Hierarchical SnO2@SnS2 Counter Electrodes for Remarkable High-efficiency Dye-sensitized Solar Cells

Interconnected molybdenum disulfide@tin disulfide heterojunctions with different morphologies: a type of enhanced counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells

The MoS₂@SnS₂ heterojunctions have been synthesized and displayed the enhanced performance due to the specific crystal structure.

Recent Progress in Metal-Organic Frameworks and Their Derived Nanostructures for Energy and Environmental Applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), as a very promising category of porous materials, have attracted increasing interest from research communities due to their extremely high surface areas, diverse nanostructures, and unique properties. In recent years, there is a growing body of evidence to indicate that MOFs can function as ideal templates to prepare various nanostructured materials for energy and environmental cleaning applications. Recent progress in the design and synthesis of MOFs and MOF-derived nanomaterials for particular applications in lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, dye-sensitized solar cells, and heavy-metal-ion detection and removal is reviewed herein. In addition, the remaining major challenges in the above fields are discussed and some perspectives for future research efforts in the development of MOFs are also provided.

Novel CoS2 embedded carbon nanocages by direct sulfurizing metal-organic frameworks for dye-sensitized solar cells

Owing to its excellent electrocatalytic properties, cobalt disulfide (CoS2) is regarded as a promising counter electrode (CE) material for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). However, hindered by its relatively poor electrical conductivity and chemical instability, it remains a challenge to apply it into high-performance DSSCs. In this work, we have developed novel CoS2 embedded carbon nanocages as a CE in DSSCs, using ZIF-67 (zeolitic imidazolate framework 67, Co(mim)2, mim = 2-methylimidolate) as a template. The CoS2 samples sulfurized for different time lengths are prepared through a facile solution process. It is found that the sulfurization time can be optimized to maximize the DSSC efficiency and the DSSC based on the CoS2 embedded carbon nanocages sulfurized for 4 hours exhibits the highest photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.20%, higher than those of DSSCs consisting of other CoS2 CEs and Pt-based DSSC (7.88%). The significantly improved DSSC PCE is contributed by the synergic effect of inner CoS2 nanoparticles and an amorphous carbon matrix, leading to a CE with high catalytic activity, good electrical conductivity and excellent durability. This study demonstrates that the CE based on inexpensive CoS2 embedded carbon nanocages is a prospective substitute to expensive platinum and provides a new approach for commercializing high-efficiency DSSCs.

An integrated nanoplatform for theranostics via multifunctional core-shell ferrite nanocubes

Magnetic core-shell ferrite nanocubes (MNCs) were prepared by a two-step pyrolysis. The MNCs not only exhibit an excellent magnetothermal effect, but also can be used as T₂ magnetic resonance (MR) imaging agents. To obtain their good biocompatibility and targeting ability, MNCs were modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hyaluronic acid (HA). To further construct an integrated nanoplatform for theranostics, doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded onto the surface of MNCs by pH and heat sensitive chemical bonding. Notably, the MNCs showed a great stability and magnetothermal effect. Moreover, they showed negligible toxicity and synergistic therapy in vitro. Meanwhile, their MR imaging in vivo was further verified. A novel integrated nanoplatform facilitates excellent targeted MR imaging guided synergism of magnetothermal and chemotherapy. The multifunctional nanocubes will be capable of playing a vital role in future cancer therapy.

Effect of dopant concentration on visible light driven photocatalytic activity of Sn1−xAgxS2

An optimal amount of Ag doping can effectively increase the photocatalytic performance of SnS₂.