Volume 11, (2019)

• Boosting Sodium Storage of Fe1-xS/MoS2 Composite via Heterointerface Engineering

  Song Chen1, 2, Shaozhuan Huang2, Junping Hu2, Shuang Fan1, 2, Yang Shang2, Mei Er Pam2, Xiaoxia Li2, Ye Wang4, Tingting Xu4, Yumeng Shi1, 3, *, Hui Ying Yang2, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 80
  First Online: 23 September 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0311-z

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    a Schematic illustration of the synthesis process for Fe1-xS/MoS2 nanocomposite. b XRD pattern and c high-resolution XPS spectra (Fe 2p, Mo 3d, and S 2p) of Fe1-xS/MoS2 composite. d SEM, e TEM and f HRTEM images of Fe1-xS/MoS2 composite. (g) Element mappings of the Fe1-xS/MoS2 composite
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    a CV curves of Fe1-xS/MoS2 composite electrode for the first five cycles. b Galvanostatic charge-discharge profiles of Fe1-xS/MoS2 composite electrode at 100 mA g-1. c Cycling performance at 100 mA g-1. d Rate capability at various current densities. e Galvanostatic charge-discharge profiles of Fe1-xS/MoS2 composite electrode at various current densities. f The comparison of the rate capability with other iron sulfide-based anode materials previously reported [9, 12-14, 38, 55, 56]. g Long-term cycling performance at 1.0 A g-1
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    Kinetic analysis of sodium storage behavior for Fe1-xS/MoS2 composite. a Linear relationship between log (i) and log (v). b Capacitive and diffusion-controlled contribution at 1.0 mV s-1. c Normalized contribution ratio of capacitive capacities at different scan rates. d In situ EIS spectra evolution at different charge/discharge potentials. e First charge/discharge profile at 100 mA g-1 with labeled points for EIS. f EIS spectra after different cycles. g GITT curve. h The corresponding Na+ diffusion coefficient at different discharge/charge state of Fe1-xS/MoS2 composite and pure Fe1-xS electrodes
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    a Contour plots of in situ XRD results and b selected diffraction patterns of Fe1-xS/MoS2 composite electrode during the first sodiation/desodiation process
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    a Schematic illustration of Fe1-xS/MoS2 interface. b The diffusion barrier profiles of Na on Fe1-xS surface and Fe1-xS/MoS2 interface. c Proposed schematic atomistic models of the illustrated reaction mechanism for Fe1-xS/MoS2 heterostructure during the sodiation and desodiation process

• 2D MXenes as Co-catalysts in Photocatalysis: Synthetic Methods

  Yuliang Sun1, 2, Xing Meng1, 2, 3, *, Yohan Dall’Agnese4, Chunxiang Dall’Agnese1, Shengnan Duan1, 2, Yu Gao1, 2, Gang Chen1, 2, Xiao-Feng Wang1, 2, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 79
  First Online: 21 September 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0309-6

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    a The rapid expansion of 2D MXenes materials and b the most widely used methods to synthesize MXenes
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    Schematic showing charge separation between MXene co-catalyst and a photocatalyst taken from a Ye et al. b Ran et al. c, d Peng et al.
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    TEM images of photocatalysts combined with a MXene by mechanical mixing taken from a An et al. b Xie et al. c Ye et al. d Liu et al.
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    Hydrogen production of different samples taken from a An et al. b Sun et al. c Photo-degradation of 4-nitroaniline (4-NA) over different samples from Xie et al. d Rates of evolution of CO and CH4 over different samples from Ye et al. e Ciprofloxacin degradation from Liu et al.
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    Photocatalytic composites based on MXene in combination with g-C3N4 formed by in situ decoration. a-c TEM images, d XRD patterns, e hydrogen production, and f mechanism for PEC reduction of CO2 from Shao et al. (a, d); (b, e); and (c, f)
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    Photocatalysts based on in situ decoration of MXenes. SEM images from a Gao et al. b Ran et al. c TEM images from Cao et al. d Hydrogen production from Wang et al. e Degradation of methyl orange (MO) from Wang et al.
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    In situ oxidized MXenes by hydrothermal method for photocatalysis. SEM images taken from a Peng et al. b Peng et al. c TEM image from Jia et al. d Charge-transfer in Cu/TiO2@Ti3C2(OH)x from Peng et al.
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    Photocatalysts containing in situ-oxidized MXenes formed by calcination. SEM images from a Lu et al.; b Yuan et al. c Gaseous products of CO2 reduction from Low et al. d TEM image from Su et al.
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    MXene-derived photocatalysts synthesized by other in situ oxidation methods. a Mechanisms of degradation over mp-MXene/TiO2-x from Cheng et al. b TEM image from Li et al. c Raman spectra and d TGA from Sun et al.
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    Schematic of the working mechanism of MXenes applied in photocatalysis

• Construction of Electrocatalytic and Heat-Resistance Self-Supporting Electrodes for High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

  Xuemei Zhang1, +, Yunhong Wei1, +, Boya Wang2, Mei Wang2, Yun Zhang2, *, Qian Wang 2, Hao Wu1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 78
  First Online: 18 September 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0313-x

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    a1-a4 Schematic illustration of the synthesis process for CTNF@CoS2-CNA; Digital photographs: b1 MF, b2 CTNF, b3 CTNF@Co-CNA, and b4 CTNF@CoS2-CNA; SEM images of (c1, d1) MF, (c2, d2) CTNF, (c3, d3) CTNF@Co-CNA, and (c4, d4) CTNF@CoS2-CNA
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    a XRD patterns and b Raman spectra of CTNF, CTNF@Co-CNA, and CTNF@CoS2-CNA; c XPS survey spectra of CTNF@CoS2-CNA; High-resolution XPS spectra at d N 1s, e Co 2p, and f S 2p regions of CTNF@CoS2-CNA composite
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    a TEM images and b-c High-resolution TEM images of CTNF@CoS2-CNA; d the sketch map and e, h the corresponding SEM images of sulfur-loading process; f, g Elemental mapping of C, N, Co, and S elements collected from the marked area in f of CTNF@CoS2-CNA; i, j Elemental mapping of C, N, Co, and S elements collected from the marked area in i of CTNF@CoS2-CNA/S
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    a CV curve of CTNF@CoS2-CNA/S electrode; b The galvanostatic charge/discharge profile of three electrodes at 0.1 C; c Nyquist plots of three fresh cells; Electrochemical performance comparison of three electrodes at room temperature: d rate and e cycling performance at 1 C; f Rate performance of CTNF@CoS2-CNA/S electrode with different sulfur content; Electrochemical performance comparison of three electrodes at high temperature: g rate and h cycling performance at 1C; i Rate performance of CTNF@CoS2-CNA/S electrode with different sulfur content
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    Electrocatalytic effects of electrode materials verified from the CV profiles: (a, c, e) differential CV curves and (b, d, f) CV curves of CTNF/S, CTNF@Co-CNA/S, and CTNF@CoS2-CNA/S electrodes. The corresponding onset potentials of redox peaks are provided in (b, d, f). The baseline potentials and baseline current densities in (a, c, e) are defined as the values before the redox peaks, where the variation on current density is the smallest, namely dI/dV = 0
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    Schematic illustration of adsorption effects associated with “physical block and chemical absorption” for polysulfides based on CTNF, CTNF@Co-CNA, and CTNF@CoS2-CNA hybrids
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    a Digital photographs of CTNF/S, CTNF@Co-CNA/S, and CTNF@CoS2-CNA/S cells after cycling at 1 C; b UV–Vis absorption spectra of various Li2S8 solutions; the insets show the optical photographs of Li2S8 solutions before and after 12 h contact with the NCF, CTNF, CTNF@Co-CNA and CTNF@CoS2-CNA materials, respectively; c Beaker cell tests of three cathodes

• A Review on Deterministic Lateral Displacement for Particle Separation and Detection

  Thoriq Salafi1, 2, Yi Zhang2, Yong Zhang1, 2, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 77
  First Online: 17 September 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0308-7

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    a Overview of the working range of passive microfluidics techniques. DLD mostly operates at a low Reynolds number and has high dynamic size separation range compared to other passive techniques. b A summary of DLD applications for particle separation and detection
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    Fundamental of DLD. a Deterministic lateral displacement principle: small particles whose size are less than the critical diameter move in a zig-zag direction, while large particles travel in bumping mode. b The parallelogram array layout design and c the rotated square array with the design parameters on each of the DLD unit cell. (DL, DD): center to center pillar distance in the lateral and downstream direction, N: array period, : the angle of the tilted array relative to the flow direction
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    Unified DLD separation model. a The recurrence map of the particle trajectories generated from 10 DLD unit cells along the array with D0 = 40 nm, DL = DD = 400 nm and Np = 10 shows that the particle position at the end of the period is not the same as the initial position. The arrow represents the particle trajectory direction, the green line is the direct transition, the red line is the zig-zag transition on the veering streamlines (I), and blue line depict the particle enters the adjacent DLD cell unit. b The superimposed particle trajectories from 10 DLD cells, which show the beginning and the ending positions of particles in each DLD cell. c Three different displacement modes of bump, altered zig-zag, and zig-zag from the unified DLD model.
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    DLD device layout designs for binary and multiple separations. a Simple single array design, b condenser array design, c mirrored array design, d condenser and sorter array design, e chirped array design, and f cascade array design
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    Geometry-induced effects on critical diameter. a Various DLD pillar shape designs. b The effect of the optimized pillar structure on the velocity flow profile that changes the DLD critical diameter. c Comparison of the anisotropic permeability values for the parallelogram and the rotated square array. d The deviation of the green beads displacement trajectory at the enabler region due to the anisotropic permeability of the parallelogram array.
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    a The sidewall effect on the particle separation: the regions without the side pillar induce the zig-zag transition, while the sidewall regions with the side pillars induce the displacement mode trajectory. b The variation of the critical diameter with the pillar row number shows a periodic critical diameter value trend with the highest peak of Dc1 and lowest peak of Dc2. c The value of Dc1/G and Dc2/G at different positions along the channel width in an array with N=22 for 10 pillar columns, and d 100 pillar columns.
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    Modulation of the critical diameter using fluidic forces. a The modulation of critical diameters with viscoelastic fluids at a low fluid flow rate (left) and high flow rate (right). b The effect of high Reynolds numbers on the development of microvortices. c The tuning of the critical diameter using different Reynolds number flows.
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    a The motion probability for small particles, indicated by the shaded region, is controlled by diffusion. An ideal position of a non-diffusive particle is indicated by the solid black trajectory straight line. b Large particles have more dominated by the lateral displacement and are slightly affected by diffusion. c Illustration of the effective obstacle concept. The blue area is the actual obstacle size and the dark grey area represents the effective obstacle, which is the actual side of the particle. d Chromatographic separation of particles with eight characteristic sizes in DLD under transient condition.
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    a Surface electrostatic ionic interactions in a charged wall. b The proposed model of electrostatic double layer force in DLD that modulates the apparent diameter of the particle. c The electrostatic force enhances the particle lateral displacement at low ionic buffer strength, while the electrostatic charge is shielded at a high ionic concentration buffer.
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    The modulation of the critical diameter with external forces. a Tuning of critical diameter using elastomeric stretching to increase the gap size and change the critical diameter. b Active tuning of the critical diameter using dielectrophoresis force. c Centrifugal-driven DLD for modulation of forcing angles. d Gravity-driven DLD for modulation of forcing angles.
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    Applications of size-based DLD separation. a The design of the microfluidic DLD mirrored array for automated leukocyte processing. b The two-stages DLD arrange based on both the size and asymmetry for CTC clusters separation. c The on-chip microfluidic DLD for chemical treatment and washing. d The condenser array in a nano-DLD shows the zig-zag, intermediate, and bumping modes for different nanoparticle diameters and gap sizes.
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    Applications of morphology-based DLD separation. a The separation of red blood cells and rod-shaped bacteria in I-shaped DLD. b The separation of red blood cells and trypanosomes based on the shape with the use of different device depths in a series configuration. c The separation of bacterial pathogens based on the different bacterial chain lengths.
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    Applications of deformability-based separation. a The influence of shear rates on the effective radius of RBCs separation in DLD. b The simulation study with different capillary numbers and stiffness of red blood cells. c The effect of glutaraldehyde on RBC stiffness and the separation in DLD. d The application of high flow rate to induce the deformation on MG-63 cells that leads to the zig-zag trajectory in DLD (red arrow, from the left to the right).
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    The simplification of DLD setups for particle separation. a The use of a simple disposable syringe-based pump to drive the fluid in microfluidic DLD.b The application of paper pump to drive the particle separation in an open DLD channel. c A portable smartphone-based platform for moving beads detection in microfluidic DLD.

• Rational Construction of Hierarchically Porous Fe-Co/N-doped Carbon/rGO Composites for Broadband Microwave Absorption

  Shanshan Wang1, Yingchun Xu1, Ruru Fu1, Huanhuan Zhu1, Qingze Jiao1, 2, Tongying Feng2, Caihong Feng1, Daxin Shi1, Hansheng Li1, Yun Zhao1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 76
  First Online: 13 September 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0307-8

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    Schematic drawings illustrating fabrication process of hierarchically porous Fe-Co/NC/rGO
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    FESEM images of a Co/NC, b Fe-Co/NC, c, d Fe-Co/NC/rGO, and e, f HRTEM images of the Fe-Co/NC/rGO
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    XRD patterns of a Co/NC, b Fe-Co/NC, and c Fe-Co/NC/rGO
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    Raman spectra of Co/NC, Fe-Co/NC, and Fe-Co/NC/rGO
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    XPS spectra of Fe-Co/NC/rGO of a survey scan, b C 1s, c N 1s, d Co 2p, and e Fe 2p
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    The pore size distribution plots and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms of a Co/NC, b Fe-Co/NC, and c Fe-Co/NC/rGO
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    Magnetic hysteresis loops for a Fe-Co/NC/rGO, b Co/NC, and c Fe-Co/NC
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    a Permittivity real part ε^', b permittivity imaginary part ε^″, c dielectric loss tangent tanδe, d permeability real part μ^', e permeability imaginary part μ^″, and f magnetic loss tangent tanδm of Co/NC, Fe-Co/NC and Fe-Co/NC/rGO
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    The calculated 2D/3D reflection loss of Co/NC (a, a2), Fe-Co/NC (b, b2), Fe-Co/NC/rGO (c, c2) and contour maps of the reflection loss of Co/NC (a1), Fe-Co/NC (b1), and Fe-Co/NC/rGO (c1) with the mass filling ratio of 25 wt%
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    Reflection loss (a1-c1), simulation of the matching thickness (t_m) under n=1 (a2-c2), the modulus of the normalized characteristic impedance matching (Z=|Zin/Z0|) (a3-c3) for Co/NC (a), Fe-Co/NC (b), and Fe-Co/NC/rGO (c)
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    a Attenuation constant and b Plots of μ^'' 〖(μ')〗^(-2) f^(-1) of Co/NC, Fe-Co/NC, and Fe-Co/NC/rGO
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    Schematic diagram of microwave absorption mechanism of Fe-Co/NC/rGO

• Super-strong and Intrinsically Fluorescent Silkworm Silk from Carbon Nanodots Feeding

  Suna Fan1, Xiaoting Zheng1, Qi Zhan1, Huihui Zhang1, Huili Shao1, Jiexin Wang2, Chengbo Cao3, 4 ,*, Meifang Zhu1, Dan Wang2, *, Yaopeng Zhang1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 75
  First Online: 11 September 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0303-z

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    Preparation of multi-functional silk from silkworms fed CNDs. a-d Photographs of mature larvae fed different diets, corresponding cocoons and degummed silks. e Weight of silkworm larvae of the fifth instar from first to seventh day. f PL spectra of degummed silks measured using an excitation wavelength of 370 nm
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    Influence of CNDs additives on the intrinsic fluorescent intensity of silk. a Schematic of silkworm fed a CNDs modified diet and the corresponding silk gland and silk fiber. b-e Confocal laser scanning microscopy images of degummed silks (measured with an excitation wavelength of 405 nm). Scale bar represents 50 μm. b’-e’ Ultraviolet (UV) pictures of silk glands of mature larvae measured under a UV lamp. b, b’ Control, c, c’ CNDs-0.75%, d, d’ CNDs-1%, e, e’ CNDs-1.25%. PL spectra of f CNDs, g posterior and h middle silk glands with an excitation wavelength of 370 nm
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    Crystalline structure and proposed reinforcing mechanism of multi-functional silk from silkworms fed CNDs. a-c FTIR spectra (a), content of secondary structures (b) obtained based on the amide I band in FTIR spectra, and 2D-WAXD patterns (c) of degummed silks. d Schematic diagram illustrating reinforcing mechanism of silks by incorporation of CNDs
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    Growth and proliferation of Schwann cells (SCs) on multi-functional silks. a SCs cultured on silk scaffolds, constructed by wrapping silk around a hollow plastic frame. b OD value of SCs cultured on different substrates (coverslips, control and CNDs-1.25 silk scaffolds) after 2, 4, 6 days. c-d’ SEM images (c, d) and LSCM images (c’, d’) of SCs after culturing for 4 days on control (c, c’) and CNDs-1.25 silk scaffolds (d, d’)

• Inorganic Nanozyme with Combined Self-Oxygenation/Degradable Capabilities for Sensitized Cancer Immunochemotherapy

  Jie Wang1, Lan Fang1, Ping Li1, Lang Ma2, 3, Weidan Na1, Chong Cheng2, 3, *, Yueqing Gu1, Dawei Deng1, 4, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 74
  First Online: 09 September 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0305-x

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    a Schematic illustration of the proposed roles of CDSDM NRs in tumor hypoxia relief. b The proposed mechanism and reaction pathways include the relief of hypoxia-induced immunosuppression (red dashed arrows), the DOX-mediated chemotherapy and immune activation (blue dotted arrows), and the synergistic actions between them and the CTLA-4 blockade (green arrows)
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    a Schematic illustration of the preparation of CDSDM NRs. For the control groups, the CaO2@SiO2/DOX-MnO2 is named as CSDM NRs; after completely hydrolyzing CaO2 core in the CDSDM NRs, the hollow nanoparticle is named as hDSDM NPs. b Representative TEM image and c elemental mapping of CDSDM NRs. d UV-Vis absorption and photoluminescence spectra of CDSDM NRs. Insets are photographs of CDSDM NRs taken under (left) room light or (right) 365 nm light irradiation. e Zeta Potential of MnO2 nanodots, CaO2/DOX@SiO2/DOX NPs and CDSDM NRs
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    a Schematic illustration of the processes of oxygen generation, DOX release and decomposition of NRs. b The measurement of oxygen release process of CDSDM NRs, shown as the ratio of fluorescence intensity of Ru(dpp)3Cl2 (an oxygen indicator) after incubated with NRs for different durations (I) to that before incubation (I0). c TEM images of the decomposition process of CDSDM NRs after incubated in pH 5.5 PBS for different durations. d Representative CLSM images of B16F10 cells from hypoxia cultivation after co-incubated with (i) PBS, (ii) hDSDM NPs, (iii) CDSD (without MnO2 nanodots) NPs and (iv) CDSDM NRs for 4 h. Hypoxia level was detected using Hypoxyprobe. e DOX release from CDSDM NRs and CSDM NRs in PBS of different pH values
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    a In vivo fluorescence monitoring of the distribution of CDSDM NRs in B16F10 tumor-bearing mice at scheduled time points post intravenous injection, and ex vivo fluorescence of major organs and tumor 8 h post injection. b Fluorescence imaging of tumor tissue sections after receiving different treatments, in which signals include DOX fluorescence, hypoxyprobe (hypoxia indicator) and DAPI. c Flow cytometric analysis of the intratumoral HIF-1α level after different treatments. d Western blot results of the expressions of CD39 and CD73 on intratumoral T lymphocytes after 2 d of the indicated treatments. e Concentrations of extracellular adenosine in tumor tissue after 2 d of the indicated treatments. *P<0.05, ***P<0.001 versus the last group
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    a Illustration of adaptive administration of CDSDM NRs and CSDM NRs. b Relative tumor volumes and c body weights of B16F10 tumor-bearing mice received with different treatments during the treatment period. d Survival rate of mice in each group during and after treatment. Serum levels of e IFN-γ and (f) TNF-α detected after 8 d of different treatments. *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001 versus Group 5
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    a Flow cytometry plots showing the percentages of intratumoral Treg (gated on CD25+ T cells) populations from mice after 4 d of the indicated treatments. b Immunofluorescence results of the co-staining of HIF-1α and CD8 to deep (>2 mm from the surface) tumor tissues from mice received 4 d of the indicated treatments. (c) Flow cytometry plots showing the percentages of CD80+CD86+ matured DCs (gated on CD11c+ DCs) from the axillary lymph nodes of mice after 4 d of the indicated treatments

• Fluorescent Silicon Nanorods-Based Nanotheranostic Agents for Multimodal Imaging-Guided Photothermal Therapy

  Mingyue Cui1, Sangmo Liu1, Bin Song1, Daoxia Guo1, Jinhua Wang1, Guyue Hu1, Yuanyuan Su1, *, Yao He1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 73
  First Online: 09 September 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0306-9

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    Schematic illustration of the synthetic procedure and characterization of Au@SiNRs. a The scheme of the fabrication of RGD-PEG-Au@SiNRs, including microwave synthesis of SiNRs, in situ growth of AuNPs on SiNRs, and surface modification of PEG and c(RGDyC). b TEM and HRTEM images of as-fabricated SiNRs and Au@SiNRs. c EDX spectra of Au@SiNRs (above) and SiNRs (below). d XPS spectra of the as-prepared Au@SiNRs (blue one) and SiNRs (black one). e Au 4f XPS spectra in AuNPs and Au@SiNRs
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    Photophysical properties of Au@SiNRs. a Photoluminescence spectra (λex = 360 nm) and insert photographs of Au@SiNRs, SiNRs, and AuNPs from left to right. b UV-vis-NIR absorbance spectra of Au@SiNRs (300 μg mL-1), SiNRs (300 μg mL-1), and AuNPs (0.01 M). c Heating curves of Au@SiNRs solutions with different concentrations and SiNRs aqueous suspension (400 μg mL-1) at 1.2 W cm-2 for 600 s. d Infrared thermal images of Au@SiNRs suspensions (300 μg mL-1) irradiated with 808 nm laser at a variety of power densities for 0-10 min. e Heating-cooling curves of Au@SiNRs (300 μg mL-1), SiNRs (300 μg mL-1), and AuNPs (0.01 M). f The 5-cycle photothermal profiles of Au@SiNRs (300 μg mL-1). g PA imaging of Au@SiNRs with different concentrations
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    Assessment of the biocompatibility, targeted imaging, and photothermal effect in vitro. a Cytotoxicity of PEG-Au@SiNRs. b LSCM images of CT-26 and 4T1 cells after incubation with RGD-Au@SiNRs (blocking with free peptides or not) or Au@SiNRs for 2 h at 37 °C. Scale bars, 25 μm. c Cell viability of CT-26 cells, which were first incubated with RGD-Au@SiNRs or Au@SiNRs for 4 h and then irradiated by an 808-nm laser (0.8 W cm-2) for 5 min as mean ± SD (n = 3). Asterisk (**) indicates p < 0.01
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    Tumor-targeted multimodal imaging in vivo. a Schematic illustration of the active targeting of RGD-Au@SiNRs. b PA imaging and c the corresponding PA signal intensity of tumor regions of CT-26 tumor-bearing mice untreated and treated with RGD-Au@SiNRs, Au@SiNRs, or PBS for 12 and 24 h. d Infrared thermal mapping images and e corresponding temperature change of tumor regions of CT-26 tumor-bearing mice irradiated with an 808-nm (0.8 W cm-2) for different times (0 ~ 8 min, time interval: 30 s) at 24-h post-administration with RGD-Au@SiNRs, Au@SiNRs, or PBS. f LSCM images of tumor sections at 24 h post-injection of PBS, Au@SiNRs, or RGD-Au@SiNRs. Scale bars, 100 μm, and g corresponding quantitative analysis of the fluorescence intensity. h The bio-distribution of RGD-Au@SiNRs and Au@SiNRs measured by ICP-OES at 24 h post-administration. Asterisk (**) indicates p < 0.01; (***) means p < 0.001
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    Photothermal therapy and safety assessment. a Photos of representative mice before and after the treatment with different agents and NIR irradiation. b Growth curves of tumor volumes of mice groups with NIR irradiation. c Weight of the excised tumors from the PTT-treated mice. d Survival curves of PTT-treated mice. e Serum biochemistry data including alkaline phosphataseanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase, and blood urea nitrogen levels of control and RGD-Au@SiNRs treated healthy mice. f Complete blood counts: hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, blood platele, red blood cells, blood levels of white blood cells, and platelets of control and RGD-Au@SiNRs treated healthy mice. g H&E staining of various organ tissues harvested from tumor-bearing mice at the end of treatment. Asterisk (**) indicates p < 0.01; (***) means p < 0.001

• Ultrathin and Flexible CNTs/MXene/Cellulose Nanofibrils Composite Paper for Highly Efficient Electromagnetic Interference Shielding in X-Band

  Wentao Cao1,2, Chang Ma2, Shuo Tan1, Mingguo Ma2, *, Pengbo Wan3, *, Feng Chen1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 72
  First Online: 07 September 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0304-y

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    a Schematic illustrating the fabrication of CMC GS composite paper. b Digital image, c XPS spectra, and d TEM image of Ti3C2 MXene. e Digital image, and f, g TEM images of CNTs. h Digital image, i FTIR spectra, and j TEM image of CNFs. k-m Digital images of the as-prepared CMC GS composite paper
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    a XPS survey spectrum of the pure Ti3C2 paper and Ti3C2-CNTs composite paper. b XRD patterns of the Ti3C2-CNTs composite paper with different Ti3C2 content. c, d N2 sorption/desorption isotherms and pore size distribution curves of pure Ti3C2 paper and Ti3C2-CNTs composite paper. e Top-view, and f cross-sectional SEM images of pure Ti3C2 paper. g Top-view, and h cross-sectional SEM images of Ti3C2-CNTs composite paper. i Cross-sectional SEM and EDS mapping images of CMC GS composite paper
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    a Tensile stress-strain curves of the pure Ti3C2 MXene, CMC mixture, and CMC GS composite paper b SEM image and the corresponding EDS map of the fracture surface of CMC GS composite paper. c Schematic illustration of the crack-propagation mode of CMC GS composite paper. d, e Electrical resistance variation of CMC GS composite paper with bending test
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    a Digital images of single-layered CNFs, CM-5, CM-10, and CM-15. b Electrical conductivity, and c EMI SE of single-layered CNFs, CM-5, CM-10, and CM-15 in the X-band region. d Comparison of SETotal, SEA, and SER of single-layered CNFs, CM-5, CM-10, and CM-15 at the frequency of 8.2 GHz
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    a The EMI SE of composite paper with different sandwich structure in the X-band. b Comparison of SETotal, SEA, and SER of composite paper with different sandwich structure. c The EMI SE of CM-CNFs-CM composite paper with various CNFs content in the X-band. The d EMI SE, e R, and f A of evenly distributed CM composite paper and two-layered CM composite paper with different gradient structures in the X-band
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    a The EMI SE of randomly mixed CMC paper and CMC GS composite paper in the X-band. b The A of CMC GS composite paper with different gradient structures. c Proposed EMI shielding mechanism of the CMC GS composite paper. d Comparison of the specific EMI shielding effectiveness as a function of thickness. The numbers inside d are sample numbers listed in Table S2

• Graphene Nanostructure-based Tactile Sensors for Electronic Skin Applications

  Pei Miao1, 2, †, Jian Wang1, †, Congcong Zhang1, †,*, Mingyuan Sun1, Shanshan Cheng3, *, Hong Liu1, 4, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 71
  First Online: 04 September 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0302-0

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    Typical capacitance-type tactile sensors with graphene as electrodes. a Schematic diagram of the fabrication processes for different conformal graphene electrodes and SEM images of three kinds of graphene films derived from PMMA-based, ultraviolet-curable adhesive-mediated, and microconformal transfer methods. b Illustration of a capacitive pressure sensor based on MGrE, a schematic diagram of the sensing mechanisms and grasping with the proposed pressure sensor.
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    Typical crosstalk-free, multipoint recognition of flexible, and transparent capacitive graphene-based tactile sensors. a Schematic illustration of the sensor array composed of graphene-patterned top and bottom PET layers, PDMS insulator, and SU-8 spacers. b Schematic illustration of the 3 × 3 tactile cell array and the finite element analysis result for deflection of the top layer under 8 kPa applied to the center of cell-O. c Schematic diagram illustrating the concept of a graphene-based capacitive sensor. The sensor consists of three layers. The top and bottom layers are composed of patterned graphene electrodes on a PET film substrate. d Optical images of stretchable devices mounted on a palm for remote controlling the toy car. Inset of each image shows relative capacitance changes for spread (left) and grip (right) statuses of the hand.
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    Versatile graphene and its derivatives are used to fabricate multifunctional capacitance-type tactile sensors. a Schematic diagram showing the four pixels (2×2) of the multimodal E-skin sensor, which were capable of mapping three individual stimuli including humidity, temperature and pressure. b Black-and-white maps of the calculated sensitivities of the three sensors during the finger pressing event (top), and a 2D color map of the distributions of the corresponding temperatures (blue), humidity (red), and pressures (green). c Schematic of the loading–unloading cycle for the pressure sensor with GO foam as a dielectric material. d Transient response to the placement and removal of several ultrasmall weights in the GO foam-based sensor. Inset: a petal on the sensor. e The pressure response to the strawberry. Insert: Bird’s eye view of the strawberry standing on the sensor arrays.
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    Typical 1D graphene architectures used for piezoresistive pressure sensors. a Photograph of a graphene fiber with a PDMS support. b SEM image of the cross-sectional view of a graphene/PDMS hollow tubing after Ni removal. c FESEM image of the randomly stacked electrospun nanofibers. d Schematic showing the pressure response measurement of the sensor in bending and response curves when bent to a radius of 180 µm for different substrate thicknesses. e Tested pressure response of the device in the bent state and the response of the device fabricated on a 1.4-µm-thick PET substrate for bending radii from 15 mm to 80 µm for different normal forces. f Photograph of an integrated sensor array attached to the surface of a soft balloon, to which a pressure was applied by a pinching motion (top panel). Measured pressure data distribution under complex bending, showing no pressure signal from deformation, such as wrinkling (bottom panel).
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    2D graphene films obtained by CVD used for piezoresistive pressure sensors. a Schematic illustration of the fabrication procedure of a tactile sensor composed of 2D graphene films and a PET substrate. b Optical photograph of an ultrathin, transparent and flexible tactile sensor. Inset: The geometric dimension of the sensor. c Sensitivity of the device to longitudinal displacement at different axial distances of 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm.
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    Modification and microstructure of CVD 2D graphene can further improve sensing performance of the devices. a Schematic representation of the plasma surface modification of a graphene sheet by NH3/Ar plasma. Nitrogen atoms are expected to substitute the carbon atoms in the form of pyridinic-N, pyrrolic-N, and graphitic-N configurations. b Relative change in resistance upon applied tensile strain for the fabricated sensors using the untreated graphene and plasma-treated graphene sheet. c An optical image of the boundary between the single-layer graphene channel and the graphene flake thin-film electrode. Inset: Optical image of the entire device. d The resistance changes with tensile strain from 0 to 20%. The gauge factor is estimated at 42.2 for x-directional strain and 71.4 for y-directional strain with a rough linear fit. Insets show the schematics of force and measurement directions.
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    2D graphene films obtained by a solution fabrication process and used for piezoresistive pressure sensors. a The generated and enlarged scaled cracks under minor strain (left). The magnified SEM image of generated and enlarged scaled cracks under minor strain (right). b The strain sensor can meet the demands of subtle, large and complex human motion monitoring.
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    Schematic of the fabrication procedures of a 3D graphene material with a sponge as a template. a Preparation route for RGO/PU (or PVC) sponges and their multidimensional sensor applications. b The fabrication procedures of the flexible tactile sensor array using PU as a template.
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    The mechanism and application of 3D graphene materials with sponges as template-based tactile sensors. a SEM images of the MWCNT/RGO@PU-5C sponges with nanogaps, microcracks and fractured skeletons (The top panel). Schematic of the MWNT-RGO flake-wrapped PU foam with the magnified image of its individual skeleton at three stages, without pressure, at low pressure, and at high pressure (The bottom panel). b Real-time response of the MWNT-RGO@PU piezoresistive sensor for various small-scale motion monitoring applications was studied using the throat while pronouncing different words.
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    Typical paradigms for 3D graphene materials with paper as the template used for tactile sensing. a Tissue paper with RGO. b SEM photo of the tissue paper sensor at high magnification. c Applications for various intense motion detections.
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    3D graphene materials with other polymer porous materials as templates used for tactile sensing. a Photograph of both electrodes on a brachioradialis muscle and on biceps brachii muscle for electromyogram measurement. b Experimental setup of the tuning fork vibration test and a schematic of the test circuit for the graphene film/PDMS sensor. c Photo of the piezoelectric ceramic transducer test.
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    3D graphene materials with metal porous materials as templates used for tactile sensing. a Schematic process for fabricating pressure and strain sensors with the graphene porous network structure. b Signal variations in relative resistance corresponding to different walking/bending states and wrist blood pressure.
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    Typical 3D graphene structures via surfactant-assisted self-assembly used for tactile sensors. a Schematic illustration of the fabrication process of 3D microporous polystyrene/graphene aerogels. b Illustrations of the preparation of a sparkling graphene block. c Photograph of a sparkling graphene block bent to 180° (left) and real-time images from a high-speed camera showing that the sparkling graphene block can rapidly bounce a steel ball. d The as-fabricated tactile sensor as a promising candidate for wearable devices.
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    A novel method to obtain 3D graphene structures by using high-internal-phase emulsion (HIPE) as a template. a Schematic illustration of the procedure for fabricating the RGO@PolyHIPE foams via HIPE polymerization, optical microscopy images, and SEM images of the foam. b Relative change in the sensor’s current and pressure curves. The inset shows the relative current change in a small pressure range below 140 Pa (left). Comparison of the detection limit of minimum pressure and the responsive pressure range between the sensor described in the current work and previously reported sensors (right).
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    Bioinspired hierarchical graphene structures as active layers for pressure detection. a SEM image of hierarchically structured graphene/PDMS array. Inset is a magnified image of an individual structure. Platinum sputtering was omitted prior to the SEM imaging; a clear SEM image implies that the sample surface was fully covered with conducting graphene. b Photographs (insets) and optical micrographs of the RGO coating on PDMS after exposure to a high temperature. c Picture of a human hand and partial enlargement (inset), and the schematic diagram of sandwich ultrasensitive pressure sensors based on the skin-like wrinkle film (top panel). SEM images showing the morphology of a skin-like wrinkle film (bottom panel). d Schematic illustration showing the structure of the 3D graphene film containing a continuous graphene film and closely packed concentric hexagonal graphene nanoribbon rings. Picture of a fingertip and its fingerprint. In addition, SEM image of a 3D graphene film on a SiO2/Si substrate.
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    Microstructures inspired from animal and plant organs provide interesting ideas for the preparation of active materials for graphene-based tactile sensors. a Comparison of the surface topographies between a Shar-Pei dog’s skin and RGO crumples by using Canny edge detection. b Continuum surgical robots with the as-fabricated pressure sensor for the collision-aware the transoral robotic surgery procedure.
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    Graphene combined with inorganic functional materials to enhance the sensing performance of piezoresistive devices. a SEM images at different magnifications of a graphene-amorphous carbon hierarchical foam and graphene foam. b Five ultralight graphene-amorphous carbon hierarchical foam pieces with sizes of 20 × 20 × 3 mm3 stacked on the corolla of dandelion, and different simulated stress dispersion statuses of graphene foam and graphene-amorphous carbon hierarchical foam tube walls under the same line load.
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    Typical paradigms concerning graphene combined with polymers to enhance the sensing performance of piezoresistive devices. a Schematic illustration of the mechanism for the formation of PVDF fibers coated by RGO nanosheets, followed by electrostatic interactions. b Top view of the metal letters “C”, “A”, “S” positioned over the pressure sensor array and the current map of pressure distributions. c Photograph of the device loaded on two wrists for testing blood pressure through near-surface arteries. d The multifunctional E-skins attached on a hand, wrist and throat to monitor biosignals.
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    A representative graphene/polymer tactile sensor obtained by taking advantage of the amphiphilicity of GO. a Schematic of the fabrication of a flexible piezoresistive sensor. b Various practical applications, including a biomonitoring capability, loading tiny objects, and monitoring various human movement behaviors.
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    A representative graphene tactile sensors based on FET devices. a Schematic images of pressure-sensitive graphene FETs with air-dielectric layers before and after folding. The air-dielectric layer is placed between the graphene channel and the gate electrode, as illustrated in the schematic image (inset). b Schematic illustrations for the pressure-sensing mechanism using an air-dielectric graphene FET. c Integration of a graphene/MoS2 device with a smartphone to acquire and transfer the electronic data of human motion by Bluetooth communication.
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    High-performance sensing devices by combining a FET with a triboelectric nanogenerator. a Schematic diagram of the graphene tribotronic device. b Characterization of the graphene tribotronic touch sensor. c Energy band diagram of the tribotronic GFET device in contact with poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and Cu.

• A New Free-standing Aqueous Zinc-ion Capacitor Based on MnO2-CNTs Cathode and MXene Anode

  Siliang Wang1, 2, Qiang Wang1, 2, Wei Zeng1, 2, *, Min Wang1, 2, Limin Ruan1, 2, Yanan Ma3, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 70
  First Online: 26 August 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0301-1

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    Schematic diagram of the ZIC and fabrication procedure of the free-standing electrodes. a Schematic diagram of the ZIC: MnO2-CNTs serves as the cathode, MXene serves as the anode, 2 M ZnSO4 and 0.1 M MnSO4 serves as the electrolyte. b Fabrication procedure of the free-standing MnO2-CNTs cathode and MXene anode
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    Characterization of the MnO2-CNTs battery-type cathode and MXene capacitor-type anode. a SEM image, b HRTEM image, and c XRD pattern of the MnO2 NWs. d TEM image of the MXene nanosheets, inset is the corresponding SAED. e Elemental mapping images of the MXene nanosheets. f XRD patterns of MAX and MXene. SEM images of g MnO2-CNTs and h MXene electrodes, insets are the corresponding cross-sectional SEM images, respectively. i Photographs of the free-standing MnO2-CNTs and MXene electrodes
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    Electrochemical performance of the MnO2-CNTs and MXene electrodes. a GCD curves with various current densities of the optimum MnO2-CNTs electrode. b Specific capacitance vs. current density of the MnO2-CNTs electrodes with various CNTs to MnO2 weight ratios. c CV curves with various scan rates of the optimum MnO2-CNTs electrode. d log (i) vs. log (v) plots of the current response at the voltages of 1.695 V and 1.252 V. e CV curves of the MXene electrodes (various mass loadings) and MnO2-CNTs cathode at a scan rate of 5 mV s-1. f, g CV curves with various scan rates, h GCD curves with various current densities and i specific capacitance vs. current density of the MXene anode
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    Electrochemical performance of the ZIC in the aqueous liquid electrolyte. a, b CV curves with various scan rates, c GCD curves with various current densities, d specific capacitance vs. scan rate, e energy and power density plot, f Nyquist plot (inset is a fitted circuit diagram), g GCD curves of the first and last 10 cycles and h cycle life and Coulombic efficiency of the ZIC
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    Electrochemical performance and flexibility of the ZIC in the aqueous gel electrolyte. a, b CV curves, c GCD curves and d energy and power density plot (inset shows a LED drove brightly by a single ZIC) of the ZIC. e GCD curves of a single ZIC (A, B) and ZICs connected in series and in parallel. f Schematic diagram of the flexible display of the ZIC. g CV curves at a scan rate of 10 mV s-1, h GCD curves at a current density of 0.415 A g-1 and i Nyquist plot of the ZIC bent from 0° to 150°

• Ultra-high Mass-loading Cathode for Aqueous Zinc-ion Battery Based on Graphene-wrapped Aluminum Vanadate Nanobelts

  Wenyu Zhang1, Shuquan Liang1, 2, *, Guozhao Fang1, Yongqiang Yang1, Jiang Zhou1, 2, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 69
  First Online: 26 August 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0300-2

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    a XRD pattern, b SEM image, c TEM image, d HRTEM images with SAED pattern and TEM-EDS element mappings, and e high-resolution XPS spectra with Al and V elements of HAVO@G
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    a CV curves at a scan rate of 0.1 mV s-1 for HAVO@G; b Cycling performances at a current density of 2 A g-1 of HAVO and HAVO@G; c Galvanostatic charge-discharge curve at 1 A g-1 for HAVO@G; d Rate capability at 1–10 A g-1 of HAVO@G; e Cycling performance at 2 A g-1 of HAVO@G with high areal loading
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    a CV curves at 0.1–1.2 mV s-1 for HAVO@G; b log(i) vs. log(v) plots at specific peak currents ina; c CV curve with the calculated pseudocapacitive fraction shown by the shaded area at 1 mV s-1, and d bar chart showing the percent of calculated pseudocapacitive contribution at 0.1–1.2 mV s-1
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    Charge-discharge curves in the galvanostatic intermittence titration techniques (GITT) measurements (above) and corresponding Zn2+ diffusion coefficient at different discharge/charge state (below) of HAVO@G
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    a Ex-situ XRD patterns and corresponding GCD curves at 0.1 A g-1, b-d High-resolution XPS spectra of Zn 2p, V 2p, and Al 2p in pristine, fully discharged, and charged states, e TEM images, HRTEM images with SEAD patterns, and TEM-EDX element mapping images in fully discharged (above) and charged (below) states of HAVO@G. ZOHVO represents Zn3(OH)2V2O7·2H2O

• Single NIR Laser-Activated Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Cascaded Photothermal and Oxygen-Independent Photodynamic Therapy

  Xiaomin Li1, Yang Liu1, Fei Fu2, Mingbo Cheng1, Yutong Liu1, Licheng Yu1, Wei Wang1, Yeda Wan2, Zhi Yuan1, 3, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 68
  First Online: 19 August 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0298-5

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    Schematic illustration of Bi2Se3@AIPH as single 808 nm laser-activated nanoparticles for tumor therapy: a synthetic route and release process of Bi2Se3@AIPH; b Theranostic process for CT and thermal imaging-guided cascaded photothermal, oxygen-independent photodynamic therapies along with immune response
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    The characterization of Bi2Se3@AIPH and measurements of photothermal and free radical properties. a TEM images, b DSC curve and c UV-Vis spectrum of Bi2Se3@AIPH. d Representative photothermal images of Bi2Se3@AIPH solution at the concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg mL-1 (1 W cm-2, 5 min). e Corresponding temperature change evaluation at various concentrations. n=3 f Cycle stability of Bi2Se3@AIPH (0.2 mg mL-1 Bi2Se3@AIPH solution as the representative). g. Thermo-responsive release profiles of AIPH from Bi2Se3@AIPH NPs, and the ‘‘on’’ switch represents the NPs are irradiated for 5 min (1 W cm-2) by 808 nm laser, and the ‘‘off’’ means the irradiation stops. Except the irradiation, the NPs solution was placed in the environment of 37 °C. h Absorbance of ABTS+• generated from the reaction of ABTS and Bi2Se3@AIPH under 0-5 min irradiation (1 W cm-2, 5 min). i ESR spectrum of 50 mM POBN in 0.1 mg mL-1 Bi2Se3@AIPH with or without irradiation at normoxic and hypoxic atmosphere
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    In vitro photothermal and free radial effect. a Thermal images of HepG2 cell culture medium in 96-well plate: (1), (2), (5), and (6) were added with Bi2Se3@AIPH, while (3) and (4) were added with culture medium, the area in the red dotted frame was treated with 5 min exposure to 808 nm laser. b Characterization of intracellular free radical and its oxidation products after exposure to 808 nm laser by DCFH-DA assay and c the corresponding quantitative fluorescence intensity. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 compared to the one treated with Bi2Se3@ZnPc at the same condition. d Percentage of GSH amount in HepG2 cells treated with Bi2Se3@AIPH (in normoxic and hypoxic atmosphere). *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 compared to the one in the control cells. n=4
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    The evaluation of biocompatibility and cytotoxicity. a Hemolytic percentages of red blood cells incubated with Bi2Se3@AIPH NPs at the concentrations of 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, and 640 µg mL-1 for 2 h. Inset: Hemolysis photograph after centrifugation. b Relative MDA percentage after treatment with PBS, AIPH, Bi2Se3, and Bi2Se3@AIPH. c Cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells treated with PBS, AIPH, Bi2Se3, and Bi2Se3@AIPH in normoxic and hypoxic atmosphere. d Apoptosis images and gray value analysis of HepG2 cells treated with PBS, AIPH, Bi2Se3, and Bi2Se3@AIPH in normoxic and hypoxic atmosphere. The irradiation to HepG2 cells was all conducted by the 808 nm laser (1 W cm-2, 5 min). *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 compared to the one in the control cells. n=4
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    In vitro and in vivo CT imaging. a The in vitro CT imaging pictures and b quantitive HU values of Bi2Se3@AIPH and iohexol at the concentrations of 1, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg mL-1. c The 2D sectional imaging and 3D reconstruction pictures before and after the injection of Bi2Se3@AIPH and iohexol
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    a In vivo photothermal images and b the corresponding temperature change of mice after the injection of PBS, AIPH, Bi2Se3 and Bi2Se3@AIPH under 808 nm laser irradiation (1 W cm-2, 5 min). *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01
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    a Fluorescence imaging photographs of the mice with and without 808 nm irradiation. Inset: the corresponding tumor. b Quantitative average radiant efficiency in the tumor in vivo. c Quantitative average radiant efficiency in the ex-vivo tumor. Both mice were injected with Bi2Se3@AIPH. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01
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    a The relative tumor volume changes in 14 days. b Photographs of the excised tumors after 14 days of treatment. c The TNF-α and d IFN-γ level change during the treatment measured every three days. The vaccination of H22 tumor cells marked as 0 day and the treatment starts at day 9. e Images of tumor sections by H&E staining. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01

• Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Encased Bimetallic Selenide for High-Performance Water Electrolysis

  Junhui Cao1, Kexin Wang1, Jiayi Chen1, Chaojun Lei1, Bin Yang1, Zhongjian Li1, Lecheng Lei1, Yang Hou1, 2, 3, *, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov4	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 67
  First Online: 08 August 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0299-4

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    a Synthetic scheme of EG/(Co, Ni)Se2-NC hybrid and b simulation of 2-MIm evaporation and diffusion process
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    a, b FESEM images of EG/CoNi-LDH and EG/(Co, Ni)Se2-NC; c, d TEM and HRTEM images of EG/(Co, Ni)Se2-NC; e SAED pattern of EG/(Co, Ni)Se2-NC; f EDX and elemental mapping of analyzed elements: C, N, Co, Ni, and Se
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    a XRD pattern of EG/(Co, Ni)Se2-NC; b-f high-resolution XPS spectra of Co 2p, Ni 2p, N 1s, C 1s, and Se 3d in EG/(Co, Ni)Se2-NC
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    a Polarization curves, b overpotential plots at 10 mA cm-2, c Tafel slopes, d EIS spectra of EG/(Co, Ni)Se2-NC, EG/(Co, Ni)Se2, EG/CoSe-NC, EG/Ni3Se2, and Ir/C; e polarization curves of EG/(Co, Ni)Se2-NC before and after CV cycles scanning; inset: chronoamperometric E-t plot at 20 mA cm-2; f Cdl plots of EG/(Co, Ni)Se2-NC, EG/(Co, Ni)Se2, EG/CoSe-NC, and EG/Ni3Se2
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    a Raman spectrum of EG/(Co, Ni)Se2-NC; b in-situ electrochemical Raman spectra of EG/(Co, Ni)Se2-NC, potential ranges from 1.2 to 1.6 V; c high-resolution XPS spectrum of Co 2p in EG/(Co, Ni)Se2-NC after OER; d high-resolution XPS spectrum of Ni 2p in EG/(Co, Ni)Se2-NC after OER test

• Rational Design of Layered SnS2 on Ultralight Graphene Fiber Fabrics as Binder-Free Anodes for Enhanced Practical Capacity of Sodium-Ion Batteries

  Zongling Ren1, Jie Wen1, Wei Liu1, Xiaoping Jiang1, Yanheng Dong3, Xiaolong Guo1, Qiannan Zhao1, Guipeng Ji1, Ronghua Wang3, Ning Hu1, Baihua Qu2, *, Chaohe Xu1, 4, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 66
  First Online: 03 August 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0297-6

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    a Schematic illustration of the preparation process of the SnS2@rGF fabrics. b, c Photo images of the SnS2@rGF fabrics
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    a-c Low and high resolution SEM images, d TEM image, e HRTEM image, and f EDX mapping results of the SnS2@rGF fabrics
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    a Wide-angle XRD patterns of the SnO2@rGF and SnS2@rGF fabrics; b Raman spectra of the GOF and SnS2@rGF. c-f XPS spectra of the SnS2@rGF fabrics: c survey, d C 1s region, e S 2p region, and f Sn 3d narrow scan spectra
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    a Cyclic Voltammograms, b the 2nd discharge/charge curves at different current rates and c the rate performances of the SnS2@rGF electrode. d Rate capability of the SnS2@rGF anodes with cycles. e Long-term cycle performance of the SnS2@rGF electrode at a current rate of 0.5 A g-1. f Comparison of the estimated weight percentage of SnS2 in electrodes using different current collectors, including the commonly employed CF cloth (CeTech, WOS1002), Al foil (18 μm in thickness), Cu foil (9 μm in thickness) and our rGF fabrics

• Electrostatic Self-Assembly of 0D-2D SnO2 Quantum Dots/Ti3C2Tx MXene Hybrids as Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

  Huan Liu1, #, Xin Zhang2, #, Yifan Zhu2, Bin Cao2, Qizhen Zhu2, Peng Zhang2, Bin Xu2,*, Feng Wu1, Renjie Chen1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 65
  First Online: 02 August 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0296-7

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    Schematic illustration for the preparation of 0D-2D SnO2 QDs/MXene hybrids
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    a SEM image, b TEM image and c HRTEM image of 0D-2D SnO2 QDs/MXene hybrid; d SAED patterns of SnO2 QDs; e STEM image and corresponding elemental mapping images of Ti, C, Sn, and O
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    a XRD patterns and b Raman spectra of MXene, SnO2, and SnO2 QDs/MXene hybrid; XPS spectra of c MXene for high-resolution C 1s, d Ti 1s and e SnO2 QDs/MXene-52 for high-resolution C 1s, f Ti 1s
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    Electrochemical performances as anode in LIBs. a, b CV curves of SnO2 QDs/MXene at a scan rate of 0.1 mV s-1 in 0.01-2.5 V; c, d charge/discharge curves of SnO2 QDs/MXene at 50 mA g-1
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    a Cycle stability and b rate performance of all the samples as LIB electrodes; c comparison of rate capacity between the SnO2 QDs/MXene-52 and other MXene-based electrode materials reported for LIBs; d Nyquist plots of the SnO2 QDs/MXene-52 and the pure SnO2 electrodes; e energy-storage mechanism the 0D-2D SnO2 QDs/MXene hybrids

• Atomic Layer Deposition Assisted Construction of Binder-Free Ni@N-Doped Carbon Nanospheres Films as Advanced Host for Sulfur Cathode

  Jun Liu1, *, Aixiang Wei1, 2, Guoxiang Pan3, Qinqin Xiong4, Fang Chen5, Shenghui Shen6, Xinhui Xia6, 7, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 64
  First Online: 02 August 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0295-8

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    a Schematic fabrication process of Ni@N-CNSs films. SEM images of b, c N-CNSs and d-e Ni@N-CNSs films
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    a, b TEM-HRTEM images and c EDS elemental mapping images of N-CNSs films. d-e TEM-HRTEM images and f EDS elemental mapping images of Ni@N-CNSs
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    Phase and composition characterization. a XRD patterns; b Raman spectra; XPS test: c C 1s spectra; d N 1s spectra; e Ni 2p spectra and f O 1s spectra of N-CNSs and Ni@N-CNSs electrodes
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    a Schematic fabrication process of Ni@N-CNSs/S electrode. b, c SEM images of Ni@N-CNSs/S electrode. d XRD patterns and e S 2p XPS spectra of N-CNSs/S and Ni@N-CNSs/S electrodes
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    a, b TEM images and c EDS elemental mapping images of Ni@N-CNSs/S
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    Electrochemical characterization of N-CNSs/S and Ni@N-CNSs/S electrodes. a CV curves at a scan rate of 0.1 mV s-1 at the second cycle. b Nyquist plots. c Rate capability with a sulfur loading of 2.5 mg cm-2. d Discharge/charge profiles at 0.1 C. e Cycling performance and coulombic efficiency at 0.1 C
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    DFT calculations on adsorption energies between NiO, pure carbon, and pyridinic N-doped carbon with Li2S6

• Flexible Conductive Anodes Based on 3D Hierarchical Sn/NS-CNFs@rGO Network for Sodium-Ion Batteries

  Linqu Luo1, Jianjun Song1, *, Longfei Song1, Hongchao Zhang1, Yicheng Bi2, Lei Liu3, Longwei Yin4, Fengyun Wang1, *, Guoxiu Wang5, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 63
  First Online: 01 August 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0294-9

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    Schematic illustration of the formation process of Sn/NS-CNFs@rGO flexible electrodes
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    Morphology and Microstructure characterizations of Sn/N-CNFs and Sn/NS CNFs@rGO. a, b SEM images of Sn/N-CNF; c TEM and d HRTEM images of Sn/N CNFs. e Low-magnification and f high-magnification SEM images of Sn/NS CNFs@rGO. g TEM and h HRTEM images of Sn/NS-CNFs@rGO. i Dark-field image of the Sn/NS-CNFs@rGO and the corresponding EDS elemental mapping of C, N, Sn and S, illustrating homogeneous distribution of C, N, Sn, and S atoms along the nanofiber body
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    a XRD patterns and b Raman spectra of Sn/N-CNFs, Sn/NS-CNFs, Sn/N CNFs@rGO, and Sn/NS-CNFs@rGO. High resolution XPS spectra of c Sn 3d, d C 1s, e N 1s, and f S 2p
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    a Cyclic voltammograms for the first three cycles of a Sn/NS-CNFs@rGO electrode at a scanning rate of 0.2 mV s-1. b The first three galvanostatic discharge/charge voltage profiles of a Sn/NS CNFs@rGO electrode at 100 mA g-1. c Cycling performance of Sn/N CNFs, Sn/NS-CNFs, Sn/N-CNFs@rGO, and Sn/NS-CNFs@rGO electrodes at a current density of 100 mA g-1 in the voltage range of 0.01-2.0 V vs Na+/Na. d Rate capabilities of the Sn/N CNFs, Sn/NS-CNFs, Sn/N-CNFs@rGO, and Sn/NS-CNFs@rGO electrodes at various current densities. e Galvanostatic discharge-charge profiles of the Sn/NS-CNFs@rGO at different rates. f Comparison of the specific capacities of various Sn-based anode materials at different current densities. g Long-term cycling performance of a Sn/NS-CNFs@rGO electrode at 1000 mA g-1, and the corresponding Coulombic efficiency
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    a CV profiles of Sn/NS-CNFs@rGO at various scan rate. b Plots of (log i) versus (log υ). c Capacitive contribution in the CV curve (shaded region) of Sn/NS-CNFs@rGO obtained at 4 mV s-1. d Capacitive contribution in the CV profiles obtained at various scan rates
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    a, b Ex situ SEM and c, d ex situ TEM images of a Sn/NS-CNFs@rGO electrode after discharging/charging at 3 A g-1 for 1000 cycles, and the insets are digital photos of flexibles Sn/NS CNFs@rGO electrodes after discharging/charging at 3 A g-1 for 1000 cycles. e Schematic illustration of the enhanced sodium-ion and electron transportation mechanisms of Sn/NS CNFs@rGO

• Advances in Tin-Based Catalysts for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

  Shulin Zhao1, Sheng Li1, Tao Guo1, Shuaishuai Zhang1, Jing Wang1, Yuping Wu1,* Yuhui Chen1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 62
  First Online: 29 July 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0293-x

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    Possible reaction pathways for electrocatalytic CO2ER on the Sn-based catalysts in aqueous solutions
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    a Volcano plot using •COOH binding energy as a descriptor for CO partial current density at -0.9 V (vs. RHE). b Volcano plot using •OCHO binding energy as a descriptor for HCOO- partial current density at -0.9 V (vs. RHE).
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    a Schematic illustration of the fabrication process of Sn-modified N-doped carbon nanofiber electrocatalysts. b High-resolution Sn3d XPS spectra for AD-Sn/N-C1000 and Sn-CF1000. c FEs and partial current densities of three products on Sn-CF1000 at -0.8 V (vs. RHE) in CO2-saturated KHCO3 solution with different concentrations.
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    a Illustration of the fabrication process of CuxO-Sn NWs. b XRD patterns of Cu foil, Cu(OH)2, CuxO, and CuxO-Sn. c Typical SEM images of CuxO-Sn NWs. d STEM elemental mapping results of CuxO-Sn NWs. e Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) curves in 0.1 M KHCO3 solution for CO2 electroreduction on Cu NWs and Cu-Sn NWs. f Comparison of the FE of CO at different potentials between Cu NWs and Cu-Sn NWs. g Potential dependent CO FE for Cu, Cu-Sn, Cu-Au, and Cu-Au-Sn NWs.
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    a TEM images and size distributions of the NPs in Pd/C and PdSn/C. b XRD patterns of the catalysts with different Sn contents. c Relative intensity ratios of Pd0/PdII and Sn0/SnIV versus the molar ratios of Pd/Sn.
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    a Synthesis of AgSn/SnOx core-shell catalysts. b HAADF-STEM image of Ag76Sn24. c-f EELS mapping of the selected region showing the elemental distribution of Sn, Ag, O, and their overlay. g CO2 reduction Faradaic efficiencies of AgSn/SnOx catalysts with different Sn concentrations. h FE of Ag76Sn24 catalyst for CO, formate, and H2.
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    a SEM image of the WIT SnO2 nanofibers. b High resolution TEM (HRTEM) image of the WIT SnO2 nanofibers with a high density of GBs. c, d HRTEM images of SnO2 nanoparticles.
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    a Schematic illustration of the surfactant-induced 2D assembly of confined space with TNS and SnO2 nanoparticles. b Schematic illustration of 2D TNS-SnO2 assembly with different interlayer spacings for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. c XRD patterns of TNS-0.9-SnO2, TNS-2.0-SnO2, and TNS-3.0-SnO2. d HRTEM of TNS-2.0-SnO2.
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    a TEM image of 5%Ni-SnS2 nanosheets. b HAADF-STEM and STEM-EDS elemental mapping images of individual 5%Ni-SnS2 nanosheets. c FEs for formate production over pristine SnS2 and Ni-doped SnS2 nanosheets. d Long-term stability performance of 5%Ni-SnS2 nanosheets at -0.9 V (vs. RHE) for 8 h.

• Manganese-Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks-90 with High Blood Circulation Stability for Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Tumor Therapy

  Zhenqi Jiang1, 3, †, Bo Yuan1, †, Nianxiang Qiu1, Yinjie Wang1, 3, Li Sun1, 3, Zhenni Wei1, Yanyin Li1, 3, Jianjun Zheng2, Yinhua Jin2, Yong Li1, Shiyu Du1, Juan Li1, *, Aiguo Wu1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 61
  First Online: 23 July 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0292-y

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    Schematic of bio-application and potential mechanism of APT-Mn-ZIF-90/5-Fu for tumor therapy and the binding mode of APT with Y1R. After intravenous injection, the APT-Mn-ZIF-90/5-Fu reduces drug release during blood circulation and triggers fast drug release with low pH and high adenosine triphosphate conditions in the tumor microenvironment for MRI-guided tumor therapy. The binding mode of APT with Y1R is shown on the lower right side; Y1R is shown in cartoon representation. APT (green carbons) and receptor residues (pink carbons) involved in the ligand binding are shown as sticks. The H-bonds are represented by the yellow dashed lines
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    a Schematic of APT-Mn-ZIF-90/5-Fu preparation process; b SEM and c TEM images of Mn-ZIF-90; d Dynamic light scattering of APT-Mn-ZIF-90 in culture medium at 37 °C; e PXRD results of ZIF-90, Mn-ZIF-90, APT-Mn-ZIF-90/5-Fu and 5-Fu; f XPS pattern of Mn-ZIF-90 and ZIF-90 NPs; g Drug-loading content of APT-Mn-ZIF-90 for different stirring times. Mean ± SD (n=3); h STEM elemental mapping of Zn, Mn, C, N, O, and EDS spectrum for Mn-ZIF-90
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    Cellular uptake of NPs in MCF-7 cells. a LSCM images of RhB-loaded Mn-ZIF-90 and APT-Mn-ZIF-90 incubated with MCF-7 cells for 8 h, and the RhB 123 was used as a mitochondrion tracker; b Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of MCF-7 cells incubated with NPs for 8 h, and followed by flow cytometric analysis; c XRFM images of Cl, Zn, and Mn in MCF-7 cells incubated with NPs for 8 h; d the concentration of Mn2+ in MCF-7 cells after incubating with different concentrations of NPs for 24 h. Mean ± SD (n=3), ** p<0.01
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    a Cumulative release of 5-Fu from NPs in different environments (pH 7.4 + 10% FBS and pH 5.5) for 24 h in 37 °C in vitro; b Cell viability of APT-Mn-ZIF-90 incubated with MCF-7 cells for 24 h; c Cell inhibition effect and d IC50 values of 5-Fu, Mn-ZIF-90/5-Fu, and APT-Mn-ZIF-90/5-Fu after incubation with MCF-cells for 24 h. Mean ± SD (n=3), ** p<0.01
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    a, b Serum biochemistry data of healthy mice after intravenous injection of APT-Mn-ZIF-90 for 7 days at different concentrations; c Blood routine analysis. Blood levels of MCH, WBC, HGB, RBC, MCHC, and PLT of healthy mice after APT-Mn-ZIF-90 injection after 7 days at different concentrations; d Biodistribution and e excretion profiles of Mn2+ after treatment with APT-Mn-ZIF-90 at different times. Mean ± SD (n=3)
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    H&E staining of major organs of mice 7 days post-injection of PBS and different concentrations of Mn-ZIF-90 or APT-Mn-ZIF-90. (Scale bar = 100 μm)
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    a In vitro T1-weighted MR images of APT-Mn-ZIF-90 at different concentrations; b T1 relaxation rate of APT-Mn-ZIF-90; c T1-weighted MR images of MCF-7 tumor-bearing nude mice after intravenous injection of PBS, Mn-ZIF-90, and APT-Mn-ZIF-90 at 24 h, the tumor is marked by the red circle. d Average gray value of tumor from the T1-weighted images; e Biodistribution of Mn in major organs and tumor after injection for 24 h. Mean ± SD (n=3), ** p<0.01
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    a Blood concentration of 5-Fu at different time points after intravenous injection of 5-Fu, Mn-ZIF-90/5-Fu, and APT-Mn-ZIF-90/5-Fu, with 5-Fu concentration of 8 mg/kg. The pharmacokinetics of 5-Fu follows the three-compartment model. Mean ± SD (n=3); b Relative tumor volume, c body weight, and d survival rate of tumor-bearing mice after treatment with PBS, 5-Fu, Mn-ZIF-90/5-Fu, and APT-Mn-ZIF-90/5-Fu, with 5-Fu concentration of 8 mg/kg. Mean ± SD (n=5), ** p<0.01; e Photograph of tumor-bearing mice 14 days post-injection; f H&E staining of tumors for one treatment after 24 h (scale bar = 100 μm)
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    H&E staining of major organs of MCF-7 tumor-bearing mice after treatment for 14 days. The metastasis are marked by the red cycle in the liver (scale bar = 100 μm)

• High-performance Na-ion Storage of S-doped Porous Carbon Derived from Conjugated Microporous Polymers

  Yuquan Li1, †, Bin Ni1, †, Xiaodan Li2, Xianghui Wang1, *, Dafeng Zhang3, Qingfei Zhao5, Jinliang Li2, *, Ting Lu1, 4, *, Wenjie Mai2, Likun Pan1	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 60
  First Online: 17 July 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0291-z

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    SEM images of a SC-600, b SC-700, c SC-800, and d SC-900. The insets show the corresponding magnified SEM images. e EDS elemental mapping of SC-800. f HRTEM image of SC-800. The inset shows the average interlayer distance at the electronic scale
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    a XRD patterns and b Raman spectra of SC-600, SC-700, SC-800, and SC-900. c XPS C 1s profile of SC-800. d XPS S 2p profiles. e Nitrogen sorption isotherms and f pore-size distributions of SC-600, SC-700, SC-800, and SC-900
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    a CV curves and b charge/discharge profiles of SC-800. c Electrochemical impedance spectra, d cycling performance, e Coulombic efficiencies, f rate performance, and g long-term cycling performance of SC-600, SC-700, SC-800, and SC-900
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    a Long-term cycling performance and b rate performance of other S-doped C-based materials for comparison
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    Possible Na-ion storage mechanism for SCs
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    Ex situ XPS profiles of SC-600 in different states during the initial charge/discharge cycle: a corresponding voltage states; b Na 1s, c C 1s, and d S 2p XPS profiles
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    a CV curves of SC-800 at different sweep rates after cycling. b Relationship between log(i) and log(v) for SC-800. c Voltammetric response (1.0 mV s-1) for SC-800 and d contributions of the capacitive and diffusion-controlled charges at different sweep rates

• Rapid Isolation and Multiplexed Detection of Exosome Tumor Markers via Queued Beads Combined with Quantum Dots in a Microarray

  Yanan Bai1, 2, Yunxing Lu1, 2, Kun Wang1, 2, Zule Cheng1, 2, Youlan Qu1, 3, shihui Qiu1, Lin Zhou1, Zhenhua Wu1, Jianlong Zhao1, *, Hongju Mao1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 59
  First Online: 16 July 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0285-x

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    Bead-based exosome microfluidic chip. a Schematic diagram of the PDMS chip containing a microarray for uniform distribution of microbeads. b Microarray structure in the chip and c microbeads queued in lines along the microarray. Scale bar, 100 µm. d Photo of the prototype microfluidic chip. Scale bar, 50 mm
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    Working principle and simulation of the chip. a Two-dimensional structure of the microarray. The control district is labelled by the blue dashed box. b Schematic diagram of beads trapped at gaps along the microarray. c Influence of flow rate on trapping efficiency and clogging rate. d Flow-velocity profile and e pressure profile of the fluid dynamics in the chip using a velocity of 88 mm s-1 at the inlet. f The variation of pressure drop at the left, middle, and right gaps from lines one to ten according to point evaluation
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    Morphological characterization of exosomes and optimization of the immunoassay system. a SEM image of exosomes bound to the bead surface. b Diameter distribution of bead-based isolated exosomes using particle analysis of SEM images (R2 = 0.996) compared with NTA of ultracentrifugation-isolated exosomes (R2 = 0.982). Dashed lines represent log-normal fitting. c, d Variation in the fluorescence intensities of different cell lines according to increasing volumes of cell culture supernatant (c) and QD concentrations (d). Dashed lines represent sigmoidal dose-response fitting (R2 > 0.99)
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    a Fluorescence images of exosomes derived from different cell lines using three different tumor-specific QD probes. b Average expression levels of three lung cancer markers measured in different cell lines
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    a Box-whisker plots with scattering points indicating the expression levels of the three tumor markers from clinical plasma-derived exosomes, lung cancer patients (squares), and healthy controls (circles). b ROC curves of the multiplexed detection of three lung cancer exosome markers (CEA: AUC = 0.84, p = 0.01; Cyfra21-1: AUC = 0.85, p = 0.008; and ProGRP: AUC = 0.84, p = 0.01). The confidence interval was 95%. c Comparison of clinical data of blood CEA concentrations with exosome CEA expression levels detected using our method

• Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells: From Detailed Balance Limit Calculations to Photon Management

  Mohammad I. Hossain1, Wayesh Qarony1, Sainan Ma1, Longhui Zeng1, Dietmar Knipp2, *, Yuen Hong Tsang1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 58
  First Online: 16 July 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0287-8

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    Schematics of a crystalline silicon homojunction solar cell, b silicon heterojunction solar cell consisting of a crystalline silicon absorber and amorphous silicon contact layers, c amorphous silicon homo junction thin-film solar cell, d perovskite heterojunction thin-film solar cell, and e perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell
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    Schematic sketch of a solar cell represented by a Carnot reversible heat engine
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    Schematic diagram of the Landsberg model for a solar converter
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    Temperature dependent Carnot and Landsberg efficiencies for solar energy conversion
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    Ultimate conversion efficiency and Shockley-Queisser conversion efficiency of single junction solar cells as a function of the bandgap. A blackbody spectrum at 6000 K and an AM 1.5G spectrum were used for the calculations
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    Detailed Balance limit (Shockley-Queisser limit) for a short-circuit current, b open-circuit voltage, c fill factor, and d conversion efficiency under AM 1.5G spectrum with blackbody spectrum at 6000 K
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    Absorption coefficients of crystalline silicon and MAPbI3 perovskite
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    Detailed balance conversion efficiency limit for a 2-terminal and b 4-terminal tandem solar cells
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    a Refractive Indices and b Extinction coefficients of Perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3), IOH, and ZnO materials
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    a Schematic cross-section, and simulated power density under monochromatic illumination of wavelength b 400 nm and c 750 nm for the flat perovskite solar cell
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    Quantum efficiency and absorption of individual layers of a planar perovskite solar cell
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    a Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), b atomic force microscope (AFM) images of a moth eye surface texture. c Moth eye surface texture used for the optical simulation of the solar cells
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    Schematic cross sections of a perovskite solar cell with integrated moth eye textures. a An aluminum contact with a moth eye texture is formed and all subsequent layers of the solar cell are formed on the textured metal contact. Hence, all layers of the solar cell exhibit a moth eye texture. c A moth eye textured interlayer is form on a flat or planar aluminum reflector. All layers are formed on the moth eye texturized interlayer. Hence, all layers except the aluminum back contact exhibits a moth eye texture, and b, d corresponding power density maps for an incident wavelength of 750 nm. Periods and heights of the moth eye structures are 300 and 200 nm, respectively. e Comparison of calculated quantum efficiency and optical loss of the metal back contact, and f comparison of absorbance for perovskite solar cells with and without integrated moth eye texture
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    a Cross-section of moth eye textured perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell. Power density map for incident wavelength of b 400 nm, c 750 nm, and d 1000 nm. Electric field distribution map for incident wavelength of e 400 nm, f 750 nm, and g 1000 nm
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    The calculated quantum efficiency of the top, bottom, and total perovskite/silicon solar cell under matched short-circuit current conditions

• Flexible Tactile Electronic Skin with Three-dimensional Force Sensing Capability based on Microstructured CNTs/PDMS Nanocomposite

  Xuguang Sun1, 2, ‡, Jianhai Sun1, ‡, Tong Li1, Shuaikang Zheng1, 2, Chunkai Wang1, 2, Wenshuo Tan1, 2, Jingong Zhang3, Chang Liu1, Tianjun Ma1, Zhimei Qi1, Chunxiu Liu1, *, Ning Xue1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 57
  First Online: 16 July 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0288-7

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    a Dismantling structure schematic diagram of the tactile sensor array and one single element. b-d Cross section diagrams of a tactile sensor element under initial state, normal force state and tangential force state respectively. e Photograph of the sensor array attached to a curved surface
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    a Schematic of the fabrication details of flexible tactile sensor array. b, c SEM images in top view of surface structure of nanocomposites at different magnifications. d Side view of the nanocomposite film with double-sided rough surface. e, f SEM images of porous structures in the nanocomposite at high magnification. g Magnified view of individual MWNTs in nanocomposite
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    a Current-Voltage curves of the sensor from -5 to 5 V under various pressures. b Detection of human wrist pulses. c Monitoring human finger bending. d-f Detection of different speech pronunciation and cough vibration. g Detection of micro-pressure of 25 mg and 5 mg. h Detection of local weak airflow
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    a Resistance response and pressure sensitivity of the tactile sensor under normal pressure. The error bars represent standard deviations. b, c Resistance responses and sensitivities of different cells beneath the bump in one element under normal pressure and tangential forces in x direction and -x direction. d Response curves of cells under tangential forces in 45° direction. e Resistance change of each cell to angles in XOY plane (0°≤ θ ≤180°), applied forces F= 0.2 and 0.5 N. f Absolute change of resistance difference of corresponding cells to angles in XOZ plane (-90°≤ α ≤90°), applied force F=0.1 N. RC1, RC2, RC3, and RC4 represent the resistance of Cell 1, Cell 2, Cell 3, and Cell 4, respectively
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    a The dynamic voltage response of the sensor under repeated various pressures. b Response and recovery time with 5 kPa loading and unloading. c Dynamic voltage responses of four cells with continuous loading and unloading of 0.02 N. d Good repeatability and durability after continuous about 4000 pressing-releasing cycles. e Voltage responses of different cells in the same row under a finger sliding. f-h Pressure distribution of sensor array with quantitative color under the case of double points pressing, circle pressing, and diagonal pressing

• Bio-Derived Hierarchical Multicore–Shell Fe2N-Nanoparticle-Impregnated N-Doped Carbon Nanofiber Bundles: A Host Material for Lithium-/Potassium-Ion Storage

  Hongjun Jiang1, +, Ling Huang1, +, Yunhong Wei1, Boya Wang1, Hao Wu1, *, Yun Zhang1, * Huakun Liu2, Shixue Dou2	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 56
  First Online: 15 July 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0290-0

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    a Schematic of the structure of the native SCFs and synthesis strategy for Fe2N@N-CFBs. FESEM images of b, c natural SCFs and d, e Fe2N@N-CFBs. f–i TEM images of Fe2N@N-CFBs at different magnifications. j, k HRTEM images and l–o HAADF-STEM image and corresponding element maps of Fe2N@N-CFBs
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    a XRD patterns and b Raman spectra of Fe2N@N-CFBs, N-CFBs, and Fe2N-FBs. c Mössbauer spectrum of Fe2N@N-CFBs at room temperature. The inset shows the crystal structure of the orthorhombic Fe2N. d–f HR XP spectra of the Fe 2p, N 1s, and C 1s peaks of Fe2N@N-CFBs. g Photographs of SCFs, SCFs@Mn+, and MxNy@N-CFBs (M = Co, Ti, Cr)
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    FESEM images of a, d Co4N@N-CFBs, b, e TiN@N-CFBs, and c, f CrN@N-CFBs prepared using SCFs as templates and g–i corresponding XRD patterns
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    Lithium-ion storage properties of Fe2N@N-CFBs. a CV curves and b discharge–charge voltage profiles of Fe2N@N-CFBs for the first three cycles. c Cycling performances and d rate capacities of Fe2N@N-CFBs, N-CFBs, and Fe2N-FBs. e Repeated rate and cycling tests and f long-term cycling performance of Fe2N@N-CFBs
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    a Initial discharge/charge curves of Fe2N@N-CFBs at 50 mA g-1 in the voltage range of 0.01−3.0 V. b–d TEM, HRTEM, and SAED images of the Fe2N@N-CFBs electrode recorded in the fresh b1–3, discharged c1–3, and charged d1–3 states
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    Potassium-ion storage properties of Fe2N@N-CFBs. a CV curves and b discharge–charge profiles at 25 mA g-1 for Fe2N@N-CFBs in the first three cycles. c Rate capabilities of the Fe2N@N-CFBs and Fe2N-FBs electrodes at varied current density. The presented capacities are discharge capacities. d Cycling performances of the Fe2N@N-CFBs and Fe2N-FBs electrodes for 100 cycles at 200 mA g-1
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    Schematic of the different structural evolutions of the Fe2N@N-CFBs (top panel) and Fe2N-FBs (bottom panel) electrode materials during the electrochemical lithium/potassium storage reaction. The light-yellow layer coating on the surface represents the SEI film

• Bifunctional Electrocatalysts Based on Mo-doped NiCoP Nanosheet Arrays for Overall Water Splitting

  Jinghuang Lin1, Yaotian Yan1, Chun Li1, Xiaoqing Si1, Haohan Wang1, Junlei Qi1,*, Jian Cao2, Zhengxiang Zhong3, Weidong Fei1, Jicai Feng1	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 55
  First Online: 13 July 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0289-6

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    Schematic fabrication process of Mo-doped NiCoP and E-Mo-NiCoP nanosheet arrays directly on carbon cloth
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    SEM images of a, b NiCoP and c, d Mo-NiCoP-3. e TEM, f HRTEM, and g the corresponding element mapping in Mo-NiCoP-3. XPS h Ni 2p and i Co 2p spectra in NiCoP and Mo-NiCoP-3. XPS j P 2p and k Mo 3d spectra in Mo-NiCoP-3
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    a Polarization curves, b the corresponding Tafel slope plots and c the current density against scan rates of obtained samples. d Consecutive multi-step chronoamperometric tests for Mo-NiCoP-3 (without iR correction). e Chronopotentiometry measurements for Mo-NiCoP-3 (without iR correction). f The Nyquist plots of obtained samples
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    a Polarization curves and b the current density against scan rates of E-Mo-NiCoP-3 with different activation cycles as indicated. c, d SEM, e TEM, f HRTEM, g SAED, and h the corresponding element mapping of E-Mo-NiCoP-3
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    a Polarization curves, b the corresponding Tafel slope plots, and c the current density against scan rates of obtained samples after electrochemical activation. d Consecutive multi-step chronoamperometric tests for E-Mo-NiCoP-3 (without iR correction). e Chronopotentiometry measurements for E-Mo-NiCoP-3 (without iR correction). f The Nyquist plots of obtained samples after electrochemical activation
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    a Polarization curves of obtained samples for overall water splitting. b The comparison of measured and calculated voltages for overall water splitting. c Long-term stability at constant current densities of 10, 20, and 50 mA cm-2

• Hierarchical Metal–Organic Frameworks with Macroporosity: Synthesis, Achievements, and Challenges

  Huan V. Doan1, 2, *, Harina Amer Hamzah1, Prasanth Karikkethu Prabhakaran1, Chiara Petrillo1, Valeska P. Ting1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 54
  First Online: 08 July 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0286-9

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    Schematic illustration of the synthesis of HP-MOFs with adjustable porosity using UiO-66 as an example.
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    Schematic representation of synthetic methods for hierarchical MOFs with macroporosity
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    SEM images of HKUST-1/3D-KSCs800 at different magnifications, showing the growth of microporous HKUST-1 crystals on the 3D-KSCs800 macroporous template.
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    SEM images of HKUST-1 coatings on ob-SiC and Al2O3 ceramic foams a, c without and b, d with preliminary alumina sol coating. The HKUST-1 coating layers on the ob-SiC composites are thicker than that for Al2O3 composites.
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    a PXRD patterns of Ni foam-immobilised MIL-101(Cr) (blue) showing the presence of peaks which correspond to both Ni foam (black) and MIL-101(Cr) nanocrystals (red). b SEM images of Ni foam-immobilised MIL-101(Cr) showing the presence of multi-layered MIL-101(Cr) nanocrystals on the macroporous Ni foam.
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    Schematic illustrations showing the preparation of ZIF-8@CA and the resulting SEM images.
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    SEM images of a ZIF-9@CA and pure ZIF-9 inset; and b ZIF-12@CA and pure ZIF-12 inset.
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    a The procedure for the preparation of PCN‐224 decorated melamine foam composites. b FESEM images of PCN-224(Fe)/MF composite depicting the melamine foam network homogeneously decorated with PCN-224(Fe) microcrystals. c The high similarities between the PXRD patterns of PCN-224(Fe) (grey) and PCN-224(Fe)50%/MF (purple), PCN-224(Fe)100%/MF (green), PCN-224(Fe)150%/MF (blue), PCN-224(Fe)200%/MF (red) and PCN-224(Fe)325%/MF (black) indicating the structural stability of the MOF composites. d N2 sorption isotherms of PCN‐224(Fe)50%/MF (purple), PCN‐224(Fe)100%/MF (green), PCN‐224(Fe)150%/MF (blue), PCN‐224(Fe)200%/MF (red), and PCN‐224(Fe)325%/MF (black). The BET surface areas increased with the increasing loading amount of PCN-224(Fe) in the composites.
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    a SEM images of the conversion of Cu-06 to HKUST-1 with 1-minute time intervals, showing the growth of polyhedral crystallites with the preservation of the co-continuous macroporous gel structure. All the images are in the identical magnification. b N2 sorption isotherms and c BJH pore size distributions with respect to increased immersion times. The BET surface areas and pore sizes increased with immersion times.
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    a Schematic diagram of SOM-ZIF-8 synthesis. SEM images of b SOM-ZIF-8 and c an isolated crystal of SOM-ZIF-8 showing the tetrakaidecahedron morphology.
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    Schematic illustrations showing the preparation of ZIF–sponge, showing a surfactant-assisted dip-coating self-assembling process and b surface-modification of the sponge skeleton first with a surfactant and then ZIF-67. c, d SEM images of ZIF–sponge prepared with the assistance of SDBS under different magnifications (the scale bar is 2 μm), showing ZIF nanocrystals were dip-coated on the surface of melamine sponge.
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    a Schematic representation for the preparation of HKUST-1 particles and the subsequent modification to produce macroporous HKUST-1 particles. b SEM image of HKUST-1 microparticles prepared by solvothermal synthesis with water–ethanol (1 : 1 v/v). c SEM image of modified HKUST-1 particle with hydroquinone at 150 °C for 16 h, showing the macroporous microparticles. d Macropore size distribution as measured by Hg intrusion porosimetry, with an intrusion pore volume 2.65 cm3 g−1, for the modified HKUST-1 particles.
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    SEM images of HKUST-1 particles modified by different reagents other than hydroquinone. a in 50 µL boric acid aqueous solution at 150 °C for 16 h and b in 50 µL NaCl aqueous solution at 150 °C for 16 h, showing some large etched holes were formed from the centre of the particles.
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    a, b Schematic representation of the etching process for HKUST-1 using phosphoric acid, showing phosphoric acid diffusing into HKUST-1 to form a hierarchical porous structure (a) and the disassembly of a cluster and 4 linkers (b). c-e SEM images of HKUST-1 etching in phosphoric acid using DMSO and MeOH as dilute solvents at pH 2.8 (c) and pH 2.6 (d, e), showing interconnected geometrical macropores after etching.
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    a Diagram illustrating the MOF-stabilized HIPE and derivation of MOA from HIPE. b-d Photographs of the emulsions stabilised by Cu3(BTC)2 with the initial diethyl ether volume fractions of 0.57, 0.43, and 0.29, respectively, demonstrating ability to tune pore size in HIPEs. e-g The corresponding confocal laser scanning microscopy images of the above HIPEs (HIPE-1, HIPE-2 and HIPE-3, respectively). Scale bars, 20 μm.
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    a Schematic illustration for the formation of hollow Zn–BTC tetrahedroids via a CO2–IL interfacial templating route. b SEM and c TEM images of the hollow tetrahedron-like Zn–BTC microparticles. The N-EtFOSA concentration is 2.0 wt% based on IL and the CO2 pressure is 6.3 MPa.
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    a-f SEM images of HKUST-1 synthesised in CO2-expanded DMF. a, b 2.0; c, d 4.5; e, f 6.6 MPa. Scale bars, 150, 50, 500, 150, 500, and 150 nm for a–f, respectively. g The mesopore size distribution curves for the Cu3(BTC)2 synthesised in CO2-expanded DMF at 2.0 MPa (blue curves), 4.5 MPa (red curves) and 6.6 MPa (green curves).
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    a Schematic illustration for the formation of the mesoporous Co-MOF in an IL/SC CO2/surfactant emulsion system. b TEM images of the Co-MOF synthesised in an IL/SC CO2/surfactant emulsion system at 16 MPa and 80 °C for 48 h.
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    Schematic illustration for a HKUST-1 crystallisation and b meso/macropore formation in the CO2-expanded solvent. c SEM images (top) and TEM images (bottom) of HKUST-1 synthesised using scCO2 at 75 bar, 40 °C for more than 24 h, showing introduction of interconnected macropores.
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    a Schematic of the 3D-printed MOF monolith preparation procedure. b SEM images of 3D-printed MOF-74 (Ni) (b1 and b2) and 3D-printed UTSA-16 (Co) (b3 and b4), showing uniform distribution of MOF crystals and with large voids. c PXRD patterns of 3D-printed MOF-74 (Ni) (c1) and 3D-printed UTSA-16 (Co) (c2) with their powder counterparts, showing crystallinity retained for both MOF-74 (Ni) and UTSA-16 (Co) MOFs after they were extruded into the monolith form.
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    Photos of 3D printed scaffolds: a 4CelloZIF8 and b 4CelloZIF8‐Cur. Insets are images representing the pores, with the scale bar representing 0.5 mm. SEM images of c scaffold 4CelloZIF8 and d scaffold 4CelloZIF8‐Cur. Scale bar = 1 µm. e PXRD patterns of CelloZIF8 hybrids using different ZIF‐8 and f different ZIF‐8 loadings while keeping Hmim:Zn to 35:1 and curcumin to 30 mg, showing that the crystallinity and the framework are maintained with different curcumin and Zn loadings.

• Moth-eye Structured Polydimethylsiloxane Films for High-Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells

  Min-cheol Kim1, 2,⊥, Segeun Jang3,⊥, Jiwoo Choi1, 2, Seong Min Kang4,*, Mansoo Choi1, 2,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 53
  First Online: 25 June 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0284-y

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    Representative schematic images of a completed PSC with moth-eye layer and b PSC configuration. c Fabrication of the hexagonally-packed moth-eye array on a silicon wafer. d Replication of the master structure by successive coating and thermal curing of h-PDMS and s-PDMS. e Completed moth-eye PDMS film. f Spincoating deposition of PTAA hole transport layer on ITO/glass substrate. g Spincoating deposition of PbI2 thin film. h Fabrication of perovskite layer by additional spincoating of FAI/MABr/MACl solution in IPA. i Deposition of C60/BCP electron transporting layer on Cu metal electrode
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    FIB-assisted cross-sectional SEM images of a 300-nm moth-eye PDMS film, b 1000-nm moth-eye PDMS film, and c PSC configuration imaged in BSE mode. d AFM image and line profile of 300-nm moth-eye PDMS film. Digital camera images of e completed PSC device, f PSC with 300-nm moth-eye PDMS film, g PSC with 1000-nm moth-eye PDMS film, and (h) detachment of 300-nm moth-eye PDMS pad from PSC
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    a Transmittance and b reflectance spectra of the prepared samples. Schematic refractive index profiles of the c ITO/glass substrate and d moth-eye PDMS film/ITO/glass substrate. e Digital camera image demonstrating the antireflective effect of the 300-nm moth-eye PDMS film
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    a Measured J-V curves and b external quantum efficiency spectra for the perovskite photovoltaic devices with the highest performance. Photovoltaic parameters of the reference device and the PSC made with a 300-nm moth-eye PDMS pad are shown in the inset of a. c J-V curves for reference perovskite photovoltaic and devices made with 300 nm and 1000-nm moth-eye PDMS pads. d Measured enhancement of photovoltaic parameters in PSCs made with 300-nm and 1000-nm moth-eye PDMS pads relative to the reference device

• Ultra-stable CsPbBr3 Nanosheets for X-ray Imaging Screen

  Liangling Wang1, 2, Kaifang Fu1, Ruijia Sun1, Huqiang Lian3, Xun Hu3, Yuhai Zhang1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 52
  First Online: 24 June 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0283-z

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    a Schematic showing the synthetic procedure of ultra-stable CsPbBr3 NCs. b Reaction yield comparison between this experiment and conventional methods, such as hot injection and precipitation. The inset shows 5.75 g of as-synthesized nanosheets generated in a 100 mL-beaker. c PL QY measurements of both fresh and aged (stored in a capped vial) colloidal samples, indicating a robust storage stability. The error bar was obtained by three parallel measurements. d TEM image of the nanosheets. Scale bar represents 100 nm. e PL spectra of fresh and aged samples, showing no significant difference. f XRD pattern of self-assembled nanosheets, showing a cubic phase. The peaks marked with asterisks indicate the inter-plane spacing of assembled nanosheets
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    Phase engineering of CsPbBr3 NCs through feeding varied molar ratios of Pb/Cs. a TEM images showing morphology transformation from bulk cubes to thin nanosheets. b High-resolution TEM image of nanosheets (Pb/Cs=5/1). c XRD patterns showing a phase evolution from orthorhombic to cubic. d The magnified XRD peaks show a clear difference in peak width, indicating a shrinkage of grain size
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    a Lifetime measurement at 520 nm and b PL QY of CsPbBr3 NCs, showing a phase dependence. A 410-nm pulsed laser was used as excitation source, and the PL bands from 450 to 600 nm was monitored as emission. c TGA of nanosheets shows ample surface coverage of ligands
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    a Absorption and photoluminescence spectra of CsPbBr3 NCs, showing the PL fine-tuning ability of our synthesis. The purple stripe highlights the excitonic peak of the 3-monolayer nanosheets. b 2D pseudo-color transient emission map from CsPbBr3 nanosheets colloid (Pb/Cs=5/1). Streak camera measurement was conducted under excitation at 410 nm, flux at 1 pJ cm-2. c PL decay traces extracted at 460-nm and 510-nm window (± 5 nm)
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    X-ray scintillation screen based on CsPbBr3 nanosheets. a Radioluminescence spectra of thin films with varied thickness. The inset shows a semi-transparent thin-film sample of a flat surface. Radioluminescent image of b a crack-free screen and c a cracked screen. d Photograph and e X-ray image of a SIM card

• Graphene Array based Anti-fouling Solar Vapour Gap Membrane Distillation with High Energy Efficiency

  Biyao Gong1, Huachao Yang1, Shenghao Wu1, Guoping Xiong2, Jianhua Yan1, Kefa Cen1, Zheng Bo1, *, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov3, 4	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 51
  First Online: 10 June 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0281-1

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    Solar vapour gap membrane distillation (SVGMD): enabling concept, key features, and operational principle. a-c Summary of the key features: a Free-standing light absorber consisting interconnected skeleton and light-absorbing nanomaterials; b Formation of thin water layer with self-suction and localized heating. c Solar vapour in the gap which separates the membrane from the water. d Schematic of SVGMD. Superhydrophilic light absorber ensures fast water suction. Under solar illumination, localized heat transfer leads to the efficient generation of solar vapour in the gap, which passes through the membrane and condenses with the distillate flow. e Demonstrating the SVGMD concept and scalable water purification system with high solar-water energy efficiency, excellent anti-fouling performance, and stable permeate flux
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    Free-standing, multifunctional P-G-Nifoam layer for solar energy absorption, water transport, and solar vapour generation. a Optical image of the P-G-Nifoam. SEM image of b microporous structure of P-G-Nifoam and c, d graphene array before and after PEDOT-PSS coating. e Fluidic transport across the P-G-Nifoam in 180 s. f Flow height along with time. Inset: the static water contact angle measurement of P-G-Nifoam. g IR images of P-G-Nifoam as a function of time at an illumination of 1 kW m-2. h Surface temperature of P-G-Nifoam as a function of time at an illumination of 1 kW m-2. i Experimental absorption spectra of P-G-Nifoam in the wavelength range of 200-2,600 nm. All tests were performed at a room temperature and atmospheric pressure
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    Record-high solar-water efficiency in SVGMD and its excellent performance in desalination of natural seawater and salty brine and purification of mineral oil-contaminated water. a Schematic of SVGMD with the solar simulator. b The temperature of vapour in the gap and bulk water in the tank as a function of time at an illumination of 1 kW m-2. c Comparison of energy efficiency between current work and previous studies. d The energy balance and heat transfer in SVGMD
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    Two main applications for long-term, effective desalination and purification. a The permeate flux and salt rejection of SVGMD for natural seawater (3.25 wt%) and two kinds of salty brine (9.85 and 16.7 wt%) at an illumination of 1 kW m-2. b The permeate flux and TOC level of purified water of SVGMD when processing mineral oil contaminated water at an illumination of 1 kW m-2. c-e Optical images of PVDF membrane c, after processing mineral oil contaminated water in the conventional MD over 1 h d and in the SVGMD system over 72 h e. The error bar comes from three repeated tests. All tests were performed at a room temperature and atmospheric pressure
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    Scaled SVGMD module demonstrates excellent performance in desalination of mineral oil/seawater mixtures under real-world conditions. a Scaled SVGMD system with different components of the system marked with arrows. b Schematic of the SVGMD system. For experiments with solar concentration, a 30 × 30 cm2 Fresnel lens is used to concentrate sunlight on the P-G-Nifoam surface by a factor of 12. c The daily permeate water of outdoor solar experiments with 12x solar magnification. The inset is the concentrations of five primary ions before (mineral oil/seawater mixtures) and after desalination (permeate water). d Salt rejection performance and TOC level of permeate water with seawater mixtures/mineral oil (1 g L-1 mineral oil with natural seawater). The inset shows a typical mineral oil/seawater mixture

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
  • 
    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
  • 
    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].
  • 
    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].
  • 
    Schematic illustration of the configuration of DSSCs based on TNTs [125].
  • 
    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].
  • 
    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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• MoS2-Based Photodetectors Powered by Asymmetric Contact Structure with Large Work Function Difference

  Zhe Kang1, Yongfa Cheng1, Zhi Zheng1, Feng Cheng1, Ziyu Chen1, Luying Li1, Xinyu Tan2, *, Lun Xiong3, Tianyou Zhai1, Yihua Gao1, 3, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 34
  First Online: 16 April 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0262-4

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    Schematic illustration (top) and calculated electronic band structure (bottom) of a monolayer MoS2; b monolayer Mo2C. c Schematic diagram (top) and energy band diagram (bottom) of MoC2/MoS2/Au device
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    a Schematic diagram of the CVD method to grown Mo2C. In the type I method, copper foil is placed on molybdenum foil to directly grow molybdenum carbide. In the type II method, the molybdenum foil is placed near the copper foil. Copper evaporates at high temperatures and adsorbs on the molybdenum foil for the growth of Mo2C. b Optical image of Mo2C prepared by the type I method with a growth time of 20 min. c Schematic diagram of the type I Mo2C growth process. d Optical image of Mo2C prepared by the type II method. e Schematic diagram of the type II Mo2C growth process. The black line represents graphene
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    a High-resolution TEM image of Mo2C, with space group Pbcn. b SAED pattern along the [ 00] zone axis. c Raman spectrum of MoS2. d High-resolution TEM image of MoS2, with space group P63/mmc. e SAED pattern along the [0001] zone axis. f Raman spectrum of MoS2
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    a Optical image of the Mo2C/MoS2/Mo2C device. b Dark (black) and light (red) I-V curves of the Mo2C/MoS2/Mo2C photodetector. The inset image shows the magnified dark I-V curve of the photodetector
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    a Optical image and schematic illustration of the Mo2C/MoS2/Au device. b |I|-V curves of Mo2C/MoS2/Au devices with (red) and without (black) 80 mW cm-2 white light irradiation. The inset image shows the magnified dark current. c Magnified I-V curves of Mo2C/MoS2/Au devices with a bias voltage range of -0.1 to 0.3 mV. d Photocurrent response of self-powered Mo2C/MoS2/Au (red) and Au/MoS2/Au (black) devices under 80 mW cm-2 white light irradiation. The image in the inset shows the magnified dark current. e Transfer characteristic curves of the photodetector with and without white light irradiation
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    Schematic band energy diagram of the Mo2C/MoS2/Au device
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    a Photodetector responses to light with various wavelengths and energy density of 0.5 mW cm-2. b Photodetector responses to 600 nm light of different intensities. c Response and recovery times of the photodetectors. The intensity of the incident light (600 nm) is 0.56 mW cm-2. d Long-term performance of the Mo2C/MoS2/Au photodetector under illumination with 600 nm light

• Lightweight and High-Performance Microwave Absorber Based on Two-Dimensional WS2–Reduced Graphene Oxide Heterostructures

  Deqing Zhang1, 5, †, Tingting Liu1, †, Junye Cheng2, *, Qi Cao3, Guangping Zheng4, Shuang Liang1, Hao Wang2, *, Mao-Sheng Cao5, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 38
  First Online: 9 May 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0270-4

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    a XRD patterns of WS2 and WS2–rGO. b Raman spectrum of WS2–rGO. TEM images of c WS2, d rGO, e WS2–rGO. f HRTEM image of WS2–rGO heterostructure nanosheets and the corresponding SAED patterns (inset)
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    Typical XPS spectra of as-synthesized WS2–rGO heterostructure nanosheets: a XPS wide scan (survey), High-resolution narrow scan on b W, c S, and d C regions in spectra of WS2–rGO
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    a ε´-curves, and b ε´´-curves of the as-synthesized WS2 and WS2–rGO. Complex permeability profiles of c pure WS2, and d WS2–rGO
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    μ''(μ')-2f-1 values of WS2 and WS2–rGO at various frequencies
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    a, c, e Reflection loss profiles and b, d, f corresponding 2D maps of pure rGO (a, b), pure WS2 nanosheets (c, d), and WS2–rGO heterostructure nanosheet powder (e, f). The illustrations in panels a, c, and e represent different preparation processes for pure rGO, pure WS2, and the WS2–rGO heterostructure nanosheets, respectively
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    Synergistic mechanisms responsible for the superior microwave absorption properties of the proposed WS2–rGO heterostructure nanosheet absorbent: a Dipole polarization. b Interfacial polarization. c Electron hopping. d Multiple scattering of incident microwave
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    Calculated delta value maps of a rGO, b WS2, and c WS2–rGO
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    a, c Reflection loss profiles and b, d 3D maps of RL of pristine WS2 microwave absorbent at thickness of 2.0–3.0 mm (a, b) and WS2–rGO heterostructure nanosheet absorbent at thickness of 2.0–3.0 mm (c, d). The insets in panels a and e show the RL curves of the pristine WS2 and the WS2–rGO heterostructure nanosheet absorbents at a thickness of 1.7 mm

• Bio-Derived Hierarchical Multicore–Shell Fe2N-Nanoparticle-Impregnated N-Doped Carbon Nanofiber Bundles: A Host Material for Lithium-/Potassium-Ion Storage

  Hongjun Jiang1, +, Ling Huang1, +, Yunhong Wei1, Boya Wang1, Hao Wu1, *, Yun Zhang1, * Huakun Liu2, Shixue Dou2	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 56
  First Online: 15 July 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0290-0

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    a Schematic of the structure of the native SCFs and synthesis strategy for Fe2N@N-CFBs. FESEM images of b, c natural SCFs and d, e Fe2N@N-CFBs. f–i TEM images of Fe2N@N-CFBs at different magnifications. j, k HRTEM images and l–o HAADF-STEM image and corresponding element maps of Fe2N@N-CFBs
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    a XRD patterns and b Raman spectra of Fe2N@N-CFBs, N-CFBs, and Fe2N-FBs. c Mössbauer spectrum of Fe2N@N-CFBs at room temperature. The inset shows the crystal structure of the orthorhombic Fe2N. d–f HR XP spectra of the Fe 2p, N 1s, and C 1s peaks of Fe2N@N-CFBs. g Photographs of SCFs, SCFs@Mn+, and MxNy@N-CFBs (M = Co, Ti, Cr)
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    FESEM images of a, d Co4N@N-CFBs, b, e TiN@N-CFBs, and c, f CrN@N-CFBs prepared using SCFs as templates and g–i corresponding XRD patterns
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    Lithium-ion storage properties of Fe2N@N-CFBs. a CV curves and b discharge–charge voltage profiles of Fe2N@N-CFBs for the first three cycles. c Cycling performances and d rate capacities of Fe2N@N-CFBs, N-CFBs, and Fe2N-FBs. e Repeated rate and cycling tests and f long-term cycling performance of Fe2N@N-CFBs
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    a Initial discharge/charge curves of Fe2N@N-CFBs at 50 mA g-1 in the voltage range of 0.01−3.0 V. b–d TEM, HRTEM, and SAED images of the Fe2N@N-CFBs electrode recorded in the fresh b1–3, discharged c1–3, and charged d1–3 states
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    Potassium-ion storage properties of Fe2N@N-CFBs. a CV curves and b discharge–charge profiles at 25 mA g-1 for Fe2N@N-CFBs in the first three cycles. c Rate capabilities of the Fe2N@N-CFBs and Fe2N-FBs electrodes at varied current density. The presented capacities are discharge capacities. d Cycling performances of the Fe2N@N-CFBs and Fe2N-FBs electrodes for 100 cycles at 200 mA g-1
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    Schematic of the different structural evolutions of the Fe2N@N-CFBs (top panel) and Fe2N-FBs (bottom panel) electrode materials during the electrochemical lithium/potassium storage reaction. The light-yellow layer coating on the surface represents the SEI film

• Bimetallic NiCo2S4 Nanoneedles Anchored on Mesocarbon Microbeads as Advanced Electrodes for Asymmetric Supercapacitors

  Yu Zhang1, Yihe Zhang1,*, Yuanxing Zhang1, Haochen Si1, Li Sun1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 35
  First Online: 23 April 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0265-1

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    Schematic illustration of the synthesis procedure of the urchin-like NCS@MCMB composites
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    SEM images of a pure MCMB after calcination, b pure NCS, c NCS@MCMB precursor, and d NCS@MCMB composite. e SEM backscattered image of an individual NCS@MCMB sphere and f corresponding EDX elemental maps of C, S, Co, and Ni
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    TEM images of a an individual NCS@MCMB sphere and b NCS nanoneedles anchored on it. c HRTEM image of NCS nanoneedles and d corresponding SAED patterns
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    a XRD patterns and b Raman spectra of pure MCMB, NCS@MCMB, and pure NCS. c Nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm and d pore size distribution of NCS@MCMB composite
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    High-resolution XPS spectra of a C 1s, b S 2p, c Co 2p, and d Ni 2p levels
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    a CV curves at a scanning rate of 2 mV s−1, b GCD curves at a current density of 1 A g–1, c EIS spectra, and d cycling tests of NCS@MCMB and NCS. Typical e CV and f GCD curves of NCS@MCMB-75%. g Specific capacitance and h capacitance retention of NCS@MCMB, MCMB, and NCS at increased current densities. i Schematic diagrams illustrating the kinetic advantages of the NCS@MCMB composite in electrochemical energy storage
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    a SEM, b, c TEM, and d HRTEM images of NCS@MCMB after cycling
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    a Schematic illustration of the structure of the NCS@MCMB//AC ASC device. b, c Typical CV and GCD curves of the ASC device. d Cycling test of the ASC device at 10 A g–1 and GCD curves in the last eight cycles (inset of d). e GCD curves of single ASC and two ASCs connected in series. f Photographs of two ASC devices connected in series, powering a red LED indicator

• Novel Insights into Energy Storage Mechanism of Aqueous Rechargeable Zn/MnO2 Batteries with Participation of Mn2+

  Yongfeng Huang1, 2, #, Jian Mou1, #, Wenbao Liu1, 2, Xianli Wang1, Liubing Dong1, *, Feiyu Kang 1, 2, *, Chengjun Xu1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 49
  First Online: 06 June 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0278-9

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    a XRD pattern, b SEM image, c STEM and d HRSTEM images of the synthesized MnO2 nanorods
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    Electrochemical behaviors of the prepared cathodes: a CV curves in 50 mL 2 M ZnSO4 solution (1st to 5th cycles); b CV (1st to 5th cycles) and c GCD curves in 50 mL 2 M ZnSO4 + 0.5 M MnSO4 solution; d Constant voltage discharge at various voltages (1.4, 1.2, and 1.1 V) and Local magnification diagram (the inset)
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    The results of the cathode which is constant current discharged to 1.4 V and then constant voltage discharged at 1.4 V in 2 M ZnSO4 + 0.5 M MnSO4 electrolyte for 2 h: a XRD pattern and locally enlarged image (the inset); b SEM image of the surface of the cathode. Another cathode which is constant current discharged to 1.0 V: c XRD pattern; d SEM image of the surface of the cathode; e Phase evolution of cathode during the 1st discharge process
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    TEM, HRTEM image, and TEM-EDS spectrum of the sample constant current discharge to 1.0 V: a TEM image b TEM-EDS spectrum result of region A and B marked in a. c, d HRTEM image of region A and B marked in Fig. 4a, respectively. e, f FFT of the region marked by a yellow dash in c and d, respectively
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    The first charge process: a XRD pattern of the fully charged cathode in the 1st charge process; b Charging curves of α-MnO2 electrodes after discharge to 1 V in different cases; c Constant Voltage test; d HRTEM image and analysis result. e Phase evolution of cathode during the 1st charge process
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    The MnO2 cathode after 100 charge/discharge cycles in 2 M ZnSO4 + 0.5 M MnSO4 electrolyte: a XRD patterns; b-d HRTEM images; e Phase evolution of cathode during the repeated charge/discharge processes after the 1st charge/discharge cycle
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    a Zn-Mn-O diagram and b E-pH diagram of Zn-Mn-H2O system

• Applications of MxSey (M = Fe, Co, Ni) and their Composites in Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion

  Huijie Zhou1, Xiaxia Li1, Yan Li1, Mingbo Zheng1, Huan Pang1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 40
  First Online: 15 May 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0272-2

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    a Research trends of transition metal selenides in electrochemical energy storage (batteries, SCs) and conversion (electrocatalysis) from 2006 to 2018. b Use of transition metal selenides in various types of batteries (LIBs, SIBs, and other batteries)
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    a Schematic diagram of the synthesis of Co@CNF and CoSe2@CNF. b Schematic diagram of CoSe@CNF formation process. c SEM image of Co@CNFs. d SEM image of CoSe2@CNFs. e TEM image of CoSe2@CNFs. f, g Images showing annealing of a ZIF-67 nm cube and Se powder for 2 h and synthetic CoSe2/CNF FESEM under a nitrogen atmosphere at 350 ℃. h Rate performance at different current densities. i The electrochemical performance of CoSe@CNF and CoSe2@CNF electrodes before and after cycling in the Nyquist diagram. j Discharge and charge voltage curves at a current density of 0.2 A g−1.
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    a SEM images of rGO/CoSe2 composite. b Cycling performance of rGO/CoSe2 composite. c TEM image of porous Cu-doped CoSe2. d Capacitances at current densities varying from 0.1 to 5.0 A g-1.
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    a Schematic diagram of the morphology evolution of nickel grown in situ on foamed nickel. b SEM image of NiO–NiSe electrode after initially discharging to 0.01 V. c Schematic diagram of the morphology evolution of nickel crystal grown in situ on foamed nickel with a reaction time of 16 h. d Schematic diagram of the morphology evolution of nickel crystal grown in situ on foamed nickel with a reaction time of 20 h. e SEM image of NiO–NiSe electrode after initially charging to 3.0 V. f At a current density of 20 mA g−1, the initial discharge and charge and discharge curves of the NiO–NiSe electrode in the voltage range of 0.1–3.0 V were 30. g Cycling performance of NiO–NiSe thin film electrode for the initial 50 cycles.
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    a Schematic of α-FeSe reveals the crystal structure of the layered structure. b SEM image of the sample. c The first four consecutive CVs of the α-FeSe@C composite have a scan rate of 0.1 mV s−1. d Cycle performance of the composite at a current density of 40 mA g−1.
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    a Formation mechanism of CoSex–rGO composite powder by one-pot spray pyrolysis process. b Electrochemical properties of the bare CoSex and CoSex–rGO composite powders’ cycling performance. SEM and TEM image of the CoSe/C composites synthesized at different temperatures, c CS-700, d CS-800, e CS-900. SEM image, SAED pattern, and elemental mapping image of the CoSex-rGO composite powders prepared at f 800 ℃, g 900 ℃. h Rate capability of the nitrogen-doped CoSe/C, CoSe/C, and bare CoSe. i Rate performances of the CS-800 electrode and many other anode materials for SIBs.
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    a Self-template method schematic and advantages of carbon-supported hollow nanowires on bulk materials. b Formation mechanism of hollow nanowires in MoS2-Ni9S8-C, MoSe2-NiSe-C, MoS2-Ni9S8, and MoSe2-NiSe2 microspheres. SEM images of c Se/C and d Ni0.85Se/C hollow nanowires at different magnifications. e Morphologies of the multiroom-structured MoX2-NiXy (X¼ S or Se) after 100 cycles for MoSe2–NiSe–NiSe2 microspheres. f Morphologies of the multiroom-structured MoX2-NiXy (X¼ S or Se) after 100 cycles for MoSe2–NiSe–C microspheres. g Specific capacity and coulombic efficiency of Ni0.85Se/C hollow nanowires. h Special ability and coulombic efficiency of Ni0.85Se nanoparticles at 0.2 C.
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    a Schematic diagram of the synthesis of FeSe2/GNS-400. b Hollow FeSex nanoparticles and hollow Fe2O3 nanoparticles modify the formation mechanism of rGO composite powder by nano-Gildo diffusion. c Initial three charge and discharge curves of FeSe2/GNS-300 and FeSe2/GNS-400. d Electrochemical performance of the hollow FeSex- and Fe2O3-decorated rGO composite powders: cycling performances. e Electrochemical properties of the FeSe2 electrode prepared for SIB. Rate performance of FeSe2 clusters and particles after 50 cycles of current density from 1 to 35 A g−1.
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    a Solid preparation process diagram. b Ragone plots of an ASC device (energy density vs. power density). c FE-SEM image of CoSe nanoparticles. d FE-SEM image of a CoSe-G nanohybrid. e, f FE-SEM image of Co0.85Se nanosheets on Ni foam. g CV curve range of ASC at different scanning rates: 5–100 mv s−1. h Electrochemical performance of Co0.85Se nanosheets, electrode cycling is 5 A g−1.