Preparation and photocatalytic activity of zinc sulfide/polymer nanocomposites

Transition metal sulfides meet electrospinning: versatile synthesis, distinct properties and prospective applications

One-dimensional (1D) electrospun nanomaterials have attracted significant attention due to their unique structures and outstanding chemical and physical properties such as large specific surface area, distinct electronic and mass transport, and mechanical flexibility. Over the past years, the integration of metal sulfides with electrospun nanomaterials has emerged as an exciting research topic owing to the synergistic effects between the two components, leading to novel and interesting properties in energy, optics and catalysis research fields for example. In this review, we focus on the recent development of the preparation of electrospun nanomaterials integrated with functional metal sulfides with distinct nanostructures. These functional materials have been prepared via two efficient strategies, namely direct electrospinning and post-synthesis modification of electrospun nanomaterials. In this review, we systematically present the chemical and physical properties of the electrospun nanomaterials integrated with metal sulfides and their application in electronic and optoelectronic devices, sensing, catalysis, energy conversion and storage, thermal shielding, adsorption and separation, and biomedical technology. Additionally, challenges and further research opportunities in the preparation and application of these novel functional materials are also discussed.

Toward the development of polyethylene photocatalytic degradation

In this research, the photocatalytic degradation performance in a commercial low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film was investigated in the presence of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles grafted with two amounts of polyacrylamide. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) besides thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) test results reinforced the successful grafting of polyacrylamide to the extent of 10 and 39 wt.% on the ZnO nanoparticles. The photocatalytic degradation of the films under ultraviolet (UV) radiation was evaluated by characterizing the mechanical properties, weight loss, and morphology. The UV absorption and emission for ZnO nanoparticles were increased after grafting with 10% polyacrylamide. The tensile strength of the nanocomposite films increased with the incorporation of nanoparticles. The presence of ZnO nanoparticles in LDPE films increased the rate of degradation after 200 h of irradiation. The polyacrylamide grafting improved the dispersion of ZnO particles in LDPE matrix, whereas the increase of grafting extent from 10 to 39 wt.% reduced the photocatalytic performance of ZnO nanoparticles.

Stabilization of ZnS nanoparticles by polymeric matrices: syntheses, optical properties and recent applications

ZnS nanocomposites is a promising area of research for designing novel functional hybrid materials due to their unique optical and electronic properties. This review emphasizes on the synthesis, optical studies and potential applications.

Eletrofiação de polímeros em solução: parte II: aplicações e perspectivas

Em artigo de revisão anterior[1], o processo de eletrofiação foi discutido, incluindo suas bases teóricas e experimentais, e a obtenção de diferentes nanofibras de materiais poliméricos. Neste segundo artigo de revisão, são abordados os aspectos relacionados à aplicação de materiais eletrofiados em diferentes áreas, como médica, agrícola, sensores, processamento de outros materiais, entre outras. São também discutidas as técnicas de caracterização utilizadas mais frequentemente nestes materiais, e suas potencialidades. Esta segunda revisão é complementar à anterior e segue, em seus aspectos gerais, a mesma terminologia.