Smaller Particle Size Distribution Research Articles

Inhalable spray dried lipidnanoparticles for the co-delivery of paclitaxel and doxorubicin in lung cancer

The present study aimed to develop and evaluate inhalable nanocarriers using different surfactants for enhancing the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapeutics. Surfactants (Cremophor EL, Tween 80 and Tween 20) loaded nano-lipid carriers (NLCs) containing Paclitaxel (PTX) and Doxorubicin (DOX) were prepared through solvent evaporation followed by spray drying technique. The prepared inhalable nanoaggregates were evaluated for various pharmaceutical and aerodynamic properties. Animal model was used to determine in-vivo drug distribution, and safety profile of optimized formulations. Particle size distribution analysis indicated that Cremophor EL based nanocarriers have smallest particle size distribution (394.1 ± 5.6 nm) compared to Tween 80 and Tween 20 characterized by size values, 575.6 ± 3.3 nm and 460.7 ± 2.6 nm, respectively. DSCand XRD analysis show no characteristic change in solid state properties of drugs in optimized formulation. Organ distribution studies demonstrated Cremophor EL DPIs show higher drug distribution in the lungs compared to other experimental formulations and plain drugs. Further animals treated with experimental DPIs show no sign of tissue damage with usual feeding and drinking behaviour after 24 h of treatment. In this study, spray-dried nanoaggregates composed of Cremophor EL encapsulating PTX and DOX offer a possible strategy to reverse the growing concern of drug resistance for improved therapeutic adherence.

Preparing ripening-suppressed metallic nanoparticles using a laser-irradiated carbon nanotube sacrificial layer

Supported metallic nanoparticles on a substrate has wide applications in catalysis, sensors and biological detection, where small particle size and uniform distribution are desired. Among the various preparation methods, thermal-induced nanofilm dewetting is a cost-efficient approach to obtain such supported nanoparticles. However, the nanoparticle size always grows out of control in dewetting because of unavoidable ripening at an elevated temperature. Herein, a laser-irradiated single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) film is skillfully introduced as a sacrificial layer in the process of Nickel (Ni) nanofilm dewetting, which can suppress particle ripening and is easy to be removed. Finally, uniform-distributed and small Ni nanoparticle array is achieved, showing a good catalytic effect in the chemical reaction of carbon nanotube etching. In principle, this sacrificial layer method also applies to preparing other ferromagnetic metallic nanoparticles such as Fe and Co, which will largely expand its application scope.

Effect of Particle Size on Biogas Generation from Sugarcane Bagasse and Corn Silage

In this study, the effect of particle size on sugarcane bagasse (SB) and corn silage (CS) with industrial wastewater for biogas production were investigated at a mesophilic temperature of 35 °C. Biogas, a renewable source of energy could serve as an alternative means to replace the use of non-renewables such as coal in South Africa. It has been found that the speed and stability of the anaerobic digestion process depends mainly on the particle size of the input material. Variations in particle sizes for both SB and CS were observed at 2 mm, 1 mm, 0.6 mm and 0.4 mm whiles the hydraulic retention time, the organic loading rate and the pH of the biodigesters were kept constant at 20 d, 0.5 gVS/100 mL and 6.5 - 8.0. 1 L biodigesters controlled in batch mode were used in this study leaving a 200 mL headspace followed by nitrogen purging to create the anaerobic environment. Highest biogas yield of 125 mL/d was observed from CS at a particle size of 0.4 mm. The result showed that smaller particle size distribution favours the biogas production of CS compared to SB.

An Improved Method to Prepare FePO4 by Introduction of Na3PO4 and Its Usage for Fabricating LiFePO4

A LiFePO4/C composite was synthesized by a simple solid-state reaction method using glucose as reductive agent and carbon source and FePO4 as precursor, which was prepared by introduction of Na3PO4 as phosphorus source and pH regulator in order to pursue lower cost and environmental protection. The structure and morphology of FePO4 and LiFePO4/C were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, electrochemical performance of LiFePO4/C was investigated by galvanostatic charge–discharge tests and cyclicvoltammogram (CV). The results indicate that FePO4 obtained has a small particle size and uniform particle distribution, which is demonstrated to be applicable as the iron source to synthesize LiFePO4/C. Prepared LiFePO4/C shows an excellent rate capability and cycle performance. At rates of 0.1 C, 0.2 C, 1 C and 2 C, the initial discharge capacities of 161, 158, 145 and 120 mAh/g were achieved, respectively and the discharge capacity is 154, 153, 140 and 116 mAh/g after 400 cycles. The employed method of preparing FePO4 by introduction of Na3PO4 has advantages such as low cost, safe raw material, environmental benign and recyclable products, which is suitable for industrial production.

Palladium/Copper Alloy Hollow Nanocubes Supported on Sulfur‐doped Graphene as Highly Efficient Catalyst for Ethylene Glycol Oxidation

AbstractTo control and regulate both the shape and size of metal nanoparticles is essential for the design and preparation of active and stable catalysts for fuel cell reactions such as the ethylene glycol (EG) electrooxidation reaction, which is highly sensitive to the structure of the catalysts. We report the synthetic strategy of PdCu alloy hollow nanocube supported on sulfur‐doped graphene (H‐PdCu/SG) catalyst through a self‐assembled hydrothermal process for ethylene glycol (EG) electrooxidation reaction. The as‐prepared hollow PdCu alloy nanocubes are well distributed on the SG surface with a relatively small particle size distribution. Additionally, the H‐PdCu/SG catalyst shows a superior electrocatalytic activity and stability toward EG oxidation.

Optimization and Physicochemical Characterization of Chitosan and Chitosan Nanoparticles Extracted from the Crayfish Procambarus clarkii Wastes

The main objective of this study was to allocate and evaluate the most optimum condition to prepare the chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles that will, subsequently, give the best physicochemical characterization regarding the nanoparticles' size and surface morphology. Chitosan from the exoskeleton wastes of Procambarus clarkii with degree of deacetylation 87% was extracted. Viscometry indicated that the obtained chitosan had a low molecular weight that can be useful in many applications. Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by using different concentrations of chitosan and the polyanion sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). For the determination of the optimum condition for the prepared chitosan nanoparticles, three different ratios of chitosan to the polyanion TPP were used, 1:1, 3:1, and 1:3. A novel nanoparticle system composed of low molecular weight chitosan was successfully prepared by the ionotropic gelation technique under an aqueous-based condition. The physicochemical characteristics of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles were elucidated by Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and zeta potential. The best physicochemical characteristics were obtained by adding chitosan to TPP in a ratio of 1:1. The small particle size and narrow range distribution of the obtained chitosan nanoparticles may increase their chance for easy and efficient manipulation for several applications in various fields. In addition, the obtained positively charged chitosan nanoparticles can be used for the delivery of negatively charged compounds.

Biological Activities and Dermal Penetration of Liposome-Containing <i>Coprinus atramentraris</i> Extract

The total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of five edible mushrooms (Pleurotus djamor, Agaricus bisporus, Hericlum erinaceus, Coprinus atramentraris and P. ostreatus) were evaluated. The Coprinus atramentraris ethanolic extract (CE) showed the promising antioxidant property and had a strong relationship with phenolic compound content. Liposome-containing CE formulations, were prepared with various lipid composition. The liposome formulation, L1, which composed of phospholipids and cholesterol at ratio of 6:4 gave the highest entrapment efficiency (24.03%), small particle size (143.03 nm) and favorable particle size distribution (0.311) with small values of zeta potential (-30.2 mV). L1 showed good anti-elastase property (IC50 0.029) and no cytotoxicity effect to the human skin fibroblasts and melanoma cells even at the highest concentration of 1 mg/mL compared to the unformulated extract. The in vitro skin permeation studies, using human cadaver skin and modified Franz-diffusion cells, showed that the L1 was able to considerably increase the rate of permeation of phenolic compounds in L1 compared to the CE solution. These results reflect the use of L1 as active agents in cosmeceuticals.

Reaction of oxiranes with cyclodextrins under high-energy ball-milling conditions.

This work presents a proof of concept for a green cyclodextrin derivatisation method that uses low-boiling epoxide reagents in a high-energy ball mill (HEBM). The simplified preparation and purification of low substitution-degree common (2-hydroxy)propylated β- and γ-cyclodextrins (β/γ-CDs) has been realised. The intelligent use of propylene oxide has also facilitated the more effective synthesis of highly substituted γ-CD. Epichlorohydrin-crosslinked CD-polymers (CDPs) have also been effectively prepared in the ball mill. The unoptimised preparations of soluble and insoluble CDPs displayed very small particle size distributions, while the prepared polymers currently have different complexation properties to those of their classically prepared analogues.

Dynamic magnetic resonance scattering

Dynamic light scattering is a popular technique to determine the size distribution of small particles in the sub micrometer region. It operates in reciprocal space, by analyzing the signal fluctuations with the photon auto correlation function. Equally, pulsed field gradient magnetic resonance is a technique generating data in the reciprocal space of the density distribution of an object. Here we show the feasibility of employing a magnetic resonance imaging system as a dynamic scattering device similar to dynamic light scattering appliances. By acquiring a time series of single data points from reciprocal space, analogue to dynamic light scattering, we demonstrate the examination of motion patterns of microscopic particles. This method allows the examination of particle dynamics significantly below the spatial resolution of magnetic resonance imaging. It is not limited by relaxation times and covers a wide field of applications for particle or cell motion in opaque media.

In vivo biocompatibility, pharmacokinetics, antitumor efficacy, and hypersensitivity evaluation of ionic liquid-mediated paclitaxel formulations.

In order to prevent common hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel injections (Taxol), we previously reported an ionic liquid-mediated paclitaxel (IL-PTX) formulation with small particle size and narrow size distribution. The preliminary work showed high PTX solubility in the IL, and the formulation demonstrated similar antitumor activity to Taxol, while inducing a smaller hypersensitivity effect in in vitro cell experiments. In this study, the stability of the IL-PTX formulation was monitored by quantitative HPLC analysis, which showed that IL-PTX was more stable at 4 °C than at room temperature. The in vivo study showed that the IL-PTX formulation could be used in a therapeutic application as a biocompatible component of a drug delivery system. To assess the in-vivo biocompatibility, IL or IL-mediated formulations were administered intravenously by maintaining physiological buffered conditions (neutral pH and isotonic salt concentration). From in vivo pharmacokinetics data, the IL-PTX formulation was found to have a similar systemic circulation time and slower elimination rate compared to cremophor EL mediated paclitaxel (CrEL-PTX). Furthermore, in vivo antitumor and hypersensitivity experiments in C57BL/6 mice revealed that IL-PTX had similar antitumor activity to CrEL-PTX, but a significantly smaller hypersensitivity effect compared with CrEL-PTX. Therefore, the IL-mediated formulation has potential to be an effective and safe drug delivery system for PTX.

Novel 1D carbon nanotubes uniformly wrapped nanoscale MgH2 for efficient hydrogen storage cycling performances with extreme high gravimetric and volumetric capacities

Magnesium hydride (MgH2) offers large capacity for hydrogen storage, but poor thermodynamics and kinetics for releasing hydrogen. In this work, the novel 1D bamboo-shaped carbon nanotubes (BCNTs) are firstly used as carriers for the self-assembly of MgH2 (denoted as MgH2@BCNTs). The high specific surface area (262.3 m2g-1) and large diameter (over 80 nm) of BCNTs contribute to extremely high loading capacity (76.8 mass fraction), small particle size (15–20 nm) and uniform distribution of MgH2 nanoparticles (NPs). The well-defined MgH2@BCNTs shows remarkably improved thermodynamics and kinetics for H2 adsorption and desorption. In particular, it starts to release hydrogen at about 220 °C, near 170 °C lower than that of the commercial MgH2, as well it tends to be hydrogenated even at a relatively low temperature of 100 °C by absorbing 3.56 wt% H2. Moreover, a reversible capacity up to 5.79 wt%, including the “dead weight” of BCNTs, and is well maintained after 10 cycles. The dehydrogenation Ea and ΔH of MgH2@BCNTs can be reduced to 97.97 kJ/mol and 68.92 kJ/mol, which are 111.24 kJ/mol and 6.07 kJ/mol lower than those of the commercial MgH2, respectively. By high pressure densification treatment, the MgH2@BCNTs system achieves an exceptional volumetric capacity up to 65.90 g/L without obvious performance degeneration, resulting from the special structure of BCNTs with inner intervals which works as supports under ultra-high pressure of 750 MPa. Our innovative design of 1D BCNTs supporting MgH2 NPs with high loading weight offers new strategy to synchronously improve the gravimetric and volumetric capacity, as well as the hydrogen storage kinetics and thermodynamics of the nanoconfinement system in the future.

Simple synthesis of N-doped catalysts with controllable Pt–Ni nanoparticles for high-efficiency ethanol oxidation

Herein, the catalysts contained metal- and nitrogen-doped carriers were synthesized by a novel and simple method. The synthesized catalysts with different particle size and distribution were controlled by adjusting the ratio of urea and metal salt solution. The morphology, microstructure, and particle distribution of the catalysts were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. The catalytic performance of the catalysts was tested by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometric i-t curves. It was found that the urea content had an influence on the distribution of metal particles and the size of the nanoparticles. More catalyst active sites were formed on the surface of the catalyst due to that many nitrogen-based functional groups were formed on the surface of the carrier. Compared with other samples, catalyst with urea amount of 100 mg (Pt2Ni3/C–N3 samples) possessed small particle size and uniform distribution, which exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity and stability, and the maximum of forward anodic peak reached 1454 mA mg−1.

Enhanced catalytic activity of templated-double perovskite with 3D network structure for salicylic acid degradation under microwave irradiation: Insight into the catalytic mechanism

Salicylic acid (SA) is considered as a priority pollutant due to its physiological toxicity and pseudo-persistence in the environment. In this study, a new catalytic degradation technology using microwave (MW) induced templated-double perovskite was proposed and applied in the treatment of SA in aqueous solution. A series of LaCo1-xCuxO3@PMMA (X = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1) perovskite-type catalysts with three-dimensionally porous network structure were synthesized by polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) templating method, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption-desorption analysis (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and microwave network analysis. The results showed that the addition of PMMA template and substitution with Cu (x = 0.5) were beneficial to the generation of LaCo0.5Cu0.5O3@PMMA with high catalytic activity, which possessed unique 3D porous network structure, smaller particle size distribution, better microwave absorbing performance and higher ratios of Co3+/Co2+ and Oads/Olatt. The SA removal fit pseudo-first-order model, and its degradation efficiency increased firstly and then decreased with the increase of MW intensity, solution pH and catalyst dosage, while decreased as initial SA concentration increasing. The LaCo0.5Cu0.5O3@PMMA catalyst presented favorable recycling and stability in the repeated experiment. The excellent catalytic activity was attributed to both active species and MW “hot spots”, among which OH and hvb+ played main roles in the catalytic process, and MW “hot spots” effect had a small contribution to the degradation. Hence, LaCo0.5Cu0.5O3@PMMA/MW technology with rapid degradation and negligible secondary pollution provides a potential way for treating salicylic acid in water.

Methanol Electro-Oxidation in Alkaline Medium by Ni Based Binary and Ternary Catalysts: Effect of Iron (Fe) on the Catalyst Performance

Pt free methanol electro oxidation catalysts with stable response are of interest to reduce the overall cost of the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). Here, nickel based bi and tri metallic catalysts have been prepared on multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) support by incipient wetness impregnation method. Methanol oxidation performance was investigated in 1 M KOH by cyclic-voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). The results of electrochemical tests showed that among all the catalysts tested, catalyst sample, CAT-3 exhibited the highest current density of 125.5 mA/cm2 and have stable electrochemical response, which is very promising. These catalysts have been characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray-(EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction XRD and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to study the structural and morphological properties. Characterization results revealed small and uniform particle size distribution and better homogeneity in CAT-3. It was also observed that addition of ‘Fe’ in tri metallic catalyst lowers the Cu contents in the catalysts and in the contrary lowers the electro-catalytic performance. All the catalyst found to be quite stable and CAT-3 gave the highest oxidative current response, which is attributed to higher Cu contents.

Catalytic Removal of NOx by Cerium-modified Zirconium Composite Oxide

Diesel engines have been widely used due to their high thermal efficiency, good environmental adaptability, wide power adjustment range, convenient maintenance and long service life. However, the application of diesel engines is also facing a serious problem; that is, the emission of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter is serious. For marine diesel engine emission requirements, MARPOL Convention Annex VI imposes strict restrictions on the emission of atmospheric pollutants. The limit emission of nitrogen oxides in the Tier III emission standards mandated by IMO is 3.4 g/kWh. Therefore, in order to meet the requirements of international conventions and countries and regions, it is necessary to control the emissions of diesel engines. The NOx in the exhaust gas is mostly a thermal type of nitrogen oxide which is produced under high temperature and high pressure conditions formed during compression and combustion strokes. The diesel engine relies on the compression energy of the mixture to ignite, and the good injection atomization effect is not achieved. The distribution of the detonation point is not uniform, and local high temperature points are generated in some areas, which increases the NOx formation. The main means of reducing NOx emissions are organic internal control and post-treatment. However, the use of internal control technology to reduce the internal temperature of the machine will deteriorate the fuel combustion conditions, so that the fuel cannot be completely burned, and the emissions of incomplete combustion products such as PM and CO increase. It is difficult to achieve NOx reduction by simply relying on the internal control technology, so it is necessary to use post-processing technology. The combined use of different emission reduction technologies is also a hot topic in emissions control research. The post-treatment methods for NOx emission reduction include direct catalytic decomposition, selective non-catalytic reduction, selective catalytic reduction, lean-burn adsorption catalytic reduction, and low-temperature plasma assisted technology. The current research and application schemes in the industry are SCR selectivity. Catalytic reduction and LNT lean combustion adsorption reduction. In this paper, the partial replacement of Ce by La is carried out to modify the Ce/Zr composite oxide. The mass fraction of La2O3 in the prepared La/Ce/Zr composite oxide was 5%, and the physicochemical properties of La/Ce/Zr composite oxide powder were analyzed by ICP, OSC, SEM and TPR techniques. The experiment found that: 1) La can refine the grain and inhibit the grain growth, so that the powder obtains a higher specific surface area and a smaller particle size distribution. 2) The addition of La reduces the sintering of cerium-zirconium and improves the heat aging resistance of the catalyst under the inhibition of high temperature. 3) After doping La, it enhances the migration of surface lattice oxygen and enhances the oxygen storage capacity; the addition of La enhances the NO adsorption capacity of cerium-zirconium and improves the catalytic activity of the catalyst. The light-off temperature and the highest activity temperature of PM decrease, and the reduction rate of No is 19.2%.

Development of dual-targeted nano-dandelion based on an oligomeric hyaluronic acid polymer targeting tumor-associated macrophages for combination therapy of non-small cell lung cancer

In this study, the novel carrier materials were screened to structure targeting nano-micelles (named ‘nano-dandelion’) for synchronous delivery of curcumin (Cur) and baicalin (Bai), which could effectively overcome the tumor resistance. Mannose (Man) was found to bind better to CD206 receptors on the surface of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), thereby increasing the number of nano-dandelion engulfed by TAMs. Furthermore, oligomeric hyaluronic acid (oHA) was able to target CD44 receptors, resulting in recruitment of a higher number of nano-dandelion to locate and engulf tumor cells. The disulfide bond (S–S) in 3,3′-dithiodipropionic acid (DA) could be broken by the high concentration of glutathione (GSH) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Based on this, we selected DA to connect hydrophobic fragments (quercetin, Que) and oHA. A reduction-sensitive amphiphilic carrier material, quercetin–dithiodipropionic acid–oligomeric hyaluronic acid–mannose–ferulic acid (Que–S–S–oHA–Man–FA; QHMF) was fabricated and synthesized by 1H NMR. Next, QHMF self-assembled into nano-dandelion, i.e. encapsulated Cur and Bai in water. Critical experimental conditions in the preparation process of nano-dandelion that could affect its final properties were explored. Nano-dandelion with a small particle size (121.0 ± 15 nm) and good normal distribution (PI = 0.129) could easily enter tumor tissue through vascular barrier. In addition, nano-dandelion with a suitable surface potential (–20.33 ± 4.02 mV) could remain stable for a long duration. Furthermore, good cellular penetration and tumor cytotoxicity of nano-dandelion were demonstrated through in vitro cellular studies. Finally, effective antitumor activity and reduced side effects were confirmed through in vivo antitumor experiments in A549 tumor-bearing nude mice.

CUPROUS OXIDE NANOPARTICLES: PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF ANTIFOULING ACTIVITY

There are few methods to obtain uniform and well dispersed cuprous oxide nanoparticles, which limits its application widely. In this research, an improved method to prepare nanoparticles was introduced. Cuprous oxides were prepared by the reduction of cupric nitrate, with hydrazine hydrate as a reductant in the presence of glucose. The nanoparticles formed have the characteristics of small particle size and uniform distribution. The crystalline structure and morphological characteristics were analyzed by XRD and TEM respectively. The result showed they were pure sphere polycrystal. The particle size is about 9nm. Subsequently, the antifouling activity was tested in detail through comparative experiments. The results indicated that the effective concentration of nanoparticles was obviously lower than ordinary cuprous oxide.

Effective targeted therapy for drug-resistant infection by ICAM-1 antibody-conjugated TPGS modified β-Ga2O3:Cr3+ nanoparticles.

The prevalence of antibiotic resistance and lack of alternative drugs have posed an increasing threat to public health. Here, we prepared β-Ga2O3:Cr3+ nanoparticles modified with ICAM1-antibody-conjugated TPGS (I-TPGS/Ga2O3) as a novel antibiotic carrier for the treatment of drug-resistant infections.Methods: I-TPGS/Ga2O3 were firstly characterized by measuring particle size, morphology, crystal structure, drug loading capacity, and in vitro drug release behaviors. The in vitro antibacterial activities of I-TPGS/Ga2O3/TIG were evaluated using standard and drug-resistant bacteria. The internalization of I-TPGS/Ga2O3 was observed by fluorescence confocal imaging, and the expression levels of the efflux pump genes of TRKP were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. In vitro cellular uptake and in vivo biodistribution study were performed to investigate the targeting specificity of I-TPGS/Ga2O3 using HUEVC and acute pneumonia mice, respectively. The in vivo anti-infective efficacy and biosafety of I-TPGS/Ga2O3/TIG were finally evaluated using acute pneumonia mice.Results: It was found that TPGS could down-regulate the over-expression of the efflux pump genes, thus decreasing the efflux pump activity of bacteria. I-TPGS/Ga2O3 with small particle size and uniform distribution facilitated their internalization in bacteria, and the TPGS modification resulted in a significant reduction in the efflux of loaded antibiotics. These properties rendered the encapsulated tigecycline to exert a stronger antibacterial activity both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, targeted delivery of I-TPGS/Ga2O3 mediated by ICAM1 antibodies contributed to a safe and effective therapy.Conclusion: It is of great value to apply I-TPGS/Ga2O3 as a novel and effective antibiotic delivery system for the treatment of drug-resistant infections.

Recent development on modification of synthesized barium titanate (BaTiO3) and polymer/BaTiO3 dielectric composites

In order to fabricate barium titanate (BaTiO3) particles with high purity, small particle size and narrow distribution of particle size, the synthesis methods and doping elements should be properly selected. Compared to polar polymers, non-polar polymers have advantages on the fabrication of miniaturized and lightweight electronic devices, due to excellent process-ability and little endogenous heat generated in the electric field. To avoid the aggregation of BaTiO3 particles in polymer matrix, several nanometer thick organic coating on the BaTiO3 surface is needed. What’s more, the alignment of BaTiO3 and hybrid use of fillers can further improve the dielectric properties of polymer/BaTiO3 composites.

Fabrication and electrochemical performance of delafossite CuFeO2 particles as a stable anode material for lithium-ion batteries

The delafossite CuFeO2 anode materials have been successfully synthesized by hydrothermal process with different temperatures. The X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that two structural polytypes of CuFeO2 with 3R-CuFeO2 and 2H-CuFeO2 are obtained. The results of field-emission scanning electronic microscopy confirm that all CuFeO2 crystals display both hexagonal and rhyombohedral morphologies, which are in good agreement with XRD results. It can be clearly observed that particles sizes of CuFeO2 are increased and the size distributions of particles become broader as hydrothermal temperature increasing. Electrochemical results show that the CuFeO2 particles synthesized at 180 °C for 24 h display the best electrochemical performance and superior cycle performance. The CuFeO2 materials obtained at 180 °C for 24 exhibit a high reversible capacity and high-rate capability (a reversible capability of 390, 276, 185, 133, and 85 mA h g− 1 at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2C, respectively) with good cycling performance (approximate 6.8% capacity loss after 500 cycles at 1C with a capacity retention of 124 mA h g− 1). The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the small particle size and narrow size distributions. It is believed that obtained CuFeO2 crystals as anode materials with high reversible capacity, good rate capability and cyclic stability may be potential candidates for applying in lithium-ion batteries.