Volume 11, (2019)

• A Floatable Piezo-Photocatalytic Platform Based on Semi-Embedded ZnO Nanowire Array for High-Performance Water Decontamination

  Yaozhong Zhang1, *, Xiaolu Huang2, Junghoon Yeom2, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 11
  First Online: 24 January 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0241-9

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    Schematic of the proposed two-step fabrication process of the vertically aligned ZnO NW array on a polymer substrate. a A ZnO NW array was vertically grown on the glass slide via the hydrothermal synthesis, b a certain amount of a PDMS solution was spin-casted onto the ZnO NW array and thermally cured afterward, c a PET film was brought into intimate contact with the PDMS film, d the PDMS/PET stack was detached from the glass slide simultaneously, e the PDMS/PET layer became flat owing to the recovery of the PET film, f the ZnO NW array embedded in the PDMS film was re-grown to a desired length via the same hydrothermal process, g the ZP film obtained after the PET film was removed from the PDMS film, h the photograph of the as-prepared ZP film (1×1 in2). Scale bar: 1 in
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    SEM images of the ZnO NW array (a-b) on the glass substrate after the first growth, (c-d) on PDMS after the secondary growth, e on the PDMS substrate (~300 μm in thickness) before the secondary growth, and f directly grown on the PDMS substrate, g the size (diameter) distribution of the ZnO NW array after the first and second growth. Scale bar: a-d 50 μm in the large view and 3 μm in the inset, e 20 μm in the large view and 5 μm in the inset, f 50 μm in the large view and 5 μm in the inset
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    a-b TEM images of the ZnO NWs on a ZP film, (insert b) the electron diffraction (SEAD) pattern. Scale bar: a 50 nm, b 10 nm
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    a XRD patterns of the ZnO NW array, b photoluminescence spectrum of the ZnO NW array
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    a, b Photographs and schematics of the tape test on a ZP film (1×1 in2) and direct ZnO-NW-array growth film (1×1 in2). c, dPhotographs of a ZP film wrapped on a finger and stretched to more than 50% of the original length, respectively. e, f SEM images of a ZP film after tape test and other chemical and mechanical tests. Scale bar: c-e 1 in, e-f 50 μm in the large view and 1 μm in the inset
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    a Degradation profiles of the MB dye (at 667 nm) in four consecutive cycles, b photodegradation kinetics of the MB dye in four consecutive cycles, c constant k
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    Degradation profiles of the MB dye (at 667 nm) a before/after the secondary growth and b with/without magnetic stirring
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    Schematics of a a ZP film attached to a glass rod and b floating ZP film. Degradation profiles of the MB dye (at 667 nm) c without UV light irradiation and d with UV light irradiation
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    Schematics of the piezo-photocatalytic mechanism
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    a UV-Vis spectrum of the crude oil, b degradation profiles of the crude oil (at 288 and 293 nm). Photographs of the crude oil c before photodegradation and d after photodegradation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Comprehensive Application of Graphene: Emphasis on Biomedical Concerns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volume 10, Issue 4 (2018)

• Mesoporous SiO2 Nanoparticles: A Unique Platform Enabling Sensitive Detection of Rare Earth Ions with Smartphone Camera

  Xinyan Dai1, †, Kowsalya D. Rasamani1, †, Feng Hu1, Yugang Sun1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 55
  First Online: 06 May 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0208-2

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    Schematic illustration of the major steps of the protocol for sensitive detection of Eu3+ ions from diluted solutions relying on the synergy of “concentration effect” and “antenna effect”
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    a TEM image and b size distribution histogram of the synthesized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs)
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    EDX elemental mapping images of a overlaid Si, O and Eu elements, b Si, c O, and d Eu for SiO2/Eu(III)/phen nanoparticles. The scale bars represent 250 nm. The red circles in (b-d) highlight the same nanoparticle.
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    a A digital photo of various solution samples under an UV lamp with a wavelength of 302 nm. Each sample represents 400 uL ethanolic solution (or dispersion) of the corresponding nanoparticles confined in PDMS pockets. The samples in the top row are 1 mM EuCl3 solution and SiO2/Eu (III) nanoparticle dispersion with Eu3+ ions adsorbed from 1 mM EuCl3 solution. The bottom row shows the SiO2/Eu(III)/phen nanoparticle dispersions Eu3+ ions adsorbed from EuCl3 solutions with concentrations from 100 nM to 1 mM (from left to right). b Quantized red emission intensities of various samples shown in a

• Bi Nanoparticles Anchored in N-Doped Porous Carbon as Anode of High Energy Density Lithium Ion Battery

  Yaotang Zhong1, Bin Li1, Shumin Li1, Shuyuan Xu1, Zhenghui Pan1, Qiming Huang1, 2, Lidan Xing1, 2, Chunsheng Wang3,*, Weishan Li1, 2,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 56
  First Online: 10 May 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0209-1

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    Lithium storage performances of various metals in comparison to graphite
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    Schematic illustration of the formation process of Bi@NC
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    a XRD pattern, b FTIR spectrum, and c, d SEM images of ZIF-8 precursors
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    a XRD pattern, b SEM, c TEM, and d HRTEM and SAED images of Zn@NC
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    a XRD pattern, b SEM, c TEM, HRTEM, and d SAED images of Bi@NC
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    a Cyclic voltammograms and b charge-discharge curves of Bi@NC; comparisons of c cyclic stability, d coulombic efficiency, and e rate capabilities of Bi@NC, Bi@C, and bare Bi
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    CV characteristics of a Bi@NC, b Bi@C and c bare Biat scanning rates ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 mV s-1. d Linear relations of anodic peak currents (ip) vs. the square roots of scanning rate (υ)
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    XRD patterns revealing a structural and chemical evolution and b corresponding mechanism of the Bi@NC electrode

• Hybrid Field-Effect Transistors and Photodetectors Based on Organic Semiconductor and CsPbI3 Perovskite Nanorods Bilayer Structure

  Yantao Chen2, Xiaohan Wu2, Yingli Chu2, Jiachen Zhou2, Bilei Zhou2, Jia Huang1, 2, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 57
  First Online: 28 May 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0210-8

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    a TEM image, b HRTEM image, and c XRD patterns of CsPbI3 nanorods. d AFM image of the CsPbI3 nanorod film. The inset image presents a height profile of the film surface. e UV–Vis absorption spectra of CsPbI3 nanorods, C8BTBT, and C8BTBT/CsPbI3 nanorod films. f Energy level diagrams of C8BTBT and CsPbI3 nanorods
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    a Schematic diagram of the C8BTBT/CsPbI3 nanorod based phototransistor. ID–VD transistor characteristics of the hybrid phototransistor under a fixed illumination power intensity: b in the dark state and c under a white-light illumination of 10 mW cm-2. d Transfer characteristics (VD = -30 V) under different illumination power densities. e Photocurrent as a function of the illumination power density for different gate voltages
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    a Shift of the threshold voltage of the hybrid phototransistor as a function of the illumination power density. b Schematic of the photo generated carrier transport in the hybrid phototransistor under illumination
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    a Responsivity of the hybrid phototransistor as a function of the gate voltage for different illumination power densities. b Illumination power density dependence of the responsivity at VG = -60 V, VD = -30 V. c Iphoto/Idark ratio as a function of the gate voltage for different illumination power densities. d Illumination-power-density dependence of the Iphoto/Idark ratio at VG = -60 V, VD = -30 V. e Photo-switching characteristics of the hybrid phototransistor under an alternating dark and light illumination (0.5 mW cm-2) at VG = -30 V, VD = -30 V. f Transfer curves of the fresh hybrid phototransistor and device stored at an atmospheric environment (average temperature of 0 °C and average relative humidity of 50%) for one month

• Controllable Vapor Growth of Large-Area Aligned CdSxSe1-x Nanowires for Visible Range Integratable Photodetectors

  Muhammad Shoaib1, Xiaoxia Wang1, Xuehong Zhang1, Qinglin Zhang1, Anlian Pan1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 58
  First Online: 03 June 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0211-7

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    Growth schematic for the in-plane directional CdSxSe1−x NWs. a M-plane sapphire substrate surface before annealing. b M-plane substrate surface with V-shape grooves after high temperature annealing. c-d VLS growth of NWS along the pre-defined Au catalyst patterns
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    Morphology characterization of the directional CdSxSe1-x NWs. a SEM images of the as-grown CdSxSe1-x NWs along the pre-defined photolithography line-patterned Au catalyst. b High-magnification SEM images of the as-grown samples, showing strong horizontal alignment of the NWs along the substrate. c SEM images of the CdSxSe1-x NWs grown along the pre-defined catalytic nanoparticles by EBL. d AFM images of the directional CdSxSe1-x NWs, inset shows the size profile of the NW of the dashed line marked position in d.
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    Optical properties of the in-plane directional CdSxSe1-x NWs. a Tunable PL spectra of the as-grown CdSxSe1-x NWs with the emission wavelength shifts from 510 nm (pure CdS) to 710 nm (pure CdSe). b Composition-dependent bandgap energy and the corresponding emission wavelength of the as-grown CdSxSe1-x NWs. c The schematic diagram of the CdSxSe1-x NW waveguide and the corresponding real-color images of single CdS, CdS0.8Se0.2, CdS0.24Se0.76, and CdSe NWs, respectively
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    I-V curves of the in-plane directional CdSxSe1-x NWs. a Schematic diagram of the typical PD. b-e Representative I-V characteristics of the as-grown CdSxSe1-x (x = 1, 0.8. 0.24, 0) directional NW PDs under dark and light illumination with different power intensities (laser wavelength: 405 nm) at room temperature; Insets show the corresponding SEM images of the as-fabricated PDs. f Light intensity dependent photocurrent values for the CdSxSe1-x NW PDs
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    Photodetection properties of the directional CdSxSe1-x NWs. a The responsivity of the CdSxSe1-x nanowire PDs. b Plot of quantum efficiency of the CdSxSe1-x PDs. c Time-resolved response of the device under light intensity 49.03 mW cm-2 at a voltage of 1 V. d On/off photocurrent response and corresponding enlarged portions of the rise in response and reset process of CdS0.8Se0.2 nanowires under excitation of 405 nm with a power intensity of 9.69 mW cm-2

• Highly Reversible Li–Se Batteries with Ultra-Lightweight N,S-Codoped Graphene Blocking Layer

  Xingxing Gu1,*, Lingbao Xin2, Yang Li3, Fan Dong1, Min Fu1, Yanglong Hou4,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 59
  First Online: 13 June 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0213-5

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    N,S-G membrane as an interlayer for trapping polyselenides
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    a XRD patterns of GO and N,S-G; b Raman spectra of GO and N,S-G
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    a XPS spectrum of N,S-G and high-resolution b C 1s, c N 1s, and d S 2p spectra
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    TEM images of a GO, b N,S-G; SEM images of N,S-G membrane in c top view and d side view and e the free-standing N,S-G membrane
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    CV curves of the first three cycles for Li–Se batteries a with and b without N,S-G interlayer at a scan rate of 0.1 mV s−1; galvanostatic charge/discharge voltage profiles of Li–Se batteries c with and d without N,S-G interlayer at 1 C between 1.5 and 3.0 V
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    a Rate performance of Li–Se cells with and without N,S-G interlayer; b long-term cycling performance of Li–Se cells with and without N,S-G interlayer
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    a Digital photographs of polyselenide adsorption by N,S-G interlayers; high-resolution b Se 3d and c S 2p XPS spectra of N,S-G interlayer after 500 discharge cycles
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    Z as a function of ω−1/2 in the low-frequency region

• Enhanced Performance of a Monolayer MoS2/WSe2 Het-erojunction as a Photoelectrochemical Cathode

  Jingwei Xiao1, Yu Zhang1, *, Huanjun Chen1, Ningsheng Xu1, Shaozhi Deng1	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 60
  First Online: 13 June 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0212-6

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    Schematic of a the MoS2/WSe2 heterojunction and b PEC device and measurement
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    a Optical image of monolayer MoS2/WSe2 heterojunction (dashed in white triangle). The white dots marked in the optical image are the spots where the spectra are accumulated (scale bar is 30 m). b AFM scanning showing thickness of surface of MoS2/WSe2 heterojunction and line scan profile (scale bar is 4 m). c, d Raman intensity map of the WSe2 E2g1 mode (green) and MoS2 E2g1 mode (red) in heterostructure, corresponding to black dashed square area in Fig. 2a (scale bar is 5 m). e, f Raman and PL spectra of monolayer MoS2 (black line), WSe2 (green line) and MoS2/WSe2 heterojunction (red line)
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    a PEC current density vs. voltage (J-V) curves of MoS2/WSe2 heterojunction (red), monolayer WSe2 (green), and monolayer MoS2 (black) under the same white light illumination condi-tions. b Current response curves for the three samples under 1 V external bias with illumina-tion an interval of 10 s. c PEC currents of monolayer MoS2/WSe2 heterojunction (red dots) and WSe2 (green dots) at different wavelengths. d IPCE of MoS2/WSe2 heterojunction (red dots line) and WSe2 (green dots line)
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    Absorption spectra of MoS2/WSe2 heterojunction (red curve), monolayer WSe2 (green curve) and monolayer MoS2 (black curve)
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    a Energy band position of monolayer MoS2 and WSe2 compared with redox potentials for water splitting. b MoS2/WSe2 heterojunction formed a type II band alignment. When illumi-nated, photo-generated electrons are transferred from valence band to conduction band and the built-in electric field helps to separate excitons

• Visualizing Photodynamic Therapy in Transgenic Zebrafish Using Organic Nanoparticles with Aggregation-Induced Emission

  Purnima Naresh Manghnani1, Wenbo Wu1, Shidang Xu1, Fang Hu1, Cathleen Teh2, Bin Liu1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 61
  First Online: 26 January 2018 (Communication)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0214-4

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    Nanoprecipitation of AIE photosensitizer PPDCT with DSPE-mPEG2000
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    a UV-Visible absorption (solid line) and photoluminescence (PL, dashed line) spectra of PPDCT-DSPE-mPEG NPs.b Number size distribution of PPDCT-DSPE-mPEG NPs. c TEM image of PPDCT-DSPE-mPEG NPs. d Absorbance decay of 64 µM ABDA in the presence of PPDCT NPs over 10 min of 0.15 W cm-2 white light
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    a Confocal image of HepG2 cells incubated with PPDCT NPs. b Cellular internalization of PPDCT NPs confirmed using flow cytometry. c MTT viability assay of HepG2 cells treated with PPDCT NPs and 0.15 W cm-2 white light (WL 0, 45, and 90 J cm-2). d Whole zebrafish embryo soaking viability for treatment with different PPDCT NP concentrations
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    a Confocal image of fli:EGFP zebrafish larva injected intravenously with 0.8 mg mL-1 PPDCT NPs. b Uptake and breakdown of NPs over time span of 96 h in the liver and caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT) of fli:EGFP zebrafish liver. c Confocal image of EGFP:krasV12 zebrafish larva injected intravenously with 0.8 mg mL-1 PPDCT NPs. d Uptake and breakdown of NPs over time span of 96 h in the liver and CHT of EGFP:krasV12zebrafish liver. Confocal λex = 488 nm, Green fluorescent protein λem = 509 nm, PPDCT λem = 660 nm
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    Change in liver tumor volume for control group: a without injection or illumination (-/-), and b with injection and without illumination (-/+)c without injection and with illumination (+/-). Change in liver tumor volume for group injected with NPs on 7 dpf and treated: d with 135 J cm-2 of illumination 9 dpf, and e with 270 J cm-2 of illumination of 9 dpf. f Graph depicting the percentage of tumor volume change on 10 dpf relative to the volume on 9 dpf before light treatment for all 5 groups, n = 14; Confocal λex = 488 nm, Green fluorescent protein λem = 509 nm, PPDCT λem = 660 nm
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    Changes in normalized tumor volume of larvae subjected to different days of light illumination; 0 dpi depicts 7 dpf larvae immediately after intravenous injection. 0 Day Therapy (0 DT) refers to WL illumination on 0 dpi. n= 7

• MoS2 Nanosheets Arrays Rooted on Hollow rGO Spheres as Bifunctional Hydrogen Evolution Catalyst and Supercapacitor Electrode

  Shizheng Zheng1, Lijun Zheng1, Zhengyou Zhu1, Jian Chen1, Jianli Kang2, Zhulin Huang3, Dachi Yang1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 62
  First Online: 18 June 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0215-3

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    Schematic illustration of the synthetic process of h-rGO@MoS2
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    The SEM and TEM images of a the SiO2 sphere templates, b SiO2@GO, and c SiO2@GO@MoS2. d SEM images of the h-rGO@MoS2 spheres. e EDS elemental mapping results of the h-rGO@MoS2 spheres. C arises from rGO, Mo and S arises from MoS2. f TEM image of h-rGO@MoS2, and g the HRTEM image of the white area in (f) showing several sheets of MoS2
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    a XRD spectra of h-rGO, pristine MoS2, and h-rGO@MoS2. b N2 adsorption–desorption curves of h-rGO, pristine MoS2, and h-rGO@MoS2. The corresponding specific surface areas are given in the top left corner. c Raman spectra of pristine MoS2 and h-rGO@MoS2 measured with 532 nm excitation. d Survey spectra of pristine MoS2 and h-rGO@MoS2. e, f The high-resolution Mo 3d and S 2p XPS spectra of pristine MoS2 and h-rGO@MoS2
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    a Polarization curves of bare GC, h-rGO, pristine MoS2, h-rGO@MoS2, and commercial 20% Pt/C in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte at 5 mV s−1, and b the corresponding Tafel plots of electrocatalysts in (a). c EIS plots of pristine MoS2 and h-rGO@MoS2 from 10-2 to 105 Hz. d The electrochemical double-layer capacitances of h-rGO@MoS2 ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 V at various scan rates (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mV s-1) in 0.5 M H2SO4. e The capacitive current at 0.20 V as a function of scan rate for pristine MoS2 and h-rGO@MoS2 in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte. f Polarization curves of the h-rGO@MoS2 electrocatalysts initially and after 1000 and 2000 cycles in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte
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    a CV curves of h-rGO@MoS2 electrode at various sweep rates (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 mV s-1) in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. b Galvanostatic curves of h-rGO@MoS2 at various current densities (0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 A g-1). c Capacitance retention property of h-rGO@MoS2 and MoS2 at sweep rates from 5 to 200 mV s-1. d Cycle stability and capacitance retention of the h-rGO@MoS2 electrode tested at a scan rate of 100 mV s-1; the inset shows the CV curves for the 1st, 500th, 1000th, 2000th, and 3000th cycles

• A Novel Hierarchical Porous 3D Structured Vanadium Nitride/Carbon Membranes for High-performance Supercapacitor Negative Electrodes

  Yage Wu1, Yunlong Yang1, Xiaoning Zhao1, Yongtao Tan1, Ying Liu1, Zhen Wang1, Fen Ran1, 2, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 63
  First Online: 28 June 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0217-1

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    Schematic representation of the fabrication strategy for the VN/C (I)
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    SEM images of the VN/C (I): a-c cross-sectional views and d surface view. e, f TEM images of the VN/C (I). g, h N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and pore size distribution of the VN/C (I)
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    a HRTEM image, b XRD pattern, c selected-area electron diffraction, and d TEM elemental mapping images of the VN/C (I)
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    X-ray photoelectron spectra of the VN/C (I)
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    a CV, b GCD, c EIS curves, and d the specific capacitances of the VN/C (I) and VN/C (II) at different current densities (scan rate=10 mV s-1 in 6.0 M KOH aqueous solution)
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    a CV, b GCD, c EIS curves, and d cycling performance at 2.0 A g-1 of the VN/C (I)
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    The electrochemical performance of the prepared hybrid device in 6.0 M KOH: a CV, b GCD, c EIS curves, and d specific capacitances of the device at different current densities. e Ragone plots compared with previously reported VN/C-based supercapacitors. f Cycling performance of VN/C (I) at 1.0 A g-1

• Metal-Organic Framework-Based Sensors for Environmental Contaminant Sensing

  Xian Fang1, 2, †, Boyang Zong1, 2, †, Shun Mao1, 2, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 64
  First Online: 24 June 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0218-0

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    a Working principle of NH2-MIL-53-based sensor for ClO- sensing. b Fluorescence emission spectra of NH2-MIL-53(Al)-based sensor toward various concentrations of ClO-: 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 0.8, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, and 20 μM from top to bottom. Inset shows corresponding photos of NH2-MIL-53(Al) nanoplates in absence (left) and presence of 10 μM (middle) and 20 μM (right) ClO- under 365 nm UV light. Reprinted with permission from [57]. Copyright (2016) American Chemical Society
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    Sensing mechanism of Hg2+-responsive disassembly of Ru-MOFs and release of guest material of Ru(bpy)32+. Reprinted with permission from [60]. Copyright (2015) American Chemical Society
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    a Post-synthetic modification of UiO-bpy with Eu3+. b Emission profiles and c bar diagram depicting relative intensity ratios (IL/IEu), after addition of VOCs. d Two-dimensional map displaying relative emission intensities and quantum yields of various VOC encapsulated phases. Reprinted with permission from [63]. Copyright (2016) Royal Society of Chemistry
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    a Schematic of sensing strategy. b Amperometric i-t curves of different nanomaterials: (1) Fe-MOFs, (2) Fe-MOFs/AuNPs, (3) Fe-MOFs/PtNPs, (4) Fe-MOFs/PdNPs, and (5) Fe-MOFs/PdPt NPs. c CV characterization of electrodes at various stages of modification: (1) bare GCE, (2) rGO-TEPA-Au/GCE, (3) streptavidin/rGO-TEPA-Au/GCE, (4) substrate strand/streptavidin/rGO-TEPA-Au/GCE, (5) BSA/substrate strand/streptavidin/rGO-TEPA-Au/GCE, (6) catalytic strand/BSA/substrate strand/streptavidin/rGO-TEPA-Au/GCE, and (7) Pb2+/catalytic strand/BSA/substrate strand/streptavidin/rGO-TEPA-Au/GCE. Reprinted with permission from [76]. Copyright (2018) Elsevier
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    Schematic and detection strategy of electrochemical sensor based on MOF Cu3(BTC)2 and CS/rGO for DBIs detection. Reprinted with permission from [80]. Copyright (2016) American Chemical Society
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    a Schematic of MOF-based SERS platform and b SERS spectra of Rhodamine 6G on Au NP/MIL-101 substrate (blue lines), Au colloids substrate (red line), and MIL-101 (black line). Reprinted with permission from [89]. Copyright (2014) American Chemical Society
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    a Schematic illustration of FET sensor with source and drain electrodes, channel material, gate oxide, and gate electrode. b Sensor current change after gas adsorption and desorption. Reprinted with permission from [97]. Copyright (2017) Royal Society of Chemistry
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    a Schematic of acetone sensing mechanism with Pd-ZnO/ZnCo2O4 hollow spheres. b Temperature-dependent acetone sensing characteristics to 5 ppm in temperature range of 150–300 ºC. c Dynamic acetone sensing responses in concentration range of 0.4–5 ppm at 250 ºC of ZnCo2O4 powders, ZnCo2O4 hollow spheres, ZnO/ZnCo2O4 hollow spheres, and Pd-ZnO/ZnCo2O4 hollow spheres. d Selective acetone detection characteristics of Pd-ZnO/ZnCo2O4 hollow spheres. e Dynamic resistance transition properties of samples toward 5 ppm acetone at 250 ºC. Reprinted with permission from [103]. Copyright (2017) Macmillan Publishers Limited
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    a Schematic illustration of anisotropic synthesis of Au@ZnO@ZIF-8. b Dynamic response of Au@ZnO@ZIF-8 to HCHO with concentrations from 0.25 to 100 ppm. c Plots of sensor responses to HCHO concentration of three samples: (I) pristine Au@ZnO, (II) synthetic Au@ZnO@ZIF-8, and (III) completed Au@ZnO@ZIF-8. Inset shows TEM images of samples. Reprinted with permission from [104]. Copyright (2017) Springer
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    a Preparation of ZnO@ZIF-8 core-shell nanorod films. b Temperature-dependent response curves of ZnO nanorod and ZnO@ZIF-8 sensors to 50 ppm H2. c, d Dynamic response curves of two sensors to different H2 concentrations at 250 ℃. e Concentration-dependent H2 response curves of two sensors at 250 ℃. Reprinted with permission from [110]. Copyright (2017) John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

• In Vivo Tumor-Targeted Dual-Modality PET/Optical Imaging with a Yolk/Shell Structured Silica Nanosystem

  Sixiang Shi1, #, Feng Chen2, #, Shreya Goel1, Stephen A. Graves3, Haiming Luo2, Charles P. Theuer4, Jonathan W. Engle3, Weibo Cai1, 2, 3, 5, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 65
  First Online: 14 June 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0216-2

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    A schematic illustration of the synthesis and functionalization of QD@HMSN yolk/shell structured silica nanosystem
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    a The schemes and TEM images of QD@dSiO2@MSN and QD@HMSN NPs. b The scheme and flow cytometry analysis of QD@HMSN yolk/shell structured silica nanosystem in HUVECs (CD105 positive)
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    Serial coronal PET images of 4T1 tumor-bearing mice at different time points post-injection of 64Cu-NOTA-QD@HMSN-PEG-TRC105 (targeted group), 64Cu-NOTA-QD@HMSN-PEG (non-targeted group), or 64Cu-NOTA-QD@HMSN-PEG-TRC105 after a pre-injected blocking dose of TRC105 (blocking group). Tumors are indicated by arrowheads
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    a-c Time-activity curves of the liver, 4T1 tumor, blood, and muscle upon intravenous injection of 64Cu-NOTA-QD@HMSN-PEG-TRC105 (targeted group), 64Cu-NOTA-QD@HMSN-PEG (non-targeted group), or 64Cu-NOTA-QD@HMSN-PEG-TRC105 after a pre-injected blocking dose of TRC105 (blocking group). d Comparison of the 4T1 tumor uptake in the three groups. e Biodistribution studies in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice at 24 h post-injection of the three groups of NPs. All data represent 4 mice per group (*P< 0.05)
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    a A schematic illustration of DOX loading in QD@HMSN yolk/shell structured silica nanosystem. b The drug release rates of QD@HMSN NPs at pH 7.4 and pH 5.0 at different incubation time points. c Fluorescence imaging of QD705 (Ex: 605, Em: 700 nm) and DOX (Ex: 500, Em: 580 nm) from both NOTA-QD@HMSN(DOX)-PEG-TRC105 (targeted group) and NOTA-QD@HMSN(DOX)-PEG (non-targeted group) in 4T1 tumor and other organs
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    Histological analysis of various tissue slices for CD31 (red, with anti-mouse CD31 primary antibody) and NPs (green, FITC-conjugated QD@HMSN NPs) from both FITC-NOTA-QD@HMSN-PEG-TRC105 (targeted group) and FITC-NOTA-QD@HMSN-PEG (non-targeted group). Scale bar: 100 μm

• Recent Progress on Two-Dimensional Nanoflake Ensembles for Energy Storage Applications

  Huicong Xia1, Qun Xu1, Jianan Zhang1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 66
  First Online: 28 July 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0219-z

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    Schematic illustration of 3D architecture-based 2D nanoflake ensembles
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    3D architectures based on 2D carbon nanoflake ensembles for supercapacitors. a Overall fabrication of 3D carbon superstructures. b SEM images of carbon materials with various hierarchical structures, derived from polyimide. c Galvanostatic charge-discharge curves at various current densities, and d cycling performance at a current density of 10 A g−1, indicating excellent cycling stability of N-doped porous carbons. Reproduced with permission [56]. Copyright ©2016, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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    3D architectures based on 2D MnO2 nanoflake ensembles for supercapacitors. a Schematic illustration of the process for synthesis of MnO2@ ordered mesoporous carbon nanorods. b SEM and c TEM images of MnO2@ ordered mesoporous carbon nanorods. d Charge/discharge curves of asymmetric supercapacitor device at different current densities. e Capacitance retention as a function of cycle number at a current density of 2 A g−1. f Ragone plots of the present asymmetric supercapacitor devices and other reported MnO2-based asymmetric supercapacitor devices. Reproduced with permission [69]. Copyright ©2016, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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    3D architectures based on 2D transition metal nanoflakes and 3D skeleton ensembles for supercapacitors. a Schematic illustration of morphological evolution from Mn3O4 nanowall arrays to Na0.5MnO2 nanowall arrays through electrochemical oxidation. b FESEM images of Na0.5MnO2 nanowall arrays. c Ragone plots for Na0.5MnO2//Fe3O4@C ASC and asymmetric supercapacitors reported in the literature. d Charge/discharge curves for Na0.5MnO2//Fe3O4@C asymmetric supercapacitors between 0 and 2.6 V at different current densities. Reproduced with permission [70]. Copyright ©2017, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. e SEM images showing the surface morphologies of nickel foam@rGO/Ag/Ni3S2 composite. Reproduced with permission [71]. Copyright ©2017, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. f Specific capacitance of MnMoO4·H2O@MnO2-1, MnMoO4·H2O@MnO2-3, and MnMoO4·H2O@MnO2-6 electrodes as a function of current density. g Corresponding cycling test at the same current density of 5 A g−1. Reproduced with permission [72]. Copyright ©2016, Elsevier
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    3D architectures based on 2D transition metal nanoflake self-assemblies for LIBs. SEM images of 3D hierarchical MoS2/PANI (a, b) and MoS2/C (d, e) nanoflowers. Photographs of two types of Chinese roses (c, f). g Cycling performance and coulombic efficiency of 3D hierarchical MoS2/PANI and MoS2/C nanoflowers measured in the voltage range of 0.005−3.0 V at a current density of 100 mA g−1. h Rate capability of 3D hierarchical MoS2/PANI and MoS2/C nanoflowers between 0.005 and 3 V at different current densities. Reproduced with permission [89]. Copyright ©2014, American Chemical Society
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    3D architectures based on 2D MoSe2 nanoflakes on 1D SWCNT skeleton for LIBs. a SEM image and b TEM image of the hybrids, revealing MoSe2 nanoflakes anchored intimately on the surface of a SWCNT bundle. c Corresponding HRTEM image showing enlarged interlayer distance of 10.0 Å. d Rate performance of 1T-MoSe2/SWCNTs hybrids. e Schematic illustration showing the electrochemical process in 1T-MoSe2/SWCNT electrode. Reproduced with permission [100]. Copyright ©2017, American Chemical Society
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    3D architectures based on 1D TiO2 nanotubes@carbon layer@2D MoS2 nanoflakes for LIBs. a SEM and b TEM images of annealed TiO2@NC@MoS2 nanotubes. c HRTEM image of MoS2 nanoflakes. d Rate performance at various current densities. e Cycling performance of TiO2@NC@MoS2, NC@MoS2, MoS2, and TiO2@NC at a current density of 1.0 A g−1 and the corresponding coulombic efficiency of TiO2@NC@MoS2. Reproduced with permission [102]. Copyright ©2017, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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    3D architectures based on 2D Fe3O4/MoS2 nanoflakes for LIBs. a SEM and b TEM image of 3D hierarchical dual Fe3O4/MoS2 nanoflakes. c HRTEM image of the MoS2 nanoflakes in 3D hierarchical dual Fe3O4/MoS2 nanoflakes. d Rate performance of MoS2 nanoflakes, 3D Fe3O4/MoS2 nanoflakes, and 3D hierarchical dual Fe3O4/MoS2 electrodes at various current rates. e Long-life cycling performance of 3D hierarchical dual Fe3O4/MoS2 nanoflake electrode at 5 C for 1000 cycles. Reproduced with permission [103]. Copyright ©2017, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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    3D architectures based on 2D nanoflake arrays on 3D skeleton ensembles for LIBs. a, b FESEM images of layered-LiCoO2 nanoflake arrays. c TEM image of a single Co3O4 nanoflake. d TEM image of a single layered-LiCoO2 nanoflake. e Rate performance of LiCoO2//Li4Ti5O12 full cell. f Cycle performance of LiCoO2//Li4Ti5O12 full cell (inset photograph shows the full cell device lighting a LED). Reproduced with permission [104]. Copyright ©2018, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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    3D architectures based on 2D porous SnO2-δ/C nanoflake arrays on carbon cloth substrate ensembles for LIBs. a Schematic diagram of the process for fabrication of porous SnO2-δ/C nanoflake arrays. b SEM image of porous SnO2-δ/C nanoflake arrays. c SEM image of porous SnO2 nanoflake arrays. d Rate performance of porous SnO2-δ/C, SnO2-δ/C, porous SnO2, and SnO2 nanoflake array electrodes. e Cycle performance of porous SnO2-δ/C, SnO2-δ/C, porous SnO2, and SnO2 nanoflake array electrodes. Reproduced with permission [105]. Copyright ©2018, Elsevier
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    3D architectures based on 2D VS2 nanoflake self-assemblies for SIBs. a Schematic illustration of reversible Na+ ion storage in VS2 nanoflake assemblies. b SEM images and c TEM images of VS2 nanoflake assemblies. d Rate capability from 100 to 2000 mA g−1 and corresponding coulombic efficiency. e Cycling stability and corresponding coulombic efficiency at 100 mAh g−1 and 1000 mA g−1. Reproduced with permission [128]. Copyright ©2017, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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    3D architectures based on 2D MoSe2 nanoflakes on 1D vertical graphene skeleton for SIBs. a Schematic illustration of synthesis of sandwiched VG/MoSe2/N-C core/shell arrays. b SEM and c TEM images of VG/MoSe2 arrays. d Rate capability and e cycling stability of VG/MoSe2/N-C electrodes at 1 and 2 A g−1, respectively. Reproduced with permission [132]. Copyright ©2016, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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    3D architectures based on 2D ultrathin SnS nanoflakes on 1D carbon nanotube skeleton for SIBs. a FESEM and b TEM images of hierarchical SnS@C nanotubes. c HRTEM image of carbon-coated ultrathin SnS nanoflakes. d Rate performance of SnS@C nanotubes and microflowers. e Cycling performance of SnS@C nanotubes and microflowers at 0.2 A g−1, and coulombic efficiency of SnS@C nanotubes during cycling. Reproduced with permission [133]. Copyright ©2016, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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    3D architectures based on 2D MoS2/rGO nanoflakes for SIBs. a, b TEM images, c HRTEM image of the MoS2-rGO/hollow carbon sphere composite. d Rate capability of MoS2-rGO/hollow carbon spheres, MoS2/hollow carbon spheres, MoS2-rGO, and bare MoS2. e Cycling performance and coulombic efficiency of MoS2-rGO/hollow carbon spheres for 1000 cycles at the current density of 2 A g−1. Reproduced with permission [106]. Copyright ©2018, American Chemical Society.
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    3D architectures based on 2D MoSe2/graphene nanoflakes for SIBs. a Strategy for fabrication of ordered 2D superstructure. b, c SEM images of as-prepared MoSe2/G. d TEM and e HRTEM images of as-prepared MoSe2/G. f CV curves of MoSe2/G superstructure at different scan rates from 0.2 to 1.0 mV s−1. g Cycling performance and corresponding coulombic efficiency of MoSe2/G superstructures at a current density of 3.2 A g−1 for 1500 cycles. Reproduced with permission [129]. Copyright ©2018, Elsevier
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    3D architectures based on 2D transition metal nanoflakes on 3D skeleton ensembles for SIBs. a High-magnification image of 1T-MoS2 on the internal surface of the tube. b Rate performance of the MoS2-graphene electrode. c Specific capacity and coulombic efficiency versus cycle number at a current density of 50 mA g−1. Reproduced with permission [135]. Copyright ©2017, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. d, e SEM images of the as-prepared freestanding MoS2@C. f High-magnification TEM image of MoS2@C. g Rate-performance of MoS2@C-CMC electrode. h Cycling performance and corresponding coulombic efficiency of MoS2@C-CMC paper electrode at 80 mA g−1 and cycling performance of CMC-coated carbon paper electrode. Reproduced with permission [130]. Copyright ©2016, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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    2D nanoflake ensemble-based materials for KIBs. a SEM, b TEM, and c XRD pattern of ultrathin layered VSe2 nanoflakes. d Rate capabilities of VSe2 nanoflakes. e Cycling stability and coulombic efficiency of VSe2 nanoflake electrode at 0.2 A g−1. Reproduced with permission [149]. Copyright ©2018, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. f SEM, g TEM, and h HRTEM images of MoS2@rGO composite. i Schematic illustration showing paths for K-ion diffusion and electron conduction in MoS2@rGO composites. j Rate performance of MoS2@rGO, MoS2 particle, and pure rGO. Reproduced with permission [150]. Copyright ©2017, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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    2D nanoflake ensemble-based materials for ZIBs. a SEM images of P-NiCo2O4-x nanoflakes grown on a carbon cloth substrate. b Variation in the redox peak currents with the square root of the scan rate for P-NiCo2O4-x electrodes, and discharge curves for P-NiCo2O4-x electrode at various current densities. c Specific capacities of NiCo2O4 and P-NiCo2O4-x electrodes at various current densities. Reproduced with permission [167]. Copyright ©2018, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Characterization of layered VS2: d SEM, e HR-TEM image, and f XRD pattern. g Schematic illustration of the mechanism of operation of Zn/VS2 batteries. h Rate capability. i Long-term cyclic properties at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. Reproduced with permission [168]. Copyright ©2017, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

• Layered Trichalcogenidophosphate: A New Catalyst Family for Water Splitting

  Cheng-Feng Du1, 2, Qinghua Liang2, Raksha Dangol2, Jin Zhao2, Hao Ren2, Srinivasan Madhavi2, Qingyu Yan2, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 67
  First Online: 9 August 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0220-6

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    Crystal structures of a MoS2, b MIIPQ3 (MII = Zn, Cd, Mg; X = S, Se), and c Ag0.5MIII0.5PQ3 (MIII = Sc, In; Q = S, Se). Bonds between metal atoms and Q atoms are not shown in b and c [49]. Reproduced with permission. Copyright (2014), AIP Publishing.
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    a Band-edge positions of MPQ3 single layer. The energy scale is indicated by either the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) (right Y-axis) or the vacuum level (left Y-axis) in electron volts as a reference. The redox potentials (green dashed line) for water splitting are shown for comparison [49]. Copyright (2001), Macmillan Publishers Ltd. b Location of VBM and CBM, calculated with HSE06 functional, for MPS3 and MPSe3 single layers. The redox potentials for water splitting at pH = 0 (orange dashed lines) and pH = 7 (cyan dashed lines) are shown for comparison [55]. Reproduced with permission. Copyright (2016), Wiley-VCH, GmbH & Co. KGaA.
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    a Structure and side-view of the charge density difference of MnPSe3/MoS2 heterostructures with different stacking models V1−V5. The isosurface value is 0.15 e nm−3. Yellow (blue) regions represent the net charge gain (loss). b Total and partial DOS of V1, V2, and V4 configurations. Fermi level is indicated by the vertical shadow-line and set to zero [56]. Reproduced with permission. Copyright (2017), Macmillan Publishers Ltd.
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    a AFM images and corresponding height analysis of FePS3 quantum sheets. b UV/vis/NIR diffuse reflectance absorption spectra and estimated bandgap potential (inset) of synthesized FePS3 bulk (1.60 eV) and quantum sheets (2.18 eV). c Plots of hydrogen production through direct photocatalytic water splitting of the FePS3 bulk and quantum sheets in 100 mL deionized water with 10% TEOA as sacrificial agent. d Cycling measurements of hydrogen gas evolution with FePS3 quantum sheets [63]. Reproduced with permission. Copyright (2018), Wiley-VCH, GmbH & Co. KGaA.
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    Electrochemical properties of as-prepared Ni1−xCoxPS3 and Ni1−xFexPS3 nanosheets for the HER in 1 M KOH. a J–V curves after iR correction for application of NiPS3 and various Ni1−xCoxPS3 samples in the HER, in comparison to the commercial Pt/C catalyst; b Tafel plots for the data presented in a [72]. Reproduced with permission. Copyright (2017), Royal Society of Chemistry. c J−V curves after iR correction for application of FePS3, NiPS3, and various Ni1−xFexPS3 samples in the HER, in comparison to 20 wt% Pt/C commercial catalyst; d Tafel plots for the data presented in c [73]. Reproduced with permission. Copyright (2017), American Chemical Society.
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    a Calculated total DOS for NiPS3 and Fe-doped NiPS3. b Projected DOS for Ni and Fe obtained from DFT + U calculations for Fe-doped NiPS3. Optimized structures of c NiPS3 and d Fe-doped NiPS3 for calculating the free energies of adsorption of oxygen-containing intermediates on their surfaces by DFT calculations. The inset in b is the enlarged projected DOS near the Fermi level [80]. Reproduced with permission. Copyright (2018), Elsevier Ltd.

• Recent Advances in Synthesis and Properties of Hybrid Halide Perovskites for Photovoltaics

  Vidyasagar C. C.1, 2, *, Blanca M. Muñoz Flores1, Víctor M. Jiménez Pérez1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 68
  First Online: 15 August 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0221-5

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    a Simulated crystal structure of CH3NH3BX3 obtained from the diffraction pattern and b electron–hole diffusion diagram in the material
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    Classifications of photovoltaics corresponding to inorganic, organic, and hybrid perovskites
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    Working principle of dye-sensitized solar cells
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    Stepwise progress in perovskite solar cells demonstrating the remarkably sharp rise in photovoltaic performance over the past eight years
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    Yearwise progress in perovskite solar cell research published by various journals (data collected from Web of Science)
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    XRD patterns of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite ultrafine nanoparticles: a after sonication in isopropanol for 10, 20, and 30 min (the peak assigned to unreacted PbI3 is marked) and b after 20 min sonication in water. Reproduced with permission Ref. [109]. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
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    Plots of three consecutive measurements of DLS with Zeta Potential which is performed in isopropanol suspensions of the CH3NH3PbI perovskite at 20 min sonication. Reproduced with permission Ref. [109]. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
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    a Excitation spectrum and b emission spectrum of CH3NH3PbI3 nanoparticles. Reproduced with permission Ref. [109]. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
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    XRD pattern of perovskite films treated by 160-W microwave irradiation for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 min and annealed at 100 °C for 10 min. Reproduced with permission Ref. [27]. Copyright ©2016 American Chemical Society
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    As-prepared perovskite material powder treated by microwave irradiation for a 0 min, b 1 min, c 2 min at 800 W and the PbI2-CH3NH3I adduct powders treated by microwave irradiation for d 0 min and e 2 min and the PbI2-CH3NH3I powders added with f diethyl ether, g DMF, and h DMSO treated by microwave irradiation for 2 min at 800 W. Reproduced with permission Ref. [27]. Copyright ©2016 American Chemical Society
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    Time dependency of average grain size. Reproduced with permission Ref. [27]. Copyright ©2016 American Chemical Society
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    XRD patterns of as-prepared material: a simulated MAPbI3, b as-ground MAPbI3, c PbI2, d MAI. Reproduced with permission Ref. [29]. Copyright © 2015 The Royal Society of Chemistry
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    UV–Vis absorption (green peak) and PL (blue) spectra of as-ground MAPbI3 measured at ambient temperature: fluorescence decay excitation measured at the 3.05 eV (inset view). Reproduced with permission Ref. [29]. Copyright © 2015 The Royal Society of Chemistry
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    XRD patterns of a CH3NH3I, b PbI2, c ball milling 10 min, d ball milling 45 min, e CH3NH3PbI3/Al2O3, and f CH3NH3PbI3 by solution crystallization process. Reproduced with permission Ref. [135]. Copyright © 2016 Springer Science Business Media New York
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    The consumption of lead can be significantly reduced by means of deposition and wasting throughout the experiment
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    Schematic view of the CH3NH3PbI3 with ethyl cellulose
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    Roll-to-roll fabrication of perovskite photovoltaic sheets
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    Normalized I–V parameter of nonencapsulation, partial encapsulation, and complete encapsulation perovskites. Reproduced with permission Ref. [195]. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
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    Top view of the uncoated Au perovskite cell a cell with PEI layer, b degradation of perovskite in the form of nanopinholes with PEI layer, and c degradation of cell randomly all over without PEI layer and corresponding SEM images. Reproduced with permission Ref. [196]. Copyright © 2015 The Royal Society of Chemistry
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    Thickness-dependent time-resolved PL data illustrate PL decay curve of CH3NH3PbI3 films dipped at different concentration of PbI2 upon excitation at 517 nm — the solid line corresponds to the results that are stretched exponentially. Reproduced with permission Ref. [203].
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    SEM images of CH3NH3PbI3 films of different PbI2 concentrations: a 0.3 M, b 0.5 M, c 0.8 M, and d 1.1 M. Reproduced with permission Ref. [203].
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    SEM images of FASnI3 perovskite film fabricated using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent a without nonsolvent dripping and b with nonsolvent dripping; SEM images of FASnI3 perovskite film fabricated using mixed solvent of DMF and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with nonsolvent dripping c absence of pyrazine and d presence of pyrazine. Reproduced with permission Ref. [32]. Copyright ©2016 American Chemical Society
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    XRD patterns of FASnI3 films a with and without pyrazine deposited on FTO glass, b with and without presence of SnF2 (10 mol%), c in the absence of SnF2 annealed at 60 and 170°C, and d PCE of the FASnI3 and the amount of SnF2 added in the absence of pyrazine. Reproduced with permission Ref. [32]. Copyright ©2016 American Chemical Society
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    a J–V curve and b external quantum efficiency (EQE) spectrum and integrated Jsc for the optimized FASnI3 PSC; c recombination time constant of FASnI3 PSCs as a function of the open-circuit voltage and d relationship between PCE of the FASnI3 PSC and the amount of added SnF2 in the presence of pyrazine. Reproduced with permission Ref. [32]. Copyright ©2016 American Chemical Society
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    Plot of the thickness-dependent short-circuit current density Jsc of different perovskites. Reproduced with permission Ref. [236]. Copyright ©2016 American Chemical Society
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    Cross sectional image of as-proposed low-cost model for water-soluble perovskite solar cells

• Nanostructured Ternary Metal Tungstate-based Photocatalysts for Environmental Purification and Solar Water Splitting: A Review

  Jun Ke2, M. Adnan Younis1, Yan Kong1, Hongru Zhou2, Jie Liu3, *, Lecheng Lei1, Yang Hou1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 69
  First Online: 2 September 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0222-4

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    Schematic overview of the band positions of representative semiconductors
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    Illustration of unit cells of scheelite and wolframite. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [57]. Copyright 2014 Elsevier
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    Colors of different MWO4 materials. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [51]. Copyright 2014 American Chemical Society
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    Relationship between band-gap energy of MWO4 and the radii of metal cations
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    Models of band structures and calculated density of states for tetragonal (a, b) and monoclinic (c, d) CdWO4. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [83]. Copyright 2011 Elsevier
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    a Crystal structures, b density of states, and c UV-Vis absorption spectra of -SnWO4 and -SnWO4. d Photocatalytic activity of -SnWO4 and -SnWO4 in RhB degradation. e H2 evolution. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [88]. Copyright 2009 American Chemical Society
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    a Distribution of energy level and b chronoamperometry curves of CuWO4 and WO3. c Polarization curve of CuWO4 photoanode under AM1.5G irradiation. d Illustration of the physical model of charge carrier transfer in CuWO4. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [102]. Copyright 2016 American Chemical Society
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    a Formation mechanism of m-CdWO4 and t-CdWO4 and the b relationship between different crystal phases of CdWO4 and used solvents. c Photocatalytic H2 evolution of m-CdWO4 and t-CdWO4 under visible light irradiation. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [86]. Copyright 2012 Royal Society of Chemistry
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    a-c FESEM images of CdWO4 microspheres. d Photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of MO in the presence of different photocatalysts. e Photocatalytic mechanism for CdWO4 microspheres. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [107]. Copyright 2014 Royal Society of Chemistry
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    a, b FESEM images of FeWO4 microspheres. c Photocatalytic performance of FeWO4 microspheres for the degradation of RhB. d Schematic illustration of photocatalysis mechanism for FeWO4 microspheres. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [112]. Copyright 2016 Elsevier
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    a, b FESEM images of faceted β-SnWO4 microcrystals. c, d FESEM images and photocatalytic activities for the degradation of MB over faceted β-SnWO4 microcrystals, bulk β-SnWO4, and β-SnWO4 nanoparticles under sunlight irradiation. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [117]. Copyright 2012 Royal Society of Chemistry
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    a TEM image and b photodegradation efficiency of Ag NPs/α-SnWO4 under visible-light irradiation. c Transient photocurrent response for different samples. d Illustration of photocatalytic mechanism of Ag NPs/α-SnWO4. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [130]. Copyright 2017 Elsevier.
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    a Geometric structures for the Fi-ZnWO4. Spin density (top) and total charge density (bottom) for Fi-ZnWO4. c Photocurrent density of the synthesized samples under UV-light irradiation. Photocatalytic degradation of RhB over different samples under UV light irradiation. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [140]. Copyright 2010 American Chemical Society
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    a, b TEM and HRTEM images of a CdS/MnWO4 heterojunction. c Photocatalytic degradation of MB over CdS/MnWO4 with different CdS contents. d Schematic photocatalytic mechanism of CdS/MnWO4 heterojunction. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [155]. Copyright 2017 Elsevier
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    a Schematic diagram describing the formation of MnWO4 nanoplates. b-c FESEM images of the MnWO4 nanoplates and MnWO4 nanoplates on TiO2 film. d Photodegradation efficiency of different samples heated at 850 °C for different times. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [162]. Copyright 2016 Royal Society of Chemistry
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    a TEM image, b UV-vis diffused reflectance spectra, and c photocatalytic degradation curves of CdWO4/C3N4. d Mechanism of photocatalytic reaction on the CdWO4/C3N4. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [197]. Copyright 2015 Elsevier

• Beyond Graphene Anode Materials for Emerging Metal Ion Batteries and Supercapacitors

  Santanu Mukherjee1, #, *, Zhongkan Ren1, #, Gurpreet Singh1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 70
  First Online: 12 September 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0224-2

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    Spider graph representation of critical parameters of the different electrochemical energy storage systems. Data for the figure has been obtained from Ref. [12].
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    Statistical analysis of the application of beyond graphene 2D materials: a, b, c Pie chart analysis showing the weight of the various applications of TMDs, MXene and phosphorene, respectively. Electrochemical energy storage occupies an important role in the application regimes of each of the 2-D materials, which is indicative of the current trend of their applications in batteries and supercapacitors
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    Schematic representation of structure and atomic arrangement of the layered “beyond-graphene” materials which are the focus of the present work: a, e, i Top view of the ball and stick atomic models of phosphorene, MXene and TMD (MoSe2), respectively. b, f, j Side view of the atomic models showing the layered structure of phosphorene, MXene and TMD (MoSe2), respectively. SEM images showing the characteristic layered structure of c, g, k SEM images showing the characteristic layered structure of phosphorene, MXene and TMD (MoSe2), respectively. d, h, i HRTEM image demonstrating the arrangement of the atoms in the lattice for phosphorene, MXene and TMD (MoSe2), respectively [24, 62-71]. Permission allowed by copyright owners
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    Schematic representation of various “top-down” fabrication techniques for large-scale synthesis of electrode materials: a Liquid exfoliation where the sheets are sheared off by sonicating the bulk material in a liquid medium. b Mechanical exfoliation, whereby a tensile force (possibly produced by Scotch tape) can peel off the constituent layers c Intercalant assisted exfoliation where a metal ion (usually Li+) is used to intercalate into the bulk precursor in a liquid media coupled with ultrasonication, which shears the sheets apart and d Selective etching, in which an etchant (usually strong acids e.g. HF) is used to remove one or more constituent atoms and result in the formation of sheets.
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    Structural characterization and electrochemical performance analysis of TMD (MoS2) as an electrode material in SIB: a, b HRTEM images of exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets obtained after treatment with a superacid. c Selected area diffraction pattern for the MoS2 nanosheet imaged in Fig. b. d, e SEM images of the top and cross-sectional view of the 60 MoS2 sample (60 wt% MoS2-40 wt% rGO), respectively. e TEM image of SAED pattern (in the inset) of the same 60 MoS2 sample. g Graphical representation of the total interaction potential (VT), repulsion (VDLVO) and attraction energy (VvdW) versus greater sheet separation. h Represents the Raman spectra of the MoS2 samples, in bulk (black) and after exfoliation (red) by acid treatment. i XRD spectra of the bulk (black) and exfoliated MoS2 (red) sample, indicating the peak shift and the broadening of the consequent increase in the interlayer distance of the exfoliated sample. j XRD pattern of pristine MoS2-rGO (60 MoS2) electrode (blue) and the same after one discharge cycle (black). Considerable peak broadening is observed due to sodiation. k First discharge graph of the 60 MoS2 electrode, also showing the formation of nanocrsytallites along the process from the TEM images and SAED patterns in the inset. l 1st (black) and 2nd cycle (red) gcd curves for the 60 MoS2 sample. m Differential capacity curves for the first two cycles demonstrating the redox voltages. n Charging capacity and Coulombic efficiency values for the different composite and bare rGO sample performed at a current density of 25 mA g-1. o Charge capacity, coulombic efficiency and rate capability of 60 MoS2 sample [83]. Copyright 2014 American Chemical Society. Scale bar for d and e is 10 μm and for f is 100 nm
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    Structural characterization and electrochemical performance analysis of TMD (MoSe2) as a supercapacitor electrode: a, b TEM images of MoSe2 nanosheets at low magnification. c HRTEM image of the MoSe2 sheets with the FFT pattern demonstrated in the inset. d XRD spectra of the few-layered MoSe2 nanosheets showing the characteristic peaks. e Characteristic Raman spectra of the few-layered MoSe2 nanosheets where the A1g and E12g vibration modes are clearly visible. f CV of the few-layered MoSe2 sample in 0.5 M H2SO4 with scan rates varying from 2 to 125 mV s-1. g Corresponding specific capacitance values at the given scan rates. h First cycle GCD curves at different current rates, of the few-layered MoSe2 sample. i Specific capacitance values for the corresponding current rates. j Specific capacitance retention of the few-layered MoSe2 sample, being run for 10,000 cycles at a current rate of 5 A g-1 in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte [129]. Copyright 2015 Royal Society of Chemistry
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    Structural characterization and electrochemical performance analysis of MXene as electrode material in KIB: a, b, c SEM images of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase, Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets (MNSs) obtained by etching the precursor MAX phase with 40% HF solution and KOH treated Ti3C2 MNSs (a-Ti3C2), respectively. d XRD spectra stack of Ti3AlC2, Ti3C2 and a-Ti3C2. e SEM image of Ti3C2 MXene nanoribbons (MNRs) at low magnification. f Corresponding image at high magnification g TEM image of MNRs h XPS spectra of Ti3AlC2, Ti3C2 and a-Ti3C2 showing the free C and K peaks. i, j and k HRTEM images of the Ti3C2 MNRs at different positions (‘A’ and ‘B’) and varying thicknesses (8, 16, and 22 nm). l XPS spectra of the 3 samples showing the O 1s peak. m, n, o, p, q Elemental mapping of Ti, C, K, O and F regions of the a-Ti3C2 sample, respectively. r CV of the a-Ti3C2 MNRs for KIB collected at a scan rate of 0.1 mV s-1. s GCD curves of the sample obtained at different given current rates. t Rate capability of the a-Ti3C2 sample. u Cycling performance at 200 mA g-1 and coulombic efficiency for the a-Ti3C2 sample [145]. Copyright 2018 Elsevier
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    Structural characterization and electrochemical performance analysis of MXene (N-doped Ti3C2Tx) as a supercapacitor electrode: SEM images of a Parent MAX phase Ti3AlC2. b Ti3C2Tx obtained after etching the MAX phase with HF. c N doped Ti3C2Tx synthesized at 200 °C (N-Ti3C2Tx-200 °C). d N-Ti3C2Tx-300 °C. e N-Ti3C2Tx-500 °C. f N-Ti3C2Tx-700 °C. g XRD spectra stack of the parent MAX phase (Ti3AlC2) and the non-doped and various N doped Ti3C2Tx MXenes. h, i, j, k XPS spectra of N-Ti3C2Tx-200 °C, N-Ti3C2Tx-300 °C, N-Ti3C2Tx-500 °C, N-Ti3C2Tx-700 °C samples, respectively. l CV curves of the non-doped and doped MXenes in 1 M H2SO4 at 1 mV s-1 scan rate. m Specific capacitance of the MXenes corresponding to the scan rates in i and n CV curves of the non-doped and doped MXenes in 1 M MgSO4 at 1 mV s-1 scan rate. o Specific capacitance of the MXenes corresponding to the scan rates in n [150]. Copyright 2018 Elsevier
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    Structural characterization and electrochemical performance analysis of phosphorene electrode material in SIB: a Schematic showing the movement of Na+ ion between phosphorene layers. b Energetics dictated transport of Na+ ions in the interstices of phosphorene lattice. c, f HRTEM images along the [001] direction of few-layer phosphorene and single-layer phosphorene, respectively, with FFTs shown in the inset of each. d, g Atomic scale High angle annular dark field image (HAADF) along the [001] direction of few-layer phosphorene and single-layer phosphorene, respectively, with atomic orientations in inset (in yellow). e, h HAADF of few-layer phosphorene along the [100] and [010] directions, respectively, with the corresponding atomic orientations in the inset (in yellow). i, j TEM image and schematic of the contact interface of Na+ ion normal to the [100] direction and along the [100] direction, respectively. The SAED patterns of the few-layered phosphorene are shown in the inset of both. k CV of the first three cycles of the phosphorene electrode for the half-cell at a scan rate of 0.005 mV s-1. l GCD profiles of the 1st, 2nd and 30th cycle for the phosphorene electrode in the half cell. m Capacity retention and coulombic efficiency of the phosphorene electrode running at a current density of 100 mA g-1. n Rate capability of the phosphorene anode [163]. Copyright 2016 American Chemical Society
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    Structural characterization and electrochemical performance analysis of phosphorene as a supercapacitor electrode: a TEM image of phosphorene thin film b HRTEM image of the phosphorene thin film. c HRTEM micrograph of the phosphorene thin film with atomic positions and lattice parameters. d AFM image of the phosphorene thin film. e SEM image of the cross-section of the phosphorene thin film with EDX spectra of the selected region. f XPS spectra of phosphorene thin film. g, h CV at varying scan rates of P/G anode and G anode, respectively. i XRD spectra stack of the phosphorene (orange), graphene (red) and P/G composite electrode (blue). j Aerial capacitances of P/G (blue) and G (red) samples. k Volumetric capacitances of P/G (blue) and G (red) samples. l Ragone plots of P/G (blue) and G (red) samples. m GCD curves of the P/G (blue) and G (red) samples at a current density of 0.3 A cm-3. n Complex part of the impedance spectra of P/G (blue) and the G (red) samples. o Stability performance of the P/G sample over 2000 cycles with the inset pictures showing the flat and bending orientations. p CV curves of the P/G composite micro-supercapacitor. q CV curves of the P/G composite on PET substrate [174]. Copyright 2017 American Chemical Society

• Nitrogen-Doped TiO2-C Composite Nanofibers with High-Capacity and Long-Cycle Life as Anode Materials for Sodium-ion Batteries

  Su Nie1, Li Liu1, 2, *, Junfang Liu1, Jianjun Xie1, Yue Zhang1，Jing Xia1，Hanxiao Yan1, Yiting Yuan1, Xianyou Wang1	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 71
  First Online: 20 September 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0225-1

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    a XRD patterns and b Raman spectra of TiO2/N-C NFs and TiO2-C NFs. c N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms and d the corresponding pore size distributions of TiO2/N-C NFs and TiO2-C NFs
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    SEM images of a TiO2-C NFs and b TiO2/N-C NFs. TEM images of c TiO2-C NFs and d TiO2/N-C NFs. e TEM elemental mapping images of C, N, Ti, and O in TiO2/N-C NFs. f HRTEM image of TiO2/N-C NFs with lattice spacing (the inset shows statistical tables of the interplanar crystal spacing)
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    a Cycling performance of the TiO2/N-C NF and TiO2-C NF electrodes under a current density of 1 A g-1. b Continuous discharge and charge curves of TiO2/N-C NF electrode under a current density of 1A g-1. c Rate capability of TiO2/N-C NFs and TiO2/C NFs. d Charge–discharge curves of TiO2/N-C NFs at 0.05–5 A g-1 in the range of 0.01–2.5 V. e Long-term cycle performance of TiO2/N-C NFs under a high current density of 5 A g-1
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    Comparison of rate capability of TiO2/N-C NFs with that of previously reported TiO2-based composites with various morphologies
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    a XPS wide scan spectra of TiO2-C NFs and TiO2/N-C NFs. High-resolution b C 1s and c Ti 2p XPS spectra of TiO2-C NFs and TiO2/N-C NFs. d High-resolution N 1s spectra of TiO2/N-C NFs. e EDS spectrum of TiO2/N-C NFs
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    N 1s fine spectra of TiO2/N-C NFs with a 0.05 g, b 0.1 g, and c 0.2 g of added urea. d Histogram of ratio of different N species in various TiO2/N-C NF samples. e Schematic of structural binding conditions of nitrogen
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    CV curves of a the TiO2/N-C NF electrode and b the TiO2-C NF electrode at a scan rate of 0.1 mV s-1. c CV plots of TiO2/N-C NFs at various sweep rates from 0.1 to 10 mV s-1. d Relationship between the peak currents and scan rates in logarithmic scale. e Diagram of capacitive contribution to the total capacity of TiO2/N-C NFs at different scan rates. f CV curve of TiO2/N-C NFs (black curve) and capacitive contribution measured at 10 mV s-1 (red shaded region)
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    a Nyquist plots of TiO2/N-C NF and TiO2-C NF

• Biogreen Synthesis of Carbon Dots for Biotechnology and Nanomedicine Applications

  Kok Ken Chan1 , Stephanie Hui Kit Yap1 , Ken-Tye Yong1	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 72
  First Online: 17 October 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0223-3

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    Aqueous solution of passivated CDs. a Excited at 400 nm and imaged through bandpass filters as indicated, and b excited at the indicated wavelength [15].
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    Example of a laser ablation technique experimental setup [18].
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    Schematic illustration of CQD generation via electrochemical oxidation of a graphite electrode in alkaline alcohols. The color change of the dispersion during room temperature storage is due to oxygenation of the surface species [21].
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    a TEM images, b size distribution, and c, d AFM image and profile of CDs [78]. Copyright  2015 Elsevier Ltd.
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    PL emission of CDs excited from 330 to 600 nm in 30 nm increments [73].
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    PL spectra of CDs prepared from p-phenylenediamine dispersed in different solvents. CDs dispersed in a tetrachloromethane, b toluene, c chloroform, d acetone, e dimethyl formamide, f ethanol, and g water, and h absorption spectra of the CDs in different solvents [76].
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    PL emission peak blue-shifting as the concentration was reduced from 3.0 to 0.03 g L-1 [77].
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    Photographs of a CdTe film and a CD epoxy resin film under UV illumination taken at different time intervals [88].
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    aPhotographs of CQDs with increasing particle dimensions under (left) white and (right) UV light, b PL spectrum of CQDs with emission from blue to red, c relationship between the CQD particle size and PL properties, and d relationship between the HOMO–LUMO bandgap and the size of the graphite fragments [90].
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    a CD samples with increasing surface oxidation (from left to right) imaged under 365 nm UV light irradiation, and b model for the tunable PL of CDs with the increasing level of oxidation (from left to right) [93].
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    a Absorption spectra of CD2, CD3, and CD4; and PL spectra of b CD2, c CD3, and d CD4. The inset image corresponds to CDs under 365 nm UV light illumination [94].
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    Schematic representation of the emission properties of three photoactive species obtained from heat treatment of a citric acid and ethanolamine mixture. During heating, the organic fluorophores (blue groups) are consumed to build up the carbogenic core (black sphere) so that the PL component that corresponds to the carbogenic core (black bars) increases at the expense of the component from the organic fluorophores [95].
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    Basic principles of the FRET process. A donor fluorophore (D) is excited and the energy is transferred in a distance and orientation-dependent manner (r/Ro) to an acceptor molecule (A). The energy transfer occurs through non-radiative dipole–dipole coupling (E). The acceptor, if a fluorescent molecule, will emit fluorescence but at a lower energy and longer wavelength [267].
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    Requisites for IFE: a the absorber spectrum overlaps the fluorescer excitation spectrum, b the absorber spectrum overlaps the fluorescer emission spectrum, and c the absorber spectrum overlaps the fluorescer excitation and emission spectra [110].
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    Preparation of CDs by hydrothermal treatment of CA and urea and sensing based on aggregation-induced emission enhancement effects [132].
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    a Visual detection of Cu2+ ions using filter papers printed with dual-colored CDs, and visual detection of Cu2+ in btap water and c lake water. All images were taken under 365 nm illumination [147].
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    Schematic illustration of the preparation of dual-emission CDs and their application as ratiometric sensors for Hg2+ [165].
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    Schematic design of a microfluidic chip for peroxynitrous-acid-induced CL analysis [199].
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    Schematic illustration of the detection of pathogenic bacteria with a CD-based nanoprobes and b conventional methods [230].
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    Schematic illustration of N, S-co-doped CDs for the detection of ascorbic acid in fruit [254].
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    Schematic illustration of the proposed CQD-based “off–on” sensor for 6-TG [258].

• Tunable 3D Nanofiber Architecture of Polycaprolactone by Divergence Electrospinning for Potential Tissue Engineering Applications

  George Z. Tan1, Yingge Zhou1	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 73
  First Online: 25 October 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0226-0

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    a Divergence electrospinning configuration. b The divergent electric field between the spinneret and the collector
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    a 3D nanofiber scaffold obtained by the double-bevel collector. Scale bar represents 20 mm. Fluorescent nanofibers at the b top section and c bottom section of the scaffold
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    3D nanofiber scaffolds formed in the a 45°-collector and c 60°-collector. SEM pictures of the nanofibers at the b top of the 45°-collector and d 60°-collector. White scale bar = 10 mm and red scale bar = 10 µm. (Color figure online)
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    Violin boxplots for nanofiber diameter (nm) distribution in the two collectors
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    a The coordinate system of the scaffold. b An illustration of different areas of a scaffold. The width of the two peripheral areas is 5 cm. The width of the central area is 10 cm. Fiber density gradients in the c 45°-collector and d 60°-collector
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    a A histogram of fiber orientation at 7.7 mm from the bottom of the peripheral area in the 45°-collector. b A histogram of fiber orientation at 4.4 mm from the bottom of the central area in the 60°-collector. Fiber alignment gradients in the c 45°-collector and d 60°-collector
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    a A pentahedral and b tetrahedral scaffold fabricated by specially designed collectors. c A columnar scaffold with a hollow structure and d a cylindrical scaffold. Scale bar = 10 mm. e–h The fiber alignment histograms for scaffolds 7a–7d, respectively
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    A mesh-structure scaffold fabricated by the four-bevel collector
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    a EDS and spectrum for top region in collector, b Element gradient plot for collector, c EDS and spectrum for top region in collector, d Element gradient plot for collector (Collectors: width = 20 mm, height = 10 mm, angle = 45°). Color bar represents the ratio of nitrogen to carbon. (Color figure online)
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    a A cell-seeded nanofiber scaffold in culture medium. Fluorescence images of fibroblasts from the b top and c side view of the scaffold. Scale bar = 200 μm. Blue: nucleus; green: cytoplasm. d Average percentage reduction of alamar Blue dye after day 1 and 7. (Color figure online)

• Indocyanine Green-Conjugated Magnetic Prussian Blue Nanoparticles for Synchronous Photothermal/Photodynamic Tumor Therapy

  Peng Xue1,2, Ruihao Yang1,2, Lihong Sun1,2, Qian Li1,2, Lei Zhang3, Zhigang Xu1,2, Yuejun Kang1,2	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 74
  First Online: 25 October 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0227-z

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    Schematic of the procedure for FPPI NP synthesis and the combination PDT/PTT cancer treatment. Magnetic FPPI NPs accumulate in the tumor region under a local magnetic field, which produces hyperthermia and toxic ROS activated by NIR light irradiation
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    Characterizations of physicochemical properties: a high-resolution TEM image of FPPI NPs obtained by electrostatically conjugating ICG onto the surface of magnetic PB NPs (scale bar: 50 nm); b hydrodynamic size distribution of FPPI NPs in aqueous suspension measured by the DLS method; c zeta potentials of the intermediate and final products; d photographs of Fe3O4 NPs, free ICG, Fe3O4@PB NPs, Fe3O4@PB/PEI NPs, and FPPI NPs (from left to right) dispersed in aqueous condition; e XRD patterns of Fe3O4 NPs, PB NPs, and FPPI NPs; f Vis–NIR absorbance spectra of Fe3O4 NPs, PB NPs, ICG, and FPPI NPs dispersed in aqueous solution; g Vis–NIR absorbance spectra of FPPI NP dispersions with different concentrations; h hydrodynamic size variation of FPPI NPs dispersed in 1 × PBS, DMEM, or 10% FBS over 7 days; i FT-IR spectra of Fe3O4 NPs, PB NPs, ICG, and FPPI NPs in the solid state
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    Magnetic and photothermal properties of FPPI NPs: a accumulation of FPPI NPs toward a permanent magnet placed against the side wall of a cuvette containing the FPPI NP dispersion (1 mg mL−1); b comparison of the magnetization response of Fe3O4 and FPPI NPs at 25 °C using a vibrating sample magnetometer; c temperature change in various solutions (200 µg mL−1) over 10 min of NIR laser irradiation recorded by a digital thermometer; d temperature elevation in FPPI NP aqueous dispersions with various concentrations over 10 min of NIR laser irradiation recorded by a digital thermometer; e change in temperature of FPPI NP dispersion under repeated laser irradiation over four consecutive heating–cooling cycles (10 min of irradiation for each cycle); f infrared thermal images of cuvettes containing the FPPI NP dispersion to show the temperature change over time under different NP concentrations (NIR laser wavelength: 808 nm; laser power: 2 W cm−2)
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    a Microscopic analysis of HeLa cells treated with free ICG or FPPI NPs (at the same equivalent ICG concentration) for 2 h and 4 h (scale bars: 100 µm; excitation wavelength: 633 nm). Untreated cells served as the blank control. b LIVE/DEAD assays after various treatment combinations, where laser irradiation spots are denoted by dashed circular areas (scale bars: 500 µm). Viable cells and dead cells were stained with green and red fluorescence, respectively. c HeLa cell viability after treatment with free ICG, FPP NPs, or FPPI NPs subjected to laser irradiation (“L”) or magnetic field (“M”) where applicable. d Impact of FPPI NPs on HUVEC viability after 24 h under various NP concentrations measured by MTT assays. e Change in UV–Vis absorbance spectra of FPPI NPs containing DPBF under NIR laser irradiation for 1 ~ 10 min
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    Detection of intracellular ROS using DCFH-DA probes (FITC channel) after HeLa cells were treated with free ICG and FPPI NPs (at an equivalent ICG concentration of 6 µg mL−1) for 4 h and subjected to NIR irradiation (“L”) for 10 min where applicable (scale bars: 50 µm)
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    Change in mitochondrial membrane potential of HeLa cells after treatment with ICG or FPPI NPs (at an equivalent ICG concentration of 6 µg mL−1) for 4 h and NIR laser irradiation (“L”) for 10 min where applicable. After standard JC-1 staining for 30 min, the apoptosis status was determined by fluorescence images captured via the Cy3 channel for JC-1 aggregates and FITC channel for JC-1 monomers (scale bars: 50 µm)
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    a Changes in mouse body shell temperature under NIR laser irradiation over 10 min measured by infrared imaging at 24 h post-injection; b local peak temperature elevation in the tumor region during laser irradiation corresponding to a; c change in tumor volume over time in each group after laser-activated treatment; d photographs of the excised tumors in different groups at day 14 post-injection; e variation of mouse body weight over time in each group after various treatments
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    Histological analyses of the excised tumors at day 14 post-injection by a H&E staining and b TUNEL assays (scale bars: 100 µm); c histological analysis of major organs by H&E staining at day 14 post-injection (scale bars: 200 µm). “L” and “M” denote laser irradiation and magnetic guidance, respectively

• Heterostructured Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Under Alkaline Conditions

  Jumeng Wei1,2, Min Zhou2, Anchun Long2, Yanming Xue3, Hanbin Liao4,5, Chao Wei4,5, Zhichuan J. Xu4,5,6,7	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 75
  First Online: 7 November 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0229-x

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    Schematic pathways for hydrogen evolution reaction under acidic and alkaline conditions
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    a STM image (60 nm × 60 nm) and CV trace of the Pt/Ni(OH)2 surface. b Comparison of HER activities of Ni(OH)2-modified Pt electrode and control samples in 0.1 M KOH. c Schematic representation of water dissociation, formation of M–Had intermediates, and subsequent recombination of two Had atoms to form H2 (magenta arrow), as well as OH− desorption from the Ni(OH)2 domains (red arrows) followed by adsorption of another water molecule on the same site (blue arrows). Reproduced with permission of the authors of Ref. [15]. Copyright 2011, American Association for the Advancement of Science. (Color figure online)
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    a Schematic of synthesis of Pt NWs/SL–Ni(OH)2. b, c TEM images of Pt NWs/SL–Ni(OH)2; scale bars in b and c are 100 and 5 nm, respectively. HER activity of Pt NWs/SL–Ni(OH)2, Pt NPs/SL–Ni(OH)2, pure Pt NWs, and commercial Pt/C (20 wt% Pt) in 1 M d and 0.1 M KOH e at room temperature. Reproduced with permission of the authors of Ref. [35]. Copyright 2015, Nature Publishing Group
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    TEM images and EDS elemental mapping of Pd/FeOx(OH)2−2x NPs a, b before cycling and c, d after 1000 electrochemical cycles. The scale bar is 5 nm. e Schematic diagram of the alkaline HER reaction process on the surface of core/shell Pd/FeOx(OH)2−2x nanoparticles after electrochemical cycling. f iR-corrected linear sweep voltammogram (LSV) curves. g Turnover frequencies (TOFs) of Pd/FeOx(OH)2−2x NPs and catalysts in the benchmark literature: Pd/C, Pd-CNx, Ni-MoS2, and CoP. h HER activity versus FeOx(OH)2−2x coverage [40]. Copyright 2017, Wiley–VCH
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    a ECSA-normalized polarization curves (symbols) of bare MoS2 and MoS2/NiCo-LDH composite catalysts in 1 M KOH solution with the best fits (lines) using the dual-pathway kinetic model. The fitted standard activation free energies are presented in units of meV. b Free energy diagram of the dominant Volmer–Heyrovsky pathway for HER in alkaline electrolyte for bare MoS2 (blue) and MoS2/NiCo-LDH composite (red) catalysts. c Schematic illustration of the HER at MoS2/LDH interface in alkaline environment. Synergistic chemisorption of H (on MoS2) and OH (on LDH) for enhancing the water dissociation step. Reproduced with permission of the authors of Ref. [44]. Copyright 2017, Cell Press. (Color figure online)
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    a Free energies of H2O adsorption, H adsorption, and H2 evolution on α- or β-Ni(OH)2/Pt electrode; for clarity, the adsorbed H atoms for the H2O molecules in the top site on the Pt surfaces are colored green. b Adsorption free energy diagram for the Volmer and Heyrovsky steps. c LDOS of the α- or β-Ni(OH)2/Pt electrode. Reproduced with permission of the authors of Ref. [53]. Copyright 2018, American Chemical Society. (Color figure online)
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    a High-resolution TEM (HRTEM) image of Ni3N@CQDs, b O K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra of Ni3N@CQDs, commercial NiO and the CQDs treated in NH3 at 370 °C, c linear scan voltammetry (LSV) polarization curves of Ni3N@CQDs in comparison with those of platinum (Pt) electrode, pristine Ni3N, CQDs, and glassy carbon (GC) electrode in a 1 M KOH aqueous solution. Comparison of HER Volmer reaction step and the resultant binding energies on carbon-coated Ni3N(110) d and pristine Ni3N(110) e surfaces. N, Ni, C, O, and H atoms are indicated by blue, gray, brown, red, and cyan, respectively. Reproduced with permission of the authors of Ref. [54]. Copyright 2018, American Chemical Society. (Color figure online)

• A Self-Powered Breath Analyzer Based on PANI/PVDF Piezo-Gas-Sensing Arrays for Potential Diagnostics Application

  Yongming Fu1,2, Haoxuan He3, Tianming Zhao3, Yitong Dai3, Wuxiao Han3, Jie Ma2, Lili Xing1,3, Yan Zhang1, Xinyu Xue1,3	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 76
  First Online: 12 November 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0228-y

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    Structure and fabrication of the device. a Proposed concept. b Photographs of un-rolled PANI/PVDF film and as-fabricated bellows. c Fabrication process of the device. d SEM image of PANI/PVDF. e High-magnification SEM image of PANI/PVDF interface. f SEM image of PVDF film. g Lumped parameter equivalent circuit model of the device. h A few cycles of the output current
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    Characterization of the PANI/PVDF. a–e SEM images of PANI(SS), PANI(SDS), PANI(SO), PANI(CA), and PANI(NA), respectively. f EDS spectra of the five PANI derivatives. g Raman spectra of the five PANI derivatives. h XRD pattern of PVDF film. i FTIR spectrum of PVDF film
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    Performances of PANI(SS) sensing unit. a–e The output current of PANI(SS) in response to acetone, CO, ethanol, CH4, and NOx with concentrations ranging from 0 to 600 ppm. f The relationship between the response and gas concentration
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    Sensing performances of the five sensing units. The output current of a PANI(SDS) unit under different ethanol concentrations. b PANI(SO) unit under different CO concentrations. c PANI(CA) unit under different NOx concentrations. d PANI(NA) unit under different CH4 concentrations. e The relationship of the four units between the output current and special gas marker concentration. f The response of the five sensing units to 600 ppm gases
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    Response/recovery processes of the sensing units. a PANI(SS) for acetone. b PANI(SDS) for ethanol. c PANI(SO) for CO. d PANI(CA) for NOx. e PANI(NA) for CH4
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    Sensing performances of the five units under different gas flow rates. a The output current of PANI(SS) unit under airflow rates in the range of 0–12 m s−1. b The output current of five sensing units under airflow rates in the range of 4–9 m s−1. c The output current of five sensing units in response to 600 ppm special gas marker under gas flow rate in the range of 4–9 m s−1. d The relationship of the five sensing units between responses and gas flow rates
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    Humidity influence on ethanol response in the PANI(SDS) sensing unit. a The output current of the PANI(SDS) sensing unit under airflow and 600 ppm ethanol gas flow in different humidity conditions (40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% RH). b The relationship between output current and relative humidity in airflow and 600 ppm ethanol gas flow. c The relationship between response and relative humidity
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    Working principle of the device. a The original state of polarized PVDF. b Measuring the output current in air atmosphere. c Measuring the output current in gas marker atmosphere

• Review of Water-Assisted Crystallization for TiO2 Nanotubes

  Xiaoyi Wang1, Dainan Zhang1, Quanjun Xiang1, Zhiyong Zhong1, Yulong Liao1,2	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 77
  First Online: 15 November 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0230-4

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    Brief description of the overall contents
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    Schematic illustration of the crystallization process in water
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    a Digital photographs showing the appearance change of a TiO2 NT/Ti film before and after the treatment. b XRD patterns demonstrating the phase transformation before (black line) and after (red line) the water soaking for the TiO2 NT/Ti film. c Schematic showing the nucleation of anatase from amorphous TiO2 induced by water [40].
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    XRD patterns of anodic TiO2 NT array films crystallized in a water, b ethanol, and c ethylene glycol at 90 °C for 20 h. d Digital photographs of the treatment system at 90 °C with treatment duration rising from 0 to 20 h. e Magnified digital photograph of the 20-h sample. f Selected area diffraction pattern of the precipitated TiO2 nanoparticles, indicating the anatase phase of the precipitated nanoparticles [52]. g Schematic diagram of the dissolution-recrystallization-precipitation mechanism.
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    a Flowchart for the low-temperature crystallization of amorphous TiO2 nanotubular arrays by solid–gas reaction. In a Teflon-lined stainless autoclave, the as-anodized amorphous TiO2 nanotubes fabricated by anodization reacted with water vapor to yield anatase phase. Morphology images of TiO2 nanotubular arrays prepared by anodizing Ti foil at 20 V for 20 min in 0.5 wt% HF solution, followed by b hydrothermal solid–gas crystallization and c hydrothermal solid–liquid crystallization at 160 °C for 4 h [54].
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    a XRD patterns of the as-hydrothermal samples after annealing at 450 °C for 3 h in air (lines 1, 2, 3 represent the 0.05 M, 0.2 M, and 0.5 M Zn (Ac)2 solutions). SEM images of the samples hydrothermally treated with Zn(Ac)2 solutions with different concentrations at 200 °C for 6 h: b 0.05 M and c 0.5 M. d SEM image of anatase TNTs after hydrothermal treatment in 0.2 M Zn (Ac)2 at 200 °C for 6 h [67]. e Schematic illustration of the reaction processes in the presence of anatase or amorphous TNTs.
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    a Schematic diagram showing the fabrication of crystalline TNTs by immersing the as-anodized sample in the solution of ammonia. b Low-resolution XPS spectra of as-anodized TNAs and ammonia-treated TNAs (10 h). The inset shows the corresponding N 1s core-level XPS spectra with high resolution. c The corresponding normalized Ti 2p core-level XPS spectra with high resolution together with their difference spectrum (‘ammonia-treated TNAs’ minus ‘as-anodized TNAs’). d I–V characteristics of the as-anodized TNAs and ammonia-treated TNTs annealed for 5, 8, 10, and 15 h, respectively. The inset: a simplified sketch of the two-point measurement arrangement [78].
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    a Schematic illustration of the crystallization process at room temperature: first step: electrochemical anodization; second step: pulsed crystallization. b The mechanism of the superfast room temperature crystallization of TNTs. c XRD patterns of the as-anodized and pulsed-crystallized TNTs [82].
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    SEM characterization of the morphological evolution as a function of water soaking time: a as-anodized TiO2 nanotube arrays, b intermediate double-walled TiO2 nanotube arrays obtained by water soaking for 15–25 h, c intermediate wire-in-tube TiO2 nanoarchitecture formed by water soaking for 25–72 h, and d mesoporous TiO2 nanowire arrays obtained by a long-term water soaking (> 72 h). e Scheme illustrating the morphology transformation of the as-anodized TiO2 nanotubes upon water soaking. The red arrows denote the direction along which the dissolution–precipitation of TiO6 octahedra proceeds [40].
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    SEM, HRTEM and SAED images of the a as-anodized TNTs, b after water soaking for 1 day, and c after water soaking for 3 days [83]
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    a Schematic illustration of the fabrication stages of the nanoparticle decorated TiO2 NT array photoanode: (A) untreated TiO2 NT array on FTO substrate (UT-NT), (B) ALD amorphous TiO2 thin layer coated on the TiO2 NT array (AT-NT), (C) cross-sectional view of (B), (D) AT-NT electrode post-water treated for 1 day (WT1-NT), and (E) AT-NT electrode water treated for 2 days (WT2-NT). b TEM image of the sample after water treatment. c The corresponding HRTEM lattice images of the circled portions in b. d Incident photoconversion efficiency spectra of DSSCs using untreated and water-treated TiO2 NT array photoanodes. SEM images of e as-anodized TNTs, f after being immersed in water at 90 °C for 8 h, and g after being immersed in ammonia solution (the concentration of Volammonia/Volwater = 1:1) at 90 °C for 8 h [45, 75].
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    a UV–Vis absorption spectra of the TiO2 NT-powders after different heat treatment duration times at 92 °C. The inset shows the corresponding estimated bandgap. b The absorption spectra of water immersed TNTs and ammonia solution immersed TNTs with different concentrations. The inset shows the corresponding estimated bandgap, A/DI = Volammonia/Volwater. c Schematic of the band structure of pure TNTs and nitrogen-doped TNTs prepared by immersing the as-anodized sample in ammonia solution [39, 55].
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    a Schematic illustration of the reaction process for degrading pollutants by TiO2 under irradiation. b Photocatalytic degradation kinetics of the MO (methyl orange) aqueous solution and c the degradation rate constant by using the TiO2 NT-powders obtained by water immersion with different treatment duration times at 92 °C (the inset of b shows the MO degradation processing with the TiO2 NT-powders after hot water treatment at 92 °C for 35 h as photocatalyst, and S-450 refers to the sample sintered at 450 °C for 3 h) [39].
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    Schematic illustration of the configuration of DSSCs based on TNTs [125].
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    Typical TEM images of the TNTs for a as-anodized and b after HSGM (hydrothermal solid–gas method) treatment with 120 μL water put into a 50 mL Teflon autoclave. c Cyclic voltammograms of the TNTAs without HSGM treatment and TNTAs treated by HSGM under different vapor pressures at a scan rate of 100 mV s−1. d Galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) curves of the HSGM-treated TNTAs at a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2. HSGM-120, 180, 240, 1000 represent the different water content in the Teflon autoclave, which leads to the different vapor pressures [53].
  • 
    a Schematic illustration of the water-assisted crystallization process for preparing porous anatase TiO2 nanospheres from sol–gel derived amorphous particles. b TEM images of the original amorphous TiO2 spheres. c TEM images of the samples after immersing in water at 75 °C for 30 min. d XRD patterns of products obtained by immersing in water at 75 °C for different time periods. e The change of surface area as a function of heating time period for samples treated at different temperatures. f Schematic illustration of the water-assisted crystallization strategy for conversion of amorphous TiO2 layer to mesoporous crystalline shells. Typical TEM images of the samples at different preparation steps: g SiO2@TiO2 core–shell structures prepared by sol–gel coating and h mesoporous TiO2 hollow nanostructures after removing SiO2 cores [141, 142].
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    SEM images of the TiO2 nanofibers treated with water steam at different temperatures of a, b 150 °C; c, d 350 °C; and e, f 550 °C. g XRD patterns of the samples heat-treated at different temperatures in water steam. h, i HRTEM and SAED images of the water steam-treated TiO2 nanofibers prepared at 550 °C. j Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms of the samples heat-treated at different temperatures in water steam [152].
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    SEM images of the as-anodized SnO2 samples a before and b after soaking in water for 2 h at room temperature and c after soaking in water for 2 h at 60 °C. The insets are the photographs showing the appearance of the corresponding SnO2 samples. d Schematic illustration showing the transformation from amorphous to rutile SnO2 assisted by water soaking. TEM images of the SnO2 samples e as-anodized and f after water soaking at 60 °C for 2 h; the insets show the corresponding SAED patterns. g Long-term stability profiles and Coulombic efficiency of the water-crystallized SnO2 at 0.3 C for 500 cycles [159].

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• Layered Trichalcogenidophosphate: A New Catalyst Family for Water Splitting

  Cheng-Feng Du1, 2, Qinghua Liang2, Raksha Dangol2, Jin Zhao2, Hao Ren2, Srinivasan Madhavi2, Qingyu Yan2, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 67
  First Online: 9 August 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0220-6

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    Crystal structures of a MoS2, b MIIPQ3 (MII = Zn, Cd, Mg; X = S, Se), and c Ag0.5MIII0.5PQ3 (MIII = Sc, In; Q = S, Se). Bonds between metal atoms and Q atoms are not shown in b and c [49]. Reproduced with permission. Copyright (2014), AIP Publishing.
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    a Band-edge positions of MPQ3 single layer. The energy scale is indicated by either the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) (right Y-axis) or the vacuum level (left Y-axis) in electron volts as a reference. The redox potentials (green dashed line) for water splitting are shown for comparison [49]. Copyright (2001), Macmillan Publishers Ltd. b Location of VBM and CBM, calculated with HSE06 functional, for MPS3 and MPSe3 single layers. The redox potentials for water splitting at pH = 0 (orange dashed lines) and pH = 7 (cyan dashed lines) are shown for comparison [55]. Reproduced with permission. Copyright (2016), Wiley-VCH, GmbH & Co. KGaA.
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    a Structure and side-view of the charge density difference of MnPSe3/MoS2 heterostructures with different stacking models V1−V5. The isosurface value is 0.15 e nm−3. Yellow (blue) regions represent the net charge gain (loss). b Total and partial DOS of V1, V2, and V4 configurations. Fermi level is indicated by the vertical shadow-line and set to zero [56]. Reproduced with permission. Copyright (2017), Macmillan Publishers Ltd.
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    a AFM images and corresponding height analysis of FePS3 quantum sheets. b UV/vis/NIR diffuse reflectance absorption spectra and estimated bandgap potential (inset) of synthesized FePS3 bulk (1.60 eV) and quantum sheets (2.18 eV). c Plots of hydrogen production through direct photocatalytic water splitting of the FePS3 bulk and quantum sheets in 100 mL deionized water with 10% TEOA as sacrificial agent. d Cycling measurements of hydrogen gas evolution with FePS3 quantum sheets [63]. Reproduced with permission. Copyright (2018), Wiley-VCH, GmbH & Co. KGaA.
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    Electrochemical properties of as-prepared Ni1−xCoxPS3 and Ni1−xFexPS3 nanosheets for the HER in 1 M KOH. a J–V curves after iR correction for application of NiPS3 and various Ni1−xCoxPS3 samples in the HER, in comparison to the commercial Pt/C catalyst; b Tafel plots for the data presented in a [72]. Reproduced with permission. Copyright (2017), Royal Society of Chemistry. c J−V curves after iR correction for application of FePS3, NiPS3, and various Ni1−xFexPS3 samples in the HER, in comparison to 20 wt% Pt/C commercial catalyst; d Tafel plots for the data presented in c [73]. Reproduced with permission. Copyright (2017), American Chemical Society.
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    a Calculated total DOS for NiPS3 and Fe-doped NiPS3. b Projected DOS for Ni and Fe obtained from DFT + U calculations for Fe-doped NiPS3. Optimized structures of c NiPS3 and d Fe-doped NiPS3 for calculating the free energies of adsorption of oxygen-containing intermediates on their surfaces by DFT calculations. The inset in b is the enlarged projected DOS near the Fermi level [80]. Reproduced with permission. Copyright (2018), Elsevier Ltd.

• Recent Advances in Synthesis and Properties of Hybrid Halide Perovskites for Photovoltaics

  Vidyasagar C. C.1, 2, *, Blanca M. Muñoz Flores1, Víctor M. Jiménez Pérez1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 68
  First Online: 15 August 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0221-5

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    a Simulated crystal structure of CH3NH3BX3 obtained from the diffraction pattern and b electron–hole diffusion diagram in the material
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    Classifications of photovoltaics corresponding to inorganic, organic, and hybrid perovskites
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    Working principle of dye-sensitized solar cells
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    Stepwise progress in perovskite solar cells demonstrating the remarkably sharp rise in photovoltaic performance over the past eight years
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    Yearwise progress in perovskite solar cell research published by various journals (data collected from Web of Science)
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    XRD patterns of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite ultrafine nanoparticles: a after sonication in isopropanol for 10, 20, and 30 min (the peak assigned to unreacted PbI3 is marked) and b after 20 min sonication in water. Reproduced with permission Ref. [109]. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
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    Plots of three consecutive measurements of DLS with Zeta Potential which is performed in isopropanol suspensions of the CH3NH3PbI perovskite at 20 min sonication. Reproduced with permission Ref. [109]. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
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    a Excitation spectrum and b emission spectrum of CH3NH3PbI3 nanoparticles. Reproduced with permission Ref. [109]. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
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    XRD pattern of perovskite films treated by 160-W microwave irradiation for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 min and annealed at 100 °C for 10 min. Reproduced with permission Ref. [27]. Copyright ©2016 American Chemical Society
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    As-prepared perovskite material powder treated by microwave irradiation for a 0 min, b 1 min, c 2 min at 800 W and the PbI2-CH3NH3I adduct powders treated by microwave irradiation for d 0 min and e 2 min and the PbI2-CH3NH3I powders added with f diethyl ether, g DMF, and h DMSO treated by microwave irradiation for 2 min at 800 W. Reproduced with permission Ref. [27]. Copyright ©2016 American Chemical Society
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    Time dependency of average grain size. Reproduced with permission Ref. [27]. Copyright ©2016 American Chemical Society
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    XRD patterns of as-prepared material: a simulated MAPbI3, b as-ground MAPbI3, c PbI2, d MAI. Reproduced with permission Ref. [29]. Copyright © 2015 The Royal Society of Chemistry
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    UV–Vis absorption (green peak) and PL (blue) spectra of as-ground MAPbI3 measured at ambient temperature: fluorescence decay excitation measured at the 3.05 eV (inset view). Reproduced with permission Ref. [29]. Copyright © 2015 The Royal Society of Chemistry
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    XRD patterns of a CH3NH3I, b PbI2, c ball milling 10 min, d ball milling 45 min, e CH3NH3PbI3/Al2O3, and f CH3NH3PbI3 by solution crystallization process. Reproduced with permission Ref. [135]. Copyright © 2016 Springer Science Business Media New York
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    The consumption of lead can be significantly reduced by means of deposition and wasting throughout the experiment
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    Schematic view of the CH3NH3PbI3 with ethyl cellulose
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    Roll-to-roll fabrication of perovskite photovoltaic sheets
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    Normalized I–V parameter of nonencapsulation, partial encapsulation, and complete encapsulation perovskites. Reproduced with permission Ref. [195]. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
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    Top view of the uncoated Au perovskite cell a cell with PEI layer, b degradation of perovskite in the form of nanopinholes with PEI layer, and c degradation of cell randomly all over without PEI layer and corresponding SEM images. Reproduced with permission Ref. [196]. Copyright © 2015 The Royal Society of Chemistry
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    Thickness-dependent time-resolved PL data illustrate PL decay curve of CH3NH3PbI3 films dipped at different concentration of PbI2 upon excitation at 517 nm — the solid line corresponds to the results that are stretched exponentially. Reproduced with permission Ref. [203].
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    SEM images of CH3NH3PbI3 films of different PbI2 concentrations: a 0.3 M, b 0.5 M, c 0.8 M, and d 1.1 M. Reproduced with permission Ref. [203].
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    SEM images of FASnI3 perovskite film fabricated using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent a without nonsolvent dripping and b with nonsolvent dripping; SEM images of FASnI3 perovskite film fabricated using mixed solvent of DMF and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with nonsolvent dripping c absence of pyrazine and d presence of pyrazine. Reproduced with permission Ref. [32]. Copyright ©2016 American Chemical Society
  • 
    XRD patterns of FASnI3 films a with and without pyrazine deposited on FTO glass, b with and without presence of SnF2 (10 mol%), c in the absence of SnF2 annealed at 60 and 170°C, and d PCE of the FASnI3 and the amount of SnF2 added in the absence of pyrazine. Reproduced with permission Ref. [32]. Copyright ©2016 American Chemical Society
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    a J–V curve and b external quantum efficiency (EQE) spectrum and integrated Jsc for the optimized FASnI3 PSC; c recombination time constant of FASnI3 PSCs as a function of the open-circuit voltage and d relationship between PCE of the FASnI3 PSC and the amount of added SnF2 in the presence of pyrazine. Reproduced with permission Ref. [32]. Copyright ©2016 American Chemical Society
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    Plot of the thickness-dependent short-circuit current density Jsc of different perovskites. Reproduced with permission Ref. [236]. Copyright ©2016 American Chemical Society
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    Cross sectional image of as-proposed low-cost model for water-soluble perovskite solar cells

• Nitrogen-Doped TiO2-C Composite Nanofibers with High-Capacity and Long-Cycle Life as Anode Materials for Sodium-ion Batteries

  Su Nie1, Li Liu1, 2, *, Junfang Liu1, Jianjun Xie1, Yue Zhang1，Jing Xia1，Hanxiao Yan1, Yiting Yuan1, Xianyou Wang1	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 71
  First Online: 20 September 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0225-1

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    a XRD patterns and b Raman spectra of TiO2/N-C NFs and TiO2-C NFs. c N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms and d the corresponding pore size distributions of TiO2/N-C NFs and TiO2-C NFs
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    SEM images of a TiO2-C NFs and b TiO2/N-C NFs. TEM images of c TiO2-C NFs and d TiO2/N-C NFs. e TEM elemental mapping images of C, N, Ti, and O in TiO2/N-C NFs. f HRTEM image of TiO2/N-C NFs with lattice spacing (the inset shows statistical tables of the interplanar crystal spacing)
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    a Cycling performance of the TiO2/N-C NF and TiO2-C NF electrodes under a current density of 1 A g-1. b Continuous discharge and charge curves of TiO2/N-C NF electrode under a current density of 1A g-1. c Rate capability of TiO2/N-C NFs and TiO2/C NFs. d Charge–discharge curves of TiO2/N-C NFs at 0.05–5 A g-1 in the range of 0.01–2.5 V. e Long-term cycle performance of TiO2/N-C NFs under a high current density of 5 A g-1
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    Comparison of rate capability of TiO2/N-C NFs with that of previously reported TiO2-based composites with various morphologies
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    a XPS wide scan spectra of TiO2-C NFs and TiO2/N-C NFs. High-resolution b C 1s and c Ti 2p XPS spectra of TiO2-C NFs and TiO2/N-C NFs. d High-resolution N 1s spectra of TiO2/N-C NFs. e EDS spectrum of TiO2/N-C NFs
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    N 1s fine spectra of TiO2/N-C NFs with a 0.05 g, b 0.1 g, and c 0.2 g of added urea. d Histogram of ratio of different N species in various TiO2/N-C NF samples. e Schematic of structural binding conditions of nitrogen
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    CV curves of a the TiO2/N-C NF electrode and b the TiO2-C NF electrode at a scan rate of 0.1 mV s-1. c CV plots of TiO2/N-C NFs at various sweep rates from 0.1 to 10 mV s-1. d Relationship between the peak currents and scan rates in logarithmic scale. e Diagram of capacitive contribution to the total capacity of TiO2/N-C NFs at different scan rates. f CV curve of TiO2/N-C NFs (black curve) and capacitive contribution measured at 10 mV s-1 (red shaded region)
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    a Nyquist plots of TiO2/N-C NF and TiO2-C NF

• Beyond Graphene Anode Materials for Emerging Metal Ion Batteries and Supercapacitors

  Santanu Mukherjee1, #, *, Zhongkan Ren1, #, Gurpreet Singh1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 70
  First Online: 12 September 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0224-2

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    Spider graph representation of critical parameters of the different electrochemical energy storage systems. Data for the figure has been obtained from Ref. [12].
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    Statistical analysis of the application of beyond graphene 2D materials: a, b, c Pie chart analysis showing the weight of the various applications of TMDs, MXene and phosphorene, respectively. Electrochemical energy storage occupies an important role in the application regimes of each of the 2-D materials, which is indicative of the current trend of their applications in batteries and supercapacitors
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    Schematic representation of structure and atomic arrangement of the layered “beyond-graphene” materials which are the focus of the present work: a, e, i Top view of the ball and stick atomic models of phosphorene, MXene and TMD (MoSe2), respectively. b, f, j Side view of the atomic models showing the layered structure of phosphorene, MXene and TMD (MoSe2), respectively. SEM images showing the characteristic layered structure of c, g, k SEM images showing the characteristic layered structure of phosphorene, MXene and TMD (MoSe2), respectively. d, h, i HRTEM image demonstrating the arrangement of the atoms in the lattice for phosphorene, MXene and TMD (MoSe2), respectively [24, 62-71]. Permission allowed by copyright owners
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    Schematic representation of various “top-down” fabrication techniques for large-scale synthesis of electrode materials: a Liquid exfoliation where the sheets are sheared off by sonicating the bulk material in a liquid medium. b Mechanical exfoliation, whereby a tensile force (possibly produced by Scotch tape) can peel off the constituent layers c Intercalant assisted exfoliation where a metal ion (usually Li+) is used to intercalate into the bulk precursor in a liquid media coupled with ultrasonication, which shears the sheets apart and d Selective etching, in which an etchant (usually strong acids e.g. HF) is used to remove one or more constituent atoms and result in the formation of sheets.
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    Structural characterization and electrochemical performance analysis of TMD (MoS2) as an electrode material in SIB: a, b HRTEM images of exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets obtained after treatment with a superacid. c Selected area diffraction pattern for the MoS2 nanosheet imaged in Fig. b. d, e SEM images of the top and cross-sectional view of the 60 MoS2 sample (60 wt% MoS2-40 wt% rGO), respectively. e TEM image of SAED pattern (in the inset) of the same 60 MoS2 sample. g Graphical representation of the total interaction potential (VT), repulsion (VDLVO) and attraction energy (VvdW) versus greater sheet separation. h Represents the Raman spectra of the MoS2 samples, in bulk (black) and after exfoliation (red) by acid treatment. i XRD spectra of the bulk (black) and exfoliated MoS2 (red) sample, indicating the peak shift and the broadening of the consequent increase in the interlayer distance of the exfoliated sample. j XRD pattern of pristine MoS2-rGO (60 MoS2) electrode (blue) and the same after one discharge cycle (black). Considerable peak broadening is observed due to sodiation. k First discharge graph of the 60 MoS2 electrode, also showing the formation of nanocrsytallites along the process from the TEM images and SAED patterns in the inset. l 1st (black) and 2nd cycle (red) gcd curves for the 60 MoS2 sample. m Differential capacity curves for the first two cycles demonstrating the redox voltages. n Charging capacity and Coulombic efficiency values for the different composite and bare rGO sample performed at a current density of 25 mA g-1. o Charge capacity, coulombic efficiency and rate capability of 60 MoS2 sample [83]. Copyright 2014 American Chemical Society. Scale bar for d and e is 10 μm and for f is 100 nm
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    Structural characterization and electrochemical performance analysis of TMD (MoSe2) as a supercapacitor electrode: a, b TEM images of MoSe2 nanosheets at low magnification. c HRTEM image of the MoSe2 sheets with the FFT pattern demonstrated in the inset. d XRD spectra of the few-layered MoSe2 nanosheets showing the characteristic peaks. e Characteristic Raman spectra of the few-layered MoSe2 nanosheets where the A1g and E12g vibration modes are clearly visible. f CV of the few-layered MoSe2 sample in 0.5 M H2SO4 with scan rates varying from 2 to 125 mV s-1. g Corresponding specific capacitance values at the given scan rates. h First cycle GCD curves at different current rates, of the few-layered MoSe2 sample. i Specific capacitance values for the corresponding current rates. j Specific capacitance retention of the few-layered MoSe2 sample, being run for 10,000 cycles at a current rate of 5 A g-1 in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte [129]. Copyright 2015 Royal Society of Chemistry
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    Structural characterization and electrochemical performance analysis of MXene as electrode material in KIB: a, b, c SEM images of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase, Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets (MNSs) obtained by etching the precursor MAX phase with 40% HF solution and KOH treated Ti3C2 MNSs (a-Ti3C2), respectively. d XRD spectra stack of Ti3AlC2, Ti3C2 and a-Ti3C2. e SEM image of Ti3C2 MXene nanoribbons (MNRs) at low magnification. f Corresponding image at high magnification g TEM image of MNRs h XPS spectra of Ti3AlC2, Ti3C2 and a-Ti3C2 showing the free C and K peaks. i, j and k HRTEM images of the Ti3C2 MNRs at different positions (‘A’ and ‘B’) and varying thicknesses (8, 16, and 22 nm). l XPS spectra of the 3 samples showing the O 1s peak. m, n, o, p, q Elemental mapping of Ti, C, K, O and F regions of the a-Ti3C2 sample, respectively. r CV of the a-Ti3C2 MNRs for KIB collected at a scan rate of 0.1 mV s-1. s GCD curves of the sample obtained at different given current rates. t Rate capability of the a-Ti3C2 sample. u Cycling performance at 200 mA g-1 and coulombic efficiency for the a-Ti3C2 sample [145]. Copyright 2018 Elsevier
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    Structural characterization and electrochemical performance analysis of MXene (N-doped Ti3C2Tx) as a supercapacitor electrode: SEM images of a Parent MAX phase Ti3AlC2. b Ti3C2Tx obtained after etching the MAX phase with HF. c N doped Ti3C2Tx synthesized at 200 °C (N-Ti3C2Tx-200 °C). d N-Ti3C2Tx-300 °C. e N-Ti3C2Tx-500 °C. f N-Ti3C2Tx-700 °C. g XRD spectra stack of the parent MAX phase (Ti3AlC2) and the non-doped and various N doped Ti3C2Tx MXenes. h, i, j, k XPS spectra of N-Ti3C2Tx-200 °C, N-Ti3C2Tx-300 °C, N-Ti3C2Tx-500 °C, N-Ti3C2Tx-700 °C samples, respectively. l CV curves of the non-doped and doped MXenes in 1 M H2SO4 at 1 mV s-1 scan rate. m Specific capacitance of the MXenes corresponding to the scan rates in i and n CV curves of the non-doped and doped MXenes in 1 M MgSO4 at 1 mV s-1 scan rate. o Specific capacitance of the MXenes corresponding to the scan rates in n [150]. Copyright 2018 Elsevier
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    Structural characterization and electrochemical performance analysis of phosphorene electrode material in SIB: a Schematic showing the movement of Na+ ion between phosphorene layers. b Energetics dictated transport of Na+ ions in the interstices of phosphorene lattice. c, f HRTEM images along the [001] direction of few-layer phosphorene and single-layer phosphorene, respectively, with FFTs shown in the inset of each. d, g Atomic scale High angle annular dark field image (HAADF) along the [001] direction of few-layer phosphorene and single-layer phosphorene, respectively, with atomic orientations in inset (in yellow). e, h HAADF of few-layer phosphorene along the [100] and [010] directions, respectively, with the corresponding atomic orientations in the inset (in yellow). i, j TEM image and schematic of the contact interface of Na+ ion normal to the [100] direction and along the [100] direction, respectively. The SAED patterns of the few-layered phosphorene are shown in the inset of both. k CV of the first three cycles of the phosphorene electrode for the half-cell at a scan rate of 0.005 mV s-1. l GCD profiles of the 1st, 2nd and 30th cycle for the phosphorene electrode in the half cell. m Capacity retention and coulombic efficiency of the phosphorene electrode running at a current density of 100 mA g-1. n Rate capability of the phosphorene anode [163]. Copyright 2016 American Chemical Society
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    Structural characterization and electrochemical performance analysis of phosphorene as a supercapacitor electrode: a TEM image of phosphorene thin film b HRTEM image of the phosphorene thin film. c HRTEM micrograph of the phosphorene thin film with atomic positions and lattice parameters. d AFM image of the phosphorene thin film. e SEM image of the cross-section of the phosphorene thin film with EDX spectra of the selected region. f XPS spectra of phosphorene thin film. g, h CV at varying scan rates of P/G anode and G anode, respectively. i XRD spectra stack of the phosphorene (orange), graphene (red) and P/G composite electrode (blue). j Aerial capacitances of P/G (blue) and G (red) samples. k Volumetric capacitances of P/G (blue) and G (red) samples. l Ragone plots of P/G (blue) and G (red) samples. m GCD curves of the P/G (blue) and G (red) samples at a current density of 0.3 A cm-3. n Complex part of the impedance spectra of P/G (blue) and the G (red) samples. o Stability performance of the P/G sample over 2000 cycles with the inset pictures showing the flat and bending orientations. p CV curves of the P/G composite micro-supercapacitor. q CV curves of the P/G composite on PET substrate [174]. Copyright 2017 American Chemical Society

• Nanostructured Ternary Metal Tungstate-based Photocatalysts for Environmental Purification and Solar Water Splitting: A Review

  Jun Ke2, M. Adnan Younis1, Yan Kong1, Hongru Zhou2, Jie Liu3, *, Lecheng Lei1, Yang Hou1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 69
  First Online: 2 September 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0222-4

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    Schematic overview of the band positions of representative semiconductors
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    Illustration of unit cells of scheelite and wolframite. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [57]. Copyright 2014 Elsevier
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    Colors of different MWO4 materials. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [51]. Copyright 2014 American Chemical Society
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    Relationship between band-gap energy of MWO4 and the radii of metal cations
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    Models of band structures and calculated density of states for tetragonal (a, b) and monoclinic (c, d) CdWO4. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [83]. Copyright 2011 Elsevier
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    a Crystal structures, b density of states, and c UV-Vis absorption spectra of -SnWO4 and -SnWO4. d Photocatalytic activity of -SnWO4 and -SnWO4 in RhB degradation. e H2 evolution. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [88]. Copyright 2009 American Chemical Society
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    a Distribution of energy level and b chronoamperometry curves of CuWO4 and WO3. c Polarization curve of CuWO4 photoanode under AM1.5G irradiation. d Illustration of the physical model of charge carrier transfer in CuWO4. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [102]. Copyright 2016 American Chemical Society
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    a Formation mechanism of m-CdWO4 and t-CdWO4 and the b relationship between different crystal phases of CdWO4 and used solvents. c Photocatalytic H2 evolution of m-CdWO4 and t-CdWO4 under visible light irradiation. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [86]. Copyright 2012 Royal Society of Chemistry
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    a-c FESEM images of CdWO4 microspheres. d Photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of MO in the presence of different photocatalysts. e Photocatalytic mechanism for CdWO4 microspheres. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [107]. Copyright 2014 Royal Society of Chemistry
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    a, b FESEM images of FeWO4 microspheres. c Photocatalytic performance of FeWO4 microspheres for the degradation of RhB. d Schematic illustration of photocatalysis mechanism for FeWO4 microspheres. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [112]. Copyright 2016 Elsevier
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    a, b FESEM images of faceted β-SnWO4 microcrystals. c, d FESEM images and photocatalytic activities for the degradation of MB over faceted β-SnWO4 microcrystals, bulk β-SnWO4, and β-SnWO4 nanoparticles under sunlight irradiation. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [117]. Copyright 2012 Royal Society of Chemistry
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    a TEM image and b photodegradation efficiency of Ag NPs/α-SnWO4 under visible-light irradiation. c Transient photocurrent response for different samples. d Illustration of photocatalytic mechanism of Ag NPs/α-SnWO4. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [130]. Copyright 2017 Elsevier.
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    a Geometric structures for the Fi-ZnWO4. Spin density (top) and total charge density (bottom) for Fi-ZnWO4. c Photocurrent density of the synthesized samples under UV-light irradiation. Photocatalytic degradation of RhB over different samples under UV light irradiation. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [140]. Copyright 2010 American Chemical Society
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    a, b TEM and HRTEM images of a CdS/MnWO4 heterojunction. c Photocatalytic degradation of MB over CdS/MnWO4 with different CdS contents. d Schematic photocatalytic mechanism of CdS/MnWO4 heterojunction. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [155]. Copyright 2017 Elsevier
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    a Schematic diagram describing the formation of MnWO4 nanoplates. b-c FESEM images of the MnWO4 nanoplates and MnWO4 nanoplates on TiO2 film. d Photodegradation efficiency of different samples heated at 850 °C for different times. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [162]. Copyright 2016 Royal Society of Chemistry
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    a TEM image, b UV-vis diffused reflectance spectra, and c photocatalytic degradation curves of CdWO4/C3N4. d Mechanism of photocatalytic reaction on the CdWO4/C3N4. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [197]. Copyright 2015 Elsevier

• Heterostructured Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Under Alkaline Conditions

  Jumeng Wei1,2, Min Zhou2, Anchun Long2, Yanming Xue3, Hanbin Liao4,5, Chao Wei4,5, Zhichuan J. Xu4,5,6,7	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 75
  First Online: 7 November 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0229-x

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    Schematic pathways for hydrogen evolution reaction under acidic and alkaline conditions
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    a STM image (60 nm × 60 nm) and CV trace of the Pt/Ni(OH)2 surface. b Comparison of HER activities of Ni(OH)2-modified Pt electrode and control samples in 0.1 M KOH. c Schematic representation of water dissociation, formation of M–Had intermediates, and subsequent recombination of two Had atoms to form H2 (magenta arrow), as well as OH− desorption from the Ni(OH)2 domains (red arrows) followed by adsorption of another water molecule on the same site (blue arrows). Reproduced with permission of the authors of Ref. [15]. Copyright 2011, American Association for the Advancement of Science. (Color figure online)
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    a Schematic of synthesis of Pt NWs/SL–Ni(OH)2. b, c TEM images of Pt NWs/SL–Ni(OH)2; scale bars in b and c are 100 and 5 nm, respectively. HER activity of Pt NWs/SL–Ni(OH)2, Pt NPs/SL–Ni(OH)2, pure Pt NWs, and commercial Pt/C (20 wt% Pt) in 1 M d and 0.1 M KOH e at room temperature. Reproduced with permission of the authors of Ref. [35]. Copyright 2015, Nature Publishing Group
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    TEM images and EDS elemental mapping of Pd/FeOx(OH)2−2x NPs a, b before cycling and c, d after 1000 electrochemical cycles. The scale bar is 5 nm. e Schematic diagram of the alkaline HER reaction process on the surface of core/shell Pd/FeOx(OH)2−2x nanoparticles after electrochemical cycling. f iR-corrected linear sweep voltammogram (LSV) curves. g Turnover frequencies (TOFs) of Pd/FeOx(OH)2−2x NPs and catalysts in the benchmark literature: Pd/C, Pd-CNx, Ni-MoS2, and CoP. h HER activity versus FeOx(OH)2−2x coverage [40]. Copyright 2017, Wiley–VCH
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    a ECSA-normalized polarization curves (symbols) of bare MoS2 and MoS2/NiCo-LDH composite catalysts in 1 M KOH solution with the best fits (lines) using the dual-pathway kinetic model. The fitted standard activation free energies are presented in units of meV. b Free energy diagram of the dominant Volmer–Heyrovsky pathway for HER in alkaline electrolyte for bare MoS2 (blue) and MoS2/NiCo-LDH composite (red) catalysts. c Schematic illustration of the HER at MoS2/LDH interface in alkaline environment. Synergistic chemisorption of H (on MoS2) and OH (on LDH) for enhancing the water dissociation step. Reproduced with permission of the authors of Ref. [44]. Copyright 2017, Cell Press. (Color figure online)
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    a Free energies of H2O adsorption, H adsorption, and H2 evolution on α- or β-Ni(OH)2/Pt electrode; for clarity, the adsorbed H atoms for the H2O molecules in the top site on the Pt surfaces are colored green. b Adsorption free energy diagram for the Volmer and Heyrovsky steps. c LDOS of the α- or β-Ni(OH)2/Pt electrode. Reproduced with permission of the authors of Ref. [53]. Copyright 2018, American Chemical Society. (Color figure online)
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    a High-resolution TEM (HRTEM) image of Ni3N@CQDs, b O K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra of Ni3N@CQDs, commercial NiO and the CQDs treated in NH3 at 370 °C, c linear scan voltammetry (LSV) polarization curves of Ni3N@CQDs in comparison with those of platinum (Pt) electrode, pristine Ni3N, CQDs, and glassy carbon (GC) electrode in a 1 M KOH aqueous solution. Comparison of HER Volmer reaction step and the resultant binding energies on carbon-coated Ni3N(110) d and pristine Ni3N(110) e surfaces. N, Ni, C, O, and H atoms are indicated by blue, gray, brown, red, and cyan, respectively. Reproduced with permission of the authors of Ref. [54]. Copyright 2018, American Chemical Society. (Color figure online)

• Indocyanine Green-Conjugated Magnetic Prussian Blue Nanoparticles for Synchronous Photothermal/Photodynamic Tumor Therapy

  Peng Xue1,2, Ruihao Yang1,2, Lihong Sun1,2, Qian Li1,2, Lei Zhang3, Zhigang Xu1,2, Yuejun Kang1,2	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 74
  First Online: 25 October 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0227-z

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    Schematic of the procedure for FPPI NP synthesis and the combination PDT/PTT cancer treatment. Magnetic FPPI NPs accumulate in the tumor region under a local magnetic field, which produces hyperthermia and toxic ROS activated by NIR light irradiation
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    Characterizations of physicochemical properties: a high-resolution TEM image of FPPI NPs obtained by electrostatically conjugating ICG onto the surface of magnetic PB NPs (scale bar: 50 nm); b hydrodynamic size distribution of FPPI NPs in aqueous suspension measured by the DLS method; c zeta potentials of the intermediate and final products; d photographs of Fe3O4 NPs, free ICG, Fe3O4@PB NPs, Fe3O4@PB/PEI NPs, and FPPI NPs (from left to right) dispersed in aqueous condition; e XRD patterns of Fe3O4 NPs, PB NPs, and FPPI NPs; f Vis–NIR absorbance spectra of Fe3O4 NPs, PB NPs, ICG, and FPPI NPs dispersed in aqueous solution; g Vis–NIR absorbance spectra of FPPI NP dispersions with different concentrations; h hydrodynamic size variation of FPPI NPs dispersed in 1 × PBS, DMEM, or 10% FBS over 7 days; i FT-IR spectra of Fe3O4 NPs, PB NPs, ICG, and FPPI NPs in the solid state
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    Magnetic and photothermal properties of FPPI NPs: a accumulation of FPPI NPs toward a permanent magnet placed against the side wall of a cuvette containing the FPPI NP dispersion (1 mg mL−1); b comparison of the magnetization response of Fe3O4 and FPPI NPs at 25 °C using a vibrating sample magnetometer; c temperature change in various solutions (200 µg mL−1) over 10 min of NIR laser irradiation recorded by a digital thermometer; d temperature elevation in FPPI NP aqueous dispersions with various concentrations over 10 min of NIR laser irradiation recorded by a digital thermometer; e change in temperature of FPPI NP dispersion under repeated laser irradiation over four consecutive heating–cooling cycles (10 min of irradiation for each cycle); f infrared thermal images of cuvettes containing the FPPI NP dispersion to show the temperature change over time under different NP concentrations (NIR laser wavelength: 808 nm; laser power: 2 W cm−2)
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    a Microscopic analysis of HeLa cells treated with free ICG or FPPI NPs (at the same equivalent ICG concentration) for 2 h and 4 h (scale bars: 100 µm; excitation wavelength: 633 nm). Untreated cells served as the blank control. b LIVE/DEAD assays after various treatment combinations, where laser irradiation spots are denoted by dashed circular areas (scale bars: 500 µm). Viable cells and dead cells were stained with green and red fluorescence, respectively. c HeLa cell viability after treatment with free ICG, FPP NPs, or FPPI NPs subjected to laser irradiation (“L”) or magnetic field (“M”) where applicable. d Impact of FPPI NPs on HUVEC viability after 24 h under various NP concentrations measured by MTT assays. e Change in UV–Vis absorbance spectra of FPPI NPs containing DPBF under NIR laser irradiation for 1 ~ 10 min
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    Detection of intracellular ROS using DCFH-DA probes (FITC channel) after HeLa cells were treated with free ICG and FPPI NPs (at an equivalent ICG concentration of 6 µg mL−1) for 4 h and subjected to NIR irradiation (“L”) for 10 min where applicable (scale bars: 50 µm)
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    Change in mitochondrial membrane potential of HeLa cells after treatment with ICG or FPPI NPs (at an equivalent ICG concentration of 6 µg mL−1) for 4 h and NIR laser irradiation (“L”) for 10 min where applicable. After standard JC-1 staining for 30 min, the apoptosis status was determined by fluorescence images captured via the Cy3 channel for JC-1 aggregates and FITC channel for JC-1 monomers (scale bars: 50 µm)
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    a Changes in mouse body shell temperature under NIR laser irradiation over 10 min measured by infrared imaging at 24 h post-injection; b local peak temperature elevation in the tumor region during laser irradiation corresponding to a; c change in tumor volume over time in each group after laser-activated treatment; d photographs of the excised tumors in different groups at day 14 post-injection; e variation of mouse body weight over time in each group after various treatments
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    Histological analyses of the excised tumors at day 14 post-injection by a H&E staining and b TUNEL assays (scale bars: 100 µm); c histological analysis of major organs by H&E staining at day 14 post-injection (scale bars: 200 µm). “L” and “M” denote laser irradiation and magnetic guidance, respectively

• Review of Water-Assisted Crystallization for TiO2 Nanotubes

  Xiaoyi Wang1, Dainan Zhang1, Quanjun Xiang1, Zhiyong Zhong1, Yulong Liao1,2	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 77
  First Online: 15 November 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0230-4

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    Brief description of the overall contents
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    Schematic illustration of the crystallization process in water
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    a Digital photographs showing the appearance change of a TiO2 NT/Ti film before and after the treatment. b XRD patterns demonstrating the phase transformation before (black line) and after (red line) the water soaking for the TiO2 NT/Ti film. c Schematic showing the nucleation of anatase from amorphous TiO2 induced by water [40].
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    XRD patterns of anodic TiO2 NT array films crystallized in a water, b ethanol, and c ethylene glycol at 90 °C for 20 h. d Digital photographs of the treatment system at 90 °C with treatment duration rising from 0 to 20 h. e Magnified digital photograph of the 20-h sample. f Selected area diffraction pattern of the precipitated TiO2 nanoparticles, indicating the anatase phase of the precipitated nanoparticles [52]. g Schematic diagram of the dissolution-recrystallization-precipitation mechanism.
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    a Flowchart for the low-temperature crystallization of amorphous TiO2 nanotubular arrays by solid–gas reaction. In a Teflon-lined stainless autoclave, the as-anodized amorphous TiO2 nanotubes fabricated by anodization reacted with water vapor to yield anatase phase. Morphology images of TiO2 nanotubular arrays prepared by anodizing Ti foil at 20 V for 20 min in 0.5 wt% HF solution, followed by b hydrothermal solid–gas crystallization and c hydrothermal solid–liquid crystallization at 160 °C for 4 h [54].
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    a XRD patterns of the as-hydrothermal samples after annealing at 450 °C for 3 h in air (lines 1, 2, 3 represent the 0.05 M, 0.2 M, and 0.5 M Zn (Ac)2 solutions). SEM images of the samples hydrothermally treated with Zn(Ac)2 solutions with different concentrations at 200 °C for 6 h: b 0.05 M and c 0.5 M. d SEM image of anatase TNTs after hydrothermal treatment in 0.2 M Zn (Ac)2 at 200 °C for 6 h [67]. e Schematic illustration of the reaction processes in the presence of anatase or amorphous TNTs.
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    a Schematic diagram showing the fabrication of crystalline TNTs by immersing the as-anodized sample in the solution of ammonia. b Low-resolution XPS spectra of as-anodized TNAs and ammonia-treated TNAs (10 h). The inset shows the corresponding N 1s core-level XPS spectra with high resolution. c The corresponding normalized Ti 2p core-level XPS spectra with high resolution together with their difference spectrum (‘ammonia-treated TNAs’ minus ‘as-anodized TNAs’). d I–V characteristics of the as-anodized TNAs and ammonia-treated TNTs annealed for 5, 8, 10, and 15 h, respectively. The inset: a simplified sketch of the two-point measurement arrangement [78].
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    a Schematic illustration of the crystallization process at room temperature: first step: electrochemical anodization; second step: pulsed crystallization. b The mechanism of the superfast room temperature crystallization of TNTs. c XRD patterns of the as-anodized and pulsed-crystallized TNTs [82].
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    SEM characterization of the morphological evolution as a function of water soaking time: a as-anodized TiO2 nanotube arrays, b intermediate double-walled TiO2 nanotube arrays obtained by water soaking for 15–25 h, c intermediate wire-in-tube TiO2 nanoarchitecture formed by water soaking for 25–72 h, and d mesoporous TiO2 nanowire arrays obtained by a long-term water soaking (> 72 h). e Scheme illustrating the morphology transformation of the as-anodized TiO2 nanotubes upon water soaking. The red arrows denote the direction along which the dissolution–precipitation of TiO6 octahedra proceeds [40].
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    SEM, HRTEM and SAED images of the a as-anodized TNTs, b after water soaking for 1 day, and c after water soaking for 3 days [83]
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    a Schematic illustration of the fabrication stages of the nanoparticle decorated TiO2 NT array photoanode: (A) untreated TiO2 NT array on FTO substrate (UT-NT), (B) ALD amorphous TiO2 thin layer coated on the TiO2 NT array (AT-NT), (C) cross-sectional view of (B), (D) AT-NT electrode post-water treated for 1 day (WT1-NT), and (E) AT-NT electrode water treated for 2 days (WT2-NT). b TEM image of the sample after water treatment. c The corresponding HRTEM lattice images of the circled portions in b. d Incident photoconversion efficiency spectra of DSSCs using untreated and water-treated TiO2 NT array photoanodes. SEM images of e as-anodized TNTs, f after being immersed in water at 90 °C for 8 h, and g after being immersed in ammonia solution (the concentration of Volammonia/Volwater = 1:1) at 90 °C for 8 h [45, 75].
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    a UV–Vis absorption spectra of the TiO2 NT-powders after different heat treatment duration times at 92 °C. The inset shows the corresponding estimated bandgap. b The absorption spectra of water immersed TNTs and ammonia solution immersed TNTs with different concentrations. The inset shows the corresponding estimated bandgap, A/DI = Volammonia/Volwater. c Schematic of the band structure of pure TNTs and nitrogen-doped TNTs prepared by immersing the as-anodized sample in ammonia solution [39, 55].
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    a Schematic illustration of the reaction process for degrading pollutants by TiO2 under irradiation. b Photocatalytic degradation kinetics of the MO (methyl orange) aqueous solution and c the degradation rate constant by using the TiO2 NT-powders obtained by water immersion with different treatment duration times at 92 °C (the inset of b shows the MO degradation processing with the TiO2 NT-powders after hot water treatment at 92 °C for 35 h as photocatalyst, and S-450 refers to the sample sintered at 450 °C for 3 h) [39].
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    Schematic illustration of the configuration of DSSCs based on TNTs [125].
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    Typical TEM images of the TNTs for a as-anodized and b after HSGM (hydrothermal solid–gas method) treatment with 120 μL water put into a 50 mL Teflon autoclave. c Cyclic voltammograms of the TNTAs without HSGM treatment and TNTAs treated by HSGM under different vapor pressures at a scan rate of 100 mV s−1. d Galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) curves of the HSGM-treated TNTAs at a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2. HSGM-120, 180, 240, 1000 represent the different water content in the Teflon autoclave, which leads to the different vapor pressures [53].
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    a Schematic illustration of the water-assisted crystallization process for preparing porous anatase TiO2 nanospheres from sol–gel derived amorphous particles. b TEM images of the original amorphous TiO2 spheres. c TEM images of the samples after immersing in water at 75 °C for 30 min. d XRD patterns of products obtained by immersing in water at 75 °C for different time periods. e The change of surface area as a function of heating time period for samples treated at different temperatures. f Schematic illustration of the water-assisted crystallization strategy for conversion of amorphous TiO2 layer to mesoporous crystalline shells. Typical TEM images of the samples at different preparation steps: g SiO2@TiO2 core–shell structures prepared by sol–gel coating and h mesoporous TiO2 hollow nanostructures after removing SiO2 cores [141, 142].
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    SEM images of the TiO2 nanofibers treated with water steam at different temperatures of a, b 150 °C; c, d 350 °C; and e, f 550 °C. g XRD patterns of the samples heat-treated at different temperatures in water steam. h, i HRTEM and SAED images of the water steam-treated TiO2 nanofibers prepared at 550 °C. j Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms of the samples heat-treated at different temperatures in water steam [152].
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    SEM images of the as-anodized SnO2 samples a before and b after soaking in water for 2 h at room temperature and c after soaking in water for 2 h at 60 °C. The insets are the photographs showing the appearance of the corresponding SnO2 samples. d Schematic illustration showing the transformation from amorphous to rutile SnO2 assisted by water soaking. TEM images of the SnO2 samples e as-anodized and f after water soaking at 60 °C for 2 h; the insets show the corresponding SAED patterns. g Long-term stability profiles and Coulombic efficiency of the water-crystallized SnO2 at 0.3 C for 500 cycles [159].

• Biogreen Synthesis of Carbon Dots for Biotechnology and Nanomedicine Applications

  Kok Ken Chan1 , Stephanie Hui Kit Yap1 , Ken-Tye Yong1	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 72
  First Online: 17 October 2018 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0223-3

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    Aqueous solution of passivated CDs. a Excited at 400 nm and imaged through bandpass filters as indicated, and b excited at the indicated wavelength [15].
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    Example of a laser ablation technique experimental setup [18].
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    Schematic illustration of CQD generation via electrochemical oxidation of a graphite electrode in alkaline alcohols. The color change of the dispersion during room temperature storage is due to oxygenation of the surface species [21].
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    a TEM images, b size distribution, and c, d AFM image and profile of CDs [78]. Copyright  2015 Elsevier Ltd.
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    PL emission of CDs excited from 330 to 600 nm in 30 nm increments [73].
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    PL spectra of CDs prepared from p-phenylenediamine dispersed in different solvents. CDs dispersed in a tetrachloromethane, b toluene, c chloroform, d acetone, e dimethyl formamide, f ethanol, and g water, and h absorption spectra of the CDs in different solvents [76].
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    PL emission peak blue-shifting as the concentration was reduced from 3.0 to 0.03 g L-1 [77].
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    Photographs of a CdTe film and a CD epoxy resin film under UV illumination taken at different time intervals [88].
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    aPhotographs of CQDs with increasing particle dimensions under (left) white and (right) UV light, b PL spectrum of CQDs with emission from blue to red, c relationship between the CQD particle size and PL properties, and d relationship between the HOMO–LUMO bandgap and the size of the graphite fragments [90].
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    a CD samples with increasing surface oxidation (from left to right) imaged under 365 nm UV light irradiation, and b model for the tunable PL of CDs with the increasing level of oxidation (from left to right) [93].
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    a Absorption spectra of CD2, CD3, and CD4; and PL spectra of b CD2, c CD3, and d CD4. The inset image corresponds to CDs under 365 nm UV light illumination [94].
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    Schematic representation of the emission properties of three photoactive species obtained from heat treatment of a citric acid and ethanolamine mixture. During heating, the organic fluorophores (blue groups) are consumed to build up the carbogenic core (black sphere) so that the PL component that corresponds to the carbogenic core (black bars) increases at the expense of the component from the organic fluorophores [95].
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    Basic principles of the FRET process. A donor fluorophore (D) is excited and the energy is transferred in a distance and orientation-dependent manner (r/Ro) to an acceptor molecule (A). The energy transfer occurs through non-radiative dipole–dipole coupling (E). The acceptor, if a fluorescent molecule, will emit fluorescence but at a lower energy and longer wavelength [267].
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    Requisites for IFE: a the absorber spectrum overlaps the fluorescer excitation spectrum, b the absorber spectrum overlaps the fluorescer emission spectrum, and c the absorber spectrum overlaps the fluorescer excitation and emission spectra [110].
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    Preparation of CDs by hydrothermal treatment of CA and urea and sensing based on aggregation-induced emission enhancement effects [132].
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    a Visual detection of Cu2+ ions using filter papers printed with dual-colored CDs, and visual detection of Cu2+ in btap water and c lake water. All images were taken under 365 nm illumination [147].
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    Schematic illustration of the preparation of dual-emission CDs and their application as ratiometric sensors for Hg2+ [165].
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    Schematic design of a microfluidic chip for peroxynitrous-acid-induced CL analysis [199].
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    Schematic illustration of the detection of pathogenic bacteria with a CD-based nanoprobes and b conventional methods [230].
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    Schematic illustration of N, S-co-doped CDs for the detection of ascorbic acid in fruit [254].
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    Schematic illustration of the proposed CQD-based “off–on” sensor for 6-TG [258].

• A Self-Powered Breath Analyzer Based on PANI/PVDF Piezo-Gas-Sensing Arrays for Potential Diagnostics Application

  Yongming Fu1,2, Haoxuan He3, Tianming Zhao3, Yitong Dai3, Wuxiao Han3, Jie Ma2, Lili Xing1,3, Yan Zhang1, Xinyu Xue1,3	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 76
  First Online: 12 November 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0228-y

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    Structure and fabrication of the device. a Proposed concept. b Photographs of un-rolled PANI/PVDF film and as-fabricated bellows. c Fabrication process of the device. d SEM image of PANI/PVDF. e High-magnification SEM image of PANI/PVDF interface. f SEM image of PVDF film. g Lumped parameter equivalent circuit model of the device. h A few cycles of the output current
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    Characterization of the PANI/PVDF. a–e SEM images of PANI(SS), PANI(SDS), PANI(SO), PANI(CA), and PANI(NA), respectively. f EDS spectra of the five PANI derivatives. g Raman spectra of the five PANI derivatives. h XRD pattern of PVDF film. i FTIR spectrum of PVDF film
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    Performances of PANI(SS) sensing unit. a–e The output current of PANI(SS) in response to acetone, CO, ethanol, CH4, and NOx with concentrations ranging from 0 to 600 ppm. f The relationship between the response and gas concentration
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    Sensing performances of the five sensing units. The output current of a PANI(SDS) unit under different ethanol concentrations. b PANI(SO) unit under different CO concentrations. c PANI(CA) unit under different NOx concentrations. d PANI(NA) unit under different CH4 concentrations. e The relationship of the four units between the output current and special gas marker concentration. f The response of the five sensing units to 600 ppm gases
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    Response/recovery processes of the sensing units. a PANI(SS) for acetone. b PANI(SDS) for ethanol. c PANI(SO) for CO. d PANI(CA) for NOx. e PANI(NA) for CH4
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    Sensing performances of the five units under different gas flow rates. a The output current of PANI(SS) unit under airflow rates in the range of 0–12 m s−1. b The output current of five sensing units under airflow rates in the range of 4–9 m s−1. c The output current of five sensing units in response to 600 ppm special gas marker under gas flow rate in the range of 4–9 m s−1. d The relationship of the five sensing units between responses and gas flow rates
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    Humidity influence on ethanol response in the PANI(SDS) sensing unit. a The output current of the PANI(SDS) sensing unit under airflow and 600 ppm ethanol gas flow in different humidity conditions (40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% RH). b The relationship between output current and relative humidity in airflow and 600 ppm ethanol gas flow. c The relationship between response and relative humidity
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    Working principle of the device. a The original state of polarized PVDF. b Measuring the output current in air atmosphere. c Measuring the output current in gas marker atmosphere

• Tunable 3D Nanofiber Architecture of Polycaprolactone by Divergence Electrospinning for Potential Tissue Engineering Applications

  George Z. Tan1, Yingge Zhou1	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2018) 10: 73
  First Online: 25 October 2018 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-018-0226-0

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    a Divergence electrospinning configuration. b The divergent electric field between the spinneret and the collector
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    a 3D nanofiber scaffold obtained by the double-bevel collector. Scale bar represents 20 mm. Fluorescent nanofibers at the b top section and c bottom section of the scaffold
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    3D nanofiber scaffolds formed in the a 45°-collector and c 60°-collector. SEM pictures of the nanofibers at the b top of the 45°-collector and d 60°-collector. White scale bar = 10 mm and red scale bar = 10 µm. (Color figure online)
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    Violin boxplots for nanofiber diameter (nm) distribution in the two collectors
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    a The coordinate system of the scaffold. b An illustration of different areas of a scaffold. The width of the two peripheral areas is 5 cm. The width of the central area is 10 cm. Fiber density gradients in the c 45°-collector and d 60°-collector
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    a A histogram of fiber orientation at 7.7 mm from the bottom of the peripheral area in the 45°-collector. b A histogram of fiber orientation at 4.4 mm from the bottom of the central area in the 60°-collector. Fiber alignment gradients in the c 45°-collector and d 60°-collector
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    a A pentahedral and b tetrahedral scaffold fabricated by specially designed collectors. c A columnar scaffold with a hollow structure and d a cylindrical scaffold. Scale bar = 10 mm. e–h The fiber alignment histograms for scaffolds 7a–7d, respectively
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    A mesh-structure scaffold fabricated by the four-bevel collector
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    a EDS and spectrum for top region in collector, b Element gradient plot for collector, c EDS and spectrum for top region in collector, d Element gradient plot for collector (Collectors: width = 20 mm, height = 10 mm, angle = 45°). Color bar represents the ratio of nitrogen to carbon. (Color figure online)
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    a A cell-seeded nanofiber scaffold in culture medium. Fluorescence images of fibroblasts from the b top and c side view of the scaffold. Scale bar = 200 μm. Blue: nucleus; green: cytoplasm. d Average percentage reduction of alamar Blue dye after day 1 and 7. (Color figure online)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Comprehensive Application of Graphene: Emphasis on Biomedical Concerns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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