Au@CoP core/shell nanoparticles as a nano-electrocatalyst for enhancing the oxygen evolution reaction.

Core/shell nanoparticles (NPs) of Au@CoP, each comprising a Au core with a CoP shell, were prepared, and shown to efficiently catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In particular, Au@CoP has a small overpotential of 321 mV at 10 mA cm in 1 M KOH aqueous solution at room temperature, which is about 95 mV less than pure CoP. More importantly, the Tafel slope of Au@CoP, at 57 mV dec, is 44 mV dec lower than that of CoP.

Morphology-Controlled Synthesis of Hematite Nanocrystals and Their Optical, Magnetic and Electrochemical Performance.

A series of α-Fe₂O₃ nanocrystals (NCs) with fascinating morphologies, such as hollow nanoolives, nanotubes, nanospindles, and nanoplates, were prepared through a simple template-free hydrothermal synthesis process. The results showed that the morphologies could be easily controlled by SO₄ and H₂PO₄. Physical property analysis showed that the α-Fe₂O₃ NCs exhibited shape- and size-dependent ferromagnetic and optical behaviors.

Magnetism in undoped ZnS nanotetrapods.

The magnetism of undoped ZnS nanotetrapods, synthesized by a solvothermal method, has been investigated by magnetization measurements and first principle numerical calculations. The background magnetic impurity concentrations of Fe, Co and Ni were determined at ppm level by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Hysteresis loops of weak ferromagnetism were observed, attributable to the magnetic impurities.