Colloidal crystal engineering enables the precise construction of structures with remarkable properties. However, the flexible and synergistic regulation of multiple properties of colloidal crystals remains a significant challenge. Here, we inspire from Brazilian opals to self-assemble polymer nanoparticles in the gaps of a single-layer opal substrate to fabricate large-scale binary colloidal crystals (BCCs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDF-While sulfate radical (SO)-based processes are useful to degrade acetaminophen (ACE), studies of using peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade ACE are quite limited. In addition, although Co is validated as the most effective metal for activating PMS, very few Co catalysts have been developed and investigated for activating PMS to degrade ACE. Since carbon is a promising substrate to support Co nanoparticles (NPs) to form Co/carbon composite catalysts, most existing carbon substrates require delicate fabrications.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSeparators are key safety components for electrochemical energy storage systems. However, the intrinsic poor wettability with electrolyte and low thermal stability of commercial polyolefin separators cannot meet the requirements of the ever-expanding market for high-power, high-energy, and high-safety power systems, such as lithium-metal, lithium-sulfur, and lithium-ion batteries. In this study, scalable bendable networks built with ultralong silica nanowires (SNs) are developed as stable separators for both high-safety and high-power lithium-metal batteries.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTo enhance the utilization of sulfur in lithium-sulfur batteries, three-dimensional tungsten nitride (WN) mesoporous foam blocks are designed to spatially localize the soluble LiS and LiS within the pore spaces. Meanwhile, the chemisorption behaviors of polysulfides and the capability of WN as an effective confiner are systematically investigated through density functional theory calculations and experimental studies. The theoretical calculations reveal a decrease in chemisorption strength between WN and the soluble polysulfides (LiS > LiS > LiS), while the interactions between WN and the insoluble LiS/LiS show a high chemisorption strength of ca.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCarbonaceous materials have been proven as advantageous supports for anchoring cobalt (Co) nanoparticles (NPs) to formulate Co/carbon composite catalysts for Oxone activation in degrading pollutants in water. While Co/carbon composites represent attractive catalysts, most carbonaceous supports are usually sophisticatedly fabricated using fine chemicals and immobilization of Co on carbon supports requires complicated post-modifications. As biochar appears as a versatile but easily-accessible carbon, pyrolysis of Co/lignin can result in a promising Co/biochar (CoBC) catalyst for Oxone activation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWhile zirconium (Zr)-based metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising for conversion of levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL) through catalytic transform hydrogenation (CTH), these reported Zr MOFs for LA conversion must be synthesized in toxic dimethylformamide (DMF). From the viewpoint of sustainability, it is preferable to avoid usage of DMF-based solvents to prepare these Zr MOFs. As water is a green solvent, the aim of this study is to develop and investigate Zr MOFs, which are prepared in water, for LA conversion to GVL.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFerrocene (Fc) has been regarded as a useful catalyst for activating Oxone to generate sulfate radicals (SR) in degradation of organic pollutants. Nevertheless, direct usage of Fc molecules in aqueous solutions may lead to difficult recovery and aggregation. While a few attempts have immobilized Fc on several substrates, these substrates exhibit very low surface areas/porosities and, especially, do not offer significantly additional contributions to catalytic activities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWhile Prussian Blue (PB) analogues are attractive catalysts for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS), PB analogues are very small and thus difficult for recovery. Immobilizing PB particles onto graphene is a useful technique which facilitates recovery and also enhances catalytic activities. As doping graphene with sulfur/nitrogen (S/N) increases its electro-conductivity and active sites, the composite of PB and S/N-doped graphene should enhance PMS activation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCobalt ferrite (CF) nanoparticle (NP) represents a promising alternative to Co3O4 NP for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation in view of its strong magnetism for easy recovery. As CF NPs in water are prone to agglomerate, a few attempts have been made to immobilize CF NPs on substrates. While carbonaceous supports are more favorable owing to their earth abundancy, the study of carbon-supported CF for PMS activation is limited to graphene-based CF, which, however, requires complicated protocols to prepare.
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