Volume 11, (2019)

• 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

• Surface Passivation of Perovskite Solar Cells toward Improved Efficiency and Stability

  Zhiqi Li1, Jiajun Dong2, Chunyu Liu1, Jiaxin Guo1, Liang Shen1, Wenbin Guo1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 50
  First Online: 07 June 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0282-0

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    a Device structure used in this study; bCross-sectional SEM image of the full device, including a TTC interlayer (scale bar: 100 nm); c XRD spectra of the pristine and perovskite films with TTC, C60, and TTC/C60 layer; d The UV-Vis spectra of the perovskite films with different passivation layers
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    Top-view SEM and AFM images of a the normal perovskite and the perovskite with b TTC, c C60, and d TTC/C60 (Scale bar: 100 nm); e TRPL and f PL spectra of corresponding films on ITO substrate
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    a J-V characteristics of the devices without and with TTC; b statistics of PCE distribution for devices without and with TTC (a batch of 32 solar cells); c EQE and integrated current curves of devices without and with TTC; current-voltage hysteresis curves of the devices d with TTC layers and e without TTC layers; f steady-state measurement of Jsc and PCE for the devices without and with TTC layers; g energy band level diagram of the corresponding materials used in PVSCs; h J-V characteristics of devices without and with TTC in dark; i J-V characteristics of electron-only devices without and with TTC, the structures of electron-only device are inserted
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    a Device stability of control and TTC-based PVSCs; the contact angles of different films: b perovskite, c perovskite/C60, d perovskite/TTC, and e perovskite/TTC/C60

• 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

• Recent Advances in 2D Lateral Heterostructures

  Jianwei Wang1, Zhiqiang Li1, Haiyuan Chen1, Guangwei Deng2, Xiaobin Niu1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 48
  First Online: 05 June 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0276-y

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    Tunable mechanism and synthesis method of the lateral heterostructures
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    a Heterojunction of armchair25 (9)| zigzag14 (6) GNR. The interface is of pentagon–heptagon pairs, corresponding to red and green holes in the picture. b Heterojunction of armchair20_armchair9 GNR; the edges are passivated with hydrogen atoms. c Top and side views of 5–5 black–blue phosphorene LHS with an octatomic-ring interface and a hexatomic-ring interface. The pink dashed line marks the interface region. d Simple drawing of the GNM heterostructures with circle nanoholes
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    a Model of 10-armchair GNR p-n junction; the electrode is semi-infinite 14-zigzag GNR. The gray, white, and red balls are C, H, and B atoms respectively. b Structure of H2–5zGNR–H. The blue, gray, and white balls represent N, C, and H atoms respectively. L, C, and R denote the left electrode, scattering region, and right electrode, respectively. There are two unequal A and B sub-lattices in green rectangle. The atoms are labeled as 1B… 3B… 5B, and 1A is close to 1B, 3A is close to 3B; the sequence increases from top to bottom. c Heterostructure of hydrogen (grey balls) and oxide (red balls) atoms passivated zGNR on the left and right side, respectively; the brown balls are carbon atoms. d Heterostructure of dihydrogenated zGNR (left side of the structure is passivated by two hydrogen atoms) and monohydrogenated zGNR (right side of the structure is passivated by one hydrogen atom)
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    Schematic illustration of the fabrication steps of ReSe2 wrinkles. a Prepared the elastomeric gel-film substrate. b Deposited the monolayer ReSe2 with mechanical exfoliation method. c Released the strain with different rates. d Formation of ReSe2 wrinkles, which are perpendicular to the initial axis. e Schematic diagram of graphene film, which is deposited on SiO2 nanopillars substrate. f AFM image of graphene membrane that deposits on the SiO2 nanopillars substrate. g Schematic diagram of transferring the graphene on the SiO2 nanopillars substrate, which has different density array.
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    a Atomic structure of 1S-MX2 (M = Mo/W, X = S/Se) LHS from the top views. Yellow: S, indigo: Se, red: Mo, green balls: W. b Top view of MoS2/(MX2)n LHSs, where MX2 represents MoSe2, WS2, or WSe2; n refers to the width of the substitution region. c Atomic structures of lateral graphene/BN heterostructures, which have different contact types. d Top and side view of the heterostructure of 15-aPNR/15-aGNR (aPNR is armchair phosphorene nanoribbon; aGNR is armchair graphene nanoribbon).
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    Electrical measurement of graphene/h-BN FET with current flowing a along the stripes, and b perpendicular to the stripes (Insert: C-V curves and diagram of the device). c Optical image of graphene/h-BN heterostructure with electrodes on the graphene (indicated by the dash lines) and two-terminal current-voltage curves of different devices. d Transfer and transconductance (gm) plots of graphene-MoS2 FETs at Vds=1 V. e Output plots of graphene-MoS2 FETs at gate voltage ranging from 0–5 V. f Field effect mobility of different MoS2 FETs, including as-grown, transferred MoS2, and graphene-MoS2 FETs. g Linear regression (Rsquare) in Id-Vds at different temperatures (normalized with the Id at Vds=1 V). h Measured Schottky barrier of MoS2-graphene and MoS2-metal FETs. i Noise amplitude of MoS2-graphene and MoS2-metal FETs at different Vg. j Optical image of NbS2-WS2 FET device. k Transport property of NbS2-WS2 FET. l Output plots of NbS2-WS2 FET at different backward voltages.
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    Photoresponsivity of graphene-WS2-graphene under a 0 V, b 30 V gate voltage. Photoresponsivity of FET formed by c transferring, and d CVD method. e, f Devices and band diagram of graphene-WS2-graphene FETs made by transfer and CVD method. g Diagram of photodiode built with WSe2-WS2 heterostructure. h Optical image of the photodiode in g. i Drain current of the WSe2-WS2 photodiode without light illumination. j Transport curves (Ids-Vds) under different illumination power (Vg=0). k Transport curves in voltage ranging from -0.5–0.5V. l Band alignment of the WSe2-WS2 heterostructure with zero bias.
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    a Growth processes of doped WSe2-WS2 LHS. Raman image of the sample in b-d second, and e-g third process.
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    a Schematic diagram of the synthesis of parallel stitched 2D-TMDC heterostructure. b, d, f Schematic diagrams of graphene-MoS2, WS2-MoS2, and hBN-MoS2. c, e, g Optical image and spectroscopy intensity mapping images of graphene-MoS2, WS2-MoS2, and hBN-MoS2.
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    a Schematic diagram of multistep CVD system for the growth of lateral heterostructures. b Schematic diagram of monolayer seed A, A-B heterostructure, A-B-C multi-heterostructure, and A-B-A-B superlattice. Optical image of c three-junction, and d, e five-junction MoSe2-WSe2 heterostructure; the thickness of MoSe2 can be distinguished with different color. f Optical image of seven-junction MoSe2-WSe2 heterostructure with different domain widths. g Raman and photoluminescence spectra of positions 1-4 in c. h PL intensity maps for the heterojunction in d. i Contour color plots of the normalized PL intensity of three and five junctions. j HAADF-STEM image of the sharp interface of MoSe2-WSe2 heterojunction.
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    a Illustration of the steps for the formation of MoSe2-MoS2 heterojunction. b Optical and AFM images of MoSe2 in the size of ~40 μm. c Raman maps of the nanosheet before and after the conversion process (400 pulses at 700 °C). d Raman and PL spectra of original MoSe2 and converted MoS2.
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    a Schematics illustration of laser-induced chalcogen atom exchange in H2S environment. b Raman intensity of WSe2 and WS2 under laser irradiation (523 nm, 0.7 mW) in H2S environment. c Raman spectra in different exposure time. d PL spectra in different times.

• In-situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Studies of Nanoscale Electrocatalysts

  Maoyu Wang1, Líney Árnadóttir1, Zhichuan J. Xu2, Zhenxing Feng1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 47
  First Online: 3 June 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0277-x

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    a schematic of incident and transmitted X-ray beam. b Schematic of XAS including the pre-edge, XANES, and EXAFS regions. c Schematic of the X-ray absorption process and electron excited process, the black circle is electrons. d Schematic of interference pattern creating by the outgoing (solid black lines) and reflected (dashed blue lines) photoelectron waves between absorbing atom (grey) and its nearest atoms (purple)
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    a Schematic of the experiment setup for three different XAS detection modes: transmission, fluorescence, and electron yield mode. b Photo of a real electrochemical cell for in-situ XAS experiment setup. c Schematic structure of the electrochemical cell for in-situ XAS setup experiments.
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    In-situ XANES for Pt L3 edge of carbon-supported Pt nanoparticles at potentials a ascending from 0.41 to 1.51 V and b descending from 1.51 to 0.41 V in 1 M HClO4. Also shown (yellowish green dashed line) is ex-situ XANES from commercial PtO2. Three distinct isosbestic points are observed at 11.573, 11.603, and 11.624 keV as designated by arrows. c Fourier transform of k3-weighted Pt-LIII edge EXAFS oscillation of Pt foil, PtCo, PtCu, PtNi alloy foils, Pt/C, PtCo/C, PtCo/C-HTs, PtCu/C, PtCu/C-HT, and PtNi/C at 0.4 V vs RHE. d Fourier transforms of Zn K-edge EXAFS spectra of the PorZn catalyst electrode at different potentials (V vs. SHE). ZnO and Zn are used as references.
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    Comparison of experimental and simulated C K-edge NEXAFS spectra for 2-H porphine adsorbed on Ag(111) and Cu(111).
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    a The relation of interatomic distance between atom (Oh) and atom (Td) in spinel structure. b Co K-edge EXAFS spectra for Co3O4, the interatomic distances are shorter than the actual values owing to the fact that Fourier transform (FT) spectra were not phase-corrected. EXAFS k3χ(R) spectra (gray circles) and fitting results (solid lines) of MnCo2O4 at c Mn and d Co K-edge.
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    Cu nanocrystal model and its size-dependent Cu-Cu CNs for the first three shells of nearest neighbors. a A five-shell cuboctahedral Cu nanocrystal model. b Size-dependent Cu-Cu CNs for the first three shells of nearest neighbors for a cuboctahedral Cu nanocrystal. c Fitting results of the EXAFS spectra of the CuPc catalyst at different potentials in CO2-saturated 0.5 M aqueous KHCO3. Fitted R-space. d First-shell Cu–Cu CNs of the CuPc catalyst at different potentials. The upper left inset shows the CuPc crystal structure, and the lower right inset illustrates a possible configuration of the Cu nanoclusters generated under the electrocatalytic conditions. Color key: green—C; blue—N; pink—Cu. Error bars represent the uncertainty of CN determination from the EXAFS analysis.
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    a Co K-edge EXAFS data and fits (orange). b Fe K-edge EXAFS spectra for chemically Fe-doped ZIF before and after thermal activation. Wavelet transforms for the c Co-NG and d Co-G. The location of the maximum A shifts from 3.2 Å−1 for Co-G to 3.4 Å−1 for Co-NG, indicating the presence of Co-N bonding in Co-NG. The vertical dashed lines are provided to guide the eye.
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    K-edge XANES spectra of a Mn in MnFe2O4, b Co in CoFe2O4, c Ni in NiFe2O4, and d Fe in Fe3O4 under various applied potentials. e Schematic of the surface reaction of the Ru atoms. R-space graphs as a function of applied potential f without (blue) and g with (red) CH3OH. Dotted line placed at ca. 1.4 Å signifying a reference point for the oxygen peaks.

• Stereolithographic 3D Printing-Based Hierarchically Cellular Lattices for High-performance Quasi-Solid Supercapacitor

  Jianzhe Xue1, Libo Gao2, 3, *, Xinkang Hu2, Ke Cao4, Wenzhao Zhou3, 5, Weidong Wang2, 3, *, Yang Lu3, 4, 5, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 46
  First Online: 1 June 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0280-2

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    Schematic illustration of the procedure for fabricating the composite lattices. a The polymeric lattices fabricated by the DMD-based DLP-3D printer. b The as-synthesized polymeric lattice. c The NiP/polymer composite lattices fabricated using electroless plating. d The rGO electrode materials electrodeposited on the composite lattices structure. e The enlarged topology view of the single octet-truss structure. f The rationally fabricated rGO with a porous structure. The ①②③ designates the pathway of the ions and electron transportation
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    Structural characterization of the metallic composite lattices. Digital images of a polymeric lattices, b NiP/polymer lattices, c rGO composite lattices. d XRD of the hollow NiP lattices, inset is the corresponding FESEM images of single hollow NiP strut. e TEM and f HRTEM images of the NiP film. g Compression test of pure polymeric and metallic composite lattices. h Large-scale fabrication of the metallic (NiP, CuP) composite lattices. i XRD patterns of GO and the final rGO
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    Hierarchically porous lattices structure. a FESEM image of the individual porous lattice. b-d SEM-EDX mapping and FESEM image of the single porous struture. e The enlarged view of the continuous porous structure. f The micro pores existed on the side wall of the rGO. g The pores produced by the stacking by the graphene sheets. h The pores made from multi-layers of the graphene. i TEM image of the graphene sheets with wrinkling and wave-like structure
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    3-electrode electrochemical performance of the rGO. a CV curves of various sample at a scan rate of 500 mV s-1. b CV curves of the rGO-2 at various scan rates from 100 to 500 mV s-1. c GCD curves of the rGO-2 at various current densities from 2 to 40 mA cm-2. d The corresponding areal capacitance of rGO-1 and rGO-2. e The EIS of rGO-1 and rGO-2. f The schematic illustration of the electrode in the process of charging and discharging
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    Electrochemical performance of the device. a Schematic illustration of the fabricated quasi-solid supercapacitor. b CV and c GCD curves of the device. d The specific capacitance of the device as a function of the current density. e Typical Ragone plots for the present symmetric system based on the full device, compared with other high-end supercapacitors. f The long cycling-stability of the device

• Charge Engineering of Mo2C@defect-rich N-doped Carbon Nanosheets for Efficient Electrocatalytic H2 Evolution

  Chunsheng Lei1, 2, Wen Zhou1, 2, Qingguo Feng3, Yongpeng Lei1, 4, *, Yi Zhang4, Yin Chen4, Jiaqian Qin5	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 45
  First Online: 1 June 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0279-8

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    The a top and b side view of Mo-terminated Mo2C@N-doped graphene with pyridinic-N dopant; the c top and d side view of C-terminated Mo2C@N doped graphene with pyridinic-N dopant; the charge distribution of e the unpaired electron of pyridinic-N-doped graphene; and f Mo-terminated Mo2C@N doped graphene with pyridinic-N dopant. The N atom is circled in red. The locations of charge accumulation on graphene are circled in yellow.
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    a Illustration of the synthesis route, b XRD pattern, c Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, and d the corresponding pore size distribution curves of MoNCs
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    a TEM and b HRTEM images of MoNCs. Inset in (a) shows the optical photograph of Mo2C; inset in b shows the size distribution of Mo2C. c High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and d–f corresponding elemental mapping images. g Curve-fitting result of the Raman spectrum and the h Mo 3d and i N 1s XPS spectra of MoNCs
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    a LSV curves of a series of samples measured in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. Scan rate: 2 mV s-1. b The corresponding Tafel plots. c The overpotentials delivered at 10 mA cm-2 of Mo-based electrocatalysts in recent years. d CV curves of MoNCs. Inset shows the capacitive current measured at 0.10 V vs. RHE. e Stability test for MoNCs by CV scanning; inset shows the time-dependent current density curve at a static overpotential of 157 mV for 10 h
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    CV curves of a MoNCs-0, b MoNCs-1, and c MoNCs-5. d The capacitive current of those four catalysts measured at 0.10 V vs. RHE is plotted as a function of scan rate

• NASICON-Structured NaTi2(PO4)3 for Sustainable Energy Storage

  Mingguang Wu1, Wei Ni2, 3, *, Jin Hu1,*, Jianmin Ma1, 4, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 44
  First Online: 25 May 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0273-1

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    a Crystal structure of NaTi2(PO4)3 and b Ragone plot of NaTi2(PO4)3-based materials for non-aqueous sodium-ion batteries, aqueous sodium-ion batteries, and sodium-ion hybrid capacitors
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    a TEM image of typical NTP nanocubes obtained via a one-pot solvothermal method. b XRD diffraction patterns recorded at different stages of NTP upon charging/discharging. The diffraction peak marked with a dark-wine-red-dashed box in (b) corresponds to the aluminum current collector. c Cycling performance of NTP electrodes obtained at current rates of 10 C. d HRTEM images of the mesoporous NTP/CMK-3 nanohybrid electrode after 1000 cycles at the rate of 0.5 C. e The first three charge-discharge profiles of the NTP/C electrode at 0.2 C. f Galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) plots of NTP/C and g pure NTP anodes at various C-rates
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    a, b TEM images of NaTi2(PO4)3@C. c Cycling performances of NaTi2(PO4)3@C and NaTi2(PO4)3 at 100 mA g−1. d Rate capabilities of NaTi2(PO4)3@C and e cycling performance of NaTi2(PO4)3@C at the higher current density of 1 A g−1
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    a, b Field emission SEM images of carbon-coated hierarchical NaTi2(PO4)3 mesoporous microflowers (NTP/C-F), and in situ XRD patterns of the carbon-coated NTP particles (NTP/C-F and NTP/C-P)) half-cells during galvanostatic discharge and charge at 50 mA g−1 and a voltage range of 1.5–3.0 V. c image plot of diffraction patterns and d selected individual diffraction patterns of the NTP/C-F stacked against the voltage profile at 23–33° during the first two discharge-charge cycles. e Image plot of diffraction patterns and f selected individual diffraction patterns of the NTP/C-P stacked against the voltage profile at 23–33° during the first two discharge-charge cycles. g Ultralong cycling stability of the NTP/C-F for 10,000 cycles at 20 C
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    a SEM image and b HRTEM image of NTP-RT at the edge and c ultralong-term cycling performance at a high current density of 10 C. d, e TEM images at different magnifications. f Cycling stability and g various charge/discharge rates of NTP/C-NFs//NiHCF full cell
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    a TEM and b HRTEM images of NTP⊂GN and c long cycling performance of the NTP⊂GN electrodes. Note that all the capacity values for the NTP⊂GN electrodes are calculated on the basis of the mass of NTP, which is 65% of the whole electrodes including NTP, graphene, carbon black, and PVDF. d SEM images showing a 3D graphene network obtained by removing NaTi2(PO4)3 nanoparticles with HF solution. e Rate capability of the NTP@rGO electrode. f Long-term cycling performance of the NTP@rGO electrode at a high current rate of 20 C over 1000 cycles in the voltage window 1.4–3.0 V
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    a TEM and b high-magnification TEM images of MXene@NTP-C. c Galvanostatic discharge/charge profiles of MXene@NTP-C at varied current densities of 0.1–10 A g−1. d Cycling performance of MXene@NTP-C and MXene at 0.1 A g−1. e Cycling performance of MXene@NTP-C at high current densities of 5 A g−1. The inset of e shows the voltage–cycle profile at three different stages
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    a Digital photograph and b FESEM images of the as-fabricated flexible GN/NaTi2(PO4)3/GN film. c, d HRTEM images of GN/NaTi2(PO4)3/GN film. e Long-term cycling stability of GN/NaTi2(PO4)3/GN film electrode at 500 mA g−1
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    a Schematic image of enlarged parts in the wafer-like architecture with bicontinuous pathways for high-efficiency electron/ion transport. b SEM images of the wafer-like particles. c TEM image of the wafer-like particle. d HRTEM image of one primary particle decorated by hierarchical carbon
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    a Three electrode potential-limited constant-current charge/discharge data of a full cell containing the λ-MnO2 positive electrode and NTP negative electrode, showing the relative potential of the active materials during use. Cycle life data (b–d) (voltage profile shown in b; ±4 A constant-current charge and discharge, with a capacity-limited charge and a voltage-limited discharge) from a large-format unit with 28 Ah capacity. These data were collected at a constant temperature of 40 °C, and this test is ongoing (nearly 800 cycles logged at this point). The maximum voltage reached upon full charge is just above 2 V under 4 A current, which is less than 1.8 V after IR correction. The test is ongoing and has been under way for 14 months. e, f Performance data for an eight-battery stack showing the delivered energy as a function of current as well as the long-term stability of the battery g
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    a Schematic of the K–Na hybrid aqueous battery (HAB). b Performance comparison between the HAB designed in this work and other previously reported mixed-ion aqueous batteries. c Galvanostatic profiles of the HAB along with the voltage profiles of their individual anode and cathode electrodes versus SCE at the rate of 1 C. d CV curves of the HAB at the scan rate of 1 mVs−1. e Rate performance of the HAB. f Long-term cycling stability of the HAB at the rate of 60 C
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    Concept and performance values of capacitive deionization (CDI) cells with capacitive and Faradaic electrodes. Historical evolution of the salt storage capacity of desalination cells achieved with either nanoporous carbon electrodes (black circles), Faradaic electrodes (blue triangles), or hybrid cells with one nanoporous carbon electrode and one Faradaic electrode (red diamonds), with all values reported per mass of both electrodes. Despite their recent introduction, cells with Faradaic electrodes have achieved significantly higher gravimetric salt storage capacities compared with cells with nanoporous carbon electrodes. Schematics contrast the salt storage mechanism of CDI cells leveraging nanoporous carbon (capacitive) electrodes and cells with Faradaic electrodes, such as layered intercalation electrodes or conversion electrodes
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    a Schematic illustration of the Mg-Na hybrid battery in this work. b FESEM image of NTP-NW/C. c Cycling performances of NTP-NW/C and NTP-P/C at 1 C. d Rate performances of NTP-NW/C and NTP-P/C. e Cycling performances of NTP-NW/C and NTP-P/C at 5 C
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    a SEM and b TEM images of the obtained mesoporous NTP nanocages. c Schematic illustration of the operating mechanism of an NHC. d Photograph of a logo consisting of 35 LEDs powered by two NHCs in series. e, f CV curves and charge-discharge profiles of the sodium-ion capacitor
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    a TEM image reveals the porous nanostructure of single-crystal NaTi2(PO4)3 coated with amorphous carbon layer (PSC-NTP@C); b HRTEM image at the interface between an NTP and the carbon layer. c Schematic illustration of the PSC-NTP@C//NC Na-ion capacitor in liquid aqueous electrolyte; d CV curve of this Na-ion capacitor recorded at 3 mV s−1 within a cutoff voltage window of 0.4–1.6 V. e Cycle performance of the PSC-NTP@C//NC system at 0.5 A g−1 (the inset shows the voltage-time profile)

• Battery Separators Functionalized with Hollow, Edge-Rich MoS2/C Microspheres for the Uniform Deposition of Li2S in High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

  Nan Zheng1, Guangyu Jiang1, Xiao Chen1, Jiayi Mao1, Nan Jiang1, Yongsheng Li1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 43
  First Online: 24 May 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0275-z

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    Schematic illustration of the synthesis and application of the Edg-MoS2/C@PP separators in Li-S batteries. a Schematic of polysulfides entrapped in the Li-S battery using the Edg-MoS2/C@PP separator. b Schematic of Li2S deposition in the Edg-MoS2/C@PP and PP cells. c Synthesis of the Edg-MoS2/C HMs and schematic of the edge and terrace sites of the Edg-MoS2/C HMs
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    Characterization of the Edg-MoS2/C HMs and Edg-MoS2/C@PP separators. TEM images a at low and b high magnifications, and SEM images c at low and d high magnifications of the Edg-MoS2/C HMs. Top-down SEM images of e the pristine PP separator and f Edg-MoS2/C@PP separator. g Low and h high magnification cross-sectional SEM images of the Edg-MoS2/C@PP separator. i Optical photographs of Edg-MoS2/C@PP separator. j Contact angle between electrolyte and PP separator (top), electrolyte and Edg-MoS2/C@PP separator (bottom). k XRD pattern, l Raman spectrum of the Edg-MoS2/C HMs
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    Electrochemical performances of the CNT/S cathodes with the Edg-MoS2/C@PP and PP separators. a Cyclic voltammogram profiles of the Edg-MoS2/C@PP, CN@PP, and PP cells at a scan rate of 0.1 mV s−1. b Rate capabilities and c corresponding galvanostatic discharge–charge profiles at 0.2C and 2.0C (1C = 1675 mA g−1) of the Edg-MoS2/C@PP, CN@PP, and PP cells. Cycling performances of d the Edg-MoS2/C@PP cells at 0.2C, e the Edg-MoS2/C@PP, CN@PP, and PP cells at 1.0C, f the Edg-MoS2/C@PP cells at 5.0C. The sulfur loadings of the CNT/S cathodes in (a–f) are 1.7 mg cm-2. Cycling performance of the Edg-MoS2/C@PP cells g at 0.2C with a high sulfur loading of 3.5 mg cm-2, h at 0.5C with sulfur loadings of 1.7, 3.5, and 6.1 mg cm-2, respectively. The weight of the interlayers in all cells is 0.34 mg cm-2.
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    Investigation of the mechanism of interaction between the Edg-MoS2/C HMs and sulfur species during the redox reactions of the Li-S cells. a Visual adsorption tests of Li2S6 by pristine Edg-MoS2/C HMs and CN. b CV curves of symmetric dummy cells employing Edg-MoS2/C HMs and CN electrodes at a high scan rate of 2000 mV s−1. c CV curves of the Edg-MoS2/C HMs symmetric cells at different scan rates. d The Mo 3d, S 2s, and e S 2p spectrum of the Edg-MoS2/C functionalized separator before and after the first 100% discharge at 0.05C.
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    SEM images of Li2S and S deposition in the redox reactions of the Li-S cells. a SEM images of the pristine CNT/S-1.7 cathode. b SEM images of Li2S deposited on the CNT/S-1.7 cathode in the PP coin cell after the first 100% discharge at 0.05C. SEM images of c Li2S deposition on the CNT/S-1.7 cathode (c) and the separator (d) in the CN@PP coin cell after the first 100% discharge at 0.05C. SEM images of Li2S deposition onto the CNT/S-1.7 cathode (e) and the separator (f) in the Edg-MoS2/C@PP coin cell after the first 100% discharge at 0.05C. SEM images of the CNT/S-1.7 cathode (g) and the separator (h) in the Edg-MoS2/C@PP coin cell after the first 100% charge at 0.05C.

• Integrated System of solar Cells with Hierarchical NiCo2O4 Battery-Supercapacitor Hybrid Devices for Self-driving Light-emitting Diodes

  Yuliang Yuan1, 2, Yangdan Lu1, Bei-Er Jia1, Haichao Tang1, Lingxiang Chen2, Yu-Jia Zeng3, Yang Hou4, 5, *, Qinghua Zhang4, 5, Qinggang He4, 5, Lei Jiao6, Jianxing Leng6, Zhizhen Ye1, Jianguo Lu1, 2, 5, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 42
  First Online: 22 May 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0274-0

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    a Schematic of the integrated system consisting of a-Si:H solar cells, NiCo2O4//AC BSHs, and LEDs as the energy conversion, storage, and utilization devices. b Equivalent circuit describing the integrated system in the energy conversion and storage mode. c Equivalent circuit describing the integrated system in the energy supply and utilization mode
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    a Hierarchical NiCo2O4 arrays (red line) and two stand diffraction pattern of metallic nickel and face centered cubic NiCo2O4. SEM images of hierarchical NiCo2O4 arrays at b low and c high magnifications. d TEM image and e SAED pattern of hierarchical NiCo2O4 nanostructure. f Lattice diffraction fringes of NiCo2O4 recorded at HRTEM
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    a CV curves of hierarchical NiCo2O4 electrode at various scan rates. b GCD curves and c specific capacity of hierarchical NiCo2O4 electrode at current densities from 0.63 to 12.56 A g−1
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    a GCD curves of NiCo2O4//AC BSH at current densities of 4−100 mA cm−2. b Ragone plot of BSH at different current densities. c Cycling stability of NiCo2O4//AC BSH at current densities of 20 mA cm−2. d EIS plot of BSH (the inset shows the enlarged part at high frequency region)
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    a J-V curve of single-junction a-Si:H solar cells. b Charge-discharge curve of the NiCo2O4//AC BSHs powered by the solar cells in the integrated system. c Self-discharge curve of NiCo2O4//AC BSH in the integrated system. d Cycling performance of NiCo2O4//AC BSH in the integrated system
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    Overall efficiency and storage efficiency of photo voltage-energy storage systems in all the available literatures reported in recent years. The details of references are listed in Table S2
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    The photograph of green and red LEDs lighted up by our BSHs and the light intensity variation of green LED in 10 min and red LED in 30 min in the integrated system

• Prompt Electrodeposition of Ni Nanodots on Ni Foam to Construct a High-Performance Water Splitting Electrode: Efficient, Scalable, and Recyclable

  Hongtao Yu1, 2, Ting Quan1, Shilin Mei1, Zdravko Kochovski1, Wei Huang2, *, Hong Meng2, Yan Lu1, 3, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 41
  First Online: 16 May 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0269-x

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    Schematic illustration of the fabrication process of NiO/NiND composites on nickel foam and the corresponding reaction during and after electrodeposition
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    Structure and components of NiO/NiND composites after 120 s' of deposition. a Photographic images of the NiO/NiNDs@NF electrode, SEM image, and the corresponding magnified SEM image. b TEM and c HRTEM images; inset of b is the corresponding BJH pore size distribution curve shown by the yellow line; d-f Full XPS spectrum, and XPS spectra of Ni 2p and O 1s
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    CV characteristics (scan rate of 5 mV s-1) of a NiO/NiNDs@NF electrodes with different deposition time and b 120 s' deposited NiO/NiNDs@NF electrodes before and after heating at 200 °C. c Corresponding Nyquist plots of the curves shown in panel b over the frequency range of 0.01 Hz-100 kHz with 5 mV AC amplitude at an overpotential of 0 V in 1.0 M KOH. Inset is a local enlargement of the high frequency region
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    a HER and b OER characteristics of different catalyst electrodes under 1 mg cm-2 loading determined using linear sweep voltammetry with a three-electrode configuration in 1 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. All of the scan rates were 2 mV s-1. Tafel plots of different catalyst electrodes for c HER and d OER
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    a Overall water-splitting characteristics of different catalyst electrodes in a two-electrode configuration. b Chronopotentiometric curves of water electrolysis for different catalyst electrodes in a two-electrode configuration with a constant current density of 13 mA cm-2 (without iR correction)
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    Photographs of the preparation and application process of large-area NiO/NiNDs@NF electrodes: a Ni foam that is 80 cm2. b Electrodeposition process of NiNDs on NF. c The obtained NiO/NiNDs@NF electrode that has an effective geometric surface area of 70 cm2 (inset is an SEM image). d Generation of H2 and O2 bubbles on the NiO/NiNDs@NF electrode with a constant current density of 13 mA cm-2 (see SI for a video)
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    Chronopotentiometric curve of water electrolysis using large-sized NiO/NiNDs@NF‖NiO/NiNDs@NF (S ~70 cm2) with a constant current density of 13 mA cm-2

• 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.
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    a Schematic representation of in situ growth of CoNi2S4@NiSe nanoarrays on compressed foamed nickel. b FE-SEM image of NiSe2/CFC. c SEM image of (Ni, Cu) Se2-0.30. d FE-SEM image of NiSe@MoSe2 nanosheet arrays. e SEM image of NiSe-0.20. f Ragone plot of SCs. g GCD curves for different doses of NISE-0.20 at different current densities. h Ragone plot of SCs. i Electrochemical performance of ASCs based on NiSe microspheres and NiSe microsphere discharge specific capacitance curves. j Flexible SC based on NiSe@nickel foam has a cycle performance of 1000 cycles at a scan rate of 50 mV s−1. k Areal capacitance dependence on scan rates of flexible SCs based on the NiSe@nickel and CoNi2S4@NiSe@nickel foam.
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    a Schematic diagram of the synthesis of ultrathin Co0.85Se/graphene nanocomposites. SEM micrograph of synthesized Co–Se catalyst powder b 31.7 mol% Se, c 67.1 mol% Se. d 70.9 mol% Se. e In progressively enlarged magnified image, the slice sample of the component Co (44%) Se (56%). f Stabilities of CoSe2/N–carbon catalysts. The activity decay after 1000 CV cycles, DE1/2, is marked on the graph. g RDE curve of Co0.85Se/graphene (loaded approximately 0.1 mg cm−2) in O2−-saturated 0.1 M KOH was 10 mV s−1 at different speeds.
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    a RDE polarization curves of Pt/C (dashed line) and FeSe2/C (solid lines) prepared with different Se/Fe ratios in O2 saturated 0.1 mol L−1 KOH solution at 1600 rpm. b CV scan was subjected to electrocatalyst stability test at 50 mV sL−1. c Electrocatalyst stability tests O2 reduction current at 10 mV sL−1 and 1600 rpm was Ru0.54Fe0.46Se1.9/C. d CV scan was subjected to electrocatalyst stability test at 50 mV sL−1. e Electrocatalyst stability test O2 reduction current of RuSecluster/C (Se:Ru = 0.3:1) at 10 mV sL−1 and 1600 rpm. f ORR Tafel graphs.
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    a Schematic representation of the formation of defective 2D platform MoSe2/CoMoSe LH and LH and VH nanomolecules. b Schematic diagram of the synthesis process of CoSe2@DC. c Electrochemical catalytic performance of 2D triangular MoSe2 monolayers, defective 2D platform MoSe2/CoMoSe LH, LH, and VH nanofilms on gas chromatographic electrodes. Polarization curve after infrared correction. d Electrochemical catalytic performance of 2D triangular MoSe2 monolayers, defective 2D platform MoSe2/CoMoSe LH, LH and VH nanofilms on gas chromatographic electrodes. Tafel plot. e Corresponding Tafel slope of CoSe2 and Pt. f Polarization curves of CoSe2@G1, CoSe2@G2, and CoSe2@G3. g FE-SEM image of CoSe2@G1. h FE-SEM image of CoSe2@G2. i FE-SEM image of CoSe2@G3.
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    a Preliminary synthesis and enzyme cascade mechanism of FeSe-Pt@SiO2 nanohybrids. b Visible light drives H2 evolution of RuP–TiO2-H2ase. TEM image of c NiSe–Ni3Se2/RGO–HD and d FeSe–Pt@SiO2 microspheres. e Nyquist diagram of symmetrical elements made with NiSeNi3Se2/RGO series and Pt CE. f Tafel polarization curves of NiSeNi3Se2/RGO series and Pt CE symmetric cells I−/I3−.

• Spiral Steel Wire Based Fiber-shaped Stretchable and Tailorable Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Wearable Power Source and Active Gesture Sensor

  Lingjie Xie1, #, Xiaoping Chen1, #, Zhen Wen1, 2, *, Yanqin Yang1, Jihong Shi1, Chen Chen1, Mingfa Peng1, Yina Liu3, Xuhui Sun1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 39
  First Online: 11 May 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0271-3

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    Schematic illustration and mechanical behaviors of the spiral steel wire electrode based FST-TENG. a Fabrication process of FST-TENG. b Cross-sectional optical microscope image (scale bar: 500 μm). c Photograph of the diameter measurement of FST-TENG (scale bar: 2 cm). Photograph of the FST-TENG at different states: d bended, e knotted, and f tailorable state (scale bars: 3 cm)
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    a Schematic illustration of working mechanism for generating electricity under short-circuit conditions. b Electrical outputs of the spiral steel wire based TENG with different motion frequencies ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 Hz, including Voc, Isc, and Qsc. c Dependence of the output average power under external load with different frequencies from 0.5 to 2.5 Hz
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    Output performance of the FST-TENG under different strain level. Geometrical diagram of a stretching spiral steel wire and b stress-strain curve of FST-TENG. The photograph of the spiral steel wire based TENG c at original state and d stretched state (scale bar: 2 cm). e Dependence of the resistance and diameter of the spiral steel wire based TENG under different strain levels (0-50%). Electrical output of the FST-TENG under various strain levels including f Voc, g Isc, and h Qsc
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    Demonstration of the FST-TENG based fabric as wearable power source. a Qsc of the TENG fabric with knitting patterns of 1 × 1, 2 × 2, and 3 × 3 nets. b Photograph of the FST-TENG based fabric, which enables to light up 15 green LEDs by hand tapping. c Electrical outputs of the TENG fabric under various motion frequencies ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 Hz, including Voc, Isc, and Qsc. d Charging curves of a capacitor (10 μF) charged by the FST-TENG fabric at various motion frequencies. Inset shows the current output of the FST-TENG fabric after rectification. e Photograph of the self-charging powered system driving an electronic watch. f Voc of the FST-TENG based bracelet at the motion frequency of 2 Hz. Inset shows the photograph of 10 green LEDs lighted up by hand tapping
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    Demonstration of the FST-TENGs woven in a smart glove as active gesture sensor. a Photograph of the smart glove with FST-TENGs woven on dorsum and demonstration of the operation mode. b Photograph and corresponding Voc of the smart glove under different degree of finger bending, including original state, slightly and dramatically bending. c Voc signals of the five fingers by buckling from the thumb to the little finger in turn. d Demonstrations of the smart glove for representing the numbers of “one”, “two”, “three”, “four” and “five” by different gestures

• 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

• Ferroelectric Oxide Nanocomposites with Trimodal Pore Structure for High Photocatalytic Performance

  Tingting Xu1, Xuan Liu1, *, Shulan Wang1, *, Li Li2, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 37
  First Online: 4 May 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0268-y

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    Schematic of the experimental setup showing the synthesis protocol and photochemical characterization
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    a XRD patterns, b Raman spectra, and c diffuse reflectance spectra of PTC annealed at different temperatures; d TG and DTA curves of the PTC precursor; e FT-IR spectra of PTC precursors after etching prior to annealing; f the complete XPS survey spectrum of PTC-900
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    High resolution XPS spectra of a C 1s, b O 1s, c Ti 2p, and d Pb 4f
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    Detailed microstructure analysis of PTC-900 composites: a–c SEM images with different magnification; d–g EDX elemental mapping; h bright field TEM image with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern shown in the inset; and i high resolution TEM image with lattice fringes of PbTiO3 and TiO2 highlighted in the figure
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    a Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and b–f the pore size distribution of PTC annealed at different temperatures in the range 600–1000 °C
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    Photocatalytic MB degradation activity of PTC composites annealed at different temperatures under a UV; b visible; and c ultrasonic-assisted visible light irradiation; d Photocatalytic reactivity of PTC samples annealed at 900 °C for different annealing durations; e Photocurrent density against potential curves of PTC samples annealed at different temperatures; f Photocurrent response of PTC samples and P25 during repeated measurements
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    Photocatalytic hydrogen production of different photocatalysts loaded with 2% Pt as co-catalyst under a UV and b visible light irradiation
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    Schematic of the energy level diagram for the band structure of PbTiO3-TiO2 system assuming different polarization (Ps) directions. Ec, Ev, Ef, and Evac are the energies of the conduction band, valance band, Fermi level, and vacuum level

• Crushed Gold Shell Nanoparticles Labeled with Radioactive Iodine as a Theranostic Nanoplatform for Macrophage-Mediated Photothermal Therapy

  Sang Bong Lee1, Jae-Eon Lee2, Sung Jin Cho1, 3, Jungwook Chin1, Sang Kyoon Kim7, In-Kyu Lee3, 5, Sang-Woo Lee3, 4, Jaetae Lee4, 6, Yong Hyun Jeon3, 7, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 36
  First Online: 3 May 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0266-0

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    A schematic representation of the evaluation of a in vivo photothermal conversion effects of 124I-Au@AuCBs and b in vivo photothermal therapy using 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled macrophages in a colon cancer model, followed by positron emission tomographic imaging of 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled macrophage distribution in tumor lesions
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    Photothermal conversion properties of 124I-Au@AuCBs. a–c Temperature change of PBS, 124I-Au@AuNP, and 124I-Au@AuCB solutions after irradiation with an NIR laser for 5 min at varying power levels (3, 6, and 9 W cm-2) and particle concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 nM). HR-TEM images of d 124I-Au@AuNPs and e 124I-Au@AuCBs, before and after irradiation (9 W cm-2, 5 min)
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    Cytotoxic effects of 124I-Au@AuCBs in colon cancer CT26 cells after photothermal therapy. a NIR images of 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled CT26 cells after irradiation with an NIR laser (6 W cm-2, 5 min). b Microscopic images of 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled or 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled CT26 cells irradiated with an NIR laser. c Analysis of cell viability and d apoptosis in irradiated cells via annexin V/PI staining. ***P < 0.0001; N.S, not significant
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    Evaluation of the effects of photothermal therapy with 124I-Au@AuCBs in CT26 tumor-bearing mice. a, d Photograph and computed tomographic imaging of CT26 tumor-bearing mice, before and after PTT with 124I-Au@AuCBs. CT26 tumor-bearing mice were administered either 124I or 124I-Au@AuCBs and tumors were exposed to an NIR laser irradiation. b Temperature changes in either free 124I- or 124I-Au@AuCB-injected CT26 tumors after irradiation with an NIR laser (9 W cm-2, 5 min). c NIR imaging of CT26 tumor-bearing mice, before and after irradiation with an NIR laser. e Measurement of tumor weight after photothermal therapy. Inset: upper, CT26 tumors with 124I and NIR laser treatment; bottom, CT26 tumors with 124I-Au@AuCBs and NIR laser treatment. In vivo experiments were performed in duplicate (n = 7 mice per group). ***P < 0.0001
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    Induction of cytotoxic effects in colon cancer cells via photothermal therapy using 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled macrophages. a Scheme for 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled macrophage-mediated PTT in vitro. b Temperature and c temperature changes (Δ temperature) in unlabeled macrophages and 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled macrophages after irradiation with an NIR laser for 5 min. The red line indicates temperature changes in media irradiated with an NIR laser. d, e Evaluation of cell proliferation and apoptosis levels in CT26/FM alone (black), CT26/FM + NIR laser (red), CT26/FM + 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled macrophages (blue), CT26/FM + 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled macrophages + NIR laser (green), and unlabeled macrophages alone + laser (purple) using in vitro bioluminescent imaging and annexin V/PI staining, respectively. **P < 0.001, ***P < 0.0001
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    Ablation of colon cancer by 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled macrophage-mediated PTT. a Scheme for 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled macrophage-mediated PTT in vivo. In vivo PET/CT imaging of CT26/FM tumor-bearing mice, intratumorally injected with 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled macrophages. Experimental groups: (1) control, (2) laser alone, (3) 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled macrophages, (4) 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled macrophages + laser-treated, and (5) macrophages + laser-treated. b In vivo FLI showing the therapeutic response to 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled macrophage-mediated PTT. c PET/CT imaging of CT26/FM tumor-bearing mice administered either unlabeled or labeled macrophages and subsequently irradiated with an NIR laser (6 W cm-2, 5 min). d Temperature and e temperature changes (Δ temperature) in CT26/FM tumors, before and after irradiation with an NIR laser (6 W cm-2, 5 min). f Quantification of FLI signals in CT26/FM tumors, before and after PTT. g Photograph of an excised CT26/FM tumor and determination of tumor weight from respective groups. In vivo experiments were performed in duplicate (n = 7 mice per group). ***P < 0.0001

• 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

• 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

• Stepwise Fabrication of Co-Embedded Porous Multichannel Carbon Nanofibers for High-Efficiency Oxygen Reduction

  Zeming Tang1, Yingxuan Zhao1, Qingxue Lai1,*, Jia Zhong1, Yanyu Liang1,2,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 33
  First Online: 06 April 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0264-2

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    a Schematic of the formation of interconnected channels in the MCCNFs. b, c SEM and TEM images of the MCCNFs. d N2 adsorption and desorption isotherms of the porous MCCNFs (inset: pore size distribution of the porous MCCNFs)
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    a Schematic of the synthesis of the Co/IMCCNFs. b, c SEM images of the ZnCo2O4 NFs and Co/IMCCNFs. d, e TEM and HRTEM images of the Co/IMCCNFs (the bottom images show the lattice fringes and lattice spacing of the Co/IMCCNFs)
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    a Powder XRD pattern of the ZnCo2O4/precursor NFs and Co/IMCCNFs. b N2 adsorption and desorption isotherms of the Co/IMCCNFs (inset: pore size distribution of the Co/IMCCNFs). c N 1 s and d Co 2p XP spectra of the Co/IMCCNFs
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    a CV curves of 30% Pt/C, Co/IMCCNFs, and Co/CNFs on glassy carbon electrodes in O2-saturated (solid curve) and N2-saturated (dashed curve) 0.1 M KOH electrolytes. b, c RDE voltammograms and corresponding Tafel plots of 30% Pt/C, Co/IMCCNFs, and Co/CNFs. d RRDE voltammograms recorded with Co/IMCCNFs and 30% Pt/C in the O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH at 1600 rpm. e Percentages of peroxide (lower line) and electron transfer numbers (n) (upper line) of 30% Pt/C, Co/IMCCNFs, and Co/CNFs calculated using the RRDE data in (d). f Electron transfer numbers of 30% Pt/C, Co/IMCCNFs, and Co/CNFs at potentials of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 V (vs. RHE)
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    a I–t curves of 30% Pt/C, Co/IMCCNFs, and Co/CNFs. b High-resolution TEM images of the Co/IMCCNFs after the I–t test (the middle images show the lattice fringes, while the right patterns reveal the lattice spacing)

• In Situ Synthesis of Fluorescent Mesoporous Silica-Carbon Dot Nanohybrids Featuring Folate Receptor-Overexpressing Cancer Cell Targeting and Drug Delivery

  Shuai Zhao1, 2, Shan Sun2, *, Kai Jiang2, Yuhui Wang2, Yu Liu3, Song Wu3, Zhongjun Li4, Qinghai Shu1, 3, *, Hengwei Lin2, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 32
  First Online: 05 April 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0263-3

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    Schematic illustration of the preparation procedures and fluorescence imaging-guided anticancer drug delivery application of the MSNs-CDs nanohybrid
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    a TEM image of the MSNs-CDs nanohybrid (inset: high-resolution image and size distribution of MSNs-CDs). b Hydrodynamic diameter distributions, c zeta potentials , d small-angle XRD patterns, e N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, f pore-size distribution curves, g FT-IR spectra, and h TGA curves of MSNs, MSNs-NH2, and MSNs-CDs. i High-resolution C 1s XPS spectrum of the MSNs-CDs nanohybrid and fittings
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    Fluorescence emission spectra of MSNs-CDs under diverse excitation wavelengths
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    In vitro DOX release curves of DOX-loaded MSNs-CDs in phosphate buffers (10 mM) of pH 7.4 and 5.5 at 37 ºC
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    a Cytotoxicity of MSNs-CDs at different concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µg mL-1) toward four types of cells (HeLa, MCF-7, A549, and L929). b CLSM images and c flow cytometric analysis results of different cells incubated with 200 μg mL-1 of MSNs-CDs for 4 h. Scale bar in b is 25 μm
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    CLSM images of HeLa cells incubated with MSNs-CDs (200 μg mL-1) for 4 h. As a comparison, HeLa cells were pretreated for 2 h with excess folic acid (FA) for folate receptor (FR) saturation, and then incubated with MSNs-CDs (200 μg mL-1) for another 4 h. Scale bar is 25 μm
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    a Therapeutic efficacy of MSNs-CDs@DOX and equivalent concentrations of free DOX against HeLa cells at different concentrations. b Therapeutic efficacy of MSNs-CDs@DOX against L929, MCF-7, and HeLa cells at different concentrations

• Ultrathin Ti3C2Tx (MXene) Nanosheets Wrapped NiSe2 Octahedral Crystal for Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance and Synergetic Electrocatalytic Water Splitting

  Hanmei Jiang1, 2, †, Zegao Wang1, 3, †, Qian Yang4, Luxi Tan2, Lichun Dong2,*, Mingdong Dong1,*	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 31
  First Online: 04 April 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0261-5

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    Schematic illustration for the formation of octahedral NiSe2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid through one-pot hydrothermal method
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    SEM images of NiSe2without (a) and with Ti3C2Tx hybrid (b); c, d TEM image of NiSe2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid in different magnifications; e HAADF-STEM image of NiSe2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid and the corresponding EDX elemental mapping of Ni, Se, and Ti elements
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    a XRD patterns of unmodified NiSe2 and NiSe2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid; b comparison of Raman spectra for NiSe2 and NiSe2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid, and the inset is atom schematic of NiSe2 (the green boll is Ni atom and the yellow boll is Se atom); c Ni 2p XPS spectra of unmodified NiSe2 and NiSe2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid
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    Supercapacitor performance in 2 M KOH solution: a CV profiles of unmodified NiSe2, NiSe2/Ti3C2Tx, and bare nickel foam at 10 mV s-1; b GCD curves of unmodified NiSe2, NiSe2/Ti3C2Tx, and bare nickel foam at 1.0 A g-1; c Variation of specific capacitances with current density for unmodified NiSe2 and NiSe2/Ti3C2Tx; d Nyquist plots of unmodified NiSe2 and NiSe2/Ti3C2Tx in the range of 10 mHz to 100 kHz (inset is the high-frequency region of and the equivalent circuit used to fit the experimental data)
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    HER catalytic performance in 0.5M H2SO4 solution: a LSV curves of unmodified NiSe2, NiSe2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid, pure Ti3C2Tx, 20wt%Pt/C and glassy carbon electrode at the scan rate of 5 mV s-1; b Tafel plots of unmodified NiSe2, NiSe2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid, pureTi3C2Tx, and 20wt%Pt/C; cThe extracted double-layer capacitances of different electrodes using a cyclic voltammetry method; d EIS Nyquist plots in the range of 10 mHz to 100 kHz

• Nitrogen and Phosphorus Dual-Doped Multilayer Graphene as Universal Anode for Full Carbon-Based Lithium and Potassium Ion Capacitors

  Yuting Luan1, Rong Hu1, Yongzheng Fang1, Kai Zhu1, *, Kui Cheng1, Jun Yan1, Ke Ye1, Guiling Wang1, Dianxue Cao1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 30
  First Online: 03 April 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0260-6

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    a Schematic diagram of the arc discharge process and b digital image of the arc discharge system; c typical photograph of the arc plasma
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    a NPG powder on a culture dish; b SEM and c TEM images of NPG nanosheets; high-resolution TEM images of NPG nanosheets with d two, e three, and f five graphene layers. g AFM image and height profile of NPG nanosheets; h corresponding mapping images and that of i carbon, j oxygen, k nitrogen, and l phosphorus elements along with their superimposition (m)
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    a XRD patterns, b Raman spectra, c TGA curves, as well as d full and high-resolution e N 1s and f P 2p XPS spectra of the NPG sample
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    a CV curves of the NPG sample at a scanning rate of 0.1 mV s-1. b Galvanostatic curves of NPG at a current density of 100 mA g-1. c Typical galvanostatic curves of the NPG electrode at different current densities. d Rate capabilities of G, NG, PG, and NPG electrodes at different current densities. e Cycling stability of the NPG electrode at the current density of 1000 mA g-1. f Nyquist plots of NPG
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    a CV curves of NPG at a scanning rate of 0.2 mV s-1. b Charge-discharge voltage profiles at a current density of 50 mA g-1. c Typical galvanostatic lithiation/delithiation curves and d rate capabilities of NPG electrode at different current densities. e Cycling stability and Coulombic efficiency of NPG electrode at a current density of 500 mA g-1
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    a, d CV curves of NPG at different scan rates. b, e CV profiles showing the capacitive contribution (filled part) of NPG at a scan rate of 1 mV s-1. c, f Diagram of the capacitive contribution to the total capacity at different scan rates. The (a–c) and (d–f) panels correspond to LIBs and PIBs, respectively
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    a Schematic illustration of the working mechanism. b Ragone plots compared with literature values at the optimal cathode/anode mass ratio of 6:1. c, f CV curves at scan rates of 5, 10, and 20 mV s-1. d, g Galvanostatic charge-discharge curves at current densities of 0.5–10 A g-1. e, h Cycling stability over 5000 and 1000 cycles at a current density of 1 A g-1

• Cobalt Sulfide Confined in N-doped Porous Branched Carbon Nanotubes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

  Yongsheng Zhou1, 2, *, Yingchun Zhu2, Bingshe Xu3, Xueji Zhang4, *, Khalid A. Al-Ghanim5, Shahid Mahboob5, 6	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 29
  First Online: 29 March 2019 (Letter)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0259-z

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    Illustration of lithium-ion storage in a Co9S8@NBNT electrode
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    a SEM image and corresponding EDX spectra of Co9S8@NBNT. b High-magnification SEM images of Co9S8@NBNT; the porous structures are indicated by arrows. c Schematic diagram of N-doped CNTs. d TEM image of Co9S8@NBNT. Inset is HRTEM image of the boxed area. e Enlargement of the boxed area shown in d and its corresponding SAED pattern (inset). f Pore-size distributions, g XRD spectra of Co9S8@NBNT
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    a CV curves of the LIBs with Co9S8@NBNT. b Rate performance at different current densities of Co9S8@NBNT, Co9S8@CNT, and CNT. c Long-term cycling performances of the Co9S8@NBNT anode at different current densities of 1000, 2000, and 5000 mA g−1
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    a Raman spectra of the pristine and cycled electrode. b SEM and c TEM images of Co9S8@NBNT after 200 cycles. d Schematic illustration of electron transfer and lithium-ion storage in the Co9S8@NBNT electrode

• Hollow Nanocages of NixCo1-xSe for Efficient Zinc–Air Batteries and Overall Water Splitting

  Zhengxin Qian1, Yinghuan Chen2, Zhenghua Tang2, 3, *, Zhen Liu4, Xiufang Wang1, Yong Tian1, *, Wei Gao1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 28
  First Online: 27 March 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0258-0

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    a Schematics of the fabrication process for the NixCo1-xSe nanocages. Representative SEM images of b the Cu2O cubes andc the Ni0.2Co0.8(OH)2 nanocages. d Representative TEM image of the Ni0.2Co0.8Se nanocages
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    a-c Representative TEM and HRTEM images of the Ni0.2Co0.8Se nanocages. d HAADF-STEM image of Ni0.2Co0.8Se and e–g the corresponding elemental-mapping images of Ni, Co, and Se
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    a XRD pattern of the Ni0.2Co0.8Se nanocages. The core-level XPS spectra for the b Ni 2p, c Co 2p, and d Se 3d electrons of Ni0.2Co0.8Se are shown
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    a IR-corrected LSV curves of Ni0.2Co0.8Se, Ni0.5Co0.5Se, Ni0.8Co0.2Se, NiSe, and CoSe in an N2-saturated 1 M KOH solution obtained at a scan rate of 10 mV s-1. b Tafel plots of the Ni0.2Co0.8Se, Ni0.5Co0.5Se, Ni0.8Co0.2Se, NiSe, and CoSe catalysts for the OER in 1.0 M KOH. c EIS Nyquist plots, where Rs represents the electrolyte resistance, C represents the double-layer capacitance, and Rct represents the charge-transfer resistance. d Chronoamperometric response of Ni0.2Co0.8Se nanocages. The inset shows the LSV curves of an Ni0.2Co0.8Se electrode tested after 1 and 1000 CV cycles
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    a HER polarization curves of Ni0.2Co0.8Se, Ni0.5Co0.5Se, Ni0.8Co0.2Se, NiSe, and CoSe obtained at a scan rate of 10 mV s-1 in 1.0 M KOH. b Corresponding Tafel plots. c EIS Nyquist plots, where Rs represents the electrolyte resistance, C represents the double-layer capacitance, and Rct represents the charge-transfer resistance. d HER polarization curves of the Ni0.2Co0.8Se electrode tested after 1 and 1000 CV cycles. The inset shows the chronoamperometric response of Ni0.2Co0.8Se at 10 mA cm-2. e Schematic of the HER at the Ni0.2Co0.8Se active interface in the alkaline environment. f Adsorption free-energy diagram for the Volmer reaction steps
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    a Cycling performance of the rechargeable ZAB using Ni0.2Co0.8Se at 10 mA cm-2, where each cycle lasted 5 min. b Charge–discharge polarization curves of the rechargeable ZABs using Ni0.2Co0.8Se and Pt/C+RuO2. c Polarization and power-density curves of the ZABs using the Ni0.2Co0.8Se and Pt/C+RuO2 catalysts. d Schematic of the self-made all-solid-state ZAB. e Cycling performance of the all-solid-state ZAB using Ni0.2Co0.8Se at 2 mA cm-2, where each cycle lasted 2 min. f Charge–discharge polarization curves of the all-solid-state ZAB using Ni0.2Co0.8Se. g Polarization and power-density curves of the all-solid-state ZAB using Ni0.2Co0.8Se. h Open-circuit voltage of an all-solid-state ZAB and i an LED circuit board powered by three all-solid-state ZABs
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    a Water-splitting polarization curves of Ni0.2Co0.8Se and Pt/C+RuO2 in 1 M KOH. b Chronoamperometric response of Ni0.2Co0.8Se nanocages for overall water splitting. The inset shows the gas evolution on the two electrodes at 10 mA cm-2

• Photostable and Biocompatible Fluorescent Silicon Nanoparticles for Imaging-Guided Co-Delivery of siRNA and Doxorubicin to Drug-Resistant Cancer Cells

  Daoxia Guo1, #, Xiaoyuan Ji1, #, Fei Peng1, Yiling Zhong1, Binbin Chu1, Yuanyuan Su1, *, Yao He1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 27
  First Online: 25 March 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0257-1

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    a Proposed fabrication scheme of SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites. b TEM image of the prepared SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites. Insets present the enlarged HRTEM image. c Diameter distribution of SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites determined from TEM. d DLS of pure SiNPs (black line), SiNP-DOX conjugates (blue line) and SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites (red line). e Photoluminescence spectra of pure SiNPs (black line), SiNP-DOX conjugates (blue line) and SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites (red line) upon excitation at 405 nm. f Gel retardation electrophoresis of free siRNA and SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites prepared at different SiNPs/siRNA (w/w) ratios. g The stability of SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites in culture medium (RPMI-1640). Lane 1 is the naked siRNA incubated in DEPC water for 25 min. Naked siRNA (lane 2, 5) and SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites (Lane 3, 6) are incubated with RPMI-1640 medium for 24 and 48 h. SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites (Lane 4, 7) are incubated with RPMI-1640 medium for 24 and 48 h followed by 1% heparin treatment
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    Dual-controlled release of siRNA and DOX from SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites and subcellular localization of SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites. a siRNA release in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), lane 1: siRNA; lane 2: SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites; lane 3: SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites treated with 1% heparin; lane 4-7: SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites treated with different concentrations of PBS. b DOX release from SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites without or with heparin treatment (heparin +) at different pH values for different interval times. Data are presented as mean ± SD (n = 3). (**) P<0.01, compared to those of the SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites group. c Confocal images of SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites (DOX = 5 μg mL-1, ASiNPs = 1, siRNA = 100 nM) incubated with MCF-7/ADR cells for 3, 12, and 24 h. Scale bar = 25 μm. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (Rr) values are displayed in white. (1, 2 and 3) Enlargement images of region of interests for MCF-7/ADR cells. Scale bar = 10 μm. The fluorescence of SiNPs and lysosomes is indicated as blue and green, respectively
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    Intracellular trafficking of SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites (SiNP-DOX/siRNAFAM, siRNA labeled with FAM) in MCF-7/ADR cells. The fluorescence of SiNPs, siRNAFAM, and DOX is indicated as blue, green, and red, respectively. a Confocal images of localization of SiNP-DOX/siRNAFAM (DOX= 5 μg mL-1, ASiNPs = 1, siRNAFAM =100 nM) at different time points. Scale bar = 25 μm. b Summarized Rr values as a function of time. c The geometric mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of SiNPs, siRNAFAM and DOX in a calculated via Leica LAS AF Lite software. (**) P<0.01, compared to the DOX group. (##) P<0.01, compared to the siRNAFAM group. Data represent as mean ± SD (n = 3)
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    Gene silencing efficiency in vitro. a Suppression of MDR1 mRNA level quantified by qRT-PCR. (**) P<0.01, compared to the SiNP-DOX/NC siRNA group. (##) P<0.01, compared to the SiNP-DOX/siRNA1 group. b The expression of P-gp evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Scare bar = 25 μm. The fluorescence of P-gp and nucleus is indicated as green and blue, respectively. c The geometric mean fluorescence intensity of P-gp in b calculated using LAS AF Lite software. (***) P<0.001, compared to the SiNP-DOX/NC siRNA group. (##) P<0.01, compared to the SiNP-DOX/siRNA1 group. Data represent as mean ± SD (n = 3)
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    In vitro cytotoxicity assay. a After the 72-h incubation, the MCF-7/ADR cell viabilities of free SiNPs (ASiNPs: 0.125-2), free DOX (0.63-10 μg mL-1), SiNP-DOX conjugates (ASiNPs: 0.125-2; DOX: 0.63-10 μg mL-1), SiNP-DOX/NC siRNA and SiNP-DOX/siRNA nanocomposites (ASiNPs: 0.125-2; DOX: 0.63-10 μg mL-1; siRNA: 12.5-200 nM) were determined using the MTT assay. b IC50 values of different kinds of agents calculated from the cell viability assays. Data represent as mean ± SD (n = 4), (**) P<0.01, (***) P<0.001, compared to the free DOX group; (#) P<0.05, (##) P<0.01, (###) P<0.001, compared to the SiNP-DOX-NC group

Volume 10, Issue 4 (2018)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Layered Trichalcogenidophosphate: A New Catalyst Family for Water Splitting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Biogreen Synthesis of Carbon Dots for Biotechnology and Nanomedicine Applications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Heterostructured Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Under Alkaline Conditions

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

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

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

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

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

• Review of Water-Assisted Crystallization for TiO2 Nanotubes

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

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

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

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

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

• Improved Na+/K+ Storage Properties of ReSe2–Carbon Nanofibers Based on Graphene Modifications

  Yusha Liao1, Changmiao Chen1, Dangui Yin1, Yong Cai1, Rensheng He1, *, Ming Zhang1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 22
  First Online: 11 March 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0248-2

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    Schematic diagram of the preparation of ReSe2@G@CNFs
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    SEM images of a, b Re2O7@G@CNFs, and c-e ReSe2@G@CNFs. f HRTEM images of ReSe2@G@CNFs. g EDS mapping indicates the element distribution of the composites
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    a XRD pattern, b TGA curve (in air). c Raman spectrum, and d Nitrogen adsorption/desorption curve of the as-prepared ReSe2@G@CNFs. The inset shows the pore size distribution
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    Electrochemical properties of NIBs. a CV curves of ReSe2@G@CNFs. b Charge and discharge graphs of ReSe2@G@CNFs at 200 mA g−1. c Long-cycle capability and corresponding CE of ReSe2@G@CNFs at 200 mA g−1 for 500 cycles. d Comparison of rate performance between ReSe2@G@CNFs and ReSe2@CNFs from 100 to 2000 mA g−1
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    K+ storage performances of as-synthesized samples. a CV curves corresponding to the initial five cycles. b Charge/discharge profiles of ReSe2@G@CNFs. c Cyclic capability of ReSe2@G@CNFs at 200 mA g−1. d Long-time performance of ReSe2@G@CNFs at 500 mA g−1. e Variation of rate performances of ReSe2@G@CNFs in the range from 100 to 2000 mA g−1
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    Electrochemical properties of full cells based on Na3V2(PO4)3 and ReSe2@G@CNFs. a, c Charge/discharge curves, and b, d respective cycle capabilities of NVP cathode and full cells at 1C
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    Digital images of ReSe2@G@CNFs||NVP full cells showing the lighting pattern of LED bulbs: a A single LED and b An LED array

• Hollow Nanocages of NixCo1-xSe for Efficient Zinc–Air Batteries and Overall Water Splitting

  Zhengxin Qian1, Yinghuan Chen2, Zhenghua Tang2, 3, *, Zhen Liu4, Xiufang Wang1, Yong Tian1, *, Wei Gao1, *	Abstract | Support Info Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 28
  First Online: 27 March 2019 (Article)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0258-0

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    a Schematics of the fabrication process for the NixCo1-xSe nanocages. Representative SEM images of b the Cu2O cubes andc the Ni0.2Co0.8(OH)2 nanocages. d Representative TEM image of the Ni0.2Co0.8Se nanocages
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    a-c Representative TEM and HRTEM images of the Ni0.2Co0.8Se nanocages. d HAADF-STEM image of Ni0.2Co0.8Se and e–g the corresponding elemental-mapping images of Ni, Co, and Se
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    a XRD pattern of the Ni0.2Co0.8Se nanocages. The core-level XPS spectra for the b Ni 2p, c Co 2p, and d Se 3d electrons of Ni0.2Co0.8Se are shown
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    a IR-corrected LSV curves of Ni0.2Co0.8Se, Ni0.5Co0.5Se, Ni0.8Co0.2Se, NiSe, and CoSe in an N2-saturated 1 M KOH solution obtained at a scan rate of 10 mV s-1. b Tafel plots of the Ni0.2Co0.8Se, Ni0.5Co0.5Se, Ni0.8Co0.2Se, NiSe, and CoSe catalysts for the OER in 1.0 M KOH. c EIS Nyquist plots, where Rs represents the electrolyte resistance, C represents the double-layer capacitance, and Rct represents the charge-transfer resistance. d Chronoamperometric response of Ni0.2Co0.8Se nanocages. The inset shows the LSV curves of an Ni0.2Co0.8Se electrode tested after 1 and 1000 CV cycles
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    a HER polarization curves of Ni0.2Co0.8Se, Ni0.5Co0.5Se, Ni0.8Co0.2Se, NiSe, and CoSe obtained at a scan rate of 10 mV s-1 in 1.0 M KOH. b Corresponding Tafel plots. c EIS Nyquist plots, where Rs represents the electrolyte resistance, C represents the double-layer capacitance, and Rct represents the charge-transfer resistance. d HER polarization curves of the Ni0.2Co0.8Se electrode tested after 1 and 1000 CV cycles. The inset shows the chronoamperometric response of Ni0.2Co0.8Se at 10 mA cm-2. e Schematic of the HER at the Ni0.2Co0.8Se active interface in the alkaline environment. f Adsorption free-energy diagram for the Volmer reaction steps
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    a Cycling performance of the rechargeable ZAB using Ni0.2Co0.8Se at 10 mA cm-2, where each cycle lasted 5 min. b Charge–discharge polarization curves of the rechargeable ZABs using Ni0.2Co0.8Se and Pt/C+RuO2. c Polarization and power-density curves of the ZABs using the Ni0.2Co0.8Se and Pt/C+RuO2 catalysts. d Schematic of the self-made all-solid-state ZAB. e Cycling performance of the all-solid-state ZAB using Ni0.2Co0.8Se at 2 mA cm-2, where each cycle lasted 2 min. f Charge–discharge polarization curves of the all-solid-state ZAB using Ni0.2Co0.8Se. g Polarization and power-density curves of the all-solid-state ZAB using Ni0.2Co0.8Se. h Open-circuit voltage of an all-solid-state ZAB and i an LED circuit board powered by three all-solid-state ZABs
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    a Water-splitting polarization curves of Ni0.2Co0.8Se and Pt/C+RuO2 in 1 M KOH. b Chronoamperometric response of Ni0.2Co0.8Se nanocages for overall water splitting. The inset shows the gas evolution on the two electrodes at 10 mA cm-2

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

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

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

• Housing Sulfur in Polymer Composite Frameworks for Li-S Batteries

  Luke Hencz1, Hao Chen1, Han Yeu Ling1, Yazhou Wang1, Chao Lai1 , Huijun Zhao1, Shanqing Zhang1, *	Abstract Full Text Html PDF w/ Links Export Citation
  Nano-Micro Lett. (2019) 11: 17
  First Online: 27 February 2019 (Review)
  DOI:10.1007/s40820-019-0249-1

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    Toc
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    The molecular structure of the PVDF and PTFE
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    Three polymer composite frameworks (PCFs) in Li-S batteries; sulfur host@PCFs, sulfur host-free PCFs, and multifunctional PCFs for sulfur cathodes in Li-S Batteries
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    The roles of polymeric binders in a typical LIB
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    A typical charge/discharge profile for a Li-S battery.
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    Schematic illustration for the formation of S‐TTCN composite: (1) Uniform coating a solid SiO2 layer and a porous SiO2 layer embedded with C18TMS molecules on MWNTs; (2) formation of porous carbon nanotube by carbonization of C18TMS; (3) etching SiO2 layers to obtain tube‐in‐tube carbon nanostructure (TTCN) with MWNTs encapsulated within hollow porous carbon nanotube; (4) sulfur infused into TTCN to fabricate S‐TTCN composite.
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    a Cycle retention graph and b charge–discharge curve graph of S-CPAN cells with PVdF and PAA binders. SEM images of c surface and cross section of S-CPAN with PVdF binder electrode, d lithium metal surface of S-CPAN cell with PVdF binder, e surface and cross section of S-CPAN with PAA binder electrode, and f lithium metal surface of S-CPAN with PAA binder after 100 cycles.
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    Charge and discharge curves of a lithium/sulfur cell with a PVDF binder and b CMC + SBR binder at 0.05C.
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    Photographs comparing the effect of a 3.5% w/w addition of carbon nanofibers to water-based slurries employing a PVP:PEO binder. Uniformity of sulfur loading is indicated for the coating with CNF.
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    Illustration of a the air spray process of cathode, b the sprayed cathode, c the layer-by-layer C/S composite, d the cross-link between Nafion and PVP.
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    Illustration of the fabrication of sulfur electrodes with PVDF or PEB-1 binder. a The cathode is comprised of sulfur-active materials loaded into N-doped mesoporous carbon (N-MC) hosts, ‘Super P’ as the conductive additive, and a polymer binder (PEB-1 or PVDF). b A conventional sulfur cathode cast onto an aluminium current collector. c A highly loaded sulfur cathode cast onto a carbon nanofibre current collector. d Schematic illustrating the formation of complex ion clusters via anion metathesis, when PEB-1 encounters soluble polysulfides during Li–S cell cycling.
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    SEM images of the porous sulfur cathodes during the discharge–charge process at the a original, b 6% discharge, c 36% discharge, d full discharge and e first charge.
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    Initial discharge curves of Li/S batteries using SGA (gelatin-based) cathode (a) and SPA (PEO-based) cathode (b) at different current densities.
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    a CV of gelatin (SG) and L-cysteine gelatin (SGL) cathodes after 1st and 10th discharge with scan rate of 0.5 mV s–1 and b Impedance plots for Li/S cells with SG and SGL after 1st discharge in the frequency range of (100 kHz–100 mHz).
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    Dispersion morphology of (a1) S/CB/SBR–CMC, (a2) CB/SBR–CMC, (a3) S/SBR–CMC, (b1) S/CB/PVDF, (b2) CB/PVDF, and (b3) S/PVDF.
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    Discharge curves of batteries: a sulfur cathode with chitosan, b sulfur cathode with gelatin, and c the upper plateau discharge capacities of batteries with different sulfur cathodes.
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    Characterization of chemical bonds between GA and S. a TEY XAS and b TFY XAS spectra for the mixture of GA and S before and after the thermal treatment at 80 °C. c FTIR spectroscopy of the mixture of GA and polysulfides (Li2Sx, x = 8).
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    Operando XAS measurements of Li-S cell. a Schematic of the in-situ XAS measurement set-up. The inlet photo is the actual customer build instrumentation for this experiment. b, c The S K-edge XAS spectra evolution of the electrolyte with voltage scan. The purple highlighted peaks are polysulfide adsorption peaks, which evolve during first discharge. PVDF binder based Li-S cell shows the dramatic increase of polysulfide concentration in the electrolyte during the first lithiation process. The carrageenan binder based Li-S cell shows much slow concentration built up of polysulfide. d The relative polysulfide concentration changes with discharge shows the superiority of carrageenan binder in immobilizing polysulfide.
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    a Table showing the calculated binding energy of Li2S with various functional groups (R) based on the framework of vinyl polymers –(CH2–CHR)n–. b–d Ab initio simulations showing the most stable configuration and calculated binding energy of Li2S with b ester, c ketone and d amide R groups in vinyl polymers. e General schematic representing the Li–O interaction between Li2S and >C=O groups as shown in (b–d).
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    Voltage profiles for the reference and PEG/PEO-modified cells at C/5 for a the 1st cycle and b 50th cycle.
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    Schematic structure of the sulfur cathode before and after PS dissolution.
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    Visual pictures of separator and sulfur cathode after the Li/S cell was discharged to 300 mAh g−1 sulfur and the cathode was stored in triglyme at 60 °C for 48 h.
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    Cyclic voltammogram curves of the Li-S cells with PAA sulfur cathode and PVDF sulfur cathode at a scan rate of 0.1 mV s-1.
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    Suspensions of 1 mg mL−1 sulfur composites dispersed in a SA; b CMC; c LA132 after an overnight settlement.
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    Polysulfides confinement through cationic polymer. The electrostatic attraction between the PQ quaternary ammonium cations and polysulfide anions.
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    Molecular Structures of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Poly[(2-ethyldimethylammonioethyl methacrylate ethyl sulfate)-co-(1-vinylpyrrolidone)] (D11) and the Synthesis of Poly(diallyldimethylammonium triflate) (PDAT) via Anion Exchange.
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    PIL binders examined for use in Li–S systems.
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    Flame-retardant properties. The specific burning time test of sulfur electrodes with a S-PVDF electrode and b S-APP electrode. The times indicated in the pictures are counted as soon as the electrodes are exposed to the direct flame from a lighter (indicated by the white arrow in panel a). c The specific burning time of the sulfur cathodes with APP and PVDF binders. d Schematic showing the flame-retardant mechanism of the APP binder based sulfur electrode.
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    Binding energies of Li2S6 with various functional groups.
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    Chemical structures of a GG and b XG; c schematic of the intermolecular binding effect between GG and XG; d schematic of the polymer network formed by the intermolecular binding effect; and e FTIR spectra of GG, XG, and N-GG-XG.
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    a Synthesis scheme of AFG binder by copolymerization of PEI with HDI in DMF solution. b 13C NMR spectrum of AFG, and the resonance amide signal at 163.58 ppm (red a, N-CH=O) with 159.45 ppm (red b, N=C-OH) and amine group signal at 40.09 ppm (red c, C-C-NH2) were detected. c Tensile property test of the AFG binder, which reveals the flexibility of the AFG binder polymer. d Digital photographs show the AFG copolymer with excellent stretchability.
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    Chemical structure of PEDOT:PSS.