays in air at 400 ℃. The morphology and the chemical composition of WO3 nanowires arrays were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM),Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the diameters of the WO3 nanowires are about 90 nm, which is in good agreement with the pore diameters of the AAO templates. The growth mechanism is discussed in the text.XA typical morphology of the WO3 nanowires arrays prepared by electrodeposition in AAO templates and annealing in air are shown in above figure. Several clusters of nanowires can be found in Figure.     

Electrochemical Preparation of WO_3 Nanowire Arrays

1 Results Ordered WO3 nanowires arrays have been fabricated by electrochemical deposition with anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates and annealing the W nanowire arrays in air at 400 ℃. The morphology and the chemical composition of WO3 nanowires arrays were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM),Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the diameters of the WO3 nanowires are about 90 nm, which is in go...     

Modification of TiO2 nanotubes arrays by CdS and their photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen generation properties

In order to realize hydrogen generation under visible light, novel CdS/TiO2 nanotubes arrays are developed by electrochemical anodizaUon of Ti in 0.15 mol/L NHTF ＋ 0.08 mol/L H2C2O4 electrolyte. The diameter of the nanotube is 80-100 nm and the length is approximately 550 nm. The CdS nano-particles are deposited on the TiO2 nanotubes arrays by chemical bath deposition （CBD） in the ammonia-thiourea system. A 300 W Xe lamp is used as the light source, CdS/TiO2 nanotube arrays are used as the photoanode with the application of 1.0 V bath voltage, and 0.1 mol/L Na2S ＋ 0.04 mol/L Na2SO3 solution is used as the electrolyte, then the rate of photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen generation is 245.4 μL/（h·cm^2）. This opens new perspectives for photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen generation by using CdS/TiO2 nanotubes arrays.     

Modification of TiO_2 nanotubes arrays by CdS and their photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen generation properties

In order to realize hydrogen generation under visible light, novel CdS/TiO_2 nanotubes arrays are de- veloped by electrochemical anodization of Ti in 0.15 mol/L NH_4F 0.08mol/L H_2C_2O_4 electrolyte. The diameter of the nanotube is 80―100nm and the length is approximately 550 nm. The CdS nano-particles are deposited on the TiO_2 nanotubes arrays by chemical bath deposition (CBD) in the ammonia-thiourea system. A 300W Xe lamp is used as the light source, CdS/TiO_2 nanotube arrays are used as the photoanode with the application of 1.0V bath voltage, and 0.1 mol/L Na_2S 0.04 mol/L Na_2SO_3 solution is used as the electrolyte, then the rate of photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen generation is 245.4 μL/(h·cm~2). This opens new perspectives for photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen generation by using CdS/TiO_2 nanotubes arrays.     

Hard Templating Synthesis of Mesoporous and Nanowire SnO_2 as Lithium Battery Anode Materials

1 Results Recently,Ryoo's group reported the preparation of ordered mesoporous carbon using highly ordered mesoporous silica[1-2]. Mesoporous and nanowire SnO2 anode materials for lithium batteries were prepared using KIT-6 and SBA-15 SiO2 templates. The as-prepared SnO2 nanowires had a diameter of 6 nm and a length of ≈3 μm and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 80 m2/g while mesoporous SnO2 showed a pore size of 3.8 nm and a BET surface area of 160 m2/g. The charge capacities of these two anodes were similar to each other at 800 mAh/g while the irreversible capacity of the mesoporous SnO2 was larger than that of the nanowires (35%),showing 50%. The capacity retention of the mesoporous SnO2 was higher than that of the nanowires (85%),showing 96%. In addition,mesoporous SnO2 showed much improved rate capabilities compared to SnO2 nanowires,and the capacity retention of the mesoporous SnO2 was 98%,compared with 31% for the SnO2 nanowires at a 10 C rate (=4 000 mA/g). The improved electrochemical performance of the mesoporous SnO2 resulted because the regular porosity permitted the flooding of the electrolyte between the particles,and because mesopores acted as a buffer zone during the volume contraction and expansion of Sn.     

One Dimensional Nanostructures for Lithium-ion Batteries, Gas Sensors and Optoelectronics Applications

1 Results One dimensional (1D) nanostructures such as nanowires,nanotubes,nanorods and nanoribbons have been extensively investigated for a wide range of applications[1].Here,we present the synthesis,characterization and technological applications of several 1D nanostructures including SnO2 nanowires,CuO nanoribbons,CdSe nanowires and In2O3 nanowires.SnO2 nanowires were synthesized by thermal evaporation combined with a self-catalyzed growth procedure.Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation shows SnO2 nanowires having diameters of 200-500 nm and lengths extending several tens of micrometers.High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis identified that SnO2 nanowires grew along [100] direction with an interplannar spacing of about 0.47 nm.The electrochemical performance of SnO2 nanowires was tested as anode materials in lithium-ion cells.SnO2 nanowires show a much higher lithium storage capacity,smaller initial irreversible capacity,and higher cyclability than that of SnO2 microcrystalline powders.This improved performance should be attributed to the 1D nanowires with a large surface area and high length/diameter ratio.CuO nanoribbons were synthesized via the hydrothermal reaction using CuCl2 and NaOH as reactants.SEM and TEM analysis show that CuO nanoribbons have widths in the range of 30-100 nm,a thickness of 10 nm and lengths of several micrometers.CuO nanoribbon sensors were fabricated and their gas sensitivities towards formaldehyde and ethanol gases were tested.CuO nanoribbon sensor demonstrated high sensitivity to formaldehyde gas.     

Synthesis and characterization of high density and high aspect ratio Ag<Subscript>2</Subscript>S nanoparticle nanowires from a paired cell method

Ag₂S nanoparticle nanowires were prepared in a porous anodic aluminum oxide template by a simple paired cell method,and were characterized by XRD,FESEM,HRTEM and EDS.The results showed that the as-prepared nanowires were composed of monoclinic Ag₂S nanoparticles.The nanowire diameters ranged from 165 to 270 nm,and Ag₂S nanoparticles were nearly spherical with diameters of 40 to 60 nm.The paired cell method is simple,low cost and easy to control for the fabrication of high density and high aspect ratio Ag₂S nanoparticle nanowires.A formation mechanism for the nanoparticle nanowires was suggested.     

Rational construction of NiCo_2O_4@Fe_2O_3 core-shell nanowire arrays for high-performance supercapacitors

Fe_2O_3 electrode materials exhibit excellent electrochemical performance in electrochemical energy storage system. However, its poor electrical conductivity limits its future practical application. The binder-free Ni Co_2O_4@Fe_2O_3 composites was reasonably designed and fabricated on carbon fiber paper with NiCo_2 O_4 nanowires as conductive scaffold in the present investigation. The three-dimensional nanostructure of the porous Fe_2O_3 nanorods coated the Ni Co2 O4 nanowire arrays showed the fascinating electrochemical performance, including high specific capacitance of 262 m F/cm2 at a current density of 1 m A/cm2, and remarkable cycle stability with～74.2% capacitance retention after 4000 cycles. The excellent pseudocapacitance performance of NiCo_2O_4@Fe_2O_3 composite materials is due to synergistic effect between NiCo_2O_4 and Fe_2O_3. The results of the present work show that NiCo_2O_4@Fe_2O_3 core-shell composite electrode is expected to exhibit excellent performance in the field of supercapacitors.     

Hard Templating Synthesis of Mesoporous and Nanowire SnO_2 as Lithium Battery Anode Materials

1 Results Recently,Ryoo‘s group reported the preparation of ordered mesoporous carbon using highly ordered mesoporous silica[1-2]. Mesoporous and nanowire SnO2 anode materials for lithium batteries were prepared using KIT-6 and SBA-15 SiO2 templates. The as-prepared SnO2 nanowires had a diameter of 6 nm and a length of ≈3 μm and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 80 m2/g while mesoporous SnO2 showed a pore size of 3.8 nm and a BET surface area of 160 m2/g. The charge capacities of these two an...     

Fabrication of TiO2 nanoparticles/nanorod composite arrays via a two-step method for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Ti O2nanoparticles/nanorod composite arrays were prepared on the F-doped tin oxide(FTO)substrate through a two-step method of hydrothermal and d.c.magnetron sputtering.The microstructure and optical properties of the samples were characterized respectively by means of X-ray diffraction(XRD),field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM)and UV–vis spectrometer.The results showed that the Ti O2composite nanorod arrays possess the nature of high surface area for more dye molecule absorption and the strong light scattering effects.The dye sensitized solar cells(DSSCs)based on Ti O2composite nanorod arrays exhibited a 80%improvement in the overall energy conversion efficiency compared with the pure Ti O2nanorod arrays photoanode.     

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.     

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.     

Fabrication and structural characterization of large-scale uniform SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanotube arrays by sol-gel method

Semiconductor SnO2 nanotube arrays were fabricated by sol-gel method based on highly ordered nanoporous anodic alumina membrane. Their microstructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy, selective electron diffraction spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Results indicated that SnO2 nanotubes have a thickness of about 20-30 nm,and a diameter of about 100-200 nm. The length of the nanotubes is about 1 μn, XRD and SEDS indicated that these SnO2 nanotubes are polycrystalline.     

Chemical quenching and inhibition of positronium in Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> catalysts

The pore structure of Cr2O3/Al2O3 catalysts and the surface chemical properties of these pores were characterized by positron lifetime and coincidence Doppler broadening (CDB) measurements. Four lifetime components could be resolved from the positron lifetime spectrum, with two long lifetime components and two short lifetime components. The two long lifetimes τ4 and τ3 are attributed to ortho-positronium (o-Ps) annihilation in large pores and microvoids, respectively. With increasing Cr2O3 content, both τ4 and its intensity I4 show sharp decrease, while τ3 and its intensity I3 keep nearly unchanged. The Doppler broadening S parameters also show sharp decrease with increasing Cr2O3 content. Detailed analysis of the CDB spectrum reveals that the parapositronium (p-Ps) intensity also decreases with increasing Cr2O3 content. This indicates that the change of o-Ps lifetime τ4 is due to the chemical quenching by Cr2O3 but not spin-conversion of positronium. The decrease of o-Ps intensity I4 indicates that Cr2O3 also inhibits positronium formation.     

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.     

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).     

Analysis of the factors affecting the magnetic characteristics of nano-Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> particles

We prepared Fe3O4 nanoparticles using chemical coprecipitation and studied the factors affecting the magnetic characteristics of nano-Fe3O4 particles.We identified four factors and three levels of an orthogonal experiment and investigated these four factors that affect the magnetic characteristics of the Fe3O4 particles.We obtained important information from this investigation.The Fe3+ to Fe2+ molar ratio,the iron precursor salt,the amount of surfactant and the amount of alkali were found to be important.We also studied the influence of the order of alkali and surfactant addition,the aging time and the stirring speed on the magnetic characteristics of the nano-Fe3O4 particles.The Fe3O4 preparation process was also analyzed.     

Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Spin-Liquid Tb2Ti2O7

Polycrystalline samples of a novel spin-liquid compound Tb2Ti2O7 were prepared by a standard solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction at room temperature confirms that the synthesized compound of Tb2Ti2O7 is single phase with cubic unit cell constant a0 of 1.015 44 nm. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range between 100 and 300 K give an effective moment of 9.44 μB and Curie-Weiss temperature of 12.68 K, respectively, indicating the dominance of antiferromagnetic interactions. However, below 50 K, the magnetic behavior of Tb2Ti2O7 deviates from Curie-Weiss law, whose origin remains suspicion.     

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.