Semicrystalline IrO with Abundant Boundaries for Overall Water Splitting.

Inorganic compounds with different crystalline and amorphous states may show distinct properties in catalytic applications. In this work, we control the crystallization level by fine thermal treatment and synthesize a semicrystalline IrO material with the formation of abundant boundaries. Theoretical calculation reveals that the interfacial iridium with a high degree of unsaturation is highly active for the hydrogen evolution reaction compared to individual counterparts based on the optimal binding energy with hydrogen (H*).

Combating Li metal deposits in all-solid-state battery via the piezoelectric and ferroelectric effects.

All-solid-state Li-metal batteries (ASSLBs) are highly desirable, due to their inherent safety and high energy density; however, the irregular and uncontrolled growth of Li filaments is detrimental to interfacial stability and safety. Herein, we report on the incorporation of piezo-/ferroelectric BaTiO (BTO) nanofibers into solid electrolytes and determination of electric-field distribution due to BTO inclusion that effectively regulates the nucleation and growth of Li dendrites. Theoretical simulations predict that the piezoelectric effect of BTO embedded in solid electrolyte reduces the driving force of dendrite growth at high curvatures, while its ferroelectricity reduces the overpotential, which helps to regularize Li deposition and Li flux.

Strategies for Electrochemically Sustainable H Production in Acid.

Acidified water electrolysis with fast kinetics is widely regarded as a promising option for producing H . The main challenge of this technique is the difficulty in realizing sustainable H production (SHP) because of the poor stability of most electrode catalysts, especially on the anode side, under strongly acidic and highly polarized electrochemical environments, which leads to surface corrosion and performance degradation. Research efforts focused on tuning the atomic/nano structures of catalysts have been made to address this stability issue, with only limited effectiveness because of inevitable catalyst degradation.

A General Synthesis of Mesoporous Hollow Carbon Spheres with Extraordinary Sodium Storage Kinetics by Engineering Solvation Structure.

Porous and hollow carbon materials have great superiority and prospects in electrochemical energy applications, especially for surface charge storage due to the high active surface. Herein, a general strategy is developed to synthesize mesoporous hollow carbon spheres (MHCS) with controllable texture and compositions by the synergistic effect of dopamine polymerization and metal catalysis (Cu, Bi, Zn). Mesoporous MHCS-Cu and MHCS-Bi are regular spheres, while mesoporous MHCS-Zn possesses an inward concave texture, and simultaneously has a very high surface area of 1675.

Swallowing Lithium Dendrites in All-Solid-State Battery by Lithiation with Silicon Nanoparticles.

Eliminating the uncontrolled growth of Li dendrite inside solid electrolytes is a critical tactic for the performance improvement of all-solid-state Li batteries (ASSLBs). Herein, a strategy to swallow and anchor Li dendrites by filling Si nanoparticles into the solid electrolytes by the lithiation effect with Li dendrites is proposed. It is found that Si nanoparticles can lithiate with the adjacent Li dendrites which have a strong electron transport ability.

Ultrafast synthesis of hard carbon anodes for sodium-ion batteries.

Hard carbons (HCs) are a significantly promising anode material for alkali metal-ion batteries. However, long calcination time and much energy consumption are required for the traditional fabrication way, resulting in an obstacle for high-throughput synthesis and structure regulation of HCs. Herein, we report an emerging sintering method to rapidly fabricate HCs from different carbon precursors at an ultrafast heating rate (300 to 500 °C min) under one minute by a multifield-regulated spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology.

Vitreum Etching-Assisted Fabrication of Porous Hollow Carbon Architectures for Enhanced Capacitive Sodium and Potassium-Ion Storage.

Carbonaceous materials exhibit promising application in electrochemical energy storage especially for hollow or porous structure due to the fascinating and outstanding properties. Although there has been achieved good progress, controllable synthesis of hollow or porous carbons with uniform morphology by a green and easy way is still a challenge. Herein, a new artful and green approach is designed to controllably prepare hollow porous carbon materials with the assistance of boron oxide vitreum under a relatively low temperature of 500 °C.

Structural evolution from layered NaTiO to NaTiO nanowires enabling a highly reversible anode for Mg-ion batteries.

The development of suitable host materials for the reversible storage of divalent ions such as Mg is still a big challenge and its progress to date has been slow compared to that of monovalent Li or Na. Herein, we present the study of layered sodium trititanate (NaTiO) and sodium hexatitanate (NaTiO) nanowires as anode materials for rechargeable Mg-ion batteries. It is found for the first time that the structural evolution from layered NaTiO to NaTiO with a more condensate three-dimensional microporous structure enables remarkably enhanced Mg-ion storage performance.

A multiple mixed TiO mesocrystal junction based PEC-colorimetric immunoassay for specific recognition of lipolysis stimulated lipoprotein receptor.

A flexible two-step photoelectrochemical (PEC)-colorimetric immunoassay was proposed for ultrasensitive detection of lipolysis stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR) which is found to be closely related to ovarian cancer (OC). In this paper, the Cu nanoclusters (CuNCs) enhanced multiple mixed TiO mesocrystals junction (MMMJ) was fabricated via effective combination of multiple different phases TiO mesocrystals (Anatase and Rutile) layers and used as a sensing platform. The strong interaction between different phases layers caused multiple amplification of signal and introduction of Cu NCs further improve PEC properties and catalytic activity to hydrogen peroxide (HO) what can catalyze lecuo-methylene blue (lecuo-MB) from colorless to blue.

A mimotope peptide-based dual-signal readout competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay for non-toxic detection of zearalenone.

In this study, a mimotope peptide-based non-toxic photoelectrochemical (PEC) competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was established for ultrasensitive detection of zearalenone (ZEN) with dual-signal readout. Using the phage display technique (PDT), a mimotope peptide of ZEN could be harvested by selecting a peptide from a phage-display peptide library, which avoided using mycotoxin itself and minimized potential damage to operators. The tyramine-modified rutile TiO mesocrystals (Tyr-RMC) with outstanding PEC properties were utilized as reporter units to label the mimotope peptide.

In Situ Observation of the Insulator-To-Metal Transition and Nonequilibrium Phase Transition for LiCoO Films with Preferred (003) Orientation Nanorods.

It is notoriously difficult to distinguish the stoichiometric LiCoO (LCO) with a O3-I structure from its lithium defective O3-II phase because of their similar crystal symmetry. Interestingly, moreover, the O3-II phase shows metallic conductivity, whereas the O3-I phase is an electronic insulator. How to effectively reveal the intrinsic mechanism of the conductivity difference and nonequilibrium phase transition induced by the lithium deintercalation is of vital importance for its practical application and development.

Dual-readout immunosensor constructed based on brilliant photoelectrochemical and photothermal effect of polymer dots for sensitive detection of sialic acid.

A delicate dual-readout immunosensor based on tetraphenylporphyrin-polymer dots (TPP-Pdots) with brilliant photoelectrochemical and photothermal performance was first successfully fabricated for the ultrasensitive detection of sialic acid (SA). Herein, TPP-Pdots with good biocompatibility, extraordinary light-harvesting ability and excellent photothermal conversion efficiency was used to capture SA antibody as dual-functional bioprobe for generating photocurrent and temperature signal. Furthermore, the large surface and morphology-mediated of rutile-TiO (R-TiO) was beneficial to load amounts of TPP-Pdots for improved PEC signal and photothermal signal.

Electrochemiluminescent competitive immunoassay for zearalenone based on the use of a mimotope peptide, Ru(II)(bpy)-loaded NiFeO nanotubes and TiO mesocrystals.

An ultrasensitive competitive-type electrochemiluminescence immunoassay for the mycotoxin zearalenone is described. The method is based on the use of (a) a mimotope peptide that was selected from a phage displayed peptide library and used to substitute ZEN for designing the competitive assay; (b) NiFeO nanotubes with large specific surface area loaded with the ECL probe Ru(bpy); and (c) poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP)-assisted synthesis of TiO mesocrystals that acts as the sensing platform and support for antibody immobilization. Under the optimized conditions and at an ECL working potential of 1.

A bifunctional reagent regulated ratiometric electrochemiluminescence biosensor constructed on surfactant-assisted synthesis of TiO mesocrystals for the sensing of deoxynivalenol.

Herein, a delicate bifunctional reagent regulated ratiometric electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor was developed for the detection of deoxynivalenol (DON) by virtue of the ratio of two ECL signals from Luminol and tris(4,4'-dicarboxylicacid-2,2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) dichloride (Ru(dcbpy)). Initially, surfactant-assisted synthesis of TiO mesocrystals dispersing in Nafion and ionic liquid (IL) complex film held great promises in loading Ru(dcbpy) and amplifying the ECL signal. Additionally, helical carbon nanotube (HCNTs) with superior specific area and good conductivity emerging as a scaffold not only realized the high fixing of Luminol, ferrocenecarboxylic acid (FCA) and secondary antibody (Ab), but accelerated the electron transfer.

Rational Design and General Synthesis of S-Doped Hard Carbon with Tunable Doping Sites toward Excellent Na-Ion Storage Performance.

Heteroatom-doping is a promising strategy to tuning the microstructure of carbon material toward improved electrochemical storage performance. However, it is a big challenge to control the doping sites for heteroatom-doping and the rational design of doping is urgently needed. Herein, S doping sites and the influence of interlayer spacing for two kinds of hard carbon, perfect structure and vacancy defect structure, are explored by the first-principles method.

Synthesis of Mesoporous Co-Doped TiO Nanodisks Derived from Metal Organic Frameworks with Improved Sodium Storage Performance.

TiO is a most promising anode candidate for rechargeable Na-ion batteries (NIBs) because of its appropriate working voltage, low cost, and superior structural stability during chage/discharge process. Nevertheless, it suffers from intrinsically low electrical conductivity. Herein, we report an in situ synthesis of Co-doped TiO through the thermal treatment of metal organic frameworks precursors of MIL-125(Ti)-Co as a superior anode material for NIBs.

A Potentiometric Addressable Photoelectrochemical Biosensor for Sensitive Detection of Two Biomarkers.

It is a great challenge to fabricate multiplex and convenient photoelectrochemical biosensors for ultrasensitive determination of biomarkers. Herein, a fascinating potentiometric addressable photoelectrochemical biosensor was reported for double biomarkers' detection by varying the applied bias in the detection process. In this biosensor, the nanocomposite of cube anatase TiO mesocrystals and polyamidoamine dendrimers modified a dual disk electrode as an excellent photoelectrochemical sensing matrix.

In situ generation of electron acceptor to amplify the photoelectrochemical signal from poly(dopamine)-sensitized TiO signal crystal for immunoassay.

A versatile photoelectrochemical immunoassay protocol was designed for quantitative monitoring of tumor markers by utilizing the poly(dopamine)-sensitized titanium dioxide (TiO) signal crystal with an ordered mesoporous carbon support. Poly(dopamine) was introduced to alter the optical properties of the TiO signal crystal, thereby improving the visible light absorption and photoelectrical responses. More importantly, a new enzyme-like biomimetic catalyst was exploited as the signal amplifier to catalyze the reaction of hydroquinone.

All-in-one bioprobe devised with hierarchical-ordered magnetic NiCo2O4 superstructure for ultrasensitive dual-readout immunosensor for logic diagnosis of tumor marker.

A new enzyme-free all-in-one bioprobe, consisted of hematin decorated magnetic NiCo2O4 superstructure (ATS-MNS-Hb), was designed for ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical and electrochemical dual-readout immunosensing of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) on carbon nanohorns (CNH) support. Herein, the MNS, possessed hierarchical-ordered structure, good porosity and magnetism, acted as nanocarrier to absorb abundant Hb molecular after functionalization, providing a convenient collection means by magnetic control as well as enhanced dual-readout sensing performances. CNH superstructures were employed as support to immobilize abounding captured antibodies, and then as-designed dual mode bioprobe, covalent binding with secondary antibody of CEA, was introduced for ultrasensitive detection of CEA by sandwich immunosensing.

TiO-B nanorod based competitive-like non-enzymatic photoelectrochemical sensing platform for noninvasive glucose detection.

TiO-B nanorods, with excellent properties including large specific surface area, open structures with significant voids, and continuous channels, were explored for the first time in the photoelectrochemical biosensing field. To reduce the destructive effect of UV light on biomolecules, dopamine was introduced onto the TiO-B nanorod surface through the coordination of dopamine to the undercoordinated titanium atoms of the TiO-B nanorods, which makes the complex a promising matrix for subsequent biosensing. Furthermore, concanavalin A as a recognition element was attached onto the TiO-B nanorod/dopamine modified electrode surface by virtue of covalent interaction between concanavalin A and dopamine.

Iso-Oriented Anatase TiO2 Mesocages as a High Performance Anode Material for Sodium-Ion Storage.

A major obstacle in realizing Na-ion batteries (NIBs) is the absence of suitable anode materials. Herein, we firstly report the anatase TiO2 mesocages constructed by crystallographically oriented nanoparticle subunits as a high performance anode for NIBs. The mesocages with tunable microstructures, high surface area (204 m(2) g(-1)) and uniform mesoporous structure were firstly prepared by a general synthesis method under the assist of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS).

The photoelectrochemical exploration of multifunctional TiO2 mesocrystals and its enzyme-assisted biosensing application.

Mesocrystals, as the assemblies of crystallographically oriented nanocrystals, have single-crystal-like atom structures and scattering features but with much higher porosity than single-crystalline materials, making them promising substitutes for conventional single crystals in photoelectrochemical application. As a proof-of-concept, a series of photoelectrochemical tests were investigated to understand the influence of the differences between them on photoelectrochemical activity. Expectedly, comparing with TiO2 single crystals, TiO2 mesocrystals demonstrated higher photoelectrochemical capability, which provides unique new opportunities for materials design in the fields of solar-energy conversion and catalysis.

A ratiometric biosensor for metallothionein based on a dual heterogeneous electro-chemiluminescent response from a TiO2 mesocrystalline interface.

An ultrasensitive dual-signal electro-chemiluminescent intelligent biosensor constructed from superstructure TiO2 mesocrystals is proposed for the detection of metallothionein.

Enhanced photoelectrochemical activity of a hierarchical-ordered TiO₂ mesocrystal and its sensing application on a carbon nanohorn support scaffold.

A ternary hybrid was developed through interaction between a hierarchical-ordered TiO2 and a thiol group that was obtained by in situ chemical polymerization of L-cysteine on the carbon nanohorn (CNH) superstructure modified electrode. Herein, unique-ordered TiO2 superstructures with quasi-octahedral shape that possess high crystallinity, high porosity, oriented subunit alignment, very large specific surface area, and superior photocatalytic activity were first introduced as a photosensitizer element in the photoelectrochemical determination. Additionally, the assembly of hierarchical-structured CNHs was used to provide an excellent electron-transport matrix to capture and transport an electron from excited anatase to the electrode rapidly, hampering the electron-hole recombination effectively, resulting in improved photoelectrochemical response and higher photocatalytic activity in the visible light region.

Understanding the growth and photoelectrochemical properties of mesocrystals and single crystals: a case of anatase TiO(2).

Anatase TiO2 mesocrystals and single crystals with dominant {101} facets were successfully synthesized without any additives using titanate nanowires as precursors under solvothermal and hydrothermal conditions, respectively. It is proposed that the oriented self-assembly process for the formation of TiO2 mesocrystals was controlled by the same thermodynamic principle as that of single crystals in this simple reaction system. Furthermore, the TiO2 mesocrystals were applied in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting and demonstrated much enhanced photocurrent, almost 191% and 274% compared with that of TiO2 single crystals and commercial P25, respectively.