Volume 12, (2020)

• High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Manganese Battery with Reversible Mn2+/Mn4+ Double Redox Achieved by Carbon Coated MnOx Nanoparticles

  Jingdong Huang1, a, Jing Zeng1, a, Kunjie Zhu2, Ruizhi Zhang3, *, Jun Liu1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 110
  First Online: 13 May 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00445-x

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    a Working principle of Zn/MnOx battery. b XRD patterns of MnOx. XPS spectra of MnOx-2: c high resolution of Mn 2p and d high resolution of C 1s. e Raman spectra of the MnOx and α-MnO2
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    a TEM and b HRTEM images of α-MnO2. c TEM image, d, e HRTEM images, and f EDX elemental mapping images of MnOx-2
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    Cycling performance of MnOx-2 and α-MnO2a at 0.2 A g−1 and b at 0.5 A g−1. c Rate performance of MnOx-2 and α-MnO2. d Ragone plot and e long cycling performances at 1.0 A g−1 of MnOx-2 and α-MnO2 cathode
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    a–d Ex situ SEM images at different states of MnOx-2 cathode. EDX elemental (Mn, O, and Zn) mapping images e at fully charged state and f at fully discharged state
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    a Ex situ XRD patterns of the third cycle at 0.05 A g−1 of MnOx-2 cathode. XPS spectra of b O 1s and c Mn 3s/Zn 3p under different states of MnOx-2 cathode. d Molar ratios of Mn/S in the electrolytes under different states of MnOx-2 cathode
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    CV curves of a α-MnO2 electrode at 0.1 mV s−1 and b MnOx-2 electrode at 0.1 mV s−1. c Ex situ XRD patterns of the first cycle. d CV curves of the MnOx-2 cathode at different sweep rates

• Development of an Ultra-Sensitive and Flexible Piezoresistive Flow Sensor Using Vertical Graphene Nanosheets

  Sajad Abolpour Moshizi1, Shohreh Azadi1, Andrew Belford1, Amir Razmjou2, Shuying Wu1, Zhao Jun Han3, Mohsen Asadnia1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 109
  First Online: 11 May 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00446-w

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    a Schematic diagram of the fabrication process and SEM micrographs of VGNs and VGNs/PDMS. b Maze-like structure of vertical graphene nanosheets. c Side view of the vertically grown graphene nanosheet layer. d Side view of sensing element including vertical graphene nanosheet coated with PDMS layer
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    a Schematic diagram of the experimental setup for oscillatory stimuli in contact with the sensor (in air). b Average peak to peak voltage as a function of amplitude at f=10 Hz. c Average peak to peak voltage as a function of frequency at amplitude of 354 mVpp
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    a Average peak to peak voltage as a function of frequency for oscillatory flow characterization and object detection principles. b Average peak to peak voltage as a function of amplitude. c Position sweep in the y-axis direction (parallel). d Position sweep in the x-axis direction (perpendicular)
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    a Schematic diagram of the experimental setup for steady-state flow testing inside a straight channel. b Sensor output for low flow velocities and c high flow velocities. d Sensor output as a function of time for various flow velocities. e Sensor output as a function of flow velocity (calibration plot)
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    a Magnified view of the inner ear and the rotational axis for head movement. b Modelled LSCC. c 3D printed LSCC
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    a Schematic diagram of the experimental setup, and sensor-stage position for 60-degree amplitude and various frequencies: b 0.5 Hz, c 0.7 Hz, d 1 Hz, and e 1.3 Hz
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    a Sensor response to various rotational angles and frequencies in yaw axis rotation and b changes in rotational axes
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    a Modelling of LSCC and LCC, b 3D printed LSCC and LCC, and c sensor response to stage rotation for two cases of LSCC and LCC

• A Universal Principle to Accurately Synthesize Atomically Dispersed Metal-N4 Sites for CO2 Electroreduction

  Wanzhen Zheng1, 3, Feng Chen2, Qi Zeng1, Zhongjian Li1, Bin Yang1, 4, Lecheng Lei1, 4, Qinghua Zhang6, Feng He3, Xilin Wu2, *, Yang Hou1, 4, 5, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 108
  First Online: 09 May 2020 (Communication)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00443-z

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    a Schematic diagram of synthetic process of SAs-M-N-C. b, c FESEM and TEM images of SAs-Ni-N-C. d XRD patterns of SAs-M-N-C
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    a-d AC-HAADF-STEM images of SAs-Ni-N-C, SAs-Fe-N-C, SAs-Co-N-C, and SAs-Cu-N-C. e-h Elemental distribution mapping images from HAADF-HRTEM imaging of SAs-Ni-N-C, SAs-Fe-N-C, SAs-Co-N-C, and SAs-Cu-N-C
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    a High resolution Ni 2p XPS spectra of SAs-Ni-N-C and Ni-porphyrin. b High resolution N 1s XPS spectra of SAs-Ni-N-C and N-C. c-e Ni k-edge XANES spectra, Ni k-edge EXAFS spectra in R space, and WT-EXAFS images of SAs-Ni-N-C, Ni foil, and NiO. f, -g FT-EXAFS fitting results of SAs-Ni-N-C. h schematic diagram of local geometric structure in SAs-Ni-N-C
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    a-g F.E.s for CO and H2 productions, geometric surface area normalized partial current density for CO production, Nyquist plot, Tafel slope, double layer capacitance, and ECSA normalized partial current density for CO production of SAs-Fe-N-C, SAs-Co-N-C, SAs-Ni-N-C, and SAs-Cu-N-C. h long-term stability tests of 50 hours, CO F.E., and current density from SAs-Ni-N-C catalyzed CO2ER at -0.7 V
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    a Schematic diagram of the Zn-CO2 battery equipped with the SAs-Ni-N-C cathode. b, c charge-discharge voltage curves, discharge and power density curves of the Zn-CO2 battery equipped with SAs-Ni-N-C cathode. d Charge-discharge cyclic curve of Zn-CO2 battery under constant current density of 1.0 mA cm-2. e CO F.E. of Zn-CO2 battery during galvanostatic discharge process. f Photograph of bulbs and home-made LED array lighted by two batteries in series. g Charge polarization curve and J-V curve of solar cell. h Photograph of Zn-CO2 battery charged by solar cell irradiated with natural sunlight

• The Principle of Introducing Halogen Ions Into β-FeOOH: Controlling Electronic Structure and Electrochemical Performance

  Dongbin Zhang1, Xuzhao Han1, Xianggui Kong1, *, Fazhi Zhang1, Xiaodong Lei1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 107
  First Online: 06 May 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00440-2

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    a-d DFT calculation, e-h the corresponding charge density differential diagram, and i-l Rietveld XRD patterns of β-FeOOH and β-FeOOH(X)s. m Corresponding schematic illustration of the contraction of β-FeOOH cell after doping halogen ions
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    Electrochemical performances of β-FeOOH and β-FeOOH(X)s. a CVs, b plots of peak current density vs. scan rate, c GCDs, d comparision of specific capacity, e-h ex-situ XPS and Raman of β-FeOOH(F) under different charge/discharge potentials, and i scheme of energy-storage mechanism of β-FeOOH(F)
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    a EIS, b I-V, c DOS curves, and d PDOS of Fe 3d valance band orbitals of β-FeOOH and β-FeOOH(X)s
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    a-d Contact angles, e-h adsorption energies for SO32-, i charge density differential diagram, j-l XPS of β-FeOOH and β-FeOOH(X)s
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    a Optical image and b scheme of dual electrolyte asymmetric supercapacitor (DESC). c-i Electrochemical performances: c CVs, d peak current density vs. scan rate and e scan rate-1/2, f GCDs, g rate capacity, h cycling stability, inset the first and last five cycles. i Ragone plot

• Recent Advances in Strain-Induced Piezoelectric and Piezoresistive Effect -Engineered 2D Semiconductors for Adaptive Electronics and Optoelectronics

  Feng Li1, Tao Shen2, Cong Wang1, Yupeng Zhang1, Junjie Qi2, *, Han Zhang1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 106
  First Online: 04 May 2020 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00439-9

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    Strain engineering in 2D materials: from basic theories to applications
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    Schematic for illustrating the modulation of photoelectric device based on 2D piezoelectric semiconductors. The variation of energy-band profiles and carrier distribution of a Schottky contact induced by tensile strain (a) and compressive strain (b). The variation of energy-band profiles and carrier distribution of a p-n junction induced by tensile strain (c) and compressive strain (d)
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    Simulation studies of in-plane piezoelectric effects in 2D semiconductors. a Schematic diagram of piezoelectric potential generation in monolayer materials. b Monolayer top view geometry of monolayer 2H-MoS2. c Variation of polarization induced by strain in monolayer materials. d Top views of the C2v orthorhombic monolayer. e Calculated piezoelectric coefficients of monolayer group IV monochalcogenides and f comparison of piezoelectric coefficient (d11) with previously known piezoelectric materials. g Calculated piezoelectric coefficients of 2D materials. Materials structures are illustrated for h 2H, i planar hexagonal, and j buckled hexagonal structures.
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    Simulation studies of out-of-plane piezoelectric effect in 2D semiconductors. a Schematic diagram of in-plane and out-of-plane piezoelectric potential generation in Janus monolayer TMDs. The out-of-plane piezoelectric coefficient b e33 and c d33 of multilayer Janus monolayer TMDs. The piezoelectric coefficients d d11 and e d31 of Janus group-III chalcogenide monolayers, the insert is top view and side view of Janus structures M2XX’.
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    Simulation studies of piezoresistive effect in 2D semiconductors and their heterostructures. a Crystal structures of monolayer β-As and β-Sb. b Bandgap variation under biaxial tensile strain. The dot dash line shows the position of the critical strain of indirect-direct gap transition. c Positions of conduction and valence band edges under different strains. d Geometric structures of the heterostructures containing a total of twenty MoX2 and WX2 units per supercell and applied uniaxial strain ε along the armchair direction. e-g Strain dependence of PCE in lateral heterostructures.
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    Apply strain on 2D semiconductors by flexible devices. a A flexible device with monolayer MoS2 flake along armchair direction. b Evolution of the piezoelectric outputs with increasing number of atomic layers in MoS2 flakes. c Asymmetric modulation of I-V curve by strains shows the piezoelectric effect. f Schematic diagram of flexible device and fabrication process g Transfer curves and h I-V curves of a flexible monolayer MoS2 transistor measured before applied strain and applied 0.07% strain.
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    Applied uniaxial strain to 2D semiconductors. a Schematic of applied bending strain on MoS2 device and b the strain calculation method. c PL spectra of a representative monolayer device as it is strained from 0 to 1.8%. d Position of the PL peak as a function of strain. e A schematic of a two-point bending apparatus used for applying uniaxial compressive strain. f PL spectra of a multilayer InSe flake of thickness ~14 nm under different uniaxial compressive strains.
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    Applied biaxial strain to 2D semiconductors. a Schematic of applied biaxial strain on MoS2 through heating PDMS substrate. b Top view of a monolayer MoS2 on PDMS substrate. c Temperature-dependent PL spectra of MoS2 on PDMS substrate. d Temperature-dependent shift of the A exciton peak position on PDMS and SiO2 substrates. e Measurement setup of blown-bubble bulge technique. f Extracted PL peak position shift with applied strain in PDMS. g Schematic of applied biaxial compressive strain to 2D MoS2. Effect of biaxial compressive strain on the PL spectra h and PL peak energy i of the MoS2.
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    Observed piezoresistive effect in wrinkles 2D materials. The SEM image of a MoS2 and d ReSe2 wrinkles. PL spectra measured on the flat and on the wrinkle regions of b MoS2 and e ReSe2. c Band diagram in the wrinkled MoS2. f Optical image of a wrinkled 10 nm thick black phosphorus flake and g corresponding optical absorption mapping. h Optical absorption spectra acquired on ripple summits, valleys and flat regions.
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    Applied biaxial strain by transfer 2D materials to patterned substrates. a SEM image of the 2D MoS2 transferred onto a nano-cone array substrate, scale bar is 100 nm. b PL spectra of most strained, less strained and unstrained 2D MoS2. c Schematic of the funnel effect in strained MoS2. Optical micrograph of 2L WSe2 d before and e after the transfer onto the nanopillars substrate. f PL mapping of the WSe2 on nanopillars substrate.
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    Applied strain to 2D semiconductors by AFM tip. a Schematic drawing of measuring piezoelectric property of monolayer MoS2 by using an AFM probe. b Measured piezoelectric coupling strength as a function of the crystal’s azimuthal angle θ. c Measured piezoelectric coefficient in one-, two- and three-layer MoS2. d Schematic illustration of the measurement setup. e I–V characteristics of the MoS2 device at different applied forces. f Current response of CVD monolayer MoS2 device at repeated force at a fixed bias voltage of 1V. g Schematic drawing of the experiment setup for electrical performance characterization of a suspended MoS2 devices under the strain applied by AFM tip. h Cantilever deflection and the drain current of the device as a function of the piezo scanner extension. i I-V curve of the device under the strain by AFM tip and without deformation.
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    Observing out-of-plan piezoelectric effect by PFM mode. a Schematic illustration of PFM measurement. b AFM topography images of the 2D CdS. c Average amplitude variations versus applied voltages. d Piezoelectric amplitude images observed by PFM technology with tip voltages from 1 to 6 V. e Topography and f piezoelectric amplitude image a monolayer Janus MoSSe. g The step height and piezoelectric amplitude profile along the dashed lines in e, f.
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    Strain tuning vertical transport behavior by C-AFM mode. a Schematic of the measurement setup used to obtain the vertical electrical transport property curves of MoS2. b I-V curves measured under different force. c ln(I/V2) versus 1/V curves and d local I-V curves in the forward bias for distinguishing between direct tunneling and F-N tunneling models.
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    Applied strain to 2D semiconductors by surface acoustic wave. a Schematic illustration of the experimental setup comprising the SAW device, which consists of IDT electrodes photo-lithographically patterned on a lithium niobate substrate. PL spectra of b a monolayer and c bilayer MoS2 flake with respect to a range of SAW input powers.
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    Piezoresistive strain sensor based on 2D semiconductors. a Kirigami structure devices on the surface of elbow of a robot. b I−V curves of the devices under different deformation rates. c Strain sensor based on the Kirigami structure devices and the time-dependent response of devices. d Optical image of the V-doped MoS2 strain sensor. e Change in resistance as function of strain. f Relationship between V-doping concentration and GFs of the sensor. g Optical image of a 2D In2Se3 strain sensor. h Device currents under both uniaxial tensile and compressive strain. i Multicycle normalized current change in the sensor under uniaxial tensile strain. j Bending beam setup with applied 2D PtSe2. k Electrical readout signal during the measurement with an absolute resistance change against time showing two PtSe2 devices. l Comparison of the sensitivity with other pressure sensors.
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    Tuning the performance of photodetector by strain induced piezoelectric effect. a Home-made high-precision table for loading strain. The optical image presents a MoS2 device structure. Variations in value of b photoresponsivity and c detectivity at a bias of -10 V under different strains and various optical power intensities. d Schematic diagram of the flexible photodetector based on the p-CuO/n-MoS2 heterojunction. The strain dependence of e R/R0 and f detectivity at different power densities at a bias of 10 V. g Schematic diagram of WSe2-ZnO Photodetector on flexible PET substrate. h Strain-dependent photocurrent and i responsivity of the device for different illumination intensity under 1 V applied external bias. j Optical image of the fabricated MoS2/WSe2 p–n photodiode device. Strain dependence of photocurrent in the device under the illumination of k 1.52 mW cm-2 and l 6.47 mW cm-2 light at zero applied bias.
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    Tuning the performance of photodetector by strain induced piezoresistive effect. a Schematic illustration for photoelectric performance measurement of monolayer MoS2 photodetector under strain. b I-V characteristics under light illumination and different strain. c Band diagram of the monolayer MoS2 photodetector under 0.8% strain. d Schematic diagram of the In2Se3 photodetector with applied strain. e Photoresponsivity of In2Se3 under different strain. f Response time under different strain.
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    Piezoelectric generators based on 2D semiconductors a Photographic image of the CVD grown monolayer MoS2 based flexible piezoelectric NG. b Optical images showing energy harvesting active regions with the armchair atomic orientations of the piezoelectric NG. c Output voltage obtained from the monolayer MoS2 NG under different applied strain. d Stacking structure for bilayer-WSe2. e Piezoelectric peak output voltages of monolayer WSe2 and bilayer WSe2 as a function of strain. f Piezoelectric output voltage of m-WSe2 (black line) and tb-WSe2 with a low strain. g Crystal structure of monolayer and multilayer PbI2. h Piezoelectric output current of 2D PbI2 device. i Piezoelectric peak output voltages of devices fabricated with 2, 3, and 5 layers PbI2 nanosheets. j Atom structure of hexagonal α-In2Se3. k An α-In2Se3 piezoelectric nanogenerator is integrated on an index finger to scavenge the mechanical energy induced by finger motions. l Strain dependence of the piezoelectric voltage output.

• Wearable Battery-Free Perspiration Analyzing Sites Based on Sweat Flowing on ZnO Nanoarrays

  Wanglinhan Zhang1, 2, Hongye Guan1, Tianyan Zhong1, Tianming Zhao1, 2, Lili Xing1, Xinyu Xue1, 2, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 105
  First Online: 02 May 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00441-1

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    a Potential application of the wearable battery-free perspiration analyzing sites. b Fabrication process, structure display and XRD diffraction pattern of the device. c Optical image of the device. d-f SEM images of ZnO NWs grown on PDMS film. g-i SEM images of the flexible skin-like PDMS substrate
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    a Lactate biosensing performance of the device. b Response between the outputting voltage of the device and the lactate concentration. c Control experiments of primary battery’s effects. d Stability of the device. e Effect of large gradient NaCl concentration on device outputting voltage. f Outputting voltage of the device after switching the positive and negative terminals. g-i Selectivity of the device
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    a Biosensing behavior of the perspiration analyzing sites against small lactate concentration. b Effect of small gradient NaCl Concentration on device outputting voltage. c Outputting voltage of the device without LOx modification against different lactate concentration. d Outputting voltage of the device without LOx modification against different NaCl concentration. e Outputting voltage of the device with LOx modification against different air flow velocity. f Outputting voltage of the device with LOx modification against different humidity and temperature
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    a power-generating and biosensing process of the perspiration analyzing sites. b Zeta potential of ZnO NWs. c Outputting voltage of the device with LOx modification against different hydrogen peroxide concentration. d Zeta potential of ZnO NWs with hydrogen peroxide
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    a Potential application scenarios of the devices integrated with wireless transmitters. b Experimental results of human sweat analysis. c Simple wireless system integrated with perspiration analyzing sites

• A Superaerophobic Bimetallic Selenides Heterostructure for Efficient Industrial-Level Oxygen Evolution at Ultra-High Current Densities

  Jiaxin Yuan1, Xiaodi Cheng1, Hanqing Wang1, Chaojun Lei1, Sameer Pardiwala1, Bin Yang1, Zhongjian Li1, Qinghua Zhang4, Lecheng Lei1, Shaobin Wang5, *, Yang Hou1, 2, 3, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 104
  First Online: 02 May 2020 (Communication)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00442-0

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    a Schematic illustration for one-step fabrication strategy of NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe. b, c FESEM images of NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe. d EDX elemental mappings images of Ni, Fe, and Se elements in NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe. e HRTEM image of NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe; inset: corresponding SAED pattern. High-resolution XPS spectra of f Ni 2p and g Se 3d for NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe
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    a Polarization curves of NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe, NF-Se, IF-Se, and Ir/C/NiFe with iR compensation. b Comparison of potentials required at 100, 500, and 1,000 mA cm-2 for NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe, NF-Se, IF-Se, and Ir/C/NiFe. c Tafel plots of NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe, NF-Se, IF-Se, and Ir/C/NiFe. d Nyquist plots of NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe, NF-Se, and IF-Se. e Comparison of Tafel slopes and potentials required for 100 mA cm-2. f Polarization curves of NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe before and after 500 cycles with iR compensation. g Chronoamperometry curve with the NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe as electrode at 1.8 V without iR compensation. Electrolyte: 1.0 M KOH
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    a ECSAs and b ECSA-normalized polarization curves of NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe, NF-Se, and IF-Se. c Comparison of potentials required at 500 and 1,000 mA cm-2 for NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe, Ni0.7Fe0.3-Se, and Ni0.5Fe0.5-Se. d OER activities of NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe, Ni0.7Fe0.3-Se, and Ni0.5Fe0.5-Se at 100 mA cm-2 and 300 mV
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    a Digital images of in-situ electrochemical Raman spectroscopy for NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe during OER process. b In-situ Raman spectra and c corresponding contour plots of NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe at various potentials. d Raman spectra of NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe before and after OER tests. e, f High-resolution Ni 2p and Fe 2p XPS spectra of NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe before and after OER tests. g, i Digital images of O2 bubbles on NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe. j Schematic illustration of the adhesion behavior for O2 bubbles on NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe
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    a Polarization curves of bifunctional NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe and Pt/C-Ir/C for overall-water-splitting. b Chronoamperometric measurement at 3.0 V across NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe without iR compensation. c Polarization curves of bifunctional NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe for overall-water-splitting in 10.0 M KOH at 25 and 60 °C. d Chronopotentiometric curves with bifunctional NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe in 10.0 M KOH at 25 and 60 °C at 500 mA cm-2 without iR compensation. e Digital image of the generated H2 and O2 gas on NiSe2/NiFe2Se4@NiFe

• 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.

• Environment-Stable CoxNiy Encapsulation in Stacked Porous Carbon Nanosheets for Enhanced Microwave Absorption

  Xiaohui Liang1, Zengming Man1, Bin Quan1, Jing Zheng2, Weihua Gu1, Zhu Zhang1, Guangbin Ji1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 102
  First Online: 28 April 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00432-2

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    a, b Schematic diagram process for forming of CoxNiy@C. c SEM picture of CoNi-MOF. d SEM picture of Co3Ni7@C nanosheets. e, f TEM and HRTEM of Co3Ni7@C nanosheets
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    a XRD pattern of CoxNiy@C composites. b Atomic structure diagrams of CoNi. c Raman spectra of CoxNiy@C composites. d Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isothermals of CoxNiy@C composites. XPS spectra of CoNi@C e Co 2p and f Ni 2p
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    Reflection loss contour map of a Co3Ni7@C, b CoNi@C, and c Co7Ni3@C nanosheets. d 3D RL plots. RL plots with e 1.7 mm and f 1.8 mm thickness of CoNi@C nanosheets
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    a Effective frequency bandwidth of CoNi@C. b SRLmt and c SRLfmt of carbon-based materials. d Real part and e imaginary part of permittivity of CoxNiy@C nanosheets. f Permeability of CoxNiy@C nanosheets. g Magnetic hysteresis loops of CoxNiy@C nanosheets. h Dielectric loss tangent and i magnetic loss tangent of CoxNiy@C nanosheets
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    a Permittivity and b real part of permeability of CoNi@C composites and after one year of exposure in air. c RL values of CoNi@C composites exposure in air after a year. d Effective bandwidth of CoNi@C and after a year of exposure in air with different thicknesses
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    a Atomic structure diagrams of Co, Ni, and CoNi. b The possible microwave absorption mechanism of CoxNiy@C

• Bioinspired Multiscale Wrinkling Patterns on Curved Substrates: An Overview

  Yinlong Tan1, Biru Hu1, Jia Song1, Zengyong Chu1, *, Wenjian Wu1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 101
  First Online: 25 April 2020 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-020-00436-y

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    Wrinkling patterns on curved substrates a-f from nature and g-l in labs across multiple length scales. a White blood cell. The extremely wrinkled membrane enables the cell to expand and contract under chemotaxis and phagocytosis. b Papillae on the rose petal. c Cross-sectional view of the bronchioles. d Photograph of fingerprint. e Mucosa of bovine esophagi. f Human brain. g Ring-patterned carbon fibers. h Metal-coated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) spheres for tunable frication. i Bi-sheath fiber for strain sensor. j Wrinkled tube for anti-thrombotic. k Papillae array for microdroplet manipulation. l Swelling-induced artificial brain cortex with sulci and gyri.
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    a Schematic of crease formation on the surface of a homogeneous soft layer supported on a rigid substrate. b Schematic of wrinkle formation in a typical bilayer system composed of a rigid film on an elastic substrate. hf is the film thickness, A and λ represent the amplitude and wavelength of the wrinkle, respectively. c-f Schematic of several typical morphological instability: c period double, d period quadruple, e fold, and f ridge
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    Schematic of wrinkle formation in a typical core-shell system composed of a rigid shell bonded on a soft core under shrinking or expansion. R is the radius of the soft core, t represents the shell thickness, A and λ represent the amplitude and wavelength of the wrinkle
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    Schematic illustration of various types of core-shell systems for the fabrication of wrinkling patterning on curved substrates. a Solid cores with stiff or soft shells and hollow substrates with outer or inner stiff shells. b Approaches used to induce axial deformation for ring-patterning on core-shell cylinders
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    Simulations and experiments of shrinkage-induced surface wrinkling of core-shell spheres. a Schematic of the shrinkage of a core-shell sphere under various stimuli. b Numerical simulation of the morphology evolution of a core-shell sphere with increasing the shrinkage. c, d Illustration of the procedure for the wrinkling of PDMS microspheres and SEM images of wrinkled PDMS spheres with different radius. e, f Schematic of the fabrication process for metal wrinkles on polymer microspheres and morphology evolution of wrinkling patterns with the film thickness and the microsphere radius.
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    Cortical structures on soft core-shell spheres. a Schematic of the folding process of a soft core-shell hemisphere subjected to swelling or volumetric growth. b Mimic the morphology of brain cortex through swelling a soft core-shell hemisphere. c Images of the 3D-printed brain model and the master molds. d Morphology evolution of a replicated gel-brain with increasing the swelling time.
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    Wrinkling patterns on solid core-shell cylinders under various deformation models. a Schematic of compressive stress in axial and circumferential directions of core-shell cylinders. b Images of the self-assembled gears. c, d Schematic of the fabrication process starting from the PAN precursor fibers and SEM images of the wrinkled BN shells. e-h Fabrication process and surface morphology of hierarchically buckled shell-core fibers: e schematic diagram of the fabrication process, f cross-sectional illustration of hierarchically buckled shell-core fibers, g, h SEM images of hierarchical buckles at 100% applied strain.
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    Surface buckling of a soft cylindrical shell supported by a stiff cylinder. a Buckling structures observed when a sleeve is pushed up. b Experiments of a slidable latex balloon on an acrylic rod. c, d Photographs and schematic show the morphology evolution with increasing the compression from the right side: initial configuration, wrinkle, ridge, sagging ridge, respectively.
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    Simulations and fabrications of wrinkling patterns on hollow elastic core-shell spheres. a Schematic illustrates the process for the wrinkling of a hollow elastic sphere coated with a thin film. R and h represent the outer radius of the sphere and the film thickness, pi and pe represent the inner and outer pressure. The compressive stress can be controlled by tuning the pressure difference, Δp= pe-pi. b Simulated wrinkling patterns based on steady-state solutions and fabricated wrinkling patterns demonstrate the hexagonal-to-labyrinth transition via a bistable state with increasing effective radius R/h. Scale bars, 10 mm. c Phase diagram of wrinkling morphologies. Experimental data points for hexagonal (blue), bistable (yellow) and labyrinth (red) patterns are shown in the graph, and solid lines are theoretically predicted phase boundaries. d Bifurcation diagram of wrinkling patterns, where R/h=40, solid and dashed lines represent stable and unstable amplitude solutions respectively.
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    Fabrications of highly-convoluted patterns on hollow core-shell spheres and core-shell cylinders by inflation/deflation approach. a Schematics of the fabrication process for wrinkled papillae. b SEM images show the wrinkling morphology evolution of the papillae with increasing the shrinkage. c, d Fabrication of various hierarchical graphene oxide (GO) ridges on tubular balloons by natural shrinking and controlled shrinking. e SEM images show random and ordered hierarchical ridging patterns under natural shrinking (blue) and controlled shrinking (red)
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    The fabrication of wrinkling patterns on the inner surface of a cylindrical tube. a Schematic of the fabrication process for wrinkling patterns on internal surface of a silicone rubber tube: plastic coating on inner and outer surface of the tube can be obtained via chemical vapour deposition, and then wrinkling patterns on the exterior and the interior surface can be induced via stretching and then releasing the plastic/elastic bilayer. The inner and outer diameters of the tube are 0.5 and 1 mm, respectively. Insets of b and c represent the smooth tube before wrinkling and the scale bars in the insets are 500 μm.
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    Fabrication of in-plane and out-of-plane wrinkled microarchitectures. a Schematics of the fabrication process. b-e SEM images of wrinkled microwells: b Microwells whose topography is similar to c the jejunum, d microwells with wrinkled walls, e conical wrinkled microwells. Scale bars are: 10 µm. f-n SEM images of out-of-plane wrinkled microarchitectures: f, g micropillars with disordered wrinkles, h, i microcones with ordered wrinkles, j surface morphology of the yellow pitcher plant, k-n wrinkled architectures with various geometries. Scale bars are: f 30 µm, g, l-n 20 µm, k 50 µm and h 10 µm. a-m. n
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    Superior properties of various wrinkled structures on curved substrates. a Wrinkling patterns can be generated on diverse microarchitectures with various geometries. b Crack-free highly-compressed films can be obtained by simultaneous global deformations on curved substrates. c For closed hollow structures, wrinkle-to-smooth transition can be induced by reversible expansion and contraction. d Self-contact creases can be achieved on superelastic cylindrical fibers, where the contact area between neighboring creases can be tuned linearly by external strain. e Formation of highly-convoluted interlocked structures that is capable of enhancing the bonding force between the film and the curved substrates
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    Superhydrophobic papillae arrays for microdroplet manipulation. a Rose-petal-inspired papillae array. b Demonstration of the multi-step microreaction platform. c Snapshots show one-way transfer of a droplet between triangle array (N=3) and square array (N=4). All scale bars in the images are 1 mm
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    Self-contact creases on elastic fibers for flexible electronics. a-d Twisted flexible piezoresistive fiber: a, b SEM images of 2 ply creased fibers. c Schematic diagram of the sensing mechanism. d Relative resistance change with the variation of pressure. e-i A bi-sheath fiber for strain sensors: e, f SEM images of CNTs creases on superelastic fibers, g schematic illustration of the separation of self-contact creases by external strain, h the resistance of the creased CNTs shell decreases with reducing the contact area between neighboring CNTs creases by applying strain, i Stability evaluation of the bi-sheath fiber sensor
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    Highly-compressed crumpled films for a, b stretchable electromagnetic shielding and c, d chemical barrier. a SEM images and digital photos of crumpled MXene-SWNT coating under various areal strains. b ECG signal and Bluetooth RSSI received by the
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    Typical application cases of the wrinkled GO/latex bilayer actuators. a Schematic illustration of the mechanical self-assembly of the bilayer actuators. When the wrinkled GO/latex bilayer sphere is cut into slices, the obtained bilayer sheets bend spontaneously to partially release the residual stress stored in the system, which can also bend backward in response to some organic solvents, and could recover to its initial bending state after drying in air. b A bilayer actuator used as a mechanical hand grasping cylindrical Al foil in n-hexane. c-f Digital images of the bending and recover process of c a worm-like swimmer, d a smart package, e two bionic flowers, and f a bionic mimosa. All scale bars in the images are 1 cm
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    Applications of diverse wrinkling structures on curved substrates. a Wrinkled architectures for controllable adhesion. b Highly-compressed crumpled films for chemical protection and electromagnetic shielding. c Wrinkled microspheres and microcylinders for friction and controllable wetting. d Delaminated buckles for photodetector. e Wrinkled hollow structures for inflatable devices. f Self-contact creases for superelastic electronics. g Highly-convoluted interlocked bilayer for strong actuators.

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
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    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

Most Viewed articles are updated on a monthly basis. Below are the journal’s Top 10 most viewed over the last 6 months.

• Waste Copper Wires to Dendritic Nanostructure for High-Energy Wire-Type Alkaline Battery

  Nilesh R. Chodankar1, 2, Su-Hyeon Ji1, Young-Kyu Han2, Do-Heyoung Kim1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 1
  First Online: 12 December 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0337-2

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    Schematic illustration of the preparation of dendritic-structured NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu electrode using e-waste Cu wires for the RAB application
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    FESEM images for the a, b Cu(OH)2/Cu wire, c, d NiO/CuO/Cu, and e–g NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu electrodes; h, i TEM images for the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu electrode; and j STEM-EDS elemental mapping results for the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu electrode
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    a Comparative CV curves and b corresponding length capacitance for the Cu(OH)2/Cu, NiO/CuO/Cu, NiCo-hydroxide/Cu(OH)2/Cu and NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu electrodes at a constant scan rate of 100 m /s-1; c CV and d CD curves for the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu electrode at various scanning rates in 2 M KOH electrolyte; e specific capacitance and specific capacity for the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu electrode at various currents; f plot of diffusion-controlled contribution at different scan rates for the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu electrode; g Nyquist plot for the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu electrode; the inset shows the magnified view of the Nyquist plot; h plot of capacity retention versus cycle number for the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu electrode; the inset shows the first and last cycles; and i schematic representation showing the merits of the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu electrode for the RAB application
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    CV curves for a the AC/SS and NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu electrode in 2 KOH electrolyte at a constant scan rate of 20 mV s-1; b the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu//AC/SS RAB at various applied voltage ranges; c the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu//AC/SS RAB at various scan rates in the voltage window of 0 to 1.5 V; d CD curves for the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu//AC/SS RAB at various currents; e plot of specific capacitance and specific capacity at various discharge current for the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu//AC/SS RAB; f Ragone plot for the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu//AC/SS RAB; g Nyquist plot for the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu//AC/SS RAB; the inset shows the fitted equivalent circuit; h plot of capacity retention and coulombic efficiency for the NiCo-hydroxide/NiO/CuO/Cu//AC/SS RAB; and i initial and final CD cycles at a constant current of 25 mA

• Rational Design of Porous N-Ti3C2@CNT Microspheres for High Cycling Stability Li-S Battery

  Jianli Wang1, Zhao Zhang1, Xufeng Yan1, Shunlong Zhang1, Zihao Wu1, Zhihong Zhuang1, Wei-Qiang Han1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 4
  First Online: 12 December 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0341-6

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    Schematic illustration of preparation of a N-Ti3C2, b N-Ti3C2@CNTs, and c N-Ti3C2@CNT microspheres
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    SEM images of a, b multi-layered Ti3C2 MXene after etching, c, d Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets after exfoliation, e N-Ti3C2, f, g N-Ti3C2@CNTs, and h, i N-Ti3C2@CNT microspheres
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    a-c TEM and HRTEM images of N-Ti3C2@CNT microspheres, d EDS elemental mapping of N-Ti3C2@CNT microspheres/S composite
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    a XRD patterns of three kinds of materials, b N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm curves and pore size distribution of N-Ti3C2@CNT microspheres, c XPS survey, d C 1s spectra, e Ti 2p spectra, and f N 1s spectra of N-Ti3C2, N-Ti3C2@CNTs, and N-Ti3C2@CNT microspheres
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    a CV curve of N-Ti3C2@CNT microspheres/S cathode at the scanning rate of 0.1 mV s–1. b Magnification of cathodic peaks (voltage range of 1.9-2.2 V). c Rate capability of three cathodes at different C-rate (the calculation of specific capacity is based on the weight of sulfur in the cathode). d The galvanostatic charge/discharge curves for N-Ti3C2@CNT microspheres/S cathode at various C-rate. Cycling performance of three cathodes at e 0.2 C and f 1 C
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    a Ti 2p and b S 2p spectra of N-Ti3C2@CNT microspheres/Li2S6. EIS spectra of sulfur cathodes c before and d after cycles. Cycling performance of N-Ti3C2@CNT microspheres/S cathode at e high C-rate of 4 C and f high sulfur loading

• K2Ti6O13 Nanoparticle-Loaded Porous rGO Crumples for Supercapacitors

  Chongmin Lee1, 2, Sun Kyung Kim2, Hankwon Chang1, 2, Hee Dong Jang1, 2, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 10
  First Online: 26 December 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0344-3

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    Schematic illustration of the formation of KTO NPs/PGC composites from a colloidal mixture of TiO2, KOH, and GO via aerosol spray pyrolysis and post heat treatment
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    X-ray diffraction patterns of the KTO NPs/PGC composites prepared at different weight ratios of GO and KOH (reaction temperature: 200 °C, gas flow rate: 10 L min−1, post heat treatment: 700 °C, 2 h)
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    FE-SEM of the KTO NPs/PGC composites prepared at different weight ratios (GO:KOH:TiO2) of a 1:1:0.25, b 1:2:0.25, and c 1:3:0.25 (reaction temperature: 200 °C, gas flow rate: 10 L min−1, post heat treatment: 700 °C, 2 h)
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    TEM images of the a GR crumples and b KTO NP/PGC composites prepared at weight ratio of GO:KOH:TiO2 for 1:3:0.25 (reaction temperature: 200 °C, gas flow rate: 10 L min−1, post heat treatment: 700 °C, 2 h), and c EDS elemental mapping analysis of KTO NP/PGC composites
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    Specific surface area of the KTO NPs/PGC composites prepared at different weight ratios of GO and KOH (reaction temperature: 200 °C, gas flow rate: 10 L min−1, post heat treatment: 700 °C, 2 h)
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    a CV curves, b GCD curves, c Specific capacitances, and d EIS curves of the KTO NPs/PGC composites prepared at different weight ratios of GO and KOH, measured using a symmetric two-electrode system
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    a CV curves, b GCD curves, c Specific capacitances, and d EIS curves of the KTO NPs, PGC, and KTO NPs/PGC composites measured using a symmetric two-electrode system
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    Ragone plot correlating energy density and power density, in comparison with other recently reported supercapacitor devices using akali-metal titanates

• TiN Paper for Ultrafast-Charging Supercapacitors

  Bin Yao1, Mingyang Li1, 2, Jing Zhang1, Lei Zhang1, 3, Yu Song1, Wang Xiao1, Andrea Cruz1, Yexiang Tong2, Yat Li1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 3
  First Online: 10 December 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0340-7

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    a Schematic illustration of the fabrication process of TiN paper from TiO2 paper. b, c SEM images of TiN nanobelts. Inset in Fig. 1b shows the digital image of a piece of flexible TiN paper. d, e TEM and high-resolution TEM images of porous TiN nanobelts. f Cross-sectional SEM image of TiN paper
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    a XRD pattern and b, c Ti 2p and N 1s XPS spectra of TiN paper. d TEM image and the corresponding Ti, N, and O elemental mapping images of TiN nanobelts
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    a I-V curves of individual ultralong TiO2 and TiN nanobelts. Inset shows the SEM image of a single nanobelt test unit. b I-V curves of TiO2 and TiN papers. Inset shows the digital image of TiN papers as a part of the electrical connections to light a blue LED by a commercial 3 V battery
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    a Schematic illustration of the device configuration of TiN pellet and paper based SSCs. b Galvanostatic charging and discharging curves of the SSCs at a current density of 10 A g-1. The iR drop of TiN paper SSC and pellet SSC are 0.018 and 0.667 V. c Electrochemical impedance spectra of TiN pellet SSC and TiN paper SSC. The knee frequency of the TiN paper SSCs and TiN pellet SSCs are 464 and 26.1 Hz. d Z’ versus the reciprocal of the square root of frequency (ω-0.5) in the intermediate frequency range. The dashed lines are the linear fitting lines for calculating the ion diffusion resistance, σ
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    a-e CV curves of TiN paper SSC collected at different scan rates in 0.5 M Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. f A plot of discharge current of TiN paper SSC against scan rate
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    a Capacitance retention of TiN paper SSC obtained at 1 V s-1 in 0.5 M Na2SO4, 1 M H2SO4, and 1 M KOH electrolytes are plotted as a function of cycling number. b-d CV curves of TiN paper SSC collected at the 1st and after the 200,000th cycle in 0.5 M Na2SO4, 1 M H2SO4, and 1 M KOH electrolytes at 10 V s-1. e-g SEM images of the TiN paper electrodes after testing for 200,000 cycles in 0.5 M Na2SO4, 1 M H2SO4, and 1 M KOH electrolytes at 1 V s-1
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    a CV curves of TiN paper SSC with different mass loadings collected at a scan rate of 1 V s-1. b Areal capacitance of TiN paper SSC is plotted as a function of TiN mass loading. The linear solid line is a guide to the eye

• Elastic Aerogels of Cellulose Nanofibers@Metal-Organic Framework for Thermal Insulation and Fire Retardancy

  Shengyang Zhou1, Varvara Apostolopoulou-Kalkavoura2, Marcus Vinícius Tavares da Costa3, Lennart Bergström2, Maria Strømme1,*, Chao Xu1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 9
  First Online: 19 December 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0343-4

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    Schematic illustration of the preparation of CNF@Al-MIL-53 (CAM) aerogels through an interfacial-synthesis and stepwise-assembly approach. Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) extracted from algae were coated and crosslinked with continuous Al-MIL-53 nanolayers. The resulting freestanding CAM aerogel is ultralight and can stand on the tip of a feather (ρ = 0.2 mg cm-3)
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    a XRD patterns of the pure cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and CNF@Al-MIL-53 (CAM) aerogels. b FTIR spectra of the pure CNF aerogel, pure Al-MIL-53 powder, and CAM aerogel. c N2 sorption isotherms and pore size distribution of the pure CNF and CAM aerogels. d TEM image of CAM nanofibers at different magnifications. High resolution SEM image of e the pure CNFs and f the CAM nanofibers. g-i SEM images of the CAM aerogel at different magnifications, the circled areas show the joints between the crosslinked nanofibers. MOF = metal−organic framework
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    a Thermal conductivity of the pure cellulose nanofiber (CNF) aerogel, the pure Al-MIL-53 pellet, and the CNF@Al-MIL-53 (CAM) aerogel at 5% relative humidity and room temperature. b Thermal conductivity of the pure CNF aerogel, the pure Al-MIL-53 pellet, and the CAM aerogel as a function of relative humidity at room temperature. c Time-dependent temperature profile of the top surface of the pure CNF aerogel, the pure Al-MIL-53 pellet, and the CAM aerogel after placing on a 300 °C heating stage. The inset shows a photograph of the measurement apparatus. d Infrared side-view images of the pure CNF aerogel, the pure Al-MIL-53 pellet, and the CAM aerogel, with the temperature of the top surfaces
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    Mechanical properties of the CNF@Al-MIL-53 (CAM) aerogel. a Reversible compressive stress-strain curves of the CAM aerogel (ρ = 2 mg cm-3) using different levels of strain; the insets are photographs of a compression-decompression test cycle. b Comparison of the CAM aerogel with other aerogels in terms of specific stress (σ/ρ) and specific modulus (E/ρ). c Results of an 800-cycle fatigue test on the CAM aerogel (ρ = 2 mg cm-3) at a compressive strain of 60%. d Scanning electron microscopy images of the CAM aerogel after the 800-cycle compression test
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    Burning tests of a the pure cellulose nanofiber (CNF) aerogel in the flame of an alcohol lamp (~500 °C), b the pure CNF aerogel in the flame of a butane blowtorch (~1300 °C), c CNF@Al-MIL-53 (CAM) aerogel in the flame of an alcohol lamp, and d CAM aerogel in the flame of a butane blowtorch. e Heat release rate (HRR) curves of the pure CNF and CAM aerogels recorded during the cone calorimetry test. The insets show the residues after the measurements. f TGA analysis curves of the pure CNF and CAM aerogels under air flow. g High resolution SEM images of CAM aerogel after the combustion experiment in the flame of a butane blowtorch

• Nano/Micro-Confined Water in Graphene Hydrogel as Superadsorbents for Water Purification

  Yiran Sun1, Fei Yu2, *, Cong Li3, Xiaohu Dai1, 5, Jie Ma1, 4, 5, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 2
  First Online: 12 December 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0336-3

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    a Optical image of GH. b TEM, and c SEM images of GA; d Raman spectra of graphite oxide, graphene oxide (GO) and GA-1.5, e Raman spectra of the GA samples under different pH; f ID/IG values for the GA samples; g XRD patterns of graphite, graphite oxide, GA-1.5, and h the GA samples; i the calculated interlayer spacing values for GA samples under different pH
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    a N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, b pore size distribution, c mean pore diameter, d pore volume, and e SSA of the GA samples
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    a XPS spectra of GA samples and GO, b percentages (at%) of C and O in the GA samples and GO, and C 1s core level spectra for GA samples: c GA-1.5, d GA-3.5, e GA-5.5, f GA-8.5, and g GA-12
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    a Optical image of GA, b a quality comparison of the GA and GH samples, and c the moisture content of the GH samples. Contact angle of d-h the GH samples and i GA-1.5
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    a ATR-IR spectra for bulk water, GH-12, and GA-12; b Raman spectra of the GA and GH samples; c-g OH stretching sub-band of water in the GH samples; h percentage intensity of w1+w2(I1+I2) and w3+w4(I3+I4) in the GH samples; and i mass of bulk water (Mb) and confined water (Mc) in the GH samples
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    a Equilibrium adsorption isotherms for the GH samples, b maximum adsorption capacity of the GH samples calculated by Langmuir isotherms, c adsorption capacity, and d change ratio of the adsorption capacity for the GH samples under different c(NaCl) conditions. e Adsorption capacity and f change ratio of the adsorption capacity of the GH samples prepared at different pH levels
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    a The linear fitting results for SSAMmicro (SSA of the micropores in one GH sample) and Mc (mass of confined water in one GH sample); b the linear fitting results for Mo% (oxygen content in one GH sample) and Mc; and c the linear fitting results for the Mc and Q/OFG (normalized adsorption capacity of the confined water for each GH sample)

• Growth of Carbon Nanocoils by Porous α-Fe2O3/SnO2 Catalyst and Its Buckypaper for High Efficient Adsorption

  Yongpeng Zhao1, 2, Jianzhen Wang1, Hui Huang1, Tianze Cong1, Shuaitao Yang1, Huan Chen2, Jiaqi Qin3, Muhammad Usman1, Zeng Fan1 , Lujun Pan1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 23
  First Online: 16 January 2020 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0365-y

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    Top view and cross-sectional SEM images of the carbon deposits prepared by the catalysts with different Fe/Sn molar ratios of a, b 1:0, c, d 60:1, e, f 30:1, g, h 10:1, and i, j 3:1. k Raman spectra and l the respective ID/IG and FWHW values for the carbon deposits; m the thickness of carbon layer and purity of CNCs synthesized at different Fe/Sn molar ratios
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    TEM and HRTEM images of a single CNC (a, b) and a single CNF (c, d.
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    Cross-sectional SEM images of CNCs synthesized using Fe/Sn catalyst films with spin-coating times of a one, b three, c five, d)ten, e fifteen, and f thirty times. g Effects of varying Fe/Sn catalyst density on the the thickness of short fibrous carbon layers and density of CNCs. h Raman spectra of CNCs synthesized at different Fe/Sn catalyst films
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    a Plots of yield and thickness of CNCs versus growth time; Cross-sectional SEM images of CNCs grown for b 10, c 30, d 60, e 180 and (f) 360 min. Optical photographs of the substrates (g) before and (h) after the‘scale-up’ CVD reaction. The scale bar for (b-f) is 300 m. (i) and (j) Top and back sides SEM images of the carbon deposits prepared with different substrates of 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12, respectively. The scale bar for (i) and (j) is 5 m.
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    Structural and component analysis of the catalysts with Fe/Sn molar ratio of 10:1. aa SEM, bb TEM, and c HRTEM images, d EDX, and e XRD spectra, f Fe 2p and Sn 3p, g Sn 3d, and h O 1s XPS spectra, i N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm for the catalyst particles
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    a TEM image of the tip of an as-grown CNC synthesized by the Fe/Sn catalyst with molar ratio of 10:1; b HRTEM image of the part indicated by a dashed box in a; c-d The elemental mapping of tip particles with Fe/Sn molar ratios of 10:1 and 3:1
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    SEM images of the catalyst aggregates and deposits on the substrates after feeding C2H2 (4 sccm) at 710 °C for a 10 s, b 30 s, c 100 s, d 300 s. e Schematic of growth pathway of high-purity CNCs
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    a CNC buckypaper; b and c top view and cross-sectional SEM images of CNC buckypaper; d electrical, e mechanical, and f electrochemical properties of CNC buckypaper. Insert of (e) galvanostatic charge/discharge measurement. g Photographs of a 10 ppm methylene blue solution (left) and the clear solution (right) obtained by soaking the CNC paper for 120 min. h UV-Vis spectra of pristine (10 ppm, black curve) and CNC paper-treated (red curve) methylene blue solution. i Photographs and j UV-Vis spectra of a 10 ppm methylene blue passing through the needle with pristine plug (left) or plug/CNC mix plug (right)

• Experimental and DFT Studies of Au Deposition Over WO3/g-C3N4 Z-Scheme Heterojunction

  Muhammad Humayun1, 2, Habib Ullah3, Junhao Cao1, Wenbo Pi1, Yang Yuan1, Sher Ali1, Asif Ali Tahir3, Pang Yue4, Abbas Khan5, Zhiping Zheng1, Qiuyun Fu1, Wei Luo1, 2, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 7
  First Online: 19 December 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0345-2

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    a XRD patterns, and b UV-Vis absorption spectra of 6WO3/CN and yAu/6WO3/CN composites
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    a TEM image of CN, b HRTEM image with inset TEM image of 6WO3/CN composite, c TEM image of 4Au/6WO3/CN composite, d HRTEM image of 4Au/6WO3/CN composite with selected area TEM image as inset, e TEM image of WO3, and f HRTEM image of WO3
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    a XPS survey spectra, b high resolution C 1s XPS spectra, and c high resolution N 1s XPS spectra of CN, 6WO3/CN, and 4Au/6WO3/CN photocatalysts. High resolution d O 1s XPS spectra, and e W 4f XPS spectra of 6WO3/CN and 4Au/6WO3/CN photocatalysts. f High resolution Au 4f XPS spectra of 4Au/6WO3/CN photocatalyst
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    Average electron difference density along with electrostatic potential maps of a 6WO3/CN andb 4Au/6WO3/CN composites. The green and yellow shaded areas denote electron accumulation and donation, respectively
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    a Surface photovoltage (SPV) spectra, b photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and c fluorescence spectra related to the •OH amount of 6WO3/CN and yAu/6WO3/CN composites. d Photoelectrochemical I-V curves of CN, 6WO3/CN, and 4Au/6WO3/CN
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    H2 production activity of a CN and xWO3/CN photocatalysts under visible-light, b 6WO3/CN and yAu/6WO3/CN photocatalysts under visible-light, c CN and xWO3/CN photocatalysts under UV-Visible light, and d 6WO3/CN and yAu/6WO3/CN photocatalysts under UV-Visible light. Error bars are added to Fig. 6a-d. Photocatalytic stability and recyclability test of the 4Au/6WO3/CN composite for H2 production e under visible-light and f under UV-Visible light
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    Schematic for the energy band gaps, charge carriers separation and transfer, and the photocatalytic processes over 4Au/6WO3/CN composite

• Bi2S3 for Aqueous Zn Ion Battery with Enhanced Cycle Stability

  Ting Xiong 1, 2, Yinming Wang1, Bosi Yin1, 3, Wen Shi1, Wee Siang Vincent Lee1, *, Junmin Xue1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 8
  First Online: 19 December 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0352-3

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    a XRD pattern, b crystallographic structure, c XPS spectrum, d, e TEM images, and f High resolution TEM image of Bi2S3 nanoparticles (inset is the SAED image)
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    a CV curve at 0.5 mV s-1. b The charge/discharge curves. c Rate performance of Zn/Bi2S3 cell at current densities from 0.2 to 10 A g−1. d Ragone plot. e, f The long-term cycling performance at current density of 0.2 A g−1 and 1 A g−1
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    a Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). b CV curves at different scan rates. c The corresponding plots of log (peak current) vs. log (scan rate) at the redox peaks. d The calculated capacitive contributions
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    a Charge/discharge curve at 0.2 A g-1. b The corresponding ex-situ XRD patterns. c XPS spectra Zn 2p at selected states. d, e TEM images of ZnSO4·3Zn(OH)2·4H2O. f, g TEM images of Bi2S3 at the fully discharged state

• Photocatalytic H2 Evolution on TiO2 Assembled with Ti3C2 MXene and Metallic 1T-WS2 as Cocatalysts

  Yujie Li1, #, Lei Ding1, #, Shujun Yin1, Zhangqian Liang1, Yanjun Xue1, Xinzhen Wang1, *, Hongzhi Cui1, *, Jian Tian1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2020) 12: 6
  First Online: 16 December 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0339-0

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    Schematic illustration of the preparation of 1T-WS2@TiO2@Ti3C2 composites
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    Schematic photocatalytic mechanism of 1T-WS2@TiO2@Ti3C2 composites
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    a XRD patterns of Ti3C2, TiO2@Ti3C2, and 1T-WS2@TiO2@Ti3C2 composites (15 wt% WS2); b fully scanned XPS spectrum, c Ti 2p, and d W 4f XPS spectra in 1T-WS2@TiO2@Ti3C2 composites (15 wt% WS2)
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    SEM images of a Ti3C2 MXene, b 1T-WS2 and c, d 1T-WS2@TiO2@Ti3C2 composites (15 wt% WS2)
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    a, b HRTEM and c EDX elemental mapping images of 1T-WS2@TiO2@Ti3C2 composites (15 wt% WS2)
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    N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms and corresponding pore size distribution curves (inset) of 1T-WS2@TiO2@Ti3C2 composites with a 10 wt%, b 15 wt%, c 20 wt%, and d 25 wt% WS2 ratios
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    UV–Vis DRS spectra of Ti3C2 MXene, TiO2 NSs, TiO2@Ti3C2, and 1T-WS2@TiO2@Ti3C2 composites (15 wt% WS2)
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    a Photocatalytic H2 production and b rate of the samples under simulated sunlight illumination
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    a Steady and b time-resolved PL spectra of TiO2 NSs and 1T-WS2@TiO2@Ti3C2 composites (15 wt% WS2), λex = 325 nm
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    a Transient photocurrent responses and b EIS of TiO2 NSs and 1T-WS2@TiO2@Ti3C2 composites (15 wt% WS2)