Three-dimensional paper-like graphene framework with highly orientated laminar structure as binder-free supercapacitor electrode

A free-standing paper-like three-dimensional graphene framework（3DGF） with orientated laminar structure and interconnected macropores, was obtained by the hard template-directed ordered assembly. As the sacrificial templates, polystyrene（PS） latex spheres were assembled with graphene oxide（GO） to build up a sandwich type composite film, followed by heat removal of which with a simultaneous reduction of GO. The 3DGF exhibited high specific surface area of 402.5 m2/g, controllable pores and mechanical flexibility, which was employed as the binder-free supercapacitor electrode and shows high specific gravimetric capacitance of 95 F/g at 0.5 A/g, with enhanced rate capability in 3 electrode KOH system.

Enhanced ethanol oxidation over Pd nanoparticles supported porous graphene-doped MXene using polystyrene particles as sacrificial templates

Fabrication of superior catalytic performance palladium-based catalysts with affordable cost is the key to develop direct ethanol fuel cell.Herein,Pd-decorated three-dimensional(3D)porous constructed from graphene oxide(GO)and MXene combining with polystyrene(PS)particles as sacrificial templates(Pd/GO-MXene-PS)to elevate the catalytic performance for ethanol oxidation was proposed.The 3D porous interconnected structure of Pd/GO-MXene-PS was characterized by scanning electron microscope(SEM),transmission electron microscope(TEM)and Brunner−Emmet−Teller(BET).By optimizing the doping ratio of MXene to GO,the mass activity of Pd/GO_(5)-MXene_(5)-PS(2944.0 mA·mg^(−1))was 3.0 times higher than that of commercial Pd/C(950.4 mA·mg^(−1))toward ethanol oxidation in base solution.Meanwhile,the rotating disk electrode(RDE)results demonstrated that Pd/GO5-MXene5-PS had a faster kinetics of ethanol oxidation.The enhanced ethanol oxidation over Pd/GO5-MXene5-PS could attribute to the excellent 3D interconnected porous structure,large surface area,good conductivity and homogeneous Pd distribution.This work provided a new idea for creating 3D porous MXene composite materials in electrocatalysis.

Photocatalytic activity of ZnO films with micro-grid structure

A layer of zinc oxide(ZnO)micro-grid was deposited on the surface of ZnO film using the DC reactive magnetron sputtering method and the micro-sphere lithography technique on glass substrates.Samples of this layer were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),atomic force microscopy(AFM),and ultraviolet-visible light spectroscopy.X-ray diffraction showed the high crystallinity of ZnO film and the regular arrangement of the micro-grid.The microgrid ZnO has a lower specular reflection and a higher diffuse reflection,allowing incident light to reflect two or three times to enhance the usage of light.Photocatalytic degradation experiments on methylene blue using both ZnO micro-grid and ordinary film showed that the ZnO micro-grid has better photocatalytic properties than ordinary film.The ZnO micro-grid enhanced the photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO film by 28%with a degradation time of 300 min.