Al_(2)O_(3) andγAl_(2)O_(3) Nanomaterials Based Nanofluid Models with Surface Diffusion:Applications for Thermal Performance in Multiple Engineering Systems and Industries

Thermal transport investigation in colloidal suspensions is taking a significant research direction.The applications of these fluids are found in various industries,engineering,aerodynamics,mechanical engineering and medical sciences etc.A huge amount of thermal transport is essential in the operation of various industrial production processes.It is a fact that conventional liquids have lower thermal transport characteristics as compared to colloidal suspensions.The colloidal suspensions have high thermal performance due to the thermophysical attributes of the nanoparticles and the host liquid.Therefore,researchers focused on the analysis of the heat transport in nanofluids under diverse circumstances.As such,the colloidal analysis of H_(2)O composed byγAl_(2)O_(3)and Al_(2)O_(3)is conducted over an elastic cylinder.The governing flow models ofγAl_(2)O_(3)/H_(2)O and Al_(2)O_(3)/H_(2)O is reduced in the dimensionless form by adopting the described similarity transforms.The colloidal models are handled by implementing the suitable numerical technique and provided the results for the velocity,temperature and local thermal performance rate against the multiple flow parameters.From the presented results,it is shown that the velocity of Al_(2)O_(3)–H_(2)O increases promptly against a high Reynolds number and it decreases for high-volume fraction.The significant contribution of the volumetric fraction is examined for thermal enhancement of nanofluids.The temperature of Al_(2)O_(3)–H_(2)O andγAl_(2)O_(3)–H_(2)O significantly increases against a higherϕ.Most importantly,the analysis shows thatγAl_(2)O_(3)–H_(2)O has a high local thermal performance rate compared to Al_(2)O_(3)–H_(2)O.Therefore,it is concluded thatγAl_(2)O_(3)–H_(2)O is a better heat transfer fluid and is suitable for industrial and technological uses.

自生纳米纤维增强 SiO2气凝胶的制备及性能研究

采用溶胶-凝胶法和乙醇超临界干燥工艺制备ZrOX/SiO2复合气凝胶,再经1 200℃高温热处理得到自生纳米纤维增强SiO2复合气凝胶。利用扫描电子显微镜、透射电子显微镜、X射线衍射、热重和氮气吸附等手段对气凝胶的结构和性能进行了分析,并且测试了样品的压缩强度及真密度。实验结果表明:自生纳米纤维增强SiO2复合气凝胶具有均匀的多孔网络结构,锆氧纳米纤维是以化学键连接复合的方式无序穿插在气凝胶中,对复合气凝胶的机械强度和隔热性能有明显的改善。经1 200℃热处理后的ZrOX/SiO2复合气凝胶比表面积为827.22 m2·g-1,压缩强度为9.68 MPa,真密度为0.23 g·cm-3。

Preparation of RuO_2-SnO_2 nanomaterial by sol gel technique

Ru Sn binary oxide is one of the most frequently used anode coating material in electrochemical industry, but its composition distribution and microstructure are not homogeneous, so the nanoscale RuO 2 SnO 2 binary oxide was prepared for improvement by a sol gel technique. The morphology, microstructure, crystal structure and other properties of the new oxide were studied by EPMA, DTA,XRD,TEM, and electrochemical analysis. The results showed that the Ru Sn oxide nanomaterial has excellent electrocatalytical properties.

Differences and Similarities of Photocatalysis and Electrocatalysis in Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials:Strategies,Traps,Applications and Challenges

Photocatalysis and electrocatalysis have been essential parts of electrochemical processes for over half a century.Recent progress in the controllable synthesis of 2D nanomaterials has exhibited enhanced catalytic performance compared to bulk materials.This has led to significant interest in the exploitation of 2D nanomaterials for catalysis.There have been a variety of excellent reviews on 2D nanomaterials for catalysis,but related issues of differences and similarities between photocatalysis and electrocatalysis in 2D nanomaterials are still vacant.Here,we provide a comprehensive overview on the differences and similarities of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis in the latest 2D nanomaterials.Strategies and traps for performance enhancement of 2D nanocatalysts are highlighted,which point out the differences and similarities of series issues for photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.In addition,2D nanocatalysts and their catalytic applications are discussed.Finally,opportunities,challenges and development directions for 2D nanocatalysts are described.The intention of this review is to inspire and direct interest in this research realm for the creation of future 2D nanomaterials for photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.

Room-temperature sputtered electrocatalyst WSe2 nanomaterials for hydrogen evolution reaction

The low-temperature physical vapor deposition process of atomically thin two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide(2D TMD) has been gaining attention owing to the cost-effective production of diverse electrochemical catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction(HER) applications. We, herein, propose a simple route toward the cost-effective physical vapor deposition process of 2D WSe2 layered nanofilms as HER electrochemical catalysts using RF magnetron sputtering at room temperature(<27℃). By controlling the variable sputtering parameters, such as RF power and deposition time, the loading amount and electrochemical surface area(ECSA) of WSe2 films deposited on carbon paper can be carefully determined. The surface of the sputtered WSe2 films are partially oxidized, which may cause spherical-shaped particles. Regardless of the loading amount of WSe2, Tafel slopes of WSe2 electrodes in the HER test are narrowly distributed to be ~120–138 mV dec-1, which indicates the excellent reproducibility of intrinsic catalytic activity. By considering the trade-off between the loading amount and ECSA, the best HER performance is clearly observed in the 200 W-15 min sample with an overpotential of 220 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2. Such a simple sputtering method at low temperature can be easily expanded to other 2D TMD electrochemical catalysts, promising potentially practical electrocatalysts.

Targeted Sub-Attomole Cancer Biomarker Detection Based on Phase Singularity 2D Nanomaterial-Enhanced Plasmonic Biosensor

Detection of small cancer biomarkers with low molecular weight and a low concentration range has always been challenging yet urgent in many clinical applications such as diagnosing early-stage cancer,monitoring treatment and detecting relapse.Here,a highly enhanced plasmonic biosensor that can overcome this challenge is developed using atomically thin two-dimensional phase change nanomaterial.By precisely engineering the configuration with atomically thin materials,the phase singularity has been successfully achieved with a significantly enhanced lateral position shift effect.Based on our knowledge,it is the first experimental demonstration of a lateral position signal change>340μm at a sensing interface from all optical techniques.With this enhanced plasmonic effect,the detection limit has been experimentally demonstrated to be 10^(-15) mol L^(−1) for TNF-α cancer marker,which has been found in various human diseases including inflammatory diseases and different kinds of cancer.The as-reported novel integration of atomically thin Ge_(2)Sb_(2)Te_(5) with plasmonic substrate, which results in a phase singularity and thus a giant lateral position shift, enables the detection of cancer markers with low molecular weight at femtomolar level. These results will definitely hold promising potential in biomedical application and clinical diagnostics.

Near Infrared Photoluminescence from Yb,Al Co-implanted SiO2 Films on Silicon

Intense room-temperature near infrared （NIR） photoluminescence （980 nm and 1032 nm） is observed from Yb,Al co-implanted SiO2 films on silicon. The optical transitions occur between the ^2F5/2 and ^2F7/2 levels of Yb^3＋ in SiO2. The additional Al-implantation into SiO2 films can effectively improve the concentration quenching effect of Yb^3＋ in SiO2. Photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy shows that the NIR photoluminescence is due to the non-radiative energy transfer from Al-implantation-induced non-bridging oxygen hole defects in SiO2 to Yb^3＋ in the Yb-related luminescent complexes. It is believed that the defect-mediated luminescence of rare-earth ions in SiO2 is very effective.

Na20-- A1203 -- SiO2微晶玻璃体系熔体结构的分子动力学模拟

采用分子动力学方法模拟了7种组分的Na20-- A1203 -- SiO2体系微晶玻璃熔体结构，分析了体系的径向分布函数、键长分布和键角分布，得出了不同含量Na＋对Na20-- A1203 -- SiO2体系玻璃网络结构的影响。

2D Nanomaterials for Effective Energy Scavenging

The development of a nation is deeply related to its energy consumption.2D nanomaterials have become a spotlight for energy harvesting applications from the small-scale of low-power electronics to a large-scale for industry-level applications,such as self-powered sensor devices,environmental monitoring,and large-scale power generation.Scientists from around the world are working to utilize their engrossing properties to overcome the challenges in material selection and fabrication technologies for compact energy scavenging devices to replace batteries and traditional power sources.In this review,the variety of techniques for scavenging energies from sustainable sources such as solar,air,waste heat,and surrounding mechanical forces are discussed that exploit the fascinating properties of 2D nanomaterials.In addition,practical applications of these fabricated power generating devices and their performance as an alternative to conventional power supplies are discussed with the future pertinence to solve the energy problems in various fields and applications.

Structural Characteristics and Photocatalytic Activity of Ambient Pressure Dried SiO2/TiO2 Aerogel Composites by One-step Solvent Exchange/Surface Modification

An ambient pressure synthesis of SiO2/TiO2 binary aerogel was prepared through the low-cost precursors of titanium tetrachloride（TiCl4） and sodium silicate（Na2O·nSiO2）.After gelation,solvent exchange and surface modification were performed simultaneously and the modified gel was finally dried under ambient pressure.Microstructural analyses by transmission electron microscope（TEM） indicate that fabricated SiO2/TiO2 aerogel composite shows similar sponge-like nanostructure as silica aerogel,and the Brunauer-EmmettTeller（BET） analysis shows that the specific surface area of the composite reaches 605 m^2/g,and the average pore size is 9.7 nm.Such binary aerogel exhibits significant photocatalytic performance in this paper for treating model pollutant of methyl orange（MO）,and the decolorizing efficiency of MO is detected as 84.9%after 210 mins exposure to UV light irradiation.Degraded gel suspends in the water so as to separate from solution for reuse,and after 4 times recycling,70%degradation efficiency can be easily reached when composite catalyzed system is exposed for 210 mins under UV irradiation.

High pressure structural phase transitions of TiO_2 nanomaterials

Recently, the high pressure study on the TiO_2 nanomaterials has attracted considerable attention due to the typical crystal structure and the fascinating properties of TiO_2 with nanoscale sizes. In this paper, we briefly review the recent progress in the high pressure phase transitions of TiO_2 nanomaterials. We discuss the size effects and morphology effects on the high pressure phase transitions of TiO_2 nanomaterials with different particle sizes, morphologies, and microstructures. Several typical pressure-induced structural phase transitions in TiO_2 nanomaterials are presented, including size-dependent phase transition selectivity in nanoparticles, morphology-tuned phase transition in nanowires, nanosheets,and nanoporous materials, and pressure-induced amorphization（PIA） and polyamorphism in ultrafine nanoparticles and TiO_2-B nanoribbons. Various TiO_2 nanostructural materials with high pressure structures are prepared successfully by high pressure treatment of the corresponding crystal nanomaterials, such as amorphous TiO_2 nanoribbons, α-PbO_2-type TiO_2 nanowires, nanosheets, and nanoporous materials. These studies suggest that the high pressure phase transitions of TiO_2 nanomaterials depend on the nanosize, morphology, interface energy, and microstructure. The diversity of high pressure behaviors of TiO_2 nanomaterials provides a new insight into the properties of nanomaterials, and paves a way for preparing new nanomaterials with novel high pressure structures and properties for various applications.

Engineering transition metal-based nanomaterials for high-performance electrocatalysis

Transition metal(TM)based electrocatalysts attract increasing attention in energy conversion reactions,and current effects focus on material engineering strategies to tailor physicochemical properties of TM based electrocatalysts for improved performance.This review provides a summary about the recent advances of engineering TM based nanomaterials for electrocatalytic reactions,which include hydrogen evolution reaction(HER),oxygen evolution reaction(OER),CO2 reduction reaction(CO2RR),and nitrate reduction reaction(NO3RR).We highlight four engineering strategies,namely,size engineering,facet engineering,composition engineering,and crystal structure engineering for TM based electrocatalysts,and pay a special emphasis on exploring the relationship between their physicochemical properties and catalytic activities.We outline the opportunities in this research field,in particular,the strategy of rationally combining in-situ and operando techniques and theoretical predication to design efficient electrocatalysts.Finally,issues that deserve attention and consideration for practical applications are discussed.

Study on the Binding Interaction of Nanomaterials Tio_2 with Bovine Serum Albumin by Three-Dimensional Fluorescence Spectrometry (TDFS)

Although scientific and policy bodies have stated that nanomaterials are not intrinsically toxic, there is interest in evaluating if and how many engineered nanomaterials may do harm to the health of mankind and the ecological environment. The interaction between nano-TiO2 and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied by using TDFS and UV methods in this research.

Rapid Fabrication of Hollow SiO2 Spheres with Novel Morphology

The hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) occurred on the surface of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microshperes immediately after these microshperes were prepared in TEOS. Micron-sized hollow SiO2 spheres were obtained by calcination of the coated PMMA microshperes. It was found that the final hollow spheres were constituted by small SiO2 particles.

Feature Designed Growth of 3D Flower-like SiO2 Growing on Polyethyleneimine Modified CaCO3 Microparticles

We report on the ability to create complex 3D flower-like SiO2 in vitro via CaCO3 micropar- icles supported by polyethyleneimine mediated biosilicification under experimentally altered chemical influences. The morphology, structure, composition of the product have been inves- tigated with the X-ray photoelectron spectrum, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Tile overall morphologies could be controlled to shift from a characteristic network of flower-like silica sphere to a sheet-like structure by adjusting physical adsorption of different amount of polyethyleneimine onto the surface of the CaCO3 microparticles.

Novel SiO2 nanoparticle-decorated BiOCl nanosheets exhibiting high photocatalytic performances for the removal of organic pollutants

Novel SiO2/BiOCl composites were fabricated by decorating BiOCl nanosheets with SiO2 nanoparticles via a simple hydrothermal process. The as-prepared pure BiOCl and SiO2/BiOCl composites were intensively characterized by various techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, SEM/TEM, BET, UV-vis, DRS, XPS, and photocurrent measurements. The SiO2/BiOCl composite nanosheets displayed high photocatalytic activity and excellent stability in the degradation of organic pollutants such as phenol, bisphenol A (BPA), and rhodamine B (RhB). With respect to those over bare BiOCl, the degradation rates of RhB, BPA, and phenol over 1.88% SiO2/BiOCl increased 16.5%, 29.0%, and 38.7%, respectively. Radical capturing results suggested that h^+ is the major reactive species and that hydroxyl (·OH) and superoxide (·O2^-) radicals could also be involved in the degradation of organic pollutants. The enhanced photocatalytic performances of SiO2/BiOCl composites can be mainly attributed to the improved texture and the formation of intimate SiO2/BiOCl interfaces, which largely promoted the adsorption of organic pollutants, enhanced the light harvesting, and accelerated the separation of e^– and h^+.

Coupling of ultrasmall and small CoxP nanoparticles confined in porous SiO2 matrix for a robust oxygen evolution reaction

Rational design of electrocatalysts is important for a sustainable oxygen evolution reaction(OER).It is still a huge challenge to engineer active sites in multi-sizes and multi-components simultaneously.Here,a series of CoxP nanoparticles(NPs)confined in an SiO2matrix(SiO2/CoxP)is designed and synthesized as OER electrocatalysts.The phosphorization of the hydrolyzed Co-phyllosilicate promotes the formation of ultrasmall and small Co2P and CoP.These are firmly confined in the SiO2matrix.The coupling of multi-size and multi-component CoxP catalysts can regulate reaction kinetics and electron transfer ability,enrich the active sites,and eventually promote the intrinsic OER activity.The SiO2matrix provides abundant porous structure and oxygen vacancies,and these facilitate the exposure of active sites and improve conductivity.Because of the synergy and interplay of multisized/component CoxP NPs and the porous SiO2matrix,the unique SiO2/CoxP heterostructure exhibits low overpotential(293 m V@10 mA cm-2),and robust stability(decay 12 mV after 5000 CV cycles,97.4%of initial current after 100 h chronoamperometric)for the OER process,exceeding many advanced metal phosphide electrocatalysts.This work provides a novel tactic to design low-cost,simple,and highly efficient OER electrocatalysts.

Pulmonary Toxicity in Rats Caused by Exposure to Intratracheal Instillation of SiO2 Nanoparticles

Objective The effect of the silica nanoparticles（SNs） on lungs injury in rats was investigated to evaluate the toxicity and possible mechanisms for SNs.Methods Male Wistar rats were instilled intratracheally with 1 mL of saline containing 6.25,12.5,and 25.0 mg of SNs or 25.0 mg of microscale SiO_2 particles suspensions for 30 d,were then sacrificed.Histopathological and ultrastructural change in lungs,and chemical components in the urine excretions were investigated by light microscope,TEM and EDS.MDA,NO and hydroxyproline（Hyp） in lung homogenates were quantified by spectrophotometry.Contents of TNF-α,TGF-β1,IL-1β,and MMP-2 in lung tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry staining.Results There is massive excretion of Si substance in urine.The SNs lead pulmonary lesions of rise in lung/body coefficients,lung inflammation,damaged alveoli,granuloma nodules formation,and collagen metabolized perturbation,and lung tissue damage is milder than those of microscale SiO_2 particles.The SNs also cause increase lipid peroxidation and high expression of cytokines.Conclusion The SNs result into pulmonary fibrosis by means of increase lipid peroxidation and high expression of cytokines.Milder effect of the SNs on pulmonary fibrosis comparing to microscale SiO_2 particles is contributed to its elimination from urine due to their ultrafine particle size.

Partial oxidation of methane over SiO2 supported Ni and NiCe catalysts

Nickel and nickel-ceria catalysts supported on high surface area silica, with 6 wt% Ni and 20 wt% CeO2 were prepared by microwave assisted(co) precipitation method. The catalysts were investigated by XRD,TPR and XPS analyses and they were tested in partial oxidation of methane(CPO). The catalytic reaction was carried out at atmospheric pressure in a temperature range of 400–800℃ with a feed gas mixture containing methane and oxygen in a molecular ratio CH4/O2=2. The Ni catalyst exhibited 60% methane conversion with 60% selectivity to CO already at 500℃. On the contrary, the Ni–Ce catalyst was inert to CPO up to 700℃. Moreover, the former catalyst reproduced its activity at the descending temperatures maintaining a good stability at 600℃, over a reaction time of 80 h, whereas the latter one completely deactivated. Test of CH4 temperature programmed surface reaction(CH4-TPSR) revealed a higher methane activation temperature(> 100℃) for the Ni–Ce catalyst as compared to the Ni one. Noticeable improvement of the ceria containing catalyst occurred when the reaction test started at a temperature higher than the methane decomposition temperature. In this case, the sample achieved the same catalytic behavior of the Ni catalyst. As confirmed by XPS analyses, the distinct electronic state of the supported nickel was responsible for the differences in catalytic behavior.

Catalytic Conversion of Biomass-Derived Polyols into Para-xylene over SiO2-Modified Zeolites

This work proved that biomass-based polyols (sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, glycerol and ethanediol) were able to be converted into high-value chemical (p-xylene) by catalytic cracking of polyols, alkylation of aromatics, and the isomerization of xylenes over the SiO2-modified zeolites. Compared to the conventional HZSM-5 zeolite, the SiO2-containing zeolites considerably increased the selectivity and yield of p-xylene due to the reduction of external surface acidity and the narrowing of pore entrance. The influences of the methanol additive, reaction temperature, and types of polyols on the selectivity and yield of p-xylene were investigated in detail. Catalytic cracking of polyols with methanol significantly enhanced the production of p-xylene by the alkylation of toluene with methanol. The highest p-xylene yield of 10.9 C-mol% with a p-xylene/xylenes ratio of 91.1% was obtained over the 15wt%SiO2/HZSM-5 catalyst. The reaction pathway for the formation of p-xylene was addressed according to the study of the key reactions and the characterization of catalysts.