Volume 9, Issue 4 (2017)

• Regulating Charge and Exciton Distribution in High-Performance Hybrid White Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with n-Type Interlayer Switch

  Dongxiang Luo1, Yanfeng Yang1, Ye Xiao1, Yu Zhao1, Yibin Yang1, Baiquan Liu2,3,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 37
  First Online: 26 January 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0138-4

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    (a) SEM image of a 100 um long stripe sample. The arrow shows the motion direction of electrons under test; (b) Plot of the failure current densities of Pd stripes; (c) Failure current densities of Sc stripes; (d) Failure current densities of Y stripes.
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    (a)-(d) Resistivity versus time under increasing working current in Pd, Sc, Y and Au stripes, respectively. The environment temperature is kept at 300 K.
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    (a)-(d) SEM images of the same Pd stripe (2.42 um wide, 300 um long) before and after it has been running a working current for long time. (a) original morphology; (b) after running a current of 11 mA (corresponding to a current density of 5.93 MA/cm2) for 4 hours; (c) after subsequently running a working current of 15 mA (corresponding to a current density of 8.09 MA/cm2) for 1 more hour, causing break at the center of the stripe; (d) A close look at the broken region as highlighted in (c), showing melting-like morphology.
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    The surface morphology change of a Pd stripe (2.42 um wide, 300 um long) before and after it is broken at the central region after running a working current of density of 5.93 MA/cm2 for 4 hours then 8.09 MA/cm2 for 1 hour. (a)- (b) The same Pd strip at the cathode region. (c)- (d) The same Pd strip at the anode region.
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    Morphology changes in Sc (a & b), Y (c), and Au (d & e) stripes before and after failure of the sample. Electromigration induced voids can clearly be seen in Y (c) and Au stripes (d & e) after the failure occurs. For the Sc stripe (a & b), it has been running a working current of 9.3 mA (corresponding to a current density of 5.47 MA/cm2) for 5 hours. For the Au stripe (d & e), it has been running a working current of 31.5 mA (corresponding to a current density of 30.8 MA/cm2) for 0.3 hours.

• Effect of rGO Coating on Interconnected Co3O4 Nanosheets and Improved Supercapacitive Behavior of Co3O4/rGO/NF Architecture

  Tinghui Yao1, Xin Guo1, Shengchun Qin1, Fangyuan Xia1, Qun Li1, Yali Li1, Qiang Chen2, Junshuai Li1,*, Deyan He1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 38
  First Online: 26 January 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0141-9

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    Schematic of the synthesis procedures of Co3O4/rGO/NF (top) and Co3O4/NF (bottom)
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    XRD patterns of a Co(OH)2/rGO/NF and b rGO/NF, Co3O4/NF, and Co3O4/rGO/NF. c Micro-Raman spectra of rGO/NF, Co3O4/NF, and Co3O4/rGO/NF composites
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    Top-view SEM images of a rGO/NF, b Co3O4/NF, and c Co3O4/rGO/NF. d N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms of Co3O4/rGO/NF and Co3O4/NF. The inset in d shows the pore size distribution of both samples
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    a Low- and b high-magnification TEM images, c SAED patterns of a Co3O4 nanosheet taken from Co3O4/rGO/NF. d STEM image, and elemental mapping images of e and f Co and g O
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    a CV curves of NF, rGO/NF, Co3O4/NF, and Co3O4/rGO/NF composites at 3 mV s-1. b Charge-discharge curves of NF, rGO/NF, Co3O4/NF, and Co3O4/rGO/NF composites at 5 mA cm-2. Charge-discharge curves of c Co3O4/NF and d Co3O4/rGO/NF at different current densities. e Cycling performance of Co3O4/rGO/NF at a current density of 7 A g-1 (the inset is a top-view SEM image of Co3O4/rGO/NF after the 3000 cycles shown in (e). f Nyquist plots of Co3O4/rGO/NF and Co3O4/NF

• Efficient and Air-Stable Planar Perovskite Solar Cells Formed on Graphene-Oxide-Modified PEDOT:PSS Hole Transport Layer

  Hui Luo1, Xuanhuai Lin1, Xian Hou1, Likun Pan1, Sumei Huang1, Xiaohong Chen1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 39
  First Online: 06 February 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0140-x

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    SEM images of PEDOT:PSS modified without a and with b GO pieces. The inset is the high magnification of GO on ITO surface. c Normalized XPS spectra S 2p of PEDOT:PSS surface with and without GO modification
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    SEM images of perovskite growth on a PEDOT:PSS and b GO-modified PEDOT:PSS layer. XRD patterns of perovskite film growth on PEDOT:PSS and GO-modified PEDOT:PSS without c and with d moisture invasion
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    a Schematic of cell structure. b Cross-sectional SEM image of PSCs with structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/GO/CH3NH3PbI3/PCBM/Ag. c J-V curves of PSCs with and without GO-modified PEDOT:PSS. The inset is dark J-V curves of PSCs. d UPS spectra of the PEDOT:PSS surface with and without GO modification
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    Statistical parameters of PSCs with PEDOT:PSS and GO-modified PEDOT:PSS. Approximately 30 devices of each type were statistically analyzed.
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    a UV-Vis absorption spectra of perovskite films fabricated on PEDOT:PSS layer modified with (dash line) and without (solid line) GO. b Photoluminescence of perovskite films on glass, GO/glass, PEDOT:PSS and GO-modified PEDOT:PSS (PEDOT/GO) substrates, respectively
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    a Plots of −dV/dJ vs. (Jsc–J)−1 and b ln(Jsc–J) vs. (V + RsJ) together with linear fitting of cells with and without GO modification under AM 1.5 illumination. c Nyquist plots of devices with and without GO modification with the forward bias voltage of 0.9 V in the dark
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    a IPCE spectra and b Plots of Jph versus Veff for cells with and without GO modification. (Inset) Transmittance spectra of PEDOT:PSS and GO-modified PEDOT:PSS films
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    Normalized PCE decay averaged for 16 devices of each type, without encapsulation, after aging at RH 15% in air

• Solar-driven Hydrogen Peroxide Production using Polymer-supported Carbon Dots as Heterogeneous Catalyst

  Satyabrat Gogoi1, Niranjan Karak1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 40
  First Online: 09 February 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0143-7

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    a TEM image of CD. b HRTEM of CD. c IFFT image of CD. d TEM image of PNC4.0. e HRTEM of PNC4.0. f IFFT of PNC4.0. g Size distribution of CDs.
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    a XRD pattern and b Raman spectra of CDs and PNC4.0.
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    Solar-driven H2O2 production using CD-impregnated waterborne hyperbranched polyurethane as heterogeneous catalyst.
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    Plot of (αhν)2 vs. hν
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    H2O2 production with different raw materials at different time intervals using PNC4.0 as catalyst
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    Selectivity curve for H2O2 production with different starting materials (using PNC4.0 as catalyst)
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    Effect of CD loading on H2O2 production (after 50 h of reaction)
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    Reusability of the catalyst (PNC4.0)
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    a Bacterial growth curves of PNCs. b weight loss curves of PNCs. c SEM image of PNC4.0 after 7 weeks of bacterial exposure. d SEM image of reference film after 7 weeks.

• Engineering and Optimization of Silicon-Iron-Manganese Nano Alloy Electrode for Enhanced Lithium-ion Battery

  Pankaj K Alaboina1, Jong-Soo Cho1, Sung-Jin Cho1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 41
  First Online: 06 February 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0142-8

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    a Electrode calendering between the two steel bars using a bench press machine. b Optical images of the punched electrode discs of the not-pressed electrode and 3, 5, and 8 tons pressed electrodes
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    a SEM images of the top surface. b Cross-section SEM images and coating thickness measurements. c Electrode/electrolyte wettability contact angle measurement results of the not-pressed electrode and 3, 5, and 8 tons pressed electrodes
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    a Electrodes contact angle and density trend with applied calendering pressures. b BET specific surface area results. c BET surface area nitrogen isotherms of the not-pressed and 3, 5, and 8 tons pressed electrodes. d BET porosity distribution curves – Pore volume vs Pore width of the same sample electrodes.
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    a Formation Cycle at 0.1C rate of not-pressed, 3 ton pressed, 5 ton pressed, and 8 ton pressed electrodes. b Electrochemical Impedance measurements of the same samples after 1st Cycle at 0.5C rate. c Delithiation cycling capacity of the same samples over 100 cycles at 0.5C rate. d Delithiation capacity retention of the same samples over 100 cycles at 0.5C. (Potential window = 0.01-1.5 V, active material loading ~2 mg cm-2, and 1C = 620 mA g-1)
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    Electrochemical Impedance measurements of the not-pressed, 3 ton pressed, 5 ton pressed, and 8 ton pressed electrodes after 100 cycles at 0.5C rate

• Laser-Assisted Reduction of Highly Conductive Circuits based on Copper Nitrate for Flexible Printed Sensors

  Shi Bai1, Shigang Zhang2, Weiping Zhou1, Delong Ma1, Ying Ma1, Pooran Joshi3, Anming Hu1,4,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 42
  First Online: 09 February 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0139-3

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    a Schematic of the experimental setup for laser direct writing. The laser beam is directed at a collimator. Afterwards the beam is reflected by a mirror and focused by a microscope objective (NA = 0.3). The translation stage enables the accurate and repeatable positioning of the substrate in two dimensions, with an overall accuracy of about 500 nm. b Schematic illustration of the fabrication of the flexible sensor based on copper electrode: (I) Oxygen plasma etching of the surface of the glass, (II) laser writing of copper salt, (III) coating of PDMS onto a reduced copper electrode, (IV) curing of the PDMS covered substrate, (V) peeling off the PDMS strip from the substrate, (VI) overlay of the PDMS on a target substrate. c Photograph of copper electrode on PDMS substrate. d Spider and zigzag electrodes on PET substrate
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    a XRD pattern and b absorption spectroscopy of copper salt ink (inset: photographs of copper salts). c SEM images of copper line on glass reduced by the laser at powers of 3 W, 6 W, and 8 W. d Influence of laser power with width of reduced copper line. e The height and width of the copper line measured by a 3D profiler
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    a XRD patterns of the copper salt after laser reduction at the laser power of 3 W. b Raman spectra of sample before and after laser wring. c–f Typical SEM image of copper electrodes reduced by the laser at powers of 2 W, 3 W, 4 W, and 5 W. g Resistivity of copper electrode as a function of laser power (inset: diagram of laser reduction and sintering.). h Mean size of copper nanoparticle by laser reduction
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    Finite element simulation of laser annealing Cu film. a Temperature (degree centigrade) at k = 400 W (mK)-1, and scanning speed at 5 mm s-1 with 3 W inputted power. These conditions resemble the experimental condition. b The simulation of temperature profiles at laser scanning speeds of 1 mm s-1, 10 mm s-1, and 20 mm s-1. c Temperature changing of samples under different laser powers and irradiation times. d Thermogravimetric analysis curve of copper nitrate hydroxide
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    a The resistivity as a function of the repeated bending/relaxation cycles. b Resistive response of the sensor to the bending angle from 0°–150°. c Resistive response of the sensor to the strain. d Response of the sensor to the pressure from 5 g–400 g. e SEM images of sandwich structure. The red lines describe the copper electrode area, and the blue arrows show where the electrode is covered by PDMS. f Typical SEM image of copper electrode after 6000 bending cycles. The blue circles show the damaged parts of copper electrode
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    a–d Illuminance of three LEDs under the stretch of the sensor, from -25%–10%. e-f Photographs of resistance response of the sensor by weighting 50 mg paper
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    a Photograph of the motion detection sensor. b Human motion detection of finger with flexible sensor based on copper electrode. c–d Photograph of touch switch control to turn LED on and off (Inset: schematic diagram of touch switch).

• 2D MOF Nanoflake-Assembled Spherical-Micro-Structures for Enhanced Supercapacitor and Electrocatalysis Performances

  Huicong Xia1, Jianan Zhang1,2,*, Zhao Yang1, Shiyu Guo1, Shihui Guo3, Qun Xu1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 43
  First Online: 14 February 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0144-6

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    Schematic illustration of the synthesis of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes and Ni-MOF nanoflakes.
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    a SEM images of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes. b, c TEM images of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes. d Large-magnified TEM and SAED patterns of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes. e XRD patterns of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes, Ni-MOF nanoflakes, and ZIF-67. f STEM-energy-dispersed spectroscopy (EDS) mapping of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes.
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    a Ni 2p XPS spectra and b Co 2p spectra of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes. c TGA of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes and Ni-MOF nanoflakes. d FT-IR spectra of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes, Ni-MOF nanoflakes, and 2-methylimidazole.
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    a Cyclic voltammograms of as-prepared Ni/Co-MOF nanoflake electrodes at different scan rates in 1 M LiOH solution. b Galvanostatic charge/discharge curves of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes at various currents in 1 M LiOH solution. c Galvanostatic charge/discharge curves comparison of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes, ZIF-67, and Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes at various current densities in 1 M LiOH solution. d Specific capacitances of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes, Ni-MOF nanoflakes, and ZIF-67 electrodes at 0.5 A g-1. e Cycling performance of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes at a current density of 2 A g-1. f Galvanostatic charge/discharge curves of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflake supercapacitor before and after 2000 cycles measured at 2 A g-1.
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    a CV curves in Ar-saturated (solid curves) and O2-saturated (dashed curves) solutions with a sweep rate of 50 mV s-1. b RDE polarization curves of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes at different rotation speeds. Scan rate: 10 mV s-1. c Koutecky-Levich plots of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes at various potentials. d RDE polarization curves of samples at a rotation rate of 1600 rpm. Scan rate: 10 mV s-1.
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    a Chronoamperometric responses of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes in O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH solution (1600 rpm) without and with 3 M methanol (added at 600 s). b Stability evaluation at -0.1 V and a rotation speed of 1600 rpm.

• FIB Secondary Etching Method for Fabrication of Fine CNT Forest Metamaterials

  Adam Pander1,2,*, Akimitsu Hatta1, 2, Hiroshi Furuta1, 2	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 44
  First Online: 15 March 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0145-5

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    Schematic of process for CNT metamaterial fabrication: a Catalyst deposition, b FIB patterning, c FIB secondary etching, and d CVD growth
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    a Schematic of metamaterial patterns used for fabrication and b map of FIB milling with patterning and secondary etching depths
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    SEM images of patterned surface after CNT forest growth. Arabic numerals refer to depths in nanometers, while letters and Roman numerals were introduced for the purpose of analysis.
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    a AFM images of patterned catalyst, b line profiles of pattern with applied secondary etching (0 – 0.5 nm), and c roughness analysis of the catalyst surface
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    SEM images and Raman spectra of CNT patterns: a without secondary etching; b with secondary etching of 0.5 nm depth; c side view with secondary etching of 0.5 nm depth ; d TEM image of a CNT array grown under the optimized FIB processing conditions shown in c

• Nanogenerators for Self-Powered Gas Sensing

  Zhen Wen1, Qingqing Shen1, Xuhui Sun1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 45
  First Online: 30 March 2017 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0146-4

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    Design for converting nanoscale mechanical energy into electrical energy by a vertical piezoelectric ZnO NW based PENG. a SEM images of aligned ZnO NWs grown on α-Al2O3 substrate. b TEM images of ZnO NWs, showing the typical structure of the NW without an Au particle or with a small Au particle at the top (inset at center shows SAED pattern). c Experimental setup and procedures for generating electricity by deforming a piezoelectric NW with a conductive AFM tip. d Potential distribution for a ZnO NW in side view. e Electric signal collected by AFM on a ZnO NW array. Figures adapted from [10, 46].
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    Surface free-carrier screening effect on the output of a ZnO NW based PENG and its potential as a self-powered active gas sensor. a Schematic diagram showing the structural design of the PENG (The inset is a photograph of a typical device). b SEM image of ZnO NW arrays grown on Ti foil in a top view (The inset shows SEM the cross-sectional view image). c HRTEM and SAED pattern taken from the tip region of a ZnO NW. d The working mechanism of the PENG driven by compressive strain. e The dependence of sensitivity on the ranging concentrations of H2S vapor. Figures adapted from [59].
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    High response and selectivity of a Cu-ZnO NW PENG as a self-powered/active H2S sensor. a Schematic of a Cu-ZnO NW PENG as a self-powered/active H2S sensor. b SEM image of 5 at% Cu-ZnO NWs in top view. c HRTEM image and the SAED pattern of the edge region of a 5 at% Cu-ZnO NW. d Working mechanism of Cu-ZnO NW PENG as a self-powered/active H2S sensor. e A continuous responding-recovering process of the device against 500 ppm H2S. f Piezoelectric output voltage of the device under compressive force at room temperature in dry air and various concentrations of H2S. Figures adapted from [66].
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    Conversion of PN-junction influencing the piezoelectric output of a CuO/ZnO nanoarray PENG and its application as a room-temperature self-powered active H2S sensor. a Schematic diagram showing the structure of the self-powered active gas sensor with two Kapton boards as the frame. b SEM image of CuO/ZnO nanoarrays on the top-view (The inset is an enlarged view of a selected area). c The sensitivity of the device upon exposure to different concentrations of H2S with one device repeatedly compressed by a constant applied strain of 0.012% at a frequency of 0.8 Hz. d The H2S-sensing mechanism of the self-powered active gas sensor based on CuO/ZnO PN-junction nanoarrays driven by compressive strain. Figures adapted from [71].
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    A Highly selective and self-powered gas sensor via organic surface functionalization of p-Si/n-ZnO diodes. a Schematic of a singular p-n unit composed of p-Si μ-trenches. b The surface of the n-ZnO NWs was modifi ed by adding a SAM of functional groups. c SEM image of a singular p-Si/n-ZnO diode (scale bar: 10 μm). d Diagram of the ΔVoc response for different NO2 concentrations, for amine- and thiol-functionalized devices. e Most-stable geometries of NO2 molecules adsorbed at the thiol and amine functionalities. f Energy levels of the HOMO and LUMO of the functionalities without adsorbed NO2 and with adsorbed NO2. The averaged electrostatic potential from the core region of the Si atom of each functionality was used as reference potential. The HOMO level of the isolated thiol functionality was set to 0 for convenience. Figures adapted from [72].
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    Synthesis of CdS nanorod arrays and their applications in flexible piezo-driven active H2S sensors. a Schematic diagram showing the structural design of the piezo-driven active H2S sensor based on CdS nanorod arrays. b SEM image of CdS NR arrays grown on Ti foil in a top view (The inset is an enlarged view of a selected area). c HRTEM and SAED pattern of the tip region of a CdS nanorod. d The piezoelectric voltage response of a device in dry air, H2S and pure oxygen at room temperature. The working mechanism of a CdS piezo-driven active H2S sensor. e The carrier density and depletion layer in CdS nanorods in H2S without compression and piezoelectric output under mechanical deformation. Figures adapted from [73].
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    Invention and working principle of the first TENG that converts mechanical energy into electricity. a The construction and photography images in bending and releasing process and related electrical measurement tests. b Sketches that illustrate the operating principle. Figures adapted from [11, 74].
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    A self-powered, room-temperature electronic nose based on triboelectrification and heterogeneous catalytic reaction. a Schematic illustration of the fabrication process of a self-powered electronic nose and an optical image of the as-fabricated device. SEM images of b the ZnO NWs and c the NiO nanoparticle-decorated ZnO NWs grown on the SiO2/Si (Scale bar, 500 nm). The output performance of the sensor elements comprising d NiO nanoparticle-decorated ZnO-PFTE and e NiO nanoparticle-decorated ZnO-PI under cycled compressive force of 50 N at an applied frequency of 4 Hz. Figures adapted from [96].
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    A self-powered active hydrogen gas sensor with fast response at room temperature based on triboelectric effect. a Schematic of the as-fabricated triboelectric-based H2 sensor (TEHS). b FESEM images of the micropatterned PDMS surface (The insets show the enlarged view of the micropyramids PDMS). c Cross-section (I) and in-plane (II) micrographs of ZnO nanoparticles. d Variation of open-circuit voltage with and without H2 exposure. e The pressing and releasing signal peaks of the TEHS. f Response time characteristics of the TEHS. Schematic of the TEHS’s g triboelectric and h sensing mechanisms. Figures adapted from [97].
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    Outputting olfactory bionic electric impulse by PANI/PTFE/PANI sandwich nanostructures and their application as flexible, smelling electronic skin. a Structure and fabrication process of the flexible smelling e-skin (The inset shows the photograph of the e-skin). b SEM image of PTFE nanostructures on the top view (The inset shows cross-section SEM image of PTFE NWs). c SEM image of PANI nanostructures on the top view. d and e The e-skin can be easily driven by gas flow (human heavy breath or blowing). f and g The e-skin can be easily driven by body motion (pressure). h Photograph of the self-powered breath–alcohol visual detecting system. i Real-time continuous responding/recovering process of the e-skin against 210 ppm ethanol gas flow. j An adult without drinking alcohol can light 8 LEDs. Figures adapted from [98].
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    Blow-driven TENG as an active alcohol breathalyzer. a Schematic illustrations of the functional components of the blow-driven triboelectric nanogenerator, which mainly consists of three parts, a rotator, a stator and a soft elastic. b A SEM image of the FEP polymer NWs (scale bar, 500 nm). c A photograph of the as-fabricated stator (scale bar, 1 cm). d A schematic illustration of an as-fabricated device (scale bar, 2 cm). e The variation of the output voltage and current with external load resistances under a fixed blowing speed of 6 m/s (The inset shows the measurement circuit diagram). f A real-time continuously measured voltage profile to show the dynamic response to ambient alcohol concentrations. g A schematic illustration showing the self-power breathalyzer. Figures adapted from [102].

• A Wire-Shaped Supercapacitor in Micrometer Size Based on Fe3O4 Nanosheet Arrays on Fe Wire

  Guohong Li1, Ruchun Li2, Weijia Zhou2,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 46
  First Online: 19 April 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0147-3

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    a-d SEM images of Fe@Fe3O4 at different magnifications
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    a TEM and b HRTEM images of the Fe3O4. c The SAED pattern of the Fe3O4 (carefully scratched from Fe@Fe3O4)
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    a XRD patterns of Fe and Fe@Fe3O4. b XPS fully scanned spectra, high resolution XPS spectrum of c Fe 2p and d O 1s of Fe3O4 scratched from Fe@Fe3O4
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    a CV curves of Fe, Fe@Fe3O4-20, Fe@Fe3O4-30, and Fe@Fe3O4-40 at the scan rate of 50 mV s−1 in 3.0 M LiCl. b CV curves of the Fe@Fe3O4-30 electrode at different scan rates. c Specific capacitances of the Fe@Fe3O4-30 electrode as a function of scan rate. d GCD curves of the Fe@Fe3O4-30 electrode at different current densities. e Specific capacitances of Fe@Fe3O4-30 as a function of current. f Cycling stability of the Fe@Fe3O4-30 electrode at a current of 0.9 mA. Inset is the last 10 charge/discharge profile of Fe@Fe3O4-30
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    Electrochemical characterization of the (+) CF@MnO2//Fe@Fe3O4-30 (-) wire-shaped all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor device. a CV curves collected in different scan voltage windows at the scan rate of 100 mV s-1. b CV curves of the device at different scan rates. c GCD curves of the device at different current. d Specific capacitance of the device as a function of current. e Ragone plots of the device calculated from GCD curves. The inset is a photograph of a red LED turned on by a wire-shaped all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor device. f Cycling stability of the device at a current density of 3.0 mA. The inset shows the last 10 charge/discharge profile.

Volume 9, Issue 3 (2017)

• An Overview of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene for Biosensing Applications

  Zanzan Zhu1	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 25
  First Online: January 4, 2017 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0128-6

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    The immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) on the surface of SWNTs by using enzyme adsorption involves a layer-bylayer technique. PSS poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate), IL ionic liquid. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [45]. Copyright (2009) American Chemical Society
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    Fabrication of a glucose biosensor based on a CNT nanoelectrode: a electrochemical treatment of the CNT nanoelectrode assembly for functionalization. b Coupling of GOx to the CNT nanoelectrode ensembles. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [53]. Copyright (2004) American Chemical Society
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    Illustration of the procedure used for the preparation of the Pt/MnO2/f-MWCNT film. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [54]. Copyright (2015) Royal Society of Chemistry
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    Electrochemical biosensor strategy for thrombin using aptamer-wrapped SWNT as electrochemical labels. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [67]. Copyright (2011) Elsevier
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    Schematic demonstration for the ‘‘sandwich’’-type strategy electrochemical immunosensor. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [72]. Copyright (2011) Elsevier
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    A schematic of field-effect transistor
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    The picture demonstrates two electrodes connected by a semiconducting SWNT with GOx enzymes immobilized on its
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    a Fabrication of the hierarchical FeN NPs/NG core–shell. b The proposed NADH measurement mechanism on a FeN NPs/NG core– shell hybrid-based electrode. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [113]. Copyright (2016) Elsevier
  • 
    The VG FET sensor is made by direct growth of VG between the drain and the source electrodes. Probe antibody is labeled to the VG surface through Au NPs. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [127]. Copyright (2013) Nature Publishing Group
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    Illustrative scheme of the preparation of graphene field-effect transistor. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [129]. Copyright (2016) Nature Publishing Group
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    Schematic representation of the ssDNA-GO architecture platform for multiplex targets detection. a In the presence of a complementary target T3, P3 reacts with T3 to form a P3–T3 complex, which detaches from the GO surface, resulting in the fluorescence ‘‘on’’ state. b P1 assumes the fluorescence ‘‘off’’ state by the formation of probe–GO architecture, but switches to the ‘‘on’’ state by the interaction with thrombin. c In the presence of Ag+ or Hg2+, P4 or P5 is self-folded to form the stable C–Ag+–C or T– Hg2+ –T structure, leading to the fluorescence ‘‘on’’ state. However, by continuing to add cysteine to the above solution, the C–Ag+–C or T–Hg2+–T structure is disrupted by Ag–S or Hg–S bond between cysteine and Ag+ or Hg2+, switching to the fluorescence ‘‘off’’ state again. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [135]. Copyright (2011) Elsevier
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    Schematic illustration of fluorescent turn-on sensor for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) detection using peptide-assembled GO. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [136]. Copyright (2015) American Chemical Society
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    Schematic illustration of in situ molecular probing in living cells by using aptamer/GO-nS nanocomplex. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [137]. Copyright (2010) American Chemical Society
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    a Scanning electron micrograph of the array of CNTFETs. S source, D drain, G contact to back gate. A total of 896 pairs of S/D electrodes are packed in 1 cm2. b Schematic of device structure. The heavily doped p-type substrate is used as the gate. c 5 9 5 lm2 AFM picture of a CNTFET device. Vertical scale: 20 nm. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [79]. Copyright (2009) American Chemical Society
  • 
    a Illustration of DNA undergoing a conformational transition from the B form (top) to the Z form (bottom) on a carbon nanotube. b Concentration-dependent fluorescence response of the DNA-encapsulated (6,5) nanotube to divalent chloride counterions. The inset shows the (6,5) fluorescence band at starting (blue) and final (pink) concentrations of Hg2+. c Area map of the (6,5) nanotube peak fluorescence intensity of DNA-SWNTs within murine 3T3 fibroblast cells overlaid on an optical micrograph of the same region. d Illustration of the experimental method used for ion-binding experiments conducted in mammalian cells. A cell containing endosome-bound DNA-SWNTs undergoes 785-nm excitation through a microscope objective. e The (6,5) nanotube fluorescence peak energy of DNA-SWNTs in 3T3 fibroblasts plotted versus Hg2+ concentration in the cell medium. The fluorescence energy of a population of 8–10 cells was averaged for each data point. Error bars indicate 1SD. The red line shows the model curve from original Hg2+ binding experiment conducted in Tris buffer. The inset shows individual spectra at each concentration. f The (6, 5) nanotube fluorescence energy of DNA-SWNTs in the following highly absorptive and scattering media: whole rooster blood (green triangles), black dye solution (black squares), and chicken tissue (blue circles) plotted on a model curve (red) from Hg2+ addition to SWNTs in buffer. The DE of all blood and tissue data points was corrected for an initial redshift due to the cellular environment. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [85]. Copyright (2006) American Association for the Advancement of Science. (Color figure online)
  • 
    Multicolor SWNT Raman labels for multiplexed protein detection. a Two-layer, direct, microarray-format protein detection with distinct Raman labels based upon pure 12C and 13C SWNT tags. 12C and 13C SWNTs were conjugated to GaM and GaH-IgGs, respectively, providing specific binding to complimentary IgGs of mouse or human origin, even during mixed incubation with analyte (as shown). b G-mode Raman scattering spectra of 12C (red) and 13C (green) SWNT Raman tags are easily resolvable, have nearly identical scattering intensities, and are excited simultaneously with a 785-nm laser. This allows rapid, multiplexed protein detection. c Raman scattering map of integrated 12C (red) and 13C (green) SWNT G-mode scattering above baseline, demonstrating easily resolved, multiplexed IgG detection based upon multicolor SWNT Raman labels. Scale bar, 500 lm. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [87]. Copyright (2008) Nature Publishing Group. (Color figure online)
  • 
    a DPVs at the GC electrode for G (blue), A (orange), T (violet), and C (magenta), respectively. b DPVs at the graphite/GC electrode for G (blue), A (orange), T (violet), and C (magenta), respectively. c DPVs at the CR-GO/GC electrode for G (blue), A (orange), T(violet), and C (magenta), respectively. d DPVs for a mixture of G, A, T, and C at CR-GO/GC (green), graphite/GC (red), and GC electrodes (black). e DPVs for ssDNA at CR-GO/GC (green), graphite/GC (red), and GC electrodes (black). f DPVs for dsDNA at CR-GO/GC (green), graphite/GC (red), and GC electrodes (black). Concentrations for different species a–f: G, A, T, C, ssDNA or dsDNA: 10 lg mL-1. Electrolyte: 0.1 M pH 7.0 PBS. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [117]. Copyright (2009) American Chemical
  • 
    a The setup for live-cell assay. b Real-time monitoring of nitric oxide molecule released from the attached cells on RGD-peptide covalently bonded graphene biofilm in cell culture medium. The drug was added at the time indicated by the arrow. c The current responses of the cultured cells on RGD-peptide covalently bonded graphene biofilm toward different drugs. Acetylcholine (Ach) is a model drug to stimulate cell nitric oxide release, and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) is a specific nitric oxide inhibitor. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [124]. Copyright (2012) American Chemical Society

• Nanoscale Wire-Bonding of Individual Ag Nanowires on Au Substrate at Room Temperature

  Peng Peng1, 2, Wei Guo1,*, Ying Zhu1, Lei Liu3, Guisheng Zou3, Y. Norman Zhou3, 4	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 26
  First Online: January 4, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0126-8

  • 
    a Schematic illustration of nanoscale wire-bonding using pressure. b Wire-bonding of Ag NWs onto Au electrodes with two welds. c A typical F-D curve during bonding of Ag NWs on Au. d SEM image of bonding location, with high magnification images of e and f close to the indentation area with a force of 400 µN
  • 
    Microstructures of indentation areas after bonding with different forces from 300 to 500 µN
  • 
    a SEM image of FIB sample after thinning. b The STEM image of a Ag-Au cross-section after wire-bonding (with 450 µN) sliced with FIB. c The line profiles of the Ag and Au across the Ag–Au interface from the STEM image. d HRTEM image of Ag-Au interface with matched (111) lattices showing both the Ag and Au sides. e The severely deformed lattices on the Ag and Au, with the Ag showing a 4H lattice (103) at the interface. The FFT images were taken from e showing the patterns of f the Ag side, g Au side, and h interface

• Plasma Triggered Grain Coalescence for Self-Assembly of 3D Nanostructures

  Chunhui Dai1, Daeha Joung1, Jeong-Hyun Cho1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 27
  First Online: January 13, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0130-z

  • 
    Conceptual schematics and SEM images showing the grain coalescence and self-assembly of 3D nanostructures triggered by reactive ion etching (RIE). a-f The grain coalescence process of Sn thin film during RIE process. g-l Illustrations showing the origin of the extrinsic stress and surface tension force observed within the Sn film that causes the g-i discontinuous frame to fold up or j-l the continuous film to curve up
  • 
    SEM images of the grain coalescence after a 4 min 30 s RIE process with varying power (40, 120, and 200 W) and ratio of O2 over CF4 (O2/CF4 = 0.42, 1.25, and 2.50). The pressure and CF4 flow rate are fixed to be 100 mTorr and 12 sccm, respectively. A series of oxygen flow rates of 5, 15, and 30 sccm was applied to change the ratio of O2 over CF4. The value of quantified grain coalescence, vertical etch rate, and horizontal etch rate of each sample was labelled as γg (a.u.), V (nm min-1), and H (nm min-1), respectively. The scale bars are 100 nm.
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    Experimental results of the variation of a vertical etch rate, and b horizontal etch rate in the RIE process with varying power (40, 120, and 200 W) and varying ratio of O2 over CF4 (0.42, 1.25, 2.50). The pressure and CF4 flow rate are fixed to be 100 mTorr and 12 sccm respectively. Oxygen flow rates of 5, 15, and 30 sccm are utilized to control the ratio of oxygen over CF4
  • 
    a Quantified grain coalescence in a RIE process with varying power (40, 120, and 200 W) and varying ratio of O2 over CF4 (0.42, 1.25, 2.50). The pressure and CF4 flow rate are fixed to be 100 mTorr and 12 sccm, respectively. Oxygen flow rates of 5, 15, and 30 sccm are utilized to control the ratio of oxygen over CF4. b The relationship between the grain coalescence and both the vertical and the horizontal etch rates
  • 
    SEM images of self-assembly of 3D nanostructures with different oxygen flow rates. A pressure of 100 mTorr, power of 120 W, CF4 flow rate of 12 sccm, and an etching time of 4 min 30 s were used. a At an oxygen flow rate of 30 sccm, the structures were not able to be folded due to the low etch rate. b At an oxygen flow rate of 15 sccm, the nanostructures are uniformly folded with an angle of 45° based on the stress generated in the moderate grain coalescence. c At oxygen flow rate of 5 sccm, considerable heat generation and grain coalescence does not contribute to fully folded structures. Only parts of the panels get folded more than 90°.
  • 
    Experimental results and SEM images. a The ratio of vertical etch rate over horizontal etch rate in a RIE system with fixed pressure of 100 mTorr and various power and gas flow rate ratio. The effect of etch rate ratio on self-assembly of b cubic structures with a fixed power of 120 W and c tube structures with a fixed power of 150 W. The six data points in b and c correspond to the labeled points ① - ⑥ in a. d-f The zoom in image of the insets of c with schematic illustration. A thin layer of Au (~3 nm) is coated on top of tube structures for imaging. The scale bar is 200 nm.

• Nitrogen-doped Carbon Nanotube Supported Pd Catalyst for Improved Electrocatalytic Performance towards Ethanol Electrooxidation

  Ying Wei1, Xinyuan Zhang1, Zhiyong Luo2, Dian Tang1, Changxin Chen3, Teng Zhang1,*, Zailai Xie2,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett.(2017) 9: 28
  First Online: January 7, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0129-5

  • 
    Cyclic voltammograms for different catalysts in 1 M KOH solution.
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    Cyclic voltammograms for different catalysts in 1 M KOH solution containing 1 M ethanol.
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    CO-stripping voltammograms for a Pd/HTC-CNTs, b Pd/HTC- N1.67%CNTs, and c Pd/HTC-N0.86%CNTs in 1 M KOH solution, d cyclic voltammograms of different catalysts in 1 M KOH containing 1 M ethanol (in Fig. 2), normalized by EAS.
  • 
    a Chronoamperometric curves for different catalysts, recorded at -0.3 V in 1 M KOH solution containing 1 M ethanol, b chronoamperometric curves for different catalysts, recorded at -0.25 V in 1 M KOH solution containing 1 M methanol, c peak current densities for different catalysts, recorded in 1 M KOH solution containing 1 M ethanol, as a function of the cycle number.
  • 
    XRD patterns of different catalysts.
  • 
    TEM images of a Pd/HTC-CNTs, b Pd/HTC-N1.67%CNTs, c Pd/HTC-N0.86%CNTs; d, e, and f are the size distribution images for a, b, and c, respectively. HRTEM images of g Pd/HTC-CNTs, h Pd/HTC-N1.67%CNTs, i Pd/HTC-N0.86%CNTs.
  • 
    a XPS spectra of Pd/HTC-N0.86%CNTs, Pd/HTC-N1.67%CNTs, and Pd/HTC-CNTs in Pd 3d region, and b N1s spectra of Pd/HTC-N0.86%CNTs and Pd/HTC-N1.67%CNTs.
  • 
    Raman spectra of HTC-N0.86%CNTs, HTC-N1.67%CNTs, and HTC-CNTs supports.
  • 
    XPS spectra of Pd/CNTs and Pd/HTC-CNTs in Pd 3d region.

• Effect of Al2O3 Buffer Layers on the Properties of Sputtered VO2 Thin Films

  Dainan Zhang1,2, Tianlong Wen1,*, Ying Xiong1, Donghong Qiu1, and Qiye Wen1	Abstract|Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9:29
  First Online: January 10, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0132-x

  • 
    SEM image of VO2 thin films: a, b deposited on p-Si substrate, and c, d deposited on Al2O3 buffer layers. Here, a, c are shown in low magnification, and b, d are shown in high magnification.
  • 
    X-ray θ-2θ scan of VO2 thin films grown on silicon and Al2O3 buffer layers under oxygen partial pressure of 5%, and 4% in a and b, respectively.
  • 
    a The resistance of VO2 thin films on Al2O3 buffer layers measured along the in-plane direction, and b the resistance measured along the perpendicular direction for VO2 thin films deposited on Al2O3 buffer layers and naked silicon substrate.
  • 
    a Capacitance of Pt/Si/Al2O3/VO2/Au and Pt/Si/VO2/Au stacks as a function of voltage at 100 Hz, and b capacitance of Pt/Si/Al2O3/VO2/Au stacks as a function of voltage at different frequencies.
  • 
    Schematic mechanism of electrically driven phase transformation of VO2 thin films.

• Dye-enhanced Self-Electrophoretic Propulsion of Light-Driven TiO2-Au Janus Micromotors

  Yefei Wu1,Renfeng Dong2,*, Qilu Zhang1, Biye Ren1,*	Abstract | Support Info Video 1 2 3 Video 4 5 6 7 Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9:30
  First Online: January 15, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0133-9

  • 
    Schematic representation of the propulsion mechanism of the UV light-induced TiO2-Au Janus micromotors in: a an aqueous dye solution, and b pure water. Tracklines of the micromotors in c an aqueous solution containing 10−5 g L−1 MB, and d pure water (taken from Video S1), under 40 mW cm−2 UV light irradiation over 1 s (scale bar = 10 μm).
  • 
    a SEM image of the TiO2 spheres (scale bar = 1 μm). b XRD pattern of the TiO2 spheres. c SEM image of a single typical TiO2-Au Janus micromotor (scale bar = 500 nm). d–f EDX spectroscopy images illustrating the distribution of titanium, gold, and oxygen, respectively, in the micromotors.
  • 
    Average velocities of the TiO2-Au micromotors at a range of dye concentrations: a MB, b CR, and c MO under 40 mW cm−2 UV light irradiation. d Average velocities of the TiO2-Au micromotors in (0) water (green bar), (1) 10−5 g L−1 MB (blue bar), (2) 10−4 g L−1 CR (red bar), and (3) 10−4 g L−1 MO (pink bar) under 40 mW cm−2 UV light irradiation (scale bar = 50 μm). Tafel plots of Au (black lines) and TiO2 (red lines) under 40 mW cm−2 UV light irradiation in: e 10−5 g L−1 MB, f 10−4 g L−1 CR, g 10−4 g L−1 MO, and h pure water.
  • 
    a Influence of UV light intensity on the maximum velocities of the Janus micromotors. b Influence of UV light intensity on the velocities of Janus micromotors in aqueous solutions containing different MB concentrations.
  • 
    UV-Vis absorbance spectra of aqueous solutions of the three dyes (MB, CR, and MO, 25 μM) following treatment under a range of conditions over 60 min: No UV light or micromotors (black line); no micromotors but UV light (red line); no UV light but micromotors (blue line); UV light and micromotors (pink line). a MB, b CR, c MO, and d Photodegradation rates of MB, CR, and MO in aqueous solutions containing TiO2-Au Janus micromotors under UV irradiation.
  • 
    Effect of the number of micromotors on the photodegradation efficiency of MB (blue bar), CR (red bar), and MO (orange bar) under UV light irradiation over 60 min.
  • 
    a Time-lapse images (taken from Video S6) of the magnetically-guided propulsion of Au-Ni-TiO2 micromotors under 40 mW cm−2 UV light irradiation (scale bar = 10 μm). b Magnetic separation and redispersion process for the Au−Ni−TiO2 micromotors. Conditions: 2 μL micromotors dispersed in 100 μL aqueous solution and collected using a Neodymium magnet (power Level N52) over 30 s. c Average velocities of the Au-TiO2 Janus micromotors (black line), and Au-Ni-TiO2 micromotors after recycling once (red line), twice (blue line), and three times (pink line) at different MB concentrations under 40 mW cm−2 UV light irradiation. d Photodegradation rate of MB in a solution containing Au-TiO2 Janus micromotors (black line), and Au-Ni-TiO2 micromotors after recycling once (red line), twice (blue line), and three times (pink line) under UV light irradiation. Reaction time: 60 min.

• High-Performance Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitor Based on CoAl-LDH and rGO Electrodes

  Shuoshuo Li1, Pengpeng Cheng1, Jiaxian Luo1, Dan Zhou1, Weiming Xu1, Jingwei Li1, Ruchun Li1, Dingsheng Yuan1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9:31
  First Online: January 15, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0134-8

  • 
    a XRD pattern; b FT-IR; c N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and pore size distribution (inset); d EDX spectroscopy of CoAl-LDHs
  • 
    a, b SEM of CoAl-LDHs on CC electrode and c, d TEM of CoAl-LDHs
  • 
    Electrochemical performances of the CoAl-LDHs@CC electrode: a CVs at different scan rates; b GCD curves at different current densities; c Plot of C sp vs. current density; d Cycling performance during 2000 cycles at a large current density of 10A g-1
  • 
    a XRD pattern of rGO@CC; b SEM image of rGO@CC electrode; and (c, d) TEM image of rGO
  • 
    Electrochemical performance of the rGO@CC electrode: a CVs at different scan rates; b GCD curves at different current densities; c Plot of specific capacitance vs. current density; d Cycling performance during 2000 cycles at a large current density of 10 A g-1
  • 
    a Comparison of the CV curves of the positive and negative electrodes. b CV curves of the ASC at different voltages; c CV curves of ASC device at different scan rates; d GCD curves of ASC device at different current densities
  • 
    a Capacitance calculated from Fig. 7d; b CV curves (at 50 mV s-1) under different bending conditions; c Ragone plot of ASC device (inset: a red LED lighted by ASC device); d Cycle stability of the ASC device at a current density of 15 mA cm-2

• Novel Ag@Nitrogen-doped Porous Carbon Composite with High Electrochemical Performance as Anode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries

  Yuqing Chen1, Jintang Li1, Guanghui Yue2, Xuetao Luo1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9:32
  First Online: January 15, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0131-y

  • 
    SEM images of a, b ZIF-8, c, d NPC, and e, f elemental mapping of NPC
  • 
    a N2 absorption-desorption isotherms of NPC and Ag-NPC, and b pore size distribution of NPC and Ag-NPC
  • 
    a XRD patterns of the Ag-NPC composite and ZIF-8, b Raman spectra of Ag-NPC, and c TGA analysis of Ag-NPC and XRD pattern of the product
  • 
    a, b SEM micrograph of Ag-NPC, c elemental mapping of Ag-NPC, d, e TEM image of Ag-NPC, and f HRTEM of Ag NPs on the surface of NPC
  • 
    a XPS full spectra of Ag-NPC composite. The high-resolution XPS spectra of b Ag 3d and c N 1s
  • 
    Schematic diagram of Ag-NPC formation process
  • 
    Cyclic voltammogram of a NPC and b Ag-NPC electrode obtained at 0.1 mV s-1 in the potential window 0.01–3 V
  • 
    a Electrochemical impedance spectra, b the galvanostatic discharge-charge profiles at 100 mA g-1, and c the cycling properties and d rate capabilities of NPC and Ag-NPC
  • 
    Electrochemical impedance spectra in the 200th cycle of NPC and Ag-NPC
  • 
    a, b SEM micrographs and c elemental mapping of Ag-NPC after 200 cycles at 100 mA g-1

• Synthesis of Hierarchical SnO2 Nanowire-TiO2 Nanorod Brushes Anchored to Commercially Available FTO-coated Glass Substrates

  Derek R. Miller1, Sheikh A. Akbar1,*, Pat A. Morris1	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 33
  First Online: January 24, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0136-6

  • 
    a FTO-coated glass slides showing growth from the slide to Au-coated while masked (left) to the nanowire-covered center (right). b Secondary electron image of surface covered in SnO2 nanowires. c Backscattered electron image of the same area, showing gold nanoparticle tips. d EDS spectrum of as-received FTO with the small fluorine bump denoted by an arrow. e XPS survey spectrum of as-received FTO showing the fluorine region of the as-received and SnO2 nanowires inset
  • 
    SnO2 nanowires grown on FTO at a 520 °C, b 620 °C, c 670 °C with no catalyst, and d from additional solution of FTO spin-coated onto the original thin film grown at 570 °C
  • 
    Hierarchical structure consisting of TiO2 nanorods grown radially from SnO2 nanowires anchored on FTO thin film-coated glass slides
  • 
    XRD patterns from: (bottom) TiO2 nanorod film grown hydrothermally directly on FTO; (middle) plain SnO2 nanowires grown from FTO via VLS; (top) SnO2 nanowire-TiO2 nanorod brushes synthesized via two-step VLS and hydrothermal process
  • 
    a TEM image of pristine SnO2 nanowire with inset SAED pattern showing a growth direction pointing toward the (502) reflection, whose plane normal corresponds to a [101] axis. b TEM image of SnO2-TiO2 brush with one plane of TiO2 nanorods growing at 33 degrees from perpendicular to the nanowire axis. Inset top right shows the [001] growth direction of the TiO2 nanorods and inset bottom left shows the faint reflections when an area including both the nanowires and nanorods is selected, showing that they have the same orientation. c An atomic model showing the epitaxial relationship of the angled nanorods growing from the SnO2 nanowire looking down the [010] zone axis

• Formation of NiFe2O4/Expanded Graphite Nanocomposites with Superior Lithium Storage Properties

  Yinglin Xiao1,2, Jiantao Zai2, Bingbing Tian1,3,* and Xuefeng Qian2,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 34
  First Online: January 9, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0127-7

  • 
    Schematic illustration of possible formation mechanism of NiFe2O4/EG nanocomposite
  • 
    a XRD patterns and b TGA results for NiFe2O4 and NiFe2O4/EG
  • 
    TEM images of a NiFe2O4 and b NiFe2O4/EG and HRTEM image of NiFe2O4
  • 
    Cyclic voltammograms of NiFe2O4/EG nanocomposites for first five cycles between 3.00 and 0.01 V vs. Li, with scan rate of 0.5 mV s-1
  • 
    a Charge–discharge curves of NiFe2O4/EG at 0.1 A g-1, b cycling performances of NiFe2O4 and NiFe2O4/EG at current density of 1 A g-1, c cycling performance of NiFe2O4/EG at current density of 0.1 A g-1, and d rate capability of NiFe2O4/EG
  • 
    TEM images of NiFe2O4/EG nanocomposite after 120 discharge–charge processes
  • 
    Nyquist plots of NiFe2O4 and NiFe2O4/EG at 0.08 V vs. Li after five cycles

• Design and Synthesis of Cu@CuS Yolk-Shell Structures with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

  Qiuyan Li1, #, Fan Wang1,#, Linqiang Sun1, Zhe Jiang1, Tingting Ye1, Meng Chen1, Qiang Bai2, Chao Wang1, Xiguang Han1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 35
  First Online: January 26, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0135-7

  • 
    a Schematic illustration of the formation mechanism of cubic Cu@CuS yolk-shell structures.SEM images of b Cu2O solid cubes (the inset shows the corresponding enlarged image), c Cu2O@CuS yolk-shell structures, and d single-shell Cu@CuS yolk-shell structures. The insets in c and d show the corresponding TEM images.
  • 
    XRD patterns of a cubic Cu2O@CuS, b products after hydrochloric acid reaction, and c products after ammonia reaction
  • 
    a Typical TEM image of cubic CuS@Cu yolk-shell structures. b, c Different magnification of the TEM image of individual Cu@CuS yolk-shell structures. d HRTEM image taken from the shell of a Cu@CuS yolk-shell structure. e The corresponding SAED pattern
  • 
    SEM images of different morphologies of Cu2O before and after the sulfidation- disproportionation process: a octahedral shape, b truncated octahedral shape, and c cuboctahedral shape
  • 
    TEM images of Cu@CuS octahedrons at different magnifications
  • 
    a UV-Vis absorption spectra of MB as a function of the xenon lamp (simulated sunlight) irradiation time for Cu@Cu2O cubes. The inset shows the corresponding photographs of MB irradiated by a xenon lamp for different periods of time. b Photocatalytic degradation curves of MB over different photocatalysts. c Plot of ln(Ct/C0) as a function of time over different catalysts. d Cycle stability of Cu@Cu2O cubes
  • 
    Nyquist plots of CuS and Cu@CuS cube samples

• Low-dimensional Halide Perovskites and Their Advanced Optoelectronic Applications

  Jian Zhang1, Xiaokun Yang1, Hui Deng1, Keke Qiao1, Umar Farooq1, Muhammad Ishaq1, Fei Yi2, Huan Liu2, Jiang Tang1, Haisheng Song1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 36
  First Online: 09 November 2016 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0137-5

  • 
    Perovskite structure and solar cell efficiencies. a Perovskites possess the general crystal structure ABX3. The most prevalent perovskite in optoelectronic devices is MA lead trihalide, for which A = CH3NH3, B = Pb, and X = Cl, Br or I. b Best research-cell efficiencies. Adapted image reproduced from NREL [6].
  • 
    Synthesis of CH3NH3PbBr3 QDs. Schematic illustration of the reaction system a and precursors b. c Optical image of colloidal CH3NH3PbBr3 solution. d Schematic illustration for the formation of the CH3NH3PbBr3 QDs. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [27, 34].
  • 
    Colloidal CsPbX3 perovskite NCs (X = Cl, Br, I) exhibit size- and composition-tunable bandgaps covering the entire visible spectral region with narrow and bright emission: a Colloidal solutions in toluene under UV lamp (λ = 365 nm) excitation. b Representative PL spectra. c Typical optical absorption and PL spectra. d Time-resolved PL decays for all samples shown in c except CsPbCl3. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [37].
  • 
    One-step growth of perovskite NWs. a, b Slip-coating fabrication process of filiform halide perovskite and their optical image. c, f Roll-to-Roll printing for perovskite NWs thin film. d EISA method to fabricate aligned perovskite NWs. e Selective area deposition of perovskite NWs. g SEM image of NWs webs. f Transmittance spectra of NWs webs evolved with the precursor concentrations. Inset showed a photograph of semitransparent NWs networks from 30 wt% concentration. h Transmittance evolved with OTP precusor concentrations. i, j Full-inorganic CsPbBr3 NWs synthesized by one-step method and their typical optical absorption and PL spectra (j). Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [49, 52, 57–59].
  • 
    Two-step method for perovskite NW growth. a SEM images of vertically aligned CsPbBr3 NWs with a rectangular cross-section. b HRTEM and FFT images of a CsPbBr3 NWs. c Fluorescence decay kinetics of MAPbI3 NWs. d Conductivity improvement of the in-plane perovskite NWs. e SEM image of CH3NH3PbBr3 nanorod array. f, g Typical absorption and PL spectra of CH3NH3PbBr3 nanorod arrays. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [30, 63].
  • 
    Template method for perovskite NWs: Pb-containing precursor template a method for perovskite NWs (b, c). AAO template for perovskite NWs. d Photograph of a ∼9 × 9 cm2 NW arrays. e Cross-sectional SEM images of perovskite NWs. Scale bar is 500 nm. f Average τc for different diameter NWs. g Extension of carrier lifetime as the decrease of NW diameter. h, i Nanofluidic channel template growth. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [68, 70, 71].
  • 
    a Single-crystalline organometal halide perovskite nanoplatelets were synthesized by a one-pot method. Inset was the photo of the achieved colloidal perovskite nanoplatelet solution. b TEM images and selected area diffraction pattern of MAPbBr3 nanoplatelets. c X-ray diffraction of MAPbBr3 nanoplatelet film. d PL spectra of MAPbBr3 nanoplatelets in toluene solution and solid state. Inset, the optical images of MAPbBr3 nanoplatelets in toluene solution and in solid-state thin film under ambient light (left) and UV irradiation (right). e Schematic drawing of the nanoplatelet synthesis setup using a home-built vapor-transport system. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [76].
  • 
    Chemical-vapor-deposited methylammonium lead halide perovskite nanoplatelets. a Schematic figure of crystal structures of CH3NH3PbI3-aXa (X = I, Br, Cl). Morphological and electronic band-edge characterizations of CH3NH3PbI3 b, CH3NH3PbI3-aBra c, and CH3NH3PbI3-aCla d nanoplatelets. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [24].
  • 
    Reaction temperature influence on colloidal CsPbBr3 synthesis. 8–10 nm nanocubes were formed at 150 °C a, 20 nm nanoplates from 130 °C b reaction and 90 °C c reaction yielded several-hundred-nanometer scale lamellar nanostructures. Scale bar is 50 nm. d Absorption (solid lines) and emission (dashed lines) spectra of NPLs and nanocubes for comparison. e Colloidal solution of anion-exchanged NPLs in hexane under UV illumination (λ = 365 nm). f Inorganic perovskite PL peaks evolved with their anions. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [75]
  • 
    a–c Emissions of QLED devices utilizing different QD sizes. d The EL (solid line) and the PL spectra (dashed line) of samples shown in (a–c). e CIE coordinates of the three color QLEDs (circular) compared to the NTSC color standards (star). Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [90].
  • 
    Device characteristics of visible PeLEDs. a Absorption (black), normalized EL (solid line in green) and PL (dashed line in green) spectra of CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite. EL spectrum of mixed halide perovskite is shown in red. b Luminance (black) and current density (red) versus voltage characteristics of the green PeLED. c EQE versus voltage characteristics of the green PeLED. d EQE versus current density of the green PeLED. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [96].
  • 
    Illustration of multilayer PeLED device. a Device structure. b Cross-sectional TEM image of multiple layers with distinct contrast. Scale bar is 50 nm. c Flat-band energy level diagram. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [90].
  • 
    Perovskite NW solar cells: a, b SEM image of NWs from a one-step method and its corresponding J–V curve. Two-step-method grown NWs and corresponding device performances. c, d Top-view and cross-section of NWs films. e, f J–V and IPCE curves of NW solar cells. The scale bar is 1 m. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [52, 63].
  • 
    SEM, J–V, and EQE measurements for perovskite solar cells. a Cross-section SEM image of the device. The comparison of SEM surface images of FAPbI3-based layer formed on mp-TiO2 by IEP b and conventional method c. d J–V curves of best device measured in reverse and forward modes, and e EQE spectra for best device and integrated JSC. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [101].
  • 
    a One-step deposition. b Two-step sequential deposition. c Dual-source coevaporation. d Sequential vapor deposition. e Vapor-assisted solution growth process. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [18, 105–107].
  • 
    Perovskite NW photodetectors: Slip-coating-based NWs PDs. a Dark and laser illuminated I–V curves. b Time-resolved photoresponse. EISA-method-based device performances. c I–t curves. d High-resolution scan to one cycle of I–t curves. Doctor-blading-based NW PDs. e Wavelength-dependent photoresponsivity of the CH3NH3PbI3 MW array-based photodetectors. f Photocurrent versus light intensity curves. g Variation of dark current/photocurrent with day of photodetector based on OTP MW arrays. h Perovskite MW PD arrays for light source mapping. NW-web-based PDs for imaging. i–j Flexibility performances. k–m NW network PD arrays for imaging. n, o Encapsulation could help to improve the device stability. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [49, 52, 60].
  • 
    Perovskite NWs lasers. a–f SEM image and nanolaser performances from MAPbX3 NWs. g A set of dark field images of a IOP MW waveguide. Scale bar is 10 µm. h–i FAPbX3 NW laser performances. j–l Full-inorganic halide perovskite NW lasers. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [67, 119, 128, 129].

Most Viewed articles are updated on a monthly basis. Below are the journal’s Top 20 most viewed over the last 6 months.

• Effect of Al2O3 Buffer Layers on the Properties of Sputtered VO2 Thin Films

  Dainan Zhang1,2, Tianlong Wen1,*, Ying Xiong1, Donghong Qiu1, and Qiye Wen1	Abstract|Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9:29
  First Online: January 10, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0132-x

  • 
    SEM image of VO2 thin films: a, b deposited on p-Si substrate, and c, d deposited on Al2O3 buffer layers. Here, a, c are shown in low magnification, and b, d are shown in high magnification.
  • 
    X-ray θ-2θ scan of VO2 thin films grown on silicon and Al2O3 buffer layers under oxygen partial pressure of 5%, and 4% in a and b, respectively.
  • 
    a The resistance of VO2 thin films on Al2O3 buffer layers measured along the in-plane direction, and b the resistance measured along the perpendicular direction for VO2 thin films deposited on Al2O3 buffer layers and naked silicon substrate.
  • 
    a Capacitance of Pt/Si/Al2O3/VO2/Au and Pt/Si/VO2/Au stacks as a function of voltage at 100 Hz, and b capacitance of Pt/Si/Al2O3/VO2/Au stacks as a function of voltage at different frequencies.
  • 
    Schematic mechanism of electrically driven phase transformation of VO2 thin films.

• An Overview of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene for Biosensing Applications

  Zanzan Zhu1	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 25
  First Online: January 4, 2017 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0128-6

  • 
    The immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) on the surface of SWNTs by using enzyme adsorption involves a layer-bylayer technique. PSS poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate), IL ionic liquid. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [45]. Copyright (2009) American Chemical Society
  • 
    Fabrication of a glucose biosensor based on a CNT nanoelectrode: a electrochemical treatment of the CNT nanoelectrode assembly for functionalization. b Coupling of GOx to the CNT nanoelectrode ensembles. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [53]. Copyright (2004) American Chemical Society
  • 
    Illustration of the procedure used for the preparation of the Pt/MnO2/f-MWCNT film. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [54]. Copyright (2015) Royal Society of Chemistry
  • 
    Electrochemical biosensor strategy for thrombin using aptamer-wrapped SWNT as electrochemical labels. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [67]. Copyright (2011) Elsevier
  • 
    Schematic demonstration for the ‘‘sandwich’’-type strategy electrochemical immunosensor. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [72]. Copyright (2011) Elsevier
  • 
    A schematic of field-effect transistor
  • 
    The picture demonstrates two electrodes connected by a semiconducting SWNT with GOx enzymes immobilized on its
  • 
    a Fabrication of the hierarchical FeN NPs/NG core–shell. b The proposed NADH measurement mechanism on a FeN NPs/NG core– shell hybrid-based electrode. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [113]. Copyright (2016) Elsevier
  • 
    The VG FET sensor is made by direct growth of VG between the drain and the source electrodes. Probe antibody is labeled to the VG surface through Au NPs. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [127]. Copyright (2013) Nature Publishing Group
  • 
    Illustrative scheme of the preparation of graphene field-effect transistor. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [129]. Copyright (2016) Nature Publishing Group
  • 
    Schematic representation of the ssDNA-GO architecture platform for multiplex targets detection. a In the presence of a complementary target T3, P3 reacts with T3 to form a P3–T3 complex, which detaches from the GO surface, resulting in the fluorescence ‘‘on’’ state. b P1 assumes the fluorescence ‘‘off’’ state by the formation of probe–GO architecture, but switches to the ‘‘on’’ state by the interaction with thrombin. c In the presence of Ag+ or Hg2+, P4 or P5 is self-folded to form the stable C–Ag+–C or T– Hg2+ –T structure, leading to the fluorescence ‘‘on’’ state. However, by continuing to add cysteine to the above solution, the C–Ag+–C or T–Hg2+–T structure is disrupted by Ag–S or Hg–S bond between cysteine and Ag+ or Hg2+, switching to the fluorescence ‘‘off’’ state again. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [135]. Copyright (2011) Elsevier
  • 
    Schematic illustration of fluorescent turn-on sensor for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) detection using peptide-assembled GO. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [136]. Copyright (2015) American Chemical Society
  • 
    Schematic illustration of in situ molecular probing in living cells by using aptamer/GO-nS nanocomplex. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [137]. Copyright (2010) American Chemical Society
  • 
    a Scanning electron micrograph of the array of CNTFETs. S source, D drain, G contact to back gate. A total of 896 pairs of S/D electrodes are packed in 1 cm2. b Schematic of device structure. The heavily doped p-type substrate is used as the gate. c 5 9 5 lm2 AFM picture of a CNTFET device. Vertical scale: 20 nm. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [79]. Copyright (2009) American Chemical Society
  • 
    a Illustration of DNA undergoing a conformational transition from the B form (top) to the Z form (bottom) on a carbon nanotube. b Concentration-dependent fluorescence response of the DNA-encapsulated (6,5) nanotube to divalent chloride counterions. The inset shows the (6,5) fluorescence band at starting (blue) and final (pink) concentrations of Hg2+. c Area map of the (6,5) nanotube peak fluorescence intensity of DNA-SWNTs within murine 3T3 fibroblast cells overlaid on an optical micrograph of the same region. d Illustration of the experimental method used for ion-binding experiments conducted in mammalian cells. A cell containing endosome-bound DNA-SWNTs undergoes 785-nm excitation through a microscope objective. e The (6,5) nanotube fluorescence peak energy of DNA-SWNTs in 3T3 fibroblasts plotted versus Hg2+ concentration in the cell medium. The fluorescence energy of a population of 8–10 cells was averaged for each data point. Error bars indicate 1SD. The red line shows the model curve from original Hg2+ binding experiment conducted in Tris buffer. The inset shows individual spectra at each concentration. f The (6, 5) nanotube fluorescence energy of DNA-SWNTs in the following highly absorptive and scattering media: whole rooster blood (green triangles), black dye solution (black squares), and chicken tissue (blue circles) plotted on a model curve (red) from Hg2+ addition to SWNTs in buffer. The DE of all blood and tissue data points was corrected for an initial redshift due to the cellular environment. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [85]. Copyright (2006) American Association for the Advancement of Science. (Color figure online)
  • 
    Multicolor SWNT Raman labels for multiplexed protein detection. a Two-layer, direct, microarray-format protein detection with distinct Raman labels based upon pure 12C and 13C SWNT tags. 12C and 13C SWNTs were conjugated to GaM and GaH-IgGs, respectively, providing specific binding to complimentary IgGs of mouse or human origin, even during mixed incubation with analyte (as shown). b G-mode Raman scattering spectra of 12C (red) and 13C (green) SWNT Raman tags are easily resolvable, have nearly identical scattering intensities, and are excited simultaneously with a 785-nm laser. This allows rapid, multiplexed protein detection. c Raman scattering map of integrated 12C (red) and 13C (green) SWNT G-mode scattering above baseline, demonstrating easily resolved, multiplexed IgG detection based upon multicolor SWNT Raman labels. Scale bar, 500 lm. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [87]. Copyright (2008) Nature Publishing Group. (Color figure online)
  • 
    a DPVs at the GC electrode for G (blue), A (orange), T (violet), and C (magenta), respectively. b DPVs at the graphite/GC electrode for G (blue), A (orange), T (violet), and C (magenta), respectively. c DPVs at the CR-GO/GC electrode for G (blue), A (orange), T(violet), and C (magenta), respectively. d DPVs for a mixture of G, A, T, and C at CR-GO/GC (green), graphite/GC (red), and GC electrodes (black). e DPVs for ssDNA at CR-GO/GC (green), graphite/GC (red), and GC electrodes (black). f DPVs for dsDNA at CR-GO/GC (green), graphite/GC (red), and GC electrodes (black). Concentrations for different species a–f: G, A, T, C, ssDNA or dsDNA: 10 lg mL-1. Electrolyte: 0.1 M pH 7.0 PBS. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [117]. Copyright (2009) American Chemical
  • 
    a The setup for live-cell assay. b Real-time monitoring of nitric oxide molecule released from the attached cells on RGD-peptide covalently bonded graphene biofilm in cell culture medium. The drug was added at the time indicated by the arrow. c The current responses of the cultured cells on RGD-peptide covalently bonded graphene biofilm toward different drugs. Acetylcholine (Ach) is a model drug to stimulate cell nitric oxide release, and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) is a specific nitric oxide inhibitor. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [124]. Copyright (2012) American Chemical Society

• Dye-enhanced Self-Electrophoretic Propulsion of Light-Driven TiO2-Au Janus Micromotors

  Yefei Wu1,Renfeng Dong2,*, Qilu Zhang1, Biye Ren1,*	Abstract | Support Info Video 1 2 3 Video 4 5 6 7 Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9:30
  First Online: January 15, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0133-9

  • 
    Schematic representation of the propulsion mechanism of the UV light-induced TiO2-Au Janus micromotors in: a an aqueous dye solution, and b pure water. Tracklines of the micromotors in c an aqueous solution containing 10−5 g L−1 MB, and d pure water (taken from Video S1), under 40 mW cm−2 UV light irradiation over 1 s (scale bar = 10 μm).
  • 
    a SEM image of the TiO2 spheres (scale bar = 1 μm). b XRD pattern of the TiO2 spheres. c SEM image of a single typical TiO2-Au Janus micromotor (scale bar = 500 nm). d–f EDX spectroscopy images illustrating the distribution of titanium, gold, and oxygen, respectively, in the micromotors.
  • 
    Average velocities of the TiO2-Au micromotors at a range of dye concentrations: a MB, b CR, and c MO under 40 mW cm−2 UV light irradiation. d Average velocities of the TiO2-Au micromotors in (0) water (green bar), (1) 10−5 g L−1 MB (blue bar), (2) 10−4 g L−1 CR (red bar), and (3) 10−4 g L−1 MO (pink bar) under 40 mW cm−2 UV light irradiation (scale bar = 50 μm). Tafel plots of Au (black lines) and TiO2 (red lines) under 40 mW cm−2 UV light irradiation in: e 10−5 g L−1 MB, f 10−4 g L−1 CR, g 10−4 g L−1 MO, and h pure water.
  • 
    a Influence of UV light intensity on the maximum velocities of the Janus micromotors. b Influence of UV light intensity on the velocities of Janus micromotors in aqueous solutions containing different MB concentrations.
  • 
    UV-Vis absorbance spectra of aqueous solutions of the three dyes (MB, CR, and MO, 25 μM) following treatment under a range of conditions over 60 min: No UV light or micromotors (black line); no micromotors but UV light (red line); no UV light but micromotors (blue line); UV light and micromotors (pink line). a MB, b CR, c MO, and d Photodegradation rates of MB, CR, and MO in aqueous solutions containing TiO2-Au Janus micromotors under UV irradiation.
  • 
    Effect of the number of micromotors on the photodegradation efficiency of MB (blue bar), CR (red bar), and MO (orange bar) under UV light irradiation over 60 min.
  • 
    a Time-lapse images (taken from Video S6) of the magnetically-guided propulsion of Au-Ni-TiO2 micromotors under 40 mW cm−2 UV light irradiation (scale bar = 10 μm). b Magnetic separation and redispersion process for the Au−Ni−TiO2 micromotors. Conditions: 2 μL micromotors dispersed in 100 μL aqueous solution and collected using a Neodymium magnet (power Level N52) over 30 s. c Average velocities of the Au-TiO2 Janus micromotors (black line), and Au-Ni-TiO2 micromotors after recycling once (red line), twice (blue line), and three times (pink line) at different MB concentrations under 40 mW cm−2 UV light irradiation. d Photodegradation rate of MB in a solution containing Au-TiO2 Janus micromotors (black line), and Au-Ni-TiO2 micromotors after recycling once (red line), twice (blue line), and three times (pink line) under UV light irradiation. Reaction time: 60 min.

• 3D Hierarchical Co-Al Layered Double Hydroxides with Long-term Stabilities and High Rate Performances in Supercapacitors

  Jiantao Zai, Yuanyuan Liu, Xiaomin Li, Zi-feng Ma, Rongrong Qi*, Xuefeng Qian*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 21
  Published Online: 27 December 2016 (Article)
  DOI: 10.1007/s40820-016-0121-5

  • 
    a XRD pattern, b SEM image, c TEM image, and d HRTEM image of the as-prepared 3D Co-Al-LDHs.
  • 
    a Nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherms, and b FT-IR spectra of all Co-Al-LDHs samples, where the inset corresponds to the BJH pore size distribution of all Co-Al-LDH samples.
  • 
    a XPS spectrum of 3D Co-Al-LDHs. High-resolution spectra of b Co 2p, c C 1s and d Al 2p.
  • 
    a CV curves at different scan rates in 2 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. b Galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements at different current densities. Specific capacitances at: c different current densities, d rate performances, and e long-term cycling performances of 3D Co-Al-LDHs (LDH: Co-Al-LDH, CNT: carbon nanotubes, GNS: graphene nanosheets, NS: nanosheets, GO: graphene oxide, rGO: reduced graphene oxide).
  • 
    a Cycling performances at 5A g-1 and EIS spectrums before b and after c 1,000 cycles of all Co-Al-LDH samples.

• Plant Surfaces: Structures and Functions for Biomimetic Innovations

  Wilhelm Barthlott1,*, Matthias Mail1,2, Bharat Bhushan3, Kerstin Koch4	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 23
  Published Online: 04 January 2017 (Article)
  DOI: 10.1007/s40820-016-0125-1

  • 
    Hierarchical surface sculpturing of plants on the macroscopic scale. (a) The Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) is the largest cactus; it can grow up to 21 m tall. The stems are ribbed – even in the full sun of a desert in Arizona large areas of the plant are shaded. At the same time the ribs and elastic cuticle allow a rapid increase of the volume after sporadic rainfalls: the stems expand. Loss of water is a major problem for desert plants: the Saguaro is incrusted in a wax layer, but due to UV exposure the surfaces age and become wettable. Saguaros can live 150 years or more. (b) In contrast, the Giant Arum (Amorphophallus titanum) lives in the deepest shadows of the humid rain forest understories in Sumatra. Its flower opens for only one to two days; it reaches a height of three meter and is the largest blossom in the plant kingdom. The giant pleated “petal” (spathe) weights less than one kg: the largest light-weight construction amongst plants, possibly even in any organism. The riblets serve as mechanical stabilizers: when the spathe opens its surface is hydrophobic to shed rain droplets. Very unusual wax crystals occur on the unpleasant smelling central column, which heats periodically to almost 40 °C to generate a convection flow to attract insects.
  • 
    Internal (“non-cuticular”) functional surfaces are usually hydrophilic, two examples from a squash or pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) are illustrated: (a) pollen grain, its surface functions are connected with attachment and detachment to the pollinating insect and the stigma of the pumpkin flower, and possibly temperature control under insolation. In wind dispersed pollen these structures might also increase the Reynolds-numbers, (b) a vessel-element of the same plant exhibiting complex spiral and perforated structures to transport water within the plant. The structural elements of internal surfaces fundamentally differ from the outer cuticular surfaces (compare e.g. Figs. 3, 7, 14, 15).
  • 
    SEM micrographs of two seed surfaces with concave cell sculpturing. The miniature seeds of both species: (a) indica and (b) Triphora triantophora are optimized for seed dispersal by wind. They are hydrophobic and float for a short time in water (compare Aeginetia in Fig. 27): the concave sculpture of the non-living cells can be interpreted as a shrinkage deformation during seed maturing and drying. The bands which form an inner network in (a), and the surface pattern in (b) are built by cellulose. All these features are light weight constructions and generate high Reynolds-numbers to prolong the floating time.
  • 
    Macroscopic optical appearance of plant surfaces and their surface microstructures. (a) The leaves of Elaphoglossum wurdackii appear glossy because of a flat surface structure shown in (b), their iridescence is caused by thin layers within the cuticle. In (c) the flower petals of Dahlia appear velvety due to the convex microstructure of the epidermis cells, shown in (d). In e the silvery appearance of the Leucadendron argenteum leaves is caused by a dense layer of light reflecting hairs (f). In (g) the leaf and flower bud surfaces of Eucalyptus macrocarpa appear white or bluish, caused by a dense covering with thread-like wax crystals (h).
  • 
    Plant surfaces exposed to the air are very often superhydrophobic. Like the leaves (a) of the reed (Phragmites autralis) and the grassland in the background, or the surfaces of the floating fern (Salvinia natans) in the foreground left in the Oder national park, Germany. Dew droplets in the early morning roll-off of the superhydrophobic grass leaves (b). Since grasslands alone forms the largest terrestrial ecosystems (ca. 52.5 million km²) of our planet we estimate there are at least about 250 million km² of superhydrophobic leaf surfaces, which equal about 50% of the earth´s total surface. But all plant roots are superhydrophilic-like the surfaces of water-plants, illustrated in (c): The Madagascar Laceleaf (Aponogeton madagascariensis) additionally exhibits a grid of a lattice-like network to reduce the flow resistance. Source: (a) kindly provided by Pierre Ibisch.
  • 
    A simplified model of the stratification of the outermost layers of a plant epidermal cell. The schematics shows the outermost wax layer in its most common form, as composite of three-dimensional waxes with an underlying wax film. Below this layer is the cuticula, made of a cutin network and integrated waxes. The cuticula is connected with the underlying cellulose wall by a pectin layer. Below the cell wall, the plasma membrane is shown. This membrane separates the water containing living part of the cells from the outermost non-living outer cell wall and cuticle, as shown in the schematic.
  • 
    SEM micrographs of epicuticular waxes: in (a) waxes on a leaf of Euphorbia resinifera have been particularly removed to show the composite structure of a basal wax layer with three-dimensional wax platelets on it. In (b) a wax crust with fissures on a leaf of Crassula ovata is shown. A cross section through the periclinal wall of Aloe striata (c) shows the cuticle (indicated by C) and a wax layer (indicated by an arrow) with wax platelets on top. In (d) nonacosan-ol tubules on Thalictrum flavum glaucum leaves and (e) ß-diketone wax tubules on Eucalyptus gunnii leaves are shown. In (f) wax platelets on Aristolochis albida leaf and in (g) transversely ridged rodlets on a leaf of Sassafras albidum are shown. In (h) longitudinally aggregated wax threads form large aggregated rodlets on the lower side of the leaves of Musa species (spp.). In Convallaria majalis leaves, shown in (i), wax platelets are arranged in a pattern, similar to magnetic field lines, around the stomata. Thin wax films are not visible in SEM, but are present below and between the three-dimensional waxes shown here.
  • 
    FM experimental set up for long term investigations of wax crystallization on a living plant surface. The tip of the leaf of a snowdrop (Galanthus nivali) has been fixed on the specimen holder with a drop of two-compound glue. Existing waxes have been removed and the rebuilding (self-healing) of the wax was studied over several hours. Appropriate scan conditions for living plant surfaces are given in the text, and the method of wax removal is described in detail in [40].
  • 
    The layered and crystalline structure of alkane waxes is demonstrated by an AFM map of a single wax platelet (a) and the corresponding electron diffraction pattern, shown in (b). In (a) the steps visible on the crystal surface are caused by a perpendicular orientation of the molecules. Such steps can be monomolecular e.g. for alkanes, or in some waxes bilayers are formed by polar molecules of primary alcohols. The AFM map of recrystallized alkanes (c) and the model shown in (d) demonstrate the layered orthorhombic wax structure.
  • 
    AFM maps and a series of profile lines, taken from repeated scans during the crystal growth on a leaf of Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis). The first AFM map represents the wax regeneration within 13 min; the last map was taken after 80 min after wax removal. The white arrows mark the same position of the crystal as the black arrow marks in the profile figure. In the figure below the outlines of the growing crystal have been overlapped to demonstrate, that the extension is occurring at the distal end of the growing crystal and that at this time the growth in height is limited to a few nanometers. Outlines have been taken from four AFM scans: 20, 33, 55, and 74 min after the wax regeneration process began. The experimental set up is shown in Fig. 8.
  • 
    Biomimetic superhydrophobic hierarchical structured technical surfaces. The silicon replica with pillars of 14 μm in diameter and 30 μm in height with 23 μm pitch, covered by self-assembled alkanes (hexatriacontane). From top to bottom an increase in crystal density is shown. Highest water repellence and lowest hysteresis has been found for the structures given in the middle line, where 20 µg cm–2 hexatriacontane were applied on the surfaces. These surfaces have been used for detailed study of wetting and adhesion (from Ref. [59]).
  • 
    AFM maps and schematics of the molecular orientation demonstrate the differences of growth on polar and non-polar substrates for octacosan-1-ol molecules. AFM figures (a, c) show growing crystals, whereas the SEM figures (b, d) show the final crystal morphology. On both substrates flat crystals with different orientations were grown. Crystals grown parallel to the substrate surface, as shown in (a, b), are called plates; crystals grown perpendicular to the substrate surface are called platelets (c, d). The principle of anisotropic crystal growth is shown schematically for both preferred growth directions and described in the text.
  • 
    A model and SEM micrograph of the molecular order of nonacosan-10-ol tubules and AFM analysis of their self-assembly. Based on SEM characterization, chemical analysis, single compound crystallization and crystallographic data, a model of the nonacosanol tubules has been developed (a). Original nonacosan-10-ol tubules are shown in the SEM micrograph (b) for Thalictrum flavum glaucum leaves. Consecutive AFM figures of tubule formation (nonacosan-10-ol wax from Tropaeolum majus) were made after applying a wax solution on HOPG. After 65 min (c) the waxes mainly formed curved rodlets, which were horizontally arranged to the substrate. The same area of the HOPG substrate shows that waxes start to form circles (d-g) and after 223 min (g) the rodlets initially observed were dissolved and short tubules were formed.
  • 
    SEM micrographs of hairs and glands on plant surfaces. (a) A dense layer of straight, unbranched hairs almost orientated parallel to the leaf surface on Leucadendron argenteum. (b) The unbranched hairs of Kalanchoe tomentosa are orientated upright. (c) The shoot surface of a bean shoot Phaseolus vulgaris with terminal hooks to facilitate climbing. (d) Single hairs on a leaf of Caiophora coronaria and (e) those on the seed surface of Cynoglossum officinale are characterized by terminal and lateral barbed hooks. (f) The star-like trichome on the leaf of Virola surinamenis has a flat surface in contrast to the convex epidermal cells with epicuticular wax crystalloids. (g) Simple branched star like hairs and two morphological different glands (arrows) on the leaf of Cistus symphytifolius, and (h) multiple ramified hairs and short stalked glands (arrow) on a leaf of Lavandula angustifolia. (i) The four trichomes of Salvinia minima originate from a common base, in contrast to S. molesta (Fig. 28) the tips are free and do not show the eggbeater shape.
  • 
    SEM micrographs of cell surfaces with cuticular folding. (a, b) The irregular cuticular folding on a leaf of Schismatoglottis neoguinensis is restricted to the central field of the cells. (c) Alocasia macrorhiza, the cells are flat (tabular), with nodes like exposed central fields of the cells. (d) The cells of a flower petal of Rosa montana with a rippled folded cuticle in the central field of the cells and parallel folding, running to the anticlinal walls of the cells. (e) Conical cells of the flower petals of Viola tricolor with parallel folding. (f) The cells of the inner side of a tube like leaf of the carnivorous plant Sarracenia leucophylla. These cells have a conical hair-papilla in the downward direction with a parallel cuticle folding, with larger distance at the base and denser arrangement at the cell tip. (g-i) seed surfaces. (g) In Austrocactus patagonicus the central field of the cells is unstructured, whereas a rough folding exists in the anticlinal fields. (h, i) In Aztekium ritteri a part of the cuticle has been removed to show the cuticle folding.
  • 
    Cell surface structuring by subcuticular silicon dioxide and apatite insertions. (a, b) SEM micrographs of the horsetail (Equisetum arvense). (b) A detail of (a) shows that the stomata and their surrounding cells have a micro-pattern of small enhanced spots, formed by sub-cuticular inserts of silicon-oxide crystals. (c, d, e) Complex glochidiat hooked (e) and stinging (d) hairs are shown on the leaf surface in the flower nettle Loasa. The trichomes of Loasaceae are unique and mineralized by apatite. (c, e) from Ref. [80].
  • 
    Schematic of cross sections through plant epidermis cells show different sources leading to micro-structuring of cell surfaces. In (a) the surface profile is induced by coves of the underlying cell wall, in (b) by insertion of sub-cuticular minerals, in (c) by folding of the cuticle and in (d) by waxes, which are located on top of the cuticle (epicuticular wax). Wax = epicuticular waxes, CM = cuticular membrane, P = pectin, PM = plasma membrane (modified after Ref. [2]).
  • 
    A schematic of different convex cell outlines and their aspect ratios (ß = width/height) of the convex cell types and their terminology: convex (ß > 3/1), hemi spherical (ß ~ 2/1), cupola (ß < 3/2), conical (ß > 3/2), papilla (ß < 3/2 and > 1/2), hair-papilla (ß < 1/3 and > 1/6), and hair (ß < 1/7).
  • 
    The schematic shows the wetting of a solid surface. γLA, γLS and γSA are the interfacial tensions at the boundaries between liquid (L), solid (S), and air (A), which determine the CA of an applied water droplet and is described by Young`s equation. The hysteresis of a water droplet on a tilted surface represents the adhesion of the liquid on the surface and can be determined by measuring the tilting angle or the advanced and receding angle of a water droplet.
  • 
    Four groups of plant surfaces wettability and the possible surface structures and structure combinations. The drawings used for the four groups are correlated to specific contact angles. Both the hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces can be built by convex cells with three dimensional waxes on it, but only a dense layer of wax crystals results in superhydrophobicity.
  • 
    Superhydrophobic and self-cleaning surface of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). A flowering plant of Lotus (a), a Lotus leaf contaminated with clay (b) and removal of the adhering particles by water (c). The SEM micrographs (d-f) show the lotus leaf surface in different magnifications: (d) The papillat epidermis, (e) single cell papilla and (f) the epicuticular nonacosan-10-ol tubules on the cell surface.
  • 
    Extremely superhydrophobic leaf surfaces of (a) Colocasia esculenta, (Contact angle 164°) Euphorbia myrsinites (Contact angle 162°) and Lotus Nelumbo nucifera (Contact angle 162°), data from [7]. Leaves of all three species are characterized by convex (a, b) to papillose (c) cells, covered by three-dimensional wax crystals.
  • 
    Air retaining surfaces of the floating fern Salvinia. (a) A water droplet on the upper leaf side of Salvinia biloba and (b) a mimicking grasshopper Paulinia acuminata feeding on the leaf, even the grasshopper has a wax surface and is superhydrophobic. The SEM micrographs (c-e) of the leaf surface of Salvinia show the multi-cellular hairs (c), and in higher magnification (d) the epidermis cells, and the wax rodlets (e) on the epidermis cells.
  • 
    Schematic of the most important functions of the plant boundary layer on a hydrophobic micro-structured surface: (a) Transport barrier: limitation of uncontrolled water loss/leaching from interior and foliar uptake, (b) surface wettability, (c) anti-adhesive, self-cleaning properties (lotus effect): reduction of contamination, pathogen attack and reduction of attachment/locomotion of insects, (d) signaling: cues for host-pathogens/insect recognition and epidermal cell development, (e) change of optical properties, (f) mechanical properties: resistance against mechanical stress and maintenance of physiological integrity, (g) reduction of surface temperature by increasing turbulent air flow over the boundary air layer (modified after Ref. [75]).
  • 
    Optical properties. (a) Flower of Bidens ferulaefolium in the visible light for human eyes. (b) An ultraviolet image of the same flower is shown. Reflection and absorption of radiation are primarily influenced by chemical composition, but surprisingly also by the hierarchical surface architecture.
  • 
    The water absorbing pores of a Sphagnum squarrosum moss. (b) The water adsorbing porous surface of the moss Rhacocarpus purpurescens. (c) The epiphytic growing Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides). (d) Water droplets in the needles of the Canary Pine (Pinus canariensis) harvesting fog out of the trade wind clouds.
  • 
    Compartmentation of surfaces generating small functional units for air-retention: (a) in microscopic dimension in the seed of Aeginetia indica illustrated in Fig. 3 for temporary floating. A particularly refined compartmentation system (b, c) exhibits Salvina cucullata in a macroscopic dimension: the superhydrophobic leaves (diameter ca. 1.5 cm) form hood-like compartments (b), submersed in water (c) each leaf holds a very stable large air bubble.
  • 
    The Salvinia paradox of chemical heterogeneities. (a) Water droplet on the eggbeater shaped trichomes of Salvinia molesta. The deformations at the contact points of the droplet with the tips of the trichomes indicate an adhesion of the water, the dopplet does not roll off an inclined surface. (b) Colored SEM-image of the wax covered superhydrohobic trichomes (green coloration) and the terminal hydrophilic four anchor-cells for pinning the air-water interface. (c, d) Schematic of the air-water interface under dynamic hydrostatic conditions. (b) is from Barthlott, Bertling, Schoppa, Vogt 2011.
  • 
    Pitcher traps of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes alata. In (a) the complete pitchers trap of N. alata and in (b) a longitudinal cut through the trap are shown. (c) Parallel ridges of the hydrophilic peristome. The arrow indicates the direction toward the inside of the pitcher. (d) The waxy and slippery surface inside the trap with inactive stomata. (e) Glands located in the digestive zone at the lower part of the trap are shown. (c) was kindly provided by Holger Bohn.
  • 
    (a) Calathea zebrina leaves with their light and dark green pattern. (b) SEM micrograph of the leaf surface (tilt angle 45°). SEM of the replicated dark leaf areas (c) and bright leaf areas (d) in side view (90° tilt angle). The visible color differences in the leaf are mirrored in the different shapes of the cell papillae of the light and dark surfaces areas.
  • 
    Some Olympic records today are also a triumph of bionics. Mark Spitz (a) wore his famous pre-bionic swimsuit in the 1972 Olympics in Munich. In contrast, biomimetic swimsuits covering almost the entire body were popular after 2000; the suits were based on the biomimetic drag-reducing shark riblet technology. At the World Swimming Championship in July 2009 in Rome almost all world records were broken using full-body biomimetic polyurethane swimsuits. Subsequently the length of swimwear was limited by the World Swimming Federation FINA in December 2009. But almost full-body swimwear is back today, as e.g. the swimming suit of Nađa Higl (b): somewhat smaller than in 2009, but still covering large parts of the swimmers. Today it seems to be a high-tech combination of chemically heterogenic surfaces: shark riblets (drag reduction about 3 %) and superhydrophobic salvinia effect (drag reduction about 30 %) areas. For divers, drag reduction plays no role – the divers in Rio de Janeiro 2016 were still dressed like Mark Spitz in 1972. Sources: (a) kindly provided by the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, (b) from Wikipedia Commons.
  • 
    Superhydrophobicity in lichens mosses, fungi, and slime mold. (a) Fruiting body of the lichen Cladonia chlorophaea with water droplet. (b) Peristome of the moss Funaria hygrometrica, covered by wax rodlets. (c) The aerial hyphae of the grey mold (Botrytis) are covered by wax like crystals. (d) The fruiting body (capillitium) of the slime mold Stemonitis possesses a superhydrophobic surface caused by a granular layer of unknown chemical composition.
  • 
    The most common chemical compounds in plant waxes and their spectrum of chain length. *primary alcohols are common minor constitutions in waxes, but can occur as major compounds in the wax, e.g. of grasses, eucalypts, clover and other legumes, etc. [26]. Further examples of occurrence are given in Table 2.
  • 
    Common wax types in plant species and their major chemical compounds. With exception of the fruit surface of Bennincasa hispida, data represent the waxes on the leaves of the species. All references for the chemical data are listed in [42] and examples of the wax types here listed are shown in Fig. 7.

• Nanoscale Wire-Bonding of Individual Ag Nanowires on Au Substrate at Room Temperature

  Peng Peng1, 2, Wei Guo1,*, Ying Zhu1, Lei Liu3, Guisheng Zou3, Y. Norman Zhou3, 4	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 26
  First Online: January 4, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0126-8

  • 
    a Schematic illustration of nanoscale wire-bonding using pressure. b Wire-bonding of Ag NWs onto Au electrodes with two welds. c A typical F-D curve during bonding of Ag NWs on Au. d SEM image of bonding location, with high magnification images of e and f close to the indentation area with a force of 400 µN
  • 
    Microstructures of indentation areas after bonding with different forces from 300 to 500 µN
  • 
    a SEM image of FIB sample after thinning. b The STEM image of a Ag-Au cross-section after wire-bonding (with 450 µN) sliced with FIB. c The line profiles of the Ag and Au across the Ag–Au interface from the STEM image. d HRTEM image of Ag-Au interface with matched (111) lattices showing both the Ag and Au sides. e The severely deformed lattices on the Ag and Au, with the Ag showing a 4H lattice (103) at the interface. The FFT images were taken from e showing the patterns of f the Ag side, g Au side, and h interface

• High-Performance Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitor Based on CoAl-LDH and rGO Electrodes

  Shuoshuo Li1, Pengpeng Cheng1, Jiaxian Luo1, Dan Zhou1, Weiming Xu1, Jingwei Li1, Ruchun Li1, Dingsheng Yuan1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9:31
  First Online: January 15, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0134-8

  • 
    a XRD pattern; b FT-IR; c N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and pore size distribution (inset); d EDX spectroscopy of CoAl-LDHs
  • 
    a, b SEM of CoAl-LDHs on CC electrode and c, d TEM of CoAl-LDHs
  • 
    Electrochemical performances of the CoAl-LDHs@CC electrode: a CVs at different scan rates; b GCD curves at different current densities; c Plot of C sp vs. current density; d Cycling performance during 2000 cycles at a large current density of 10A g-1
  • 
    a XRD pattern of rGO@CC; b SEM image of rGO@CC electrode; and (c, d) TEM image of rGO
  • 
    Electrochemical performance of the rGO@CC electrode: a CVs at different scan rates; b GCD curves at different current densities; c Plot of specific capacitance vs. current density; d Cycling performance during 2000 cycles at a large current density of 10 A g-1
  • 
    a Comparison of the CV curves of the positive and negative electrodes. b CV curves of the ASC at different voltages; c CV curves of ASC device at different scan rates; d GCD curves of ASC device at different current densities
  • 
    a Capacitance calculated from Fig. 7d; b CV curves (at 50 mV s-1) under different bending conditions; c Ragone plot of ASC device (inset: a red LED lighted by ASC device); d Cycle stability of the ASC device at a current density of 15 mA cm-2

• Novel Ag@Nitrogen-doped Porous Carbon Composite with High Electrochemical Performance as Anode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries

  Yuqing Chen1, Jintang Li1, Guanghui Yue2, Xuetao Luo1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9:32
  First Online: January 15, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0131-y

  • 
    SEM images of a, b ZIF-8, c, d NPC, and e, f elemental mapping of NPC
  • 
    a N2 absorption-desorption isotherms of NPC and Ag-NPC, and b pore size distribution of NPC and Ag-NPC
  • 
    a XRD patterns of the Ag-NPC composite and ZIF-8, b Raman spectra of Ag-NPC, and c TGA analysis of Ag-NPC and XRD pattern of the product
  • 
    a, b SEM micrograph of Ag-NPC, c elemental mapping of Ag-NPC, d, e TEM image of Ag-NPC, and f HRTEM of Ag NPs on the surface of NPC
  • 
    a XPS full spectra of Ag-NPC composite. The high-resolution XPS spectra of b Ag 3d and c N 1s
  • 
    Schematic diagram of Ag-NPC formation process
  • 
    Cyclic voltammogram of a NPC and b Ag-NPC electrode obtained at 0.1 mV s-1 in the potential window 0.01–3 V
  • 
    a Electrochemical impedance spectra, b the galvanostatic discharge-charge profiles at 100 mA g-1, and c the cycling properties and d rate capabilities of NPC and Ag-NPC
  • 
    Electrochemical impedance spectra in the 200th cycle of NPC and Ag-NPC
  • 
    a, b SEM micrographs and c elemental mapping of Ag-NPC after 200 cycles at 100 mA g-1

• Research Progress in Improving the Cycling Stability of High Voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Cathode in Lithium Ion Battery

  XiaoLong Xu1, SiXu Deng1, Hao Wang1,*, JingBing Liu1, Hui Yan1	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 22
  Published Online: 04 January 2017  (Review)
  DOI: 10.1007/s40820-016-0123-3

  • 
    a A schematic view of face-centered cubic (FCC, Fd3̅m), and b primitive simple cubic (SC, P4332) structure [17].
  • 
    Schematic illustration of the Li+ migration paths during electrochemical reaction of both a Fd3̅m and b P4332 structured LNMO [35].
  • 
    The cycling degradation mechanisms of high voltage LNMO cathodes [59].
  • 
    SEM images of a Cr doping and b Nb doping, c Rate cycle performance and d cycle performance of all samples. Nb-0.02: LiNb0.02Ni0.49Mn1.49O4, Nb-0.04: LiNb0.04Ni0.48Mn1.48O4, Cr-0.1: LiCr0.1Ni0.45Mn1.45O4, Cr-0.2: LiCr0.2Ni0.4Mn1.4O4 [70].
  • 
    NPD patterns of the Cr-doped spinel prepared at 700 °C [71].
  • 
    Schematic of ALD process on LNMO electrode composite [96].
  • 
    a XRD pattern of the C-LFP coated LNMO sample. The Bragg lines indexed are those of the spinel LNMO lattice, while the main lines of the LiFePO4 olivine are marked in red [100].
  • 
    Capacity versus cycle number for bare LMNO material and ALD coated LMNO material (12 ALD-layer coating, C/10 rate): a room temperature, b 45 °C [116].
  • 
    Galvanostatic cycle profiles of spinel phase LNMO cathodes with various concentrations of polyimide (PI) coating in half-cell assembly tested at 3.5-5 V vs. Li and a current density of 0.2 mA cm−2 at 55 °C [125].
  • 
    a TEM images of the LNMO-5 wt% PPy. b Nyquist plots of pristine LNMO and LNMO-5 wt% PPy electrodes before cycling and after cycling at 55 °C [141].
  • 
    Schematic illustrations of the coating layer to suppress the unfavorable interfacial side reactions between coating layer and electrolyte [4].
  • 
    Capacity retention of high-voltage solid-state and liquid-electrolyte lithium batteries. The cathode is LNMO cathode, and the anode is Li metal. Volume of electrolyte was normalized to the volume of the cathode. All cells were cycled under a rate of 5 C. Volume of the cathode: electrolyte are 1:309, 1:1340, 1:1649, and 1:4124 for Liquid battery 1 to 4 respectively. Solid-state battery electrolyte vol.: (Volume of the cathode: electrolyte =1:1) [152].
  • 
    Chemical structure of the baseline carbonate (EC and EMC), ethyl propyl ether (EPE), fluorinated cyclic carbonate (F-AEC), fluorinated linear carbonate (F-EMC), and fluorinated ether (F-EPE) [164].
  • 
    Schematic illustration of a protective SEI layer on the cathode surface, inhibiting further oxidative electrolyte decomposition and thus, lithium re-insertion [179].
  • 
    Refined lattice parameters of the undoped LNMO and doped LiNi0.5-xMn1.5-yMx+yO4 (M = Co, Cr, Ti; x + y = 0.05) spinel from neutron powder diffraction (NPD) data [71].

• Improving the Performance of PbS Quantum Dot Solar Cells by Optimizing ZnO Window Layer

  Xiaokun Yang1, 3, Long Hu1, Hui Deng1, Keke Qiao1, Chao Hu1, Zhiyong Liu2, Shengjie Yuan1, Jahangeer Khan1, Dengbing Li1, Jiang Tang1, Haisheng Song1,*, Chun Cheng3,*	Abstract| Support Infor Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 24
  Published Online: 04 January 2017 (Article)
  DOI: 10.1007/s40820-016-0124-2

  • 
    a Transmittance spectra (Inset: the Tauc plots of various thickness ZnO layers). b XRD patterns of ZnO films on ITO/glass substrate. ITO peaks are marked by black diamonds and ZnO peaks are identified by their Miller indices.
  • 
    a Schematic device structure. b Cross-section SEM image of ZnO-PbS QDs device. c Representative J-V characteristics. d EQE curves of devices with various ZnO film thickness.
  • 
    Statistics of device performance using various thickness of ZnO window layer (x = 30, 60, 90, and 150 nm): a Voc, b Jsc , c FF, d PCE. The solid squares represent the average values, and the horizontal lines in the box denote the 25 th, 50 th, and 75 th percentile values.
  • 
    a Logarithmic plots of dark J-V characteristics. b Capacitance-voltage measurement results and Mott-Shottky plots of ZnO-PbS QDs SCs based O-ZnO, the red and blue curves are represented C-V and C-2-V evolutions, respectively. c The AC impedance spectroscopy of the QDs SCs with various ZnO films. Insets indicate the equivalent circuit model (left) and intercept (right) with the horizontal axis, respectively.
  • 
    a Steady-state normalized PL spectra of various ZnO layers excited at 325 nm. b XPS survey spectra of the O 1s core level of C-ZnO film (30 nm) and O-ZnO (90 nm). Deconvoluted XPS spectra of c C-ZnO, and d O-ZnO.
  • 
    Schematic depletion region evolution as the effect of ZnO layer. a C-ZnO-PbS heterojuction, and b O-ZnO-PbS heterojunction QDSCs. Wn and Wp are the depletion region width of window and absorber layers, respectively.
  • 
    Thickness dependent electrical properties for varied thickness of ZnO layer.
  • 
    Device performance parameters obtained from Fig. 2c.
  • 
    Device performance parameters extracted from the Mott-Schttky analysis.

• A Facile Synthesis of ZnCo2O4Nanocluster Particles and the Performance as Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries

  Yue Pan1,2, Weijia Zeng1,Lin Li1, Yuzi Zhang3, Yingnan Dong2, Dianxue Cao1, Guiling Wang1,*, Brett L. Lucht2,*, Ke Ye1, Kui Cheng1	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 20
  Published Online: 26 December 2016 (Article)
  DOI: 10.1007/s40820-016-0122-4

  • 
    a TG-DTA of the precursor; b XRD of ZnCo2O4 NCPs.
  • 
    XPS spectra: O1s, Zn2p, Co2p and survey spectrum for the as-synthesized ZnCo2O4 NCPs.
  • 
    a SEM of the precursor. b SEM of ZnCo2O4 NCPs. c TEM of ZnCo2O4 NCPs. d HRTEM of ZnCo2O4 NCPs.
  • 
    The first three lithiation/delithiation curves of ZnCo2O4 NCPs.
  • 
    Cycling performance at 0.1 C for ZnCo2O4 NCPs.
  • 
    Rate performance of ZnCo2O4 NCPs electrode at various current densities.
  • 
    Cyclic Voltammograms of ZnCo2O4 NCPs electrode at a scan rate of 0.1 mV s-1.
  • 
    TEM image of ZnCo2O4 NCPs electrode after 100 cycles at 100 mA g-1.
  • 
    a Electrochemical impedance spectra of ZnCo2O4NCPs electrode after different cycles. b Equivalent electrical circuit used to fit the data of Fig. 9a.
  • 
    Illustration of the formation process of ZnCo2O4 NCPs.
  • 
    Impedance parameters of ZnCo2O4-Li after different cycles in the fully charged state.

• Formation of NiFe2O4/Expanded Graphite Nanocomposites with Superior Lithium Storage Properties

  Yinglin Xiao1,2, Jiantao Zai2, Bingbing Tian1,3,* and Xuefeng Qian2,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 34
  First Online: January 9, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0127-7

  • 
    Schematic illustration of possible formation mechanism of NiFe2O4/EG nanocomposite
  • 
    a XRD patterns and b TGA results for NiFe2O4 and NiFe2O4/EG
  • 
    TEM images of a NiFe2O4 and b NiFe2O4/EG and HRTEM image of NiFe2O4
  • 
    Cyclic voltammograms of NiFe2O4/EG nanocomposites for first five cycles between 3.00 and 0.01 V vs. Li, with scan rate of 0.5 mV s-1
  • 
    a Charge–discharge curves of NiFe2O4/EG at 0.1 A g-1, b cycling performances of NiFe2O4 and NiFe2O4/EG at current density of 1 A g-1, c cycling performance of NiFe2O4/EG at current density of 0.1 A g-1, and d rate capability of NiFe2O4/EG
  • 
    TEM images of NiFe2O4/EG nanocomposite after 120 discharge–charge processes
  • 
    Nyquist plots of NiFe2O4 and NiFe2O4/EG at 0.08 V vs. Li after five cycles

• Design and Synthesis of Cu@CuS Yolk-Shell Structures with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

  Qiuyan Li1, #, Fan Wang1,#, Linqiang Sun1, Zhe Jiang1, Tingting Ye1, Meng Chen1, Qiang Bai2, Chao Wang1, Xiguang Han1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 35
  First Online: January 26, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0135-7

  • 
    a Schematic illustration of the formation mechanism of cubic Cu@CuS yolk-shell structures.SEM images of b Cu2O solid cubes (the inset shows the corresponding enlarged image), c Cu2O@CuS yolk-shell structures, and d single-shell Cu@CuS yolk-shell structures. The insets in c and d show the corresponding TEM images.
  • 
    XRD patterns of a cubic Cu2O@CuS, b products after hydrochloric acid reaction, and c products after ammonia reaction
  • 
    a Typical TEM image of cubic CuS@Cu yolk-shell structures. b, c Different magnification of the TEM image of individual Cu@CuS yolk-shell structures. d HRTEM image taken from the shell of a Cu@CuS yolk-shell structure. e The corresponding SAED pattern
  • 
    SEM images of different morphologies of Cu2O before and after the sulfidation- disproportionation process: a octahedral shape, b truncated octahedral shape, and c cuboctahedral shape
  • 
    TEM images of Cu@CuS octahedrons at different magnifications
  • 
    a UV-Vis absorption spectra of MB as a function of the xenon lamp (simulated sunlight) irradiation time for Cu@Cu2O cubes. The inset shows the corresponding photographs of MB irradiated by a xenon lamp for different periods of time. b Photocatalytic degradation curves of MB over different photocatalysts. c Plot of ln(Ct/C0) as a function of time over different catalysts. d Cycle stability of Cu@Cu2O cubes
  • 
    Nyquist plots of CuS and Cu@CuS cube samples

• Synthesis of Hierarchical SnO2 Nanowire-TiO2 Nanorod Brushes Anchored to Commercially Available FTO-coated Glass Substrates

  Derek R. Miller1, Sheikh A. Akbar1,*, Pat A. Morris1	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 33
  First Online: January 24, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0136-6

  • 
    a FTO-coated glass slides showing growth from the slide to Au-coated while masked (left) to the nanowire-covered center (right). b Secondary electron image of surface covered in SnO2 nanowires. c Backscattered electron image of the same area, showing gold nanoparticle tips. d EDS spectrum of as-received FTO with the small fluorine bump denoted by an arrow. e XPS survey spectrum of as-received FTO showing the fluorine region of the as-received and SnO2 nanowires inset
  • 
    SnO2 nanowires grown on FTO at a 520 °C, b 620 °C, c 670 °C with no catalyst, and d from additional solution of FTO spin-coated onto the original thin film grown at 570 °C
  • 
    Hierarchical structure consisting of TiO2 nanorods grown radially from SnO2 nanowires anchored on FTO thin film-coated glass slides
  • 
    XRD patterns from: (bottom) TiO2 nanorod film grown hydrothermally directly on FTO; (middle) plain SnO2 nanowires grown from FTO via VLS; (top) SnO2 nanowire-TiO2 nanorod brushes synthesized via two-step VLS and hydrothermal process
  • 
    a TEM image of pristine SnO2 nanowire with inset SAED pattern showing a growth direction pointing toward the (502) reflection, whose plane normal corresponds to a [101] axis. b TEM image of SnO2-TiO2 brush with one plane of TiO2 nanorods growing at 33 degrees from perpendicular to the nanowire axis. Inset top right shows the [001] growth direction of the TiO2 nanorods and inset bottom left shows the faint reflections when an area including both the nanowires and nanorods is selected, showing that they have the same orientation. c An atomic model showing the epitaxial relationship of the angled nanorods growing from the SnO2 nanowire looking down the [010] zone axis

• Plasma Triggered Grain Coalescence for Self-Assembly of 3D Nanostructures

  Chunhui Dai1, Daeha Joung1, Jeong-Hyun Cho1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 27
  First Online: January 13, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0130-z

  • 
    Conceptual schematics and SEM images showing the grain coalescence and self-assembly of 3D nanostructures triggered by reactive ion etching (RIE). a-f The grain coalescence process of Sn thin film during RIE process. g-l Illustrations showing the origin of the extrinsic stress and surface tension force observed within the Sn film that causes the g-i discontinuous frame to fold up or j-l the continuous film to curve up
  • 
    SEM images of the grain coalescence after a 4 min 30 s RIE process with varying power (40, 120, and 200 W) and ratio of O2 over CF4 (O2/CF4 = 0.42, 1.25, and 2.50). The pressure and CF4 flow rate are fixed to be 100 mTorr and 12 sccm, respectively. A series of oxygen flow rates of 5, 15, and 30 sccm was applied to change the ratio of O2 over CF4. The value of quantified grain coalescence, vertical etch rate, and horizontal etch rate of each sample was labelled as γg (a.u.), V (nm min-1), and H (nm min-1), respectively. The scale bars are 100 nm.
  • 
    Experimental results of the variation of a vertical etch rate, and b horizontal etch rate in the RIE process with varying power (40, 120, and 200 W) and varying ratio of O2 over CF4 (0.42, 1.25, 2.50). The pressure and CF4 flow rate are fixed to be 100 mTorr and 12 sccm respectively. Oxygen flow rates of 5, 15, and 30 sccm are utilized to control the ratio of oxygen over CF4
  • 
    a Quantified grain coalescence in a RIE process with varying power (40, 120, and 200 W) and varying ratio of O2 over CF4 (0.42, 1.25, 2.50). The pressure and CF4 flow rate are fixed to be 100 mTorr and 12 sccm, respectively. Oxygen flow rates of 5, 15, and 30 sccm are utilized to control the ratio of oxygen over CF4. b The relationship between the grain coalescence and both the vertical and the horizontal etch rates
  • 
    SEM images of self-assembly of 3D nanostructures with different oxygen flow rates. A pressure of 100 mTorr, power of 120 W, CF4 flow rate of 12 sccm, and an etching time of 4 min 30 s were used. a At an oxygen flow rate of 30 sccm, the structures were not able to be folded due to the low etch rate. b At an oxygen flow rate of 15 sccm, the nanostructures are uniformly folded with an angle of 45° based on the stress generated in the moderate grain coalescence. c At oxygen flow rate of 5 sccm, considerable heat generation and grain coalescence does not contribute to fully folded structures. Only parts of the panels get folded more than 90°.
  • 
    Experimental results and SEM images. a The ratio of vertical etch rate over horizontal etch rate in a RIE system with fixed pressure of 100 mTorr and various power and gas flow rate ratio. The effect of etch rate ratio on self-assembly of b cubic structures with a fixed power of 120 W and c tube structures with a fixed power of 150 W. The six data points in b and c correspond to the labeled points ① - ⑥ in a. d-f The zoom in image of the insets of c with schematic illustration. A thin layer of Au (~3 nm) is coated on top of tube structures for imaging. The scale bar is 200 nm.

• Nitrogen-doped Carbon Nanotube Supported Pd Catalyst for Improved Electrocatalytic Performance towards Ethanol Electrooxidation

  Ying Wei1, Xinyuan Zhang1, Zhiyong Luo2, Dian Tang1, Changxin Chen3, Teng Zhang1,*, Zailai Xie2,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett.(2017) 9: 28
  First Online: January 7, 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0129-5

  • 
    Cyclic voltammograms for different catalysts in 1 M KOH solution.
  • 
    Cyclic voltammograms for different catalysts in 1 M KOH solution containing 1 M ethanol.
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    CO-stripping voltammograms for a Pd/HTC-CNTs, b Pd/HTC- N1.67%CNTs, and c Pd/HTC-N0.86%CNTs in 1 M KOH solution, d cyclic voltammograms of different catalysts in 1 M KOH containing 1 M ethanol (in Fig. 2), normalized by EAS.
  • 
    a Chronoamperometric curves for different catalysts, recorded at -0.3 V in 1 M KOH solution containing 1 M ethanol, b chronoamperometric curves for different catalysts, recorded at -0.25 V in 1 M KOH solution containing 1 M methanol, c peak current densities for different catalysts, recorded in 1 M KOH solution containing 1 M ethanol, as a function of the cycle number.
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    XRD patterns of different catalysts.
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    TEM images of a Pd/HTC-CNTs, b Pd/HTC-N1.67%CNTs, c Pd/HTC-N0.86%CNTs; d, e, and f are the size distribution images for a, b, and c, respectively. HRTEM images of g Pd/HTC-CNTs, h Pd/HTC-N1.67%CNTs, i Pd/HTC-N0.86%CNTs.
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    a XPS spectra of Pd/HTC-N0.86%CNTs, Pd/HTC-N1.67%CNTs, and Pd/HTC-CNTs in Pd 3d region, and b N1s spectra of Pd/HTC-N0.86%CNTs and Pd/HTC-N1.67%CNTs.
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    Raman spectra of HTC-N0.86%CNTs, HTC-N1.67%CNTs, and HTC-CNTs supports.
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    XPS spectra of Pd/CNTs and Pd/HTC-CNTs in Pd 3d region.

• Low-dimensional Halide Perovskites and Their Advanced Optoelectronic Applications

  Jian Zhang1, Xiaokun Yang1, Hui Deng1, Keke Qiao1, Umar Farooq1, Muhammad Ishaq1, Fei Yi2, Huan Liu2, Jiang Tang1, Haisheng Song1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 36
  First Online: 09 November 2016 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0137-5

  • 
    Perovskite structure and solar cell efficiencies. a Perovskites possess the general crystal structure ABX3. The most prevalent perovskite in optoelectronic devices is MA lead trihalide, for which A = CH3NH3, B = Pb, and X = Cl, Br or I. b Best research-cell efficiencies. Adapted image reproduced from NREL [6].
  • 
    Synthesis of CH3NH3PbBr3 QDs. Schematic illustration of the reaction system a and precursors b. c Optical image of colloidal CH3NH3PbBr3 solution. d Schematic illustration for the formation of the CH3NH3PbBr3 QDs. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [27, 34].
  • 
    Colloidal CsPbX3 perovskite NCs (X = Cl, Br, I) exhibit size- and composition-tunable bandgaps covering the entire visible spectral region with narrow and bright emission: a Colloidal solutions in toluene under UV lamp (λ = 365 nm) excitation. b Representative PL spectra. c Typical optical absorption and PL spectra. d Time-resolved PL decays for all samples shown in c except CsPbCl3. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [37].
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    One-step growth of perovskite NWs. a, b Slip-coating fabrication process of filiform halide perovskite and their optical image. c, f Roll-to-Roll printing for perovskite NWs thin film. d EISA method to fabricate aligned perovskite NWs. e Selective area deposition of perovskite NWs. g SEM image of NWs webs. f Transmittance spectra of NWs webs evolved with the precursor concentrations. Inset showed a photograph of semitransparent NWs networks from 30 wt% concentration. h Transmittance evolved with OTP precusor concentrations. i, j Full-inorganic CsPbBr3 NWs synthesized by one-step method and their typical optical absorption and PL spectra (j). Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [49, 52, 57–59].
  • 
    Two-step method for perovskite NW growth. a SEM images of vertically aligned CsPbBr3 NWs with a rectangular cross-section. b HRTEM and FFT images of a CsPbBr3 NWs. c Fluorescence decay kinetics of MAPbI3 NWs. d Conductivity improvement of the in-plane perovskite NWs. e SEM image of CH3NH3PbBr3 nanorod array. f, g Typical absorption and PL spectra of CH3NH3PbBr3 nanorod arrays. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [30, 63].
  • 
    Template method for perovskite NWs: Pb-containing precursor template a method for perovskite NWs (b, c). AAO template for perovskite NWs. d Photograph of a ∼9 × 9 cm2 NW arrays. e Cross-sectional SEM images of perovskite NWs. Scale bar is 500 nm. f Average τc for different diameter NWs. g Extension of carrier lifetime as the decrease of NW diameter. h, i Nanofluidic channel template growth. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [68, 70, 71].
  • 
    a Single-crystalline organometal halide perovskite nanoplatelets were synthesized by a one-pot method. Inset was the photo of the achieved colloidal perovskite nanoplatelet solution. b TEM images and selected area diffraction pattern of MAPbBr3 nanoplatelets. c X-ray diffraction of MAPbBr3 nanoplatelet film. d PL spectra of MAPbBr3 nanoplatelets in toluene solution and solid state. Inset, the optical images of MAPbBr3 nanoplatelets in toluene solution and in solid-state thin film under ambient light (left) and UV irradiation (right). e Schematic drawing of the nanoplatelet synthesis setup using a home-built vapor-transport system. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [76].
  • 
    Chemical-vapor-deposited methylammonium lead halide perovskite nanoplatelets. a Schematic figure of crystal structures of CH3NH3PbI3-aXa (X = I, Br, Cl). Morphological and electronic band-edge characterizations of CH3NH3PbI3 b, CH3NH3PbI3-aBra c, and CH3NH3PbI3-aCla d nanoplatelets. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [24].
  • 
    Reaction temperature influence on colloidal CsPbBr3 synthesis. 8–10 nm nanocubes were formed at 150 °C a, 20 nm nanoplates from 130 °C b reaction and 90 °C c reaction yielded several-hundred-nanometer scale lamellar nanostructures. Scale bar is 50 nm. d Absorption (solid lines) and emission (dashed lines) spectra of NPLs and nanocubes for comparison. e Colloidal solution of anion-exchanged NPLs in hexane under UV illumination (λ = 365 nm). f Inorganic perovskite PL peaks evolved with their anions. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [75]
  • 
    a–c Emissions of QLED devices utilizing different QD sizes. d The EL (solid line) and the PL spectra (dashed line) of samples shown in (a–c). e CIE coordinates of the three color QLEDs (circular) compared to the NTSC color standards (star). Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [90].
  • 
    Device characteristics of visible PeLEDs. a Absorption (black), normalized EL (solid line in green) and PL (dashed line in green) spectra of CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite. EL spectrum of mixed halide perovskite is shown in red. b Luminance (black) and current density (red) versus voltage characteristics of the green PeLED. c EQE versus voltage characteristics of the green PeLED. d EQE versus current density of the green PeLED. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [96].
  • 
    Illustration of multilayer PeLED device. a Device structure. b Cross-sectional TEM image of multiple layers with distinct contrast. Scale bar is 50 nm. c Flat-band energy level diagram. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [90].
  • 
    Perovskite NW solar cells: a, b SEM image of NWs from a one-step method and its corresponding J–V curve. Two-step-method grown NWs and corresponding device performances. c, d Top-view and cross-section of NWs films. e, f J–V and IPCE curves of NW solar cells. The scale bar is 1 m. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [52, 63].
  • 
    SEM, J–V, and EQE measurements for perovskite solar cells. a Cross-section SEM image of the device. The comparison of SEM surface images of FAPbI3-based layer formed on mp-TiO2 by IEP b and conventional method c. d J–V curves of best device measured in reverse and forward modes, and e EQE spectra for best device and integrated JSC. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [101].
  • 
    a One-step deposition. b Two-step sequential deposition. c Dual-source coevaporation. d Sequential vapor deposition. e Vapor-assisted solution growth process. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [18, 105–107].
  • 
    Perovskite NW photodetectors: Slip-coating-based NWs PDs. a Dark and laser illuminated I–V curves. b Time-resolved photoresponse. EISA-method-based device performances. c I–t curves. d High-resolution scan to one cycle of I–t curves. Doctor-blading-based NW PDs. e Wavelength-dependent photoresponsivity of the CH3NH3PbI3 MW array-based photodetectors. f Photocurrent versus light intensity curves. g Variation of dark current/photocurrent with day of photodetector based on OTP MW arrays. h Perovskite MW PD arrays for light source mapping. NW-web-based PDs for imaging. i–j Flexibility performances. k–m NW network PD arrays for imaging. n, o Encapsulation could help to improve the device stability. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [49, 52, 60].
  • 
    Perovskite NWs lasers. a–f SEM image and nanolaser performances from MAPbX3 NWs. g A set of dark field images of a IOP MW waveguide. Scale bar is 10 µm. h–i FAPbX3 NW laser performances. j–l Full-inorganic halide perovskite NW lasers. Adapted image reproduced with permission of Ref. [67, 119, 128, 129].

• Effect of rGO Coating on Interconnected Co3O4 Nanosheets and Improved Supercapacitive Behavior of Co3O4/rGO/NF Architecture

  Tinghui Yao1, Xin Guo1, Shengchun Qin1, Fangyuan Xia1, Qun Li1, Yali Li1, Qiang Chen2, Junshuai Li1,*, Deyan He1,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 38
  First Online: 26 January 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0141-9

  • 
    Schematic of the synthesis procedures of Co3O4/rGO/NF (top) and Co3O4/NF (bottom)
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    XRD patterns of a Co(OH)2/rGO/NF and b rGO/NF, Co3O4/NF, and Co3O4/rGO/NF. c Micro-Raman spectra of rGO/NF, Co3O4/NF, and Co3O4/rGO/NF composites
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    Top-view SEM images of a rGO/NF, b Co3O4/NF, and c Co3O4/rGO/NF. d N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms of Co3O4/rGO/NF and Co3O4/NF. The inset in d shows the pore size distribution of both samples
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    a Low- and b high-magnification TEM images, c SAED patterns of a Co3O4 nanosheet taken from Co3O4/rGO/NF. d STEM image, and elemental mapping images of e and f Co and g O
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    a CV curves of NF, rGO/NF, Co3O4/NF, and Co3O4/rGO/NF composites at 3 mV s-1. b Charge-discharge curves of NF, rGO/NF, Co3O4/NF, and Co3O4/rGO/NF composites at 5 mA cm-2. Charge-discharge curves of c Co3O4/NF and d Co3O4/rGO/NF at different current densities. e Cycling performance of Co3O4/rGO/NF at a current density of 7 A g-1 (the inset is a top-view SEM image of Co3O4/rGO/NF after the 3000 cycles shown in (e). f Nyquist plots of Co3O4/rGO/NF and Co3O4/NF

• 2D MOF Nanoflake-Assembled Spherical-Micro-Structures for Enhanced Supercapacitor and Electrocatalysis Performances

  Huicong Xia1, Jianan Zhang1,2,*, Zhao Yang1, Shiyu Guo1, Shihui Guo3, Qun Xu1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 43
  First Online: 14 February 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0144-6

  • 
    Schematic illustration of the synthesis of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes and Ni-MOF nanoflakes.
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    a SEM images of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes. b, c TEM images of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes. d Large-magnified TEM and SAED patterns of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes. e XRD patterns of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes, Ni-MOF nanoflakes, and ZIF-67. f STEM-energy-dispersed spectroscopy (EDS) mapping of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes.
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    a Ni 2p XPS spectra and b Co 2p spectra of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes. c TGA of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes and Ni-MOF nanoflakes. d FT-IR spectra of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes, Ni-MOF nanoflakes, and 2-methylimidazole.
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    a Cyclic voltammograms of as-prepared Ni/Co-MOF nanoflake electrodes at different scan rates in 1 M LiOH solution. b Galvanostatic charge/discharge curves of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes at various currents in 1 M LiOH solution. c Galvanostatic charge/discharge curves comparison of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes, ZIF-67, and Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes at various current densities in 1 M LiOH solution. d Specific capacitances of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes, Ni-MOF nanoflakes, and ZIF-67 electrodes at 0.5 A g-1. e Cycling performance of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes at a current density of 2 A g-1. f Galvanostatic charge/discharge curves of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflake supercapacitor before and after 2000 cycles measured at 2 A g-1.
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    a CV curves in Ar-saturated (solid curves) and O2-saturated (dashed curves) solutions with a sweep rate of 50 mV s-1. b RDE polarization curves of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes at different rotation speeds. Scan rate: 10 mV s-1. c Koutecky-Levich plots of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes at various potentials. d RDE polarization curves of samples at a rotation rate of 1600 rpm. Scan rate: 10 mV s-1.
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    a Chronoamperometric responses of Ni/Co-MOF nanoflakes in O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH solution (1600 rpm) without and with 3 M methanol (added at 600 s). b Stability evaluation at -0.1 V and a rotation speed of 1600 rpm.

• Regulating Charge and Exciton Distribution in High-Performance Hybrid White Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with n-Type Interlayer Switch

  Dongxiang Luo1, Yanfeng Yang1, Ye Xiao1, Yu Zhao1, Yibin Yang1, Baiquan Liu2,3,*	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2017) 9: 37
  First Online: 26 January 2017 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-017-0138-4

  • 
    (a) SEM image of a 100 um long stripe sample. The arrow shows the motion direction of electrons under test; (b) Plot of the failure current densities of Pd stripes; (c) Failure current densities of Sc stripes; (d) Failure current densities of Y stripes.
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    (a)-(d) Resistivity versus time under increasing working current in Pd, Sc, Y and Au stripes, respectively. The environment temperature is kept at 300 K.
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    (a)-(d) SEM images of the same Pd stripe (2.42 um wide, 300 um long) before and after it has been running a working current for long time. (a) original morphology; (b) after running a current of 11 mA (corresponding to a current density of 5.93 MA/cm2) for 4 hours; (c) after subsequently running a working current of 15 mA (corresponding to a current density of 8.09 MA/cm2) for 1 more hour, causing break at the center of the stripe; (d) A close look at the broken region as highlighted in (c), showing melting-like morphology.
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    The surface morphology change of a Pd stripe (2.42 um wide, 300 um long) before and after it is broken at the central region after running a working current of density of 5.93 MA/cm2 for 4 hours then 8.09 MA/cm2 for 1 hour. (a)- (b) The same Pd strip at the cathode region. (c)- (d) The same Pd strip at the anode region.
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    Morphology changes in Sc (a & b), Y (c), and Au (d & e) stripes before and after failure of the sample. Electromigration induced voids can clearly be seen in Y (c) and Au stripes (d & e) after the failure occurs. For the Sc stripe (a & b), it has been running a working current of 9.3 mA (corresponding to a current density of 5.47 MA/cm2) for 5 hours. For the Au stripe (d & e), it has been running a working current of 31.5 mA (corresponding to a current density of 30.8 MA/cm2) for 0.3 hours.