Time-efficient microwave synthesis of Pd nanoparticles and their electrocatalytic property in oxidation of formic acid and alcohols in alkaline media

Microwave-Driven Synthesis of Iron-Oxide Nanoparticles for Molecular Imaging

Here, we present a comprehensive review on the use of microwave chemistry for the synthesis of iron-oxide nanoparticles focused on molecular imaging. We provide a brief introduction on molecular imaging, the applications of iron oxide in biomedicine, and traditional methods for the synthesis of these nanoparticles. The review then focuses on the different examples published where the use of microwaves is key for the production of nanoparticles. We study how the different parameters modulate nanoparticle properties, particularly for imaging applications. Finally, we explore principal applications in imaging of microwave-produced iron-oxide nanoparticles.

Visible-light-assisted electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol using reduced graphene oxide modified Pt nanoflowers-TiO2 nanotube arrays

In this work, Pt nanoflowers deposited on highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTs) by modification of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanostructures have been synthesized. The ternary complex (Pt-TNTs/RGO) displays efficient electrocatalytic performance toward methanol oxidation in alkaline medium. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and responsive photocurrent results indicate that the presence of graphene could effectively promote charge separation during electrocatalytic process. Interestingly, with assistance of visible light illumination, the electrocatalytic activity and stability of the ternary complex electrode toward methanol oxidation are distinctly improved. Both electro- and photo-catalytic processes for methanol oxidation contribute to the enhanced catalytic performance and stability. Moreover, the ternary electrode also displays efficient photoelectrocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light illumination. The present work sheds light on developing highly efficient and long-term stability catalysts for methanol oxidation with assistance of visible-light illumination.