0D, 1D, 2D molybdenum disulfide functionalized by 2D polymeric carbon nitride for photocatalytic water splitting.

Photocatalytic activity of molybdenum disulfide structures with different dimensions (0D, 1D and 2D) functionalized with polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) is presented. MoSnanotubes (1D), nanoflakes (2D) and quantum dots (0D, QDs) were used, respectively, as co-catalysts of PCN in photocatalytic water splitting reaction to evolve hydrogen. Although, 2D-PCN showed the highest light absorption in visible range and the most enhanced photocurrent response after irradiation with light from 460 to 727 nm, QDs-PCN showed the highest photocatalytic efficiency.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nitrogen-doped Carbon Nanotubes Derived from g-CN.

Here, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (CNT-N) were synthesized using exfoliated graphitic carbon nitride functionalized with nickel oxides (ex-g-CN-NixO). CNT-N were produced at 900 °C in two steps: (1) ex-g-CN-NiO reduction with hydrogen and (2) ethylene assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The detailed characterization of the produced materials was performed via atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

A Comparison of Hydrogen Storage in Pt, Pd and Pt/Pd Alloys Loaded Disordered Mesoporous Hollow Carbon Spheres.

Comprehensive study to evaluate the ability of hydrogen uptake by disordered mesoporous hollow carbon spheres doped witch metal such as Pt, Pd or Pt/Pd was conducted. They were synthesized facilely using sonication and then calcination process under vacuum at the temperature of 550 °C. The effect on hydrogen sorption at neat-ambient conditions (40 °C, up to 45 bar) was thoroughly analyzed.

Porous nanopeapod Pd catalyst with excellent stability and efficiency.

Porous Pd@m-C/SiO nanopeapods are prepared by a nanoconfinement method. The Pd nanoparticles show high efficiency and stability in chemical reactions such as reduction of nitrobenzene by H and reduction of NO by NH. The high catalytic activity is attributed to the unique peapod structure, mesoporous wall, and large specific surface area on Pd@m-C/SiO rendering the Pd nanoparticles highly active in chemical reactions.

Advances in Pd Nanoparticle Size Decoration of Mesoporous Carbon Spheres for Energy Application.

Pd nanoparticles with different sizes and diameter distributions were successfully deposited on the surface of disordered mesoporous carbon spheres (DMHCS). The size and diameter distribution of the Pd particles were controlled by the application of different experimental conditions. Two methods of synthesis (reflux and impregnation) and two Pd precursors (palladium (II) acetyloacetonate (Pd(acac) 2) and palladium (II) acetate (Pd(OAc)2)) were investigated and compared for the preparation of Pd-decorated DMHCS.

Creation of mesopores in carbon nanotubes with improved capacities for lithium ion batteries.

The porous carbon nanotubes were selectively prepared from the pristine carbon nanotubes. The surface of carbon nanotubes was firstly functionalized with Fe2O3 nanoparticles and subsequent heat treatment induced CNT etching. After removal of Fe2O3 nanoparticles, mesopores were formed in carbon nanotubes and thus porous structure was obtained.

Antibacterial performance of nanocrystallined titania confined in mesoporous silica nanotubes.

In this paper, we study synthesis and characteristics of mesoporous silica nanotubes modified by titanium dioxide, as well as their antimicrobial properties and influence on mitochondrial activity of mouse fibroblast L929. Nanocrystalized titania is confined in mesopores of silica nanotubes and its light activated antibacterial response is revealed. The analysis of the antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli.

Nanoconfinement induced formation of core/shell structured mesoporous carbon spheres coated with solid carbon shell.

A novel method for the fabrication of core/shell structured mesoporous carbon spheres with solid shell using a template method has been presented. The unique molecular nanostructures are characterized by XRD, TEM, TGA, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurement. The formation mechanism of the mesostructured carbon spheres with a carbon shell is proposed according to the experimental results.

Facile synthesis of hollow silica spheres with nanoholes.

The synthesis of designed nanostructures is an ultimate target of nanomaterial science. Here, silica spheres with nanoholes have been selectively prepared. Coating the necklace-like structured and magnetic nanoparticles along carbon nanotubes, which is an essential step of the simple synthetic procedure of silica hollow spheres, led to the formation of silica hollow spheres with controllable sized nanoholes in their shell walls.

Template method synthesis of mesoporous carbon spheres and its applications as supercapacitors.

Mesoporous carbon spheres (MCS) have been fabricated from structured mesoporous silica sphere using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with ethylene as a carbon feedstock. The mesoporous carbon spheres have a high specific surface area of 666.8 m2/g and good electrochemical properties.

Magnetic silica nanotubes: synthesis, drug release, and feasibility for magnetic hyperthermia.

A new kind of silica nanotube with incorporated γ-Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles has been successfully prepared through sol-gel processes. Hematite particles supported on carbon nanotubes served as templates for the fabrication of the magnetic silica nanotubes. The obtained nanostructures consisting of magnetic Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles protected by a silica shell were fully characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N(2) sorption and desorption, and magnetization studies.

Synthesis, dispersion, and cytocompatibility of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide.

The synthesis, characterization, and toxicity of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide are reported. Prior to the cytocompatibility tests the stability of the suspensions in a wide range of concentrations (3.125-100 μg/mL) of three different dispersants is studied.

Carbon-nanotube-based stimuli-responsive controlled-release system.

A stimuli-responsive controlled-release delivery system based on carbon nanotubes is demonstrated. Through TEM, FTIR spectroscopic, and thermogravimetric analysis, functional groups have been successfully attached to the open ends of the tubes, thereby enabling functionalized silica spheres to preferentially attach to the ends. This, in essence, plugs the ends of the tube.

Oxide-driven carbon nanotube growth in supported catalyst CVD.

Detailed HREM studies on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using nanoengineered Fe particles on oxide supports show capped tops and open-ended roots. We demonstrate that the pristine catalyst particle dictates the CNT diameter and number of walls at nucleation. The consecutive inward formation of concentric graphene caps during nucleation constricts and elongates the catalyst particle within the tube core.