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[Display omitted] • (Mn, Co, Cu)-Ce solid solution catalysts were synthesized. • CuCeO x exhibited the best Photo-Fenton-like catalytic activity. • Photo-Fenton-like catalytic mechanism was proposed. Herein, (Mn, Co, Cu)-Ce solid solution (MnCeO x , CoCeO x and CuCeO x) catalysts were successfully synthesized and applied in a Photo-Fenton-like system for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation. The CuCeO x /H 2 O 2 system displayed the best catalytic activity compared with CoCeO x /H 2 O 2 and MnCeO x /H 2 O 2 systems under visible light irradiation. The high TCH degradation performance of CuCeO x /H 2 O 2 system was mainly ascribed to the synergistic effect of photocatalysis and Fenton-like reaction, which accelerated the cycle between Cu2+ and Cu+ by using the photoinduced carriers and facilitated the generation of reactive radicals. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of MnCeO x , CoCeO x and CuCeO x photocatalysts activating H 2 O 2 toward TCH degradation was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We synthesized a double-cladding coaxial structured CNT hybrid. • The catalytic hemin worked as the binder for the deposition of Pt nanoparticles on CNTs. • The hybrid exhibited high electrochemical surface area and current density. • Hemin played the dual role in dispersion of Pt nanoparticles and catalysis. Abstract This paper presents a novel and simple non-covalent method to synthesize a double-cladding coaxial structured hybrid by depositing Pt nanoparticles on hemin-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The Pt nanoparticles cooperated with hemin can be used for methanol electro-oxidation and oxygen reduction. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the Pt nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on the hemin-coated MWCNTs with a small particle size and a narrow particle size distribution. Cyclic voltammetry tests revealed that the as-prepared Pt/hemin-coated MWCNT electrocatalysts exhibited higher electrochemical surface area (67.46 m2/g) and current density (425.0 mA mg−1) for methanol oxidation than Pt/MWCNTs. These improvements can be attributed to the dual role of hemin in the dispersion of Pt nanoparticles on functionalized MWCNTs and the synergy of catalysis in methanol electro-oxidation and oxygen reduction. It's the first time to report the functionalization of CNTs with catalytic hemin as the binder between CNTs and the metal nanoparticles of MOR or ORR catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • VBO 3 @graphene is synthesized by a freeze-drying method. • VBO 3 nanoparticles are adhered to the surface of graphene uniformly. • The material shows excellent electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries. Abstract VBO 3 nanoparticles on graphene sheets (VBO 3 @G) composite is synthesized by a freeze-drying method as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. After optimization of sintering temperature, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) forms a 3D-framework and VBO 3 nanoparticles are adhered to the surface of rGO uniformly. The graphene sheets not only assist the formation of nanoparticles, but also provide an excellent conductive 3D network. It is found that the composite shows a good cycling performance with an initial charge capacity of 779 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and maintains 610 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. It also exhibits an excellent rate performance with charge capacities of 592 mAh g−1 at 5 C and 442 mAh g−1 at 10 C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dry sliding wear behaviors of Mg based nanocomposites were investigated using the ball-on-disk wear tester. The friction coefficient of Mg nanocomposite reinforced with 15 vol% SiC nanoparticles is much higher than pure Mg and AZ31B alloy. Its wear resistance is about 23 times higher than that of pure Mg. Analysis on the surface and debris suggests that the delamination mechanism of Mg has been overcome by the addition of high volume fraction nanoparticles, and the dominant wear mechanism of the Mg-SiC nanocomposites is oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel CaFe 2 O 4 /Bi 2 O 3 composite photocatalysts were prepared via a facile grinding and calcination method and characterized by XRD, TEM, UV–vis and PL analysis, respectively. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were evaluated through photodegradation of malachite green (MG) under visible light. The as-prepared CaFe 2 O 4 /Bi 2 O 3 composites showed higher photodegradation activity than that of pure Bi 2 O 3 or CaFe 2 O 4 sample. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be due to improvement of the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, which was beneficial for efficient charge carrier transport. The photocatalytic mechanism of the CaFe 2 O 4 /Bi 2 O 3 composite was also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous materials are eliciting considerable research interest for their application in catalysts and electrodes. In this paper, we report the synthesis of mesoporous α-LiAlO2 via a hydrothermal route using through-hole anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) as templates. Crystal structures and morphologies were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). α-LiAlO2 reproduced the one-dimensional structures of AAO templates and obtained two kinds of nanostructures, namely, nanoparticles and nanoflakes. Extremely high specific surface area of up to 117.3 m²/g and large pore volume of 0.87 cm³/g were confirmed by nitrogen-sorption measurement, which shed light on the potential practical application of mesoporous α-LiAlO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gd-doped ZnO nanorods composed of nanoparticles were synthesized via an electrospinning combined with calcination route. It is revealed that the Gd-doped ZnO catalyst calcined at 500 °C for a time of 7 h shows the best photodegradation activity. A short calcination time of 1 h gives rise to large amounts of residual carbon and low crystallinity of ZnO, which are adverse for charge separation. Increasing calcination time to 3 h or 5 h, suitable amounts of residual carbon that favors charge transfer plays a greater role than crystallinity. When the calcination time is further prolonged to 9 h, a growth of nanoparticle size leads to a decreased photocatalytic performance. Thus, the efficiency for degradation activity is determined by the combinational effects of residual carbon, crystallinity and nanoparticle size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeycomb-like porous ZnO architecture was fabricated by a facile solution-calcination process. The nanostructure and morphology of the porous sample were characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM techniques. This structure self-assembled by numerous irregular nanoparticles and holes, which provided more active centers and gas diffusion paths. The possible formation process was proposed as nucleation, growth and self-assembly of nanoparticles. The sensor based on this architecture shows the high response, fast response/recovery time and good selectivity toward glacial acetic acid (CH 3 COOH) at 370 °C. And the good reproducibility, long-term stability and liner relationship in the range of 2–1000 ppm make the sensor more practical. The results indicate that the sensor based on ZnO porous honeycomb-like shape can be used for detecting CH 3 COOH gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • PtRu nanodendrites are prepared by a new synthetic method. • PtRu nanodendrites are synthesized using cheaper precursors. • The as-prepared catalyst shows excellent performance for methanol oxidation. Exploiting facile and cheap synthetic methods to prepare PtRu nanocatalysts with superior activity and stability is crucial for the commercial applications of direct methanol fuel cells. In this communication, PtRu nanodendrites, which diameter is 30 ∼ 50 nm, were synthesized using Ni nanoparticles as both templates and reducing agents in an aqueous solution at room temperature. Home-made graphene was used as support to prepare PtRu nanodendrites/graphene catalyst. The as-prepared PtRu nanodendrites/graphene catalyst shows a larger electrochemical active area, a greater resistance to CO poisoning, and much better activity and stability for methanol oxidation than the commercial Pt/C catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical Ag/AgI/BiOI microspheres were prepared by microwave-assisted solvethermal process and subsequently in situ photo-assisted reduction approach. A reactive ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodine([Bmim]I) was employed as I source in the presence of surfactant polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The scanning electron microscope(SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations revealed that the obtained Ag/AgI/BiOI had three-dimensional hierarchical frameworks assembled by nanoflakes. Nitrogen sorption analysis showed that the Ag/AgI/BiOI microspheres exhibited a large Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area of 73.63m2/g. The obtained Ag/AgI/BiOI showed excellent photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of methylene blue (MB) and o-nitrophenol (OPN) under visible light irridiation, which can be ascribed to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect caused by the silver nanoparticles present in the composite photocatalyst. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Following a series of recent studies that demonstrated enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activities of TiO2 by annealing in reducing atmospheres, a systematic investigation was conducted, in which TiO2 nanoparticles were annealed in various controlled atmospheres with the estimated oxygen partial pressure being varied from ∼10−1 to ∼10−25 atm and presence of other species (Ar, H2, N2, vacuum or hydrocarbon); subsequently, photocatalytic activities were tested. The results suggest that the oxygen partial pressure during annealing is not the dominant controlling factor. Furthermore, the use of vacuum environments or the presence of hydrocarbon species during annealing is effective in enhancing the photocatalytic activity, but the presence of H2 at a partial pressure of 0.05atm does not show an appreciable beneficial effect. HRTEM suggested that the enhanced photocatalytic activity of vacuum-activated TiO2 may be related to subnanometer-thick disordered surface layers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A thermal process has been demonstrated for the large-scale preparation of single-crystalline gold nanoplates with several micrometers in size, carried out by heating a salicylic acid–HAuCl4 aqueous solution at 100 °C in the presence of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA). It is found that such nanoplates are single-crystalline gold with a preferential growth direction along the {111} plane and PDDA is crucial to the formation of such nanoplates. The possible formation mechanism of gold nanoplate is also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this letter we report that stable silver nanoparticles can be facilely prepared directly from an amine-containing polyelectrolyte/AgNO3 aqueous solution without the additional step of introducing other reducing agents and protective agents through a thermal process. More importantly, the size of nanoparticles thus formed can be controlled by the initial molar ratio of polyelectrolyte to Ag. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Under 980 nm excitation, strong upconversion emissions can be observed in Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -codoped Y 2 O 3 nanoparticles at both high and low temperatures. The optical temperature sensing properties based on upconversion emission of Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -codoped Y 2 O 3 nanoparticles were investigated. The results demonstrate that the Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -codoped Y 2 O 3 nanoparticles can be operated in a wide temperature range of 93–613 K with a maximum sensitivity approximately 0.0044 K −1 at 427 K, indicating that high- and low-temperature thermometry can be simultaneously realized in Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -codoped Y 2 O 3 nanoparticles. These characteristics make the Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -codoped Y 2 O 3 nanoparticles potential candidate for optical temperature sensor using a fluorescence intensity ratio technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of high purity rutile titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles was carried out by a rapid gas-phase chemical reaction under initial chemical reaction conditions (initial temperature, ignition energy and gas pressure about 100–200 °C, 40 J and 1–4 MPa, respectively). The results showed the sphere, high purity and disperse rutile structure TiO 2 nanoparticles with an average size of 25 nm, which were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Detector (EDX) and X fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fe-doped Ag-ZnO was synthesized by a facile polymer network gel method. • The optimal catalytic activity can be obtained by modulating the Fe and Ag proportion. • The transformation from Fe2+ to Fe3+ is observed by increasing the Fe concentration. • High content of surface active Fe2+ seems to be favorable for photocatalytic reaction. Fe-doped Ag-ZnO (Zn 0.97 Fe x Ag 0.03-x O) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by a two-step polymer network gel method. By modulating the Fe, Ag concentration to acquire the strongest spectral absorption and the most efficient charge separation efficiency, the photocatalytic performance of ZnO for methylene blue (MB) degradation can be improved synergistically and remarkably. The spectral absorption and the photo-generated charge carrier separation properties of ZnO are enhanced by introducing Fe and Ag. The Fe2+ to Fe3+ valence state transformation is observed in the case of increasing Fe doping concentration. Especially, sample Zn 0.97 Fe 0.005 Ag 0.025 O (FZA-0.5) exhibits the strongest spectral absorption, the weakest photoluminescence (PL) emission, and displays the strongest surface photo-voltage (SPV) signal. Compared with pure ZnO, these favorable features of FZA-0.5 lead to the degradation efficiency of MB under UV and visible light being ~2.7 and ~5.0 times higher, respectively. Besides, the introduced Fe2+ on ZnO surface seems more beneficial for the photocatalytic enhancement. We show a strategy for synthesizing high performance and low-cost ZnO-based photocatalysts by trace transition metal doping to reduce the decoration of noble metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanosized Nd-doped strontium ferrites, SrNdxFe12-xO19, with x =0.0–0.5, were successfully prepared through a chemical coprecipitation process. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Various parameters such as lattice constants (a and c) and crystallite size were calculated from the XRD data. The crystallite size was in the range of 28–39nm. The specific saturation magnetization (M s) and the coercivity (H c) of strontium ferrites could be improved by substitutions of Nd3+ ions on Fe3+ ion basis sites. The M s revealed magnetic behavior with respect to Nd3+ ion concentration, showing a decrease. The H c increased with increasing Nd3+ ion concentration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present a simple approach to generate ultra-low density porous gold foams with the density as low as 0.519 gcm-3. In our work, gold nanoparticles with small grain sizes and good solubility were prepared and used as starting building blocks; afterwards, the freeze-dry technique was employed to prepare gold compound foams. Finally the gold compound foams were sintered to obtain porous gold foams with ultra-low density. The results show that the content of gold element in the foams is close to 99.2%. Even though the density is as low as 0.519 gcm-3 the foams still have good intensity and can be machined to simple regular shapes. The microstructure analysis results indicate that the gold foams have continuous open structure, the average pores size is about 1–2μm, and the framework of the gold foams is piled up with gold particles of different sizes. Our approach might give a way to produce low-density gold foams with simple fabrication procedures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In-situ growth of titania nanoparticles in poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanofibers has been successfully achieved by combining sol–gel method and electrospinning process. Titania precursor, tetra-n-butyl titanate (TBT), was firstly hydrolyzed in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), and then blend with a solution of PET in mixture of trifluoroacetic acid/dichloromethane (TFA/DCM) to form a homogeneous solution for electrospinning. Titania nanoparticles in-situ generated in the electrospun nanofibers via a hydrothermal treatment process at 70 °C–90 °C. The morphology and crystallinity of PET/TiO2 hybrid nanofibers were investigated using TEM and DSC. The results showed that titania nanoparticles of anatase phase with an average diameter of about 10 nm in-situ generated both inside and on the surface of PET electrospun nanofibers. The reversible networks formed between titania nanoparticles and PET macromolecular chains led to considerable decrease of PET crystallinity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Glow discharge plasma has been widely used in metal supported catalyst preparation. In this paper, this non-thermal plasma was applied for the fabrication of Ni/AAO membrane. This process, including incipient wetness impregnation, drying, plasma treatment and calcinations, is similar with the preparation of supported catalyst. XPS analysis of Ni/AAO membrane indicated the enrichment of nickel element in membrane nanopores during plasma treatment. As-prepared AAO membrane was used in the synthesis of carbon nanotube arrays by corona discharge enhanced chemical vapor deposition. They were much different in morphology with that from conventional Ni/AAO membrane without glow discharge treatment. In addition, the NiO nanoparticles were highly dispersed in nanotube walls. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A simple method was developed to directly deposit silver nanoparticles on the surface of silica spheres. The photochemical reduction was carried out by ultraviolet irradiation in air atmosphere at room temperature. The [Ag(NH3)2]+was reduced to silver atoms upon ultraviolet irradiation. Silver atoms subsequently deposited on the surface of silica spheres and agglomerated into silver nanoparticles. Silica spheres with silver nanoparticles of different size and density can be simply controlled by adjusting the UV-light irradiation time. The silver nanoparticles deposited on silica spheres were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A facile and efficient ultrasonic-template method has been developed for the fabrication of CdS hollow nanoparticle chains. The structures and morphologies of products were characterized by XRD and TEM. UV–Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectra recorded the optical properties of CdS hollow nanoparticle chains, which showed obvious blue shift relative to the CdS bulk materials. Systematic studies found that the ultrasonic irradiation, concentration of template (polyacrylicamide) and injection method of reaction solution in the system were important factors on the controlled synthesis of hollow nanoparticle chains. The possible mechanism for the formation of CdS hollow nanoparticle chains was also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A convenient and mild synthesis of dendrimer-protected gold nanoparticles by exposing a third-generation poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer (PPI-G3)–HAuCl4 aqueous solution to sunlight without the additional step of introducing other reducing agents and protective agents was reported in this work. Because of the involvement of natural solar energy which is used as driving force for the generation of gold nanoparticles, this strategy should be economic. The formation of gold nanoparticles was confirmed by UV–vis absorption spectra and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, it is found that the size of the gold nanoparticles thus formed can be controlled by the molar ratio of PPI-G3 to gold. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 2-mercapto-5-benzimidazolesulfonic acid sodium (MBISA) was used for the first time as a protective agent for the preparation of water-soluble, MBISA-capped noble metal nanoparticles including Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd. The influence of both the molar ratio of MBISA to Au and the concentration of reactants on the formation of Au nanoparticles were studied. The nanoparticles thus formed were characterized by UV–vis spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: By radiating a linear polyethylenimine–HAuCl4 aqueous solution with natural sunlight, we obtained polyelectrolyte-protected gold nanoparticles, and the size of such gold nanoparticles can be controlled by varying the molar ratio of polyelectrolyte to gold. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A heat-treatment method for the preparation of well-stable, polymer-protected Pt nanoparticles in the range of 2–7 nm in diameter is demonstrated. The formation of Pt nanoparticles occurs in a single step process, carried out by heating an aqueous solution containing a poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer and H2PtCl6, with the use of PVA to serve as both a reducing reagent and a protective reagent. The Pt nanoparticles were characterized by UV–vis absorption spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) and the Pt nanoparticle formation process was further investigated by in situ UV–vis experiment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Well-stable MnO2 nanoparticles were prepared by directly mixing potassium permanganate and polyelectrolyte aqueous solutions, with the use of polyelectrolyte to serve both as a reducing agent and a protective agent. Such nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), and their growth kinetics was further traced by in situ UV–vis spectra. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A simple route for the preparation of colloidal Pt nanoparticles is demonstrated. The formation of such colloids occurs in a single-step process, involving the direct microwave-based heat-treatment of an aqueous solution containing H2PtCl6 and 3-thiophenemalonic acid. In the synthesis, the particle size can be controlled by the molar ratio of the reactant agents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The microwave-based thermal process was applied to the preparation of dendrimer-protected silver nanoparticles. The formation of silver nanoparticles occurs rapidly in a single step, carried out by directly heating a third-generation poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer–AgNO3 aqueous solution in a microwave oven without the introduction of additional reducing reagents and protective reagents. The nanoparticles thus formed were characterized by UV–vis spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The influence of the molar ratio of dendrimer to silver on the formation of silver particles was also examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gold nanoparticles with different size distributions have been prepared through a one-step route, carried out by mixing 3-thiophenemalonic acid and HAuCl4 aqueous solutions without the additional step of introducing other reducing agents and protective agents. The growth of such gold nanoparticles follows the Ostwald ripening growth mechanism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A new, highly efficient, and robust method for producing aerogel granules. • A simple liquid-granulating set-up can produce 4 kg gel granules in 45 min. • Aerogel granules are promising in applications of absorption and energy storage. • The first report of α-Zirconium phosphate-based granular aerogels. Nanoparticle-based aerogels can combine the unique structures and properties from both nanoparticles and aerogels, and hence provide opportunities in a wide range of applications. The present liquid-dripping and liquid-extrusion methods to produce aerogels from nanoparticles have limited preparation efficiency and high condition requirements. Here, we report a new, highly efficient and robust liquid-granulating method to produce aerogel granules from nanoparticles and graphene oxide. The simple home-made set-up could produce 4 kg gel granules in 45 min, leading to an ever-high production efficiency and robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this letter I report on the preparation of single-crystalline gold nanoparticles, carried out by heating an aqueous solution containing poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)(PDDA) and HAuCl4 in the presence of NaOH. It is found that as-formed gold nanoparticles are primarily dominated by {111} facets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this letter we demonstrate a simple method for the synthesis of gold microplates and polyhedral nanoparticles, carried out by heating a concentrated sodium citrate–HAuCl4 aqueous solution in the absence and presence of poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), respectively. It is found that the concentration of reactants is key to producing microplates and the resulting plates are single crystals primarily dominated by {111} facets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Well-stable dendrimer-protected gold nanoparticles were synthesized by microwave radiation of a third-generation poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer (PPI G3)–HAuCl4 aqueous solution without the additional step of introducing other reducing agents and protective agents. The size of these gold nanoparticles thus formed can be controlled by molar ratio of dendrimer to gold. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study was intended to investigate the antibacterial performance and biocompatibility of a novel phosphorus-magnesium fiber (PMF). The PMF was found to exhibit excellent antibacterial performance against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans , exceeding 95% when the PMF concentration was higher than 500 μg mL −1 . MTS analysis was performed to assess the in vitro cytotoxicity of PMF, which showed PMF with a concentration range of 100–1000 mg L −1 had no significant toxic effects on L929 fibroblast cells. In addition, the in vivo toxicity assay of PMF was studied in zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) embryos, and the results confirmed little toxicity at effective antibacterial concentration. Hence, PMF was proved to be a potential coating or filling material with promising antibacterial performance for in implantable medical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report a novel strategy to construct cell pattern on titanium substrates by using upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). When irradiating with a NIR laser (980 nm) through a photomask, the UCNPs could transfer NIR light into UV light in situ, which results in photocleavage and detachment of unsheltered cells for the formation of cell pattern. This work provides a new perspective for the application of UCNPS in biomedical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel Au/FeVO 4 /Bi 2 O 3 photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by the precipitation and photodeposition method. The obtained photocatalysts were characterized by several techniques, such as X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, UV–vis absorption spectra and photoluminescence. The transmission electron microscopy showed that the Au nanoparticles were finally dispersed on the surface of FeVO 4 /Bi 2 O 3 heterojunction. The enhanced absorption in visible light region and the efficient photogenerated electron-hole pairs separation were achieved after loading of Au and FeVO 4 particles on Bi 2 O 3 photocatalysts, as revealed by UV–vis absorption spectra and photoluminescence measurement. The photocatalytic examination of the photocatalyst was carried out through decomposition of malachite green under visible-light irradiation. The Au/FeVO 4 /Bi 2 O 3 photocatalyst displayed superior photocatalytic activity for degradation of malachite green. Additionally, a possible catalytic mechanism for Au/FeVO 4 /Bi 2 O 3 photocatalyst was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• VO 2 nanoparticle is coated by MTES and TEOS one-step condensation method. • The protective shell is SiO 2 hybrids and is functionalized. • The protective shell is modified by hydrophobic methyl group. Many progresses have been made for commercial application of adaptive VO 2 -based thermochromic smart window in the improvement of luminous transmittance (T lum), phase transition temperature, solar regulation efficiency (ΔT sol), color modification, etc. The main obstacle for reaching this goal is relatively poor environmental durability of VO 2. To address this issue, VO 2 nanoparticle with hybrid shell (VO 2 @m-SiO x) was prepared by hydrolysis and polycondensation of the mixture of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) using ammonia as catalyst in this paper. The optimized VO 2 @m-SiO x nanoparticle-based thermochromic films exhibited an ultra-high durability. The ΔT sol of thermochromic film in this study kept 44 % (from 19.0 % to 8.39 %) after 30 days in hyperthermal and humid environments, while the corresponding performance of film using uncoated VO 2 nanoparticle disappeared completely after 2 days. This work provided a direct and effective way for improvement of stability of VO 2 nanoparticle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe tomography (APT) were combined to comprehensively characterize the change of microstructure under the heterogeneous nucleation effect of in situ nanoparticles. Results indicate that these in situ nanoparticles have a positive effect on optimizing structure and inducing carbide precipitation in steel. This work sheds light on a potential pathway for the improvement of the microstructure of steel by investigating the heterogeneous nucleation effect of in situ precipitation nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A TiO2 sol was synthesized and acted as a precursor of TiO2 nanoparticles in the application of low temperature dye-sensitized solar cells. It can also be used as an interparticle binder in the TiO2 mesoprous films. The overall efficiency of the cell with sol addition was found to be 13% higher than the one without it and achieved 4.41% under irradiation of 100mW/cm2 AM1.5 sunlight. Electrochemical impedance spectra were applied to analyze the internal resistance changes of the cells with and without sol. Fine particles in the sol were proven to increase the electron life-time by improving the interconnectivity of the main particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel method for the preparation of epoxy/silver nanocomposites was developed by in-situ formation of silver nanoparticles within the epoxy matrix. The silver–imidazole complex was synthesized by silver acetate and 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (2E4MZ). During the cure of epoxy resin, silver nanoparticles were in-situ generated through thermal decomposition of the silver–imidazole complex which was capable of reducing Ag+ to Ag0 by itself. The simultaneously released imidazole could cure the epoxy. In addition, the in-situ generated silver nanoparticles could be stabilized by the formed epoxy network. Therefore, by using the thermal decomposition method, uniformly dispersed silver nanoparticles of size of around 11.6nm were in-situ generated in epoxy matrix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrostatic layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of acid-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and biopolymer chitosan (CHIT) is realized on planar substrates and polystyrene (PS) microsphere templates, respectively. The successful stepwise growing process of the composite films on planar substrates is investigated and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy. The transfer of the LbL assembly of MWNTs and CHIT to spherical PS microspheres leads to novel (MWNT/CHIT)PS core-shell structure, on which the gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are deposited to fabricate GNP(MWNT/CHIT)PS composite microspheres. The glass carbon electrodes modified with such (MWNT/CHIT)PS or GNP(MWNT/CHIT)PS composites exhibit satisfactory electrocatalytic activities for biomolecule dopamine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • The Ni x Co y P like pinecone electrocatalyst is synthesized by a reflux condensation method. • NiCo 2 P showed significant activity on oxygen evolution reaction (OER). • NiCo 2 P also shows impressive long term stability and excellent electrical conductivity. • The Co3+ ions can adjust the electronic structure and increase the active sites. Synthesis of bimetallic phosphide like Pine cone efficient electrocatalyst for the development of water electrolyzers is of significant interest. Herein, Ni x Co y P catalyst was synthesized via Condensation reflux and phosphating process, and it has a defect rich nanosheet like morphology. The special morphology provided more active toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). NiCoP delivers the current density of 10 mA/cm2 for HER at an overpotential of 226 mV in alkaline. NiCo 2 P is also highly active toward OER and requires 154 mV to attain 10 mA/cm2. The NiCo 2 P delivers 10 mA/cm2 current density at a cell voltage of 1.49 V and retains 75% of its initial current density even after 12 h of continuous electrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, a series of Zn1− x Co x O nanocrystals with different cobalt percentages were fabricated by a simple chemical method, which were intensively explored for spintronics applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were used to characterize the structures and magnetic properties of prepared samples. It was concluded that Co2+ was well inserted into ZnO wurtzite structure. The ferromagnetism of Zn1− x Co x O nanopowders was observed at room temperature. The relation between crystallization quality and magnetism of Zn1− x Co x O nanopowders was discussed in detail. It was demonstrated the crystallization quality of Zn1− x Co x O nanocrystals had a strong effect on the ferromagnetism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel fiber consisted of nano-Fe2O3 particles/polyamide-6 (PA-6) nanocomposite has been prepared successfully. The thermal stability of the composite material was enhanced about 16 °C (from 440 °C to 456 °C) by the addition of Fe2O3 nanoparticles with 15.0% content (part per hundred parts of resin). In situ polymerization can make the materials possess homogeneously dispersed nanoparticles. The Fe2O3 reinforced materials processed by melt spinning displayed improved tensile modulus compared to similarly processed pure polyamide-6, the improvements of tensile strength and modulus were 21.22% and 112%, respectively. Moreover, this fiber has the property of ultraviolet and visible light absorption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Organic ultraviolet (UV) ray absorbents, cinnamic acid (CA) and p-methoxycinnamic acid (PMOCA) were intercalated into Zn2Al layered double hydroxides (Zn2Al-LDHs) by co-precipitation reaction. The organic–inorganic nanocomposites, Zn2Al-LDH/CA and Zn2Al-LDH/PMOCA were obtained. The samples showed excellent UV ray absorption ability and their catalytic activity for the air oxidation of castor oil greatly decreased when the organic UV ray absorbents were intercalated in the layers of the Zn2Al-LDHs. The studies suggested that Zn2Al-LDH/organic UV absorbent nanocomposites might be used as safe sunscreen materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The degree of elasticity for the impact of a particle with a rigid wall is normally characterized with the restitution parameter, R. We examine such impact behavior of Cu nanoparticles with molecular dynamics simulations, for different particle sizes (1–15nm in radius) and impact velocities (25–200ms−1). The impact can be ultra-elastic (R >1) or inelastic (R <1). Ultra-elastic or inelastic impact may occur for the smallest nanoparticles soly due to fluctuations, and the impact is inelastic but can be highly elastic (R ∼0.9–1) for larger sizes. R decreases with increasing size and impact velocity in general. Impact-induced structure transitions (e.g., dislocations) can be reversible and induce irreversible heating regardless of their reversibility. Such heating along with remnant plasticity is the key mechanism for impact inelasticity. Inelastic impact may occur with little remnant plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this investigation, we report the synthesis of gallium nitride (GaN) nanoparticles from ammonium-carbonato-dihydroxo-gallate (NH4[Ga(OH)2CO3]) in the flow of NH3 gas in a temperature range of 500–900°C. The GaN nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The FTIR and XPS revealed that the conversion of NH4[Ga(OH)2CO3] to GaN under a flow of ammonia proceeds stepwise via amorphous gallium oxynitrides (GaO x N y ) intermediates. Nanosized GaN particles with an average diameter of approximately 20–40nm were obtained. The results obtained demonstrate that the large-quantity nanosized GaN particles can be synthesized from NH4[Ga(OH)2CO3] powders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized through a facile solution oxidation route at room temperature and normal pressure for 6h at first time, using an ionic liquid 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydroxide ([BMIM]OH) as an assisted agent and electrical conductor. The structure and morphology of as-prepared Co3O4 nanoparticles were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectrum (IR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). XRD studies indicated that the product was well-crystallized cubic phase of Co3O4 with a cell constant of a = 8.0722Å. The SEM images showed that the obtained Co3O4 powders consisted of dispersive quasi-spherical particles with the size ranged from 10 to 50nm. The possible formation mechanism of Co3O4 nanoparticles was simply proposed as well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Ni 2 VO 4 and Ni 2 V 4 O/AB composite are prepared for the first time. • Ni 2 VO 4 and Ni 2 V 4 O/AB composite is initially used as an anode for LIBs. • The size of Ni 2 VO 4 nanoparticles is ultrasmall. • High capacity of 511 mA h g−1 after 350 cycles is achieved at 1 A g−1. Spinel nickel vanadate has not been synthesized and applied to anode for lithium-ion batteries on account of the missing synthetic route. In the study, a simple route is created to obtain a new spinel Ni 2 VO 4 /acetylene black composite. The obtained Ni 2 VO 4 nanoparticles are ultrasmall and anchored on acetylene black, which could markedly mitigate the volume alteration and elevate electrochemical reaction kinetics. For this reason, a large reversible capacity of 511 mAh/g was maintained at 350th cycle under 1 A g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]