Simple and High-Yield Synthesis of a Thinner Layer of Graphenic Carbon from Coconut Shells

Biomass has become of recent interest as a raw material for‘green’graphenic carbon(GC)since it promotes an environmentally friendly approach.Here,we investigate a single pyrolysis route to synthesize GC from coconut shells which provides a simple method and can produce a high yield,thus being convenient for large-scale pro-duction.The pyrolysis involves a stepped holding process at 350℃ for 1 h and at 650℃ or 900℃ for 3 h.The GC sample resulted at the 900℃ pyrolysis has a thinner sheet,a less porous structure,a higher C/O ratio,and an enhanced electrical conductivity than those pyrolyzed at 650℃.The addition of Na3PO4 catalyst has no signifi-cant effects on the GC structures obtained by this route.The single pyrolysis route generates thinner GC sheets compared to the two-step heat treatment followed by the liquid phase exfoliation(LPE)procedure.Nevertheless,the latter method offers a formation of clean samples with a porous or holey feature which has potential for advanced energy-storage applications.

Synthesis and Characterization of Triangular-pyramidal Bismuth Oxide via a One-step Chemical Precipitation Route

Triangular-pyramidal ω-Bi2O3 is successfully synthesized via a one-step wet-chemical method.XRD,SEM,and UV-vis have been employed to characterize the as-prepared samples.Structural characterization by XRD confirms the formation of triclinic ω-Bi2O3 with high purity.The well-defined flowerlike Bi2O3 structures consisted of many triangular-pyramids are formed.Preparative parameters,such as concentration of PEG 6000,have great effects on the morphology and the particle size.The obvious absorption edge for ω-Bi2O3 powder is located at about 493 nm,which corresponds to the optical band gap energy of2.73 eV.

Factors influencing synthesis and properties of MAX phases

MAX phases are a member of ternary carbide and nitride,with a layered crystal structure and a mixed nature of chemical bonds(covalent-ionic-metallic)that promote MAX phases embracing both ceramic and metal characteristics.As a result,MAX phase ceramics emerge with remarkable properties unique from other traditional ceramics.In this review,we focus on alternate processing approaches for MAX phases that are cost-effective and energy-saving.The MAX phase purity,formation of other unwanted phases,microstructure,and properties are influenced by many parameters during processing.Therefore,we highlight the effect of numerous factors,which alternately diminish the efficiency and performance of materials.Here,the impact of several parameters,such as starting materials,stoichiometric composition,temperature,pressure,particle size,porosity,microstructure,mechanical alloying,mechanical activation,ion irradiation,and doping,are summarized to reveal their influence on the synthesis and properties of MAX phases.The potential applications of MAX phases are considered for their development on a commercial scale toward the industry.

A New Orthorhombic Phase of ZrW_(1.6) Mo_(0.4)O_8 at Ambient Pressure

Nanocrystallite δ ′ ZrW 1.6 Mo 0.4 O 8 was prepared in the precursor route synthesis. The characterization by means of powder X ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) showed it crystallized in a orthorhombic crystal system with a =0.896 9(7) nm, b =0.701 1(8) nm, c =0.596(1) nm. The possible space group is Pnnm (58) or Pnn2 (34). The compound crystallizes in a metastable phase during the synthesis process depending on temperature and crystallization time.

A new route for the synthesis of ω-acyl carboxylic acids

A new method for synthesis of ω-acyl carboxylic acids is described. Photooxygenation of cyclic silyl enol ethers sensitized by 9,10-dicyanoanthracene (DCA) provided ω-acyl carboxylic acids in modest to good yields.