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Abstract: The aim of this work was to perform a systematic study of the parameters that can influence the composition, morphology, and catalytic activity of PtSn/C nanoparticles and compare two different methods of nanocatalyst preparation, namely microwave-assisted heating (MW) and thermal decomposition of polymeric precursors (DPP). An investigation of the effects of the reducing and stabilizing agents on the catalytic activity and morphology of Pt75Sn25/C catalysts prepared by microwave-assisted heating was undertaken for optimization purposes. The effect of short-chain alcohols such as ethanol, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol as reducing agents was evaluated, and the use of sodium acetate and citric acid as stabilizing agents for the MW procedure was examined. Catalysts obtained from propylene glycol displayed higher catalytic activity compared with catalysts prepared in ethylene glycol. Introduction of sodium acetate enhanced the catalytic activity, but this beneficial effect was observed until a critical acetate concentration was reached. Optimization of the MW synthesis allowed for the preparation of highly dispersed catalysts with average sizes lying between 2.0 and 5.0 nm. Comparison of the best catalyst prepared by MW with a catalyst of similar composition prepared by the polymeric precursors method showed that the catalytic activity of the material can be improved when a proper condition for catalyst preparation is achieved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new strategy is discussed for deposition of monodisperse ZnO nanocrystals on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets to form rGO/ZnO nanohybrids via a microwave-assisted route in a non-aqueous media. This is a facile and rapid process, which only requires a proration of zinc salt and rGO sheets react in diethylene glycol (DEG) under a low level of microwave irradiation (300W) for 10min. The as-prepared nanohybrids demonstrate well-dispersed ZnO nanocrystals loading and powerful photocatalytic activity for the decolorization of self-photosensitized dyes (rhodamine-B and methylene blue) under visible-light illumination. Here, DEG does not only help to enhance dispersion of rGO sheets, but also play an important role of controlling the growth of ZnO. Furthermore, the average size and loading amount of ZnO nanocrystals can be conveniently varied or controlled by the concentration of zinc precursor. The result uncovers that the loading of ZnO nanocrystals in the as-prepared nanohybrids is crucial to obtain an optimal synergistic effect between ZnO and rGO sheets in the mediated photocatalysis process for the photosensitized dyes decolorization. Accordingly, the optimum matching for the best photocatalytic activity is investigated thoroughly and a reasonable mechanism is also proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, a facile one-step microwave-assisted method for deposition of monodisperse Ni nanospheres on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets to form Ni-rGO nanohybrids is discussed. In the presence of hydrazine monohydrate, Ni nanospheres are grown onto rGO sheets using nickel precursor and GO as starting materials in ethylene glycol (EG) solution under a low level of microwave irradiation (300 W) for 20 min, during which GO is also reduced to rGO. The as-prepared nanohybrids exhibit well-dispersed Ni nanosphere (about 80 nm in diameter) loadings and effective reduction of graphene oxide. The resulting Ni-rGO nanohybrids-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) shows significantly improved electrochemical performance in nonenzymatic amperometric glucose detection. In addition, interference from the oxidation of common interfering species under physiological conditions, such as ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA), is effectively avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The original spherical α-Ni(OH)2 architectures with many cubic particles growing from the surface were successfully synthesized by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method using urea as hydrolysis-controlling agent and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as surfactant. The NiO architectures with similar morphology were obtained by simple thermal decomposition of the precursor α-Ni(OH)2. The as-obtained products were well characterized by XRD, FTIR, TGA, SEM, TEM, UV–Vis and CVs. The experimental results showed that the diameter of spherical α-Ni(OH)2 architectures was in the range of 2–4μm. The side length of the cubic particles was uniform about 200nm. The cyclic voltammetric results showed that the reversible behavior of NiO electrode change better with the increasing of the cycle index. The original NiO we have prepared are expected to have good electrochemical behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Single crystal tungsten oxide (WO3) nanoparticles were prepared via a microwave-assisted method. Electrochemical activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on WO3 supported on carbon black (WO3/C) electrocatalyst was first studied in acid solution (0.5 M H2SO4) and alkaline solution (1.0 M KOH) at room temperature. The overall experimental results revealed that the electrocatalytic activity for HER on WO3/C is one order magnitude higher than those obtained with carbon black in 0.5 M H2SO4 and is six times than in the case of carbon black in 1.0 M KOH. These results demonstrated that WO3 could enhance the electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction in acid solution (0.5 M H2SO4) and alkaline solution (1.0 M KOH). On the other hand, the kinetic reaction mechanisms were discussed on WO3/C electrocatalysts and carbon black in acid solution and alkaline solution for HER. Consequently, the rate-determining step changed from Tafel to Volmer due to the incorporation of WO3 in acid solution. However, the rate-determining step carries through Tafel reaction on both electrocatalysts in alkaline solution though WO3 was introduced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thirteen new substituted acetophenone (2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-Dglucopyranosyl)- thiosemicarbazones (3) were synthesized by reaction of 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl thiosemicarbazide (1) and substituted acetophenones (2). The reaction was performed using microwaveassisted method. The compounds (3) have remarkable antibacterial and antifungal activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Water-soluble CdTe nanoparticles were synthesized in aqueous solution with the assistance of mercaptoacetic acid (MAA) molecules by wet chemical route and microwave-assisted method. A series of cadmium telluride (CdTe) nanoparticles capped with a bifunctional molecule, which contains both thiols and carboxylic acid groups were prepared using different pH values and using potassium tellurite as tellurium source. Thiol-capped nanocrystals of CdTe can be isolated as powders using 2-propanol. The synthesized thiol-capped CdTe were characterized with EDAX, TEM, Raman, FT–IR, UV–Visible absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the particle size determination and to understand their optical properties. The particles crystallize predominantly in cubic phase with narrow photoluminescence emission. Potassium tellurite as source of tellurium improves the photoluminescence efficiency and also avoids the cumbersome processes associated with H2Te or NaHTe sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Some 2-amino-4,6-diarylpyrimidines 2 have been prepared from substituted benzylideneacetophenones and guanidine hydrochloride in the presence of alkali by conventional heating in alcoholic medium and microwave heating in solvent-free conditions. N-(2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-N′-(4′,6′-diarylpyrimidin-2′-yl)thioureas 4 have been synthesized by reaction of per-O-acetylated glucopyranosyl isothiocyanate 1 and substituted 2-amino-4,6-diarylpyrimidines 2. Two different methods have been used, namely, refluxing in anhydrous dioxane and solvent-free microwave-assisted coupling. The second procedure afforded higher yields in much shorter reaction times. The compounds 2 and 4 were tested for their antibacterial and antifungal activities in vitro against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterobacter aerogenes and Candida albicans by disc diffusion method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Cs 3 Bi 2 Br 9 perovskite nanocrystals in nonpolar solvents were synthesized by microwave-assisted approach. • Cs 3 Bi 2 Br 9 nanocrystals exhibit a high PLQY of 35.8%. • A blue LED was fabricated by using the Cs 3 Bi 2 Br 9 nanocrystals as color conversion materials. Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted much attention due to their remarkable performances in optoelectronic applications, but their development is greatly limited by the lead toxicity and instability in environmental conditions. In this paper, we reported a simple microwave-assisted (MW-AT) method for the synthesis of non-toxic and stable all-inorganic Cs 3 Bi 2 Br 9 perovskite NCs in nonpolar solvent. The as-prepared NCs show a highly efficient blue emission at 434 nm and 460 nm. The photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of Cs 3 Bi 2 Br 9 NCs is raised from 8.47% to 35.8% because of effective passivation of surface trap-states by BiOBr. In addition, a blue light-emitting diode (LED) are fabricated by coating Cs 3 Bi 2 Br 9 NCs/silica composite onto a 365 nm GaN LED chip. This work provides a new synthetic path for preparing lead-free perovskite NCs, and demonstrates their promising application in solid-state lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new microwave-assisted method was used to prepare magnetic Fe3O4 particles and magnetic bovine albumin microspheres. The microwave method produced smaller particles and is faster than traditional methods. The optimum conditions to prepare the Fe3O4 particles were three minutes at pH 13 and 80°C. Magnetic microspheres containing albumin were synthesized based on heating times and temperatures to form microspheres with different properties. For example, heating for 4 min, at 160°C, yielded smaller sized microspheres (30 μm). Confirmed by XRD, SEM, and FT-IR that iron oxide particles were encapsulated in biocompatible proteins, The thermal stability of the microspheres were determined by DSC and TG. The magnetic properties were determined by UV-VIS spectraphotometry and a Guoy magnetic balance. This microwave process could become a preferred method for the synthesis of magnetized protein microspheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The preparation of triazo dye direct blue 71 (DB71)-encapsulated mesostructured MCM-41 materials has successfully been performed by a microwave-assisted method or under conventional room temperature condition. The structures and properties were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption analysis, electron microscopy, FT-IR, 13C NMR, UV–vis, and TGA–DSC. A blue-shift of UV–vis spectra was observed in the conventional room temperature-synthesized DB71/MCM-41 sample, and a red-shift in the microwave-synthesized DB71/MCM-41 samples, which may give a wide optical application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Microalbuminuria (MAU) is an important biomarker for the diagnosis of kidney disease. Conventional methods for diagnosing MAU are often inaccurate and costly. In the present work, MAU has been identified as a biomarker for the diagnosis of kidney disease using a magnetic nanobiosensor. The normal range and standard curve of the magnetic nanobiosensor are obtained through interaction of Fe 3 O 4 nanorods synthesized by microwave-assisted method and albumin. The aim of this study is to fabricate a magnetic nanobiosensor with high accuracy and accuracy and precision in detecting MAU. So, the novelty of the magnetic nanobiosensors over other commonly used laboratory methods is known to be their ability to faster help patients. The results show that the magnetic nanobiosensor can be a good option for detecting MAU due to its high accuracy (R2 = 0.9251) in the normal range of 0.4 mg/mL to 6.4 mg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Magnesium incorporated hydroxyapatite was synthesized by using microwave-assisted wet chemical method. • The spectrophotometer method was used to perform the hemolytic activity of the samples. • The chemical bonding of the samples was confirmed by the FTIR spectrum. • The HR-TEM confirms the spherical morphology of the synthesized samples. • The in vitro antibacterial activity of the samples was studied. • The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity against standard drug diclofenac sodium for the samples were studied. • The samples were non-hemolytic according to the ASTM F756-00 (American Society for Testing and Materials Designation). In this work, we have investigated the antibacterial and hemolytic efficacy of hydroxyapatite (HA) and Magnesium (Mg) incorporated hydroxyapatite (MHA), where the composite was synthesized by a rapid and cost-effective microwave-assisted wet chemical method. The synthesized MHA composite was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), in vitro antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. Also, the hemolytic activity of the sample was studied using the spectrophotometer technique. From the analysis, the XRD diffractogram confirms the presence of HA and MHA by the JCPDS card no: 09-0432. The chemical bonding confirmed the presence of Mg and HA in the nanocomposite and the HRTEM confirmed the spherical shape morphology of synthesized samples. The in vitro antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite was studied against the gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. Also, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the sample was studied against the standard drug Diclofenac sodium and found to be compatible with the standard values. Further, the samples are investigated to be non-hemolytic according to the ASTM F756-00 (American Society for Testing and Materials Designation). Based on the studies, the prepared Mg-HA nanocomposite can be potential for the biomedical applications of dental, orthopaedic, and stem cell research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TiO 2 /NRGO composite contributes to excellent cycling performance. [Display omitted] • Anatase/rutile TiO 2 /NRGO composite was prepared by microwave-assisted method. • The NRGO support causes a superior electrochemical performance for sodium storage. • The crystal interface effect of mixed-phase TiO 2 could improve the dispersion rate of ions/Na+. • The sample retains a capacity of 223.3 mA h g−1 after 50 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. To solve the problems of TiO 2 electrode materials, such as short cycle life and intrinsic poor conductivity, N-doped modified graphene/mixed crystal phases TiO 2 composites (TiO 2 /NRGO) have been prepared by microwave-assisted method. The numerous spherical hybrid anatase/rutile TiO 2 nanoparticles evenly anchored on NRGO nanosheets and the TiO 2 nanoparticles are approximately 20−50 nm. The ions/Na+ diffusion rate can be increased by the crystal interface effect of mixed crystal phases TiO 2. In addition, the doping of nitrogen further improves the sodium storage properties of the composites. With this strategy, the as-prepared TiO 2 /NRGO composites deliver remarkable reversible capacities (223.3 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g-1 over 50 cycles) and outstanding rate capability (101.1 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1) for Na-ion batteries (NIBs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Synthesis of different TiO 2 -based nanostructures and improving their photocatalytic performances. • A comparison reported on the photocatalytic activity of differently prepared perovskite nanostructures. • A full structural, optical, and morphological analysis were reported. • Utilizing bandgap engineering strategy for obtaining the best performance for removing MB from water. This study was conducted to improve the photocatalytic performance of TiO 2 in the visible light range using TiO 2 based nanostructures. For this purpose, TiO 2 nanostructures were prepared by using the microwave-assisted technique and then used to prepare barium titanate (BaTiO 3), bismuth titanate (Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12), and zinc titanate (ZnTiO 3) nanostructures. The thermal, structural, purity, surface morphology, and optical studies were conducted through the TGA/DTA, XRD, EDX, FE-SEM, and UV–vis analyses. The crystallite sizes of TiO 2 , bismuth titanate, barium titanate, and zinc titanate nanostructures were obtained 45, 32, 32, and 29 nm respectively. The optical band gap of prepared samples was evaluated at 3.65, 2.65, 2.80, and 3.80 eV, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the perovskite nanostructures on methylene blue degradation was evaluated and the results showed that bismuth titanate nanostructures with smaller bandgap have higher photocatalytic activity among prepared samples in the visible light range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• C-doped CuO/g-C 3 N 4 was prepared via facile, one-pot method using low-cost precursors. • Photocathodes were directly deposited on FTO substrate under microwave irradiation. • The amount of urea determined the microstructure of CuO and its optical properties. • Superiority of our synthesis method over many other solution-based ones is explored. • Mechanisms for heterojunction formation and PEC performance improvement are proposed. Cupric oxide (CuO) is a semiconductor of choice for photocathode in photoelectrochemical (PEC) applications due to its great sunlight absorption capability. However, photocorrosion is the main drawback of CuO. Herein, CuO/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) with a unique microstructure, enhanced PEC performance, and considerable photostability is synthesized under microwave irradiation. A facile, one-pot method is utilized to directly deposit the nanocomposite onto fluorine-doped tin oxide from a solution containing copper precursor and urea. Possible mechanism of CuO/g-C 3 N 4 formation through this novel method is investigated. It is elucidated that controlled amounts of urea critically determine the morphological evolution of CuO, while its excess quantities convert to g-C 3 N 4 in the presence of CuO as the catalyst. Through an appropriate heat treatment, carbon is doped into CuO lattice. The obtained C-doped CuO/g-C 3 N 4 demonstrates 227% enhancement over CuO in photocurrent density and ~80% photocurrent retention. The enhanced photoelectrocatalytic activity is mainly attributed to unique morphology of CuO, effective separation of charge carriers, and formation of heterojunction. These characteristics manifest the superiority of this approach over many other chemical-based methods. The nanocomposite synergistically integrates the advantages of both the constituents, offering a low-cost, efficient photocathode for PEC water splitting, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, and degradation of pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fe 2 O 3 /SNRGO composite contributes to excellent cycling performance. • N, S co-doped graphene/Fe 2 O 3 composite is facilely prepared by microwave-assisted method. • N, S co-doped graphene has effectively buffered the volume change of Fe 2 O 3. • The sample retains a capacity of 440 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. To buffer the volume change and facilitate the ion/electron transportation of Fe 2 O 3 during cycling, Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles with the size of 30–80 nm uniformly anchored on a large-area N, S co-doped graphene (SNRGO) nanosheets have been designed by microwave-assisted method. The doping of N and S heteroatoms on the graphene enhances the connection between graphene nanosheets and Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles and affects the size and specific surface area of Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles, resulting in superior sodium storage properties. The as-prepared Fe 2 O 3 /SNRGO composites delivered a high reversible discharge capacity of 467 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 and retained 200.2 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1. Therefore, the good rate capability and excellent cycle performance of Fe 2 O 3 /SNRGO composites should be an attractive and potential anode material for NIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• M x Fe 3-x O 4 nanospherolites are obtained by facile microwave-assisted reflux method. • Nanostructured ferrites were formed by an aggregation-based mechanism. • M x Fe 3-x O 4 ferrites exhibit high surface area and good magnetic properties. Nanostructured M(II)-substituted M x Fe 3-x O 4 magnetic ferrites (M = Fe, Mn, or Co; x = 0–1) spherolites have been successfully prepared by a convenient, robust and time-saving microwave-assisted reflux method in EG solvent without any surfactants addition. The formation of ferrite nanostructures is extremely rapid and occurs within 30 min of microwave heating via aggregation-based mechanism. The as-prepared magnetic nanostrured spherolites exhibit high surface area and excellent magnetic properties at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanadium sulfide anchored on reduced graphene oxide (VSG) composite is prepared by a rapid microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The porous VSG with a large specific surface area can be obtained at 160 °C for 10 min, which significantly saves preparation time compared with traditional synthesis methods. When applied as anode material of lithium ion batteries, the VSG composite delivers an excellent cycle performance in the coin-type half cells test, with a specific capacity of 1144 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 in the 50th cycle, which is much higher than that of pure vanadium sulfide. Moreover, the electrode exhibits an enhanced rate capability and superior long-term cycling stability of 75% retention after 1589 cycles at a current density of 1000 mA g−1 which can be attributed to the wonderful capacitive contribution and the stable structure of the VSG composite. Hence, it's demonstrated that the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method is promising to synthesize electrode materials for lithium ion batteries. Image 1 • A microwave-assisted hydrothermal method is developed to synthesize the vanadium sulfide anchored on reduced graphene oxide (VSG) composite for the first time. • The VSG composite exhibits excellent electrochemical performances such as enhanced cycle stability and superior rate capability as anode material for lithium ion batteries. • The capacitive contribution of VSG composite is quantitively determined using a current separation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The human hair with high elasticity capable can serve as a promising flexible supporter for the electrode. • The reduced graphene oxide nanosheets can effectively improve the electrical conductivity of the electrode. • The Ni(OH) 2 nanoribbon-intercalated rGO nanosheets shows an interconnected porous structure. • The solid-state flexible supercapacitor delivers high energy density and good cycling stability. The demands for wearable energy storage devices keep growing and novel flexible electrode materials and facile prepared methods for these devices are crucial and attractive. In this work, human hair fiber is employed as the flexible fiber-based material due to the high utilization values of low cost, controllable length and high elasticity capable. Herein, an effective and hazard-free microwave-assisted method is reported to develop superelastic reduced graphene oxide coating human hair (rGO@Hh) to achieve conductive and high-strength fibrous electrode. With the braided rGO@Hh fibers, nickel hydroxide nanoribbon-intercalated rGO nanosheets (Ni(OH) 2 /rGO@Hh) are further prepared through microwave radiation treatment, which shows an interconnected porous structure with outstanding electrochemical performances of high specific capacitance (316 F g−1 at 1 A g−1) and good cycling performance. Moreover, a solid-state fiber-based asymmetric supercapacitor (FASC) is assembled with rGO@Hh fibers and Ni(OH) 2 /rGO@Hh fibers as negative and positive electrodes, which demonstrates a high energy of 27.6 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 699 W kg−1, respectively. The FASC also can be further used for numerous electronic products, presenting its prospect for portable wearable devices with high tensile strength and excellent performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Synthesis of Co 0.85 Se nanosheet based on microwave assisted method. • High specific surface area has been obtained. • High specific capacitance and excellent cycling stability have been achieved. • Co 0.85 Se shows better electrochemical performance with high energy and power densities. Metal selenides, particularly transition metal selenides, are the superb potential electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage applications. Herein, the cobalt selenide (Co 0.85 Se) nanosheets are successfully synthesized by a rapid, simplistic, and economical technique via the microwave-assisted method. It is found that Co 0.85 Se achieves the large specific surface area (104 m2 g−1), and delivers a higher specific capacitance (1580 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and 500 F g−1 at 20 A g−1) as a positive electrode for hybrid supercapacitor. Further, a full-cell hybrid supercapacitor is assembled by using Co 0.85 Se as an anode and activated carbon as the cathode, which shows excellent energy density 51.2 W h kg−1 at power density 800 W kg−1, and maintains 28.4 W h kg−1 when power density increases to 12,800 W kg−1. Moreover, the full-cell device shows remarkable stability of 10,000 cycles, having a wider operating potential window ranging from 0 to 1.6 V. Such excellent performance of Co 0.85 Se exhibits that it is a favorable material for the energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CdO-MgO nanocomposite was synthesized and investigated using various spectroscopic techniques. The cubic structure of CdO-MgO nanocomposite with an average crystallite size 35 nm was confirmed through XRD. FTIR infers the characteristic vibrational frequencies as CdO-MgO (455, 527 cm−1). The optical bandgap of the prepared nanocomposite is 5.39 eV via the UV–vis spectrum. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of CdO-MgO nanocomposite was analyzed under direct sunlight irradiation against the (Methylene blue: 90 % at 90 min & Congo red: 90 % at 120 min) dyes. The antimicrobial activity of prepared nanocomposite was scrutinized against foodborne pathogens. Anti-breast and lung cancer activity (IC 50) of the synthesized nanocomposite was examined against the MCF-7 and A 549 cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Co 8 FeS 8 /CoS heterostructural nanoparticles anchored on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) network are synthesized via a novel "microwave-assisted bubble bursting" synthesis strategy. By using a microwave-assisted reaction and particularly the bubble bursting effect caused by the mixed solvent (ethylene glycol and DI water), ultrathin Co 8 FeS 8 /CoS heterostructural nanoparticles homogeneously grown on orderly rearranged and highly conductive CNT skeleton. As an OER catalyst, the Co 8 FeS 8 /CoS@CNT delivers an ultralow overpotential of only 278 mV for 10 mA cm−2, a very small Tafel slope of 49 mV dec−1, and excellent long-term stability, which is attributed to its highly conductive CNT-based porous nanoarchitecture, and particularly the uniform distribution of Co 8 FeS 8 /CoS heterostructural nanoparticles. This work provides a promising strategy for rational design and time-saving and environment-friendly synthesis of low-cost transition metal-based hybrid electrocatalysts as well as maximizing the catalytic potential for not only limited to metallic sulfide but probably also other kinds of catalytic materials. Image 1 • Co 8 FeS 8 /CoS heterostructure is successfully synthesized. • Catalytic activity is remarkably enhanced by microwave-assisted bubble bursting effect. • Co 8 FeS 8 /CoS heterostructure shows ultralow overpotential and small Tafel slope. • The excellent OER performance is due to its unique nanoarchitecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interesting results about the influence of the preparation technology on the structural properties, surface morphology, and consequent photocatalytic activity of the mixed heterogeneous bismuth titanate-based (BTO) nanostructures have been reported. The XRD, TGD/DTA, UV–Vis, EDX, SEM, and BET analyzes were used to investigate structural, thermal, optical properties, purity, surface morphology, surface and porosity areas. The results of the XRD of the samples prepared by microwave-assisted method(S1) confirms the formation of mixed crystalline phase of BiTi 3 O 12 and Bi 12 TiO 20 nanostructures and also the XRD results of the sample prepared by hydrothermal using autoclave system(S2) shows the formation of mixed crystalline phase of Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 and Bi 2 O 3. The results of the photocatalytic activity of the prepared nanostructures showed that the S 1 nanostructure was able to remove 98% methylene blue in 28 min and S 2 nanostructure was able to remove 98% methylene blue in 40 min. Image 1081 • Mixed bismuth titanate nanostructures have been synthesized by different methods. • The effect of preparation technology on the photocatalytic properties for removing methylene blue have been investigated. • The XRD, TGD / DTA, UV-Vis, EDX, SEM, and BET analyzes were used to investigate structural, thermal, optical properties, purity, surface morphology, surface, and porosity areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the natural abundance, low cost and reliable operating safety of the magnesium metal anode, rechargeable magnesium batteries have become one of the most promising energy storage in recent years. However, their large-scale application is limited for lacking competent considerable capacity and long-term cycling performance of cathode materials. Herein, we synthesize CuSe nano-particles via a rapid and low-cost microwave-assisted method. When used as cathode material for rechargeable magnesium batteries at 20 mA g−1 current density, the CuSe nano-particles can display a remarkable reversible specific capacity at 241.2 mA h g−1 at room temperature. Furthermore, the stable capacity of CuSe nano-particles reveal to 200 mA h g−1 at 50 mA g−1 (60 cycles). More importantly, the CuSe nano-particles provide long-term cycling stability with reversible capacity maintaining at 107.7 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 current density over 150 cycles. The rate capacities can be stabilized at 202.7, 201.7, 160.3, and 91.4 mA h g−1 at different current densities of 10, 20, 50 and 100 mA g−1, respectively. Therefore, the CuSe nano-particles make a possibility in investigating more valuable application prospects for rechargeable magnesium batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The NiCo/C composite was prepared by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. • The NiCo NPs are embedded in carbon matrix in the NiCo/C composite. • Temperature has a great effect on the structure and morphology. • The strong reflection loss (−41.6 dB) and bandwidth (34.33 GHz) were achieved. Materials incorporating magnetic metal particles into a carbon matrix have drawn tremendous interest as electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers. Herein, the tremella-like assemblies of hierarchically porous nickel-cobalt/carbon (NiCo/C) were successfully prepared by a microwave-assisted method, followed by a sintering process. The sintering temperature is a vital factor for formation of carbon matrix and the metal particles. The higher temperature is helpful for the graphitization of carbon matrix and growth of NiCo alloy. The NiCo/C composite obtained at 700 °C displayed the best EMW absorption properties: the minimum reflection loss (RL min) value reaches −41.6 dB at 8.4 GHz and the widest effective absorption bandwidth is up to 34.33 GHz (3.78–38.11 GHz) by adjusting the layer thickness (1.0–5.5 mm) (EAB, RL ≤ −10 dB). The excellent EMW absorption properties are attributed to the synergistic effect of the multiple components (magnetic NiCo and dielectric C) and hierarchically porous structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave-assisted routes have attracted much attention for nanoparticle synthesis because of minimal solvent use and rapid, high efficiency and controlled morphology. Cadmium sulphide (CdS) nanoparticles form the line between bulk and molecular states of materials and show variation in their physical and chemical properties. Cadmium sulphate and thiourea were used as precursors during this synthesis. These are included in the category of practical semiconductor metal sulphides, which are extensively used as catalysts and optical materials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed that CdO nanoparticles are crystalline and have a hexagonal phase with crystal sizes that agree with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data. UV-visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were used to evaluate optical properties using band gap energy measurements., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)