Ni(OH)_(2)quantum dots as a stable cocatalyst modifiedα-Fe_(2)O_(3) for enhanced photoelectrochemical water-splitting

Depositing a cocatalyst has proven to be an important strategy for improving the photoelectrochemical(PEC)water-splitting efficiency of photoanodes.In this study,Ni(OH)2 quantum dots(Ni(OH)2 QDs)were deposited in situ onto anα-Fe_(2)O_(3)photoanode via a chelation-mediated hydrolysis method.The photocurrent density of the Ni(OH)2 QDs/α-Fe_(2)O_(3)photoanode reached 1.93 mA·cm^(−2)at 1.23 V vs.RHE,which is 3.5 times that ofα-Fe_(2)O_(3),and an onset potential with a negative shift of ca.100 mV was achieved.More importantly,the Ni(OH)2 QDs exhibited excellent stability in maintaining PEC water oxidation at a high current density,which is attributed to the ultra-small crystalline size,allowing for the rapid acceptance of holes fromα-Fe_(2)O_(3)to Ni(OH)_(2)QDs,formation of active sites for water oxidation,and hole transfer from the active sites to water molecules.Further(photo)electrochemical analysis suggests that Ni(OH)_(2)QDs not only provide maximal active sites for water oxidation but also suppress charge recombination by passivating the surface states ofα-Fe_(2)O_(3),thereby significantly enhancing the water oxidation kinetics over theα-Fe_(2)O_(3)surface.

Quantitative analysis on coupling of traction current into cab signaling in electrified railways

Cab signaling apparatus is the critical equipment for ground-vehicle communication in electrified railways.With the rapid development of high-speed and heavy-haul railways,the immunity to unbalanced traction current interference for cab signaling apparatus in the onboard train control system is increasingly demanded.This paper analyzes the interference coupling mechanism of the ZPW-2000 track circuit.Based on electromagnetic field theory and the actual working parameters,a calculation model is established to complete the quantitative research of the cab signal induction process and traction current interference.Then,a finite element model is built to simulate the process.The simulation results under the signal frequency,fundamental and harmonic interference are all consistent with the theoretical calculation results.The practical measurement data verify the coupling relationship between cab signal inductive voltage and rail current.Finally,an indirect immunity test method applying this relation for the cab signals is proposed,and the voltage indexes of the disturbance sources are determined,i.e.,the test limits.The results provide an accurate quantitative basis for the cab signaling research and design of the immunity test platform;besides,the proposed indirect test method can simplify the test configuration and improve test efficiency.

Chelation-mediated in-situ formation of ultrathin cobalt(oxy)hydroxides on hematite photoanode towards enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation

In this work,a facile chelation-mediated route was developed to fabricate ultrathin cobalt(oxy)hydroxides(CoOOH)nanosheets on hematite photoanode(Fe_(2)O_(3)).The route contains two steps of the adsorption of[Co-EDTA]^(2-)species on Fe_(2)O_(3) nanorod array followed by the hydrolysis in alkaline solution.The resulting CoOOH/Fe_(2)O_(3) exhibits a remarkably improved photocurrent density of 2.10 mA cm^(-2) at 1.23 V vs.RHE,which is ca.2.8 times that of bare Fe_(2)O_(3).In addition,a negative shift of onset potential ca.200 mV is achieved.The structural characterizations reveal the chelate EDTA plays important roles that enhance the adsorption of Co species and the formation of contact between CoOOH and Fe_(2)O_(3).(Photo)electrochemical analysis suggests,besides providing active sites for water oxidation,CoOOH at large extent promotes the charge separation and the charge transfer via passivating surface states and suppressing charge recombination.It also found CoOOH possesses some oxygen vacancies,which could act as trapping centers for photogenerated holes and facilitate the charge separation.Intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy(IMPS)shows that,under low applied potential the water oxidation mainly occurs on CoOOH,while under high applied potential the water oxidation could occur on both CoOOH and Fe_(2)O_(3).The findings not only provide an efficient strategy for designing ultrathin(oxy)hydroxides on semiconductors for PEC applications but also put forward a new insight on the role of CoOOH during water oxidation.

Oxygen vacancy engineering of calcium cobaltate:A nitrogen fixation electrocatalyst at ambient condition in neutral electrolyte

In order to sustainably transform N2 to ammonia(NRR)using electrocatalysts under mild ambient condition,it is urgent to design and develop non-nobel metal nanocatalysts that are inexpensive and suitable for mass-production.Herein,a calcium metalate catalyst CaCoO_(x)with oxygen vacancies was synthesized and used as an electrocatalyst for NRR for the first time,whose morphology can be controlled by the calcination temperature and the heating rate.Under the optimal conditions,the CaCoO_(x)catalyst achieved the yield of nitrogen conversion to ammonia of 16.25μg·h^(-1)·mg_(cat.)^(-1)at the potential of-0.3 V relative to the reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE)with a Faraday efficiency of 20.51%.The electrocatalyst showed good stability even after 12 times recyclability under environmental conditions and neutral electrolyte.Later,the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction performance of CaFeO_(x),CaNiO_(x),CaCuO_(x)was investigated.These earth-rich transition metals also exhibited certain NRR electrocatalytic capabilities,which provided a door for further development of inexpensive and easily available transition metal as nitrogen reduction electrocatalysts.

Theory,preparation,properties and catalysis application in 2D graphynes-based materials

Carbon has three hybridization forms of sp^(-),sp^(2-)and sp^(3-),and the combination of diferent forms can obtain diferent kinds of carbon allotropes,such as diamond,carbon nanotubes,fullerene,graphynes(GYs)and graphdiyne(GDY).Among them,the GDY molecule is a single-layer two-dimensional(2D)planar structure material with highlyπ-conjugation formed by sp^(-)and sp^(2-)hybridization.GDY has a carbon atom ring composed of benzene ring and acetylene,which makes GDY have a uniformly distributed pore structure.In addition,GDY planar material have some slight wrinkles,which makes GDY have better self-stability than other 2D planar materials.The excellent properties of GDY make it attract the attention of researchers.Therefore,GDY is widely used in chemical catalysis,electronics,communications,clean energy and composite materials.This paper summarizes the recent progress of GDY research,including structure,preparation,properties and application of GDY in the field of catalysts.

Evaluation and improvement of the oxidative stability of leather fatliquors

Fatliquor oxidation may give leather unpleasant odor,and excessive amounts of Cr(VI)and volatile organic com-pounds.The accurate evaluation and improvement of the oxidative stability of fatliquors are of great significance to high-quality leather manufacturing.We proposed a set of practical methods for evaluating the oxidative stability of fatliquors on the basis of oxidation induction time,change in iodine value(∆IV),and change in acid value(∆AV)under accelerated oxidation conditions(at 100°C with 10 L/h of air).Oxidation induction time is a highly sensitive marker for quantifying the oxidative stability of fatliquors,and∆IV and∆AV that are low cost and easy to operate are useful in evaluating the oxidative stability of fatliquors when the oxidation induction time is less than 22 h.The number of double bonds in fatliquors is an important factor affecting oxidative stability.The sulfation modification of fatliquors that greatly reduces double bonds and the addition of antioxidants,especially butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene,markedly improve oxidative stability of fatliquors.