Ambient-Condition Strategy for Production of Hollow Ga_(2)O_(3)@rGO Crystalline Nanostructures Toward Efficient Lithium Storage

Crystallineγ-Ga_(2)O_(3)@rGO core-shell nanostructures are synthesized in gram scale,which are accomplished by a facile sonochemical strategy under ambient condition.They are composed of uniformγ-Ga_(2)O_(3)nanospheres encapsulated by reduced graphene oxide(rGO)nanolayers,and their formation is mainly attributed to the existed opposite zeta potential between the Ga_(2)O_(3)and rGO.The as-constructed lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)based on as-fabricatedγ-Ga_(2)O_(3)@rGO nanostructures deliver an initial discharge capacity of 1000 mAh g^(-1)at 100 mA g^(-1)and reversible capacity of 600 mAh g^(-1)under 500 mA g^(-1)after 1000 cycles,respectively,which are remarkably higher than those of pristineγ-Ga_(2)O_(3)with a much reduced lifetime of 100 cycles and much lower capacity.Ex situ XRD and XPS analyses demonstrate that the reversible LIBs storage is dominant by a conversion reaction and alloying mechanism,where the discharged product of liquid metal Ga exhibits self-healing ability,thus preventing the destroy of electrodes.Additionally,the rGO shell could act robustly as conductive network of the electrode for significantly improved conductivity,endowing the efficient Li storage behaviors.This work might provide some insight on mass production of advanced electrode materials under mild condition for energy storage and conversion applications.

Au@Ag Core-shell Nanorods Self-assembled on Polyelectrolyte Multilayers for Ultra-High Sensitivity SERS Fiber Probes

We demonstrated a chemical process in the fabrication of a SERS fiber probe with an ultrahigh sensitivity.The synthesis was carried out by preparing Au@Ag core-shell nanorods (Au@Ag-NRs) selfassembled on polyelectrolyte (PE) multilayers,for which Au@Ag-NRs were controlled by adjusting the silver layer thickness.The effect of silver layer thickness of Au@Ag-NRs on the SERS performance of the fiber probe was investigated.The SERS fiber probe shows the best performance when the silver layer thickness is controlled at 8.57 nm.Under the condition of optimizing silver layer thickness,the fiber probe exhibits ultra-high sensitivity (i e,10^(-10) M crystalline violet,CV),good reproducibility (i e,RSD of 3.5%) and stability.Besides,electromagnetic field distribution of the SERS fiber probe was also investigated.The strongest enhancement is found within the core of fiber,whereas a weakened electromagnetic field exists in the fiber cladding layer.The SERS fiber probe can be a good candidate in ultra-trace detection for biomedical and environmental areas.

MnHCF/MnO_2 Core-shell Nanostructures as Cathode Material for Supercapacitors with High Energy Density

A nanocomposite of manganese dioxide coated manganese hexacyanoferrate was synthesized by a facile co-precipitation method and tested as active electrode material for an electrochemical supercapacitor. A way called "Deep electro-oxidation" was used to generate manganese dioxide coated layer for stabilizing the electrode material. The structure and ingredient of the resulting MnHCF/MnO2 composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. Electrochemical testing showed a capacitance of 225.6 F/g at a sweep rate of 5 mV/s within a voltage range of 1.3 V, and high energy density of 37.2 Wh/kg at a current density of 0.5 A/g in galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling. It is suggested that the two different components, manganese hexacyanoferrate core and manganese dioxide shell, lead to an integrated electrochemical behavior, and an enhanced capacitor. The electrochemical testing and corresponding XPS analysis also demonstrated that the manganese coordinated by cyanide groups via nitrogen atoms in MnHCF did not get involved in the charge storage process during potential cycles.

Fluorescent Superparamagnetic Core-Shell Nanostructures: Facile Synthesis of Fe@C-CN_xParticles for Reusable Photocatalysts

Synthesis and characterization of hybrid fluorescent superparamagnetic core-shell particles of Fe@C-CNx composition are presented for the first time. The prepared Fe@C-CNx hybrid nanoparticles were found to possess multifunctionality by exhibiting strong superparamagnetic properties and bright fluorescence emissions at 500 nm after the excitation with light in the UV-visible range. Fe@C-CNx also exhibits photocatalytic activities for organic dye degradation comparable to pure amorphous CNx with reusability through magnetic separation. The combination of magnetic and fluorescent properties of core-shell Fe@C-CNx nanoparticles opens opportunities for their application as sensors and magnet manipulated reusable photocatalysts. Superparamagnetic Fe@C core-shell nanoparticles were used as the template material in the synthesis, where the carbon shell was functionalized through one-step free-radical addition of alkyl groups terminated with carboxylic acid moieties. The method utilizes the organic acyl peroxide of dicarboxylic acid (succinic acid peroxide) as a non-oxidant functional free radical precursor for functionalization. Further, covalently functionalized succinyl-Fe@C core-shell nanoparticles were coated with the amorphous carbon nitride (CNx) generated by an in-situ solution-based chemical reaction of cyanuric chloride with lithium nitride. A detailed physicochemical characterization of the microstructure, magnetic and fluorescence properties of the synthesized hybrid nanoparticles is provided.

Manufacturing of Surface Nanostructured Fibers Featuring an Antibacterial Effect by Magnetic Field Transportation of Magnetite@Silver Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Magnetic core-shell nanoparticles of type Fe3O4@Ag were synthesized in gram scale following a combined co-precipitation phase-transfer method and afterwards, processed to nanoparticle polymer (polypropylene and polyamide) composites. These composites were used as sheath material for the fabrication of core-sheath fibers. During the melt spinning process, a magnetic field was applied around the roving, whereby the particles move in the still liquid sheath polymer towards the surface. The produced fiber materials were investigated by AFM showing a nanostructuring of the surface, which was indirectly confirmed by determination of a slight surface tension lowering. Nanoparticle movement was shown by cross-section SEM and EDX measurements. The antibacterial activity of the spun fibers was proven by contacting them with Escherichia coli. A long-term stability of this effect was observable by carrying out a standard washability test. In contrast to previous works this new approach uses no deposition technique to introduce surface changes. It rather applies a magnetic force to move appropriately equipped nanoparticles from the inside of the fiber to the surface. This leads in only one step to a strong superficial anchoring of the particles resulting in a unique combination of long-term stable antibacterial and improved anti-soiling effects.

Application of Monodisperse Thermo-Responsive Composite Microgels with Core-Shell Structure Based on Au@Ag Bimetallic Nanorod as Core in Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Substrate

The monodisperse Au@Ag bimetallic nanorod is encapsulated by crosslinked poly( N-isopropylacrylamide)( PNIPAM) to produce thermo-responsive composite microgel with well-defined core-shell structure( Au@ Ag NR@ PNIPAM microgel)by seed-precipitation polymerization method using butenoic acid modified Au @ Ag NRs as seeds. When the temperature of the aqueous medium increases from 20℃ to 50℃,the localized surface plasmon resonance( LSPR) band of the entrapped Au @ Ag NR is pronouncedly red-shifted because of the decreased spatial distances between them as a result of shrinkage of the microgels,leading to their plasmonic coupling. The temperature tunable plasmonic coupling is demonstrated by temperature dependence of the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy( SERS) signal of 1-naphthol in aqueous solution. Different from static plasmonic coupling modes from nanostructured assembly or array system of noble metals,the proposed plasmonic coupling can be dynamically controlled by environmental temperature. Therefore, the thermo responsive hybrid microgels have potential applications in mobile LSPR or SERS microsensors for living tissues or cells.

Plasmon-enhanced photocatalytic oxidative coupling of amines in the air using a delicate Ag nanowire@NH_(2)-UiO-66 core-shell nanostructures

MOF-based core-shell structures with high surface area, abundant active sites, and broad absorption bands are viable alternatives to traditional single-component photocatalysts. In this report, we describe the design and construction of delicate Ag nanowires@NH_(2)-UiO-66 with a core-shell structure for use as photocatalysts in imine synthesis under light. The optimized composites exhibited 80% imine production, which was higher than both MOF and Ag NWs. The significant improvement in photocatalytic activity under light may be attributed to the plasmonic effect of silver nanowires and their core-shell structure, which promotes the separation of electron-hole pairs. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of the core-shell nanostructure may provide valuable insight into the design and construction of MOF-based composite photocatalysts for oxidative coupling of amines.

Morphology and Crystallinity-controlled Synthesis of Manganese Cobalt Oxide/Manganese Dioxides Hierarchical Nanostructures for High-Performance Supercapacitors

We demonstrate a novel preparative strategy for the well-controlled MnCo_2O_(4.5)@MnO_2 hierarchical nanostructures.Bothδ-MnO_2 nanosheets andα-MnO_2 nanorods can uniformly decorate the surface of MnCo_2O_(4.5)nanowires to form core-shell heterostructures.Detailed electrochemical characterization reveals that MnCo_2O_(4.5)@δ-MnO_2 pattern exhibits not only high specific capacitance of 357.5 F g^(-1)at a scan rate of 0.5 A g^(-1),but also good cycle stability(97%capacitance retention after 1000 cycles at a scan rate of 5 A g^(-1)),which make it have a promising application as a supercapacitor electrode material.

Core-shell particles of C-doped CdS and graphene: A noble metal-free approach for efficient photocatalytic H_(2) generation

To achieve efficient photocatalytic H_(2) generation from water using earth-abundant and cost-effective materials,a simple synthesis method for carbon-doped CdS particles wrapped with graphene(C-doped CdS@G)is reported.The doping effect and the application of graphene as cocatalyst for CdS is studied for photocatalytic H_(2) generation.The most active sample consists of CdS and graphene(CdS-0.15G)exhibits promising photocatalytic activity,producing 3.12 mmol g^-(1) h^-(1) of H_(2) under simulated solar light which is^4.6 times superior than pure CdS nanoparticles giving an apparent quantum efficiency(AQY)of 11.7%.The enhanced photocatalytic activity for H_(2) generation is associated to the narrowing of the bandgap,enhanced light absorption,fast interfacial charge transfer,and higher carrier density(N_(D))in C-doped CdS@G samples.This is achieved by C doping in CdS nanoparticles and the formation of a graphene shell over the C-doped CdS nanoparticles.After stability test,the spent catalysts sample was also characterized to investigate the nanostructure.

High activity and durability of carbon-supported core-shell PtPx@Pt/C catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

Alloying Pt with transition metals can significantly improve the catalytic properties for the oxygen reduction reaction(ORR).However,the application of Pt-transition metal alloys in fuel cells is largely limited by poor long-term durability because transition metals can easily leach.In this study,we developed a nonmetallic doping approach and prepared a P-doped Pt catalyst with excellent durability for the ORR.Carbon-supported core-shell nanoparticles with a P-doped Pt core and Pt shell(denoted as PtPx@Pt/C)were synthesized via heat-treatment phosphorization of commercial Pt/C,followed by acid etching.Compositional analysis using electron energy loss spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy clearly demonstrated that Pt was enriched in the near-surface region(approximately 1 nm)of the carbon-supported core-shell nanoparticles.Owning to P doping,the ORR specific activity and mass activity of the PtP_(1.4)@Pt/C catalyst were as high as 0.62 mA cm^(–2)and 0.31 mAμgPt–^(1),respectively,at 0.90 V,and they were enhanced by 2.8 and 2.1 times,respectively,in comparison with the Pt/C catalyst.More importantly,PtP_(1.4)@Pt/C exhibited superior stability with negligible mass activity loss(6%after 30000 potential cycles and 25%after 90000 potential cycles),while Pt/C lost 46%mass activity after 30000 potential cycles.The high ORR activity and durability were mainly attributed to the core-shell nanostructure,the electronic structure effect,and the resistance of Pt nanoparticles against aggregation,which originated from the enhanced ability of the PtP_(1.4)@Pt to anchor to the carbon support.This study provides a new approach for constructing nonmetal-doped Pt-based catalysts with excellent activity and durability for the ORR.

Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Bifunctional Fe_(3)O_(4)-Ag Core-Shell Nanostructures

We describe a simple one-pot thermal decomposition method for the production of a stable colloidal suspension of narrowly dispersed superparamagnetic Fe_(3)O_(4)-Ag core-shell nanostructures.These biocompatible nanostructures are highly toxic to microorganisms.Antimicrobial activity studies were carried out on both Gram negative(Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris)and Gram positive(Bacillus megaterium and Staphylococcus aureus)bacterial strains.Efforts have been made to understand the underlying molecular mechanism of such antibacterial actions.The effect of the core-shell nanostructures on Gram negative strains was found to be better than that observed for silver nanoparticles.The minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)values of these nanostructures were found to be considerably lower than those of commercially available antibiotics.We attribute this enhanced antibacterial effect of the nanostructures to their stability as a colloid in the medium,which modulates the phosphotyrosine profile of the bacterial proteins and arrests bacterial growth.We also demonstrate that these core-shell nanostructures can be removed from the medium by means of an external magnetic field which provides a mechanism to prevent uncontrolled waste disposal of these potentially hazardous nanostructures.

Coordination-responsive drug release inside gold nanorod @ metal-organic framework core-shell nanostructures for near-infrared-induced synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy

Multifunctional core-shell nanostructures formed by integration of distinct components have received wide attention as promising biological platforms in recent years. In this work, crystalline zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 （ZIF-8）, a typical metal-organic framework （MOF）, is coated onto single gold nanorod （AuNR） core for successful realization of synergistic photothermal and chemotherapy triggered by near-infrared （NIR） light. Impressivel）~ high doxorubicin hydrochloride （DOX） loading capacity followed by pH and NIR light dual stimuli-responsive DOX release can be easily implemented through formation and breakage of coordination bonds in the system. Moreover, under NIR laser irradiation at 808 nm, these novel AuNR@MOF core-shell nanostructures exhibit effective synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy both in vitro and in vivo, confirmed by cell treatment and tumor ablation via intravenous injection.

Ultra-stable silica-coated chiral Au-nanorod assemblies： Core-shell nanostructures with enhanced chiroptical properties

Chiral nano-assemblies with amplified optical activity have attracted particular interest for their potential application in photonics, sensing and catalysis. Yet it still remains a great challenge to realize their real applications because of the instability of these assembled nanostructures. Herein, we demonstrate a facile and efficient method to fabricate ultra-stable chiral nanostructures with strong chiroptical properties. In these novel chiral nanostructures, side-by-side assembly of chiral cysteine-modified gold nanorods serves as the core while mesoporous silica acts as the shell. The chiral core-shell nanostructures exhibit an evident plasmonic circular dichroism （CD） response originating from the chiral core. Impressively, such plasmonic CD signals can be easily manipulated by changing the number as well as the aspect ratio of Au nanorods in the assemblies located at the core. In addition, because of the stabilization effect of silica shells, the chiroptical performance of these core-shell nanostructures is significantly improved in different chemical environments.

Strategic design and fabrication of MXenes-Ti_(3)CNCl_(2)@CoS_(2) core-shell nanostructure for high-efficiency hydrogen evolution

CoS_(2) is considered to be a promising electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction(HER).However,its further widespread applications are hampered by the unsatisfactory activity due to relatively high chemisorption energy for hydrogen atom.Herein,theoretical predictions of first-principles calculations reveal that the introduction of a Cl-terminated MXenes-Ti_(3)CNCl_(2) can significantly reduce the HER potential of CoS_(2)-based materials and the Ti_(3)CNCl_(2)@CoS_(2) core–shell nanostructure has Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption(|ΔGH|)close to zero,much lower than that of the pristine CoS_(2) and Ti_(3)CNCl_(2).Inspired by the theoretical predictions,we have successfully fabricated a unique Ti_(3)CNCl_(2)@CoS_(2) core–shell nanostructure by ingeniously coupling CoS_(2) with a Cl-terminated MXenes-Ti_(3)CNCl_(2).Interface-charge transfer between CoS_(2) and Ti_(3)CNCl_(2) results in a higher degree of electronic localization and a formation of chemical bonding.Thus,the Ti_(3)CNCl_(2)@CoS_(2) core–shell nanostructure achieves a significant enhancement in HER activity compared to pristine CoS_(2) and Ti_(3)CNCl_(2).Theoretical calculations further confirm that the partial density of states of CoS_(2) after hybridization becomes more non-localized,and easier to interact with hydrogen ions,thus boosting HER performance.In this work,the success of oriented experimental fabrication of high-efficiency Ti_(3)CNCl_(2)@CoS_(2) electrocatalysts guided by theoretical predictions provides a powerful lead for the further strategic design and fabrication of efficient HER electrocatalysts.

Core-shell Ag-Pt nanoparticles:A versatile platform for the synthesis of heterogeneous nanostructures towards catalyzing electrochemical reactions

Heterogeneous nanostructures that are defined as a hybrid structure consisting of two or more nanoscale domains with distinct chemical compositions or physical characteristics have attracted intense efforts in recent years.In this review,we focus on the introduction of a number of heterogeneous nanostructures derived using core-shell Ag-Pt nanoparticles as starting materials,including hollow,dimeric and composite structures and also highlight their application in catalyzing electrochemical reactions,e.g.,methanol oxidation reaction and oxygen reduction reaction.This review not only shows the capability of core-shell Ag-Pt nanoparticles in producing various heterogeneous nanostructures as starting templates,but also highlights the structural design or electronic interaction that endows the heterogeneous nanostructures with enhanced catalytic properties either in methanol oxidation or in oxygen reduction.Further,we also make some perspectives for more heterogeneous nanostructures that may be prepared by using core-shell Ag-Pt particles or their derivatives so as to offer the readers the opportunities and challenges in this field.

Pronounced interfacial interaction in icosahedral Au@C_(60) core-shell nanostructure for boosting direct plasmonic photocatalysis under alkaline condition

The unique hot carrier-driven direct plasmonic photocatalysis of coinage metal nanomaterials(NMs)via energetic localized surface plasmon resonance(LSPR)in visible-light region has been explored in recent years.However,the low photoinduced electron transfer efficiency and insufficient separation of electronhole pairs would severely preclude their widespread practical applications.Herein,we demonstrate an interesting plasmonic photocatalyst based on the construction of icosahedral(Ih)Au@C_(60) core-shell NMs,taking advantage of specific delocalizedπelectrons structure of a tight C_(60) shell and enhanced LSPR property of Ih Au core.Then,the pronounced interfacial interaction at junction region endows the obtained Au@C_(60) NMs with an outstanding photoinduced hot carrier-transmission during photocatalytic reaction,facilitating a remarkably higher(1.89 times)photocatalytic activity toward visible-light driven degradation of crystal violet(CV)dyes,as compared to bare Au NMs.Impressively,the photocatalytic activity of Ih Au@C_(60) NMs can be effectively optimized by changing the p H value of reaction solution,with the kinetic rate constant reaching the maximum value of 0.179 min^(-1) in pH011.4 solution,while 0.005 min^(-1) at pH03.0.Moreover,due to the protection of a tight C_(60) shell,the Ih Au@C_(60) NMs also possess excellent photocatalytic stability/reusability in recycling runs,holding great potential for the design of robust and high-performance plasmonic photocatalysts in repeated practical applications.

Unraveling the Role of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanowires Incorporated with MnO_(2)Nanosheets as High Performance Cathode for Zinc-Ion Batteries

Manganese-based cathode materials are considered as a promising candidate for rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs).Suffering from poor conductive and limited structure tolerance,various carbon matrix,especially N-doped carbon,were employed to incorporate with MnO_(2)for greatly promoted electrochemical performances.However,the related underlying mechanism is still unknown,which is unfavorable to guide the design of high performance electrode.Herein,by incorporating layered MnO_(2)with N-doped carbon nanowires,a free-standing cathode with hierarchical core-shell structure(denoted as MnO_(2)@NC)is prepared.Benefiting from the N-doped carbon and rational architecture,the MnO_(2)@NC electrode shows an enhanced specific capacity(325 mAh g^(−1)at 0.1 A g^(−1))and rate performance(90 mAh g^(−1)at 2 A g^(−1)),as well as improved cycling stability.Furthermore,the performance improvement mechanism of MnO_(2)incorporated by N-doped carbon is investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),Raman spectrums and density functional theory(DFT)calculation.The N atom elongates the Mn-O bond and reduces the valence of Mn^(4+)ion in MnO_(2)crystal by delocalizing its electron clouds.Thus,the electrostatic repulsion will be weakened when Zn^(2+)/H^(+)insert into the host MnO_(2)lattices,which is profitable to more cation insertion and faster ion transfer kinetics for higher capacity and rate capability.This work elucidates a fundamental understanding of the functions of N-doped carbon in composite materials and shed light on a practical pathway to optimize other electrode materials.

Modulating the synergy of Pd@Pt core-shell nanodendrites for boosting methanol electrooxidation kinetics

The single-pot production of Pd@Pt core-shell structures is a promising approach as it offers large surface area,catalytic capability,and stability.In this work,we established a single-pot process to produce Pd@Pt core-shell nanodendrites with tunable composition,shape and size for optimal electrochemical activity.Pd@Pt nanodendrites with diverse compositions were synthesized by tuning the ratios of Pd and Pt sources in an aqueous environment using cetyltrimethylammonium chloride,which functioned as both the surfactant and the reducing agent at an elevated temperature(90°C).The synthesized Pd5@Pt5 nanodendrites showed exceptional electrochemical action toward the methanol oxidation reaction related with another compositional Pd@Pt nanodendrites and conventional Pt/C electrocatalysts.In addition,Pd5@Pt5 nanodendrites exhibited good CO tolerance owing to their surface features and the synergistic effect among Pt and Pd.Meanwhile,nanodendrites with a Pt-rich surface provided exceptional catalytic active sites.Compared with the conventional Pt/C electrocatalyst,the anodic peak current obtained by Pd5@Pt5 nanodendrites was 3.74 and 2.18 times higher in relations of mass and electrochemical active surface area-normalized current density,respectively.This approach offers an attractive strategy to design electrocatalysts with unique structures and outstanding catalytic performance and stability for electrochemical energy conversion.

Core-shell gold-copper nanoparticles:Evolution of copper shells on gold cores at different gold/copper precursor ratios

Core-shell nanostructures usually exhibit tunable catalytic properties in comparison with their single core or shell counterpart due to electronic interaction and lattice strain between the core and shell regions.Herein,we report the intriguing evolution of copper(Cu)shells on the gold(Au)cores at different Au/Cu precursor ratios during the synthesis of core-shell Au-Cu nanoparticles at an organic medium via seed-mediated growth method.In brief,at relatively low Cu ratios,quasi-spherical Au-Cu nanoparticles with conventional core-shell structures are the majority products,in which the Cu shell thickness increases with the increase of Cu precursor ratios.The dif-ference is that at high Cu ratios,the Cu shells no longer increase their thickness,but evolve into a dendritic structure.Interestingly,the core-shell Au-Cu nanoparticles with dendritic Cu shells could be transformed into interesting Au-Cu cage-bell structures after a ripening process at elevated temperature.Further,through galvanic replacement reaction with Pt precursors,the thin Cu shells could be converted into CuPt alloy shells on the Au cores,which exhibit enhanced activity towards methanol oxidation reaction with satisfactory durability,in comparison with that of commercial Pt/C catalysts.

One-pot synthesis of thermally stable gold@mesoporous silica core-shell nanospheres with catalytic activity

A facile one-pot method has been developed to synthesize uniform gold@mesoporous silica nanospheres （Au@MSNs）, which have a well-defined core-shell structure with ordered mesoporous silica as a shell. The resulting Au@MSNs have a high surface area （-521 rna/g） and uniform pore size （-2.5 nm） for the mesoporous silica shell. The diameter of the gold core can be regulated by adjusting the amount of HAuC14. The catalytic performance of the Au@MSNs was investigated using the reduction of 4-nitrophenol as a model reaction. The mesopores of the silica shells provide direct access for the reactant molecules to diffuse and subsequently interact with the gold cores. In addition, the Au@MSNs display the great advantage of sintering-resistance to 950 ℃ because the mesoporous silica shells inhibit aggregation or deformation of the gold cores. The high thermal stability enables the Au@MSNs to be employed in high-temperature catalytic reactions.