High Surface Area Research Articles

Rational Bi[sbnd]Mo[sbnd]O nanospheres decorated g-C3N4 for photocatalytic performance of dye degradation

Developing a superior heterostructured composite, optimizing performance through synergies from complementary advantages in diverse materials, remains an ongoing challenge. The rise in organic contaminants in freshwater bodies possesses a major threat to human health. Various dyes such as Rhodamine B, Eosin Y and Methylene Blue are found in excess concentration due to industrial usage and their removal is important for environmental remediation and contaminant-free water. In this study, we report synthesis and fabrication of Bi2MoO6/g-C3N4 (BM/CN) composite photocatalyst and Rhodamine B photodegradation studies. The composite photocatalysts have been characterized using XRD, TGA, FT-IR, UV–Vis, TRPL, SEM, TEM, XPS, electrochemical, and BET studies over g-C3N4, Bi2MoO6, and Bi2MoO6 (10–40 wt%) supported on g-C3N4 photocatalysts. The photocatalytic studies are performed using various composite photocatalysts of BM/CN show 30%-Bi2MoO6 supported on g-C3N4 (30BM/CN) exhibits maximum visible light activation for dye degradation with 3.6 and 2.4-fold higher rate of degradation than bare g-C3N4 and Bi2MoO6, respectively. Higher surface area, broad light absorption, enhanced lifetime, lower charge transfer and higher transient photocurrents of the composite photocatalysts compared to g-C3N4 and Bi2MoO6. Moreover, study is aided with scavenger tests to support the proposed mechanism.The increased photoactivity of 30BM/CN is due to the synergistic interplay of improved charge generation and a reduction in the electron-hole (e−/h+) recombination rate.

Synthesis of Porous Connected Cryoaerogel Networks from Cadmium Chalcogenide Nanoplatelet Stacks

Cadmium chalcogenide nanoplatelets (NPLs) are not only known due to their unique optical properties but also because of their ability to self‐assemble into stacks with new collective properties. Only recently, a stacking process in an aqueous medium has been demonstrated, which opens up possible applications and methods such as gelation. Nanoparticle‐based aerogels gain a lot of attention due to their high relative surface areas and porosity and thus, high potential for catalytic applications. Herein, the positive properties of aerogels to the NPL‐stack system by cryoaerogelation of destabilized NPL dispersions are introduced. After the addition of an antisolvent to initiate the stacking, the dispersion is flash‐frozen with liquid nitrogen and freeze‐dried. By this method, porous cryoaerogel networks result in high surface areas and retained stacking of the NPLs. The formed stack‐gels are investigated by electron microscopy and physisorption measurements. Optical and photoelectrochemical measurements verify the charge carrier transport within the stack‐gel network.

#780 “In vivo” difference in ultrafiltration coefficient between two same membrane dialyzers: bigger surface area accounts for better dialysis outcomes?

Abstract Background and Aims Ultrafiltration coefficient (KUF) is a measure of dialyzer permeability to water, given by manufacturers, and expressed in milliliters/hour/mmHg of pressure gradient. Most dialyzers used at this moment are classified as high-flow as having a KUF >20 mL/h/mmHg. KUF value of a dialyzer is an “in vitro” measure which does not correlate with “in vivo” measure, stated to be 5-30% less than theoretical KUF. According to this statement, we wanted to study differences between theoretical and real KUF of two dialyzers with the same membrane composition and different surface area. For this task, we chose 2 dialyzers of usual use in our dialysis unit: FX CorDiax 1000 and FX CorDiax 80 (®FMC). These dialyzers have a main difference in Surface area: 2.3 and 1.8 m2, respectively, and have a theoretical KUF of 76 and 64 mL/h/mmHg. Also, both dialyzers differ in intern diameter (210 vs 185 µm). Method A prospective, not randomized trial was conducted. Inclusion criteria were patients in chronic dialysis at our center, in postdilutional online hemodiafiltration with a FX1000 dialyzer. All patients were informed and accepted freely signing an informed consentment. On 2 consecutive weeks, the intermediate dialysis session of the week was performed in a DBB-EXA dialysis monitor (®Nikkiso), first with a FX CorDiax 1000 and next week with a FX CorDiax 80, with habitual patient dialysis parameters (240 minutes). Blood tests were taken previous and after the session to evaluate clearance differences between both filters. During the session, pressure and flow data was recorded, with an “in vivo” KUF measurement given by the monitor. Results Dialysis sessions were performed in 12 patients who met inclusion criteria. Data results are shown in Table 1. Significant differences between FX CorDiax 1000 and FX CorDiax 80 were observed in prefilter pressure (p 0.008), convective volume (p 0.034), prolactin reduction ratio (p 0.012), “in vivo” KUF/ “in vitro” KUF ratio (p 0.002). “In vivo” KUF graphic given by the monitor showed a logarithmic function curve, with a stabilization between the 2nd and 3rd hour of the session. Conclusion In our study, measurement of “in vivo” KUF by Nikkiso monitor showed a slow decrease after 2nd hour of session, probably related with protein cake of membrane pores. “In vivo” KUF measure was approximately a 40-45% of theoretical value given by manufacturer. The “in vivo” KUF/ “in vitro” KUF ratio was higher for the smaller dialyzer, which probably means a higher optimization of its surface area with usual dialysis sessions. Convective volume and prolactin reduction ratio, as parameters of dialysis efficacy, are higher in the dialyzer with higher surface area and inner intern diameter.

Facile Preparation of High-Performance Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO)/Copper (Cu) Composites Based on Pyrolysis of Copper Formate

Graphene has attracted much interest in many scientific fields because of its high specific surface area, Young’s modulus, fracture strength, carrier mobility and thermal conductivity. In particular, the graphene oxide (GO) prepared by chemical exfoliation of graphite has achieved low-cost and large-scale production and is one of the most promising for Cu matrix composites. Here, we prepared a high strength, high electrical conductivity and high thermal conductivity reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/Cu composite by directly heating the GO/copper formate. The oxygen-containing functional groups and defects of RGO are significantly reduced compared with those of GO. The tensile yield strength and thermal conductivity of RGO/Cu composite with RGO volume fraction of 0.49 vol.% are as high as 553 MPa and 364 W/(m·K) at room temperature, respectively. The theoretical value of the tensile yield strength of the composite is calculated according to the strengthening mechanism, and the result shows that it agrees with the experimental value. After hot-rolling treatment, the ductility and conductivity of the composite materials have been greatly improved, and the ductility of the RGO/Cu composite with RGO volume fraction of 0.49 vol.% has been increased to four times the original. This work provides a highly efficient way to fabricate a high-performance RGO-reinforced Cu composite for commercial application.

Hybrid catalyst‐assisted synthesis of multifunctional carbon derived from Camellia shell for high‐performance sodium‐ion batteries and sodium‐ion hybrid capacitors

AbstractBiomass‐derived carbon as energy storage materials have gradually attracted widespread attention due to their low cost, sustainability, and inherent structural advantages. Herein, hard carbon (H‐1200) and porous carbon (PC‐800) for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), sodium‐ion capacitors (SICs) half cells and sodium‐ion hybrid capacitors (SIHCs) have been synthesized from the same biomass precursor of Camellia shells through different treatments. H‐1200 synthesized by directly high‐temperature carbonization possesses a rational graphitic layer structure and plentiful heteroatoms. When applied as anode for SIBs, it exhibits a reversible capacity of 365.5 mAh g–1 at 25 mA g–1 and capacity retention 89.0% after 400 cycles at 200 mA g–1. Additionally, PC‐800 prepared by catalytic carbonization of K2C2O4/CaC2O4 hybrid catalyst has a sophisticated porous structure and a high surface area of 2186.9 m2 g–1. When employed as a cathode for SICs, it delivers a maximum capacity 104.2 mAh g–1 at 100 mA g–1 and 35.0 mAh g–1 at 5 A g–1. Furthermore, the all carbon assembled SIHC (H‐1200||PC‐800) using H‐1200 as anode and PC‐800 as cathode, features a broad output voltage range (0.01 ~ 4.1 V), high energy density of 161.5 Wh kg–1, power density of 12896.1 W kg–1, and superior capacity retention of 90.32% after 10000 cycles at 10 A g–1. This research result provide a new horizon for constructing low‐cost and large‐scale production of biomass derived carbon for energy storage materials.

Nanoscale-Confined Synthesis of 2D Metal Compounds for Electrochemical Applications.

2D metal compounds, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), layered double hydroxides (LDHs), and MXenes, are emerging as important electrocatalyst materials in the transition to a sustainable energy future. Aided by their high surface area, electrical conductivity, and tunable electronic properties, these materials have provided a crucial research thrust in enhancing the efficiency of green hydrogen production, fuel cells, and carbon reduction processes. Most importantly, the synthesis of nanostructured 2D compounds, while challenging, is the key to optimizing their catalytic performance. Recent advancements in this field have highlighted the potential of 2D metal compounds in revolutionizing energy conversion technologies, which entails the discovery of new material compositions, the development of novel synthetic routes, and the integration of these materials into practical energy conversion systems. This review presents an overview of the distinctive characteristics of nanoscale-confined 2D metal compounds, the challenges encountered in their synthesis, and electrochemical applications.

Simultaneous enhancement of CO2 adsorption capacity and kinetics on a novel micro-mesoporous MIL-101(Cr)-based composite: Experimental and DFT study

MIL-101(Cr), a class of metal-organic framework, is a potential candidate for CO2 capture applications because of its high capacity of adsorption and separation capability. However, the intrinsic microporous structure of this nanomaterial poses limitations on its adsorption kinetics. Techniques employed to enhance its adsorption kinetics often adversely impact its adsorption capacity at equilibrium. Herein, as a new approach, we prepared amine-functionalized FAC@MIL-101(Cr) composites with adjustable micro-mesoporous structure and tunable nitrogen content by embedding different ratios of amine-functionalized activated carbon throughout the framework of MIL-101(Cr). This led to a simultaneous improvement in both kinetics and adsorption capacity for CO2. The best adsorbent, FAC-6@MIL-101(Cr), has excellent textural properties with a high surface area (1763.1 m2.g−1), great pore volume (1.29 cm3.g−1), and suitable nitrogen content (4.7 wt%). The adsorption analysis revealed that the modification of MIL-101(Cr) improved its CO2 adsorption capacity from 3.21 to 5.27 mmol/g under standard conditions of 1 bar and 25 °C. Furthermore, the FAC-6@MIL-101(Cr) adsorbent demonstrated fast CO2 adsorption kinetics (three times more relative to the pure MIL-101(Cr)), high CO2/N2 selectivity, and remarkable cyclic stability. The results confirmed that hybridization enhanced the polarizability of FAC@MIL-101(Cr) samples, causing more robust CO2-adsorbent surface interactions. Simultaneously, the existence of mesopores in the structure facilitated the transport of CO2 into the interior pores, resulting in a more efficient contact of CO2 molecules with all of the amine sites and a faster adsorption rate as well as more efficient regeneration. According to density functional theory (DFT) calculations, hybridization process induces significant changes in composites’ electronic structure, enhancing their capacity to interact with CO2 molecules more effectively. On the other hand, DFT calculations confirm that N2 molecule is less activated on the FAC@MIL-101(Cr) as evidenced by calculated small adsorption energy and charge-transfer values.

Modulating the D-π-A Interactions in Metal-Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient Electroreduction of CO2 into Formate.

Crystalline porous framework materials have attracted tremendous interest in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction owing to their ordered structures and high specific surface areas as well as rich designability, however, still suffer from a lack of accuracy in regulating the binding strength between the catalytic sites and intermediates, which is crucial for optimizing the electrocatalytic activity and expanding the product types. Herein, we report three new kinds of vinylene-linked metal-covalent organic frameworks (TMT-CH3-MCOF, TMP-CH3-MCOF and TMP-MCOF) with continuously tunable D-π-A interactions by adjusting the structure of the monomers at the molecular level for realizing efficient electroreduction of CO2 to formate for the first time. Interestingly, compared with TMT-CH3-MCOF and TMP-MCOF, the TMP-CH3-MCOF exhibited the highest HCOO- Faradaic efficiency (FEHCOO-) of 95.6% at -1.0 V vs RHE and displayed the FEHCOO- above 90% at the voltage range of -1.0 to -1.2 V vs. RHE, which is one of the highest among various kinds of reported electrocatalysts. Theoretical calculations further reveal that the catalytic sites in TMP-CH3-MCOF with unique moderate D-π-A interactions have suitable binding ability towards the reaction intermediate, which is beneficial for the formation of *HCOO and desorption of *HCOOH, thus effectively promoting the electroreduction of CO2 to formate.

Modulating the D‐π‐A Interactions in Metal‐Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient Electroreduction of CO2 into Formate

Crystalline porous framework materials have attracted tremendous interest in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction owing to their ordered structures and high specific surface areas as well as rich designability, however, still suffer from a lack of accuracy in regulating the binding strength between the catalytic sites and intermediates, which is crucial for optimizing the electrocatalytic activity and expanding the product types. Herein, we report three new kinds of vinylene‐linked metal‐covalent organic frameworks (TMT‐CH3‐MCOF, TMP‐CH3‐MCOF and TMP‐MCOF) with continuously tunable D‐π‐A interactions by adjusting the structure of the monomers at the molecular level for realizing efficient electroreduction of CO2 to formate for the first time. Interestingly, compared with TMT‐CH3‐MCOF and TMP‐MCOF, the TMP‐CH3‐MCOF exhibited the highest HCOO‐ Faradaic efficiency (FEHCOO‐) of 95.6% at ‐1.0 V vs RHE and displayed the FEHCOO‐ above 90% at the voltage range of ‐1.0 to ‐1.2 V vs. RHE, which is one of the highest among various kinds of reported electrocatalysts. Theoretical calculations further reveal that the catalytic sites in TMP‐CH3‐MCOF with unique moderate D‐π‐A interactions have suitable binding ability towards the reaction intermediate, which is beneficial for the formation of *HCOO and desorption of *HCOOH, thus effectively promoting the electroreduction of CO2 to formate.

Zigzag boron nitride nanotube functionalization as a sensor for the recognition of group IIA (Mg2+, Ca2+) metal ions, quasi-metal (Si2+, Ge2+) ions, and transition metal (Cu2+, Zn2+) ions: a computational study.

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) provide an exceptional and sophisticated platform for detecting metal ions with high surface area and remarkable chemical stability. Metal cations tend to bind to the surface of BNNTs, which leads to significant changes in the electrical properties of nanotubes. BNNT-based metal ion sensors have shown promising results in various applications, including water quality monitoring, biomedical research, industrial quality control, and environmental monitoring. In the present study, we have explored the electronic sensitivity of the BNNT to metal ions (Si2+, Ge2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+). The interaction between the ions with the pristine BNNT is performed in the solution phase. The results show that ion adsorption on the nanotube surface is exothermic and favorable. The density of states calculation is presented to investigate the electronic properties of the nanotube during the adsorption process. The results display that an increase in the electrical conductivity of the complexes accompanies the reduction in the energy gap. Based on the obtained data, the Si2+ and Ge2+ cations adsorbed on the BNNT with satisfactory Eg changes (%ΔE) can be promising candidates for better sensing ability. All calculations are conducted within the density functional theory (DFT) using the ωB97XD functional and 6-31G(d,p) basis set. The present approach incorporates the utilization of empirical atom-atom dispersion in conjunction with long-range correction. The calculations are performed using the quantum chemistry package GAMESS, and the obtained results are visualized by employing the GaussView 6.0.16 program.

Electrochemical detection platform based on graphene-zinc oxide composite nanomaterials for 17β-estradiol determination in milk

This research presents the development of an innovative electrochemical detection platform using a graphene-zinc oxide (G-ZnO) nanocomposite for the quantification of 17β-estradiol in milk. The G-ZnO nanocomposite, synthesized via a facile one-pot method, exhibited a unique wrinkled structure with a high specific surface area of 143 m²/g. Characterization through SEM, TEM, and XRD confirmed the effective integration of ultrafine ZnO nanoparticles onto graphene sheets. The electrochemical performance of the G-ZnO modified glassy carbon electrode was evaluated, revealing a notably low detection limit of 8.3 nM for 17β-estradiol, a significant improvement over traditional sensors. The sensor demonstrated a wide linear range of 0.05–100 μM and exceptional reproducibility with less than 3.5 % RSD over repeated measurements. Recovery studies in spiked milk samples yielded highly accurate results, with recovery percentages ranging from 97.8 % to 104.6 %. These findings underscore the potential of G-ZnO nanocomposites in creating sensitive, efficient, and reliable sensors for healthcare and environmental applications.

Eco-Friendly biogenic synthesis, characterization of Au/Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles and its catalytic activity towards degradation of Rhodamine-B

Eco-Friendly biogenic synthesis of gold and iron oxide (Au/Fe3O4) Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) using Lepidagathis cristata (LC) leaf extract act as capping and reducing agent. The prepared MNPs was characterized by different analytical techniques such as UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, TEM, VSM and BET adsorption-desorption methods. The XRD revealed the formation of LC/Au/Fe3O4 MNPs with crystallite size of about~30 nm. The synthesized LC/Au/Fe3O4 MNPs were found to be ferromagnetic nature, which was confirmed by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) at room temperature. Besides, the prepared composite exhibits high specific surface area of 23.6 m2g-1. As well as, the LC/Au/Fe3O4 MNPs showed a good catalytic nature for the degradation of Rhodamine-B (Rh-B) in the presence of Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) in aqueous solution.

Core Shell Structured Silica/Porous Carbon Composite as an Efficient Anode for Lithium Ion Batteries

Si‐based materials are taken into consideration as suitable anode materials for lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) batteries due to their high specific capacity. However, their cycle life is limited due to high volumetric changes during discharging and charging in Li‐ion battery (LIB). Silica (SiO2) is abundantly present in nature, but standalone delivers moderate Li storage capacity. Commercially, graphite is considered as efficient anode in LIB. The current research focuses on improving the performance of silica as anode material to achieve the best specific capacity of LIBs. Herein, the core‐shell‐structured silica/porous carbon composite (50:50, wt%) is synthesized using a hydrothermal method. The shell of porous carbon not only covers the core silica but also provides a very high surface area of ≈1057 m2 g−1 to the composite. The synthesized silica/porous carbon composite acts as an active anode material in Li‐ion half‐cell, which shows the best specific capacity of ≈642 mAh g−1 at 700 cycles at 100 mA g−1 current density and a high capacity retention of ≈97%. The porous carbon on silica helps in the uniform percolation of the electrolyte. It also provides a conducting path to the electrons and further reduces Li‐ion diffusion time by producing more active sites. The shell of porous carbon on core‐silica helps to suppress the volumetric changes that happen during the lithiation and de‐lithiation process. Due to these advantages, the core‐shell‐structured silica/porous carbon composite anode shows consistent and stable cycling performance over large number of cycles.

High Surface Area NiCo2O4@Ni-MOF Core-Shell Nanoarrays Are Grown on Nickel Foam As High-Performance and Stably Asymmetric Supercapacitors

High Surface Area NiCo2O4@Ni-MOF Core-Shell Nanoarrays Are Grown on Nickel Foam As High-Performance and Stably Asymmetric Supercapacitors

Biomass-Derived Carbon Materials for Advanced Metal-Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors: A Step Towards More Sustainable Energy

Modern research has made the search for high-performance, sustainable, and efficient energy storage technologies a main focus, especially in light of the growing environmental and energy-demanding issues. This review paper focuses on the pivotal role of biomass-derived carbon (BDC) materials in the development of high-performance metal-ion hybrid supercapacitors (MIHSCs), specifically targeting sodium (Na)-, potassium (K)-, aluminium (Al)-, and zinc (Zn)-ion-based systems. Due to their widespread availability, renewable nature, and exceptional physicochemical properties, BDC materials are ideal for supercapacitor electrodes, which perfectly balance environmental sustainability and technological advancement. This paper delves into the synthesis, functionalization, and structural engineering of advanced biomass-based carbon materials, highlighting the strategies to enhance their electrochemical performance. It elaborates on the unique characteristics of these carbons, such as high specific surface area, tuneable porosity, and heteroatom doping, which are pivotal in achieving superior capacitance, energy density, and cycling stability in Na-, K-, Al-, and Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors. Furthermore, the compatibility of BDCs with metal-ion electrolytes and their role in facilitating ion transport and charge storage mechanisms are critically analysed. Novelty arises from a comprehensive comparison of these carbon materials across metal-ion systems, unveiling the synergistic effects of BDCs’ structural attributes on the performance of each supercapacitor type. This review also casts light on the current challenges, such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and performance consistency, offering insightful perspectives for future research. This review underscores the transformative potential of BDC materials in MIHSCs and paves the way for next-generation energy storage technologies that are both high-performing and ecologically friendly. It calls for continued innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration to explore these sustainable materials, thereby contributing to advancing green energy technologies.

Synergistic Enhancement of Supercapacitors with Cobalt–Copper Bimetal–Organic Framework

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), as high‐potential electrode materials for applications in supercapacitors, have received significant attention recently. Unfortunately, MOF materials still suffer from unsatisfactory specific capacitances due to poor conductivity and limited redox active sites. Herein, a novel cobalt–copper‐based bimetal–organic framework (CoCu‐MOF) is synthesized by a bottom‐up synthesis strategy, the material properties systematically characterized, and finally investigated as a supercapacitor electrode material. The synthesized CoCu‐MOF presents a high specific surface area of 62.4 m2 g−1, and 83% of the copper ions attains the +1 oxidation state contributing to the formation of additional redox active sites and leading to the formation of dual‐redox sites. The CoCu‐MOF displays an excellent specific capacitance of 618 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, which is more than twice that of Co‐MOF and four times that of Cu‐MOF. The CoCu‐MOF retains 75% of its original capacitance after 3000 charge–discharge cycles at the current density of 1 A g−1. Overall, this work demonstrates how the bimetallic synergistic strategy can effectively enhance the electrochemical properties of MOFs by providing a higher specific surface area and by the introduction of dual redox sites.

Thermo‐mechanical properties of epoxy composites filled with inorganic particulate fillers for robust solder mask application

AbstractFiller components play a crucial role as thermo‐mechanical reinforcement to the epoxy‐based solder mask, ensuring effective insulation and passivation. This study investigates the impact of different inorganic filler types (talc, silica (SiO2), boron nitride (BN) and barium sulfate (BaSO4)) and loadings (5 and 15 wt%) on the tensile and thermal properties of the epoxy composites. The composites were blended, cast and thermally cured. Of these composites, only 15 wt% SiO2/epoxy composite exhibits notable increments in both tensile strength and modulus, surpassing unfilled epoxy by 11.65% and 31.9%, respectively. It also displays the highest elongation at break, supported by small particle size, high specific surface area and minimal void volume fraction. For thermal tests, the addition of all fillers increases the storage modulus in both glassy and rubbery regions, especially 15 wt% talc/epoxy composite with 30.09% increment at 25 °C. Additionally, all fillers raise the glass transition temperature (Tg), notably improving it by 9 °C in the 15 wt% BN/epoxy composite. Moreover, their inclusion generally enhances the onset decomposition temperature (Tonset) and reduces weight loss during decomposition. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Self‐smoothing lithium metal anode based on screen‐printed Cu‐mesh current collector for long‐term safety of lithium metal batteries

AbstractLithium metal is an attractive anode candidate to enable high‐energy lithium battery systems. However, nonideal dendrite growth at the anode/separator interface hinders the safe application of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Three‐dimensional (3D) current collectors (CCs) with high specific surface area could afford a crucial effect on suppressing dendrites, yet still subject to large thickness/weight and limited scalability for large‐area fabrication. Here, we show an industry‐compatible screen‐printing technique to prepare ultrathin (∼1.5 μm) and ultralight (∼0.54 mg cm−2) Cu mesh on commercial Cu foil to realize a long‐term safety of LMBs. In contrast to conventional laboratory level techniques, the screen‐printed Cu‐mesh CCs (∼8.3 mg cm−2), which are even lighter than the original Cu foil (∼8.84 mg cm−2), show a high compatibility for large‐area fabrication. Meanwhile, the periodic Cu mesh can be also used to regulate the homogeneous distribution of Li‐ion flux and thus, be in favor of realizing self‐smoothing anodes at even deep and fast plating/stripping of lithium. The resulting lithium anodes demonstrate a long‐term cyclic life of ∼840 h at 1 mA cm−2 with a high Coulombic efficiency of 97.5%. LMBs with Cu‐mesh CCs exhibit outstanding capacity retentions of ∼87% after 350 cycles at 1 C and ∼80% after 200 cycles at 5 C, suggesting a significant step of printable 3D CCs toward practical application of high‐energy LMBs.

Determination of Trace Cd(II) in Water and Cosmetics based on Au/GO/CuO Nanocomposite Functionalized Electrochemical Sensor

Abstract Cadmium (Cd(II)) is highly toxic to environmental, and while many approaches have been developed to measure cumulative Cd(II) concentration over time, online monitoring of spatiotemporal changes remains challenging. To address this, an electrochemical sensor for determination of ultra-trace Cd(II) was developed, based on gold/graphene oxide/copper oxide (Au/GO/CuO) nanomaterials modifying glassy carbon electrode. CuO nanoparticles were prepared by a green synthesis method using plant extract, and the Au nanoparticles were deposited on the GO/CuO nanosubstrates by an in-situ electrochemical method. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The CuO nanoparticles are layered flower-like with an average particle size of 200-500 nm. Au/GO/CuO nanocomposites with high specific surface area and excellent electronic transmission capability enhanced the electrochemical signal of the sensor. Owing to the synergistic effect of Au/GO/CuO, the sensor exhibited good performance to Cd(II) in the ultra-wide range of 5×10-11 - 5×10-7 M with a detection limit of 2×10-11 M. The sensor was successfully quantified for determining Cd(II) with desirable recovery, displaying outstanding long-term stability, high sensitivity, and reproducibility. After validating its accuracy, this sensor was successfully used for detection of Cd (II) in water and cosmetic samples.

Enhanced Replenishment of Active Lattice Oxygen Using Chiral Copper Oxide.

Effective catalytic performance of the transition metal oxide is attributed to high specific surface areas, abundant surface oxygen atoms, and balanced valence ratios. Although the chirality of the transition metal has attracted attention, most studies have focused on optical application. A few chiral transition metal oxides were used as electrocatalysts and photocatalysts. The influence of the chiral catalysts on the thermal catalysis process has been less explored. In this study, Mn-loaded chiral (M/l-CuO and M/d-CuO) and achiral CuO (M/a-CuO) were synthesized and compared in the catalytic oxidization of toluene. Spectrally analyzed Mn was well-dispersed on both chiral and achiral CuO. l-CuO and d-CuO showed nanoflower-like chirality. The angles between each (001) plane of CuO were the source of chirality. The toluene turnover frequency (TOF) of the samples was in the order of Mn/d-CuO (5.6 × 10-5 s-1) > Mn/l-CuO (4.4 × 10-5 s-1) > Mn/a-CuO (3.2 × 10-5 s-1) at 240 °C, consistent with the order of the oxygen replenishment rate. The as-prepared catalysts had similar ratios of lattice oxygen/surface adsorbed oxygen, Mn3+/Mn4+, and Cu+/Cu2+. A higher TOF was attributed to chirality, which increased the lattice oxygen replenishment speed from the gaseous phase to the solid surface. Our study indicates gas-solid catalysis from a structure-activity viewpoint.