Top-down fabrication of hierarchical nanocubes on nanosheets composite for high-rate lithium storage.

A top-down method was developed to synthesize hierarchical composites consisting of NiCo2O4 nanocubes and graphene nanosheets through the electrostatic interaction of negatively charged graphene oxide nanosheets and positively charged NiCo2O4 spheres. Employed as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, the hierarchical composites exhibit remarkably high electrochemical performance, including large reversible capacity, superior rate capability, and excellent cycling performance. Large reversible capacities of 1024 and 648 mA h g-1 are maintained at a current density of 500 and 3000 mA g-1, respectively, for over 200 cycles.

Homochiral hexanuclear nickel(ii) metallocyclic structures with high activity for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes.

Enantiopure ligands, namely (R,R)- and (S,S)-2,2'-(1,4-phenylene) bis(4,5-dihydrothiazole-4-carboxylic acid) (H2LRR, and H2LSS) were synthesized, and homochiral metallocyclic rings {NiL(HO)} (1RR) and {NiL(HO)} (1SS) were obtained and their structures were determined. The complexes exhibit excellent activity for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes.