Synthesis of hierarchical dendritic micro–nano structure ZnFe_2O_4 and photocatalytic activities for water splitting

Hierarchical dendritic micro–nano structure Zn Fe_2O_4 have been prepared by electrochemical reduction and thermal oxidation method in this work. X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectra and field-emission scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the crystal structure, size and morphology. The results show that the sample(S-2) is composed of pure ZnFe_2O_4 when the molar ratio of Zn^(2+)/Fe^(2+)in the electrolyte is 0.35. Decreasing the molar ratio of Zn^(2+)/Fe^(2+), the sample(S-1) is composed of ZnFe_2O_4 and α-Fe_2O_3, whereas increasing the molar ratio of Zn^(2+)/Fe^(2+), the sample(S-3) is composed of ZnFe_2O_4 and Zn O. The lattice parameters of ZnFe_2O_4 are influenced by the molar ratio of Zn^(2+)/Fe: Zn at excess decreases the cell volume whereas Fe at excess increases the cell volume of Zn Fe_2O_4. All the samples have the dendritic structure, of which S-2 has micron-sized lush branches with nano-sized leaves. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra were acquired by a spectrophotometer. The absorption edges gradually blue shift with the increase of the molar ratio of Zn^(2+)/Fe^(2+). Photocatalytic activities for water splitting were investigated under Xe light irradiation in an aqueous olution containing 0.1 mol·L^(-1)Na_2S/0.02 mol·L^(-1)Na_2SO_3 in a glass reactor. The relatively highest photocatalytic activity with 1.41 μmol·h-1· 0.02 g^(-1)was achieved by pure ZnFe_2O_4sample(S-2). The photocatalytic activity of the mixture phase of Zn Fe_2O_4 and α-Fe_2O_3(S-1) is better than ZnF e_2O_4 and ZnO(S-3).

Osteoblast Behavior on Hierarchical Micro-/Nano-Structured Titanium Surface

In the present work, osteoblast behavior on a hierarchical micro-/nano-structured titanium surface was investigated. A hi- erarchical hybrid micro-/nano-structured titanium surface topography was produced via Electrolytic Etching （EE）. MG-63 cells were cultured on disks for 2 h to 7 days. The osteoblast response to the hierarchical hybrid micro-/nano-structured titanium surface was evaluated through the osteoblast cell morphology, attachment and proliferation. For comparison, MG-63 cells were also cultured on Sandblasted and Acid-etched （SEA） as well as Machined （M） surfaces respectively. The results show signifi- cant differences in the adhesion rates and proliferation levels of MG-63 cells on EE, SLA, and M surfaces. Both adhesion rate and proliferation level on EE surface are higher than those on SLA and M surfaces. Therefore, we may expect that, comparing with SLA and M surfaces, bone growth on EE surface could be accelerated and bone formation could be promoted at an early stage, which could be applied in the clinical practices for immediate and early-stage loadings.

Underwater persistent bubble-assisted femtosecond laser ablation for hierarchical micro/nanostructuring

In this study,we demonstrate a technique termed underwater persistent bubble assisted femtosecond laser ablation in liquids(UPB-fs-LAL)that can greatly expand the boundaries of surface micro/nanostructuring through laser ablation because of its capability to create concentric circular macrostructures with millimeter-scale tails on silicon substrates.Long-tailed macrostructures are composed of layered fan-shaped(central angles of 45°–141°)hierarchical micro/nanostructures,which are produced by fan-shaped beams refracted at the mobile bubble interface(.50°light tilt,referred to as the vertical incident direction)during UPB-fs-LAL line-by-line scanning.Marangoni flow generated during UPB-fs-LAL induces bubble movements.Fast scanning(e.g.1mms−1)allows a long bubble movement(as long as 2mm),while slow scanning(e.g.0.1mms−1)prevents bubble movements.When persistent bubbles grow considerably(e.g.hundreds of microns in diameter)due to incubation effects,they become sticky and can cause both gas-phase and liquidphase laser ablation in the central and peripheral regions of the persistent bubbles.This generates low/high/ultrahigh spatial frequency laser-induced periodic surface structures(LSFLs/HSFLs/UHSFLs)with periods of 550–900,100–200,40–100 nm,which produce complex hierarchical surface structures.A period of 40 nm,less than 1/25th of the laser wavelength(1030 nm),is the finest laser-induced periodic surface structures(LIPSS)ever created on silicon.The NIR-MIR reflectance/transmittance of fan-shaped hierarchical structures obtained by UPB-fs-LAL at a small line interval(5μm versus 10μm)is extremely low,due to both their extremely high light trapping capacity and absorbance characteristics,which are results of the structures’additional layers and much finer HSFLs.In the absence of persistent bubbles,only grooves covered with HSFLs with periods larger than 100 nm are produced,illustrating the unique attenuation abilities of laser properties(e.g.repetition rate,energy,incident angle,etc)by persistent bubbles with different curvatures.This research represents a straightforward and cost-effective approach to diversifying the achievable hierarchical micro/nanostructures for a multitude of applications.

Recent development of LiNi_xCo_yMn_zO_2:Impact of micro/nano structures for imparting improvements in lithium batteries

The recent advancement in the design,synthesis,and fabrication of micro/nano structured LiNixCoyMnzO2 with one-,two-,and three-dimensional morphologies was reviewed.The major goal is to highlight LiNixCoyMnzO2 materials,which have been utilized in lithium ion batteries with enhanced energy and power density,high energy efficiency,superior rate capability and excellent cycling stability resulting from the doping,surface coating,nanocomposites and nano-architecturing.

Hydrogen etching induced hierarchical meso/micro-pore structure with increased active density to boost ORR performance of Fe-N-C catalyst

Rational regulation on pore structure and active site density plays critical roles in enhancing the performance of Fe-N-C catalysts. As the microporous structure of the carbon substrate is generally regarded as the active site hosts, its hostility to electron/mass transfer could lead to the incomplete fulfillment of the catalytic activity. Besides, the formation of inactive metallic Fe particles during the conventional catalyst synthesis could also decrease the active site density and complicate the identification of real active site. Herein, we developed a facial hydrogen etching methodology to yield single site Fe-N-C catalysts featured with micro/mesoporous hierarchical structure. The hydrogen concentration in pyrolysis process was designated to effectively regulate the pore structure and active site density of the resulted catalysts.The optimized sample achieves excellent ORR catalytic performance with an ultralow H2O2 yield(1%)and superb stability over 10,000 cycles. Our finding provides new thoughts for the rational design of hierarchically porous carbon-based materials and highly promising non-precious metal ORR catalysts.

Potential application of functional micro-nano structures in petroleum

This paper takes micro-nano motors and metamaterials as examples to introduce the basic concept and development of functional micro nano structures, and analyzes the application potential of the micro-nano structure design and manufacturing technology in the petroleum industry. The functional micro-nano structure is the structure and device with special functions prepared to achieve a specific goal. New functional micro-nano structures are classified into mobile type(e.g. micro-nano motors) and fixed type(e.g. metamaterials), and 3 D printing technology is a developed method of manufacturing. Combining the demand for exploration and development in oil and gas fields and the research status of intelligent micro-nano structures, we believe that there are 3 potential application directions:(1) The intelligent micro-nano structures represented by metamaterials and smart coatings can be applied to the oil recovery engineering technology and equipment to improve the stability and reliability of petroleum equipment.(2) The smart micro-nano robots represented by micro-motors and smart microspheres can be applied to the development of new materials for enhanced oil recovery, effectively improving the development efficiency of heavy oil, shale oil and other resources.(3) The intelligent structure manufacturing technology represented by 3 D printing technology can be applied to the field of microfluidics in reservoir fluids to guide the selection of mine flooding agents and improve the efficiency of mining.

Synthesis of porous nano/micro structured LiFePO_4/C cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries by spray-drying method

In order to enhance electrochemical properties of LiFePO4 （LFP） cathode materials, spherical porous nano/micro structured LFP/C cathode materials were synthesized by spray drying, followed by calcination. The results show that the spherical precursors with the sizes of 0.5-5 μm can be completely converted to LFP/C when the calcination temperature is higher than 500 ℃. The LFP/C microspheres obtained at calcination temperature of 700 ℃ are composed of numerous particles with sizes of -20 nm, and have well-developed interconnected pore structure and large specific surface area of 28.77 mE/g. The specific discharge capacities of the LFP/C obtained at 700 ℃ are 162.43, 154.35 and 144.03 mA.h/g at 0.5C, 1C and 2C, respectively. Meanwhile, the capacity retentions can reach up to 100% after 50 cycles. The improved electrochemical properties of the materials are ascribed to a small Li＋ diffusion resistance and special structure of LFP/C microspheres.

Preparation of micro/nano-structured ceramic coatings on Ti6Al4V alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation process

In order to improve the osseointegration and antibacterial activity of titanium alloys,micro/nano-structured ceramic coatings doped with antibacterial element F were prepared by plasma electrolytic oxidation(PEO)process on Ti6Al4V alloy in NaF electrolyte.The influence of NaF concentration(0.15-0.50 mol/L)on the PEO process,microstructure,phase composition,corrosion resistance and thickness of the coatings was investigated using scanning/transmission electron microscopy,energy dispersive spectroscopy,atomic force microscopy,X-ray diffractometer,and potentiodynamic polarization.The results demonstrated that Ti6Al4V alloy had low PEO voltage(less than 200 V)in NaF electrolyte,which decreased further as the NaF concentration increased.A micro/nano-structured coating with 10-15μm pits and 200-800 nm pores was formed in NaF electrolyte;the morphology was different from the typical pancake structure obtained with other electrolytes.The coating formed in NaF electrolyte had low surface roughness and was thin(<4μm).The NaF concentration had a small effect on the phase transition from metastable anatase phase to stable rutile phase,but greatly affected the corrosion resistance.In general,as the NaF concentration increased,the surface roughness,phase(anatase and rutile)contents,corrosion resistance,and thickness of the coating first increased and then decreased,reaching the maximum values at 0.25 mol/L NaF.

Dropwise condensation heat transfer enhancement on surfaces micro/nano structured by a two-step electrodeposition process

Condensation is an important regime of heat transfer which has wide applications in different industries such as power plants,heating,ventilating and air conditioning,and refrigeration.Condensation occurs in two different modes including filmwise (FWC) and dropwise (DWC) condensation.DWC occurring on hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces has a much higher heat transfer capacity than FWC.Therefore,wide investigations have been done to produce DWC in recent years.Superhydrophobic surfaces have micro/nano structures with low surface energy.In this study,a two-step electrodeposition process is used to produce micro/nano structures on copper specimens.The surface energy of specimens is reduced by a self-assembled monolayer using ethanol and 1-octadecanethiol solution.The results show that there is an optimum condition for electrodeposition parameters.For example,a surface prepared by 2000 s step time has 5 times greater heat transfer than FWC while a surface with 4000 s step time has nearly the same heat transfer as FWC.The surfaces of the fabricated specimens are examined using XRD and SEM analyses.The SEM analyses of the surfaces show that there are some micro-structures on the surfaces and the surface porosities are reduced by increasing the second step electrodeposition time.

Construction and Properties of Structure-and Size-controlled Micro/Nano-energetic Materials

The recent research progress of structure- and size-controlled micro/nano-energetic materials is reviewed, which properties are fundamentally different from those of their corresponding bulk materials. The development of the construction strategies for achieving zero-dimensional (0D), one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) micro/nanostructures from energetic molecules is introduced. Also, an overview of the unique properties induced by micro/nanostructures and size effects is provided. Special emphasis is focused on the size-dependent properties that are different from those of the conventional micro-sized energetic materials, such as thermal decomposition, sensitivity, combustion and detonation, and compaction behaviors. A conclusion and our view of the future development of micro/nano-energetic materials and devices are given.

Superhydrophobic surfaces via controlling the morphology of ZnO micro/nano complex structure

ZnO micro/nano complex structure films, including reticulate papillary nodes, petal-like and flake-hole, have been self-assembled by a hydrothermal technique at different temperatures without metal catalysts. The wettability of the above film surfaces was modified with a simple coating of heptadecafluorodecyltrimethoxy-silane in toluene. After modifying, the surface of ZnO film grown at 50℃ was converted from superhydrophilic with a water contact angle lower than 5° to superhydrophobic with a water contact angle of 165° Additionally, the surface of reticulate papillary nodes ZnO film grown at 100 ℃ had excellent superhydrophobicity, with a water contact angle of 173° and a sliding angle lower than 2° Furthermore, the water contact angle on the surface of petal-like and flake-hole ZnO films grown at 150℃ and 200℃ were found to be 140° and 120°, respectively. The wettability for the samples was found to depend strongly on the surface morphology which results from the growth temperature.

Temperature Induces Self-assembly of Silicon Nano/Micro-structure based on Multi-physics Approach

A three-dimensional dynamic model for nano/micro-fabrications of silicon was presented. With the developed model, the fabrication process of silicon on nothing（SON） structure was quantitatively investigated. We employ a diffuse interface model that incorporates the mechanism of surface diffusion. The mechanism of the fabrication is systematically integrated for high reliability of computational analysis. A semi-implicit Fourier spectral scheme is applied for high efficiency and numerical stability. Moreover, the theoretical analysis provides the guidance that is ordered by the fundamental geometrical design parameters to guide different fabrications of SON structures. The performed simulations suggest a substantial potential of the presented model for a reliable design technology of nano/micro-fabrications.

Synthesis and electrochemical performance of micro-nano structured Li Fe1-xMnxPO4/C(0≤x≤0.05)cathode for lithium-ion batteries

Micro-nano structured Li Fe（1-x）MnxPO4/C（0≤x≤0.05）cathodes were prepared by spray drying,followed by calcination at 700°C.The spherical Li Fe（1-x）MnxPO4/C（0≤x≤0.05）particles with the size of 0.5 to5.0μm are composed of lots of nanoparticles of 20 to 30 nm,and have the well-developed interconnected pore structure.In contrast,when Mn doping content is 3 mol%（x=0.03）,the Li Fe（0.97）Mn（0.03）PO4/C demonstrates maximum specific surface area of 31.30 m^2/g,more uniform pore size and relatively better electrochemical performance.The initial discharge capacities are 161.59,157.04 and 153.13 m Ah/g at a discharge rate of 0.2,0.5 and 1 C,respectively.Meanwhile,the discharge capacity retentions are～100%after 120 cycles.The improved electrochemical performance should be attributed to higher specific surface,smaller polarization voltage,and a high Li~＋diffusion rate due to the micro-nano porous structure and lattice expansion produced by Mn doping.

Preparation of calcium carbonate with microstructure and nanostructure from carbide slag for CO_(2) sequestration by using recyclable ammonium chloride

Based on the composition characteristics of carbide slag and the application of polyvinyl chloride,a method of preparing calcium carbonate with microstructure and nanostructure by using carbide slag as a raw material and ammonium chloride as a leaching agent was proposed.The factors for the preparation of calcium carbonate and the effects of different conditions on the crystal phase,grain size,and morphology of calcium carbonate were systematically studied.The results showed that the nanosized calcium carbonate was prepared at 60 mL/min,25°C,no additional ammonia,and 60 min.The product of spherical vaterite was in accordance with the relevant standards for the industrial precipitation of calcium carbonate.Moreover,the reuse of carbonation filtrate was realized.The crystal phase,grain size,and morphology of the carbonation product could be controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions.The manuscript provided a new idea for resource utilization of carbide slag and preparing nanocalcium carbonate.

ZnO micro-nano composite hydrophobic film prepared by the three-step method

The hydrophobicity of the lotus leaf is mainly due to its surface micro-nano composite structure. In order to mimic the lotus structure, ZnO micro-nano composite hydrophobic films were prepared via the three-step method. On thin buffer films of SiO2, which were first fabricated on glass substrates by the so,gel dip-coating method, a ZnO seed layer was deposited via RF magnetron sputtering. Then two different ZnO films, micro-nano and micro-only flowerlike structures, were grown by the hydrothermal method. The prepared films have different hydrophobic properties after surface modification. The structures of the obtained ZnO films were characterized using x-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. A conclusion that a micro-nano composite structure is more beneficial to hydrophobicity than a micro-only structure was obtained through research into the effect of structure on hydrophobic properties.

Localized in‑situ deposition:a new dimension to control in fabricating surface micro/nano structures via ultrafast laser ablation

Controllable fabrication of surface micro/nano structures is the key to realizing surface functionalization for various applications.As a versatile approach,ultrafast laser ablation has been widely studied for surface micro/nano structuring.Increasing research eforts in this feld have been devoted to gaining more control over the fabrication processes to meet the increasing need for creation of complex structures.In this paper,we focus on the in-situ deposition process following the plasma formation under ultrafast laser ablation.From an overview perspective,we frstly summarize the diferent roles that plasma plumes,from pulsed laser ablation of solids,play in diferent laser processing approaches.Then,the distinctive in-situ deposition process within surface micro/nano structuring is highlighted.Our experimental work demonstrated that the in-situ deposition during ultrafast laser surface structuring can be controlled as a localized micro-additive process to pile up secondary ordered structures,through which a unique kind of hierarchical structure with fort-like bodies sitting on top of micro cone arrays were fabricated as a showcase.The revealed laser-matter interaction mechanism can be inspiring for the development of new ultrafast laser fabrication approaches,adding a new dimension and more fexibility in controlling the fabrication of functional surface micro/nano structures.

Reservoir micro structure of Da'anzhai Member of Jurassic and its petroleum significance in Central Sichuan Basin, SW China

Based on the qualitative study of microscopic reservoir features using core analysis,cast and fluorescence thin sections inspection,scanning electron microscope(SEM)and field emission scanning electron microscope(FESEM)and quantitative examination of pore size and geometry using mercury injection,nano-CT and nitrogen adsorption,reservoir rock of Da’anzhai Member were divided into 9 types,while storage spaces were divided into 4 types and 14 sub-types.The study shows that sparry coquina is the most promising reservoir type.Pores that smaller than 1μm in diameter contribute 91.27%of storage space volume.Most of them exhibit slot-like geometry with good connectivity.By building up storage space models,it was revealed that micron scale storage spaces mainly composed of fractures and nanometer scale pores and fractures form multi-scale dual porosity system.Low resource abundance,small single well controlled reserve,and low production are related to the nano-scale pore space in Da’anzhai Memer,whereas the dual-porosity system composed of pores and fractures makes for long-term oil yield.Due to the existence of abundant slot-like pore space and fractures,economic tight oil production was achieved without stimulations.

超疏水表面加工技术及耐磨性能研究进展

当前制备的超疏水表面耐磨性能普遍较差,因而其在各领域的应用受到限制。研究表明微纳结构和低表面能是实现功能表面超疏水性能的关键因素,因此,首先基于超疏水表面作用机制,对超疏水表面织构进行了归纳,旨在通过优化表面织构来解决微纳结构易磨损难题;然后对超疏水表面加工技术进行了梳理总结,从成本和效率两个方面分析了降低表面能的措施,为拓展超疏水表面加工体系提供思路;进而详细总结了超疏水表面耐磨性的分析手段,并阐述了提高超疏水表面耐磨性的方法;最后,展望了耐磨性超疏水表面的未来发展前景,以期推动超疏水表面在工程中的大规模应用。

基于粘附功计算的不同微形貌表面抗冰差异

超疏水表面的防水性与表面的微观结构直接相关,不同微观形貌将呈现不同的疏水性能,从而亦产生不同的防覆冰性。代表性的选择动植物叶片、翼片、金属与非金属等工程材料固体表面做结冰和覆冰粘附强度测试,结果表明表面材料、微观结构不同,疏水、覆冰粘附性能不一样。设计了几种不同表面微形貌模型仿真自然和人工疏水表面微结构,用高粗糙度维持复合润湿状态,以具有矩形微形貌的表面为例建立覆冰粘附功与表面固体份数的解析关系,并推及其它模型。据粘附功、固体份数和粗糙度计算,发现不同微形貌表面覆冰粘附功的差异,固体份数对粘附功的决定作用以及粗糙度对复合润湿态的维持。理论上提出了选择适合的微观形貌用于防冰的定性标准:高粗糙度,低固体份数,低粘附功。按粘附功从小到大顺序确定适合于防冰、除冰微形貌;从固体份数和粗糙度的大小关系予以证实。

酶解-动态高压微射流制备纳米淀粉及对其结构性质的影响

为探究蜡质玉米淀粉(WMS)经普鲁兰酶协同动态超高压微射流技术(P-DHPM)制备纳米淀粉后对其结构及性质的变化规律,本文探讨了处理前后淀粉微观结构、结晶结构、分子结构、粒径、分子量及热性能的变化趋势。结果表明,随着酶解时间的增加,淀粉圆球形颗粒变碎片状、结晶结构逐渐消失、淀粉短程有序性增加、分子量显著(P<0.05)减小;同时,淀粉糊化峰值温度由71.23℃降低至55.81℃,糊化焓值(ΔH)显著(P<0.05)减小至4.68 J/g;酶解淀粉进一步经微射流处理后,粒径降低至纳米级,淀粉颗粒变成更加无规则的小碎片,糊化峰值温度(T_p)降低至55.37℃,糊化焓值(ΔH)增大至14.13 J/g。通过酶解-微射流技术处理WMS淀粉,可制备得到粒径可控且具有短程有序的纳米尺寸淀粉颗粒,提供了一种环境友好、操作简单的制备方法,同时为继续探讨其在淀粉纳米乳液及淀粉基活性包装材料中的应用奠定基础。