Nitrogen Adsorption Measurements Research Articles

Synthesis, structure, and properties of a Au/MnO x –CeO2 nanocatalyst for low-temperature oxidation of carbon monoxide

We have synthesized Au/MnOx–CeO2 nanocatalysts for the low-temperature oxidation of carbon monoxide. Gold nanoparticles applied by the deposition precipitation (DP) method were used as an active phase. The composition, structure, and textural characteristics of the materials and the charge state of the components of the catalysts were studied using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, highresolution transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption measurements. The carbon monoxide concentration in the catalytic oxidation products was determined by gas chromatography. The influence of calcination temperature on the charge state of the components of the surface layer of Au/ MnOx–CeO2 and the catalytic activity of the materials was examined. The catalytic activity of the materials was shown to be determined to a significant degree by the Mn3+, Au3+, and weakly bound oxygen concentrations in the surface layer.

Low temperature gel-combustion synthesis of porous nanostructure LaFeO3 with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity in reduction of Cr(VI)

LaFeO3 was synthesized via a simple gel-combustion method at the calcination temperatures of 200–400°C. The X-ray diffraction characterization indicated that the products synthesized at 200–400°C were all pure perovskite phase LaFeO3. The scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the LaFeO3 synthesized at 200°C had a porous nanostructure, but became a solid nanostructure at 400°C. The nitrogen adsorption measurements suggested that the specific surface area of LaFeO3 increased with the lowering of the calcination temperature. The UV–vis diffuse reflection spectra showed that the LaFeO3 synthesized at 200°C exhibited the strongest absorption of visible-light. The photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that as the calcination temperature was lowered, the resultant LaFeO3 exhibited obviously enhanced photocatalytic activity in reduction of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution under visible-light (wavelength longer than 420nm) irradiation. This work can enrich our knowledge on the synthesis and photoabsorption properties of porous nanostructure LaFeO3, and contribute to the application of LaFeO3 nanomaterials in treating the wastewaters contaminated by highly toxic and intractable Cr(VI).

Incorporation of various heterometal atoms in CHA zeolites by hydrothermal conversion of FAU zeolite and their performance for selective catalytic reduction of NOx with ammonia

Heterometal atom incorporation in CHA aluminosilicate zeolites ([Al, M]-CHA, M = Fe, Ga, Sn) was successfully achieved by hydrothermal conversion of heterometal-incorporated FAU aluminosilicates ([Al, M]-FAU). X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy, magic angle spinning NMR, and nitrogen adsorption measurements confirmed the formation of [Al, M]-CHA zeolites with heterometal atoms occupying homogeneously distributed tetrahedral coordination sites. The choice of hydrothermal conversion using [Al, M]-FAU was prompted by the inability to produce [Al, M]-CHA zeolites from amorphous hydrogels. The hydrothermal conversion of [Al, Fe]-FAU to [Al, Fe]-CHA was characterized by XRD, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and UV–vis spectroscopy. Analyses of liquid and solid phases during synthesis indicated that metal species present in the solid phase play an important role in the transformation process. We also investigated the effectiveness of Cu-loaded CHA zeolites for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx by ammonia (NH3-SCR). Catalytic performance depended strongly on the kind and/or amount of heterometal atom in the [Al, M]-CHA zeolite. Although all fresh catalysts exhibited similar NO conversion efficiencies, there was a difference in NH3 conversion effectiveness at low reaction temperatures. Cu-loaded [Al, Ga]-CHA provided almost 100% NH3 conversion at 150 °C. The [Al, Sn]-CHA catalyst exhibited high stability even after hydrothermal treatment at 900 °C for 4 h. These results confirm hydrothermal conversion as an effective method for synthesizing heterometal-incorporated zeolite catalysts with high NH3-SCR performance.

Facile formation of gold nanoparticles on periodic mesoporous bipyridine-silica

Silica-supported gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can be synthesized on a bipyridine incorporated periodic mesoporous organosilica (BPy-PMO) as an inorganic support. Reaction of a bipyridine group in the periodic mesoporous organosilica with HAuCl4 forms an AuCl2-based complex, and its structure corresponds to a homogeneous complex, [AuCl2(bpy)]Cl. Thermal reduction of the complex in H2 results in the formation of small gold nanoparticles with an average size of ca. 3.8nm. Combined with nitrogen adsorption, XRD, UV/Vis, TEM, and XAFS measurements, it is demonstrated that uniform gold nanoparticles are homogeneously distributed inside mesopores. The size and distribution of gold nanoparticles are mainly controlled by strong interaction of surface metallic Au with pore walls of the periodic mesoporous organosilica. AuNPs/BPy-PMO shows higher catalytic activity than Au/MCM-41 in aerobic oxidation of benzaldehyde.

A novel hierarchical graphene/polyaniline hollow microsphere as electrode material for supercapacitor applications

A hierarchical graphene/polyaniline hollow microspheres with sandwich structure (GCS@PANI@RGO) have been successfully synthesized by the in situ polymerization of PANI on the surface of graphene carbon sphere (GCS) and then the electrostatic self-assembly of graphene oxide and reduction without etching templates. The morphologies and microstructures of the microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption measurements. The results show that the GCS@PANI@RGO composites demonstrate desirably hierarchical hollow microspheres with sandwich structure and the strong interactions such as electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions existed between the layers in hierarchical hollow microspheres. The electrochemical behaviors of GCS@PANI@RGO as electrode were investigated by cyclic voltammograms, galvanostatic charge–discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The GCS@PANI-8@RGO showed a high specific capacitance of 446.19 F g−1 at the scanning rate of 5 mV s−1 in 1 M H2SO4 solution, and exhibit an outstanding long-term cycling stability with capacitance retentions of 93.4% after 1000 charging–discharging cycles at a current density of 2 A g−1 and even 88.7% after 5000 cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the novel sandwiched hollow structure, and the synergic effect of the three components of GCS, PANI and RGO, which greatly enhance the electrical conductivity, promote the utilization of active materials and improve the structural stability. Therefore, such novel hierarchical hollow materials could be considered as quite suitable and promising electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors.

Assessment of Recovered Carbon Black Obtained by Waste Tires Steam Water Thermolysis: An Industrial Application

Nearly 300 Millions of waste tires have to be managed in Europe. The main industrial ways to treat this kind of waste are incineration for energetic valorization and tires milling in chips or granulates for material valorization in construction industry. Steam water thermolysis (SWT) of tires, a hybrid of pyrolysis and solvolysis, is a good alternative to valorize waste tires. Recovered carbon black (rCB), which can be reintroduced in rubber industry as reinforcing filler (circular economy concept), is a more economical added value material than shredded tires. Physical and chemical characterizations on SWT-rCB were performed following ASTM analytical standards. A comparison between furnace carbon black (N330) and rCB from pyrolysis (commercial products) was carried out. Oil Absorption Number (ASTM D2414) and nitrogen adsorption (ASTM D6556) measurements demonstrate that rCBs structure and specific surface area are comparable to a furnace carbon black N330. According to data issued from ASTM standards, the behavior of rCBs reinforcement in rubbers is then expected to be equivalent to a N330 carbon black. Rubber compounds were produced with a homemade formula and mechanical characterizations were carried out in order to assess reinforcement properties of SWT-rCB. Comparisons in terms of mechanical properties have been established between rubbers reinforced with 100% of SWT-rCB, rubbers reinforced with furnace carbon blacks (N330, N550 and N772), and mixtures of SWT-rCB and furnace carbon blacks. The results clearly show that rCBs reinforcement properties are lower than those of N330 carbon black. However, for a same rubber formula, SWT-rCB filled rubbers properties are close or slightly better than N550 and N772 filled rubbers.

Confined polymerization: ARGET ATRP of MMA in the nanopores of modified SBA-15

Rod-like mesoporous SBA-15 silica particles were surface modified by different silane coupling agents firstly, then polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was prepared in the confined nanopores of the SBA-15 via activators regenerated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP). The PMMA/SBA-15 nanocomposites and PMMAs inside the nanopores were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption measurements, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), proton magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. The results demonstrated that the nanopores of SBA-15 could serve as nanoreactors and had great confinement effects on the MMA polymerization. The morphology of PMMAs obtained in the channels was similar to that of intrinsic structure of SBA-15. The thermal stability, molecular weights, isotacticity of PMMAs inside the pores were all increased significantly compared to the conventional PMMA by ARGET ATRP, while broadened the polydispersity index (PDI) values and reduced the syndiotacticity.

Synthesis and characterization of a binary system La2O3\u2013SiO2 prepared by combustion method

La2O3–SiO2 powders were prepared by the sol–gel and combustion method without addition of strong polar solvents to the initial system. Changes in the crystalline La2O3 structure and modification of surface binary oxides system were described as a function of concentration of the second component, that is silicon dioxide. A series of samples of La to Si molar ratios of 1:0.0, 1:0.1, 1:0.2, 1:0.3, and 1:0.4 were characterised by X-ray powder diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis, fourier transform infrared spectrum and low temperature nitrogen adsorption measurements. According to the results, even a large quantity of silicon oxide component in the binary oxides system led to relatively small increase in defects in hexagonal lanthanum oxides obtained in a non-aqueous medium.Graphical La2O3–SiO2 binary oxide system was prepared by the sol–gel method without addition of strong polar solvents (e.g., water, alcohol). The present study is to propose a method for the synthesis of La2O3–SiO2 samples with the use of three components (tetraethoxysilane, acetic acid, lanthanum acetate).

The effect of H2O/SiO2 ratio in precursor solution on the crystal size and morphology of zeolite ZSM-5

A series of zeolites ZSM-5 has been synthesized in hydrothermal conditions under various ratios of H2O/SiO2 ranging from 10 to 300. Materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption measurements, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia. The effect of H2O/SiO2 ratio in precursor solution on ZSM-5 product yield, crystallinity, crystal size, crystal size distribution, morphology, texture and acidity has been studied. The increase of H2O/SiO2 ratio in precursor solution from 10 to 300 results in decreasing the average crystal size from 1250 to 180 nm, the higher H2O/SiO2 ratio, the wider crystal size distribution. Aggregate-like mesoporous/hollow ellipsoid crystals and smooth pill-shaped crystals have been produced from precursor solutions with H2O/SiO2 = 25–100 and H2O/SiO2 = 10; 300, respectively. The average size of domains forming aggregate-like crystals is 40−50 nm. The specific acidity of ZSM-5 samples, synthesized from precursor solutions with different H2O/SiO2 molar ratios and the same Si/Al, has a trend to decrease along with the average crystal size increase.

Synthesis and characterization of iron‐ and nitrogen‐functionalized graphene catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

Iron‐ and nitrogen‐functionalized graphene (Fe‐N‐G), as well as iron‐ and nitrogen‐functionalized oxidized graphene (Fe‐N‐Gox) catalysts were synthesized as non‐noble metal electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The physical properties of the resultant catalysts were characterized using nitrogen adsorption measurements, X‐ray diffraction, Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies and transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, ORR activities of the catalysts were determined electrochemically using a conventional three‐electrode cell via cyclic voltammetry with a rotating disc electrode, the results of which indicated that the synthesized catalysts had a marked electrocatalytic activity towards ORR in acid media. Among the synthesized catalysts, that functionalized using 2,4,6‐tris(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine as nitrogen source had the highest electrocatalytic activity with the highest onset potential (0.98 V/SHE) and limiting current density (5.12 mA cm−2). The findings are particularly important to determine a non‐precious metal catalyst for ORR activity in fuel cells.

Preparation of Porous Polysaccharides Templated by Coordination Polymer with Three-Dimensional Nanochannels.

Polymerization of monosaccharide monomers usually suffers from the production of polysaccharides with ill-defined structures because of the uncontrolled random reactions among many reactive hydroxyl groups on saccharide monomers. In particular, rational synthesis of polysaccharides with porosity approximating molecular dimensions is still in its infancy, despite their usefulness as drug carriers. Here, we disclose an efficient synthetic methodology for the preparation of polysaccharides with controllable mesoporosity in the structure, utilizing [Cu3(benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate)]n (HKUST-1; 1) as templates. Cationic ring-opening polymerization of 1,6-anhydro glucose was performed in nanochannels of 1, followed by removal of the host frameworks, giving polysaccharide particles as replicas of the original molds. Nitrogen adsorption measurement revealed that the obtained polysaccharide particles contained high mesoporosity in the structure, which could be controlled systematically depending on the polymerization conditions. Because of the large specific surface area, tunable porosity and particle size, we could also demonstrate the capabilities of our polysaccharides for loading and releasing of a drug molecule and protein.

Mesoporous biologically-controlled 3D architectures assembling with Zn2SiO4 textured nanowires by biogenic-templated incorporating molten-salt method

Three-dimensional (3D) architectures assembling with Zn2SiO4 nanowires were synthesized by a novel molten-salt method using rice husk both as biomorphic template and SiO2 source. Also, ZnCl2 powder was chosen as reactant and molten-salt. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope were used to investigate the morphology and composition of this unique architecture. Nitrogen adsorption measurements verified the presence of mesoporous structure. The growth process of the synthesized Zn2SiO4 nanowires was proposed, including the introduction of ZnCl2 to rice husk, the formation of ZnOCl2·H2O nanostructures, and the growth of 3D Zn2SiO4 textured nanowires. Furthermore, the absorption capacity of 3D Zn2SiO4 architectures to remove Fe3+, Cr3+ and Mg2+ in water was performed.

Novel synthesis of porous aluminium and its application in hydrogen storage

A novel approach for confining LiBH4 within a porous aluminium scaffold was applied in order to enhance its hydrogen storage properties, relative to conventional techniques for confining complex hydrides. The porous aluminium scaffold was fabricated by sintering NaAlH4, which was in the form of a dense pellet, under dynamic vacuum. The final product was a porous aluminium scaffold with the Na and H2 having been removed from the initial pellet. This technique contributed to achieving highly dispersed LiBH4 particles that were also destabilised by the presence of the aluminium scaffold. In this study, the effectiveness of this novel fabrication method of confined/destabilised LiBH4 was extensively investigated, which aimed to simultaneously improve the hydrogen release at lower temperature and the kinetics of the system. These properties were compared with the properties of other confined LiBH4 samples found in the literature. As-synthesised samples were characterised using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Nitrogen Adsorption measurements. The hydrogen storage capacity of all samples was analysed using temperature programmed desorption in order to provide a comprehensive survey of their hydrogen desorption properties. The porous aluminium scaffold has a wide pore size distribution with most of the porosity due to pores larger than 50 nm. Despite this the onset hydrogen desorption temperature (Tdes) of the LiBH4 infiltrated into the porous aluminium scaffold was 200 °C lower than that of bulk LiBH4 and 100 °C lower than that of nanosized LiBH4. Partial cycling could be achieved below the melting point of LiBH4 but the kinetics of hydrogen release decreased with cycle number.

The new metal complex templated polyoxoborate(s) (POB(s)) structures. Synthesis, structural characterization, and hydrogen storage capacities

The polyoxoborate(s) (POB(s)) structures, including a neutral ligand-metal complex compound as a template, were synthesized and the structural characterizations were performed via single crystal X-ray diffraction, FTIR, 11B-NMR, solid state UV–Vis spectroscopy, SEM and elemental analysis methods. Moreover, the stabilization features were determined via TGA/DTA method. In addition, nitrogen and hydrogen adsorption measurements provided the realization to determine the pore size distribution, BET surface area, and hydrogen storage capacities. The molecular formulas of compounds were estimated as [Cu(C12H8N2)2(C2H3O2)][B5O6(OH)4]·2H3BO3·H2O (I) and [Ni(C12H8N2)2(H2O)2]·(B7O9(OH)5)·5H2O (II) and the existence of two different POB(s) structures as pentaborate (B5O6(OH)4) and heptaborate (B7O9(OH)5) within the compounds were observed. At last, it was found that the both structures have micro and mesoporosity with 0.407 and 1.480 m2/g BET surface areas, for the compound I and II, respectively. Moreover, within the same conditions, compound II could uptake 0.19 wt% hydrogen at 77 K and at the relative pressure of 1 while compound II uptakes 0.035 wt% hydrogen.

Porous carbons derived from pyrene-based conjugated microporous polymer for supercapacitors

Porous carbons with high surface area were obtained by pyrolysis of a pyrene-based conjugated microporous polymer with potassium hydroxide active agent. Nitrogen adsorption and desorption measurements demonstrated that the surface area, pore volume, pore size and pore size distributions of the resulting carbon materials are significantly dependent on the activation temperature. The performances of the supercapacitors fabricated from these carbon materials were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electrochemical capacitance and long cyclic stability. The results revealed that SDBPy-800-based electrode shows the highest specific capacitance of 301 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 in a three-electrode system among the three carbonized materials. A symmetric supercapacitor was further fabricated from SDBPy-800 in a two-electrode system, which also exhibits a high specific capacitance of 176 F g−1 at a current density of 0.25 A g−1, high rate capability and excellent cycling stability with the capacitance retention of 92.6% after 10,000 cycles. These results demonstrated that these porous carbon materials are promising for high-performance supercapacitors.

A facile synthesis for magnetic ferberite nanostructured material

Iron-tungsten oxide nanospinel have been prepared by two methods: microwave combustion method and Pechini method. The W-Fe bimetallic ferberite was successfully synthesized by microwave-assisted techniques. The resultant magnetic nanocomposites were characterized by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption, and magnetic properties measurement system. The prepared ferberite nanoparticles (50–65 nm) using microwave combustion method were pure monoclinic ferberite. The ferberite nanoparticles showed ferrimagnetic hysteresis loop with values of saturation magnetization and coercivity of 4.829 A.m2/Kg and 0.0312 T, successively.

Heteroatom Doping Combined with Microstructured Carbon to Enhance the Performance of Sodium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractA simple and effective procedure for the synthesis of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) co‐doped carbon accompanied by the formation of favorable microstructure is developed. The synthesized N and S co‐doped carbon materials are thoroughly investigated by electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption measurements. When applied as anodes in sodium‐ion batteries, high sodium storage capacities and excellent cyclic stability are obtained. It is observed that the contents of N and S atoms and the microstructure of the carbon have a significant effect on the performance of sodium‐ion battery. Under optimized synthetic conditions, the N and S co‐doped carbon materials have a specific capacity of 287.2 mA h g−1 in the second cycle and a stable specific capacity of 232.6 mA h g−1 even after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. Moreover, the simple and facile procedure can be conventionally adopted for the preparation of other heteroatom‐doped carbon materials.

Amberlite XAD copolymers as an environment for silica deposition

Polymer-silica composites are one of the most important and popular groups of functional materials. Thanks to their unique properties combining the features of both polymer and silica components, they are increasingly used in many areas of life. Amberlite-silica composites were prepared via swelling of a polymer in tetraethoxysilane TEOS. The influence of the character of the polymer and temperature on the composite structure is discussed. A systematic study of the structure of the polymer-silica composites was carried out using various techniques. The pore system of the investigated materials was examined by nitrogen adsorption measurements. The mesopore structure of initial polymers is substantially changed after incorporation of the silica component. Thermal transformation of the silica and polymer network was investigated by positronium annihilation lifetime spectroscopy PALS. Morphological features of the bulk material were studied using SEM and a profilometer. Mechanical resistance of spherical composite materials and silica produced by combustion of the polymer in the composite was determined in a compressive stress experiment. Beside conventional information, structural characterization is supplemented with discussion of the structural stability of the studied materials in a wide temperature range. Characterization of the composite materials on a molecular scale allows optimal use and further development of the new synthesis route discussed.

Investigation of a Correlation Between Structures of Mesoporous Carbon an Gas Adsorption Characteristics

Introduction PEFCs are paid much more attention since the commercialization of FCVs and are deeply related to carbon materials, which are components of PEFCs themselves and also related systems. In our group, we have been studying mesoporous carbon (MC), which has meso-channel structures with about 10 nm diameter, as a catalyst support and have successfully improved durability of PEFCs, so far. In order to further improve performance and durability of PEFCs and related systems, it is important to understand the fundamentals of adsorption properties of fuels involving hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, and water vapor. In this research, a correlation between structures of mesoporous carbon and gas adsorption characteristics is investigated. Experimental General MC was synthesized by mixing Pluronic® F127, resorcinol, formaldehyde, and trimethyl orthacetate and heated under nitrogen atmosphere. Other MC materials1 were also made by slightly different conditions as shown in Table 1. Then, gas adsorption properties of each sample were evaluated after the ball milling and heat treating at 900 oC. Results & discussion Hydrogen adsorption dependence on the pore size of MC is discussed here. If MC#1 and MC#2 in Table 1are compared, MC#2 has larger pores based on the pore distribution obtained from nitrogen adsorption measurements. The values of BET specific surface area of the MC#1 and the MC#2 results in not very much different, 615 m2/g and 650 m2/g, respectively. The maximum hydrogen absorption content (wt%) at 7 MPa has resulted in 0.6 % for MC#1 and 0.35 % for MC#2. Considering Chahine rule2 for carbon materials, revealing that linear relationship between the hydrogen absorption content and the specific surface area, our results are against that rule. Therefore, hydrogen adsorption properties can be explained by other than the specific surface area in our materials. The possible mechanism of hydrogen adsorption is further discussed through the analyses of several MC materials. (1) Y. Sonoda, A. Hayashi, Y. Minamida, E. Akiba, Chemistry Letters, 44, 503-505 (2015). (2) R. Chahine, T.K. Bose, 11th WHEC, 1996; Pergamon Press: Oxford, U.K., 1259 (1996). Figure 1

Investigation of formation heat treatment to enhance the multiscale gas transport ability of shale

In order to achieve the most economical production of shale gas, fracture networks should be as complex as possible to connect the matrix micropores, natural fractures and induced fractures efficiently. Since shale rock is very tight, hydraulic multi-fracturing in horizontal wells has been the key technology in shale gas development. However, it is still difficult to connect small-scale pores in the matrix. Meanwhile, the recovery rate of a fracturing fluid is low, resulting in severe formation damage primarily induced by water blocking or water phase trapping. In this work, formation heat treatment is studied for the first time in gas-shale to address these issues. Samples from Longmaxi Shale are used to investigate the change in the multiscale gas transport ability after a high temperature treatment. A core sample heating system is specially designed to measure a permeability change during a high temperature treatment. Field scanning electron microscopy imaging, total organic carbon and low pressure nitrogen adsorption measurements are also implemented to analyze a change in the micro structure after the high temperature treatment. The results indicate that shale permeability increases rapidly with an increase in temperature, especially when the temperature is more than 400–500 °C, which can be described as a threshold value in a percolation model. Experimental results also indicate that the quality of the shale matrix can be dramatically improved after a high temperature treatment since there is a high quartz and organic matter content in the shale. Stimulation mechanisms of a formation heat treatment in shale gas reservoirs are described as water removing, mineral and organic matter structure changes and multiscale fracture network generation. For the field application of formation heat treatment, both its advantages and issues that still need to be addressed are deeply analyzed. It is indicated that the mid-late period of shale gas production can be extended, and problems induced by a residual fracturing fluid can be solved by formation heat treatment. Constructive field operation suggestions, which combine the advantages of electrical heating and microwave heating, are presented.