3D Reticular Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this study, a hard-templating route was developed to synthesize a 3D reticular Li_1.2Ni_0.2Mn_0.6O₂ cathode material using ordered mesoporous silica as the hard template. The synthesized 3D reticular Li_1.2Ni_0.2Mn_0.6O₂ microparticles consisted of two interlaced 3D nanonetworks and a mesopore channel system. When used as the cathode material in a lithium-ion battery, the as-synthesized 3D reticular Li_1.2Ni_0.2Mn_0.6O₂ exhibited remarkably enhanced electrochemical performance, namely, superior rate capability and better cycling stability than those of its bulk counterpart. Specifically, a high discharge capacity of 195.6 mA h g^-1 at 1 C with 95.6% capacity retention after 50 cycles was achieved with the 3D reticular Li_1.2Ni_0.2Mn_0.6O₂. A high discharge capacity of 135.7 mA h g^-1 even at a high current of 1000 mA g^-1 was also obtained. This excellent electrochemical performance of the 3D reticular Li_1.2Ni_0.2Mn_0.6O₂ is attributed to its designed structure, which provided nanoscale lithium pathways, large specific surface area, good thermal and mechanical stability, and easy access to the material center.

Tailored Fabrication of Transferable and Hollow Weblike Titanium Dioxide Structures

The preparation of weblike titanium dioxide thin films by atomic layer deposition on cellulose biotemplates is reported. The method produces a TiO₂ web, which is flexible and transferable from the deposition substrate to that of the end application. Removal of the cellulose template by calcination converts the amorphous titania to crystalline anatase and gives the structure a hollow morphology. The TiO₂ webs are thoroughly characterized using electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to give new insight into manufacturing of porous titanium dioxide structures by means of template-based methods. Functionality and integrity of the TiO₂ hollow weblike thin films were successfully confirmed by applying them as electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells.

The controllable construction and properties characterization of organic–inorganic hybrid materials based on benzoxazine-bridged polysilsesquioxanes

Some controllable morphology organic–inorganic hybrid materials have been prepared via the homopolymerization of benzoxazine-bridged polysilsesquioxanes precursors with different degrees of the triethoxysilane hydrolysis condensation.

One-step solvothermal synthesis of interlaced nanoflake-assembled flower-like hierarchical Ag/Cu2O composite microspheres with enhanced visible light photocatalytic properties

The interlaced nanoflake-assembled flower-like hierarchical Ag/Cu₂O composite microspheres with enhanced visible light photocatalytic properties have been prepared via a one-step, environmentally friendly solvothermal method.

Solvent-induced diversity of luminescent metal–organic frameworks based on different secondary building units

New complexes with SBUs were successfully assembled based on 5′-carboxyl-(1,1′-3′,1′′-terphenyl)-4,4′′-dicarboxylic acid and the CO₂ storage properties were researched.

Hierarchical branched α-MnO2: one-step synthesis and catalytic activity

The hierarchical pine tree-like α-MnO₂are controlled synthesized at room temperature without any template. The α-MnO₂displays superior activity in the catalytic combustion of dimethyl ether.

Quasi-reverse-emulsion-templated approach for a facile and sustainable environmental remediation for cadmium

Highly efficient and sustainable decontamination of heavy metal ions is achieved by nanostructured hierarchical hollow α-Fe₂O₃ chestnut buds and nests.

Hierarchically porous materials: synthesis strategies and structure design

This review addresses recent advances in synthesis strategies of hierarchically porous materials and their structural design from micro-, meso- to macro-length scale.

Facile fabrication of graphene-encapsulated Mn3O4 octahedra cross-linked with a silver network as a high-capacity anode material for lithium ion batteries

Mn₃O₄ octahedra with a bimodal conductive network of nanoporous Ag and graphene nanosheets are simply prepared for better Li storage as an advanced anode material.

Fabrication of Co@SiO2@C/Ni submicrorattles as highly efficient catalysts for 4-nitrophenol reduction

The Co@SiO₂@C/Ni magnetic composites have been synthesized by an extended Stöber method combined with a carbonization process.

3D porous ZnO–SnS p–n heterojunction for visible light driven photocatalysis

3D porous ZnO–SnS is prepared as a highly efficient, low cost, and low toxicity visible light driven photocatalyst.

Recent advances in the textural characterization of hierarchically structured nanoporous materials

This review focuses on important aspects of applying physisorption for the pore structural characterization of hierarchical materials such as mesoporous zeolites.

N-Doped porous carbon nanotubes: synthesis and application in catalysis

Hierarchically porous nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes were prepared; they exhibited high catalytic efficiency for C–H arylation, hydrogen transfer and oxidation reactions.

Effect of Chemical Charging/Discharging on Plasmonic Behavior of Silver Metal Nanoparticles Prepared using Citrate-Stabilized Cadmium Selenide Quantum Dots

The thermodynamics and kinetics of the chemical and electrochemical charging of a catalyst surface are very important to understand its applicability as a catalyst material, particularly in redox catalysis. Through the present study, we hereby communicate the results obtained from our detailed investigations related to the effect of chemical charging on the plasmonic behavior of silver metal nanoparticles (Ag MNPs) as redox catalysts. Two different batches of Ag MNPs were prepared through thermally assisted chemical reduction of silver ions. The difference in these batches was the use or not of citrate-capped cadmium selenide quantum dots (Q-CdSe) for the reduction of solution-phase silver ions to their colloidal plasmonic phase. The charge on the surfaces of the Ag MNPs was varied by the chemical electron injection method by using BH₄^- ions from a NaBH₄ solution. The processes of charging and discharging were monitored by using UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy. The impact of the concentration of the reductant on the charging and discharging processes was also investigated. The Ag MNPs were also tested for their voltammetric response, wherein it was observed that it was more difficult to oxidize the Ag MNPs prepared with Q-CdSe seeds than to oxidize Ag MNPs prepared without Q-CdSe particles. Our results demonstrate that Q-CdSe seeds not only enhance the redox catalytic activity of Ag MNPs but also provide stability towards polarization of their plasmonic behavior.

Preparation, characterization, and properties of graphene-based composite aerogels via in situ polymerization and three-dimensional self-assembly from graphene oxide solution

In this work, hierarchical porous graphene-based composite aerogels are synthesized by a simple and facile one-pot polymerization-induced phase separation.

Rational design of MnO2@MnO2 hierarchical nanomaterials and their catalytic activities

Lavender-like α-MnO₂@α-MnO₂ and balsam pear-like α-MnO₂@γ-MnO₂ were prepared and α-MnO₂@γ-MnO₂ exhibited a better performance than that of α-MnO₂@α-MnO₂ in dimethyl ether combustion.

The synthesis and electrical properties of hybrid gel electrolytes derived from Keggin-type heteropoly acids and 3-(pyridin-1-ium-1-yl)propane-1-sulfonate (PyPs)

Cyclic voltammetry of PyPs–H₃PWMo at room temperature between −4 and +4 V vs. Ag/AgCl at a 10 mV s⁻¹ scan rate and comparison of electrical conductivity of PyPs–H₃PWMo with other known promising proton conductors.