Three-dimensional Hierarchical Structure Research Articles

Biomass-derived foams with three-dimensional hierarchical structure for efficient p-arsanilic acid removal

As an emerging micro-pollutant, p-arsanilic acid (p-ASA) exist widely in the environment, and it can form highly toxic arsenate and arsenite during the migration and transformation process, which greatly increases the risk of arsenic pollution in the ecosystem. Additionally, three-dimensional (3D) porous block materials have the advantage of stronger adsorption performance, faster adsorption rate and easy recovery, showing broad application prospects in water pollution control. Hence, the aminozed collagen fibers foam (ACFF) with 3D porous block structure was synthesized. The maximum adsorption capacity of ACFF for p-ASA was 476.19 mg·g−1 due to the rich honeycomb porous structure and the synergistic effect of electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding effect and amphiphilicity. Moreover, ACFF is not only easy to recycle, but also has good elastic recovery and regeneration performance. The pore size of ACFF was concentrated in the range of 25–5000 nm, and the porosity was 71.66%. ACFF may be an adsorbent with great potential for the removal of organoarsenic contaminants in water.

Solvothermally Synthesized Hierarchical Aggregates of Anatase TiO2 Nanoribbons/Nanosheets and Their Photocatalytic–Photocurrent Activities

Hierarchical aggregates of anatase TiO2 nanoribbons/nanosheets (TiO2-NR) and anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2-NP) were produced through a one-step solvothermal reaction using acetic acid or ethanol and titanium isopropoxide as solvothermal reaction systems. The crystalline structure, crystalline phase, and morphologies of synthesized materials were characterized using several techniques. According to our findings, both TiO2-NR and TiO2-NP were found to have polycrystalline structures, with pure anatase phases. TiO2-NR has a three-dimensional hierarchical structure made up of aggregates of TiO2 nanoribbons/nanosheets, while TiO2-NP has a nanoparticulate structure. The photocatalytic and photocurrent activities for TiO2-NR and TiO2-NP were investigated and compared with the widely used commercial TiO2 (P25), which consists of anatase/rutile TiO2 nanoparticles, as a reference material. Our findings showed that TiO2-NR has higher photocatalytic and photocurrent performance than TiO2-NP, which are both, in turn, higher than those of P25. Our developed solvothermal method was shown to produce a pure anatase TiO2 phase for both synthesized structures, without using any surfactants or any other assisted templates. This developed solvothermal approach, and its anatase TiO2 nanostructure output, has promising potential for a wide range of energy harvesting applications, such as water pollution treatment and solar cells.

Laser-Induced Graphene Formation on Chitosan Derivatives toward Ecofriendly Electronics

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has aroused a wide range of research interests ranging from micro-nano energy devices to the Internet of Things (IoT). Nevertheless, the non-degradability of most-used synthetic polymer carbon sources poses a serious threat to the environment. In this work, ecofriendly chitosan-based derivatives, including carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), chitosan oligosaccharide, and chitosan hydrochloride, are successfully converted into LIGs for the first time via a convenient one-step CO2 laser engraving at ambient air. The obtained LIGs are characterized by a three-dimensional hierarchical porous structure and exhibit good sheet conductivity. The consecutive carbonization and graphitization mechanism of target precursors induced by laser heat accumulation is also deeply discussed. Besides, based on a mechanically reliable LIG/CMCS composite film and tribo-negative acrylic/polyimide anti-layers, two contact-separation mode triboelectric nanogenerators are built and their power densities range from 1.44 to 2.48 mW cm–2. These devices with long cycle life can be used for low-frequency mechanical energy harvesting and commercial capacitance charging, which could be potentially applied in the wireless sensor network nodes. Such a family of chitosan derivatives paves a new route for LIG synthesis and provides new ideas for ecofriendly LIG electronics.

Three-dimensional bacterial cellulose and MOF-74 derivatives as anode for high performance potassium-ion batteries

In this paper, we synthesized a three-dimensional hierarchical structure through simple hydrothermal combining pyrolysis method, which mainly encapsulated 0D Fe3N and Fe2O3 nanoparticles in 1D carbon nanotubes, which could be evenly grafted onto 2D bacterial cellulose (BC) carbon matrix, denoted as [email protected]2O3/Fe3N-CNT. As an anode material, the composite showed excellent electrochemical performance both in potassium ion battery (PIBs) and sodium ion battery (SIBs). Specifically, after 200 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1, it showed discharge capacity of 342.2 mAh g−1 and 420.6 mAh g−1 in PIBs and SIBs, respectively. The excellent performance is mainly due to the particularity of the hierarchical structure. The hierarchical limitation of the low dimensional structure to the high dimensional structure can effectively buffer the volume expansion caused by the ion deinterleaving process, and PBC is conducive to the structural stability of the material. In addition, the "tip growth method" successfully achieved the in-situ growth of N-doped carbon nanotubes (CNT), which not only avoids the agglomeration of nanoparticles to a certain extent, but also improves the conductivity of the material and promotes ion transport. This work provides ideas for exploring other carbon-based composites to realize high-performance metal ion batteries.

Au-decorated WO3-based sensor for chemiresistive detection of NO2 at 80 °C

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a hazardous gas of acidic nature, is constantly released into the atmosphere by human activities. Based on the noble metal sensitization, the NO2 sensing performance of Au decorated WO3 sensors (Rg/Ra = 4.3@ 1 ppb, 746.0@ 5 ppm) was found to be superior to that of pristine WO3 (Rg/Ra = 1.2@ 1 ppb). In addition, the dynamic processes that occur in Au–WO3-3 during NO2 sensing reactions were analyzed using ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Density functional theory containing adsorption energy, is further used to analyse mechanism accurate electron transfer sensing process. Furthermore, the effects of the oxygen partial pressure and relative humidity on the sensing performance of the sensors were studied. The enhanced sensing mechanisms of Au–WO3 sensors can be attributed to the electronic and chemical sensitization effects of Au, increased number of active sites, decrease in the activation energy of the sensing reactions and three-dimensional hierarchical structure, which boosts the adsorption of gas molecules and charge transfer efficiency.

High-performance electrode of ZIF-67 metal-organic framework (MOF) loaded laser-induced graphene (LIG) composite for all-solid-state supercapacitor

This work demonstrates a facile and efficient methodology to synthesize a composite material of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) and laser-induced graphene (LIG). This ZIF-67 loaded LIG composite (ZIF-67/LIG) has been adequately characterized for its morphology and structure, and its electrochemical performance has been specifically examined. As supercapacitors (SCs) electrode material, the ZIF-67/LIG composite exhibits superb electrochemical performance, owing to the inherent high porosity, abundant active sites, large specific surface area of ZIF-67, and the excellent conductive three-dimensional hierarchical porous network structure provided by LIG. In three-electrode system, ZIF-67/LIG composite electrode displays outstanding areal specific capacitance (C A) of 135.6 mF cm−2 at a current density of 1 mA cm−2 with 1 M Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte, which is far greater than that of pristine LIG (7.7 mF cm−2). Furthermore, the ZIF-67/LIG composite has been fabricated into an all-solid-state planar micro-supercapacitor (MSC). This ZIF-67/LIG MSC exhibits an impressive C A of 38.1 mF cm−2 at a current density of 0.20 mA cm−2, a good cycling stability of 80.3% capacitance retention after 3000 cycles, and a high energy density of 5.29 μWh cm−2 at a power density of 0.1 mW cm−2. All electrochemical results clearly manifest that as-prepared ZIF-67/LIG composite can be a candidate in energy storage field with exciting possibilities.

Carbon nitride mediated synthesis of titanium-based electrodes for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors

Rational design of electrode materials with specific compositions and unique morphological and structural features to achieve supercapacitors (SCs) with high energy densities without compromising their inherent electrochemical merits remains a great challenge. Herein, a carbon nitride (C3N4) mediated “one-for-two” strategy was proposed to synthesize titanium nitride/carbon nanosheets (TiN/C) and titanium carbide/carbon nanosheets (TiC/C) with three-dimensional morphology and hierarchical structure, respectively. The derived TiN/C and TiC/C were used as cathode and anode materials, respectively, with excellent capacitor behavior in aqueous electrolyte. Specifically, asymmetric SCs constructed with the TiN/C cathode and the TiC/C anode delivered a large operation voltage of 0.3–1.8 V, a high specific capacitance of 103 F·g−1, and a remarkable energy density of 45.2 Wh·kg−1, outperforming most of the previously reported TiN- and TiC-based SCs. Ex situ XRD and TEM characterizations as well as DFT simulation indicated that the excellent performance could be attributed to reversible pseudocapacitive redox reaction and electro-adsorbed anions at the TiN/C cathode, and fast adsorption/desorption of cations at the TiC/C anode, as well as unique surface morphology and heterostructure. The strategy presented in this work also provides new design concepts for the synthesis of other transition metal nitrides (or carbides)/carbon composites for other advanced energy applications.

Construction of nitrogen-doped graphene-based ternary magnetic composite aerogel towards excellent electromagnetic absorption in the Ku-band

The development of advanced electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing materials with broad bandwidth, strong absorption, low filler loading ratio and small thickness remains a great challenge. In this work, nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/hollow nickel ferrite (NRGO/MWCNTs/hollow NiFe2O4) ternary magnetic composite aerogel with the ultralow bulk density was synthesized via the two-step route of solvothermal synthesis and hydrothermal self-assembly. Results of microscopic morphology characterization showed that as-synthesized binary and ternary magnetic composite aerogels exhibited the special three-dimensional hierarchical porous network structure. Moreover, the EMW absorption performance of ternary composite aerogel was obviously enhanced in comparison with NRGO/MWCNTs and NRGO/hollow NiFe2O4 binary composite aerogels. Remarkably, the attained NRGO/MWCNTs/hollow NiFe2O4 ternary composite aerogel showed the maximum absorption bandwidth of 6.7 GHz (11.3–18.0 GHz) and robust absorbing intensity of − 42.8 dB at a thin matching thickness of 2.0 mm and a low loading ratio of 12.5 wt%. It was worth noting that when the matching thickness was slightly increased to 2.1 mm, the optimal minimum reflection loss could reach − 69.0 dB. The special hierarchical porous network structure and magnetodielectric synergy in the ternary composite aerogel optimized the impedance matching, and notably enhanced the EMW absorbing capacity. Therefore, this work could contribute to the construction of graphene-based hybrid nanocomposites as advanced EMW absorbers.

Synthesis of a one-dimensional carbon nanotube-decorated three-dimensional crucifix carbon architecture embedded with Co7Fe3/Co5.47N nanoparticles for high-performance microwave absorption

Low-dimensional cell-decorated three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical structures are considered excellent candidates for achieving remarkable microwave absorption. In the present work, a one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanotube (CNT)-decorated 3D crucifix carbon framework embedded with Co7Fe3/Co5.47N nanoparticles (NPs) was fabricated by the in-situ pyrolysis of a trimetallic metal–organic framework (MOF) precursor (ZIF-ZnFeCo). Co7Fe3/Co5.47N NPs were uniformly dispersed on the carbon matrix. The 1D CNT nanostructure was well regulated on the 3D crucifix surface by changing the pyrolysis temperature. The synergistic effect of 1D CNT and the 3D crucifix carbon framework increased the conductive loss, and Co7Fe3/Co5.47N NPs induced interfacial polarization and magnetic loss; thus, the composite manifested superior microwave absorption performance. The optimum absorption intensity was −54.0 dB, and the effective absorption frequency bandwidth reached 5.4 GHz at a thickness of 1.65 mm. The findings of this work could provide significant guidance for the fabrication of MOF-derived hybrids for high-performance microwave absorption applications.

Constructing BN/BN composite aerogels with strong hydrophobic properties and improved heat transfer capability

Boron nitride (BN) aerogels is a class of three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical network structure assembled from BN micro/nanostructures. The construction of BN/BN composite aerogel by introducing of BN micro/nano-structural units into the 3D BN aerogel scaffold provides an effective strategy for obtaining BN aerogel with improved all-round properties. Here, a novel kind of BN/BN composite aerogels has been developed by vacuum impregnation of ammonia borane (AB) into fiber-based BN aerogels, followed by high-temperature pyrolysis. The introducing of AB into BN aerogels makes the formation of unique AB/BN composite aerogels, and the high-temperature decomposition of AB results in the obtaining of a series of multifunctional composites, i.e. BN/BN composite aerogels. As compared with the porous BN microfibers in original BN aerogel, the self-assembled fibers in BN/BN composite aerogel are densely covered with high crystalline BN nanoflakes, which are generated by the AB decomposition. The obtained BN/BN composite aerogels have shown excellent thermal stability, significantly improved hydrophobic effect and heat transfer capability. This work provides a new idea for the future research and development of BN composite aerogels.

Structured nanoporous copper catalysts prepared by laser powder bed fusion and dealloying for on-board methanol steam reforming

The use of online methanol steam reforming (MSR) as an efficient hydrogen production approach is considered an attractive route for supplying hydrogen to onboard fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). Current catalysts face challenges, such as a large pressure drop, easy pulverization, and coating peeling. To address these challenges, in this study, a structured Cu-based catalyst with a body-centered cubic skeleton was prepared using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) combined with a dealloying method. The three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical nanoporous copper structures with high specific surface areas were observed. The catalytic performance of the 3D structured Cu-based catalyst is superior to those of reported catalysts with 93.6% methanol conversion and a CO concentration of less than 0.3% in dry gas under the reaction conditions of a mass space velocity of 34.6 h−1, a temperature of 280 °C, and a H2O/CH3OH molar ratio of 1.3. In addition, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations confirmed the excellent mass and heat transfer performance and low pressure drop of the 3D-structured copper-based catalyst. Structured Cu-based catalysts have great potential for applications in FCVs.

Ultrafine FeF3·0.33H2O Nanocrystal-Doped Graphene Aerogel Cathode Materials for Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries.

FeF3 has been extensively studied as an alternative positive material owing to its superior specific capacity and low cost, but the low conductivity, large volume variation, and slow kinetics seriously hinder its commercialization. Here, we propose the in situ growth of ultrafine FeF3·0.33H2O NPs on a three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (3D RGO) aerogel with abundant pores by a facile freeze drying process followed by thermal annealing and fluorination. Within the FeF3·0.33H2O/RGO composites, the three-dimensional (3D) RGO aerogel and hierarchical porous structure ensure rapid diffusion of electrons/ions within the cathode, enabling good reversibility of FeF3. Benefiting from these advantages, a superior cycle behavior of 232 mAh g-1 under 0.1C over 100 cycles as well as outstanding rate performance is achieved. These results provide a promising approach for advanced cathode materials for Li-ion batteries.

Three-dimensional maple leaf CdS/g-C3N4 nanosheet composite for photodegradation of benzene in water

In this study, composites of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and maple leaf CdS (CdS/g-C3N4) were synthesized by hydrothermal method. To investigate the charge-carrier interface for photocatalytic improvement, CdS/g-C3N4 composites in different molar ratios were prepared. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to examine the coupling of the CdS particles to g-C3N4 nanosheets (EIS). With a well-defined three-dimensional hierarchical dendrimer-like structure and high purity, as demonstrated by elemental mapping and XRD patterns, optical characteristics were analyzed using UV-DRS, PL spectroscopy, and EIS. When the optical properties of CdS were examined using UV-DRS, PL spectroscopy, and EIS, it was found that the material's high purity and well-defined hexagonal and cubic crystal phase nanostructure were clearly visible. Furthermore, the material's electron-hole recombination rate was significantly reduced. The samples were used to assess the visible light photodegradation of benzene. The maximum benzene degradation and highest stability for up to four cycles were observed in the 40 % CdS/g-C3N4 sample. For the combined photocatalyst and degradation process, a Z-scheme was established.

Hierarchical structures of carbon nanotubes anchored on core-sheath microrads toward electromagnetic wave absorption and shielding with Joule heating and superhydrophobic capacities

Hierarchical structures with synergistic dielectric-magnetic compositions are highly desired for electromagnetic wave absorption and interference shielding applications. Fabricating lightweight and high-performance electromagnetic protection composites with additional functions are demanded to suppress severe electromagnetic radiation and interference pollution. Herein, a unique three-dimensional hierarchical structure consisting of 1D multi-walled carbon nanotubes anchored on 1D MXene@CF core-sheath microrods are rationally proposed via electrostatic self-assembly and hydrothermal strategy as well as subsequent thermal-catalysis treatment. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes encapsulated with magnetic CoNi nanoparticles are immobilized onto core-sheath microrods matrix, constructing effective 1D/1D electron migration bridges and the uniformly dispersed magnetic component to facilitate magnetic coupling effect. Consequently, profiting from the optimized impedance matching, enhanced conduction loss, dielectric polarization, and magnetic loss, the as-prepared sample shows an outstanding absorption capacity with reflection loss value of −56.8 dB and X-band full absorption. When used as electromagnetic shielding materials, the composites exhibit exceptional electromagnetic interference shielding properties. In addition, the upgraded mechanical strength, remarkable voltage-driven Joule heating and superhydrophobic properties endow the absorbers with multi-scenario adaptability and long life-time applications. This work provides well-designed hierarchical structures for high-performance electromagnetic absorbing and shielding with the great prospect of multifunctional applications.

Pouch-Type Asymmetric Supercapacitor Based on Nickel–Cobalt Metal–Organic Framework

Bimetal-organic frameworks (BMOFs) have attracted considerable attention as electrode materials for energy storage devices because of the precise control of their porous structure, surface area, and pore volume. BMOFs can promote multiple redox reactions because of the enhanced charge transfer between different metal ions. Therefore, the electroactivity of the electrodes can be significantly improved. Herein, we report a NiCo-MOF (NCMF) with a three-dimensional hierarchical nanorod-like structure prepared using a facile solvo-hydrothermal method. The as-prepared NCMF was used as the positive electrode in a hybrid pouch-type asymmetric supercapacitor device (HPASD) with a gel electrolyte (KOH+PVA) and activated carbon as the negative electrode. Because of the matchable potential windows and specific capacitances of the two electrodes, the assembled HPASD exhibits a specific capacitance of 161 F·g-1 at 0.5 A·g-1, an energy density of 50.3 Wh·kg-1 at a power density of 375 W·kg-1, and a cycling stability of 87.6% after 6000 cycles. The reported unique synthesis strategy is promising for producing high-energy-density electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Template-free formation of BiOCl double-shelled hollow microspheres with enhanced carbamazepine removal efficiency

Constructing three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical structure is regarded as an effective strategy to alleviate the inherent drawbacks of the BiOCl bulk structure and realize the optimization of photocatalytic performance. Herein, a unique BiOCl double-shelled hollow microsphere structure with adjustable shell thickness is fabricated through a template-free one-pot solvothermal method for the first time. A plausible formation mechanism is proposed by exploring the morphological changes during the growth process. The as-obtained hollow microspheres photocatalyst exhibits excellent carbamazepine (CBZ) degradation efficiency (97.5%) under simulated solar irradiation, the corresponding apparent rate constant is about 4 times and 3 times than that of conventional BiOCl solid microspheres. The experimental and characterization results show that the existence of nanosheet subunits and porous structures shorten the diffusion length of charge carriers, which is conducive to the separation and transfer of photogenerated. Meanwhile, the construction of double-shelled hollow structure achieves higher light utilization. This work demonstrates the superior performance of catalysts with hierarchical hollow structures for pollutant degradation and provides new ideas to further optimize the photocatalytic performance of BiOCl-based materials.

Interface strong-coupled 3D Mo-NiS@Ni-Fe LDH flower-cluster as exceptionally efficient electrocatalyst for water splitting in wide pH range

It is crucial to create a bifunctional catalyst with high efficiency and low cost for electrochemical water splitting under alkaline and neutral pH conditions. This study investigated the in-situ creation of ultrafine Mo-NiS and NiFe LDH nanosheets as an effective and stable electrocatalyst with a three-dimensional (3D) flower-cluster hierarchical structure (Mo-NiS@NiFe LDH). The strong interfacial connection between Mo-NiS and NiFe LDH enhances the formation of metal higher chemical states in the material, optimizes the electronic structure, increases OH– adsorption capacity improves electron transfer/mass diffusion, and promotes O2/H2 gas release. As a result, at 10 mA cm−2, Mo-NiS@NiFe LDH/NF demonstrates the outstanding bifunctional electrocatalytic activity of just 107 mV (HER, hydrogen evolution reaction) and 184 mV (hydrogen evolution reaction) (OER, oxygen evolution reaction). The catalytic performance is remarkably stable after 72 h of continuous operation in 1 M KOH at high current densities (300 mA cm−2). More interestingly, in the overall water splitting system, the cell voltages for anode and cathode in both alkaline and neutral electrolytes for Mo-NiS@NiFe LDH/NF are only 1.54 V (alkaline) and 2.06 V (neutral) at 10 mA cm−2. These results demonstrated that the bifunctional electrocatalyst design concept is a viable solution for water splitting in both alkaline and neutral systems.

Polyetheretherketone implants with hierarchical porous structure for boosted osseointegration

BackgroundGood osseointegration is the key to the long-term stability of bone implants. Thermoplastic polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been widely used in orthopedics; however, its inherent biological inertia causes fibrous tissue to wrap its surface, which leads to poor osseointegration and thus greatly limits its clinical applications.MethodsHerein, we developed a facile yet effective surface modification strategy. A commonly used sulfonation coupled with “cold pressing” treatment in the presence of porogenic agent formed a three-dimensional hierarchical porous structure on PEEK surface. Subsequently, the effects of porous surface on the in vitro adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were evaluated. Finally, the osteoinduction and osseointegration of surface-porous PEEK implant were examined in the rat distal femoral defect model.ResultsIn vitro results showed that the surface modification did not significantly affect the mechanical performance and cytocompatibility of PEEK substance, and the porous structure on the modified PEEK substrate provided space for cellular ingrowth and enhanced osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of BMSCs. In vivo tests demonstrated that the surface-porous PEEK implant could effectively promote new bone formation and had higher bone-implant contact rate, thereby achieving good bone integration with the surrounding host bone. In addition, this modification technique was also successfully demonstrated on a medical PEEK interbody fusion cage.ConclusionThe present study indicates that topological morphology plays a pivotal role in determining implant osseointegration and this facile and effective modification strategy developed by us is expected to achieve practical applications quickly.Graphical

Selective and efficient removal of emerging contaminants by sponge-like manganese ferrite synthesized using a solvent-free method: Crucial role of the three-dimensional porous structure

Ubiquitous macromolecular natural organic matter (NOM) in wastewater seriously influences the removal of emerging small-molecule contaminants via heterogeneous advanced oxidation processes because this material covers active sites and quenches reactive oxygen species. Here, sponge-like magnetic manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4-S) with a three-dimensional hierarchical porous structure was prepared via a facile solvent-free molten method. Compared with the particle-like structure of MnFe2O4-P, the sponge-like structure of MnFe2O4-S presents an enlarged specific surface area (112.14 m2·g−1 vs. 58.73 m2·g−1) and a smaller macropore diameter (68.2–77.2 nm vs. 946.5 nm). Enlarging the specific surface area increases the exposure of active sites, and adjusting the pore size helps sieve NOM and emerging contaminants. These changes are expected to effectively improve the degradation activity and overcome interference. To confirm the superiority of the sponge-like structure, MnFe2O4-S was used to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of multiple emerging contaminants, and its ability to degrade bisphenol A with and without humic acid (HA) was compared with that of MnFe2O4-P. The degradation activity of MnFe2O4-S was 1.6 times greater than that of MnFe2O4-P. Moreover, 20 mg·L−1 HA inhibited the degradation activity of MnFe2O4-S by only 7.1%, which was much lower than that obtained for MnFe2O4-P (53.4%). In addition, the excellent performance was maintained in multiple water matrices. Notably, under lake water matrices, the degradation activity of MnFe2O4-P was inhibited by 35.6% while that of MnFe2O4-S was hardly inhibited. More importantly, the MnFe2O4-S/PMS system was also applicable to the treatment of actual wastewater and 73.0% and 90.1% of total organic carbon and chemical oxygen demand was removed from bio-treated coking wastewater containing non-biodegradable contaminants and NOM. This study provides an alternative route for the green production of high-activity porous spinel ferrites with environmental anti-interference properties.

NiCoCuP foam with a 3D hierarchical porous structure as all-pH efficient and stable HER electrocatalyst

Though various active electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) have been reported, it remains a challenge to develop efficient non-noble HER catalysts with pH-independent catalytic activity and high stability. In this work, novel porous NiCoCuP was prepared by combining the dynamic hydrogen bubble templated deposition with a low-temperature phosphorization process. The three-dimensional hierarchical porous structure provided the NiCoCuP with both self-supporting ability and ideal channels for fast mass transportation. As a consequence, the NiCoCuP foam exhibited excellent HER catalytic activity and outstanding durability over the entire pH range.