Co2SnO4/activated carbon composite electrode for supercapacitor

A new kind of Co₂SnO₄-based electrode materials for supercapacitor was synthesized by co-precipitation method. The microstructure and surface morphology of Co₂SnO₄ were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were employed for the determination of specific capacitance and the equivalent series resistance of Co₂SnO₄/activated carbon composite electrode in KCl solution. It was shown that the composite electrode with 25 wt% Co₂SnO₄ had excellent specific capacitance up to 285.3 F g⁻¹ at the current density of 5 mA cm⁻². In addition, the composite electrode exhibited excellent long-term stability and, after 1000 cycles, 70.6% of initial capacitance was retained. Regarding the low cost, easy preparation, steady performance and environment friendliness, Co₂SnO₄/activated carbon composite electrode could have potentially promising application for supercapacitor.     

荧光导电聚合物聚N-[5-(8-羟基喹啉)甲基]苯胺的合成与表征

用化学氧化法合成了功能材料聚N-[5-(8-羟基喹啉)甲基]苯胺,并用X射线衍射、红外光谱、紫外-可见光谱和荧光分光光度计等对其及掺杂态结构和性质进行了表征和分析,研究结果表明该导电化合物无论掺杂与否,都同时既具有较好的导电性,又具有较好的荧光特性。     

Synergistic effect of composite template and La-doping on microdynamic behavior of photogenerated carriers in mesoporous nano-TiO2

The traditional view that the role of the composite template that is adopted in the preparation of nano-TiO₂ is only for forming a pore structure and increasing the material's specific surface area is challenged by this study. The complex impact of the composite template and La-doping on the microdynamic behavior of photo-generation free charge carriers (FCCs) in the mesoporous nano-TiO₂ is investigated using the transient photovoltaic (TPV) technique, supplemented by electric field-induced surface photovoltaic spectroscopy and a computer simulation method. The experimental results reveal that utilizing an appropriate composite template, such as polyethylene glycol and octadecylamine with a molar ratio of 1:1, may result in the rapid separation and prolonged diffusion distance of electron–hole pairs that were excited by a 355 nm and 50 μJ laser pulse. These may be responsible for the stronger and broader TPV response in the microsecond and millisecond regions of the La-doped nano-TiO₂ in TPV spectroscopy, as compared with that for materials that used other composite templates. This response is closely related to the reduced content of the surface state located at 367 nm. A suitable level of La-doping, however, was only responsible for the stronger and broader TPV response in the microsecond region of the spectrum of the nano-TiO₂. The computer simulation results confirm that the photo-generation FCCs microdynamic characteristics in the microsecond region may partially originate from the state density distribution of both the d-electron in the antibonding orbital and the p-electron in the bonding orbital moving up to higher levels, and from a broader band-gap after La-doping in the anatase lattice cell.     

Electrodeposition PbO2-TiO2 and PbO2-ZrO2 and its physicochemical properties

Composite materials based on PbO₂ containing TiO₂ or ZrO₂ were prepared from electrolytes containing a suspension of TiO₂ or ZrO₂. The contents of foreign oxides in the composite depend on the electrolyte composition and conditions of deposition. When a dispersed phase is incorporated into the composite coating, the dimensions of lead dioxide crystals decrease to submicro- and nano-size. Physico-chemical properties of composite materials are mainly determined by their chemical composition.     

Photoluminescence properties of emission-tunable Ca9Y(PO4)7: Tm,Dy phosphor for white light emitting diodes

A white-emitting Ca₉Y(PO₄)₇: Tm³⁺, Dy³⁺ phosphor has been successfully prepared by conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fluorescence spectrophotometer were used to characterize the as-synthesized phosphors. The excitation and emission spectra show that all the Tm³⁺ and Dy³⁺ co-doped Ca₉Y(PO₄)₇ samples can be effectively excited by UV light and then emit blue and yellow light simultaneously. Furthermore, the emission and color coordinate of as-obtained samples pumped by 365 nm are able to be adjusted around white light by varying the doping concentrations of Tm³⁺ and Dy³⁺. So, the as-fabricated single-composition Ca₉Y(PO₄)₇: Tm³⁺, Dy³⁺ phosphor will have a promising application in the area of white light emitting diodes.     

White-emitting phosphors Ca6La2Na2(PO4)6F2:Dy and luminescence enhancement through Ce → Dy energy transfer

Ce³⁺ and Dy³⁺ activated fluoro-apatite Ca₆La₂Na₂(PO₄)₆F₂ with chemical formulas Ca₆La_2−xLn_xNa₂(PO₄)₆F₂ (Ln = Ce³⁺, Dy³⁺) were prepared by a solid state reaction technique at high temperature. The vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopic properties are investigated. The results indicate that Ce³⁺ ions show the lowest 5d excitation band at ∼305 nm and a broad emission band centered at ∼345 nm. Dy³⁺ ions exhibit intense absorption at VUV and UV range. White-emitting under 172 nm excitation is obtained based on two dominant emissions from Dy³⁺ ions centered at 480 and 577 nm. In addition, the energy transfer from Ce³⁺ to Dy³⁺ in the co-doped samples are observed and discussed.     

Conductive polyaniline capped Fe2O3 composite anode for high rate lithium ion batteries

A composite of Fe₂O₃ capped by conductive polyaniline (PANI) was synthesized by a facile two-step method through combining homogeneous Fe₂O₃ suspension prepared by a hydrothermal method and in-situ polymerization of aniline. As anode material for lithium ion batteries, the Fe₂O₃/PANI composite manifests very large discharge capacities of 1635 mAh g⁻¹, 1480 mAh g⁻¹ at large currents of 1.0 and 2.0 A g⁻¹ (1C and 2C), respectively, as well as good cycling performance and rate capacity. The enhancement of electrochemical performance is attributed to the improved electrical conductivity and effective ion transportation of the composite electrode, in that, PANI keeps the Fe₂O₃ nanorods uniformly connected and offers conductive contact between the electrolyte and the active electrode materials.     

Photoluminescence properties of MgAl2O4:Dy powder phosphor

Trivalent dysprosium (Dy³⁺) activated magnesium alluminate phosphors were synthesized by high temperature solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), photoluminescence (PL) spectra as well as lifetimes were used to characterize the resulting phosphors. The results show that the obtained MgAl₂O₄:Dy³⁺ phosphors have good crystallinity, spherical morphology with sizes ranged from 120 to 140 nm and strong blue emission under an excitation of 258 nm. The emission spectrum of this phosphor consists of two emission bands: blue band and yellow band, and the emission intensity of the former is stronger than that of the later. Luminescence quenching is explained and the corresponding luminescence mechanisms have been proposed.     

Morphologies and electrochemical properties of 0.6Li2MnO3·0.4LiCoO2 composite cathode powders prepared by spray pyrolysis

Nanosized 0.6Li₂MnO₃·0.4LiCoO₂ composite cathode powders are prepared by spray pyrolysis. The micron-sized composite powders are converted into nanosized powders by a simple milling process. The mean sizes of the composite powders measured from the TEM images increase from 20 to 170 nm when the post-treatment temperatures increase from 650 to 900 °C. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface areas of the composite powders post-treated at 650 and 900 °C are 24 and 3 m² g⁻¹, respectively. The XRD patterns indicate that the layered composite powders post-treated at 800 and 900 °C have high crystallinity and low cation mixing. The mean crystallite sizes of the powders, measured from the (003) peak widths of the XRD patterns using Scherrer's equation, are 35 and 56 nm at post-treatment temperatures of 800 and 900 °C, respectively. The initial discharge capacities of the 0.6Li₂MnO₃·0.4LiCoO₂ composite are 262, 267, 264, and 263 mAh g⁻¹ when the post-treat temperatures of the powders are 650, 700, 800, and 900 °C, respectively. The discharge capacity of the composite powders post-treated at 900 °C abruptly decreases from 263 to 214 mAh g⁻¹ by the seventh cycle and then slowly decreases to 198 mAh g⁻¹ with increasing cycle number, up to 30.     

Preparation of porous SnO2 helical nanotubes and SnO2 sheets

We report a surfactant-free chemical solution route for synthesizing one-dimensional porous SnO₂ helical nanotubes templated by helical carbon nanotubes and two-dimensional SnO₂ sheets templated by graphite sheets. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic discharge–charge analysis are used to characterize the SnO₂ samples. The unique nanostructure and morphology make them promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Both the SnO₂ with the tubular structure and the sheet structure shows small initial irreversible capacity loss of 3.2% and 2.2%, respectively. The SnO₂ helical nanotubes show a specific discharge capacity of above 800 mAh g⁻¹ after 10 charge and discharge cycles, exceeding the theoretical capacity of 781 mAh g⁻¹ for SnO₂. The nanotubes remain a specific discharge capacity of 439 mAh g⁻¹ after 30 cycles, which is better than that of SnO₂ sheets (323 mAh g⁻¹).     

Preparation and characterization of LiAl0.23Mn1.77O4 for supercapacitor electrodes

LiAl_0.23Mn_1.77O₄ was synthesized by high temperature solid-state reaction. The structure and morphology of LiAl_0.23Mn_1.77O₄ were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The supercapacitive performances of LiAl_0.23Mn_1.77O₄ materials were studied using galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods in 2 mol L⁻¹ (NH₄)₂SO₄ solution. The results show that the LiAl_0.23Mn_1.77O₄ electrode exhibits typical supercapacitive characteristics in aqueous (NH₄)₂SO₄ electrolyte. The specific capacitance is up to 185 F g⁻¹ at current density of 2 mA cm⁻². The ohmic resistance (R_sol) is only 0.22 Ω. Besides, the electrodes showed a stable cycle life in the potential range of 0–1.0 V and retained 93% of initial specific capacitance over 100 cycles.     

Facile fabrication and photoluminescent characteristics of La(OH)3:Eu nanobelts

Large area La(OH)₃:Eu³⁺ nanobelts were synthesized in aqueous solution containing La(NO₃)₃, Eu(NO₃)₃, and CH₃COONH₄ with a current density of 2.0 mA cm⁻² at 343 K via a simple and efficient electrochemical deposition. The nanobelts typically have an average diameter of 100–200 nm, and length of up to hundreds nanometers. The surface morphologies of La(OH)₃:Eu³⁺ can be well controlled by changing the concentration of CH₃COONH₄ and the current densities. CH₃COONH₄ plays a key role in the formation of nanostructures. The gas bubbles functioning as a dynamic template were firstly utilized in our research for the synthesis of nanobelts. The photoluminescence properties of the as-prepared and annealed nanobelts were also investigated.     

The preparation,characterization and optical properties of Cd2V2O7 and CdCO3 compounds

Cadmium vanadium oxides (Cd₂V₂O₇) and Cadmium carbonates (CdCO₃) were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectrometer (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to characterize the structure, morphology and chemical state of the samples, respectively. The photoluminescence (PL) properties of the as-synthesized Cd₂V₂O₇ and CdCO₃ were measured at room temperature using an excitation wavelength of 325 nm. The Cd₂V₂O₇ shows two visible light emission centers located at 589 and 637 nm, which are supposed to be relevant to local defects in Cd₂V₂O₇. The CdCO₃ shows three emission centers located at 408, 530 and 708 nm, which are supposed to be relevant to the electron transition from the conduction band to valence band and defect related energy level.     

One-pot syntheses of Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode material for lithium ion batteries via ascorbic acid reduction approach

Monoclinic Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C composite synthesized by ascorbic acid reduction method is examined as a cathode material for Li-ion batteries. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that the nano-size particles are obtained. The reversible capacity of Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C prepared with LiOH and H₃PO₄ is 141.2 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 1C discharge rate between 3 V and 4.8 V, and the retention rates of discharge capacity is 93.4%. Ascorbic acid plays not only as reduction reagent, but also as carbon sources. This strategy shortens the time of solid state reaction and facilitates the procedure of synthesis. Effects of different precursors materials on the performance of the Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C are investigated.     

Ge2Sb2Te5 and PbZr0.30Ti0.70O3 composite films for application in phase change random access memory

The improvement in the phase change characteristics of Ge₂Sb₂Te₅ (GST) films for phase change random access memory (PCM) applications was investigated by doping the GST films with PbZr_0.30Ti_0.70O₃ (PZT) using cosputtering at room temperature. The doped films showed a retarded crystallization to a higher temperature and higher resistivity in the crystalline state compared to pure GST films. Phase separation has been observed in annealed GST-PZT films and the segregated domains exhibited relatively uniform size. The reduced reset voltage of GST-PZT based cell was due to the reduced programming volume by incorporating PZT into GST. This work clearly reveals the highly promising potential of GST-PZT composite films for application in PCM.     

Pressureless sintering of negative thermal expansion ZrW2O8/Zr2WP2O12 composites

Negative thermal expansion material ZrW₂O₈/Zr₂WP₂O₁₂ composite was prepared by liquid phase sintering. The apparent density of ZrW₂O₈ without any sintering additive was about 3.7 g/cm³, corresponding to about 73% of its theoretical density. However, the relative density of the samples, sintered with more than 5 mol% P₂O₅ was about 90%. The identified phases were mainly ZrW₂O₈ with small amounts of WO₃, ZrO₂ and Zr₂WP₂O₁₂ by XRD. The intensity of Zr₂WP₂O₁₂ peaks increased with increasing P₂O₅ content. It was surmised that the melting of ZrO₂-P₂O₅ resulted in liquid phase formation, which is then converted to Zr₂WP₂O₁₂ on the final stage of sintering. Therefore, Zr₂WP₂O₁₂ phase was observed at the gap between the ZrW₂O₈ grains and at the triple junctions. The ceramics sintered with 20 mol% P₂O₅ showed a negative thermal expansion coefficient of − 4.0 × 10^− 6 °C^− 1.     

Solvothermal synthesis of sheet-like Co3O4 and Ag/Co3O4 nanocomposites and their electrocatalysis performances

Precursors of Co₃O₄ and Ag/Co₃O₄ composites with sheet-like shape were synthesized with assistance of ethylene glycol via a solvothermal process. The final samples were obtained by calcining each precursor at 400 °C. The as-prepared samples were identified and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermal gravimetric (DTG) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The Co₃O₄ and Ag/Co₃O₄ composite nanosheets were used as electrocatalysts modified on a glassy carbon electrode for p-nitrophenol and H₂O₂ reduction respectively in a basic solution. The electrocatalytic results showed that p-nitrophenol could be reduced by pure Co₃O₄ at a large peak current but a rather higher peak potential, and could be reduced effectively by Ag/Co₃O₄ composites at lower potential. Ag/Co₃O₄ composites with 6% Ag displayed the highest electrocatalytic activity for H₂O₂ reduction at the largest peak current and a lower peak potential. The reduction peak potentials of H₂O₂ all reduced a great deal using Ag/Co₃O₄ composite.     

Study on the effect of apatite structure on spectroscopic properties of bismuth activated alkaline earth metal chlorophosphate [M5(PO4)3Cl; M = Ca,Sr and Ba]

The luminescent properties of Bi activated M₅(PO₄)₃Cl (M = Ca, Sr and Ba) prepared under the air and mild reducing conditions (5% H₂ and 95% N₂) were investigated. Results show that all samples present ultraviolet (UV) emissions of Bi³⁺ besides Ba₅(PO₄)₃Cl prepared in reducing condition, which also shows broadband yellow–white and near infrared (NIR) luminescence attributed to univalent bismuth (Bi⁺). Emission data with the size available lattice sites of samples prepared in air suggests there are two types of Bi luminescent center, and each located in one of the two available M²⁺ lattice sites. In the case of Ba₅(PO₄)₃Cl crystal, Bi³⁺ incorporated on Ba²⁺(1) sites can be reduced to Bi⁺ for reasons of charge compensation and size match of ionic radius.     

Preparation of graphene nanosheets/SnO2 composites by pre-reduction followed by in-situ reduction and their electrochemical performances

The Graphene nanosheets/SnO₂ composites were synthesized using stannous chloride to restore the semi-reduction graphene oxide (SRGO) under a simple hydrothermal reduction procedure. First graphene oxide was pre-reduced by glucose for a certain time to get SRGO, which keeps the good water-solubility of graphite oxide (GO) and has a good conductivity like graphene nanosheets. The higher electrostatic attraction between SRGO and Sn²⁺ makes SnO₂ nanoparticles tightly anchor on the graphene sheets in the hydrothermal reduction process. The formation mechanism of the composite was investigated by SEM, TEM, XRD, AFM and Raman. Moreover, the electrochemical behaviors of the Graphene nanosheets/SnO₂ nanocomposites were studied by cyclic voltammogram, electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and chronopotentiometry. Results showed that the Graphene nanosheets/SnO₂ composites have excellent supercapacitor performances: the specific capacitance reached 368 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 5 mA cm⁻², and the energy density was much improved to 184 Wh kg⁻¹ with a power density of 16 kW kg⁻¹, and capacity retention was more than 95% after cycling 500 cycles with a constant current density of 50 mA cm⁻². The experimental results and the thorough analysis described in this work not only provide a potential electrode material for supercapacitors but also give us a new way to solve the reunification of the graphene sheets.     

Self-activated afterglow luminescence of un-doped Ca2ZrSi4O12 material and explorations of new afterglow phosphors in a rare earth element-doped Ca2ZrSi4O12 system

Un-doped Ca₂ZrSi₄O₁₂ material is prepared using a solid state reaction and it emits intense green afterglow luminescence peaking at 490 nm. The afterglow luminescence can be recorded for about 4800 s (0.32 mcd m⁻²). The thermoluminescence revealed that at least four types of traps existed in the Ca₂ZrSi₄O₁₂ material and the depths of these traps were calculated. The contributions of these traps on the afterglow luminescence were also investigated in detail. Accordingly, a possible afterglow mechanism of Ca₂ZrSi₄O₁₂ was proposed. Moreover, Ca₂ZrSi₄O₁₂ was also doped by rare earth or metal ions for developmental purpose and we arrived at some useful conclusions according to the experimental results.