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.     

化学镀银聚酯纤维制备及其导电性能研究

 采用化学镀法在聚酯纤维表面镀覆一层导电银层,采用场发射扫描电镜（FE-SEM）、电子能谱仪（EDS）、X射线衍射仪（XRD）分别对聚酯纤维镀银前后的表面形貌、化学元素组成、银结晶结构进行表征.讨论了乙二胺浓度、AgNO₃浓度、施镀时间和镀液温度对化学镀银聚酯纤维增重率及电阻率的影响,测试化学银镀层与纤维基体的结合牢度和耐腐蚀性.结果表明,最佳工艺条件下,电阻率低至2.31Ω·cm^-1;镀层为高纯度的面心立方结构的单质银;银镀层具有良好的与基体的粘结强度和耐化学腐蚀性能.
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Role of locust <Emphasis Type="Italic">Locusta migratoria manilensis</Emphasis> claws and pads in attaching to substrates

The present study attempts to investigate the role of rigid claws and smooth adhesive pads in the locust Locusta migratoria manilensis,when attaching to various substrates.We measured the attachment forces on sandpaper and silicate glass plate of locusts with intact attachment system,and those with either the pretarsal claws or the tarsal pads having been entirely destroyed,to explore the role of pads and claws when a locust is walking on various substrates.To obtain information about morphological characteristics and material properties of the claws,we examined the intact and fractured claws by scanning electron microscopy,and tested the fractural force in a fracture experiment.We proposed a mechanical model for locust climbing on a slanting surface to analyze the conduction and final result of the attachment forces generated by the attachment organs on the fore-,mid-and hindlegs.Attachment forces generated by locusts with destroyed pads were similar to those generated by locusts with intact attachment system on both substrates,which presumably indicated that the claws have a significantly important role when attaching to various substrates.The result of the fracture experiment demonstrated that the claws are made of relatively stiff material,and their shear strength ranged between 39-45 MPa.Mechanical analysis of locust climbing on slanting surface showed that the force generated by the hindlegs suspended the whole body of locust up from the surface and pushed the body forward,while the midlegs steadily suspended the centre of gravity and the forelegs pulled the suspended body forward.The results obtained contribute to the further interpretation of the interaction mechanisms between insect attachment system and substrates,and supply information for designing and manufacturing slippery plates for trapping plague locusts.     

Binding energies and interaction origins between nonclassical single-electron hydrogen,sodium and lithium bonds and neutral boron-containing radicals: a theoretical investigation

Nonclassical single electron hydrogen,sodium and lithium bonds(SEHBs,SENaBs and SELiBs)between single electron acceptors X–A(A=H,Na,Li;X=CN,HCC,HO,NC,CF3)and neutral radicals BY2(Y=H,OH,CH3)and have been systematically investigated by high level theoretical methods,such as second-order Mφller-Plesset perturbation theory(MP2),spin-component-scaled MφllerPlesset theory(SCS-MP2),the coupled cluster method with perturbative triples(CCSD(T)),and the correlation consistent composite approach(ccCA).Binding energies have been corrected for zero-point vibrational effects and(when applicable)basis set superposition error.The quantum theory of atoms in molecules(AIM)and natural bond orbital(NBO)analyses were also employed to qualitatively characterize the single electron bond interactions.The stabilization energy was partitioned via the localized molecular orbital energy decomposition analysis(LMOEDA)method,and both electrostatic and exchange interactions were seen to be major driving forces for the complex stabilization.Interestingly,the sum of the energy contributors of exchange(EEX),repulsion(EREP),polarization(EPOL),dispersion(EDIS)is close to zero and the changes in the interaction energy follow the trend of the electrostatic energy(EES).We observe several linear relationships among the optimized intermolecular parameters and the interaction energies of the various complexes.     

Formation of wormlike micelles in anionic surfactant AES aqueous solutions

The growth and structure of anionic micelles of sodium dodecyl trioxyethylene sulfate (AES) in the presence of multivalent counterion Al³⁺ were investigated by means of dynamic rheological methods. It has been obtained by the measurements of shear viscosity, complex viscosity and dynamic moduli, as well as the application of Cox-Merz rule and Cole-Cole plot that wormlike micelle and network structure could be formed in AES/AlCl₃ aqueous solutions. The structure was of a character of nonlinear viscoelastic fluid and departure from the simple Maxwell model. The technique of freeze-fracture transmission electron microscopy (FF-TEM) was also used to confirm the formation of this interesting structure.     

High-temperature frictional wear behavior of MCrAlY-based coatings deposited by atmosphere plasma spraying

Al₂O₃-Cr₂O₃/NiCoCrAlYTa coatings were prepared via atmosphere plasma spraying (APS). The microstructure and phase composition of the coatings were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser confocal scanning microscopy (LSCM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The dry frictional wear behavior of the coatings at 500℃ in static air was investigated and compared with that of 0Cr25Ni20 steel. The results show that the coatings comprise the slatted layers of oxide phases, unmelted particles, and pores. The hot abrasive resistance of the coatings is enhanced compared to that of 0Cr25Ni20, and their mass loss is approximately one-fifteenth that of 0Cr25Ni20 steel. The main wear failure mechanisms of the coatings are abrasive wear, fatigue wear, and adhesive wear.     

An in vitro evaluation of novel NHA/zircon plasma coating on 316L stainless steel dental implant

The surface characteristics of an implant that influence the speed and strength of osseointegration include crystal structure and bioactivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactivity of a novel natural hydroxyapatite/zircon(NHA/zircon) nanobiocomposite coating on 316L stainless steel(SS) dental implants soaking in simulated body fluid. A novel NHA/zircon nanobiocomposite was fabricated with 0(control),5, 10, and 15 wt% of zircon in NHA using ball mill for 1 h. The composite mixture was coated on SS implants using a plasma spray method.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) was used to evaluate surface morphology, and X-ray diffraction(XRD) was used to analyze phase composition and crystallinity(Xc). Further, calcium ion release was measured to evaluate the coated nanobiocomposite samples. The prepared NHA/zircon coating had a nanoscale morphological structure with a mean crystallite size of 30–40 nm in diameter and a bone-like composition,which is similar to that of the biological apatite of a bone. For the prepared NHA powder, high bioactivity was observed owing to the formation of apatite crystals on its surface. Both minimum crystallinity(Xc=41.1%) and maximum bioactivity occurred in the sample containing 10 wt% of zircon because of minimum Xcand maximum biodegradation of the coating sample.     

相态结构对接枝氯丁胶粘剂性能的影响

近年来,人们对氯丁胶(CR)类胶粘剂的制备,改性做了大量的工作,接枝共聚方法对改善氯丁胶粘剂的性能,粘接强度起了很大的作用。但是,从亚微观的角度,对胶液本身的性能及为什么能产生这种结果的讨论尚少。本文主要从胶粘剂的相态组成,相间的联系等方面解释接技胶内聚力较大的原因,并利用透射电镜观察橡胶类材料的亚微观相态结构。     

One-pot synthesis of Sb-Fe-carbon-fiber composites with in situ catalytic growth of carbon fibers

A Sb-Fe-carbon-fiber (CF) composite was prepared by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method with in situ growth of CFs using Sb₂O₃/Fe₂O₃ as the precursor and acetylene (C₂H₂) as the carbon source. The Sb-Fe-CF composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and its electrochemical performance was investigated by galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The Sb-Fe-CF composite shows a better cycling stability than the Sb-amorphous-carbon composite prepared by the same CVD method but using Sb₂O₃ as the precursor. Improvements in cycling stability of the Sb-Fe-CF composite can be attributed to the formation of three-dimensional network structure by CFs, which can connect Sb particles firmly. In addition, the CF layer can buffer the volume change effectively.     

Effect of TMGa flux on GaN films deposited on Ti coated on glass substrates at low temperature

Highly c-axis-oriented GaN films were deposited on Ti coated glass substrates using low temperature electron cyclotron resonance plasma enhanced metal organic chemical vapor deposition system(ECR-PEMOCVD)with trimethyl gallium(TMGa)as gallium source.The influence of TMGa flux on the properties of GaN films were systematically investigated by reflection high energy electron diffraction(RHEED),X-ray diffraction analysis(XRD),atomic force microscopy(AFM)and Raman scattering.The GaN film with small surface roughness and high c-axis preferred orientation was successfully achieved at the optimized TMGa flux of 1.0 sccm.The ohmic contact characteristic between GaN and Ti layer was clearly demonstrated by the near-linear current-voltage(I-V)curve.The GaN/Ti/glass structure has great potential to dramatically improve the scalability and reduce the cost of solid-state lighting light emitting diodes.     

A six-armed oligomer isolated from cell surface fibronectin preparations

Fibronectins are adhesive glycoproteins thought to mediate the attachment of cells to various substrates. Plasma fibronectin (PFN) is a dimer comprising subunits of molecular weight 220,000, connected by one or two disulphide bonds. Electron microscopy shows that PFN is a long, flexible strand, 2-3 nm in diameter and 140 nm long. Many cells in tissue culture elaborate an extracellular matrix of insoluble (highly cross-linked by disulphide bonds) fibronectin, and a variable amount of 'cell surface fibronectin' (CSFN) that can be extracted by mild urea treatment. This CSFN, soluble in 1 M urea and at high pH, is a mixture of dimers and disulphide-bonded oligomers. In the present study we have examined the structure of these molecules by electron microscopy. Oligomers were separated from dimers and contaminating proteins by zone sedimentation through glycerol gradients. We report that the CSFN dimers are identical in structure to PFN. In contrast, the oligomers have an elaborate and well defined structure that we call a 'hexabrachion': six arms emanating from a central globular particle. The arms are similar to PFN in being long, thin and flexible, but have several distinctly different features.     

In vitro degradation and biocompatibility of Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy

In this study,in vitro degradation and biocompatibility of Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr(NZK) alloy were investigated to determine its suitability as a degradable medical biomaterial.Its corrosion properties were evaluated by static immersion test,electrochemical corrosion test,scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and energy dispersive spectroscopic(EDS) analysis,and in vitro biocompatibilities were assessed by hemolysis and cytotoxicity tests.Pure magnesium was used as control.The results of static immersion test and electrochemical corrosion test in simulated body fluid(SBF) demonstrated that the addition of alloying elements could improve the corrosion resistance.The hemolysis test found that the hemolysis rate of calcium phosphate coated NZK alloy was 4.8%,which was lower than the safe value of 5%.The cytotoxicity test indicated that NZK alloy extracts did not significantly reduce MC3T3-E1 cell viability.Hemolysis test and cytotoxicity test display excellent hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility of NZK alloy in vitro.Our data indicate that NZK alloy has excellent biocompatibility and thus can be considered as a potential degradable medical biomaterial for orthopedic applications.     

Manufacture of biomorphic Al2O3 ceramics using filter paper as template

Biomorphic Al₂O₃ ceramics were prepared through the surface sol-gel process with filter papers as bio-templates. The filter papers were infiltrated with γ-AlOOH sol and subsequently sintered in air at high temperatures to produce the biomorphic Al₂O₃ ceramics. The results show that the final materials have a hierarchical structure originated from the morphology of cellulose paper. The sintering temperatures exhibit a strong effect on the surface pore-size distribution of obtained Al₂O₃ ceramics. Differential scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and BET analysis were employed to characterize the microstructure, morphology and phase compositions of the final products.     

A fluid dynamics route for producing graphene and its analogues

A novel fluid dynamics route for scalable and efficient production of graphene and its analogues is demonstrated. Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses strongly suggest that the bulk layered materials （graphite, BN, MoS2, and WS2） are efficiently exfoliated into individual layers containing mono-and few-layer nanosheets. Computational fluid dynamics analysis indicates that multiple fluid dynamics events are responsible for efficient exfoliation. Cavitation and pressure release can generate normal force for exfoli- ation. The velocity gradient-induced viscous shear stress, the turbulence-induced Reynolds shear stress, and shear effects stemmed from turbulence and flow channel-induced collisions can generate lateral force for exfoliation, resulting in theses bulk layered materials self-exfoliation down to single or few layers through their intrinsically lateral self-lubricating ability.     

Characterization and application of Cu based superhydrophobic catalyst

Superhydrophobic (SH) Copper salt was prepared with the help of three different chemical etching agents and characterized by various analytical techniques like Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffractogram (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SH nature of the material was confirmed by water contact angle (WCA) measurement. Cu surface with the etching agent was made to produce SH Cu surface. Among the chemical etching agents the system with Cl, F and Si exhibited the SH character. The SH hierarchically structured heterogeneous materials produced were used as a catalyst for the reduction of Cr(VI) and 4-nitrophenol (NiP). The catalytic activities of the materials were compared on the apparent rate constant (k_app) and induction time (T_i). Among the catalyst systems used, the Cu-Trichoropentaflourooctylsilane (TCPFOSi) system exhibited the highest k_app and T_i values.     

Solvother mal synthesis of Co1-xNixFe2O4 nanoparticles and its application in ammonia vapors detection

Magnetic Co1-xNixFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized via a solvothermal method using ethylene glycol as solvent.The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD),field emiss...     

Synthesis of dandelion-like TiO2 microspheres as anode materials for lithium ion batteries with enhanced rate capacity and cyclic performances

Dandelion-like TiO₂ microspheres consisting of numerous rutile single-crystalline nanorods were synthesized for the first time by a hydrothermal method. Their crystal structure, morphology and electrochemical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and galvanostatic charge and discharge tests. The results show that the synthesized TiO₂ microspheres exhibit good rate and cycle performances as anode materials of lithium ion batteries. It can be found that the dandelion-like structure provides a larger specific surface area and the single-crystalline nanorod provides a stable structure and fast pathways for electron and lithium ion transport, which contribute to the rate and cycle performances of the battery.     

Integrated Bi2O3 nanostructure modified with Au nanoparticles for enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

An integrated Bi_2O_3(i-Bi_2O_3) nanostructure with a particle size 10 nm inducing agglomerated structure were synthesized by dissolving bismuth nitrate pentahydrate in diethylene glycol at 180 ℃ with post heat treatment.The prepared i-Bi_2O_3 nanostructures were employed for the construction of Au/i-Bi_2O_3 composite system and characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern,UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy(DRS),and transmission electron microscopy,X-ray photoemission spectroscopy(XPS) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS).The i-Bi_2O_3 nanostructure and Au/i-Bi_2O_3 composite system were found to exhibit high photocatalytic activity than commercial Bi_2O_3 in decomposing salicylic acid under visible light irradiation.The high catalytic activity of i-Bi_2O_3 nanostructure was deduced to be caused by charge separation facilitated by electron hopping between the particles within the integrated structure and space-charge separation between i-Bi_2O_3 and Au.The charge separation behavior in i-Bi_2O_3 nanostructure was further bolstered by comparing the measured.OH radical produced in the solution with i-Bi_2O_3 nanostructure,commercial Bi_2O_3 and Au/i-Bi_2O_3 composite which readily react with 1,4-terephthalic acid(TA) inducing 2-hydroxy terephthalic acid(TAOH) that shows unique fluorescence peak at 426 nm.The space-charge separation between i-Bi_2O_3 and An was confirmed by measuring the electron spin resonance(ESR) spectra.     

Structure and properties of NASICON synthesized by two different zirconium salts

ZrOCl₂·8H₂O and ZrO(NO₃)₂·2H₂O were used respectively to synthesize a NASICON solid electrolyte by a sol-gel method. The structure and properties of two samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The crystal structure was investigated by the Rietveld refinement. It is found that both the samples contain a monoclinic C2/c phase as the main conductive phase with the lattice parameters of a=1.56312 nm, b=0.90784 nm and c=0.92203 nm, though a small amount of rhombohedral phase is also detected in the final product. The sample synthesized by ZrO(NO₃)2·2H₂O contains more monoclinic phase (89.48wt%) than that synthesized by ZrOCl₂·8H₂O (74.91wt%). As expected, the ionic conductivity of the latter is higher than that of the former; however, the activation energy of the latter (0.37 eV) is slightly higher than that of the former (0.35 eV).     

Interface enhancement of glass fiber/unsaturated polyester resin composites with nano-silica treated using silane coupling agent

Nano-silica treated with different kinds of coupling agent(KH550, A-143, A-151) was used to modify the surface condition of glass fiber, and then, the modified glass fiber/ unsaturated polyester resin(UPR) composites materials were prepared. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM), dynamic mechanical analysis(DMA), and impact test were used to characterize the composite materials' structure and properties. The morphology of composite materials shows that the adhesion between nano-silica and glass fiber is improved when silane coupling agent is added in. The DMA and impact test results show that silane coupling agent(especially KH550 and A-151) could effectively improve the composite's mechanical properties. When the dose of KH550 was 0.1%(m ︰m), the storage modulus and impact strength reached the maximum.