Enhanced photocatalytic activity of methylene blue using heterojunction Ag@TiO_(2)nanocomposite:Mechanistic and optimization study

The objective in this study is to investigate the adsorption-degradation of the methylene blue(MB)dye using a fabricated heterojunction Ag@TiO_(2)nanocomposite.The batch factors used in photo catalytic reactions were pH,UV-irradiation time,temperature,catalytic dosage,and concentration of MB.The results showed that 0.2×10^(3) g·ml^(-1))of the catalytic dose caused the Ag@TiO_(2)adsorption to degrade by 96.67%with darks and UV exposure.Using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model to determine the kinetic,the Ag@TiO_(2)displays a greater kinetic rate than TiO_(2)and silver nanoparticle(AgNPs).The photocatalytic degradation of MB,which is an endothermic reaction involving all catalysts,is shown by the thermodynamic parameter to have the positive value of enthalpy(ΔH°).The enthalpies observed were Ag@TiO_(2)(126.80 kJ·mol^(-1))<AgNPs(354.47 kJ·mol^(-1))<TiO_(2)(430.04 kJ·mol^(-1)).Ascorbic acid(·OH scavenger),2-propanol(·O_(2)scavenger),and ammonium oxalate(AO)(hole h+scavenger)were employed to conduct the scavenger effects.The Ag@TiO_(2)demonstrated a reduction in MB degradation when combined with 2-propanol,and this clearly demonstrated that,in contrast to hydroxyl radicals(·OH)and holeh scavengers,superoxide radical anion(O_(2)scavenger)plays a significant role in MB degradation.Utilizing density functional theory(DFT)to elucidate the mechanism and B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p)level optimization,the degradation-adsorption process was explained.When the N-N,C-N or C-C bonds were severed,the Fukui faction was demonstrated for nucleophilic,electrophilic,and radical attack.

Deflagration to detonation transition in weakly confined conditions for a type of potentially novel green primary explosive:Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)/RDX hybrid nanocomposites

The properties of the combustion and deflagration to detonation transition(DDT)of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)/RDX hybrid nanocomposites,a type of potentially novel lead-free primary explosives,were tested in weakly confined conditions,and the interaction of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)nanothermite and RDX in the DDT process was studied in detail.Results show that the amount of the Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)nanothermite has a great effect on the DDT properties of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)/RDX nanocomposites.The addition of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)nanothermite to RDX apparently improves the firing properties of RDX.A small amount of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)nanothermite greatly increases the initial combustion velocity of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)/RDX nanocomposites,accelerating their DDT process.When the contents of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)nanothermite are less than 20 wt%,the DDT mechanisms of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)/RDX nanocomposites follow the distinct abrupt mode,and are consistent with that of RDX,though their DDT processes are different.The RDX added into the Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)nanothermite increases the latter's peak combustion velocity and makes it generate the DDT when the RDX content is at least 10 wt%.RDX plays a key role in the shock compressive combustion,the formation and the properties of the DDT in the flame propagation of nanocomposites.Compared with RDX,the fast DDT of Al/Fe_(2)O_(3)/RDX nanocomposites could be obtained by adjusting the chemical constituents of nanocomposites.

Influence of tool rotational speed on mechanical and corrosion behaviour of friction stir processed AZ31/Al_(2)O_(3)nanocomposite

Nano-sized reinforcements improved the mechanical characteristics efficiently by promoting more implicit particle hardening mechanisms compared to micron-sized reinforcements.Nano-sized particles lessen the critical particle solidification velocity for swamp and thus offers better dispersal.In the present investigation,the friction stir processing(FSP)is utilized to produce AZ31/Al_(2)O_(3)nanocomposites at various tool rotation speeds(i.e.,900,1200,and 1500 rpm)with an optimized 1.5%volume alumina(Al_(2)O_(3))reinforcement ratio.The mechanical and corrosion behavior of AZ31/Al_(2)O_(3)-developed nanocomposites was investigated and compared with that of the AZ31 base alloy.The AZ31 alloy experienced a comprehensive dynamic recrystallization during FSP,causing substantial grain refinement.Grain-size strengthening is the primary factor contributed to the enhancement in the strength of the fabricated nanocomposite.Tensile strength and yield strength values were lower than those for the base metal matrix,although an upward trend in both values has been observed with an increase in tool rotation speed.An 19.72%increase in hardness along with superior corrosion resistance was achieved compared to the base alloy at a tool rotational speed of 1500 rpm.The corrosion currents(Jcorr)of all samples dropped with increase in the rotational speed,in contrast to the corrosion potentials(Ecorr),which increased.The values of Jcorr of AZ31/Al_(2)O_(3)were 42.3%,56.8%,and 65.5%lower than those of AZ31 alloy at the chosen rotating speeds of 900,1200,and 1500 rpm,respectively.The corrosion behavior of friction stir processed nanocomposites have been addressed in this manuscript which has not been given sufficient attention in the existing literature.Further,this work offers an effective choice for the quality assurance of the FSP process of AZ31/Al_(2)O_(3)nanocomposites.The obtained results are relevant to the development of lightweight automobile and aerospace structures and components.

MoS_(2)/ZnO异质结纳米材料降解亚甲基蓝的光催化性能研究

为了提高ZnO的光转换效率,选用带隙较低的MoS_(2)形成异质结提高ZnO的光催化性能。通过水热法制备ZnO纳米棒,并进一步制备MoS_(2)/ZnO异质结构的纳米复合材料。通过扫描电镜(SEM)、X射线粉末衍射仪(XRD)、固体紫外可见漫反射测试仪(UV-Vis)和紫外可见分光光度计(UV-245)等分析方法对样品的形貌、结构及光学性能等进行表征。结果表明,MoS_(2)/ZnO异质结复合材料呈棒状结构,并由于内建电场存在可有效增强光生载流子的分离效率,进而提高了可见光区的吸收,提高了光催化性能。在模拟太阳光(包含紫外波段)下,60 min时MoS_(2)-15/ZnO纳米复合材料对亚甲基蓝的降解率可达99%,比纯ZnO的降解率提高了10%。

Ag/TiO_2/freeze-dried graphene nanocomposite as a high performance photocatalyst under visible light irradiation

Ag/TiO2/freeze-dried graphene nanocomposites have been prepared via a facile one-step solvothermal method for the photocatalytic degradation of Rh B under visible light irradiation. During the solvothermal process, reduction of graphene oxide and loading of Ag/TiO2nanoparticles on graphene sheets were achieved. Investigation of chemical state of products showed that covering of Ag/TiO2surface with higher weight ratio of graphene resulting in that Ag metals in Ag/TiO2were oxidized to Ag2 O in nanocomposite structure after solvothermal process. Degree of photocatalytic activity enhancement strongly depends on the coverage of Ag/TiO2surface by porous graphene. The sample of 1 wt% porous graphene hybridized Ag/TiO2showed the highest photocatalytic activity, which is related to high migration efficiency of photoinduced of electrons and reduction of electron–hole recombination rate due to high electrical conductivity of graphene. Expanding of absorption to visible light region was ascribed to surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag metals and presence of graphene. Investigation of photocatalytic performance of formic acid as a dye-less organic pollutant showed that dye sensitization effect of Rh B molecules during evaluation of photocatalytic performance was negligible.

Study on Preparation and Properties of La_2O_3/MC Nylon Nanocomposites

A series of La2O3/MC nylon nanocomposites were prepared via in situ polymerization. The effects of content of nano-La2O3 on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites were studied. Dispersion of nano-La2O3 in MC nylon matrix was observed with SEM. The crystal structure of nanocomposites was characterized by means of XRD. SEM analysis shows that La2O3 nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in MC nylon matrix and little clustering exists when the content of nano- La2O3 is lower than 1%, however, when the content of nano-La2O3 is more than 1%, it begins to cluster. XRD analysis indicats that nano-La2O3 does not change the crystal structure of MC nylon. Mechanical properties tests show that the tensile strength, elongation at break, impact strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of nanocomposites first increase then decrease as the content of nano-La2O3 is increased. When the content of nano-La2O3 is 0.5%, the tensile strength and elongation at break of nanocomposites reach maximum, which are 17.9% and 52.1% higher respectively than those of MC nylon. When the content of nano-La2O3 is 1.0%, the impact strength, flexural strength and flexural modulus of nanocomposites reach maximum, which are 36.6 %, 12.7 % and 16.3 % higher respectively than those of MC nylon.

Surface functionalized N-C-TiO_(2)/C nanocomposites derived from metal-organic framework in water vapour for enhanced photocatalytic H generation

Surface-functionalized nitrogen/carbon co-doped polymorphic TiO_(2) phase junction nanoparticles uniformly distributed in porous carbon matrix were synthesized by a simple one-step pyrolysis of titanium based metal-organic framework(MOF),NH_(2)-MIL^(-1)25(Ti) at 700℃ under water vapour atmosphere.Introducing water vapour during the pyrolysis of NH_(2)-MIL^(-1)25(Ti) not only functionalizes the derived porous carbon matrix with carboxyl groups but also forms additional oxygen-rich N like interstitial/intraband states lying above the valence band of TiO2 along with the self-doped carbo n,which further narrows the energy band gaps of polymorphic TiO2 nanoparticles that enhance photocatalytic charge transfer efficiency.Without co-catalyst,sample N-C-TiO2/CArW demonstrates H_(2) evolution activity of 426 μmol gcat-1h^(-1),which remarkably outperforms commercial TiO_(2)(P-25) and N-C-TiO_(2)/CAr with a 5-fold and 3-fold H_(2) generation,respectively.This study clearly shows that water vapour atmosphere during the pyrolysis increases the hydrophilicity of the Ti-MOF derived composites by functionalizing porous carbon matrix with carboxylic groups,as well as enhancing the electrical conductivity and charge transfer efficiency due to the formation of additional localized oxygen-rich N like interstitial/intraband states.This work also demonstrates that by optimizing the anatase-rutile phase composition of the TiO2 polymorphs,tuning the energy band gaps by N/C co-doping and functionalizing the porous carbon matrix in the N-C-TiO2/C nanocomposites,the photocatalytic H_(2) generation activity can be further enhanced.

Recent progress on gas sensors based on graphene-like 2D/2D nanocomposites

Two-dimensional(2D)nanomaterials have demonstrated great potential in the field of flexible gas sensing due to their inherent high specific surface areas,unique electronic properties and flexibility property.However,numerous challenges including sensitivity,selectivity,response time,recovery time,and stability have to be addressed before their practical application in gas detection field.Development of graphene-like 2D/2D nanocomposites as an efficient strategy to achieve high-performance 2D gas sensor has been reported recently.This review aims to discuss the latest advancements in the 2D/2D nanocomposites for gas sensors.We first elaborate the gas-sensing mechanisms and the collective benefits of 2D/2D hybridization as sensor materials.Then,we systematically present the current gas-sensing applications based on different categories of 2D/2D nanocomposites.Finally,we conclude the future prospect of 2D/2D nanocomposites in gas sensing applications.

Synthesis of a PEBAX-1074/ZnO nanocomposite membrane with improved CO_2 separation performance

In this investigation, polymeric nanocomposite membranes（PNMs） were prepared via incorporating zinc oxide（ZnO） into poly（ether-block-amide）(PEBAX-1074) polymer matrix with different loadings. The neat membrane and nanocomposite membranes were prepared via solution casting and solution blending methods, respectively. The fabricated membranes were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy（FESEM） to survey cross-sectional morphologies and thermal gravimetric analysis（TGA）to study thermal stability. Fourier transform infrared（FT-IR） and X-ray diffraction（XRD） analyses were also employed to identify variations of the chemical bonds and crystal structure of the membranes, respectively. Permeation of pure gases, CO, CHand Nthrough the prepared neat and nanocomposite membranes was studied at pressures of 3–18 bar and temperature of 25 °C. The obtained results showed that the fabricated nanocomposite membranes exhibit better separation performance compared to the neat PEBAX membrane in terms of both permeability and selectivity. As an example, at temperature of 25 °C and pressure of 3 bar, COpermeability, ideal CO/CHand CO/Nselectivity values for the neat PEBAX membrane are 110.67 Barrer, 11.09 and 50.08, respectively, while those values are 152.27 Barrer,13.52 and 62.15 for PEBAX/ZnO nanocomposite membrane containing 8 wt% ZnO.

Preparation of TiO_2/Kaolinite Nanocomposite and Its Photocatalytical Activity

Titanium dioxide/ kaolinite nanocomposite was prepared by the sol-gel method, with layered kaolinite as a substrate and Ti （ OC4H9 ）4 as a precursor. The effects of hydrolysis, drying and calcination on the production of nanometric titanium dioxide were discussed. The optimal conditions for preparation were＂ bbtained through experiments. The 1- 10 nrn thick monolayer anatase nano TiO2 crystal was produced under the conditions as follows： hydrolyzed at 37-42 ℃ for 4 h, dried at 70-80 ℃ for 1 h, and calcined at 550-650℃ for 3 h. The rate of degradation of 40 mg/ L azo dye and 20 mg/ L acid red dye can reuch 96% and 81.45%, respectively.

A NOVEL RESISTIVE HUMIDITY SENSOR BASED ON SODIUM POLYSTYRENESULFONATE/TiO_2 NANOCOMPOSITES

A resistive humidity sensor was prepared based on sodium polystyrenesulfonate (NaPSS)/TiO2 nanocomposites, and its electrical response to humidity was examined. The sensor exhibits better linearity, smaller hysteresis (< 4% RH) and quicker response (absorption: less than 2 s; desorption: less than 20 s) in comparison with sensor composed of NaPSS. The effect of concentration of NaPSS and TiO2 on humidity response of sensors was discussed.

Morphology and Mechanical Properties of PS/Al_2O_3 Nanocomposites Based on Selective Laser Sintering

Selective laser sintering （SLS） is a new process to prepare the polystyrene （PS）/Al2O3 nanocomposites. In this paper, with different laser power and other processing parameters unchanged, the morphology, density and mechanical properties of the sintered specimens were investigated. It was found that nano-sized inorganic particles are uniformly located in the PS matrix and the maximum density of the sintered specimens with pure PS powder reaches 1.07 g/cm^3, higher than 1.04 g/cm^3 that of the sintered specimens with mixture powder. Due to strengthening and toughness of the nano-sized Al2O3 inorganic particles, the maximum notched impact strength and tensile strength of the sintered part mixed with nano-sized inorganic particles are improved greatly from 7.5 to 12.1 kJ/m^2 and from 6.5 to 31.2 MPa, respectively, under the same sintering condition.

Enhanced photoresponse performance in Ga/Ga_2O_3 nanocomposite solar-blind ultraviolet photodetectors

In the present work, we explore the solar-blind ultraviolet（UV） photodetectors（PDs） with enhanced photoresponse,fabricated on Ga/Ga2O3 nanocomposite films. Through pre-burying metal Ga layers and thermally post-annealing the laminated Ga2 O3/Ga/Ga2O3 structures, Ga/Ga2O3 nanocomposite films incorporated with Ga nanospheres are obtained. For the prototype PD, it is found that the photocurrent and photoresponsivity will first increase and then decrease monotonically with the thickness of the pre-buried Ga layer increasing. Each of all PDs shows a spectrum response peak at 260 nm, demonstrating the ability to detect solar-blind UV light. Adjustable photoresponse enhancement factors are achieved by means of the surface plasmon in the nanocomposite films. The PD with a 20 nm thick Ga interlayer exhibits the best solar-blind UV photoresponse characteristics with an extremely low dark current of 8.52 p A at 10-V bias, a very high light-to-dark ratio of ～ 8 × 10~5, a large photoresponsivity of 2.85 A/W at 15-V bias, and a maximum enhancement factor of ～ 220. Our research provides a simple and practical route to high performance solar-blind UV PDs and potential applications in the field of optoelectronics.

Effect of Multiple Alloying Elements on Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Nanocomposite Nd_2Fe_(14) B/α-Fe Magnets

Effect of multiple alloying elements (Ga, Nb, Zr, Hf and Pr) on microstructure and magnetic properties of nanocomposite Nd 9- x Pr x Fe 86.5- y-z-m-n Ga y Nb z Zr m Hf n B 4.5 ( x =0, 2 25; y, z, m, n =0.5, 1.0) ribbons was investigated by a L 16 (2 15 ) orthogonal experiment. The results show that the addition of multiple alloying elements can effectively reduce the grain size of Nd 2Fe 14 B and α Fe phases and promote amorphous phase to occur at low wheel speed. No inhomogeneous growth of grains was found in annealed ribbons, but a large amount of additives would results in irregularity of Nd 2Fe 14 B and α Fe grains. On the other hand, addition of multiple alloying elements has complex effects on magnetic properties due to interactions between alloying elements. When the content of Nb is 0.5%, increasing the content of Pr and Ga and decreasing the content of Zr and Hf can improve the magnetic properties effectively. The optimum magnetic properties were obtained in Nd 2.25 Pr 6.75 Fe 84.5 Ga 1.5 Nb 0.5 B 4.5 ribbons spun at 15 m·s -1 with J r=1.053 T, i H c=530.9 kA·m -1 ,( BH ) max =124 kJ·m -3 .

Nanocomposite membranes with high-charge and size-screened phosphorylated nanocellulose fibrils for CO_(2)separation

In this study,cellulose nanofibrils(CNF)of high charge(H-P-CNF)and screened size(H-P-CNF-S)were fabricated by increasing the charge of phosphorylated cellulose nanofibrils(P-CNFs)during the pre-treatment step of CNF production.Results show that the H-P-CNF have a significantly higher charge(3.41 mmol g^(-1))compared with P-CNF(1.86 mmol g^(-1)).Centrifugation of H-P-CNF gave a supernatant with higher charge(5.4 mmol g^(-1))and a reduced size(H-P-CNF-S).These tailored nanocelluloses were added to polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)solutions and the suspensions were successfully coated on porous polysulfone(PSf)supports to produce thin-film nanocomposite membranes.The humid mixed gas permeation tests show that CO_(2)permeability increases for membranes with the addition of H-P-CNF-S by 52%and 160%,compared with the P-CNF/PVA membrane and neat PVA membrane,respectively.

Highly antibacterial rGO/Cu2O nanocomposite from a biomass precursor:Synthesis,performance,and mechanism

Reduced graphene oxide(rGO)has been widely used to fabricate electronics,sensors,photodetectors,and in other applications.However,the antibacterial performance of pristine rGO is relatively weak.The application of rGO in biomedical devices,smart food packaging,and water desalination membranes requires further improvement of rGO’s antibacterial abilities.Copper(I)oxide(Cu2O)is an effective antibacterial agent,which denatures protein and enhances the permeability of cell membranes.In this work,we report a simple method of synthesizing a highly antibacterial rGO/Cu2O nanocomposite from cellulose acetate,a derivative of abundant natural cellulose.The synthesized rGO/Cu2O nanocomposite was thoroughly characterized by Raman spectroscopy,X-ray powder diffraction(XRD),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),atomic force microscopy(AFM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),high-resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM),and scanning transmission electron microscopy(STEM).Then,the antibacterial abilities of rGO/Cu2O nanocomposite were evaluated and a bactericidal mechanism was revealed from the molecular biology perspective.Results indicate that our synthesized rGO/Cu2O nanocomposite owns strong antibacterial activity,mainly stemming from the uniformly incorporated Cu2O nanocrystals with a lateral size of 5–40 nm.

Preparation and Microstructure of Cu/Ti_3SiC_2 Nanocomposite

Mixed micron-sized Cu/Ti3SiC2 （vo15%） powder was mechanically milled using agate balls and zirconia balls separately. Then followed an examination of it with the FEI-SEM. The experimental results show that, distributed homogenously in Cu matrix, the Ti3SiC2 particles have a size of about 30-50 nm after milled with agate balls for 8 h, while it remains approximately unchanged after milled with zirconia balls. The microstructure of the mixture at different ball-milling stages was also studied. Bulks of Cu/Ti3SiC2 nano-composite were fabricated by hot pressing nano-sized Cu/Ti3SiC2 powder at the temperature of 1 073 K under 100 MPa. Then came an investigation of the effects of the particle size and agglomerate state of Ti3SiC2 as well as the microstructure of Cu/Ti3SiC2 nano-composite. It was found that the nano-sized Ti3SiC2 particles distribute evenly in copper.

Synthesis and Structure of Polypyrrole Derivatives/V_2O_5 Nanocomposites

Poly (N, N, N-trimethyl-(2-pyrrol-1-yl) ethyl ammonium iodide)/V2O5 (PTPAI/V2O5) nanocomposites were synthesized by sol-gel method. This method involved formation of vanadium pentoxide xerogel in the presence of polypyrrole derivatives solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that the polypyrrole derivative particles encapsulated in the fibrous V2O5 network and the layered distance significantly increased from 1. 077 39 to 1. 354 56 nm. The interaction between polypyrrole and V2O5 in the ‘nanocomposites’ was characterized by IR spectroscopy. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs reveal the structural contrasts between the hybrid materials and the pristine vanadium oxide xerogel. Key words polypyrrole/V2O5 - nanocomposites - XRD - SEM CLC number O 633. 5 Foundation item: Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province (2003ABA030)Biography: Shi Chuang (1978-), male, Master candidate, research direction: synthesis chemistry.

Formation mechanism of Al2O3/MoS2 nanocomposite coating by plasma electrolytic oxidation(PEO)

In this study,an Al2O3/MoS2 nanocomposite coating was created on an aluminum 1050 substrate using the plasma electrolytic oxidation method.The zeta potential measurements showed that small MoS2 particles have negative potential and move toward the anode electrode.The nanoparticles of MoS2 were found to have a zeta potential of-25 mV,which prevents suspension in the solution.Thus,to produce an Al2O3/MoS2 nanocomposite,one has to use the microparticles of MoS2.The X-ray diffraction analyses showed that the produced coatings containedα-Al2O3,γ-Al2O3,and MoS2,and that the size of MoS2 particles can be reduced to 30 nm.It was observed that prolonged suspension in the electrolyte results in an enhanced formation of an Al2O3/MoS2 nanocomposite.Using the results,it was hypothesized that the mechanism of the formation of the Al2O3/MoS2 nanocomposite coating on the aluminum 1050 substrate is based on electrical energy discharge.