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A single-phase face-centered cubic (fcc) CoCrNi medium-entropy alloy (MEA) with different boron-doping contents (30–1600 ppm) was fabricated by vacuum arc melting, then followed by cold rolling. It was found that the boron-doping in the CoCrNi MEA results in an obvious partial recrystallization and significant refinement of grain size. The tensile yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) are 0.94 GPa and 1.17 GPa with the ductility of 26% in 800 ppm boron doping alloy, which was attributed to the strengthening effect of the large unrecrystallized grains. The tensile YS and UTS is dramatically increased up to 1.35 GPa and 1.48 GPa with the ductility of 11% for in 1600 ppm boron doping alloy. In this study, our results demonstrate that the uneven structure can be accomplished effectively by a proper boron addition and the enhancement of mechanical properties is mainly attributed to the unrecrystallized grains microstructure and grain refinement resulting from microalloying with boron by in situ high-energy X-ray diffraction (HE-XRD) technique. This offers a new perspective in interpreting the heterogeneity of structural materials and its influence on mechanical behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), namely, [Cd(HL1)(H 2 O)] 1 , [H 2 (bpp)][Zn 2 (L2) 2 (bpe)]·2H 2 O 2 (H 3 L1 = 4-(5-carboxy-pyridine-3-yloxy)-phthalic acid, H 3 L2 = 3-(4-carboxy-phenoxy)-phthalic acid, bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl) ethylene, bpp = 1,3-bis(4-piperidyl) propane) have been isolated employing two V-shaped asymmetric tricarboxylic acid ligands under hydrothermal conditions. X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis reveals that μ 4 -mode HL12− molecules propagate the Cd2+ centers into a 3-D network with point symbol of 66 for 1. One-dimensional channels are observed in 1 , but because of 2-fold interpenetration phenomenon, these channels become small or disappear. 2 possesses a 2-D layered structure with (3, 4)-connected (42ˑ63ˑ8) (42ˑ6) topology. The carboxyl moieties for L2 molecules first extend the Zn2+ centers into a 1-D double chain, then via the interactions between Zn2+ and pyridine N atoms, the resulting 1-D double chain are strutted by the rigid bpe ligands to form a 2-D layer framework. It is noteworthy that one-dimensional channels of ca. 13 × 13 Å2 are observed. H 2 (bpp)2+ and two lattice water molecules occupy the space of the channels. The introduced bpp molecules only serve as the templating agent and are not involved in the formation of this layer network. The photoluminescence properties of 1 and 2 were investigated. Two novel MOFs have been isolated employing two asymmetric tricarboxylic acid ligands and their photoluminescence properties were investigated. Image 1 • Two novel Zn2+/Cd2+ Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have been constructed from two semi-rigid asymmetric tricarboxylic acids. • 1 exhibits a 2-fold interpenetrated 3-D network with 66 topology and 2 is a 2-D layer structure with bpp fill the channels. • The fluorescence properties in the solid state at room temperature are also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of isostructural lanthanide coordination polymers (Ln-CPs), [Ln(Hbptc)(H 2 O) 4 ]·H 2 O [Ln = Er (1), Pr (2), Dy (3), Sm (4), Gd (5), Nd (6) and Tb(7); H 4 bptc = 2,3,3′,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic acid] have been isolated based on an unsymmetrical tetracarboxylic acid. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that all CPs featured a two dimensional (2D) layer with (6, 6, 6)-connected 63 topology. Luminescent spectra demonstrate that CPs 1 – 7 exhibit impressive UV–visible luminescence in the solid state at room temperature. More significantly, a single-component white-light material with International Commission on Illumination (CIE) coordinates of (0.335, 0.334) for 4 (Sm-CP), very closing to the pure white-light of (0.333, 0.333) was obtained by finely tuning of the excitation wavelength. In addition, the luminescent detection for anions of 7 is investigated. Fluorescence measurements show that 7 can detect oxoanion pollutants Cr 2 O 7 2−, CrO 4 2−, and MnO 4 − anions in aqueous solutions with high selectivity and sensitivity, which suggests that the Tb-CP is a promising functional luminescence probe for toxic oxoanions. The possible mechanisms of the quenching effect were also discussed in detail. Unlabelled Image • A series of novel isostructural Ln-CPs have been constructed from an unsymmetrical tetracarboxylic acid. • Complex 4 is verified to be a rare example of single-component white-light material with CIE coordinates of (0.335, 0.334). • Complex 7 exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity luminescence sensing toward Cr 2 O 7 2-, CrO 4 2-, and MnO 4 - in aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of pyrochlore solid solutions with general formula Nd 2 (Zr 1- x Ce x) 2 O 7 were successfully synthesized by the glycine-nitrate process (GNP) auto-combustion method and then sintered at high temperature. The order-disorder structure of the as-prepared ceramic samples was systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Rietveld refinements of the typical XRD patterns were performed using Full-prof software. XRD and Raman results confirmed a co-existence structure composed of ordered pyrochlore and disordered defect-fluorite structure for Nd 2 (Zr 0.75 Ce 0.25) 2 O 7 and Nd 2 (Zr 0.7 Ce 0.3) 2 O 7 samples. And Nd 2 Ce 2 O 7 specimen presented as defect-fluorite structure with rare earth C-type microdomains in both XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The effect of 48 f oxygen on phase transition was verified by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The refined x -parameter of 48 f oxygen reflected the phase transition of Nd 2 (Zr 1- x Ce x) 2 O 7 solutions from pyrochlore to fluorite structure. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) images and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) proved the representative Nd 2 (Zr 0.7 Ce 0.3) 2 O 7 sample showed biphasic structure with pyrochlore and defect-fluorite structure SAED rings. Also, the C-type microdomain SAED rings of Nd 2 Ce 2 O 7 structure was found by TEM analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The g-C3N4 decorated magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) porous microspheres composites were successfully obtained via a one-step solvothermal method. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared MgFe2O4/g-C3N4 composites were characterized by the techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal gravity and differential scanning calorimeter (TG–DSC) and N2-sorption. The gas sensing properties of the samples were measured and compared with a pure MgFe2O4-based sensor. The maximum response of the sensor based on MgFe2O4/g-C3N4 composites with 10 wt % g-C3N4 content to acetone is improved by about 145 times, while the optimum temperature was lowered by 60 °C. Moreover, the sensing mechanism and the reason for improving gas sensing performance were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unexpected homologation/dyotropic rearrangement/interconversion/[3+2] cycloaddition cascade reaction of α‐diazoester‐terminated N‐propyl‐substituted isatin derivatives was achieved in the presence of a chiral N,N′‐dioxide/ScIII catalyst. This catalytic manifold allows rapid construction of several classes of dimeric polycyclic compounds with good yields and high levels of diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee). Furthermore, macrocyclic dimers can be obtained by an intermolecular homologation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sulfide-based conductors are one class of the most promising solid electrolytes for next-generation of all-solid-state batteries due to their advantages on high ionic conductivity and favorable mechanical properties of easy densification. Besides new material chemistry to be explored, understanding the pressure effect on structure and property is equally important from both fundamental and practical considerations, as pressure is one way to tune the properties of such solid electrolytes. Here we report the pressure-driven structural evolution and conductivity change of Na 3 SbS 4 solid electrolyte through the integration of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and in-situ experiments. Theoretical calculation predicts that no phase transition happens to tetragonal Na 3 SbS 4 under 10 GPa isotopically pressure. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman results confirm that Na 3 SbS 4 keeps stable tetragonal structure but shows anisotropic compressibility along different directions. After pressure release, the ionic conductivity of Na 3 SbS 4 increases by four folds to 1.6 mS cm−1, which is resulted from the dramatic decrease of grain boundary resistance. Highlights • Both theoretical calculation and in-situ high-pressure experiments are integrated. • Na 3 SbS 4 keeps tetragonal structure but show anisotropic compressibility. • The ionic conductivity of Na 3 SbS 4 increases to 1.6 mScm−1 after pressure treatment. • Decreased grain boundary resistance contributes to the increase of conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel formaldehyde sensor was fabricated by combining two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) nanosheets with In 2 O 3 nanospheres obtained via a simple solvothermal method. A series of analytical techniques including SEM, TEM, XRD and XPS were implemented to investigate the morphology, structure and elemental composition of the samples. The gas sensing performance of g-C 3 N 4 /In 2 O 3 composites was systematically investigated through comparison with that of pure In 2 O 3 nanospheres. By comparison, 20 % g-C 3 N 4 /In 2 O 3 sensor showed an optimal response value (59.94) and faster response time (8 s) to 50 ppm formaldehyde at lower operating temperature of 120 °C, which is superior than that of In 2 O 3. Meanwhile, it also showed excellent selectivity and long-term stability over 40 days. The improved sensing properties may be put down to the abundant oxygen vacancy defects and extended charge transfer within the g-C 3 N 4 /In 2 O 3 n-n heterojunction and large surface areas. This work furnishes a way to construct formaldehyde sensor for rapid detection under low power consumption. [Display omitted] • g-C 3 N 4 /In 2 O 3 nanocomposites were synthesized via a facile solvothermal method. • The g-C 3 N 4 /In 2 O 3 sensor exhibited excellent HCHO-sensing performance at 120 °C. • The mechanism on the improvement of sensing performances was discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current research, the equal molar Y and Ce co-doped (Nd 1- x Y x) 2 (Zr 1- x Ce x) 2 O 7 pyrochlore solid solution was prepared by solid-state method at 1500 °C. And the ordered-disordered structure of the as-prepared samples was investigated systematically by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and Transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The results showed that the lattice constants of ordered or disordered (Nd 1- x Y x) 2 (Zr 1- x Ce x) 2 O 7 solid solutions increase with increasing Y and Ce co-doping contents simultaneously from 0 to 1. The phase structure presents monophasic ordered pyrochlore (F d 3 ‾ m space group, Z = 8) when Y and Ce contents are in the range of 0–0.15. While a biphasic region exists when contents of Y and Ce are 0.2, namely, there are ordered pyrochlore and disordered defect fluorite (F m 3 ‾ m space group, Z = 4) structure coexisting in the (Nd 0.8 Y 0.2) 2 (Zr 0.8 Ce 0.2) 2 O 7 solid solution. With the co-doping content of Y and Ce in the 0.3–1 range, the phase composition becomes monophasic disordered defect fluorite. Variation of the average r A / r B ratio value leads to the increase of the x O 48 f coordinate parameter from 0.3192 (0) to 0.3309 (0) when the phase structure of the sample present ordered pyrochlore. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and Transmission electron microscopy results confirm that the ordered-disordered transformation of (Nd 1- x Y x) 2 (Zr 1- x Ce x) 2 O 7 pyrochlore is related to the x O 48 f coordinate parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One Ni(II)-Na(I) complex namely {[NiII-L-NaI(dca)]2}n [H2L = 1,2-ethanediylbis(2-iminomethylene-6-methoxy-phenol)] was synthesized under mild conditions at room temperature and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses show that Ni(II) centers are in four-coordinate D4h geometry and Na(I) centers are in a six-coordinate slightly distorted pentagonal pyramidal C5v geometry in the complex. The basic structural components of the complex are the [NiII-L-NaI] units, which are further connected by the dicyanamide through μ1,5 mode between the Na centers to form 1D chain structures. Thermogravimetric analysis indicate that complex 1 shows good thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current metal-oxide-based sensing materials are confronted with several challenges, especially in sensitivity, selectivity and stability, for their application in the breath acetone analysis. Herein, hierarchical walnut-like Fe-C-codoped WO 3 microspheres were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The amount of Fe doping was optimized based on detecting the acetone responses dependent on the operating temperature. The sensor based on the optimal Fe-C-codoped WO 3 ( FW3 ) exhibited high response to acetone and very low responses to NH 3 , CO, toluene, methanol, ethanol and NO. The results indicate that the optimized material possesses high sensitivity and good selectivity toward acetone vapor. Besides, the FW3 sensor presented superior anti-interferential ability to various mixed-gas systems. More importantly, the responses of the sensor exhibited no obvious fluctuation over 12 weeks, implying good long-term stability of the synthesized material. We suggest that the phase, morphology and the increased number of oxygen vacancies induced by Fe doping are the underlying reason for the improved gas sensing performance of the Fe-C-codoped WO 3 microspheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electro-reduction of magnetite is important for many different industries. For example, it relates to the extraction of iron from iron ore and the charging of iron-based batteries. The sluggish electro-reduction reaction of magnetite affects the energy efficiency of iron extraction or the charge rate of iron-based batteries. However, what factors affecting the reduction rate is not well understood. In this study, electrochemical analysis, XRD, SEM, EDS mapping and XPS techniques are adopted to analyze the reaction, and it is proved that two factors determine the electro-reduction rate of magnetite electrode: O 2− diffusion inside the particles determines the electro-reduction rate of a single particle, and the electrical resistivity of electrode determines how many magnetite particles are involved in electro-reduction simultaneously. Contact resistance between particles is the dominant part of the electrical resistance of the magnetite electrode. The function mechanism of sulfide in the reaction is also revealed: a sulfide additive can react with magnetite to form amorphous or crystal FeS at different potentials. These compounds, especially crystal FeS, coat onto the surface of magnetite particles, and bond them together. The coating and bonding can decrease contact resistance significantly, thus enhancing the electro-reduction rate of magnetite to one order of magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide−wrapped hierarchical hollow structured SnO 2 spheres were fabricated by hydrothermal strategy and applied to the sensitive electrochemical sensing of phenolic compounds. The as−prepared new nanocomposite modified electrode characterized by morphology, X−ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance, and electroactive surface area suggested its efficiency for the individual and simultaneous sensing of 4−aminophenol (4−AP) and 4−chlorophenol (4−CP), exhibiting as the remarkable increase in peak currents compared with SnO 2 or graphene oxide modified electrodes. After optimization of electrochemical parameters, the detection limits of 2.2 nM for 4−AP and 3.1 nM for 4−CP were obtained using differential pulse voltammetric method. Finally, the application of the modified electrode in real water samples was evaluated, indicating that it could be used as an excellent platform for the detection of phenolic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO films on R-sapphire substrates are prepared and characterized by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, which indicate that the thin films are well crystallized with texture. Love wave and Rayleigh wave are used for fabrications of humidity sensors, which are excited in and [0001] directions of the ZnO piezoelectric films, respectively. The experimental results show that both kinds of sensors have good humidity response and repeatability, and the performances of the Love wave sensors are better than those of the Rayleigh wave sensors at room temperature. Moreover, the theoretical calculations of the mass sensitivity of the sensors are also carried out and the calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To deepen the study on heptacoordinate transition metal coordination complexes, a novel seven-coordinated coordination compound [Cd(SCZ)3·H2O](HTNR)2(H2O)2(1, SCZ = semicarbazide, H2TNR = styphnic acid) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that1crystallizes in the triclinic space groupP-1. The thermal decomposition mechanism of1was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The non-isothermal kinetics parameters were calculated by the Kissinger's method and Ozawa-Doyle's method, respectively. Sensitivity tests revealed that1is insensitive to mechanical stimuli. The heat of combustion was measured by oxygen bomb calorimetry and the enthalpy of formation was calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

2-Thenoyltrifluoroacetone (Tta) and 1,10-Phenanthroline hydrate (Phen) were used as ligands for Eu 3+ ions to prepare graphene oxide (GO)/rare-earth (RE) complex hybrid luminescent materials by a new method. The as-prepared products are characterized via fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, fluorescence spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The hybrid materials exhibit good solubility, long luminescent lifetime, high fluorescence quantum yield, good thermal and photo stability. Moreover, their fluorescence properties in sodium acetate/acetic acid buffer solution over the pH range from 3.6 to 5.4 are also studied. These properties of hybrid materials provide an important basis for their application in medicine, as potential biological markers, and as drug delivery vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we reported construction of CuO/Cu 2 O@CoO core-shell nanowire arrays by combining a chemical deposition method and post-thermal annealing process on Cu foil without any binders and conductive additives. The nanowire arrays were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques. The determination results indicate that the nanowire arrays are distinct CuO/Cu 2 O nanowire core decorated with branched CoO nanosheet shells. In addition, the as-obtained nanowire arrays demonstrate outstanding areal capacitance of 280 mF cm − 2 at a current density of 1 mA cm − 2 as well as superior cycling stability which remains 90.7% of initial capacitance after 3000 cycles. The facile and cost-effective synthesis integrated with the robust electrochemical performances suggests that the CuO/Cu 2 O@CoO core-shell nanowire arrays are expected to be promising candidate electrodes for high-performance supercapacitor and other energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of additives (sucrose, glucose, and sodium chloride) on textural properties of native and annealed corn starch gels were measured using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and texture analyzer. Annealing temperature, additive concentration, and pH affected the corn starch gels. Firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, and viscosity values ranged from 20.55 to 43.70 g, 213.67 to 412.00 g/sec, –25.81 to –15.22 g, and –104.21 to –6.73 g/sec, respectively. The eigenvalue of the texture characteristics of annealed corn starch decreased without additives, and increased with additives. Annealing at 55°C had more effect than did annealing at 45°C. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Novel Raman spectra were discovered in (Ba 1 − x Sm x )(Ti 0.95 − x /4 Ce 0.05 )O 3 (0.03≤ x ≤0.10) ceramics and investigated in relation to the fluorescent effect of Sm 3+ ions. Special interest was paid to analyze the dielectric response and defect chemistry associated with the structural evolution by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and dielectric measurements. Complete solid solutions, known as BS5TC5 and BS6TC5 for (Ba 1 − x Sm x )(Ti 0.95 − x /4 Ce 0.05 )O 3 ceramics were found to form at x =0.05 and 0.06 (approximately) and exhibit a cubic structure and a non-uniform microstructure. BS6TC5 exhibited a strong high- k diffuse phase transition (DPT) behavior ( ϵ m ′ =9300, T C =78 °C), a lower dielectric loss (tan δ <0.05), and a feature of mixed valence at Ba sites (Sm 3+ , Ce 3+ ) and Ti sites (Sm 3+ , Ce 4+ ). The BSTC ceramics with x =0.09 met the Y5V specification. A weak g =2.004 EPR signal associated with ionized Ti-vacancy defects appeared in single-phase ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial substitution of Dy for Tb in TbFe 2 compounds results in improved magnetostriction with high strains obtained at low fields. The structural evolutions of TbFe 2 and Tb 0.4 Dy 0.6 Fe 2 compounds are studied in situ using synchrotron-based high-energy x-ray diffraction under an applied magnetic field. It is found that the rhombohedral distortion in TbFe 2 is remarkably reduced by substituting Dy for Tb. When a low magnetic field is applied, a preferential rearrangement of rhombohedral domains is directly evidenced in TbFe 2 and Tb 0.4 Dy 0.6 Fe 2 compounds. Based on the concept of crystallographic domain-switching, the enhancement in the magnetostriction in Tb 1−x Dy x Fe 2 compounds is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The copper incorporated SBA-15 (Cu-SBA-15) materials with different amount of Cu in framework were synthesized, and the products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and N 2 adsorption/desorption. The Cu contents incorporated into the framework of SBA-15 were measured by inductively coupling plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES). Cu-SBA-15 samples were found to exhibit the peroxidase-like activity, similar to the natural peroxidase. The effect of various parameters such as the content of Cu incorporated, pH and temperature on the peroxidase-like activity was studied. Based on the peroxidase-like activity, the Cu-SBA-15 was applied to the determination of H 2 O 2 . The linear range for detecting H 2 O 2 was from 0.8 to 60 mM with a detection limit of 3.7 µM. Coupled with glucose oxidase, the Cu-SBA-15 was successfully used for the determination of glucose with the linear range of 2–80 mM and a detection limit of 5.4 µM. The determination of glucose in human serum showed high accuracy, good reproducibility, as well as high selectivity against uric acid, ascorbic acid, dopamine and glucose analogs including fructose, maltose and lactose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LiFePO 4 /Cu (LFP/Cu) composite as a cathode material for lithium-ion battery was successfully synthesized via a two-step chemical process. The reductant concentration, solution pH, temperature and reaction time of this chemical process were investigated based on a series of experiments to explore the optimal parameters. The structural characteristics and electrochemical properties of LFP/Cu composite were compared with pure LiFePO 4 . X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that the obtained LFP/Cu composite was well crystallized, in addition, the copper particles did not destroy the olivine structure of LiFePO 4 . Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) element map showed that nano-sized copper particles exhibited a homogeneous distribution on the surface of LiFePO 4 . Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) compared the charge-transfer resistance (R ct ) of LFP/Cu and pure LiFePO 4 electrode, indicating that the decrease of R ct was nearly 40% after adding moderate amount of nano-sized copper particles. The charge–discharge tests demonstrated that the optimized LFP/Cu composite with 6.18% nano-sized copper particles delivered the initial discharge capacity of 146.7 mAh g −1 at 0.1 C, which was much higher than pure LiFePO 4 and all the other samples. The better electrochemical properties were mainly attributed to the significantly decrease of R ct and the enhancement of electronic conductivity, which is benefit from the superficial nano-sized copper particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A di-vanadium-substituted Lindqvist-type polyoxometalate [Cu(C12H8N2)2]2[V2W4O19]·4H2O (1) was hydrothermally synthesized and characterized structurally by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy disperse spectroscopy tests further prove the existence of vanadium. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theoretical studies indicate that the energy level of 1 matches well with the conduction band of the TiO2. Furthermore, considering the semiconductor-like nature of 1 and the introduction of transition metal element Cu synchronously extends the absorption to the visible region, which should also be beneficial to the photovoltaic device performance. 1-Doped TiO2 composites (denoted as 1@TiO2) have been successfully fabricated by a simple sol–gel method, and introduced into the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as co-sensitizers in N719-sensitized photoanodes by mixing 1@TiO2 with P25 nanoparticles with different weight ratios to enhance the photoelectric conversion efficiency. The investigations show that the DSSC assembled with 1@TiO2/19P25 photoanode has the best performance and the overall improvement of the efficiency is 21.6% compared with pure P25. Furthermore, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and open-circuit voltage decay investigations show that the cosensitization of 1 and N719 can promote electron transfer and restrain charge recombinations in the DSSCs, resulting in a longer electron lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel nanocrystalline materials, hexagonal TiOF 2 (hTiOF 2 , space group R 3 ¯ c hexagonal) nanocubes and LiTiOF 2 (space group R3c hexagonal), were prepared by a one-step solvothermal method and the lithiation of hTiOF 2 precursor, respectively. All the products have been characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope and high resolution transmission electron microscope. Furthermore, Rietveld analysis has been used to evaluate the structure of LiTiOF 2 . The electrochemical properties were evaluated using the products as cathode for half-cells in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). It is confirmed that hTiOF 2 and LiTiOF 2 have the same frame and the Li intercalation/de-intercalation mechanism of hTiOF 2 is discussed. An electrochemical activation process is confirmed in the charge-discharge cycles of hTiOF 2 half-cells. The hTiOF 2 half-cell after activation delivered a high specific capacity of 200 mAh g −1 at 1C in the range of 3.0–0.8 V and maintained a specific capacity of 120 mAh g −1 at 20C over 1000 cycles, which is a very satisfying performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the needs of future multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), thinner dielectric layers are necessary. To achieve this goal, the grain size and uniformity of the MLCC particles must be effectively controlled. In this study, we developed a novel precipitation route to control the dispersion and particle size of Ba 0.991 Bi 0.006 TiO 3 and Ba 0.991 Bi 0.006 TiO 3 @Nb 2 O 5 particles. We confirmed a core–shell particle structure by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The dielectric properties of the ceramics were measured using an LCR meter. We found monodispersed submicron Ba 0.991 Bi 0.006 TiO 3 particles (∼233 nm) form a core that was coated with a homogeneous Nb 2 O 5 layer (∼7 nm). Dense, fine-grained Ba 0.991 Bi 0.006 TiO 3 -based ceramics (≤250 nm) were obtained by sintering. The ceramics met the X8R requirements, with a Curie temperature of about 140 °C, a maximum dielectric constant of 2336, and a low dielectric loss at room temperature (<2.0%, with a minimum of 0.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disclosed herein is a RhIII-catalyzed chelation-assisted activation of unreactive C [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the hydrothermal conditions, the reactions of transition-metal salts, tetracarboxylic acids and N , N ′-donor ligands yielded three new coordination polymers as [Cu 4 (fph) 2 (bpe) 3 (H 2 O) 2 ]·2H 2 O (fph=4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalate, bpe=1,2-bis(pyridyl)ethylene) 1 , [Co 2 (fph)(bpa) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ]·3H 2 O (bpa=1,2-bis(pyridyl)ethylane) 2 , and [Ni(H 2 O)(H 2 oph)(bpa)] (oph=4,4′-oxydiphthalate) 3 . X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis revealed that the title three compounds all possess the three-dimensional (3-D) network structures. For compound 1 , the fph molecules first link the Cu 2+ ions into a two-dimensional (2-D) wave-like layer with a (4,4) topology. The bpe molecules act as the second linkers, extending the 2-D layers into a 3-D network. For compound 2 , the fph molecules still serve as the first connectors, linking the Co 2+ ions into a one-dimensional (1-D) tube-like chain. Then the bpa molecules propagate the chains into a 3-D (4,4,4)-connected network. In the formation of the 3-D network of compound 3 , the oph molecule does not play a role. The bpa molecules as well as the water molecules act as a mixed bridge. Only a kind of 4-connected metal node is observed in compound 3 . The magnetic properties of compounds 1 – 3 were investigated and all exhibit the predominant antiferromegnetic magnetic behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the reaction time, electric energy consumption and the need for high pressure as well as unsafe conditions, we developed an easy and efficient method for the synthesis of a LiFePO4–graphene–C composite. The cathode material was fabricated in situ in an open system by microwave-assisted solvent treatment. The disc-shaped LiFePO4 nanoparticles were 50–100 nm in size and well dispersed on the surface of the graphene. The cyclic voltammograms, charge–discharge profiles and electrochemical impedance measurements indicated that the electrochemical performances of the LiFePO4–graphene–C were better than those of LiFePO4–graphene and LiFePO4–C composites. The LiFePO4–graphene–C cathode delivered a capacity of 160.1 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C rate and showed a decay rate of no more than 0.09% per cycle. The effect of graphene on the structure and performance of the composites was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spheniscidite, (NH 4 )Fe 2 (OH)(PO 4 ) 2 ·2H 2 O, has been successfully synthesized by precipitation method using low-cost raw materials. This method is facile and easy to control, as well as scale-up. LiFePO 4 /C composite has been fabricated using spheniscidite as precursor by carbonthermal reduction. The as-prepared LiFePO 4 /C composite exhibits excellent electrochemical performance. The discharge capacities of LiFePO 4 /C composite are 155, 154, 151, 148, 140 and 130 mA h g −1 at the rates of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 and 10.0 C, respectively. And the discharge capacity fades rarely after 100 cycles at the rate of 10 C. The XRD analysis and SEM observations indicate that the electrochemical performance of LiFePO 4 /C composite is governed by its microstructure. The micro-nano sized secondary particles are composed of the nano sized primary particles coated with carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A simple electrodeposition approach to grow multi-laminated copper particles on two conductive substrates is presented. Morphological and structural characterization was performed using SEM and XRD. The copper crystallites are preferentially oriented with {111} planes parallel to the substrate surfaces, providing an optimum interface for methanol oxidation. There are a large number of edges, corners, and atomic steps around individual multi-laminated nanostructured particles. The excellent electrocatalytic activity of the particles to methanol oxidation in alkaline solutions is demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. The presence of the conductive poly(2-amino-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole) interlayer between the Cu particles and the carbon paste substrate results in larger specific surface areas of the particles and smaller charge-transfer resistances of methanol oxidation reaction in the lower potential range. Such an anisotropic laminated structure of non-noble metal nanomaterials deserves further investigation for finding a suitable alternative to noble metal-based anodic catalysts in fuel cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To get a high sulfur loaded porous carbon/sulfur cathode material with an excellent performance, we investigated four different sulfur loading treatments. The samples were analyzed by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We proved that it is more effective to introduce the sulfur into the pores of porous carbon at 300 °C than at 155 °C. Especially, the porous carbon/sulfur composite heated in a sealed reactor at 300 °C for 8 h presents a fine sulfur load with sulfur content of 78 wt.% and exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance. The discharge capacity is 760, 727, 744, 713, and 575 mAh g of sulfur at a current density of 80, 160, 320, 800, and 1,600 mA g based on the sulfur/carbon composite, respectively. What is more, there is almost no decay at the current density of 800 mA g for 50 cycles and coulombic efficiency remains over 95 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four new hybrid compounds based on Keggin polyoxometallates and transition metal complexes, [Cu(phen)2]4[GeW12O40] (1), [Cu(bpy)(phen)]2[Cu(bpy)2]3[BW12O40] (2), [Cu(bpy)(phen)][Cu(bpy)2]3[SiW12O40] (3) and [Cu(bpy)2]4[GeW12O40] (4) (phen=1,10-phenanthroline, bpy=2,2′-bipyridine), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by IR spectra, UV–Vis, XPS, XRD and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Compounds 1, 2, 3 and 4 are new examples of hybrids based on polyoxometallates and transition metal complexes with a lower positive charge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of shear flow and carbon nanotubes (CNTs),separatelyand together, on nonisothermal crystallization of poly(lactic acid)(PLA) at a relatively large cooling rate was investigated by time-resolvedsynchrotron wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and polarized opticalmicroscope (POM). Unlike flexible-chain polymers such as polyethylene,and so on, whose crystallization kinetics are significantly acceleratedby shear flow, neat PLA only exhibits an increase in onset crystallizationtemperature after experiencing a shear rate of 30 s–1, whereas both the nucleation density and ultimate crystallinityare not changed too much because PLA chains are intrinsically semirigidand have relatively short length. The breaking down of shear-inducednuclei into point-like precursors (or random coil) probably becomesincreasingly active after shear stops. Very interestingly, a markedsynergistic effect of shear flow and CNTs exists in enhancing crystallizationof PLA, leading to a remarkable increase of nucleation density inPLA/CNT nanocomposite. This synergistic effect is ascribed to extranuclei, which are formed by the anchoring effect of CNTs’ surfaceson the shear-induced nuclei and suppressing effect of CNTs on therelaxation of the shear-induced nuclei. Further, this interestingfinding was deliberately applied to injection molding, aiming to improvethe crystallinity of PLA products. As expected, a remarkable highcrystallinity in the injection-molded PLA part has been achieved successfullyby the combination of shear flow and CNTs, which offers a new methodto fabricate PLA products with high crystallinity for specific applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firstly, damage mechanisms of combed methane reservoir in Qinshui Basin of Shanxi Province were comprehensively analyzed by X-ray diffraction( XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), liner swelling test and hot rolling dispersion experiments, thin-section analysis, mercury penetration analysis, wettability measurement and evaluation of sensitivity. Based on this work, pertinent protection counter-measure study were conducted, the surface wettability modifier SD-905 and water sensitivity inhibitor SMYZ-2 were selected out, and then drilling fluid for coalbed methane reservoir in Qinshui Basin of Shanxi Province composed of 0.4% SD-905 + O. 5% SMYZ-2 was developed, which has minimal damage to permeability of ingredient under hygrometric state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two new organic–inorganic compounds based on polyoxometalates, metal halide clusters and organic ligands: [BW12O40]2[Cu2(Phen)4Cl](H24, 4′-bpy)4·H3O·5H2O (1) and [HPW12O40][Cd2(Phen)4Cl2](4, 4′-bpy) (2) (Phen=1, 10-phenanthroline, bpy=bipyridine), have been prepared and characterized by IR, UV–vis, XPS, XRD and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Crystal structure analyses reveal that compound 1 is constructed from [BW12O40]5−, metal halide clusters [Cu2(Phen)4Cl]+and 4, 4′-bpy ligands, while compound 2 is constructed from [PW12O40]3−, metal halide cluster [Cd2(Phen)4Cl2]2+ and 4, 4′-bpy ligands. Compound 1 and compound 2 are not common hybrids based on polyoxometalates and metal halide clusters, they also contain dissociated organic ligands, therefore, compound 1 and 2 are the first examples of hybrids based on polyoxometalates, metal halide clusters and organic ligands. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new copper(II) coordination polymer [Cu(L)(OH)(HO)](NO)·3HO ( 1)] has been synthesized by the reaction of copper nitrate and inner-salt-type dicarboxylate ligand 1-carboxymethylpyridinium-4-carboxylate inner salt (L) and the crystal structure has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with space group C2/ c and unit cell parameters: a = 23.922(5) Å, b = 13.382(3) Å, c = 16.376(3) Å, β = 125.830(3) Å. The crystal structure analysis reveals that 1 is a 2D network with 3 topology, which contains hydroxo-bridged tetranuclear copper cores [Cu(μ-OH)] as nodes with Cu···Cu edges spanned by bridging L ligands. The 2D networks are further joined together through extensive O-H···O hydrogen bonds to form a 3D framework. Graphical Abstract: A new layered six-connected complex [Cu(L)(OH)(HO)](NO)·3HO based on tetranuclear copper(II) cores has been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, which reveals the complex is a 2D network with 3 topology.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new one-dimensional Co(II) coordination polymer, Co(L)(N3)2 (L = pyridinio-N-acetate), has been synthesized by a diffusion method and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the compound, Co(II) ions are linked by mixed triple bridges (two end-on azides and a syn–syn carboxylate), which transmit ferromagnetic coupling with J=13.96cm−1. The compound exhibits field-induced metamagnetic behaviors below TN =2.3K with Hc=100Oe, due to weak antiferromagnetic interactions between chains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The stiffness and bioactivity of polyamide 66 (PA66) have been previously improved by the addition of hydroxyapatite (HA); however, the toughness and processing ability of the HA/PA66 composite need further improvement. In this paper, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer was used as a modifier to toughen the composite and improve the melt processability. The HA/EVA/PA66 ternary composites were prepared by a twin screw extruder and injection molding, and analyzed by XRD, DSC, SEM, and mechanical testing. The results demonstrate that EVA has good miscibility with a PA66 matrix and result in a uniform distribution of fine HA particles in the composite. With increasing EVA incorporation, the brittle fracture of PA66 and HA/PA66 gradually became ductile fracture. EVA can effectively improve the impact strength and melt processability of the composite; the increased brittleness of HA/PA66 composite by HA addition can be counteracted by incorporation of EVA modifier. The increase in impact strength of the HA/EVA/PA66 composite can be explained on the basis of better stress transfer in the presence of EVA and by finer dispersion of HA particles. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: LaPO4:Ln3+ (Ln=Eu, Ce, Tb) nanocrystals were successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal process in the presence of oleic acid. The as-prepared crystals were well characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), optical spectra as well as the kinetic decay times, respectively. In the synthesis process, oleic acid as a surfactant has played a crucial role in confining the growth and size of the LaPO4:Ln3+ phosphors. All the samples are well crystallized and assigned to the monoclinic monazite-type structure of the LaPO4 phase. The prepared LaPO4:Ln3+ phosphors present a narrow distribution with an average particle size of about 15nm. Upon excitation by ultraviolet radiation, the LaPO4:Eu3+ phosphors show the characteristic 5D0–7F1–3 emission lines of Eu3+, while the LaPO4:Ce3+,Tb3+ exhibits the characteristic 5D0–7F3–6 emission lines of Tb3+. It is believed that these rare earth ion doped (Eu3+ ion or Ce3+ and Tb3+ ions co-doped) monoclinic monazite-type LaPO4 nanocrystals could find potential application as future advanced optical materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of aromatically 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-thia(oxa)diazoles with a terminal methoxy or methylthio group were synthesized and characterized by means of 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS and elemental analysis. The X-ray crystal structures of compounds 1a and 3b revealed that both of them adopted layered arrangement without short intermolecular interactions. The liquid crystal properties have been investigated by means of polarizing optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), variable temperature X-ray diffraction (VXRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). All compounds (except 2a and 2b) exhibited various mesophases (nematic, smectic C and/or smectic A) with wide temperature ranges and good thermal stability. In CH2Cl2 solution, all these compounds displayed a room temperature emission with λ max at 371–425nm and quantum yields of 0.25–0.83. The effect of the sulfur and oxygen atoms on mesomorphic and photo-luminescent properties was discussed according to the positions in the central heterocyclic rings and the terminal groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to prepare and characterize nanosuspensions loading the active lactone form of 10-hydroxycamptothecin (10-HCPT). Nanosuspensions were prepared in terms of microprecipitation–high-pressure homogenization method. As for the preparation processes, three important parameters, i.e. the agitation rate of stabilizer solution, homogenization pressure and cycle numbers, were investigated and optimized, and the optimal values were 1000rpm, 1000bar and 20 times, respectively. The particle size and zeta potential of the 10-HCPT-nanosuspensions were 131nm and −25.5mV. The particle morphology was determined by transmission electron microscopy and the 10-HCPT nanoparticles were baculine or trabecular in shape. The solid state of 10-HCPT in nanoparticles was analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The XRD and the DSC results both indicated that 10-HCPT was present as an amorphous state in the lyophilized powders for nanosuspension. The chemical stability tests demonstrated that near 90% lactone form of 10-HCPT was present in the nanosuspensions but it was easily transferred to the carboxylate form in the solution at pH 7.0–8.0. In vitro dissolution tests showed the dissolution rate of nanosuspensions, compared with the coarse suspensions, had been significantly increased. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: ZnO hollow spheres were successfully prepared by using carbon microspheres as templates and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). A gas sensor was fabricated from the as-prepared ZnO hollow spheres and tested to different concentrations of NH3 and NO2 at different operating temperatures. The results showed that the ZnO hollow-sphere sensor exhibited extremely different sensing behaviors to NH3 and NO2. The optimum operating temperature of the sensor was 220°C for NH3 and 240°C for NO2, respectively. At 220°C, the responses to 25, 50 and 75ppm NH3 were 7.9, 11.1 and 20.4 and the response times were as long as several minutes. At 240°C, the responses to 10, 50 and 100ppm NO2 were 140.6, 172.8 and 286.8 and the corresponding response times were 31, 19 and 9s. In addition, it is also shown that the gas sensor exhibited much higher response to NO2 than to other gases at 240°C, implying the good selectivity and potential application of the sensor for detecting NO2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, pure NiO, Al-doped NiO, W-doped NiO and a series of Al/W co-doped NiO nanoflowers were successfully prepared through a simple solvothermal method. Various characterization methods, such as XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM and XPS, were used to confirm the physical and chemical properties of the sensitive materials in terms of micro-nano structures, compositions and elemental distributions. The as-obtained Al/W co-doped NiO showed a nanoflower structure with an approximate size of ∼ 200 nm. What's more, among six sensors constructed from the sensitive materials, the sensor based on 3 at% Al3+/3 at% W6+ co-doped NiO (3Al3W-NiO) achieved the highest response (R g /R a =112) toward 100 ppm triethylamine with a low detection limit (1 ppm) at 325 ℃. Besides, this sensor also exhibited excellent response/recovery characteristics and long-term stability. These favorable sensing performances of the 3Al/3 W co-doped NiO sensor are not only modulated by the initial resistance (R a), but are also closely related to the large specific surface area, porous structures, low crystallinity, rich oxygen vacancies and high Ni3+/Ni2+ ratio in the composite nanomaterials. • The Al and W co-doped NiO nanoflowers are successfully prepared. • The co-doped NiO composites have low crystallinity and rich oxygen vacancies. • The 3Al/3 W-NiO-based sensor shows superior response to triethylamine. • Mechanisms of the enhanced triethylamine sensing properties are elaborated clearly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AlGaInP epilayers of different Al compositions have been grown on (1 0 0) GaAs substrates with a misorientation of 2° and 7° towards (1 1 1)A by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition using tertiarybutylphosphine. High-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements show that the In composition of the AlGaInP epilayer grown on 7° off substrate is lower than that of the AlGaInP epilayer grown on 2° off substrate. Also the difference in the In composition increases with increasing V/III ratio while decreasing with increasing Al composition and substrate temperature. Based on the effect of substrate orientation and temperature on the sticking coefficients and migration lengths of the adatoms, the dependence of In composition on the substrate orientation and growth temperature are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present work, the microstructure and grain refining performance of the melt-spun Al–5Ti–1B (wt%) master alloy have been investigated, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and grain refining tests. It has been found that the microstructure of the melt-spun Al–5Ti–1B master alloy is mainly composed of two phases: metastable, supersaturated α-Al solid solution and uniformly dispersed TiB2 particles, quite different from that of the rod-like alloy consisting of three phases: α-Al, blocky TiAl3, and clusters of TiB2 particles. Quenching temperatures and wheel speeds (cooling rates), however, have no obvious effect on the microstructure of the melt-spun Al–5Ti–1B alloy. Grain refining tests show that rapid solidification has a significant effect on the grain refining performance of Al–5Ti–1B alloy and leads to the great increase of nucleation rate of the alloy. Nevertheless, the melt-spun Al–5Ti–1B master alloy prepared at different wheel speeds and quenching temperatures possesses the similar grain refining performance. The reasons for the microstructure formation and the improvement of the grain refining performance of the melt-spun Al–5Ti–1B master alloy have been also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present work, the effect of the melt ejection temperature and peripheral wheel speed on the microstructure of melt-spun Al–20 Ce (wt.%) alloy was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Ejection temperature and wheel speed have no effect on the phase constitution, but have a marked effect on the microstructure of the melt-spun alloy. The phases present are identified to be the equilibrium α-Al and α-Al11Ce3. The microstructure of the alloy quenched from 1200 °C and at 1500 rpm is composed of α-Al dendrites and microdendrites with interdendritic α-Al11Ce3, while the microstructure of the alloy quenched from 900 °C and at 1500 rpm is predominantly comprised of α-Al microdendrites with interdendritic α-Al11Ce3. A variety of microstructures composed of aligned α-Al dendrites with interdendritic α-Al11Ce3, α-Al dendrites with interdendritic α-Al/α-Al11Ce3 eutectic and fully lamellar α-Al/a-Al11Ce3 eutectic are found in the Al–20 Ce alloy quenched from 1200 °C and at 500 rpm. Some orientation relationships were also determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present work, the microstructure of melt-spun Al–10Ti–1C alloy has been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The phases present in the melt-spun alloy are identified to be α-Al solid solution, the equilibrium tetragonal TiAl3 and hexagonal TiC by XRD and electron diffraction. Both large and small TiAl3 particles are observed in melt-spun Al–10Ti–1C alloy. The large TiAl3 particles, ∼1 μm in size, exhibit a homogeneous single-phase structure. The small TiAl3 particles are blocky, ∼0.1–0.2 μm in size. Some of them are a homogeneous single phase but some of them exhibit an ultrafine nanocellular structure. Polygonal TiC particles, ∼1.2–1.5 μm in size, are found in melt-spun Al–10Ti–1C alloy. Both TiAl3 and TiC particles are found to act as heterogeneous sites nucleating α-Al grains in the melt-spun alloy. The reasons for the formation of the microstructure of melt-spun Al–10Ti–1C alloy have also been discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The microstructure of the melt-spun Al–7Sr–3Ti alloy has been characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The results show the microstructure of the melt-spun Al–7Sr–3Ti alloy is composed of the equilibrium α-Al, Al4Sr, Al3Ti and metastable Al23Ti9, different from that of the ingot-like alloy comprising α-Al, Al4Sr and Al3Ti. Moreover, the amount of Al3Ti is much less than that of Al4Sr and metastable Al23Ti9 in the melt-spun alloy. The melting temperature of primary phases and enthalpies of fusion for the melt-spun Al–7Sr–3Ti alloy are lower than those for the ingot-like alloy. The formation mechanism of the microstructure of the melt-spun alloy has also been discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Coordination polymers (CPs), as a new class of hybrid functional materials, have attracted tremendous interest owing to their potential applications. The effective strategy for creating new CPs is to design and use new organic ligands. Therefore, we have synthesized a new multidentate ligand 1,4-bis-((3-carboxyl-2-oxidopyridinium)methyl)benzene (H2L). Furthermore, a new CP [CuL(H2O)] (1) has been obtained under mild conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that Cu(II) cations and L anions are interconnected to form a chain structure, and intermolecular π–π interactions extend the chain structure to a 3D supramolecular structure. In addition, the electrochemical performance of compound 1 has been investigated as an anode material in lithium ion batteries. Discharge/charge curves and cycling performance are measured at current densities of 100 mA g−1 and 500 mA g−1, respectively. In particular, it displays excellent cycling stability after 1000 cycles at 500 mA g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]