Core-shell Structure Research Articles

Fabrication of LTA Zeolite Core and UiO-66 Shell Structures via Surface Zeta Potential Modulation and Sequential Seeded Growth for Zeolite/Polymer Composite Membranes

Zeolite-based polymer composites have garnered significant attention for their applications in separation, catalysis, and energy storage, owing to the unique properties of zeolites. The development of core–shell structures provides a promising strategy to enhance these properties, enabling the fine-tuning of zeolite characteristics within composite films. In this study, we present an innovative approach that leverages surface zeta potential differences to facilitate the growth of an organophilic metal–organic framework (MOF) on hydrophilic zeolite surfaces. Specifically, UiO-66 was successfully attached and grown on Linde Type A (LTA) zeolite particles, resulting in the formation of a robust core–shell structure (LTA@UiO-66). This core–shell architecture significantly minimized interfacial voids when embedded into a polyimide (PI, Matrimid® 5218) matrix, yielding composite films (LTA@UiO-66/PI) with superior mechanical integrity and enhanced gas-separation performance. The LTA@UiO-66/PI films demonstrated remarkable ideal selectivity for O2/N2 (10.7) and CO2/CH4 (47), outperforming traditional LTA/PI composites. These enhancements are attributed to the synergistic effects between the LTA core and the UiO-66 shell, which preserve the molecular sieving capability of the zeolite while ensuring strong adhesion and a void-free interface with the polymer matrix. The findings underscore the significant potential of zeolite-based core–shell structures in advancing industrial applications, particularly in the domains of sustainable gas separation and purification technologies.

Fabrication of core–shell nanostructure via novel ligand-defect reassembly strategy for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and NO removal

The core–shell structure often exhibits unique properties, resulting in superior physical and chemical performance distinct from individual component in the field of photocatalysis. However, traditional prepared methods such as template synthesis and layer-by-layer self-assembly are relatively complex. Therefore, it is necessary to explore an efficient and expedient approach. Here, we have proposed a convenient method to gradually destroy the terephthalic acid (BDC) of MIL-125 from the outer to inner layers through hydrothermal stirring, followed by reassembling with photosensitive 2-amino-terephthalic acid (BDC-NH2) into the exposed Ti-oxo clusters left by the BDC to create photocatalysts featuring a core–shell configuration. The special core–shell sample with the analogous mixture of MIL-125 and MIL-125-NH2 function as a high-performance dual-functional photocatalyst for hydrogen generation and NO elimination. The optimal core–shell material (M-125-45-N) exhibits an outstanding photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 3.74 mmol·g−1·h−1 and an excellent photocatalytic NO removal rate of 70.15 %. The apparent quantum yield (AQY) value and solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency (STH) at specific wavelengths are also investigated. The Density functional theory (DFT) calculation, In-situ Fourier transform infrared (In-situ FT-IR) and Electron spin resonance (ESR) have suggested that the enhanced photocatalytic activity of optimal core–shell material arised from its stronger adsorption capacity towards reactants, promoting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) conducive to photocatalytic reactions. This study represents the first investigation of a dual functional core–shell MOFs formed via ligand-defect reassembly, showcasing the excellent efficacy in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and NO removal, which contributes to the feasible development of novel dual-functional photocatalysts with core–shell structures.

A “core-shell” structure imparting both gas barrier and UV shielding properties for a PLA/ PGA/ PBS ternary blend film

The core-shell structure enhances polymer blend systems by orderly assembly and leveraging complementary properties. This study aims to enhance the flexibility and barrier properties of polylactic acid (PLA, L) by blending it with polyglycolic acid (PGA, G) for gas barrier and polybutylene succinate (PBS, B) for flexibility. Encapsulating PGA in a core-shell structure using PBS resolves PGA's rapid hydrolysis issue. The theoretical models predicting dispersion patterns based on spreading coefficients and interfacial tensions were validated through SEM observations, confirming the formation of a core-shell structure in the 5L1G4B ternary blend. Compared to the PLA/PBS binary blend film, samples with PGA (5L1G4B and 4L1G5B) exhibit higher elongation at break and tearing strength. For instance, the elongation at break of the 5L1G4B sample increases from 272.3 % of 6L4B to 470.85 %. The 5L1G4B showed comparable oxygen and carbon dioxide barrier properties to the 6L4B sample. The 5L1G4B and 4L1G5B samples show <2 % UV transmittance in the UVA region, indicating excellent UV shielding. The 5L1G4B blend film, with its mechanical properties, oxygen barrier, UV resistance, and biodegradability, is ideal for outer layer packaging film and has the potential to replace LDPE in packaging juice and dairy product bottles.

Modulating Drug Retention and Release via Surface Anchors Using Hyperthermia and Photothermal Effects of Fe3O4-SiO2 Core-shell Mesoporous Nanoparticles

Core-shell nanocarriers (Fe3O4-MSN-TESPA-PEG/DOX) with a core-shell structure were created as possible materials for controlled drug retention and release. With a notable increase in pore volume and surface area, the 3-(Trimethylsilyl)propionic acid (TESPA) anchors on the pore walls of SiO2 nanoparticles (MSN). The doxorubicin (DOX) is controlled and stored by a network of polyethylene glycol (PEG) layers that cover the MSN pore by TESPA anchor as a result of interactions between the layers and the high density of functional groups at the pore mouth. Rather than the Brownian motion contribution, magnetic hysteresis losses account for the magnetic hyperthermia contribution to the heating efficiency of the investigated core-shell configuration. Fe3O4 NPs' magnetism and capacity for photothermal conversion make its core an appealing choice for photothermal treatment. By appropriately adjusting the following variables, the combination of magnetic field and NIR irradiation can control localized heating: i. NIR irradiation density; ii. magnetic field intensity; iii. time of use; and iv. concentration of Fe3O4-MSN-TESPA-PEG/DOX core-shell solution. This combination is ideal for bioapplications and clinical trials. The two-step NIR irradiation procedure or magnetic field intensity control allows for the rapid delivery of roughly seven times the maximum amount of stored doxorubicin in only five minutes. Fe3O4-MSN-TESPA-PEG nanocarriers with their core-shell structure have great potential as therapeutic agents with controllable drug delivery and targetability.

Preparation of Multi-element Doped Carbon Nanospheres with Core-shell Structure Derived from Polystyrene as Lubricating Additives for Improving Tribological Behavior

In this study, the multi-element doped carbon nanospheres with core-shell structure (N,P,S-PCNs) have been successfully synthesized through the carbonization of hyper-cross-linked polystyrene nanospheres (HPSs) encapsulated with poly(cyclotriphosphazene-co-4,4’-sulfonyldiphenol) (PZS). The phosphonitrilic chloride trimer can in-situ assemble on HPSs surface, forming a poly(phosphonitrilic chloride trimer) film via sulfonyldiphenol as cross-linking agent to obtain HPSs@PZS. Subsequently, the HPSs@PZS undergoes high-temperature calcination under N2 atmosphere, and PZS with a well-preserved encapsulation capability efficiently incorporated N, P and S into carbon nanospheres to gain multi-element (N,P,S) co-doped carbon nanospheres (N,P,S-PCNs) with core-shell structure. The prepared N,P,S-PCNs exhibit exceptional dispersibility and stability as lubricant additives, effectively mitigating friction (reduced to 0.106) and wear (decreased by 84.0 %). The lubrication performance of N,P,S-PCNs is exceptional due to the nanospheres' remarkable ability to enter the gaps between friction pairs and form a deposition film on the surfaces. Moreover, the nanospheres can undergo a chemical reaction with the matrix surface, resulting in the formation of a chemical protective film. The composite protective film (deposition film and chemical protective film) significantly enhances the lubricants' ability to reduce friction and resist wear.

Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets decorated with HAp@Bi2S3 core–shell nanorods: Dual S-scheme 1D/2D heterojunction for environmental and hydrogen production solutions

By combining different semiconductors, scientists have developed innovative materials capable of converting solar energy into useful forms of energy or driving chemical reactions that clean up pollutants. These materials offer a promising path to combat global environmental and energy challenges. In this study, HAp@Bi2S3 core–shell structures were synthesized using a facile microemulsion technique, and then loaded onto graphitic carbon nitride via a hydrothermal method to create an advanced HAp@Bi2S3/g-C3N4 dual S-scheme heterojunction. The engineered heterojunction exhibited enhanced hydrogen production and visible light photocatalytic oxidation of metronidazole. The improved photocatalytic efficiency was attributed to the core–shell structure of HAp@Bi2S3 along with the formation of a dual S-scheme heterojunction in HAp@Bi2S3/g-C3N4. As a result, the novel dual S-scheme HAp@Bi2S3/g-C3N4 heterojunction demonstrated a significantly higher hydrogen production rate, ca. 20 times higher than that of hydroxyapatite (HAp), 11 times higher than Bi2S3, and 5 times higher than the HAp@Bi2S3. This research introduces a novel approach to crafting dual S-scheme heterojunctions based on Bi2S3, which enables swift electron transfer across heterojunction interfaces, thereby enlarged possibility windows to sustainable hydrogen production and wastewater remediation technologies.

Dual photosensitizers material for photodynamic theraphy

Abstract Fluoride-based upconversion luminescent materials have the advantage of low phonon energy, which can effectively reduce the non-radiative transition process, so that materials have higher luminous efficiency than other matrix materials. The core–shell NaGdF4:Er3+, Yb3+ @NaGdF4:Tm3+, Yb3+ nanoparticals were synthesized by thermal decomposition method. The core–shell structure can effectively avoid the surface quenching effect, meanwhile, Tm3+ in the shell transmits part of the photons in its excited state to Er3+, effectively enhancing the red emission of Er3+ and improving the luminous efficiency of the samples as a whole. The samples were further coated with a layer of mesoporous silica(mSiO2), where the photosensitizer(PS) Ce6 (red light activated) and MC540 (blue-green light activated) were compounded on through covalent bonds and electrostatic forces, respectively. So that three visable lights include red, green, and blue are all emitted from the sample to activate the PSs to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) under 980 nm laser irradiation. In cells experiments, the samples were modified with folic acid (FA), which can mediated the cancer cells to target endocytosis. Notable photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficiency was observed under this dual-photosensitizers composite samples for its ROS generation.

Surface segregation on Ag@MNi (M = Pd, Pt, Rh, and Ru) core–shell nanocrystals for enhancing the oxygen reduction performance

Synthesis of cost-effective electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has received wide attention due to their sluggish kinetics, which limits the development and application of fuel cell technique. In this work, we report a versatile synthetic approach to prepare a series of small-sized Ag@MNi (M = Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru) nanocrystals with core–shell structures by a simple solvothermal method. According to characterization analysis, surface segregation of Pd was proved in the outermost layer with the Pd-rich shell layer, which can regulate the adsorption energy of *OH. Electrochemical results show that the onset potential and half-wave potential of Ag@PdNi nanocrystals (Ag@PdNi NCs) are 1.005 and 0.913 V vs. RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode), respectively, with a Tafel slope of 55.31 mV dec-1 and strong ORR catalytic durability, which is similar to Ag@MNi (M = Pt, Rh, Ru) NCs and slightly higher than that of PdAg alloy nanoparticles (PdAg alloy NPs), PdNi alloy nanoparticles (PdNi alloy NPs), commercial Pd black and even commercial Pt/C, in alkaline medium. Density Functional (DFT) calculations show that the presence of Agcore effectively promotes the segregation of Pd atoms to the outer shell surface, where Ni provides better segregated substitution sites for Pd, which significantly improves the ORR activity and durability due to the electronic synergistic effect between Agcore nuclei and Pdshell can reduce the adsorption strength of OHads.

Frequency insensitive electromagnetic absorption core-shell sandwich structure with excellent electromagnetic damage tolerance

The compatibility of broadband electromagnetic absorption and electromagnetic damage tolerance poses challenges to the regulation of electromagnetic response characteristics, which are typically restricted by the intrinsic dispersion of materials and strong resonant features of unit cell structures. In this work, triply-periodic-minimal-surfaces (TPMS) based gradient core-shell sandwich structure is proposed to address this challenge for its mathematical defined unique conductive pore structure. The reflection loss-frequency curve is less than −10 dB in 2–18 GHz frequency band, accompanied by two separate resonant absorption peaks at 2.4 GHz and 17.5 GHz. The reflection loss curve is insensitive to frequency in a wide frequency band of 4–14 GHz, using merely three kinds of absorbing materials. When the damage proportion is less than 40 %, effective electromagnetic absorption can be maintained in panel damage, core damage and penetrating damage modes, thanks to the extraordinary conduction-dissipation effect. Our study provides valuable insights for the design of damage tolerant electromagnetic absorption structures.

Co-extrusion of highly loaded feedstocks for fabrication of stainless steel-bioceramic core-shell structures

Co-extrusion of multi-materials structures shows technological challenges and opportunities. Filaments made of a metallic core and a ceramic shell are one example of how structural and functional features can be combined in a single component to provide a synergic effect. In this work, we focused on the fabrication of shell and core-shell scaffolds for potential applications as bone substitutes. Stainless steel 316L was selected for the core material, whilst in situ synthesized sphene (CaTiSiO5) bioactive ceramic was selected as a shell. The combination of a ductile core and a bioactive ceramic, so as scaffolds made of empty struts may represent a new generation of bone substitutes with mechanical properties closer to the ones of natural bone so as with improved bioactivity. Therefore, formulated inks were co-extruded in one step using a customized printing set-up. Microstructural and mechanical properties were investigated on shell and core-shell filaments and 3D structures. Shell bioceramics scaffolds possessed high porosity and target compression strength values. The sintering environment at the core-shell interface caused severe 316L oxidation thus compromising the ductility of the metallic part, however compression strength increased of 53% compared to shell structures.

Carbon-anchoring synthesis of Pt1Ni1@Pt/C core-shell catalysts for stable oxygen reduction reaction

Proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells demand highly efficient catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction, and core-shell structures are known for maximizing precious metal utilization. Here, we reported a controllable “carbon defect anchoring” strategy to prepare Pt1Ni1@Pt/C core-shell nanoparticles with an average size of ~2.6 nm on an in-situ transformed defective carbon support. The strong Pt–C interaction effectively inhibits nanoparticle migration or aggregation, even after undergoing stability tests over 70,000 potential cycles, resulting in only 1.6% degradation. The stable Pt1Ni1@Pt/C catalysts have high oxygen reduction reaction mass activity and specific activity that reach 1.424 ± 0.019 A/mgPt and 1.554 ± 0.027 mA/cmPt2 at 0.9 V, respectively, attributed to the optimal compressive strain. The experimental results are generally consistent with the theoretical predictions made by our comprehensive microkinetic model which incorporates essential kinetics and thermodynamics of oxygen reduction reaction. The consistent results obtained in our study provide compelling evidence for the high accuracy and reliability of our model. This work highlights the synergy between theory-guided catalyst design and appropriate synthetic methodologies to translate the theory into practice, offering valuable insights for future catalyst development.

Preparation of nutrient hydrogels with core-shell structure for seed germination and seedling growth in high temperature saline environment.

Drought and soil degradation are the key factors in desertification control. How to improve the utilization efficiency of water and fertilizer has always been the focus of research in desert areas. The conventional hydrogel-loaded fertilizer is not suitable because of the high salinity and large temperature difference in sandy land. Therefore we prepared a novel temperature/pH-responsive core-shell structured hydrogel and loaded urea in three ways: in situ polymerization, encapsulation, and immersion, and germination and seedling growth experiments on Artemisia absinthium and Cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis Makino) seeds. The results showed that the immersion hydrogel SAP4 (PCP-g-PAA/P(DMAEMA-co-AMPS))/urea had the best repetitive swelling performance, achieving 163.89 % of the original water absorption performance after 16 repetitions and the highest nitrogen release of 151.37 mg at 40 days. For A. desertorum, the treatment group applying the in situ composite hydrogel SAP2 (PCP-g-PAA/P(DMAEMA-co-AMPS)/urea) had the highest germination rate of 70 %; for B. campestris, the treatment groups applying SAP2, the encapsulated hydrogel SAP3 (PCP-g-PAA/urea/P(DMAEMA-co-AMPS)) and SAP4 hydrogels had higher germination rates, with SAP3 having a 100 % germination rate. This phenomenon suggests that the three urea-loaded temperature/pH-responsive core-shell structured hydrogels we have prepared are very promising as an aid to seed germination and seedling growth.

Copper based high temperature heat storage macrocapsules with optimized inner cavity

The development of practical high temperature metallic phase change macrocapsules still faces difficulties, because metallic phase change materials undergo volume expansion during phase transformations, which can lead to outer shell rupture. When a core made of stacked metal powders is used, a cavity is eventually formed inside the capsule that acts as a cushion for volume expansion, thus reducing the risk of capsule rupture. However, the cavity will weaken the thermal storage capacity of the capsule, and in order to obtain a capsule with good thermal storage capacity and long-time cycling stability, it is necessary to find a suitable cavity volume of the capsule. In this paper, Cu powders are used as the core raw material, which are spherelized into millimeter level spheres, and the Cu powder spheres are isostatically pressed using an isostatic presser under different pressures to achieve the optimization of the cavity volume by reducing the gap between the powders. The high strength α-Al2O3 is selected as the shell, and sintering additives MgO and SiO2 are doped into the raw material, and the Cu@MgO-SiO2/Al2O3 capsules are prepared after two-step sintering treatment. The material properties and thermal storage properties of the capsules are investigated in detail, which have strong thermal storage properties, for example, in the temperature interval of 1000-1100 ℃, capsules with a core-shell structure (named as 9@1.5-100MPa, prepared with initial diameter of Cu core of 9mm, shell thickness of 1.5mm, and isostatic pressing under 100MPa to the core precursor) exhibit a high heat storage density of 222J/g and 841 MJ/m³. In addition, we conduct melting-solidification cycle tests, which confirms the excellent durability of the capsules. The comprehensive results show that the Cu@MgO-SiO2/Al2O3 macrocapsules possess strong thermal storage capacity and can be used as effective thermal storage materials, especially in advanced high temperature thermal storage systems.

Tuneability and optimum functionality of plasmonic transparent conducting oxide-Ag core-shell nanostructures

Tunning localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in transparent conducting oxides (TCO) has a great impact on various LSPR-based technologies. In addition to the commonly reported mechanisms used for tunning LSPR in TCOs (e.g., size, shape, carrier density modifications via intrinsic and extrinsic doping), integrating them in core-shell structures provides an additional degree of freedom to expand its tunability, enhance its functionality, and widen its versatility through application-oriented core-shell geometrical optimization. In this work, we explore the tuneability and functionality of two TCO nanostructures; indium doped tin oxide (ITO) and gallium doped zinc oxide (GZO) encapsulated with silver shell within the extended theoretical Mie theory formalism. The effect of core and shell sizes on LSPR peak position and line width as well as absorption and scattering coefficients is numerically investigated. Simulations showed that LSPRs of ITO-Ag and GZO-Ag core-shell nanostructures have great tunning capabilities, spanning from VIS to IR spectral range including therapeutic window of human tissue and essential solar energy spectrum. Potential functionality as refractive index sensor (RIS) and solar energy absorber (SEA) are examined using appropriate figure of merits (FoM). Simulations indicate that a geometrically optimized core-shell architecture with exceptional FoMs for RIS and SEA can be realized. Contrary to carrier density manipulation, integrating TCO cores to metallic shells proves to be an effective approach to enhance tunability and optimize functionality for high performance TCO-based plasmonic devices, with minimum impact on the inherited physical and chemical properties of the used TCO-core materials.

Bismuth-based material with alveolar-like structure as advanced anode for superior potassium storage

Bismuth (Bi)-based anodes have a promising application in potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity. However, Bi-based materials undergo unavoidable and drastic volume expansion during charging/discharging. In addition to this, the problem of poor reaction kinetics severely hinders its development. To solve these problems, we designed Bi2O3-Bi/Carbon hollow nanospheres (Bi2O3-Bi@CHNSs) inspired by the structure of alveoli and its contraction/expansion respiration mechanism. Bi2O3-Bi@CHNSs have an alveolus-like hollow core–shell structure and alveolus respiration-like reversible contraction/expansion mechanism for potassium storage, which provides good structural stability. In situ characterizations confirm that the Bi2O3 and Bi hybrid structures synergistically store potassium through a conversion/alloying mechanism. Bi2O3-Bi@CHNSs exhibited excellent rate performance as anode with a capacity of up to 270.4 mAh g−1 at a current density of 40 A g−1. Assembled as a full cell, the capacity reached 106.5 mAh g−1 at a current density of 30 A g−1, which is superior to most of the reported intact PIBs. This work utilized biomimetic design concepts to elaborate a bionic alveolar structure. It provides a new perspective for optimizing the volume expansion of Bi-based anodes and developing high-performance PIBs.

Pomegranate-like cobalt Phosphides@P-Doped carbon Nanostructures with controlled phase as anode materials for Lithium-Ion batteries

Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have recently emerged as prominent energy conversion and storage materials owing to their unique physicochemical property. Nevertheless, it’s still a difficult task to obtain phase-control of TMPs owing to multiple energetically favorable stoichiometries. Herein, a phase-controllable cobalt phosphide@C with the pomegranate core–shell structure are successfully realized by employing Co-glycerate as precursors and phytic acid (PA) as P sources, etching and coordination agents. With the presence of six phosphoryl groups and the strong coordination ability, PA allows the self-phosphating of Co atoms and the P-doped carbon shell, as well as the confinement of the obtained nanoparticles Additionally, as an organic acid, PA can etch the Co-glycerate precursors with the formation of hollow structures. With different etching time, metal-rich phosphides Co2P@C and monophosphides CoP@C are successfully achieved. When applied as anode materials, CoP@C demonstrates superior lithium storage performance by delivering a prominent reversible capacity up to 1187 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g and shows no capacity loss at 1 A/g after 500 cycles. This work presents a simple protocol to obtain TMPs with tunable metal/phosphorus ratios, phase selectivity and interface engineering, which could be applied in the field of energy storage and electrocatalysis.

Efficient and stable Pd catalyst confined in microporous carbon shells for phenol hydrogenation

In this article, Pd@CS nanosphere reactor with well-define core–shell structures were successfully synthesized using glucose and potassium tetrachloropalladium as C and Pd sources, respectively, through one-step hydrothermal methods. Obtained Pd@CS nanospheres exhibit excellent activity and stability for hydrogenation reaction of phenol to cyclohexanone. Under the conditions of 150 °C and 2 MPa H2, phenol was converted to cyclohexanone with a conversion of 99.9 % and a selectivity of 98.6 % within 3 h. In addition, Pd@CS has good stability and reusability, and the activity loss is not obvious, after 5 cycles, the selectivity is still above 95.0 %. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results in the mechanism exploration revealed the synthesis pathway of Pd@CS nanospheres. Finally, based on the density functional theory (DFT) results of the adsorption configuration of phenol on the surface of Pd clusters, the optimum adsorption position and the first hydrogenation site of phenol were investigated, and the reaction path of hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone was summarized

Enhanced adsorption and reduction of Pb(II) from aqueous solution by sulfide-modified nanoscale zerovalent iron: characterization, kinetics and mechanisms

Nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) was prone to aggregation and passivation, which limited its application. Here, sulfide-modified nZVI (S-nZVI) was synthesized to enhance Pb(II) removal, the transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope showed S-nZVI particles exhibited a core–shell structure, with Fe0 comprising the core and iron oxides in the shell, the generated iron sulfides (FeSx) were distributed over the iron oxides shell. The water contact angle results suggested S-nZVI was more hydrophobic than nZVI, which could prevent the oxidation of the inner Fe0 core with aqueous solution, furthermore, the electrochemical experiments demonstrated the FeSx improved the electron transfer efficiency from Fe0 core to contaminants, enhancing the reactivity of S-nZVI. Mechanism analysis confirmed that the electrostatic attraction, chemical precipitation, surface complexation and reduction occurred during the adsorption. S-nZVI with S/Fe molar ratio of 0.3 offered the best Pb(II) adsorption capacity, and higher pH value was favourable, the presence of co-existing cations (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+) all interfered the Pb(II) removal, followed as Ca2+ >Mg2+ > K+ > Na+. The pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir model could well described the adsorption process, indicating that monolayer adsorption dominated the process. Thermodynamic results showed the adsorption was a spontaneous endothermic process, even after 4 cycles of recycling, the removal rate remained at 76.4 %, demonstrating S-nZVI had good reusability.

Self-healing and wave-absorbing functional coupling of nano-Fe3O4 hybridized microcapsules

As a common high-performance wave absorber, the application prospect of nano-Fe3O4 in cementitious materials is limited due to its defects such as easy agglomeration and possible hydration reaction with cement clinker. In this study, self-healing and wave-absorbing functional coupling materials were synthesized by nano-Fe3O4 hybridized microcapsules. The physical and chemical properties of nano-Fe3O4 hybridized microcapsules were characterized by ESEM (Environmental scanning electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray diffractometer) and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectrum), etc. The self-healing properties of microcapsules were assessed. The electromagnetic parameters of microcapsules were measured, and the wave-absorbing performance of microcapsules with different matching thicknesses was assessed. The function coupling mechanism of self-healing and wave-absorbing of microcapsules hybridized by nano-Fe3O4 was revealed. The findings revealed that the residual weights of FM0 and FM40 were 1.28 % and 16.44 %, respectively. The hybrid microcapsules demonstrated the amorphous structure of self-healing microcapsules and the crystal structure characteristics of nano-Fe3O4. The highest strength healing rate of cement mortar mixed with microcapsules was 34.2 %. The minimum reflection loss and the corresponding effective bandwidth of the nano-Fe3O4 hybridized microcapsules with a thickness of 3 mm were −20.32 dB and 7.07 GHz, respectively. The nano-Fe3O4 hybridized microcapsules with core–shell structure exhibit excellent wave-absorbing performance through the functional coupling of dielectric loss and magnetic loss.

Construction of Au nanoparticles decorated on ZnFe2O4@ZnIn2S4 core-shell structure to enhance photocatalytic hydrogen production

Developing effective photocatalysts for water splitting is essential to generating H2 energy sources. Herein, a novel ZnFe2O4@ZnIn2S4/Au ternary composite (abbreviated as ZFO@ZIS/Au) was successfully designed and fabricated by loading Au nanoparticles on the ZFO@ZIS surfaces for effective photocatalytic H2 generation for the first time. Attributed to the synergistic effect of the traditional II-type heterojunction charge transfer and Au nanoparticles as co-catalysts, the ZFO@ZIS/Au heterojunction generated greater amounts of hydrogen under visible light irradiation. The ZFO-7%@ZIS/Au-2 catalyst displayed the highest H2 production rate of 1145.38 μmol∙g-1∙h-1, which was almost 3.87 times more than the ZIS value. Furthermore, several characterization techniques were performed to investigate the catalysts and evaluate the catalyst's photocatalytic activity when exposed to visible light. Lastly, a detailed discussion of the corresponding photocatalytic H2 production process of the as-prepared ZFO@ZIS/Au heterojunction was provided. The distinctive research might offer a potential approach for modifying zinc ferrate for photocatalytic hydrogen production.