Volume 12, (2020)

• A Combinative Assembly Strategy Inspired Reversibly Borate-Bridged Polymeric Micelles for Lesion-Specific Rapid Release of Anti-Coccidial Drugs

  Hao Cheng1,#, Huaqing Zhang1, #, Gujun Xu1, Jin Peng1, Zhen Wang1, Bo Sun2, Djamila Aouameur1, Zhechen Fan1, Wenxin Jiang1, Jianping Zhou1, *, Yang Ding1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 155
  First Online: 25 July 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00495-1

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    Schematic illustration of SPCS copolymers and its DIC-loaded micelles for peroral lesion-specific coccidiostats delivery. The SPCS copolymer was synthesized by CPBA and SA installation on CS skeleton and the DIC-loaded SPCS micelles were prepared by combinational self-assembly. After oral administration to coccidian-infected chicken, SPCS/DIC micelles maintained stable until arriving at colon site. The payloads were rapidly released from the micelles triggered by elevatory pH value and glucose concentration. Meanwhile, the SA moieties were transferred on to micelles surface for enhanced lesion-specific accumulation
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    Structural characterization of various chitosan derivatives. 1H NMR spectra a and FTIR spectra b of CS, PCS and SPCS. c Diameter variations of SPCS micelles at pH values of 2.0, 5.5 and 7.0, with the presence and absence of glucose (20 mM)
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    Structural characterization of various chitosan derivatives. 1H NMR spectra a and FTIR spectra b of CS, PCS and SPCS. c Diameter variations of SPCS micelles at pH values of 2.0, 5.5 and 7.0, with the presence and absence of glucose (20 mM)
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    Stimuli-triggered physicochemical property transition. a Relative fluorescence as a function of sugar concentration for SPCS measured in phosphate buffer (0.1 M) at room temperature (λex=371 nm and λem=425 nm) at pH 7.0 and 5.5. I0 and I represent the fluorescence intensity in absence and presence of sugar. b Titration curve against pH was measured at room temperature. c pKa of SPCS calculated by stair differential coefficient. d TEM images of SPCS/DIC micelles with and without the presence of glucose
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    Stimuli-triggered drug release. a DIC release from SPCS/DIC micelles at different pH values of pH 2.0, pH 5.5 and pH 7.0. Free DIC release from dialysis bag at pH 7.0 was used as control. b DIC release profile from SPCS/DIC micelles in the presence of glucose at pH 7.0. Free DIC release from dialysis bag at pH 7.0 in the presence of 50 mM glucose was used as control. c SPCS/DIC micelle was preincubated with Tween-80 solution for 6 h and the DIC release profile at different pH values of pH 2.0, pH 5.5, and pH 7.0 was studied. d DIC release profile of the pretreated SPCS/DIC micelle in the presence of glucose at pH 7.0 was further studied. Data are expressed as mean±SD, n=3
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    Stability of micellar structure against surfactants. Diameter and PDI variations of a PCS/DIC micelles and b SPCS/DIC micelles incubated with 0.5% Tween 80 solution. Diameter and PDI variations of c PCS/DIC micelles and d SPCS/DIC micelles incubated with 2% Tween 80 solution. Data are expressed as mean±SD, n=3
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    In vitro safety profile and cellular internalization. a Cytotoxicity of chistosan derivative and b DIC-encapsulated micelles against Caco2 cells with different concentrations for 48 h. c Inverted fluorescence microscope images of PCS/C6 and SPCS/C6 micelles in Caco2 cells under glucose free condition, and Caco2 cells inculcated with SPCS/C6 at a glucose concentration of 20 mM. d Representative FACS images and e quantitative analysis of intracellular internaliza-tion of PCS/C6 and SPCS/C6 in Caco2 cells at 1, 3 and 6 h. Data are expressed as mean±SD, n=3. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001
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    a Mean DIC plasma concentration (μg/mL) following a single dose oral administration (15 mg/kg) of SPCS/DIC micelle and DIC suspension. b Pharmacokinetics parameters following a single oral administration (15 mg/kg of DIC) of DIC suspension and SPCS/DIC micelles. Data represents the mean ± SD, n = 6. *p < 0.05 and ****p < 0.0001 as compared to DIC suspension
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    In vivo biodistribution and anticoccidial efficacy. a Schematic diagram of chicken digestive system and corresponding microenvironments at different sections. b Representative ex vivo images of intestinal tract at 4 h after oral administration of PCS/DiR and SPCS/DiR micelles respectively. c Quantification of fluorescence intensity in cecum. d Average weight change of the chicks administrated by DIC suspension, PCS/DIC, and SPCS/DIC (L, M, H) micelles, with the infected and uninfected groups as controls. e Number of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) and ACI values representing anticoccidial capacity of different DIC formulations. f Cecum appearance and H&E staining images were collected after the experiments. Data are expressed as mean±SD, n=10. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 and ****p < 0.0001

• Arrayed Cobalt Phosphide Electrocatalyst Achieves Low Energy Consumption and Persistent H2 Liberation from Anodic Chemical Conversion

  Kai Zhang1, 4, Gong Zhang2, Qinghua Ji2, Jiuhui Qu2, 3, Huijuan Liu1, 2, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 154
  First Online: 22 July 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00486-2

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    H2 production from different electrolytic cell architectures. a Conventional configuration of an alkaline water electrolysis cell with membrane. b Membrane-free configuration for stepwise HER and OER in alkaline electrolyte. c Membrane-free configuration for stepwise HER and ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR) in ammonia-alkaline solutions. d Schematic illustration of the fabrication procedure of Co2P/CoP NAs electrocatalyst on CF
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    a X-ray diffraction patterns of pure CoP and Co2P/CoP NAs. b, c SEM images of Co2P/CoP NAs-loaded electrode. d TEM images of Co2P/CoP NAs sheets with STEM-EDS mapping in e. f HRTEM images of Co2P/CoP NAs. g High-resolution Co 2p XPS spectrum of pure CoP and Co2P/CoP NAs
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    a CV curves of blank CF, pure CoP, and Co2P/CoP NAs electrodes at different scan rates in 1 M KOH electrolyte. b Charge/discharge curves of Co2P/CoP NAs at various current densities. c Nyquist impedance spectra of pure CoP and Co2P/CoP NAs electrodes. d LSV curves for the Co-based electrodes for the H2 evolution at a scan rate of 2 mV s-1 in 1 M KOH solution (thick line) and ammonia-containing solution (fine line). Calculated adsorption free energy diagram for e water dissociation and f H adsorption potential on pure CoP (111), Co2P(111)/CoP(111) and Pt (111), respectively. Blue balls: Ni; pink balls: P; red balls: O
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    Chronopotentiometry data (potential versus time) of batch-reactor using a pure CoP or b Co2P/CoP NAs electrode. Chronopotentiometry curves were recorded at a current density of 10 mA cm-2. [(Voltage of Step 1) = (Potential of Co charge) - (Potential of HER); (Voltage of Step 2) = (Potential of OER) - (Potential of Co discharge)]. Voltages for H2 production (Step 1) and O2 production (Step 2) are labelled using the blue and purple lines, respectively. Chronopotentiometry data (potential versus time) of HER electrode, mediator electrode, and OER electrode are labelled using the gray, green and crimson lines, respectively
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    a CV curves of NiSe in 1.0 M KOH with presence/absence of ammonia. (Multistep chronopotentiometric curves of NiSe/NF at different current densities are shown as insets). b Raman spectra of the NiSe/NF as a function of potential in basic condition (left) and ammonia containing solution (right). c In-situ Co K-edge XANES for Co2P/CoP NAs electrode recorded in various electrolytes. Experiments were carried out during potentiostatic process at the potential of 0.45 V versus Ag/AgCl. d Chronopotentiometry curve for reactor at a current density of 10 mA cm-2, where the voltages for H2 production (Step 1) and N2 production (Step 2) are labeled by the blue and purple lines, respectively. Chronopotentiometry data (potential versus time) of the HER electrode (crimson line), Co2P/CoP NAs electrode (green line) and AOR electrode (brown line) are provided. AOR denotes ammonia oxidation reaction. e Chronopotentiometry curves of H2/N2 generation cycle at a current density of 20 mA cm-2. Chronopotentiometry data of step 1 (H2 generation) and step 2 (N2 generation) are labeled with blue and pink lines, respectively

• Solvent-Free Synthesis of Ultrafine Tungsten Carbide Nanoparticles-Decorated Carbon Nanosheets for Microwave Absorption

  Yunlong Lian1, Binhua Han1, Dawei Liu1, Yahui Wang1, Honghong Zhao1, Ping Xu1, Xijiang Han1, *, Yunchen Du1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 153
  First Online: 18 July 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00491-5

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    Schematic illustration for solvent-free synthesis of different tungsten carbide/carbon composites
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    XRD patterns of different tungsten carbide/carbon composites
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    TEM images of a WCC-2, b WCC-4, c WCC-6, and d WCC-8
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    a TG curves and b Raman spectra of different tungsten carbide/carbon composites
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    a Real parts and b imaginary parts of relative complex permittivity of different tungsten carbide/carbon composites
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    Three-dimensional RL maps of a WCC-2, b WCC-4, c WCC-6, and d WCC-8
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    Delta maps of a WCC-6 and b WCC-8 with different absorber thickness in the frequency range of 2.0-18.0 GHz

• High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries Realized by MOF Materials

  Xuechao Pu1, 2, Baozheng Jiang1, 3, Xianli Wang1, Wenbao Liu1, 2, Liubing Dong4, *, Feiyu Kang1, 2, Chengjun Xu1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 152
  First Online: 17 July 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00487-1

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    SEM images of the synthesized MOF materials: a Mn(BTC), b Mn(BDC), c Fe(BDC), d Co(BDC), and e V(BDC). f XRD patterns of the samples
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    CV curves at 0.5 mV s-1 of the MOF cathodes: a Mn(BTC), b Mn(BDC), c Fe(BDC), d Co(BDC) and e V(BDC). f Charge/discharge curves at 50 mA g-1 of the MOF cathodes
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    SEM images of Mn(BTC) cathode at different states: a original state, b charge to 1.9 V and c discharge to 1.0 V. Inset in b is a high-resolution SEM image of the encircled zone. d XRD patterns of the cathode at the above states
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    XPS spectra of the Mn(BTC) cathode at fully charged state: a Mn 2p, b Mn 3s, and c O 1s. Mn 3s XPS spectrum of the original Mn(BTC) cathode is also presented in b. d FTIR spectra of 1,3,5-H3BTC, original Mn(BTC) cathode, Mn(BTC) cathode at 1.9 and 1.0 V
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    Cycling performance of symmetrical cells with bare Zn foil and ZIF-8@Zn electrodes in aand b 2 M ZnSO4 and c and d 2 M ZnSO4 + 0.1 M MnSO4 electrolytes. Applied current density is 0.25 mA cm-2 with Zn deposition/dissolution capacity of 0.05 mAh cm-2. b, d The 1st-cycle voltage profiles of symmetrical cells with bare Zn foil and ZIF-8@Zn electrodes
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    SEM images and EDS mapping of bare Zn electrode a before and bc after 100 stripping/plating cycles, ZIF-8@Zn electrode d before and ef after 100 stripping/plating cycles. g Schematic illustration for morphology change of the bare Zn foil and ZIF-8@Zn electrodes during repeated Zn stripping/plating processes
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    a Schematic of the Mn(BTC) cathode//ZIF-8@Zn anode ZIBs. Electrochemical performance of the ZIBs: b CV curves at 0.5 mV s-1, c rate capability and d cycling performance at 100 mA g-1 in 2 M ZnSO4 electrolyte; e CV curves at 0.5 mV s-1, f rate capability and cycling performance at g at 100 mA g-1 and h at 1000 mA g-1 in 2 M ZnSO4 + 0.1 M MnSO4 electrolyte

• Self-Assembly Protein Superstructures as a Powerful Chemodynamic Therapy Nanoagent for Glioblastoma Treatment

  Tao Zheng1, *, Wentao Wang1, Jon Ashley1, Ming Zhang1, *, Xiaotong Feng1, Jian Shen2, 3, Yi Sun1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 151
  First Online: 15 July 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00490-6

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    Design of haemoglobin, gluocose oxidase–based protein superstructures as a powerful chemodynamic therapy nanoagent for glioblastoma treatment. a Schematic illustration of synthesizing RBC@Hb@GOx NPs. b Scheme of TME-activated ROS production by RBC@Hb@GOx NPs for GBM treatment
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    Characterization of as-fabricated Hb@GOx NPs and RBC@Hb@GOx NPs. a TEM images of as-fabricated Hb@GOx NPs at each reaction time. b Size of Hb@GOx NPs at each reaction time measured by TEM. Scale bar: 100 nm. TEM images of c Hb@GOx NPs (scale bar: 100 nm) and d RBC@ Hb@GOx NPs (scale bar: 100 nm). e FT-IR spectra of Hb, GOx and RBC@Hb@GOx NPs. f UV-vis absorption spectra of free Hb, GOx and RBC@Hb@GOx NPs. g XPS of RBC@Hb@GOx NPs. h Zeta potentials of the Hb, GOx, RBC menbranes, Hb@GOx NPs and RBC@Hb@GOx NPs. Data are shown as means ± s.d. (n = 3)
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    Verification of H2O2 and ROS (•OH, O2•−) generation in vitro. a Synergism schematic of Fenton reaction of RBC@Hb@GOx NPs triggered by tumor microenvironment. b Fluorescence spectra of Amplex red probe incubated with RBC@Hb@GOx NPs in the presence 10 mM of glucose. c Production of H2O2 during the catalytic reactions. d Amplex red probe incubated with different groups (PBS, Hb, RBC@Hb@GOx NPs without glucose and RBC@Hb@GOx NPs with glucose). e UV-vis absorption spectrum of DPBF. f, g ESR spectra of BMPO after incubation of Hb@GOx NPs and RBC@Hb@GOx NPs with glucose (10 mM). h pH values of PBS, Hb in 10 mM of glucose. i pH values of Hb and GOx, and RBC@Hb@GOx NPs in 10 mM of glucose. Data are shown as means ± s.d. (n = 3)
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    In vitro cytotoxicity and intracellular catalytic mechanism. a Cytotoxicity of RBC@Hb@GOx NPs to U87MG and NIH3T3 cells without glucose. b Cell viability assay of (1) PBS, (2) Hb and glucose (10 mM), (3) GOx and glucose, (4) Hb and H2O2, (5) GOx and H2O2, (6) Hb@GOx NPs and glucose, (7) RBC@Hb@GOx NPs and glucose treated U87MG cells. c Live/dead assay of U87MG cells after incubation with different samples for 24 h and subsequent staining with AM/PI probe. Scale bar: 100 μm. d Detection of intracellular ROS after incubating U87MG with different samples. Scale bar: 50 μm. e The level of intracellular ROS was measured by flow cytometry using the peroxide-sensitive fluorescent probe DCFH-DA. Data are shown as means ± s.d. (n = 3)
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    Mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum damage induced by RBC@Hb@GOx NPs. a CLSM images of JC-1 stained U87MG cells after different treatments. The fluorescence transition from red to green indicated significant mitochondrial damage. Scale bar: 50 μm. b 3D images of JC-1 stained U87MG cells after different treatments. c Evaluation of mitochondrial potential changes via flow cytometer test after different treatments. d Evaluation of CRT transferring via CRT staining assay after different treatments. Scale bar: 50 μm
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    In vivo fluorescence imaging of orthotopic U87MG tumor bearing mice for evaluating the transportsbility across the BBB. a Schematic illustration of injection of ICG-RBC@Hb@GOx NPs to orthotopic U87MG tumor bearing mice. b Real-time fluorescence imaging of tumor-bearing mice after intravenous injection of ICG-RBC@Hb@GOx NPs. c Ex vivo fluorescent images of major organs and tumors at 72 h post injection. d Semiquantitative fluorescence analysis in the tumor site at different time points after injection of ICG-RBC@Hb@GOx NPs. e Schematic illustration of injection of ICG-RBC@Hb@GOx and ICG-Hb@GOx NPs NPs to orthotopic U87MG tumor bearing mice. f Real-time fluorescence imaging of tumor-bearing mice after intravenous injection of ICG-RBC@Hb@GOx NPs and ICG-Hb@GOx NPs. g Ex vivo fluorescent images. Data are shown as means ± s.d. (n = 3)
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    In vivo therapeutic efficacy of Hb@GOx NPs and RBC@Hb@GOx NPs in orthotopic glioma-bearing mice. a Schematic illustration of long-term survival experiment in orthotopic U87MG tumor bearing mice with PBS, GOx, Hb@GOx NPs, and RBC@Hb@GOx NPs injection. b Representative bioluminescent images of orthotopic U87MG tumor bearing mice in different groups in 35-day treatments. c Orthotopic U87MG tumor in the brain after H&E (scale bar: 50 μm), TUNEL (scale bar: 20 μm) and Congo red staining (scale bar: 50 μm) after treatments. d EB staining of brain sections after treatment. scale bar: 50 μm

• MOF-Derived Ni1-xCox@Carbon with Tunable Nano-Microstructure as Lightweight and Highly Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorber

  Lei Wang1, Mengqiu Huang1, Xuefeng Yu1, Wenbin You1, Jie Zhang1, Xianhu Liu2, Min Wang1, Renchao Che1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 150
  First Online: 15 July 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00488-0

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    Schematic illustration for the synthetic process of Ni1-xCox@Carbon microspheres
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    a XRD patterns, b Raman spectrum, c, d magnetic hysteresis loops of the Ni@C composites
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    SEM images of Ni@C, b1-b4 Ni0.8Co0.2@C, c1-c4 Ni0.5Co0.5@C, d1-d4 Ni0.2Co0.8@C, and e1-e4 CoO@C composites
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    TEM images of a1-a4 Ni@C, b1-b4 Ni0.8Co0.2@C, c1-c4 Ni0.5Co0.5@C, d1-d4 Ni0.2Co0.8@C and e1-e4 CoO@C composites
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    Electromagnetic parameters of a, e Ni@C, b, f Ni0.8Co0.2@C, c, g Ni0.5Co0.5@C, and d, h Ni0.2Co0.8@C composites at 25% and 40% mass adding, respectively
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    3D RL map of a, e Ni@C, b, f Ni0.8Co0.2@C, c, g Ni0.5Co0.5@C, and d, h Ni0.2Co0.8@C composites at 25% and 40% mass adding, respectively. i, j 3D histogram of RL values, k RL curves, and l 3D histogram of EAB of Ni@C composites
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    a Illustration of the MA process, b multiple reflection, c conduction loss, d interfacial polarization, e, f magnetic coupling and g magnetic resonance of the Ni@C absorber
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    a, c, e Holography images and b, d, f reconstructed magnetic field line distribution of Ni@C composite

• Piezoelectric Materials for Controlling Electro-Chemical Processes

  Weiqi Qian1, 4, Weiyou Yang2, *, Yan Zhang3, Chris R. Bowen3, *, Ya Yang1, 4, 5, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 149
  First Online: 14 July 2020 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00489-z

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    Piezo-electro-chemical reaction systems to be covered in the review with various materials and practical applications
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    a A BTO nanowire with a diameter of 100 nm and a length of 1 μm stressed on the top by a lateral force with 100 nN where the bottom side is grounded and fixed. b A BTO nanowire under an axial compression with the pressure of 108 Pa. c A BTO nanowire stressed at middle part under a lateral deformation with the pressure of 108 Pa. A BTO nanoparticle with a size of 200 nm under the pressure of d 105 Pa and e 108 Pa. f A BTO nanoparticle with a size of 100 nm under the pressure of 108 Pa.
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    a Schematic of the piezo-catalytic effect in BTO-PDMS. b Schematic of charge carrier separation and transfer in Ag2O nanoparticles attached to two opposite surfaces of a BTO nanocube. c Schematic illustration of the band line-up of the entire PEC system.
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    a Schematic of the self-charging power cell in discharged state. b Under compressed stress, piezoelectric PVDF film can create a potential. c Under the piezoelectric field, Li ions are driven to migrate from the cathode toward the anode, which lead to the corresponding charging reactions at the electrodes. d Chemical equilibrium is rebuilt in the self-charging power cell. e When the compressive stress is released, the piezoelectric field across the piezo-separator disappears, at the meanwhile the Li ions diffuse to the cathode side. f New chemical equilibrium is reached, and one typical cycle of self-charging reaction is accomplished.
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    a TEM of PZT fibers. b SEM image of BFO square micro-sheets. c SEM images of hydrothermal BTO nanowires, hydrothermal BTO nanoparticles, and commercial BTO nanoparticles. d SEM images of bare ZnO nanowire arrays on stainless steel mesh. e SEM images of ZnO nanowires. f SEM image of Ag2O/T-ZnO nanostructures. g TEM image of MoS2 nanoflowers. h SEM image of WS2 nanoflowers. i SEM image of MoSe2 nanoflowers. j SEM image of PVDF mesoporous nanostructured film in a top view. k PVDF surface image. l Micrographs of propidium iodide fluorescent staining cells on cortical bone collagen. The nuclei of the cells are stained in red. The deformed internal side corresponds to the face subject to compression. The deformed external side corresponds to the face subject to tension.
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    a SEM image of Sn deposited on the c+ domain from SnCl2 solution. The surface of the c- domain was unaffected by the photoexcitation. b A typical PFM image of the poled pattern. Brighter squares in the picture are positive domains and the dark squares are negative domains, surrounding region is an unpoled area. c Topographic AFM images of a 15 nm thick TiO2 film surface after reaction with silver nitrate solution and after reaction in lead acetate solution. d H2 concentration measured as a function of oscillating time of a piezoelectric beam in deionized water at a frequency of 10 Hz (triangles) and 20 Hz (diamonds). A Si cantilever with identical configuration was used as a control (circles). e The piezocatalytic hydrogen production from water splitting under vibration by BFO nanosheets at different vibration frequencies, and with different mechanical powers. f Rate coefficients of the BHS in degradation of MO and corresponding H2 evolution rates.
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    a, b UV–vis absorption spectra of the MO aqueous solutions sampled in BTO nanowires at set intervals. Inset: photograph of the MO solutions samples; Plots of the relative intensity of the maximum absorption at 460 nm as a function of reaction time in four recycling processes. c-f The degradation ratio of the RhB dye using the MoS2 nanoflowers, commercial MoS2, and TiO2-P25, under different degradation conditions: c in the dark, d ultrasonic wave in the dark, e the repeatable degradation tests of the RhB dye using the MoS2 nanoflowers under ultrasonic-wave assistance in the dark, f degradation ratio of the RhB dye under ultrasonic-wave assistance with the xenon-lamp illumination using the MoS2 nanoflowers.
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    a Photocatalytic results of ZTO nanowire arrays under various stresses. b The degradation of MB solution by the piezo-photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanowires/C fibers under UV irradiation and periodically applied force. c Schematic of porous piezo-catalysis process in BTO-PDMS porous foam.
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    a Schematic showing the design and structure of the self-charging power cell. This structure is sealed in stainless-steel 2016-coin-type cells, as shown in the inset. On adhering a power cell to the bottom of a shoe, the compressive stress generated by walking can be converted and stored directly by SCPC. b Schematic structure of a SCPC with a PVDF–PZT nanocomposite film as a piezo-separator for charge storage. Photograph of PVDF–PZT nanocomposite film. Adhering an SCPC underneath the button of a calculator, the mechanical energy generated by pressing the button can be converted and directly stored by the SCPC.
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    a Typical self-charging curve comprised by compression, discharge and equilibrium regions. b Self-charging cycles with different applied forces. c Self-charging cycles with identical applied forces. d Comparison of self-charging performances via compressed by finger pressure and a higher mechanical force. e Galvanostatic charge/discharge profile.
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    a-f Illustration and performance of nanogenerator manufactured from a MoS2/PDMS nanocomposite coating on a commercial stainless steel grid. g-l Illustration and performance of a thin Water-TENG attached to different positions inside a polymer tube.

• Engineering Mesoporous Structure in Amorphous Carbon Boosts Potassium Storage with High Initial Coulombic Efficiency

  Ruiting Guo1, Xiong Liu1, Bo Wen1, Fang Liu1, Jiashen Meng1, Peijie Wu1, Jinsong Wu1, Qi Li1, *, Liqiang Mai1, 2, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 148
  First Online: 13 July 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00481-7

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    Formation mechanism of meso-C. a Schematic diagram and corresponding TG/DSC curves of Zn(Ac)2/PVA during heat treatment in Ar atmosphere. b, c Temperature-dependent ex situ XRD and ex situ Raman spectra during the formation processes of meso-C, respectively
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    Structural characterizations. a HAADF-STEM and b HRTEM images of meso-C. Inset: the corresponding SAED pattern. c HAADF-STEM and d HRTEM images of micro-C. Inset: the corresponding SAED pattern. e Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and f pore size distribution curves of meso-C and micro-C
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    K-storage performance. a, b CV curves of meso-C and micro-C at 0.1 mV s-1 in 0.01-3.0 V. c First charge and discharge profiles. d Cycling performance at 0.1 A g-1 and e rate performance. f Long-term cycling performance at 1 A g-1 after initial 5 cycles at 0.1 A g-1
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    Structural evolution during potassiation and depotassiation. In situ TEM images and SAED patterns of a pristine and b potassiated meso-C nanowires. c HAADF-STEM image and the corresponding EDX mappings of potassiated meso-C nanowire. d Ex situ Raman spectra of meso-C
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    Kinetics analysis of K-storage. CV curves at various scan rates of a meso-C and b micro-C. c Calculated b-values for meso-C and micro-C for cathodic sweep. d Contribution of the surface-controlled process in meso-C and micro-C at different scan rates. K-ion diffusion coefficient as a function of the state of e the discharging process and f the charging process

• Molecular Design of Conjugated Small Molecule Nanoparticles for Synergistically Enhanced PTT/PDT

  Wei Shao1, #, Chuang Yang 1, 2, #, Fangyuan Li 1,*, Jiahe Wu 1,, Nan Wang 1, Qiang Ding 2, Jianqing Gao 1, Daishun Ling1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 147
  First Online: 13 July 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00474-6

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    cIllustration of molecular design of IID-ThTPA, preparation of IID-ThTPA NPs, and biomedical application of IID-ThTPA NPs. a Acceptor-oriented molecular design of IID-ThTPA with narrow singlet-triplet energy gap. b IID-ThTPA NPs prepared by a nanoprecipitation method. c PAI-guided synergistically enhanced PTT/PDT under a single NIR laser irradiation enabled by IID-ThTPA NPs
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    Basic properties of IID-ThTPA and IID-ThTPA NPs. a UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectra of IID-ThTPA in THF and IID-ThTPA NPs in water (20 g mL-1) (insets are the digital photographs of IID-ThTPA in THF and IID-ThTPA NPs in water). b UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectra of IID-ThTPA NPs with different concentrations. c Mass extinction coefficient of IID-ThTPA NPs at 671 nm. Normalized absorbance intensity at 671 nm divided by the characteristic length of the cell (A/L) at different concentrations (mass extinction coefficient is calculated by the Lambert-Beer law: A/L = εc (L = 1 cm)). d Fluorescence spectra of IID-ThTPA in THF and IID-ThTPA NPs in water (20 μg mL-1) (excitation wavelength: 550 nm). e DLS profile of freshly prepared IID-ThTPA NPs (inset shows the TEM image of IID-ThTPA NPs). f DLS profile of IID-ThTPA NPs after one week’s storage at room temperature and the size change of IID-ThTPA NPs during one week’s storage at room temperature (inset is the autocorrelation functions of IID-ThTPA NPs at 0 and 7 days, respectively)
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    Photothermal effect of IID-ThTPA NPs. a Photothermal heating curves of IID-ThTPA NPs with different concentrations (671 nm, 1.00 W cm-2). b Plot of the temperature changes of IID-ThTPA NPs versus the absorbance at different concentrations with a fitted curve derived from Lambert-Beer law. c Infrared thermographs of IID-ThTPA NPs with different concentrations under laser irradiation at various time points (671 nm, 1.00 W cm-2). d Photothermal heating curves of IID-ThTPA NPs (80 μg mL-1) under 671 nm laser irradiation with different power densities. e Plot of the temperature changes of IID-ThTPA NPs versus the laser power densities with a linear fitted line. f Infrared thermographs of IID-ThTPA NPs (80 μg mL-1) under 671 nm laser irradiation with different power densities at various time points. g Photothermal heating curve to calculate the photothermal conversion efficiency. IID-ThTPA NPs (80 μg mL-1) were irradiated by a 671 nm laser with a power density of 1.00 W cm-2 to reach a temperature plateau, then the laser was shut off and the temperature was allowed to cool to room temperature naturally. h Plot of linear time data from the cooling period of IID-ThTPA NPs versus negative natural logarithm of the driving force temperature (θ). i Photothermal heating curve of IID-ThTPA NPs (40 μg mL-1) for five laser on/off cycles under irradiation (671 nm, 1.00 W cm-2) (insets are the infrared thermographs of IID-ThTPA NPs at different time points during the laser on/off cycles)
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    Singlet oxygen-generating capability of IID-ThTPA NPs. a UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectra of IID-ThTPA NPs and a standard reference MB in water. Degradation of DPBF in the presence of b IID-ThTPA NPs and c MB under laser irradiation. Degradation kinetics of DPBF in the presence of IID-ThTPA NPs and MB under laser irradiation, where d A0 and At are the characteristic absorbance of DPBF at 410 nm before and after laser irradiation, respectively; e A0 and At are the absorbance at 580 nm (IID-ThTPA NPs) or 665 nm (MB) before and after laser irradiation, respectively. f DFT-calculated optimized geometries, HOMOs, LUMOs, S1, and T1 energy levels of IID-ThTPA and a previously reported conjugated small molecule DPP-TPA to depict the ultrahigh singlet oxygen quantum yield of IID-ThTPA NPs
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    In vitro phototherapy of IID-ThTPA NPs. a CLSM images of 4T1 cells after incubating with IID-ThTPA-RITC NPs for different times (1, 2, 4, and 6 h). b The quantitative analysis of RITC fluorescence intensity in a. c Cell viability of 4T1 cells incubating with IID-ThTPA NPs (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 μg mL-1) under different experimental conditions (dark, PTT, PDT, and PTT + PDT) (the results are presented as mean ± SD, n = 6). d Intracellular ROS level of 4T1 cells under different treatments (control, IID-ThTPA NPs, laser, and IID-ThTPA NPs + laser). e Quantitative analysis of DCF fluorescence intensity in d
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    In vivo PAI-guided phototherapy enabled by IID-ThTPA NPs. a PA images of the tumor sites at 680 nm at different time points post-injection (0, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h). b Infrared thermographs of the mice under laser irradiation (671 nm, 1.00 W cm-2) in laser and IID-ThTPA NPs + laser groups. c Tumor temperature elevation curves of the mice under laser irradiation (671 nm, 1.00 W cm-2) in laser and IID-ThTPA NPs + laser groups. d Tumor volume variation curves of the mice in control, IID-ThTPA NPs, laser, IID-ThTPA NPs + Vc + laser (PTT), and IID-ThTPA NPs + laser (PTT + PDT) groups during the treatment period (the results are presented as mean ± SD, **P < 0.01 by two-tailed unpaired student’s t tests, n = 5). e Digital photographs of the tumors dissected from the mice in control, IID-ThTPA NPs, laser, IID-ThTPA NPs + Vc + laser (PTT), and IID-ThTPA NPs + laser (PTT + PDT) groups at the end of treatment. f Tumor weights of the mice in control, IID-ThTPA NPs, laser, IID-ThTPA NPs + Vc + laser (PTT), and IID-ThTPA NPs + laser (PTT + PDT) groups at the end of treatment (the results are presented as mean ± SD, **P < 0.01 by two-tailed unpaired student’s t tests, n = 5). g H&E, Ki-67, and TUNEL staining of tumors of the mice after different treatments. h H&E staining of the major organs (heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney) of the mice after different treatments
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    In vivo toxicity evaluation. a Hematological index (WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCH, MCHC, MCV, and PLT) of the mice in control, 7 d post-injection, and 14 d post-injection groups. b Biochemical blood analysis (ALT, AST, BUN, CREA, and TBIL) of the mice in control, 7 d post-injection, and 14 d post-injection groups (the results are presented as mean ± SD, n = 3)

• Sandwiching Sulfur into the Dents Between N, O Co-Doped Graphene Layered Blocks with Strong Physicochemical Confinements for Stable and High-Rate Li-S Batteries

  Mengjiao Shi1, #, Su Zhang2, #, Yuting Jiang1, Zimu Jiang1, Longhai Zhang1, Jin Chang1, Tong Wei1, 3, *, Zhuangjun Fan1, 3, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 146
  First Online: 13 July 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00477-3

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    Preparation process of the NOGB/S composite
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    SEM images of a graphene oxide/MnO2, b N, O co-doped graphene/MnO, and c NOGB. TEM images of d graphene oxide/MnO2, e N, O co-doped graphene/MnO, and f NOGB. g SEM images of the NOGB/S. h STEM image of the NOGB/S and the corresponding elemental mapping images of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur
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    a XRD patterns of the NOGB, RGO/S, GB/S and NOGB/S. b N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms of the NOGB and NOGB/S and c the corresponding pore size distribution and d CO2 adsorption-desorption isotherm of NOGB and e the corresponding micropore size distribution. f Schematic illustration of the porous structure of the NOGB. g XPS survey spectrum, h O 1s, and i N 1s spectra of the NOGB
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    a CV curves for the first cycle of NOGB/S, GB/S and RGO/S electrodes. b Galvanostatic charge/discharge profiles of NOGB/S electrode at different rates. c Rate capability of the NOGB/S, GB/S and RGO/S. d Rate capacity of the NOGB/S electrode compared with other composites reported in the literature. e Nyquist plots of NOGB/S, GB/S, and RGO/S electrodes by using fresh cells, the inset is the relevant equivalent circuit model. f Comparison of long-term cyclic properties and CE at 1 C. g Comparison of the capacity decay rate (per cycle) of the NOGB/S and previously reported materials (The dashed line corresponds to the decay rate of 0.038%). h Comparison of capacity retention of the NOGB/S and previously reported electrodes at 1C (with S content in composites). The comparison was at the same electrolyte system and similar sulfur loadings. i Long-term cyclic performance of the NOGB/S at 5 C
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    Galvanostatic charge-discharge curves at a rate of 1 C for the a NOGB/S, b GB/S, and c RGO/S. d QH and e QL values through cycling of the three electrodes. f UV−vis absorption spectra collected from the blank electrolyte solutions soaked with (1) NOGB/S, (2) GB/S, and (3) RGO/S electrodes after 50 cycles at 1 C, respectively. The inset photograph shows the color comparison of the solutions containing the corresponding electrodes. g Schematic illustration of the NOGB as advanced sulfur host for LSBs

Volume 11 (2019)

• Recent Progress on Engineering Highly Efficient Porous Semiconductor Photocatalysts Derived from Metal–Organic Frameworks

  Wenwen Zhan1, Liming Sun1, Xiguang Han1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 1
  First Online: 08 January 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0235-z

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    Timeline of the important breakthroughs in the fabrication of MOF-derived photocatalysts for various reactions
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    a Schematic illustration of MOF-templated synthesis of Fe2O3@TiO2 and its use for photocatalytic hydrogen production after deposition of Pt particles; high-resolution TEM images of Fe2O3@TiO2, both b as-synthesized and c after Pt particles have been deposited. The scale bars represent 10 nm; d H2 produced by Fe2O3@TiO2 at various times over 48 h under visible-light illumination. The inset shows the amount of H2 produced over this period.
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    a–c TEM and HRTEM images of PHIC. d STEM image and EDXS elemental mapping of C, O, and In. e mass-normalized H2 yield rates over PHIC, PHI, and commercial In2O3 under sunlight illumination. f photocurrent densities of PHIC, PHI, and commercial In2O3 under non-illuminated (i.e., dark) and illuminated (i.e., light) conditions. g Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy Nyquist plots of PHIC, PHI, and commercial In2O3. h mass-normalized H2 yield for 7 h over commercial In2O3, PHI, commercial In2O3 with Pt, PHI with Pt, and PHIC without Pt under simulated sunlight illumination.
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    a Schematic illustration of the synthesis of hierarchically porous metal oxides/sulfides templated by MOFs by a nanocasting process. b Photocurrent response and c EIS Nyquist plots for bulk CdS, nano-CdS as well as HP-CdS. d Comparison of the photocatalytic hydrogen production rates of bulk CdS, nano-CdS, and HP-CdS. e Catalytic recyclability of HP-CdS in hydrogen production by water splitting.
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    a Schematic illustration of the synthetic procedure for NiS/ZnxCd1−xS. b PXRD patterns of NiS/ZnxCd1−xS. c TEM image and particle size distribution (Fig. 2c inset) of NiS/Zn0.5Cd0.5S. d EELS elemental mapping images and e HRTEM image of NiS/Zn0.5Cd0.5S. f EIS plots, g photocurrent–time dependence, and h comparison of photocatalytic HER rates of NiS/ZnxCd1−xS; i HER cycling test for NiS/Zn0.5Cd0.5S under visible-light irradiation.
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    a Schematic illustration of the fabrication of Pt–ZnO–Co3O4, Pt–ZnS–CoS, and Pt–Zn3P2–CoP photocatalysts. a1–a3 TEM images of Pt–ZnO–Co3O4, Pt–ZnS–CoS, and Pt–Zn3P2–CoP. b1–b4 Photocatalytic hydrogen generation as the function of reaction time over different photocatalysts.
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    a Schematic illustration of the synthetic procedure of ZNGs and four types of bonding configurations of N atoms (1 graphitic N, 2 pyrrolic N, 3 pyridinic N, 4 pyridine-N-oxide). b Photocatalytic activities of ZNGs for H2 production with Pt as a cocatalyst. c Photocatalytic activity of ZNG-1000 under a prolonged light illumination for 12 h without Pt as a cocatalyst (inset: time course of the H2 evolution rate of ZNGs without Pt as a cocatalyst). d High-resolution TEM image of ZNG-1000.
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    a Low- and b high-magnification TEM images of Co3O4 hollow dodecahedra. c Low- and d high-magnification TEM images of CW-2 hollow dodecahedra. e HRTEM image of Co3O4 hollow dodecahedra (inset is the SAED pattern recorded for the whole particle). f HRTEM image of CW-2 hollow dodecahedra (inset is the SAED pattern recorded from the whole particle). g TOF and h transient photocurrent response of Co3O4 and CW-n under visible-light irradiation (from left to right: Co3O4, CW-1, CW-2, and CW-3).
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    a Schematic illustration of the synthetic process of the hierarchical In2S3–CdIn2S4 heterostructured nanotube: (I) liquid phase sulfidation and (II) cation exchange reaction. b, c TEM images of hierarchical In2S3 nanotubes. d Elemental mappings of an individual In2S3 nanotube. e–g TEM images of hierarchical In2S3–CdIn2S4-10 nanotubes. h Elemental mappings of a single In2S3–CdIn2S4-10 nanotube. i–n CO2 photoreduction performance. i Generation of CO and H2 over different samples. j Evolution of CO and H2 under various reaction conditions. k Results of GC–MS analysis of CO produced from 13CO2 isotope experiment. l Production of CO and H2 as a function of reaction time. m Formation of CO and H2 in stability tests. n Wavelength dependence of yields of CO and H2, and the light absorption spectrum of In2S3–CdIn2S4-10 photocatalyst.
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    Structure characterization of the core–shell cuboctahedron structure: a FESEM image, b and c TEM images, d SAED pattern, and e–g the corresponding HRTEM images. h STEM image of the core–shell cuboctahedron structure and the corresponding EDXS elemental mapping of C, Cu, N, and O and i line profiles. j Photocatalytic equation and reaction conditions. k Product yield correlation with reaction time in the CDC reaction between indole and N-aryl-tetrahydroisoquinoline catalyzed by different catalysts. l Cycling experiments using CNPC as the catalyst.
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    Structures of the three normal dye pollutants
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    SEM images of a ZIF-8, b ZnO-300-3, c ZnO-300-5, d ZnO-500-5, and e ZnO-750-5. f Photodegradation of MB over different catalysts. SEM images of g ZIF-8-derived pure ZnO and h N-doped ZnO. i Photodegradation of RhB by blank (absence of photocatalyst), pure ZnO, and N-doped ZnO with different ratios of urea and ZIF-8 as the precursors. SEM (j, k) and TEM (l, m) images of C350–400. j The calculated reaction rates k for RhB (n1) and phenol (n2) photodegradation under visible light (> 420 nm), k for RhB (n3) and phenol (n4) photodegradation under UV–Vis light (Xenon light)

• Bimetallic Nickel Cobalt Sulfide as Efficient Electrocatalyst for Zn–Air Battery and Water Splitting

  Jingyan Zhang1, Xiaowan Bai2, Tongtong Wang1, Wen Xiao3, Pinxian Xi4, Jinlan Wang2, Daqiang Gao1,*, John Wang3,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 2
  First Online: 09 January 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0232-2

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    a XRD spectra of (Ni,Co)S2, NiS2, and CoS2. b High-resolution XRD spectra with 2 theta angles ranging from 30.5° to 33.5°. c Raman spectra of (Ni,Co)S2, NiS2, and CoS2. d SEM image of (Ni,Co)S2. The insert is high-magnification SEM image. e TEM image, f, h HRTEM images, and g EDS spectrum of (Ni,Co)S2. i EDS mapping images of Ni, Co, and S elements in (Ni,Co)S2
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    High-resolution XPS spectra of a Co 2p, b Ni 2p, and c S 2p. d Density of states (DOS) curves of (Ni,Co)S2, NiS2, and CoS2. e Partial density of states (PDOS) curves of (Ni,Co)S2. Insert shows the optimized crystal structure of (Ni,Co)S2. f Charge density distribution of (Ni,Co)S2
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    a Polarization curves of (Ni,Co)S2, NiS2, CoS2, and Ir/C (20% Ir) at 5 mV s−1 in 0.1 M KOH. b Tafel slopes obtained from the corresponding polarization curves. c EIS of (Ni,Co)S2, NiS2, and CoS2. The inset is an analogue circuit diagram. d Cdl obtained by cyclic voltammetry at different scan rates. e I–t curves at 1.5 V versus RHE for 7 × 104 s. f Schematic of Gibbs free energy changes in the four elementary steps during OER on (100) surface of (Ni,Co)S2. g Proposed 4-step OER path presented using the model of (100) surface of (Ni,Co)S2
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    a ORR polarization curves of (Ni,Co)S2, NiS2, CoS2, and Pt/C (20% Pt) at 2 mV s−1 in 0.1 M KOH at 1600 rpm. b CVs of (Ni,Co)S2 in O2 and N2-saturated 0.1 M KOH solution. c ORR polarization curves of (Ni,Co)S2 at different rotation rates from 400 to 2400 rpm. The inset figure is the K–L plots. d RRDE polarization curves of (Ni,Co)S2 at 1600 rpm. The ring electrode was polarized at 1.5 V at a scan rate of 2 mV s−1. e Bifunctional electrocatalytic activities of various catalysts toward both ORR and OER
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    a Schematic illustration of rechargeable Zn–air battery. b Open cell voltage curve and c polarization and power density curves of (Ni,Co)S2-based primary Zn–air battery. d Galvanostatic discharge–charge cycling curves at 2 mA cm−2 of the rechargeable Zn–air battery. e Charge–discharge efficiency of the Zn–air battery at the beginning and end. f Long-time discharge curves of (Ni,Co)S2-based Zn–air battery at 5 mA cm−2. g Photograph of red LED powered by two (Ni,Co)S2-based Zn–air batteries. h Photographs of an electronic watch powered by the (Ni,Co)S2-based Zn–air battery
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    a HER polarization curves of (Ni,Co)S2, NiS2, and CoS2 at 5 mV s−1 in 0.1 M KOH. b Tafel slopes obtained from their polarization curves. c Schematic diagram of the self-assembled water-splitting system. d LSV curves of overall water splitting by (Ni,Co)S2 electrocatalyst in a two-electrode configuration at a scan rate of 5 mV s−1. e Two electrodes after water splitting powered by two in-series (Ni,Co)S2-based Zn–air batteries. f Time dependence of the mole quantities of H2 and O2 produced in the self-driven overall water-splitting unit

• Coral-Like Yolk–Shell-Structured Nickel Oxide/Carbon Composite Microspheres for High-Performance Li-Ion Storage Anodes

  Min Su Jo1, Subrata Ghosh2, Sang Mun Jeong2, Yun Chan Kang3,*, Jung Sang Cho1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 3
  First Online: 09 January 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0234-0

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    Morphologies of the as-prepared powders obtained by spray pyrolysis at different temperatures: a 300 °C, b 400 °C, c 500 °C, d 600 °C, e 700 °C, and f 800 °C
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    Morphologies of the as-prepared powders obtained from the solution containing Ni salt, PVP, and a without PS nanobeads, b with 10 g L−1, c 20 g L−1, d 40 g L−1, and e 80 g L−1 PS nanobeads
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    a, b, d FE-SEM images, c, e HR-TEM images, f SAED pattern, and g elemental mapping images of the CYS-Ni/NiO/C microspheres
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    XRD patterns of the a CYS-Ni/NiO/C and b CYS-NiO/C microspheres
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    a, b, d FE-SEM images, c, e HR-TEM images, f SAED pattern, and g elemental mapping images of the CYS-NiO/C microspheres
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    a Survey XPS, b Ni 2p XPS, c C 1s XPS and d Raman spectra, e N2 adsorption and desorption isotherms, and f BJH pore size distribution of the CYS-NiO/C microspheres
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    Formation mechanism of the coral-like yolk–shell-structured NiO/C composite microspheres
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    Electrochemical properties of the CYS-NiO/C, CYS-Ni/NiO/C, and hollow NiO microspheres for lithium-ion storage: a CV curves of the CYS-NiO/C microspheres, b 1st charge/discharge curves at the current density of 1.0 A g−1, c cycling performance at the current density of 1.0 A g−1, d rate performance of the CYS-NiO/C microspheres, and e long-term cycling performance of the CYS-NiO/C microspheres at the current density of 2.0 A g−1
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    a–c Nyquist impedance plots (lines represent fitting data) and d relationships between the real part of the impedance (Zre) and ω−1/2 of the CYS-NiO/C, CYS-Ni/NiO/C, and hollow NiO microspheres: a before cycling, b after the 1st cycle, c, d after the 200th cycle
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    Morphologies of a hollow NiO, b, c CYS-NiO/C, and d CYS-Ni/NiO/C microspheres after the 200th cycles: a, b, d FE-SEM images and c TEM images

• In Situ Coupling Strategy for Anchoring Monodisperse Co9S8 Nanoparticles on S and N Dual-Doped Graphene as a Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Rechargeable Zn–Air Battery

  Qi Shao1, Jiaqi Liu1, Qiong Wu1, Qiang Li1, Heng‑guo Wang1,*, Yanhui Li1, Qian Duan1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 4
  First Online: 09 January 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0231-3

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    Schematic illustration of the synthesis of Co9S8/NSG
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    a UV–Vis absorption spectra of TSPP, TSPPCo, and TSPPCo/GO. b XRD patterns and c Raman spectra of the different samples. d N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms and the pore size distribution (inset) of Co9S8/NSG-700
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    a Low- and b high-resolution SEM images of Co9S8/NSG-700. c TEM image of Co9S8/NSG-700. d HRTEM image of Co9S8/NSG-700. e TEM image and elemental mapping of carbon, nitrogen, cobalt, and sulfur
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    a XPS survey, and high-resolution XPS spectra of b N 1 s, c Co 2p, and d S 2p of Co9S8/NSG-600, Co9S8/NSG-700, and Co9S8/NSG-800
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    ORR performance of Co9S8/NSG-700 in 0.1 M KOH. a CV curves of Co9S8/NSG-700 in N2-saturated and O2-saturated solutions. b LSV curves of Co9S8/C-700, NSG-700, Co9S8/NSG-700, and Pt/C at 1600 rpm. c LSV curves of Co9S8/NSG-700 at different rotating rates. d K–L plots and the electron transfer number (inset) obtained from RDE results of Co9S8/NSG-700. e Tafel plots of the samples. f Current–time (i − t) chronoamperometric response of Co9S8/NSG-700 and Pt/C in O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH
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    OER performance of Co9S8/NSG-700 in 1 M KOH. a LSV curves and b Tafel plots of Co9S8/NSG-700, RuO2, and Pt/C. c Current–time (i − t) chronoamperometric response of Co9S8/NSG-700 and RuO2. d Combined ORR/OER LSV curves of Co9S8/NSG-700, RuO2, and Pt/C
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    a Schematic illustration of the assembled rechargeable Zn–air battery. b Open-circuit plots of Co9S8/NSG-700 (inset: photograph of the open-circuit potential). c Galvanodynamic charge–discharge profiles of Co9S8/NSG-700 and Pt/C–RuO2. d Galvanodynamic discharge curve profiles and corresponding power density curves of Co9S8/NSG-700 and Pt/C–RuO2. e Cycling curves of the Co9S8/NSG-700 and Pt/C–RuO2 at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. f Photographs of an LED bike lamp powered by three Zn–air batteries of Co9S8/NSG-700 catalysts before and after 12 h (8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., respectively)
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    a Schematic illustration of the assembled homemade all-solid-state batteries. b Open-circuit plots (inset: photograph of open-circuit potential). c Galvanodynamic charge–discharge profiles and corresponding power density curves. d Cycling curves of the batteries at a current density of 2 mA cm−2 (inset: photographs of an LED powered by two all-solid-state Zn–air batteries before and after 10 min)

• Enhanced Roles of Carbon Architectures in High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

  Lu Wang1, Junwei Han1, Debin Kong2,*, Ying Tao1, Quan-Hong Yang1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 5
  First Online: 10 January 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0233-1

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    Carbon-architecture assembly strategies for building high-energy and high-power LIBs
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    Assembly methods with the assistance of external forces or fields. a Schematic of silicon pomegranates. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [30]. b Schematic of the fabrication process for H-Fe3O4/GS hybrid films. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [39]. c Schematic of the gradient electrospinning and controlled pyrolysis method. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [45]. d Schematic of the synthesis rGO/Fe3O4 hybrid paper. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [52]. e VA-CNTs/Si structure. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [56]. f Schematic of the fabrication processes for nanostructured P-doped Si/graphite composites.
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    a Sketch and SEM images of graphite flakes coated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles. b Graphite-electrode casting. c Sketch depicting lithium diffusion pathways in both electrode architectures. d Rate capability.
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    a Schematic of MoS2@G. b Free-standing MoS2@G membrane. SEM images of: c Mo-SiO2-PVP, d Mo-SiO2@G, and e MoS2@G. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [87]. f HRTEM image of Gr-Si NP. g HRTEM image visualizing the origins (red arrows) of individual graphene-layer growth. h Schematic illustration showing the sliding of graphene coating layers that buffer the volume expansion of Si.
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    a Schematic of the fabrication process. b Cross-sectional SEM image. (Inset) A free-standing monolithic electrode. c Rate capability at tunable nanoporosity. d Rate performance at different mass loadings.
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    a Schematic of the lithiation/delithiation processes of the Ge-QD@NG/NGF/PDMS yolk-shell electrode. b, c SEM and d, e TEM images before cycling and under lithiation after 1,000 cycles at a current density of 1 C.
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    a Schematic of in-situ nanocrystal growth with GO as both hard and soft templates. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [108]. b Schematic of the sulfur-template control strategy that incorporates void space. HRTEM image of SnO2@GC: c before sulfur removal and d after removal of all of the original sulfur (Scale bar: 5 nm). e Cycling performance.
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    8 a Design concept of a 3D carbon-based current collector. b Visual comparisons of batteries with an ultrathick 3D electrode and a conventional design. Morphology and microstructure: c top view and d cross-sectional view. e Electrochemical performance.

• Comprehensive Application of Graphene: Emphasis on Biomedical Concerns

  S. Syama1, P. V. Mohanan1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 6
  First Online: 12 January 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0237-5

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    Process of graphene synthesis. Graphite is exfoliated and oxidized to form hydrophilic graphene oxide (brown solution). Graphene oxide is further reduced to obtain reduced graphene oxide, which is less stable in water (black solution)
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    Drug and gene delivery applications. a Delivery of doxorubicin using amine-PEG-functionalized GO. b siRNA delivery and mRNA degradation using PEI-conjugated GO for gene silencing technology (RISC—RNA-induced silencing complex)
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    Anticancer therapy. a Photothermal destruction of tumor cells following GQD exposure and irradiation. b Development of the phototoxicity on/off system for subcellular targeting and selective destruction of tumor cells. c Combined chemo- and photothermal destruction of tumor cells using drug-loaded graphene nanosheets under NIR irradiation. d Photodynamic therapy using magnetic GO nanoconjugates functionalized with aptamer and an ICG photosensitizer to achieve targeted cancer cell destruction
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    Graphene-based biosensors. a FRET-based graphene sensors for the detection of target DNA using fluorescent-labeled ssDNA. b Graphene biosensors for the immobilization of enzymes to monitor enzyme activity. c Graphene immunosensor for the detection of an antigen–antibody complex for early disease diagnosis. d Graphene nanohybrid electrochemical aptasensor for endotoxin detection. Step 1: Complementary DNA 1 is hybridized to LBA. Step 2: LPS binds to LBA, promoting the release of DNA 1. Step 3: Together with the help of an associated probe, DNA 1 binds to a capture probe and forms a Y-shaped structure. Step 4: Exonuclease nicking cleaves the capture probe and releases both DNA 1 and the assistant probe. Step 5: DNA 1 and the assistant probe are rehybridized to the new capture probe, and the cycle continues. Step 6: More numbers of cleaved capture probes are formed. Step 7: Capture probes are hybridized to DNA 2 nanocomposites, resulting in the production of electrochemical signals. e Structure of the magnetocatalytic GQD-based Janus micromotors and fluorescence quenching upon binding of LPS
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    Bioimaging application. a Graphene quantum dots for in vitro cellular imaging. b Mechanism of toxicity induced by graphene in bacterial cells
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    Graphene as a scaffold for tissue engineering. a The figure explains that graphene enhances the viability and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells and also induces their differentiation toward osteogenesis and neuronal cells without the addition of any differentiation factors. b Layer-by-layer assembly of graphene sheets printed using a 3D printer. c Three-dimensional printing and layer-by-layer assembly of a graphene-HA scaffold
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    Protein corona. a Formation of a hard and a soft corona on the surface of nanoparticles, following the incubation of nanoparticles with serum. b Isolation and separation of hard corona proteins that bind to graphene sheets by repeated centrifugation and washing. c SDS-PAGE analysis of hard corona proteins isolated from PRGO incubated with FBS at different time periods (5 min, 30 min, and 2 h). Only BSA (~ 66 kDa) formed a hard corona by strongly binding onto the surface of PRGO under different reaction conditions
  • 
    Graphene–bio interaction. a Mechanism of graphene nanomaterial-induced toxicity (oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation) in mammalian cells. b In vivo organ toxicity induced in animals following graphene administration. c Biochemical parameters following single (i) and repeated (ii) administration of PRGO in mice. d Histopathological sections of the liver (i—control, iii—PRGO group) and the kidney (ii—control, iv—PRGO group)

• Machine Learning Approach to Enhance the Performance of MNP-Labeled Lateral Flow Immunoassay

  Wenqiang Yan1, Kan Wang1,*, Hao Xu2, Xuyang Huo3,*, Qinghui Jin4,5, Daxiang Cui1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 7
  First Online: 17 January 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0239-3

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    Format and assay principle of ICTS
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    Assay procedure comprising brief working principle of MIR
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    a Validation card with ICTS cartridge and QR code. b Waveform of validation card, comprising three levels of magnetic intensity: low, medium, and high
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    a Waveform for a single coil employed as the induction coil in the first version of the MIR. b Waveform for a pair of coils employed as the induction coil
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    Flow chart for data processing procedure
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    a Waveform of raw detection data. b Filtered waveform
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    Results of waveform reconstruction (in the small diagram). Blue line is the distorted waveform and green line is the reconstructed waveform
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    a HCG strips used for standard curve. Concentrations from 1 to 8 were 1000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5, 1, and 0 mIU mL-1. b Standard curve for HCG strips
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    a Multiplex line strip and its waveform for detecting cTnI (TL1), CKMB (TL2), and Myo (TL3) simultaneously. Correlation between the results obtained by clinical ECLIA methods and this platform for b cTnI, c CKMB, and d Myo detection in serum samples

• Flexible, Porous, and Metal–Heteroatom-Doped Carbon Nanofibers as Efficient ORR Electrocatalysts for Zn–Air Battery

  Qijian Niu1,2, Binling Chen3,*, Junxia Guo1,2, Jun Nie1,2, Xindong Guo1,2, Guiping Ma1,2,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 8
  First Online: 19 January 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0238-4

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    Schematic illustration for the preparation of Zn/Co-N@PCNFs from electrospun Zn/Co-ZIFs/PAN nanofibers: a the micro-morphologies of the nanofibers before and after carbonization; b the simulated cross section diagram; c the simulated molecular structure diagram; d the digital photographs of the nanofiber film before and after carbonization
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    SEM images of the a Zn/Co-ZIFs/PAN nanofibers and b Zn/Co-N@PCNFs-800; TEM images of a single nanofiber c Zn/Co-ZIFs/PAN nanofiber and d Zn/Co-N@PCNFs-800; HR-TEM images and STEM elemental mappings of e a single Zn/Co-ZIFs/PAN nanofiber and f a single Zn/Co-N@PCNFs-800
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    a TG and DTG curves of Zn/Co-ZIFs/PAN nanofibers; b FT-IR spectra; c XRD patterns; and d Raman spectra of Zn/Co-ZIFs/PAN nanofibers and their carbonized samples with different carbonization temperatures (500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 °C)
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    TEM images of the samples obtained at different carbonization temperature: a 500 °C, b 600 °C, c 700 °C, d 800 °C, e 900 °C, and f 1000 °C (Insets are the size distributions of metal nanoparticles)
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    High-magnification HR-TEM images of the samples at different carbonization temperature: a 500 °C, b 600 °C, c 700 °C, d 800 °C, e 900 °C, and f 1000 °C (Insets are their corresponding SAED patterns)
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    XPS high-resolution spectra of a Zn 2p, b Co 2p, and c N 1s levels at different carbonization temperatures
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    N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm of the samples at different carbonization temperature: a 500 °C, b 600 °C, c 700 °C, d 800 °C, e 900 °C, and f 1000 °C
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    a CV curves of Zn/Co-N@PCNFs-800 in 0.1-M N2-saturated and O2-saturated KOH with a sweep rate of 50 mV s-1; b LSV curves for Zn/Co-N@PCNFs-800 and 20 wt% Pt/C in 0.1-M O2-saturated KOH electrolyte with a 10 mV s-1 and a rotation rate of 1600 rpm; c LSV curves of Zn/Co-N@PCNFs-800 at different rotation speeds from 400–2500 rpm; d K-L plots of Zn/Co-N@PCNFs-800 at different potentials; e Chronoamperometric response of Zn/Co-N@PCNFs-800 and 20 wt% Pt/C in 0.1-M O2-saturated KOH aqueous solution at 0.71 V vs. RHE; f The durability test of Zn/Co-N@PCNFs-800 and 20 wt% Pt/C for methanol, the arrow indicates the introduction of 1 mL methanol
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    a Schematic representation of the basic configuration of a two electrode Zn-air battery by coupling the Zn electrode with an air electrode to execute ORR and OER in 6 M KOH solution as the electrolyte; b Catalytic mechanism diagram of cathode about Zn/Co-N@PCNFs-800; c Photographs of a green LED (1.8 V) powered by two Zn-air batteries integrated in series; d Discharge polarization and power-density curves of the Zn-air batteries using Zn/Co-N@PCNFs-800 and 20 wt% Pt/C+RuO2 as ORR catalysts (mass loading of 1.2 mg cm-2)；e Specific capacities for the Zn-air battery using Zn/Co-N@PCNFs-800 and 20 wt% Pt/C+RuO2 as an ORR catalyst, which was regularized with consumed Zn mass; f Galvanostatic discharge and charge cycling curves at 10 mA cm-2 with each cycle for 10 min (5 min charge and 5 min discharge) of rechargeable Zn-air batteries with the Zn/Co-N@PCNFs-800 and 20 wt% Pt/C+RuO2 as the cathode catalyst

• N, F-Codoped Microporous Carbon Nanofibers as Efficient Metal-Free Electrocatalysts for ORR

  Tianle Gong1, Ruoyu Qi1, Xundao Liu2, Hong Li1,*, Yongming Zhang1	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 9
  First Online: 22 January 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0240-x

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    Schematic illustration of N, F-MCFs ORR catalysts
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    SEM images of a electrospun PAN/PVP/PVDF nanofibers, b PAN/PVDF porous nanofibers after hydrothermal treatment, N, F-MCFs with different compositions, c PAN/PVP/PVDF = 1/1/1, d PAN/PVP/PVDF = 1/1/1.5. e, f TEM images of N, F-MCFs
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    a XRD patterns, b Raman spectra, c, d N2 adsorption isotherms (Inset of c and d are pore size distributions of N, F-MCFs-A and N, F-MCFs-B)
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    a, d XPS spectra of N, F-MCFs-A&B. High-resolution XPS spectra of b, e N 1s and c, f F 1s of N, F-MCFs-A&B
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    a CV curves of N, F-MCFs-A; N, F-MCFs-B; N-MCFs-C; and N, F-CFs-D in O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH with a scan rate of 10 mV s-1. b LSV curves of N, F-MCFs-A; N, F-MCFs-B; and commercial 20% Pt/C in O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH with a scan rate of 10 mV s-1. LSV curves and K-L plots of c, d N, F-MCFs-A and e, f N, F-MCFs-B. g Percentage of H2O2 yield and electron transfer number (n) of N, F-MCFs-A. h LSV curves of N, F-MCFs-A with and without 10 mM NaCN in O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH with a scan rate of 10 mV s-1
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    a CV curves of N, F-MCFs-A and Pt/C 20% in O2-saturated 0.5 M H2SO4 with a scan rate of 10 mV s-1. b LSV curves and c K–L plots of N, F-MCFs-A in O2-saturated 0.5 M H2SO4 with a scan rate of 10 mV s-1
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    a Current-time (i-t) chronoamperometric response of N, F-MCFs-A and Pt/C 20% in O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH at a rotating rate of 1600 rpm for 10,000 s. b CV curves of N, F-MCFs-A and c Pt/C 20% with and without 3 wt% CH3OH in 0.1 M KOH

• In-situ Preparation of Bimetal Co-doped Mesoporous Graphitic Carbon Nitride with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

  Wanbao Wu1, Zhaohui Ruan2, Junzhuo Li1, Yudong Li1, Yanqiu Jiang1,*, Xianzhu Xu1, Defeng Li1, Yuan Yuan2,*, Kaifeng Lin1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 10
  First Online: 23 January 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0236-y

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    XRD patterns of P-CN, Co-CN-5, Mo-MCN-2, and Co/Mo-MCN composites
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    a Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms and b corresponding pore size distribution curves of P-CN, Co-CN-5, Mo-MCN-2, and Co/Mo-MCN
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    TEM images of a, b P-CN and c, d Co/Mo-MCN-5
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    SEM images of a P-CN, b Co-CN-5, c Mo-MCN-2, d Co/Mo-MCN-5, e–h elemental mapping for Co/Mo-MCN-5
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    XPS spectra of a C1s, b N1s, c Mo3d, and d Co2p for Co/Mo-MCN-5
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    a Photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of as-prepared materials, b cyclic test of photocatalytic H2 evolution by Co/Mo-MCN-5, c Photocatalytic activities of RhB degradation for as-materials and d cyclic test of RhB degradation by Co/Mo-MCN-5
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    a UV−Vis absorption spectra of P-CN, Co-CN-5, Mo-MCN-2, and Co/Mo-MCN-5, b Mott–Schottky plots of P-CN and Co/Mo-MCN-5, c transient photocurrent responses, and d photoluminescence spectra of P-CN, Co-CN-5, and Co/Mo-MCN-5
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    Crystal structure of a P-CN, b Co-CN, and c Mo-CN, and charge density difference of d Co-CN and e Mo-CN
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    Band structure of a PCN, b Mo-CN, and c Co-CN
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    Optical absorption coefficient of PCN, Co-CN, and Mo-CN
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    a Simulation model of Mo-MCN. D represents mesopores of sizes ranging from 10 to 50 nm, and electric field intensity distribution in x–y plane for b P-CN, c Mo-MCN, and x–z plane for d P-CN, and e Mo-MCN
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    Photocatalytic mechanism scheme of Co/Mo-MCN under visible light irradiation

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• Low-Temperature Aging Provides 22% Efficient Bromine–free and Passivation Layer-free Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

  Xin Wang1, Luyao Wang1, Tong Shan2, Shibing Leng1, Hongliang Zhong2, Qinye Bao3, Zheng-Hong Lu4, *, Lin-Long Deng5, *, Chun-Chao Chen1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 84
  First Online: 03 April 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00418-0

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    a Schematic representation of the film crystallization process of an LTAG-based FAMAPbI3 perovskite layer. b XRD patterns of the as-formed films obtained using the control process and the LTAG method. &, α, δ,  Mean characteristic diffraction signals of the PbI2, black perovskite, yellow perovskite phases and intermediate phase, respectively. c FTIR spectrum of the as-formed film powers using the control process and the LTAG method and for post-annealed FAMAPbI3 film. d XRD patterns of annealed perovskite layers prepared without (control) and with LTAG treatment (at 30, 50, and 70 °C)
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    Top-view SEM images of post-deposition annealed perovskite films: a control sample without aging, b LTAG-30 treated sample, c LTAG-50 treated sample, and d LTAG-70 treated sample. Cross-sectional SEM images of e control and f LTAG-30 treated device; The scale bars: 1 μm (a-d); 500 nm (e, f)
  • 
    a J–V curves of devices prepared using the LTAG method (at 30, 50, and 70 °C), compared with that of the control device. b J–V curves recorded from reverse and forward scans for the control device and the LTAG-30 solar cell. c Distributions of PCEs measured from the control and LTAG-30 devices. d J–V curve of the best-performing LTAG-30 perovskite solar cell. e EQE spectrum and integrated value of Jsc of the best-performing LTAG-30 device. f Stabilized current density and power output of the best-performing LTAG-30 device, measured close to the maximum power point
  • 
    a Steady state PL spectra of annealed perovskite layers prepared without (control) and with LTAG treatment at 30 °C. b TRPL spectra of the control and LTAG-based perovskite films. c Nyquist plots for the control and LTAG-based perovskite devices in the dark. d Current–voltage curves and extracted defect densities of electron-only devices prepared using the control and LTAG-based methods; insets: the single-carrier device structures
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    a, b AFM phase images and c, d 2D surface potential spatial maps of a, c the control perovskite film and b, d the perovskite film prepared through LTAG at 30 °C

• NiCo2O4 Nano-/Microstructures as High-Performance Biosensors: A Review

  Rajesh Kumar1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 122
  First Online: 08 June 2020 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00462-w

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    a Crystal structure of NiCo2O4. b NiCo2O4 cubic spinel.
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    Proposed biosensing mechanism of nano/micro-structures
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    FESEM image of NiCo2O4 samples using water: ethanol ratios a 1:0, b 3:1, c 1:1, and d 1:3.
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    The schematic diagram for the synthesis of two-dimensional porous nanodisks of NiCo2O4.
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    FESEM images representing the effect of concentration of NH4F on the morphologies of NiCo2O4 nanostructures: a–c 3 mmol NH4F; d-f 9 mmol NH4F; g-i 12 mmol NH4F.
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    Schematic diagram of the process of urchin-like peapoded NiCo2O4@C.
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    FESEM images of NiCo2O4 architectures prepared in solvothermally using different solvents a water, b isopropanol, c 1:1 ethanol: water, d pure ethanol, and e diethylene glycol.
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    Schematic illustration for the formation of highly ordered 3D hierarchical NiCo2O4@NiCo2O4 core-shell nanocones arrays on nickel foams.
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    a Schematic illustration of the formation of mesoporous NiCo2O4 microspheres, b high magnification FESEM image and c TEM image of the mesoporous NiCo2O4 microspheres.
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    Schematic illustration of the synthesis of dopamine-free and dopamine-NiCo2O4 nanostructures.
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    The FESEM images of a MSBPC, b NiCo2O4 nanowires grown on MSBPC. c TEM image of SiO2@RF spheres, d TEM image of NiCo2O4 nanoflakes grown on SiO2@RF spheres. e FESEM image of micron-sized NiCo2O4 pompon. f FESEM image of NiCo2O4 hollow submicron spheres.
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    Pictorial representation for the formation of NiCo2O4 hollow microspheres with tunable numbers and shell thickness.
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    a Schematic representation for the synthesis of hexagonal NiCo2O4 nanosheets. and b hierarchical NiCo2O4 nanosheets@halloysite nanotubes via co-precipitation method.
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    FESEM images NiCo2O4 precursor powders prepared at a pH = 3, b pH = 7, c pH = 8 and d pH = 8.4.
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    Schematic illustration of the synthesis of hexagonal mesoporous structured NiCo2O4 (HMS-NCO) and NiCo2O4 calcined at 400 °C (NCO-400).
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    Schematic illustration of the formation of cauliflower-like NiCo2O4 film.
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    a Electrodeposited 3D flower-like NiCo2O4/Ni nanostructures on Ni-wire. b Schematic representation of the formation of nanoforest hierarchical composites Co3O4@NiCo2O4 nanowire arrays.
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    a The fabrication procedure of NiCo2O4/ECF nanohybrids, b FESEM image of ECF and c FESEM image of NiCo2O4 nanoneedles grown on ECF. d The fabrication procedure for NiCo2O4@MnO2 composites, e FESEM image of NiCo2O4 nanotubes and f FESEM image of MnO2 nanosheets grown of NiCo2O4 nanotubes. g, h Low and high magnification FESEM images, respectively of NiCo2O4 with uniform dandelion-like morphologies.
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    a Pictorial representation of the microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of NiCo2O4 double-shelled hollow spheres. b FESEM and c TEM images of NiCo2O4 hollow spheres prepared in the presence of glycerol and d FESEM image of the NiCo2O4 structures prepared in the absence of glycerol.
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    FESEM images of bimetal Ni-Co-precursors obtained under various microwave-assisted hydrothermal reaction times. a 5 min, b, c 10 min, d 15 min, e 20 min, f 25 min, g 30 min, h 35 min, and i 40 min.
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    Morphologies of various NiCo2O4 nanostructures a hollow nano-sphere. b hollow microspheres. c yolk-shell microspheres. d nano-aggregates. and e thin films with uniform particle distribution size 20–30 nm.
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    The formation mechanism of 3D macroporous multi-walled carbon nanotubes microspheres densely loaded with NiCo2O4 hollow nanospheres.
  • 
    a Nyquist plots of NiCo2O4, Co3O4, and NiO modified GCE in 0.1 M NaOH. b CV NiCo2O4, Co3O4, and NiO modified GCE in 0.2 M NaOH without glucose.
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    Electrocatalytic activities of MoS2-NiCo2O4/GCE in 0.1 M NaOH at a scan rate of 50 mV s-1.
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    a CV curves of NiCo2O4 hollow nanorods with various scan rates. Inset: Redox peak currents as a function of the scan rates, b Variation in response current for NiO (curve a), Co3O4 (curve b), and NiCo2O4 hollow nanorods (curve c) as a function of glucose concentrations. Inset: calibration curve of NiCo2O4 hollow nanorods.
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    a Adsorption-desorption hysteresis loop, specific surface area (SSA), average pore width and total pore volume of the synthesized pure NiCo2O4 and NiCo2O4/graphene nanohybrids. b CV for NiCo2O4/graphene hybrid modified electrode. c Effect of scan rates scan rate for the solution with 0.1 mM glucose in 0.1 M NaOH. d Linear sweep voltammetric curves for glucose in the concentration of 0 to 0.14 mM and calibration plot (Inset).
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    CV plots for different glucose concentrations (1–4 mM) in 0.1 M NaOH a Co3O4, b NiO, c NiCo2O4, and d NiCo2O4 nanowrinkles/reduced graphene oxide modified GCE.
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    a Proposed mechanism of glucose sensing using NiCo2O4 nanorods/rGO/Nafion composite modified GCE. b Schematic presentation of the synthesis of the NHGH/NiCo2O4 electrocatalyst for non-enzymatic glucose sensing.
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    a HRTEM image of NiCo2O4@PANI nanocomposite and b CV plot for different GCE electrodes in the absence and presence of 4 mM glucose in 0.1 M NaOH solution at scan rate=50 mV s-1. c Schematic illustration of the preparation of core-shell NiCo2O4@Ppy on Ni foam substrate. d FESEM image of bare NiCo2O4. e FESEM image of NiCo2O4@Ppy composite.
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    a Effect of glucose concentrations on absorption. b Linearized calibration curve. c Proposed mechanism for colorimetric detection of glucose using the hierarchical NiCo2O4 hollow sphere.

• A Review on Nano-/Microstructured Materials Constructed by Electrochemical Technologies for Supercapacitors

  Huizhen Lv1, a, Qing Pan1, a, Yu Song1, *, Xiao-Xia Liu1, Tianyu Liu2, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 118
  First Online: 30 May 2020 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00451-z

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    Schemes illustrating the experimental setups of a two-electrode and b three-electrode electrolytic cells for electrochemical syntheses
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    CV curves of the deposition of mixed-valence vanadium oxide nanorods
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    a Constant potential applied in potentiostatic deposition; E0 and E are the open circuit potential and the applied potential; t0 marks the starting time of deposition. b Corresponding current as a function of time
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    a Constant current applied during a galvanostatic deposition; t0 represents the moment when current is applied. b Potential response as a function of time in a galvanostatic deposition; E0 and Ei are the equilibrium potential and maximal potential of a working electrode during galvanostatic deposition, respectively; c Double-layer charging current (IDL) decays exponentially with time. d Time evolutions of the potential during galvanostatic depositions of MnO2 at temperatures of 25 °C (orange) and 60 °C (red)
  • 
    Current or potential signals applied in pulse electrodeposition
  • 
    Schematic illustrations of a cathodic and b anodic electrophoretic deposition. Only ions of interest are shown for brevity
  • 
    a Schemes of the microscopic processes of graphite exfoliation in H2SO4 aqueous electrolytes. Step 1: edge opening by water-borne radicals; Step 2: SO42- intercalation and exfoliation. b Experimental setup for the graphite exfoliation. c Photographs of the exfoliated electrodes before and after exfoliation. d Exfoliated graphene floating on an electrolyte. e Dispersed graphene sheets in dimethylformamide solution. Adapted from Ref. [84] with permission
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    a Schematic illustration of cathodic exfoliation of graphite by intercalation of Li+ complexes. b, c SEM images of the cathodically exfoliated graphene plates. d Raman spectra of the cathodically exfoliated graphene with bilayers and trilayers, in comparison with that of pristine graphite
  • 
    a Schemes of the two-step partial exfoliation of graphite foil. b-d SEM images and contact angles of b graphite foil, c graphite foil after primary exfoliation, and d graphite foil after secondary exfoliation. Insets: photographs of graphite foil at different treatment stages. e SEM image and EDS element mappings (C and O) of the cross-sections of exfoliated carbon cloth fibers. f XPS C 1s spectra of pristine carbon cloth (CC) and exfoliated carbon cloth (ECC). g CV curves of CC and ECC
  • 
    a Electrochemical polymerization mechanism of pyrrole. b Electrochemical polymerization mechanism of polyaniline.
  • 
    a SEM image of electrodeposited PPy film on an oxygen-functionalized carbon fiber. b XRD patterns of electrochemically and chemically deposited PPy. c Models proposing possible molecular structure of electrodeposited PPy. d PPy film electrochemically deposited on a flexible stainless-steel mesh. e Schematic illustration of the stretched mesh structure. f Cauliflower-like PPy film
  • 
    a Photograph and b SEM image of PEDOT-coated interdigitated electrode. c Magnified-view SEM image of the electrodeposited PEDOT film. The red circles highlight the cracks formed by soft templates. d Scheme illustrating the surfactant-induced crack formation. e Galvanostatic charge-discharge profiles of a symmetric micro-supercapacitor consisting of two PEDOT-coated interdigitated electrodes. Electrolyte: 1 M H2SO4 aqueous solutions. f Areal and volumetric capacitances of the symmetric micro-supercapacitor as a function of polymer deposition time
  • 
    Electrochemically deposited 1D polymer structures. a PANI nanofibers on carbon cloth; b PANI nanorod arrays on Au plates; c PANI nanorod arrays on carbon-nanotube paper; d PPy nanorod arrays on carbon cloth
  • 
    a, b SEM and c, d TEM images of NiNTAs@PPy. The black dotted circles in d highlight micropores in PPy. e Schemes showing the charge storage mechanism of NiNTAs@PPy in supercapacitors during (top) charging and (bottom) discharging
  • 
    Electrodeposited two-dimensional conducting polymers. a oligopyrene nanosheets; b PPy nanosheets; c PANI nanosheets on graphene sheets; d PEDOT thin films on CoAl layered double hydroxide nanoplates
  • 
    a Photographs and b SEM and TEM (inset) images of a compressible, PEDOT-coated carbon nanotube sponge. c SEM image of PPy-coated graphene (top) and bare graphene (bottom) foams. d PPy film deposited on electrochemically exfoliated graphite foil. e Scheme of the fabrication process of 3D PPy foam. f, g SEM images of 3D PPy foam at different magnifications
  • 
    a Schemes of the morphological evolution of MnOx across different electrodeposition supersaturation ratios. b-d Top-view SEM images of MnOx electrodeposited in 0.1 M Mn(NO3)2 aqueous solutions at various current densities: b 20 mA cm-2, c 1 mA cm-2, and d 0.1 mA cm-2. e-f SEM images of MnOx prepared in 0.0025 M Mn(NO3)2 at e 0.1 mA cm-2 and f 0.05 mA cm-2
  • 
    a Schemes of the synthesis procedures of double-walled MnO2 nanotube arrays on carbon cloth. b SEM image of ZnO/C/MnO2 nanorod arrays. Inset: Magnified view of a single nanorod. c SEM image of C-coated MnO2 double-walled nanotubes. Inset: Magnified view showing a C-coated MnO2 nanotube. d, e SEM images of MnOx d nanorods and e herringbones. f, g Schemes of the charge transfer pathways in f MnOx nanorod arrays and g MnOx herringbones
  • 
    a Schemes of the synthesis procedures of MnO2 nanosheets deposited on 3D printed graphene aerogel lattices. b A top-view SEM image of MnO2-coated 3D printed graphene aerogel. c, d SEM images of the deposited MnO2 nanosheets at two magnifications
  • 
    a-c SEM image of a Mn3O4 nanowall arrays, b intermediates during electrochemical oxidation, and c hierarchical Na0.5MnO2 nanowall arrays. d, e SEM images of d as-deposited and e hydrothermally treated MnOx thick layer on carbon fiber. f TEM image of hydrothermally treated MnOx. g-i SEM images of MnO2 deposited at g 25 °C, h 40 °C, and i 60 °C
  • 
    a E-pH diagram of vanadium oxide-water system with various V based species at activities (the letter "a" in the figure) of 0.01, 1 and 100. b Schemes of the synthesis steps, c SEM image, and d cycling stability of amorphous, mixed-valence vanadium oxide (RVOx) deposited on exfoliated carbon cloth fibers
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    a Charge density distribution along the interface of V5O12/VO2. b TEM image of V5O12/VO2 junction. c Areal capacitance of V5O12/VO2, V5O12, and VO2 as a function of current density. d Cycling stability of V5O12/VO2, V5O12, and VO2 electrodes in 3 M LiCl aqueous electrolyte. e Nyquist plots of V5O12/VO2, V5O12, and VO2. f-h Ex-situ XRD patterns of f V5O12, e VO2 and h V5O12/VO2 without charging (pristine), charged (-1 V), and discharged (0 V)
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    a-c TEM images of a MoO3-x-coated WO3-x nanowire: a, b bright and c dark fields. d High-resolution TEM image of a MoO3-x-coated WO3-x nanowire. Inset: Selected electron diffraction pattern of WO3-x. e An SEM and f TEM images of ZnO@MoO3 core-shell structure. g A SEM image of MoO3-x film deposited on an exfoliated graphite substrate. h, i SEM images of the helical porous MoO2 with different magnifications
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    a, b SEM images of a electrodeposited tungsten oxide and b tungsten bronze films d on carbon cloth. c XRD patterns of tungsten oxide, tungsten bronze, and carbon cloth. d N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms of tungsten oxide and tungsten bronze. Inset: pore size distributions. e, f Cycling stability of tungsten bronze in e 1 M Na2SO4 and f Na2SO4/H2SO4 (1 M/0.01 M) mixed aqueous electrolytes. g XRD patterns of tungsten bronze after cycled in Na2SO4 and Na2SO4/H2SO4. h CV curves of tungsten bronze in Na2SO4 (green), Na2SO4/H2SO4 (red), and H2SO4 (blue) aqueous electrolytes. i Rate capability of tungsten bronze in Na2SO4/H2SO4
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    a, b TEM images of a electro-deposited FeOOH nanoparticles and b Fe2O3 nanorods. c, d SEM images of electro-deposited FeOOH nanosheets and d chemically converted Fe3O4/Fe2O3 nanosheets. Inset: Magnified view of a nanosheet
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    a CV curves and b galvanostatic charge-discharge profiles of Co(OH)2 (blue) and Ni(OH)2 (red). c CV curves and d galvanostatic charge-discharge profiles of Co3O4/Co(OH)2 core/shell nanowire arrays
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    a Schemes of the synthesis steps of EA-CoOOH by a converse voltage method and the molecular structure of Co2+- and defect-rich EA-CoOOH. b Schemes showing the ion concentration gradients during constant voltage for electrodeposition (left) and converse voltage for oxidization (right). c Voltage profiles of electrodeposition and converse voltage stages. d TEM image of EA-CoOOH. e CV curves and g rate capability of EA-CoOOH in comparison with other electrodes
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    a SEM image of CoFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoplates. b CV curves and c galvanostatic charge-discharge profiles of CoFe-LDH in different aqueous solutions. d Evolution of the crystal structure and composition of CoFe-LDH before and after electrochemical activation. e Adsorption energies of various metal ions over H-terminated (magenta) and O-terminated (blue) LDH laminates
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    a Schemes of the formation mechanism and crystal structure of Mo-W mixed oxides. b CV curves, c capacitance contributions (capacitive vs. diffusion-controlled processes), d cycling stability, and e ion transport patterns of different Mo-W mixed oxides
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    a Schemes of the synthesis steps, b SEM image, c TEM image, and d-g elemental mappings of layer-by-layer PPy/MoOx electrode. h Interactions between PPy and MoOx layers. i CV curves of PPy, MoOx, and PPy/MoOx. j CV curves of PPy/MoOx at different scan rates. k Rate capability of PPy, MoOx, and PPy/MoOx electrodes
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    a, b SEM images of a VOx and b VOx@MoO3. c Elemental mappings of VOx@MoO3. d FTIR spectra of VOx and VOx@MoO3. e V 2p3/2 XPS spectra of VOx and VOx@MoO3. f Areal capacitances of VOx and VOx@MoO3 as a function of current density
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    a SEM image of activated polyanionic molybdenophosphate (A-MoPO/EG) on electrochemically exfoliated graphite foil. Inset: Magnified view showing the thickness of A-MoPO. b-e EDS elemental mappings of Mo, O, P, and K in A-MoPO/EG. f, g Mo 3d XPS spectra of f MoOP/EG and g A-MoPO/EG. h EPR spectra of oxygen deficiency signals of MoOP/EG and A-MoOP/EG. i Nyquist plots of A-MoPO/EG, MoPO/EG, and MoPO/non-exfoliated graphite foil electrodes. j CV curves of A-MoPO/EG at different scan rates in 3 M aqueous KCl electrolyte. k CV curves of MoPO/EG recorded in various aqueous electrolytes. i Cycling stability of A-MoPO/EG in 100000 charge-discharge cycles
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    The advantages, challenges, and future opportunities of electrochemical synthesis for supercapacitors

• Improved Photoresponse of UV Photodetectors by the Incorporation of Plasmonic Nanoparticles on GaN through the Resonant Coupling of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance

  Sundar Kunwar1, Sanchaya Pandit1, Jae-Hun Jeong1, Jihoon Lee1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 91
  First Online: 13 April 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00437-x

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    a Schematic of plasmonic metallic NPs based UV photodetector on GaN. b EDS elemental map of the photodetector active region and Au electrode. (b-1) AFM surface morphology of typical metallic NPs in the active region. c EDS spectra of NPs in the active region. d E-field distribution of typical metallic NP by finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation. e Schematic of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) induced on the metal NPs by incident light. f Photoresponse of the bare GaN and Ag4Au3 at 0.1 V bias upon illumination of UV (385 nm) light
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    Morphological and optical analysis of bare GaN, Ag, and Au samples. a-c AFM side-views of the corresponding samples. (b-1)–(c-1) Diameter distribution histograms of the Ag and Au NPs on GaN. d Summary plots of Rq and SAR. e-g Reflectance spectra of bare GaN, Ag, and Au samples in the UV-VIS-NIR region
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    Photoresponse characteristics of the bare GaN, Ag and Au photodetectors. a Current-Voltage (I-V) characteristics of each device under 385 nm UV illumination at 10.36 mW mm-2. Inset shows the corresponding dark current. b Current-time (I-t) characteristic at 0.1 V by switching on/off. c-e Photon power dependent photoresponse of the devices. f-h Summary of the photoresponsivity (R), detectivity (D) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) as a function of photon power. i-j Rise (tr) and fall (tf) time of the Ag and Au detectors upon switching on/off. k Current-time (I-t) characteristic at 0 bias under 10.36 mW mm-2 UV illumination
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    Surface morphology of AgAu alloy NPs fabricated on bare GaN with various thickness ratio of Ag and Au in the Agx nmAuy nm bilayers. a-c AFM images of the alloy NPs with the Ag4Au3, Ag3.5Au3.5 and Ag3Au4 bilayers on GaN. (a-1)–(c-1) Corresponding diameter distribution histograms of alloy NPs. (a-2)–(c-2) Height distribution histograms. d Summary plots of Rq and SAR. e Reflectance spectra. f Summary of the atomic percentage of Ag and Au with various thickness ratio. g-j SEM image and corresponding elemental maps of Ga, Au, and Ag for the alloy NPs fabricated with the Ag3Au4 bilayer
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    Photoresponse enhancement of UV photodetectors by the various AgAu alloy NPs under 385 nm UV illumination. a I-V characteristic under UV illumination and dark for different devices. b Time-resolved photocurrent response at 0.1 V. c-e Light intensity dependent photoresponse of the devices. f-h Summary of the R, D, and EQE as a function of photon power at a constant bias of 0.1 V. i-k Summary of the R, D, and EQE as a function of voltage at a constant power of 10.36 mW mm-2
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    a-c Photoresponse of the Ag4Au3, Ag3.5Au3.5, and Ag3Au4 photodetectors under 385 nm UV illumination (10.36 mW mm-2) at 0 V. d-e I-t characteristic under the illumination of 530 nm at 1 mV for the bare GaN and Ag4Au3 photodetectors. f FDTD simulated reflectance spectra of the typical Ag, Au and Ag0.6Au0.4 alloy NPs. g-i Corresponding e-field distribution of the typical NPs at 385 nm excitation. j-k Schematics of the energy band diagrams of the NP photodetector and the charge transfer process under UV illumination

• 2D Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets and Their Derivatives Toward Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

  Xueyi Lu1, #, Hairong Xue1, #, Hao Gong1, Mingjun Bai1, Daiming Tang1, Renzhi Ma1, *, Takayoshi Sasaki1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 86
  First Online: 06 April 2020 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00421-5

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    a Typical structure model of LDHs and in-plane cation arrangement. b OER mechanisms in acid (blue) and alkaline (red) conditions.
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    TEM and SEM images of four different LDH nanosheets prepared by pulsed laser ablation. a, e Zn-Al LDH, b, f Co-Fe LDH, c, g Co-Al LDH, d, h Mg-Fe LDH.
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    a, b SEM and c, d TEM images of Zn-Co-LDH nanosheets. e Height profile and f the 3D PF-AFM images of Zn-Co-LDH nanosheets prepared by microwave irradiation.
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    a Suggested scheme for preparing exfoliated MgAl-LDHs nanosheets. b, c Digital graphs of MgAl LDHs suspension with different content of H2O2 and the corresponding XRD patterns. d Schematic illustration of the nucleation and growth of LDH platelets.
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    a Delamination process of a surfactant intercalated LDH by toluene. b, c Photograph and Tyndall effect of Co-Al LDH dispersion exfoliated by toluene. d Test tube inversion test demonstrating the formation of toluene gels for dispersion of Mg-Al LDH (i), Co-Al LDH (ii), Ni-Al LDH (iii) and Zn-Al LDH (iv). e The Co-Al LDH dispersion exfoliated by toluene after 7 days. f-j Delamination process, low and high magnification SEM images, photograph and XRD pattern of the Co-Al-CO3 LDH sample and the suspension. k Photographs of nanosheet suspensions of the Co1-x-Nix LDHs (x=0, 0.25, 0.33 and 0.5) and the corresponding AFM images.
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    a Schematic illustration of the water-plasma-enabled exfoliation process of CoFe LDH nanosheets. b Illustration of the exfoliation process of bulk CoFe LDH into nanosheets by N2 plasma. c AFM image of the bulk CoFe LDH. d-f AFM images and XRD pattern of the ultrathin N-CoFe LDH nanosheets. g The synthesis of NiFe LDHs-VFe and NiFe LDH-VNi by strong alkali etching LDHs.
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    a SEM images, b TEM images of NiFe LDH@Au/Ni foam. c LSV curves of as-prepared catalysts at 1 mV s-1 in 1.0 M KOH. d TEM image, e HAADF-STEM image of sAu/NiFe LDH. f Cyclic voltammetry (CV) curves of the catalysts at 5 mV s-1 with 95% iR-compensation in 1 M KOH. g Overpotential (η) at 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope of pure NiFe LDH and sAu/NiFe LDH. h Differential charge densities of NiFe LDH supported with and without Au atom.
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    a TEM and SAED images (inset of a), b and c HRTEM images of Co–Fe LDH decorated with Co–Fe hydroxide NPs. d CV curves of the three catalysts at 20 mV s-1 in 0.1 M phosphate buffer. e TEM image and HRTEM image (inset of e) of CQD. f SEM image, g TEM image, h HETEM image of the CQD/NiFe-LDH hybrid. i LSV curves of as-prepared catalysts at 5 mV s-1 in 0.1 M KOH. j Schematic model of the roles of CQDs in the CQD/NiFe-LDH hybrid catalyst.
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    a Schematic diagrams of the NiFe-LDH/CNT hybrid architecture and LDH crystal structure. b SEM image of NiFe-LDH/CNT hybrid catalyst. c 95% iR-corrected LSV curves of the three catalysts at 5 mV s-1 in 0.1 and 1 M KOH. d Fabrication process, e SEM image of FeNi-GO LDHs. f LSV curves of the catalysts at 5 mV s-1 in 1 M KOH. g Onset potentials and potentials at 10 mA cm-2 of the as-prepared catalysts during the OER process. h TOF values of the catalysts as a function of overpotential and TOF values at an overpotential of 0.3 V (inset of h).
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    a TEM image and HRTEM image (inset of a) of nNiFe LDH/NGF catalyst. b 95% iR-corrected LSV curves of the catalysts at 5 mV s-1 in 0.1 M KOH. c Tafel plots of the different catalysts for comparison. d Schematic diagram of the spatially confined nNiFe LDH/NGF hybrids. e Schematic diagram of the fabrication of NiFe LDH-NS@DG hybrid. AFM images of f exfoliated NiFe LDH-NS and g DG. h TEM image of NiFe LDH-NS@DG catalyst. i iR-corrected LSV curves of as-prepared catalysts at 5 mV s-1 in 1 M KOH and their overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 (inset of i).
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    a Process of hetero-assembling Ni-Fe LDH nanosheets and graphene for water splitting. b XRD patterns of Ni2/3Fe1/3-NS/GO superlattice (i) and rGO (ii). c, d TEM and HRTEM images of the superlattice. e-j Electrochemical evaluation of the NiFe LDH/GO and NiFe LDH/rGO superlattices.
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    a Synthesis process, b, c cross-sectional-TEM images, d FE-SEM images and e EDS elemental mappings of NiAl LDH/MoS2 and NiFe LDH/MoS2. f Schematic illustration of the electrocatalytic mechanism of water splitting on the interface of MoS2/LDH superlattice.
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    a Schematic diagram of the preparation of FeNi-LDH/Ti3C2-MXene hybrids. b SEM image, c TEM image, d-f HRTEM images of FeNi-LDH/Ti3C2-MXene. g density of states (DOS), h projected DOS (PDOS) of different samples. i LSV curves of as-prepared catalysts at 10 mV s-1 in 1 M KOH.
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    a Schematic diagram of the fabrication of 3DGN/CoAl-NS. b TEM image and SAED pattern (inset of b bottom) of the exfoliated CoAl-NS, the inset (top) of b is photograph showing Tyndall effect of CoA-l-NSs solution under irradiation. c TEM image of 3DGN/CoAl-NS. d LSV curves of the catalysts at 1 mV s-1 in 1 M KOH. e-g SEM image and optical image (inset of e), h TEM image of NG-NiCo. i LSV curves of three catalysts at 50 mV s-1 in 0.1 M KOH. j Tafel plots for as-prepared samples. k i-t curve of NG-NiCo at 0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl.
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    a Schematic diagram of the preparation process of CoNi-LDH@PCPs. b Formation mechanism of hollow CoNi-LDH arrays. c SEM images (1-3) and HRTEM images (5-6) of CoNi-LDH@PCPs, and photograph (4) of triangle biscuits. d STEM image (1) and mapping images of CoNi-LDH arrays. e LSV curves of the different CoNi-LDH@PCPs catalysts at 1 mV s−1 in 1 M KOH. f Tafel plots of the different CoNi-LDH@PCPs catalysts.
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    a Schematic diagram of the fabrication process of FeNi-LDH/CoP/CC composite electrodes. b SEM image, c, d HRTEM images and SAED pattern (inset of c) of FeNi-LDH/CoP NSs. e The energy diagrams of CoP and FeNi-LDH and the electrocatalytic mechanism for OER in the FeNi-LDH/CoP/CC p-n junction. f LSV curves of the different CoNi-LDH@PCPs catalysts at 5 mV s-1 in 1 M KOH. g Tafel plots of the different catalysts. h TOF at different overpotentials.

• Enhancing Capacitance Performance of Ti3C2Tx as Electrode Materials of Supercapacitor: from Controlled Preparation to Composite Structure Construction

  Xiaobei Zang1, Jiali Wang1, Yijiang Qin1, Teng Wang1, Chengpeng He1, Qingguo Shao1, Hongwei Zhu2, Ning Cao1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 77
  First Online: 20 March 2020 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-0415-5

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    Enhancing the capacitance of Ti3C2Tx as electrode materials of supercapacitors. a Structure of Ti3C2Tx. b N-doped Ti3C2Tx. c Ti3C2Tx/layered metallic double hydroxides. d Ti3C2Tx/conductive polymers. e Carbon-intercalated Ti3C2Tx composite paper. f WO3/Ti3C2Tx composite paper. g 3D Ti3C2Tx aerogels.
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    Structure of Ti3C2Tx. a Atomic composition model of Ti3C2Tx. b Schematic diagram of the process for etching and delamination of Mxene. c Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of Ti3AlC2 particle and Ti3C2Tx.
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    Electrochemical performance of Ti3C2Tx at a scan rate of 5 mV s-1. a Schematic illustration of ionic intercalation mechanism on the surface of the Ti3C2Tx. b CV curves of Ti3C2Tx in aqueous LiCl, NaCl, and KCl electrolyte at different potential windows.
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    Pseudocapacitance of Ti3C2Tx in different electrolyte. a The change of surface group of Ti3C2Tx in H2SO4. b CV curves of Ti3C2Tx at a scan rate of 20 mV s-1. c Gravimetric capacitances of Ti3C2Tx at different scan rates. d CV curves of Ti3C2Tx at different scan rates in KOH electrolyte. e Schematic of supercapacitor using Ti3C2Tx (pink, Ti; cyan, C; red, O) as negative electrode with solvated or desolvated states. Legend for the electrolyte: green, cation; orange, anion; yellow, solvent molecule.
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    Ti3C2Tx film. a Schematic of the preparation of the nanoporous Ti3C2Tx films. b SEM image of nickel foam. c CV curves of Ti3C2Tx film and modified nanoporous films at a scan rate of 10 mV s-1. MP-MXx means the nanoporous Ti3C2Tx film is obtained, where x is the mass radio of in Fe(OH)3 hybrid.
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    Ti3C2Tx aerogel. a SEM image of the Ti3C2Tx aerogel with different magnification. b Cross-section view of Ti3C2 aerogel, SEM image of Ti3C2 aerogel and TEM of void walls. c CV and GCD curves of Ti3C2 aerogel, specific capacitance with different mass loading, progression of the imaginary (C”) parts of the stack capacitance of Ti3C2 aerogel and areal capacitance with different mass loading.
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    Ti3C2Tx composited with PPy and MnO2. a Schematic illustration of pyrrole polymerization using Ti3C2Tx. The surface groups on the latter contribute to the polymerization process. b Cross-sectional SEM image, and TEM image of Ti3C2Tx/ MnO2 nanowires. c CV and GCD curves for different samples about Ti3C2Tx/ MnO2 nanowires.
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    Ti3C2Tx-rHGO nanopore network. a Crossing section (ⅰ, ⅱ) and SEM images (ⅲ, ⅳ) of Ti3C2Tx film (ⅰ, ⅲ) and Ti3C2Tx-rHGO films (ⅱ, ⅳ). b CV and GCD curves of Ti3C2Tx films and Ti3C2Tx-rHGO and effects of areal mass loading on the volumetric capacitance. MX-rHGOx, where x is the percentage of the weight of holey graphene oxide in the mixture.
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    One-dimensional electrode materials of supercapacitors. a Morphology of electrospinning Ti3C2Tx composite. b Schematic of the fabrication process of Ti3C2Tx fiber using biscrolling method. c surface and cross-section morphologies of biscrolling Ti3C2Tx fiber. d CV curves obtained at 5 mV s-1 and GCD curves obtained at 2 mA cm-2.
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    N-doped Ti3C2Tx. a Schematic illustration of charge storage of hydrated electrolyte ions in N-doped Ti3C2Tx. b Plan view of optical and SEM images of Ti3C2 and N-doped Ti3C2Tx using urea as the nitrogen source (UN-Ti3C2). c CV curves of the Ti3C2 films and N-doped Ti3C2 using different method, such as UN-Ti3C2, MN-Ti3C2 (nitrogen source is monoethanolamine), TN-Ti3C2 (solid solution method).

• Nanoscale All-Oxide-Heterostructured Bio-inspired Optoresponsive Nociceptor

  Mohammad Karbalaei Akbari1, 2, *, Jie Hu3, Francis Verpoort4, Hongliang Lu5, Serge Zhuiykov1, 2, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 83
  First Online: 01 April 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00419-z

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    The scheme of human eye receptor and nociceptor system. a Human brain as decision making unit receives the informative signals from b human eye and its sensory components including the c light receptors and nociceptors in Retina section. d Typical nociceptor with its components. e Typical schematic representation of a natural synapse and f its artificial counterparts in conductor/semiconductor/conductor sandwiched configuration
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    Schematic of RTA treatment accompanied by characterization results of ultra-thin heterostructured films. a Graphical scheme for RTA of 5 nm thick gallium oxide film in Ar and N2 atmosphere. b Typical Raman characteristics of RTA treated gallium oxide films in Ar and N2 atmosphere,y c Raman shifts and d FE-SEM microstructural observations. e Photoluminescence spectra of as-deposited and RTA treated gallium oxide films. f Comparative diagram of Eg of selected two-dimensional (2D) metal nitrides accompanied by the results of present study
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    The results of electrical conductivity measurements and graphical scheme of phase transformation of gallium oxide film during RTA treatment and their XPS measurements. a Conductivity variation of gallium oxide thin-films after RTA in Ar and N2 atmosphere. The conductivity was measured after quenching of samples from high temperatures. b-d Graphically demonstrate the phase transformation in gallium oxide films during RTA treatment. The as-deposited films are amorphous until the crystallization temperature at which the nucleation of crystalline stoichiometric Ga2O3 nucleus sites occurs [10]. It is accompanied by the increase of Ga excess in remained amorphous phase and the evolution of conductivity of thin-films
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    XPS core level spectra and VBM of N2 doped Ga2O3 films. a RTA process is resulted in the alteration of bandgap alignment in gallium oxide films where a higher RTA temperature in N2 atmosphere was accompanied by the increase of VBM. b Analytical analysis of O 1s XPS characteristics of samples, c variation of percentage of Ga-O bonding and oxygen vacancy in RTA samples. d XPS characteristics of Ga 3d and e N 1s in RTA samples
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    The electrical characterization of fabricated memristor devices accompanied by the characterization of resistive behavior of them. a Typical I-V curves of Pt/TiO2-Ga2O3/Au and Pt/TiO2-Ga2O3 (Ar-600 °C)/Au, b Pt/TiO2-Ga2O3 (N2-450 °C)/Au, c Pt/TiO2-Ga2O3 (N2-600 °C)/Au memristor devices for three cycles. d Logarithmic scale I-V characteristics for two cyclic voltammetry of Pt/TiO2-Ga2O3 (N2-600 °C)/Au memristor devices. e Logarithmic scale of (I/V2) vs. the (I/V) curves of the same device. The transition from direct tunneling to F-N tunneling is depicted. f ΔEc of fabricated heterostructured memristor devices
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    a Schematic band diagram for charge transfer from TiO2 to Ga2O3 (N2) devices. b KPFM analysis monitors the surface potential of memristor device between Au and Pt electrodes for a horizontally developed TiO2-Ga2O3 heterostructure. The scanning area was 1 μm2. The bright area represents the electron trap regions and the dark area depicts the hole trap regions. c Raman spectra of TiO2 film of memristor device in zero bias and HRS mode
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    The photoinduced nociceptive behavior of devices. a The light-intensity dependence photoresponse of ITO/TiO2-Ga2O3/Au devices under 0.1 V bias showing the threshold and saturation characteristics. b Comparison of the typical photoresponse of various memristor devices showing the effect of heterointerface engineering on threshold and saturation characteristics of fabricated memristor devices. The ITO/TiO2-Ga2O3 (N2-600 °C)/Au nociceptive device shows the highest threshold values among various heterostructured devices. c Relaxation characteristics of ITO/TiO2-Ga2O3 (N2-600 °C )/Au nociceptive device under 35 μW cm-2 pulsed laser (360 nm) illumination. d The effect of light frequency on relaxation time of nociceptor devices. e Allodynia characteristics of ITO/TiO2-Ga2O3 (Ar)/Au devices. f Allodynia and hyperalgesia of ITO/TiO2-Ga2O3 (Ar)/Au devices

• 3D N, O-codoped Egg-box-like Carbons with Tuned Channels for High Areal Capacitance Supercapacitors

  Feng Wei1, Xiaojun He1, *, Lianbo Ma2, Hanfang Zhang1, Nan Xiao3, Jieshan Qiu4, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 82
  First Online: 01 April 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00416-2

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    FESEM images of a EBC750, b EBC800 and c EBC850; TEM images of d EBC750, e EBC800 and f EBC850; g FESEM image and corresponding EDS mappings of EBC800
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    a Nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, b pore size distribution curves c XRD patterns, d Raman spectra, e survey XPS spectra of EBCs; f high-resolution XPS spectrum at N1s region of EBC800
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    Synthetic scheme of EBCs from CTP using carbon cloth as the directing template combined with in-situ K2CO3 activation
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    Schematic of ion transport and electron conduction in 3D EBC electrodes
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    Electrochemical performance of EBC electrodes in a three-electrode system in 6 M KOH electrolyte: a CV profiles at 5 mV s-1; b GCD curves at 0.212 mA cm-2; c areal capacitance at various current densities; and d gravimetric capacitance versus t1/2
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    a GCD curves of EBC electrodes at 1 A g-1; b areal capacitance of EBC electrodes at various current densities; c capacitance retention and coulombic efficiency of EBC800-based SC after 50,000 cycles at 10.75 mA cm-2; d Ragone plots of EBC capacitors; e Nyquist plots of EBC electrodes; and f Bode plots of phase angle versus frequency

• A Review on Surface-Functionalized Cellulosic Nanostructures as Biocompatible Antibacterial Materials

  Mandana Tavakolian1, 2, 3, Seid Mahdi Jafari4, *, Theo G.M. van de Ven2, 3, 5, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 73
  First Online: 14 March 2020 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-0408-4

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    Schematic representation of cellulose structure from resources to molecular level
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    a Chemical modifications of cellulose fibers to develop various materials including: b hairy nanocellulose as an antibacterial carrier, c transparent film, d chiral nematic films, e hydrogels, f aerogels, and g meniscus implant.
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    Schematic representation of cellulose reaction with sodium periodate to produce dialdehyde cellulose (DAC)
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    Antibacterial mechanism of action for cellulose-based photosensitizers under white light irradiation.
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    Schematic illustration of grafting (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane onto cellulose nanofibers in water.
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    Schematic illustration of the aminosilane grafting on the surface of CNF films.
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    Schematic representation of DANFC production for wound healing applications.
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    Scheme of the antibacterial mechanism for DANFC.
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    a ENCC internalized by HeLa cells. Cells were stained with Eth-1 and Alexa Fluor 633 (both are red) and ENCC conjugated with fluoresceinamine (green dots). b Representative confocal images of the expression of Ki67 (in red) and cytoskeleton marker actin (in green) in Hela cells growing into HC and LC films. Scale bars are 200 µm.

• Metal-Organic Framework Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery in Biomedical Applications

  Yujia Sun1, 2, Liwei Zheng3, Yu Yang2, 4, Xu Qian5, Ting Fu1, 5, Xiaowei Li2, Zunyi Yang6, He Yan1, 2, Weihong Tan1, 5, 6, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 103
  First Online: 02 May 2020 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00423-3

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    a Schematic illustration of fabricating an integrated electrochemical biosensor for glucose using ZIF-70 as the matrix to co-immobilize MG and GDH onto the surface of electrode. b Schematic illustration of ssDNA immobilization in Ni-IRMOF-74 series with precisely controlled channel size. Ni, C, and O atoms were labeled with green, gold, and red color, respectively. c Gradual increase of the interaction between ssDNA and MOFs with the increase of MOF channel size. Relatively weak interactions ensured the uptake, protection, and reversible release of ssDNA.
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    a One-step synthesis of ZIF-8 nanocrystals embedding multiple enzymes GOx and HRP. b Mechanism of Cyt c translocation into the MOF interior through relatively small windows.
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    a Activation of the 1D-polymer, [(Et2NH2)(In(pda)2)]n, with EDC or DCC to conjugate with EGFP. b DCC activation of MIL-88B-NH2(Cr) and following trypsin immobilization. c Schematic illustration of surface functionalization of UiO-66-N3 nanoparticles with DNA through a click reaction with DBCO-DNA. d The crystal structure of bio-MOF-1. The MOF consists of zinc−adeninate columns linked together into a 3-D framework by BPDC linkers to generate a material with 1-D channels.
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    a Schematic illustration of the synthesis of PAA@ZIF-8 as the nanocarrier for DOX drug loading and pH-controlled release. b Drug release of DOX-loaded PAA@ZIF-8 at pH 5.5 and 7.4 at 37 °C. c In vitro cytotoxicity of PAA@ZIF-8, DOX-loaded PAA@ZIF-8 and free DOX against MCF-7 cells at different concentrations after 24 h. d CLSM images of MCF-7 cells incubated with DOX-loaded PAA@ZIF-8 ([DOX] = 20 μg mL−1) for 3 h (A–C), 12 h (D–F) and 24 h (G–I) at 37 °C, respectively. Column 1-3 can be classified to cell nucleus (dyed in blue by Hoechst 33342), DOX-loaded PAA@ZIF-8 and the merged images of both, respectively. All scale bars are 10 μm.
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    a Encapsulation of autophagy inhibitor 3-MA into ZIF-8 nanoparticles. b Autophagic regulation proteins of xenograft tumor estimated by immunohistochemistry (scale bar: 200 μm).
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    a pH-induced one-pot synthesis of hierarchical ZIF-8 with encapsulated drug molecules. b Cell uptake studies conducted to compare the localizations of DOX@ZIF-8 and free DOX in the MDA-MB-468 cells.
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    a Schematic representation of pH-responsive ZIF-8 as a co-delivery system for overcoming MDR for efficient targeted cancer therapy: PEG-FA/(DOX+VER)@ZIF-8 synthesis; accumulation in tumors via EPR effect; internalization via FR-mediated endocytosis; pH-dependent drug release under weak acidic environments; VER-mediated MDR reversal. The biological ligand has been binded (physically touch the receptor) in order for receptor-mediated endocytosis to take place. b In vivo fluorescence imaging of B16F10 bearing mice at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 h after the injection of free IR820 or PEG-FA/IR820@ZIF-8.
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    a Drug loading and post-synthetic surface modification of MIL-101. b Multifunctional MIL-101 as a dual-responsive DDS for tumor-targeted drug delivery and cancer therapy. c Tumor volume change in H-22 tumor-bearing mice after treatment. d Images of the tumor after 12 days.
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    a Schematic illustration of the synthesis of PPy@MIL-100(Fe) as a pH/NIR-responsive drug carrier for dual-mode imaging and synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy. b MIL-100(Fe) NMOF for one- or two-photon-induced photo delivery of topotecan.
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    a Schematic illustration of the synthesis of pEGFP-C1@ZIF-8 via biomimetic mineralization and pEGFP-C1@ZIF-8-polymer via co-precipitation followed by cellular delivery and expression. b Transfection efficacy of pEGFP-C1@ZIF-8, pEGFP-C1@ZIF-8-PEI 25 kD, and lipofectamine-2000 at different concentrations. c Representative CLSM images of pEGFP-C1 expression in MCF-7 cells.
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    a Mechanism of Se/Ru nanoparticles and siRNA co-delivery by MIL-101 for the reversal of drug resistance and induced apoptosis by the disruption of microtubule in MCF-7/T (Taxol-resistant) cancer cells. b Time-dependent confocal microscopy of siRNA escaped from endosomes in MCF-7/T cells. Scale bar: 5 μm. c Fluorescence microscope images of MCF-7/T cells transfected by Se@MIL-101 and Ru@MIL-101 for 24 h.
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    Schematic representation of the cell-SELEX approach for aptamer selection.
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    a Mechanism of glucose-driven release of VEGF aptamer from ZIF-8 caused by degradation of MOFs under local acidified conditions created by GOx-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid. b Confocal microscopy images of ZIF-8 loaded with Cy3-modified VEGF aptamer (I) and coumarin-functionalized GOx@ZIF-8 (II), and the bright field and merged image of the loaded MOF (III and IV, respectively).
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    a Schematic illustration of the synthesis of ZIF-90/protein nanoparticles and ATP-triggered protein release in the cell. b Cellular uptake efficiency of ZIF-90/GFP. c Cellular uptake efficiency of ZIF-90/GFP in the presence of different endocytosis inhibitors. d CLSM images of HeLa cells treated with ZIF-90/GFP. LysoTracker Red was used for endosome/lysosome staining. Scale bar: 10 μm.