Effect of annealing temperature on CrN microspheres synthesized by CAP technology

CrN microspheres were synthesized by using a cathodic arc plasma source system. The obtained samples were annealed in air at temperatures of 300-800 ℃ for 60 min. The influence of annealing temperature on the microstructure and surface morphology of the CrN microspheres was investigated. The CrN microspheres were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results show that the CrN nanoparticles arranged into leaf-like structures before annealing. With the rising of the annealing temperature, the size of CrN crystal nanoparticals became larger. When the annealing temperature exceeded the oxidation point(500 ℃), the CrN was oxidized and the leaf-like structure was broken. With further increase of the annealing temperature(700 ℃), the arrangement of CrN nanoparticles was changed from leaf-like structure to be discrete.     

Shape evolution of antimony oxychloride from sheaf-like to quasi-wafer structures

Antimony oxychloride Sb8O11Cl2(H2O)6 products with various morphologies including sheaf-like,rhombic-plate,oval leaf-like and quasi-wafer have been successfully synthesized via a mild and facile solution route at room temperature.The morphologies and structures of the as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).A possible formation mechanism of these structures is proposed according to the experimental results and analysis.     

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.     

Structure and corrosion resistance of Al–Cu–Fe alloys

The microstructure and electrochemical properties of Al–Cu–Fe alloys with the atomic compositions of Al_(65)Cu_(20)Fe_(15),Al_(78)Cu_7Fe_(15)and Al_(80)Cu_5Fe_(14)Si_1have been studied.The alloys were produced by induction melting of pure elements with copper mold casting.The microstructure of the alloys was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.The formation of quasicrystalline phases in the Al–Cu–Fe alloys was confirmed.The presence of intermetallic phases was observed in the alloys after crystallization in a form of ingots and plates.The electrochemical measurements were conducted in 3.5%NaCl solution.The electronic structure of the alloys was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.The post corrosion surface of the samples was checked using a scanning electron microscope equipped with the energydispersive X-ray detector.It was observed that the Al_(65)Cu_(20)Fe_(15)alloy had the highest corrosion resistance.The improved corrosion resistance parameters were noted for the plate samples rather than those in the as-cast state.And the hardness of the Al_(65)Cu_(20)Fe_(15)alloy was significantly higher than the other alloy samples.     

Functionalized graphene oxide based on p-phenylenediamine as spacers and nitrogen dopants for high performance supercapacitors

p-Phenylenediamine （PPD） functionalized graphene oxide （GO） materials （PPDG） were prepared through a one-step solvothermal process and their appli-cation as supercapacitors （SCs） were studied. The PPD is not only as the spacers to prevent aggregating and re-stacking of the graphene sheets in the preparing process but also as nitrogen sources to obtain the nitrogen-doped graphene. The structures of PPDG were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy （FT-IR）, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy （XRD）, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS） and the results show that the nitrogen-doped graphene was achieved with nitrogen content as high as 10.85 at.%. The field emission scanning electron microscopy （FE-SEM） and high resolu-tion transmission electron microscopy （HR-TEM） have confirmed that the morphologies of PPDG were looselayered with less aggregation, indicating that PPD mole-cules, as spacers, effectively prevent the graphene sheets from restacking during the solvothermal reaction. The special loose textures make PPDG materials exhibit excellent electrochemical performance for symmetric SCs with superior specific capacitance （313 F/g at 0.1 A/g）, rate capability and cycling stability. The present synthesis method is convenient and may have potential applications as ultrahigh performance SCs.     

Structure and composition-dependent optical properties of (PbxSr1-x)TiO3 (x=0.4, 0.6) nanotube arrays

Lead strontium titanate(Pb_xSr_(1-x))TiO_3(x=0.4,0.6) nanotubes were synthesized by sol-gel template method via spin coating.The structures and morphology of the as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometry.scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to determine the chemical composition of the sample and the valence state of elements.Raman spectroscopy of the as-prepared(Pb_xSr_(1-x))TiO_3(x=0.4,0.6) nanotubes at room temp...     

Synthesis of Li_4Ti_5O_(12) nanostructural anode materials with high charge–discharge capability

This study demonstrates a facile and efficient hydrothermal method to prepare spindle titanate(Li4Ti5O12 denoted as LTO)and/or carbon-LTO nanocomposites(CLTO),in which the LTO or C-LTO microspheres have diameters of a few micrometers,composed of numerous nanosheets with thickness of*30 nm and edge length of hundreds of nanometers.The morphology and size control of these nanoparticles could be achieved by varying experimental parameters including concentration of titanium butoxide,lithium hydroxide,and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide,as well as reaction temperature and time.These micro-nanostructures were characterized by several advanced techniques,such as transmission electron microscopy,scanning electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction,energy dispersive spectroscopic analysis,surface area,and electrochemical measurements.The LTO and C-LTO microstructures were examined in the charge–discharge capacity at a rate of 50 C,as well as the stability after 100 cycles at a rate of 10 C.The excellent capability may be attributed to good conductivity,large surface area,and stable assembly structure of such micro-nanostructures,which could be explored as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries.     

Preparation and electrochemical performance of double perovskite La_2CoMnO_6 nanofibers

Through electrospinning,La_2Co Mn O_6 nanofibers were prepared from a polyvinylpyrrolidone/lanthanum nitrate–cobalt acetate–manganese acetate(PVP/LCM)precursor and were used as electrode materials.The morphologies and structures of the samples were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD),and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET)specific surface area analysis.The results show that the prepared La_2Co Mn O_6 nanofibers are stable,one-dimensional structures formed from interconnected La_2Co Mn O_(6 )nanoparticles with a diamond-like crystal structure.The specific surface area of the fibers is 79.407 m~2·g~(-1).Electrochemical performance tests with a three-electrode system reveal the specific capacitance of the La_2Co Mn O_6 nanofibers as 109.7 F·g~(-1) at a current density of 0.5 A·g~(-1).After 1000 charge-discharge cycles at a current density of 1 A·g~(-1),the specific capacitance maintains 90.9%of its initial value,demonstrating a promising performance of the constraint capacitance and good cyclic stability.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of the micrograined hypoeutectic Zn–Mg alloy

A biodegradable Zn alloy, Zn–1.6Mg, with the potential medical applications as a promising coating material for steel components was studied in this work. The alloy was prepared by three different procedures: gravity casting, hot extrusion, and a combination of rapid solidification and hot extrusion. The samples prepared were characterized by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Vickers hardness, tensile, and compressive tests were performed to determine the samples’ mechanical properties. Structural examination reveals that the average grain sizes of samples prepared by gravity casting, hot extrusion, and rapid solidification followed by hot extrusion are 35.0, 9.7, and 2.1 μm, respectively. The micrograined sample with the finest grain size exhibits the highest hardness (Hv = 122 MPa), compressive yield strength (382 MPa), tensile yield strength (332 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (370 MPa), and elongation (9%). This sample also demonstrates the lowest work hardening in tension and temporary softening in compression among the prepared samples. The mechanical behavior of the samples is discussed in relation to the structural characteristics, Hall–Petch relationship, and deformation mechanisms in fine-grained hexagonal-close-packed metals.     

Effects of heat treatment on magnetic properties of Co–Fe-plated hollow ceramic microspheres

Functional hollow ceramic microspheres plated with Co-Fe were obtained through electroless plating technique for the application of lightweight microwave absorbers.They were treated at different temperatures by vacuum annealing method.The surface-coated hollow microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD).The microwave electromagnetic loss and absorbing properties of hollow microspheres plated with Co-Fe were tested by network vector analysis.Th...     

Fabrication and characterization of crystalline copper nanowires by electrochemical deposition inside anodic alumina template

Copper nanowires were fabricated by electrochemical deposition inside anodic alumina template anodized on aluminum substrate. The morphology, composition and structure of the copper nanowires were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive (EDS) and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). The results revealed that copper nanowires were dense, continuous, highly-crystalline and uniform with diameters. The electrical properties of copper nanowires wrer characterized with two-terminal electrical measurements. Different current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of single copper nanowire were observed and possible conductive mechanisms were discussed. The crystalline copper nanowires are promising in application of future nanoelectronic devices and circuits.     

Preparation and electrochemical performance of double perovskite La<Subscript>2</Subscript>CoMnO<Subscript>6</Subscript> nanofibers

Through electrospinning, La₂CoMnO₆ nanofibers were prepared from a polyvinylpyrrolidone/lanthanum nitrate–cobalt acetate–manganese acetate (PVP/LCM) precursor and were used as electrode materials. The morphologies and structures of the samples were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area analysis. The results show that the prepared La₂CoMnO₆ nanofibers are stable, one-dimensional structures formed from interconnected La₂CoMnO₆ nanoparticles with a diamond-like crystal structure. The specific surface area of the fibers is 79.407 m2·g-1. Electrochemical performance tests with a three-electrode system reveal the specific capacitance of the La₂CoMnO₆ nanofibers as 109.7 F·g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A·g-1. After 1000 charge-discharge cycles at a current density of 1 A·g-1, the specific capacitance maintains 90.9% of its initial value, demonstrating a promising performance of the constraint capacitance and good cyclic stability.     

Structure,magnetic properties and giant magneto-striction studies in [Tb/Fe/Dy]_n nano-multilayer film

[Tb/Fe/Dy]n nano-multilayer films, with precise composition of Tb0.27Dy0.73Fe2, were prepared by the multi-targets magnetron sputtering technique at room temperature (sample A) and 300℃ substrate temperature (sample B). Both of the nano-multilayer films show columnar structures perpendicular to the film plane according to the scanning electron microscopy results. The magnetic hysteresis loops and the giant magnetostriction (GMS) property of the two samples indicate the perpendicular anisotropy in them. In s...     

FENG Guo-dong, et al

Aim To investigate a new method for synthesis of an Immobilized-Metal Affinity Chromatography(IMAC) adsorbent with superparamagnetism(Fe3O4/SiO2-GPTMS-Asp-Co).Method The magnetic microspheres were synthesized in situ modification and the transmission electron microscope,field emission scanning electron microscopy,X-ray diffractometer,energy spectrometer and vibrating sample magnetometer were used to characterize the appearance,particle size distribution,phase composition,chemical constituents and magnetic properties of silica magnetic microspheres(MMS).Results The silica MMS prepared by reverse microemulsions exhibit a superior core-shell structure.The size distribution of the microspheres varies from between 100 nm to 200 nm and the main phase of microspheres is amorphous SiO2 and spinel Fe3O4.The microspheres retain superparamagnetism and can be used as biomaterials.Conclusion The result indicates that the IMAC adsorbent we prepared has outstanding advantages in the separation of the natural products proteins from the crude bacterial lysate,such as simple operation,high selectivity and capacity.     

Self-assemb led array of rect angular single- crystal microtube s of perchlorina ted copper phthalocy anines

The rectangular microtubes array of perchlorinated copper phthalocyanines(G₁₆CuPc),were synthesized by physical vapor deposition technique without using any template or catalyst.The synthesis process of the tubular structure is very simple,easy to control,and a little raw material is used.The morphology and crystal structure of the obtained samples were analyzed by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy（SEM and TEM）,X-ray diffraction（XRD）,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy（FT-IR） and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy（XPS）.The microtubes have an entire hollow interior,open ends with rectangular cross-section,a large interior of 1.4-1.8 urn width,and the thin walls of 80-100 nm.The obtained products exhibit excellent crystalline nature,high chemical and thermodynamic stability,excellent biocompatibility,as well as innocuity.It is believed that these well-defined microtubular structures of an organic material will be used as active materials for solar cells,nanodevices for field emission apparatus,microchannels for biochip and microvessel for drug delivery.     

碳点修饰硅在锂离子电池中的应用研究

Silicon (Si) particles were functionalized using carbon dots (CDs) to enhance the interaction between the Si particles and the binders. First, CDs rich in polar groups were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method. Then, CDs were loaded on the Si surface by impregnation to obtain the functionalized Si particles (Si/CDs). The phases and microstructures of the Si/CDs were observed using Fourier-transform infrared reflection, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Si/CDs were used as the active material of the anode for electrochemical performance experiments. The electrochemical performance of the Si/CD electrode was assessed using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and constant current charge and discharge experiment. The electrodes prepared with Si/CDs showed good mechanical structure stability and electrochemical performance. After 150 cycles at 0.2 C, the capacity retention rate of the Si/CD electrode was 64.0%, which is twice as much as that of pure Si electrode under the same test conditions.     

Photocatalytic oxidation of gaseous benzene over nanosized TiO2 prepared by solvothermal method

Nanosized TiO2 particles were prepared by solvothermal method using tetrabutyl titanate as precursor,ethanol and water as solvents,and a facile immobilization method of nanosized TiO2 particles on woven glass fabric was developed. The samples obtained under various preparation conditions were charac-terized by means of thermo gravimetric analysis(TG) and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) ,X-ray diffraction(XRD) ,transmission electron microscopy(TEM) ,high resolution-transmission electron mi-croscopy(HR-TEM) ,and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET) . The results show that the cube-shape of TiO2 prepared by solvothermal method has good crystallinity of(101) surface,higher thermal stability and large specific surface area. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) images confirmed that the immobi-lized TiO2 film was uniformly distributed and clung to the substrate firmly. The photocatalytic activity of the catalysts was tested using photocatalytic oxidation of gaseous benzene. The results show that the TiO2 calcined after solvothermal treatment suffers from lower specific surface area,and hence de-creases its photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activities of the TiO2 by solvothermal treatment with or without calcination in degradation 400 mg/m3 benzene are 3.7 and 4.1 times as high as catalyst without solvothermal treatment,respectively.     

Electrochemical performance of MCMB/(AC+LiFePO4) lithium-ion capacitors

Lithium-ion capacitors(LICs) were fabricated using mesocarbon microbeads(MCMB) as a negative electrode and a mixture of activated carbon(AC) and LiFePO4 as a positive electrode(abbreviated as LAC).The phase structure and morphology of LAC samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM).The electrochemical performance of the LICs was studied using cyclic voltammetry,charge-discharge rate measurements,and cycle performance testing.A LIC with 30 wt% LiFePO4 was found to have the best electrochemical performance with a specific energy density of 69.02 W h kg-1 remaining at 4 C rate after 100 cycles.Compared with an AC-only positive electrode system,the ratio of practical capacity to theoretical calculated capacity of the LICs was enhanced from 42.22% to 56.59%.It was proved that adding LiFePO4 to AC electrodes not only increased the capacity of the positive electrode,but also improved the electrochemical performances of the whole LICs via Li+ pre-doping.     

Silk Fibroin Microspheres： Preparation and Application for Controlled Drug Delivery

Silk fibroin （SF）, a natural protein polymer, has several unique properties such as aqueous processability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Due to these advantageous properties, it is promising for applications in various fields, especially drug delivery. In this paper, the simple preparation of SF microspheres was discussed via self-assembly. Some of SF＇s physicochemical properties and morphology were also investigated. The results show that the morphology, size and size distribution of silk microspheres depend upon various processing parameters, especially including volume ratios among SF, ethanol and polyvinyl alcohol （PVA）. Regular silk microspheres were obtained in PVA solution when adjusting the volume ratios of silk to ethanol from 20：1 to 20： 9. We also found that SF microspheres with various appearances were formed by addition of different PVA solution concentrations under a constant silk solution to ethanol volume ratio. From the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy（FTIR） of silk microspheres, it was found that introducing ethanol into the SF solution induced conformational change from random coil to β-sheet. Additionally, under the observation of scanning electron microscopy （ SEM）, the shape of self-assembled silk microspheres was determined to be spherical. Finally, SF＇s potential as drug delivery carriers was discussed in the experimental results.     

Synthesis and characterization of Pt-MoOx-TiO2 electrodes for direct ethanol fuel cells

To enhance the CO-tolerance performance of anode catalysts for direct ethanol fuel cells,carbon nanotubes were modified by titanium dioxide (donated as CNTs@TiO2) and subsequently served as the support for the preparation of Pt/CNTs@TiO2 and Pt-Mo/CNTs@TiO2 electrocatalysts via a UV-photoreduction method.The physicochemical characterizations of the catalysts were carried out by using X-ray diffraction (XRD),transmission electron microscopy (TEM),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS),and infrared spectroscopy of adsorbed probe ammonia molecules.The electrocatalytic properties of the catalysts for methanol oxidation were investigated by the cyclic voltammetry technique.The results show that Pt-Mo/CNTs@TiO2 electrode exhibits the highest performance in all the electrodes.It is explained that,the structure,the oxidation states,and the acid-base properties of the catalysts are influenced due to the strong interaction between Ti and Mo species by adding TiO2 and MoOx to the Pt-based catalysts.