Damping performance of SiC nanoparticles reinforced magnesium matrix composites processed by cyclic extrusion and compression

This work dealt with the damping performance and its underlying mechanism in SiC nanoparticles reinforced AZ91D composite(SiC_(np)/AZ91D)processed by cyclic extrusion and compression(CEC).It was found that the CEC process significantly affects the damping performance of the composite due to alterations in the density of dislocations and grain boundaries in the matrix alloy.Although there would be dynamic precipitation of the Mg17Al12 phase during processing which increases the phase interface and limits the mobility of dislocations and grain boundaries.The results also showed that the damping capacity of 1%SiC_(np)/AZ91D composite continuously decreases with adding CEC pass number and it consistently increases with rising the applied temperature.Considering the first derivative of the tanδ-T curve,the dominant damping mechanism based on test temperature can be divided into three regions.These three regions are as follows(i)dislocation vibration of the weak pinning points(≤T_(cr)),(ii)dislocation vibration of the strong pinning points(T_(cr)∼T_(V)),and(iii)grain boundary/interface sliding(≥T_(V))

Advances of Synergistic Electrocatalysis Between Single Atoms and Nanoparticles/Clusters

Combining single atoms with clusters or nanoparticles is an emerging tactic to design efficient electrocatalysts.Both synergy effect and high atomic utilization of active sites in the composite catalysts result in enhanced electrocatalytic performance,simultaneously provide a radical analysis of the interrelationship between structure and activity.In this review,the recent advances of single-atomic site catalysts coupled with clusters or nanoparticles are emphasized.Firstly,the synthetic strategies,characterization,dynamics and types of single atoms coupled with clusters/nanoparticles are introduced,and then the key factors controlling the structure of the composite catalysts are discussed.Next,several clean energy catalytic reactions performed over the synergistic composite catalysts are illustrated.Eventually,the encountering challenges and recommendations for the future advancement of synergistic structure in energy-transformation electrocatalysis are outlined.

Sandwich-type composited solid polymer electrolytes to strengthen the interfacial ionic transportation and bulk conductivity for all-solid-state lithium batteries from room temperature to 120℃

The insurmountable charge transfer impedance at the Li metal/solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)interface at room temperature as well as the ascending risk of short circuits at the operating temperature higher than the melting point,dominantly limits their applications in solid-state batteries(SSBs).Although the inorganic filler such as CeO_(2)nanoparticle content of composite solid polymer electrolytes(CSPEs)can significantly reduce the enormous charge transfer impedance at the Li metal/SPEs interface,we found that the required content of CeO_(2)nanoparticles in SPEs varies for achieving a decent interfacial charge transfer impedance and the bulk ionic conductivity in CSPEs.In this regard,a sandwich-type composited solid polymer electrolyte with a 10%CeO_(2)CSPEs interlayer sandwiched between two 50%CeO_(2)CSPEs thin layers(sandwiched CSPEs)is constructed to simultaneously achieve low charge transfer impedance and superior ionic conductivity at 30℃.The sandwiched CSPEs allow for stable cycling of Li plating and stripping for 1000 h with 129 mV polarized voltage at 0.1 mA cm^(-2)and 30℃.In addition,the LiFePO_(4)/Sandwiched CSPEs/Li cell also exhibits exceptional cycle performance at 30℃and even elevated120℃without short circuits.Constructing multi-layered CSPEs with optimized contents of the inorganic fillers can be an efficient method for developing all solid-state PEO-based batteries with high performance at a wide range of temperatures.

Yolk-shell Si/C composites with multiple Si nanoparticles encapsulated into double carbon shells as lithium-ion battery anodes

The conceptual design of yolk-shell structured Si/C composites is considered to be an effective way to improve the recyclability and conductivity of Si-based anode materials. Herein, a new type of yolk-shell structured Si/C composite (denoted as TSC-PDA-B) has been intelligently designed by rational engineering and precise control. In the novel structure, the multiple Si nanoparticles with small size are successfully encapsulated into the porous carbon shells with double layers benefiting from the strong etching effect of HF. The TSC-PDA-B product prepared is evaluated as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The TSC-PDA-B product exhibits an excellent lithium storage performance with a high initial capacity of 2108 mAh g^-1 at a current density of 100 mA g^-1 and superior cycling performance of 1113 mAh g^-1 over 200 cycles. The enhancement of lithium storage performance may be attributed to the construction of hybrid structure including small Si nanoparticles, high surface area, and double carbon shells, which can not only increase electrical conductiv让y and intimate electrical contact with Si nanoparticles, but also provide built-in buffer voids for Si nanoparticles to expand freely without damaging the carbon layer. The present findings can provide some scientific insights into the design and the application of advanced Si-based anode materials in energy storage fields.

SiC nanoparticles reinforced magnesium matrix composites fabricated by ultrasonic method

SiC nanoparticles reinforced magnesium matrix composites were fabricated by ultrasonic method.The AZ91 alloy and SiC nanoparticles with the average diameter of 50 nm were used as the matrix alloy and the reinforcement,respectively.The addition of nanoparticles was 0.1%,0.3%,and 0.5%(mass fraction) of the composites.The results of microstructural evaluation and mechanical properties indicate that the nanoparticles can be dispersed into magnesium alloys efficiently and uniformly with the aid of ultrasonic vibration.As compared with the matrix alloys,the grains of composites were refined and the mechanical properties of composites were improved significantly.The SEM and DSC analyses show that the SiC nanoparticles can act as the heterogeneous nucleation of α-Mg.Also,the strengthening mechanism responsible for the composites reinforced with SiC nanoparticles was discussed.

Synthesis of Composite Nanoparticles Bearing Epoxy Functional Groups:Encapsulation of Silica by Emulsion Polymerization of GMA

Poly （ glycidyl methacrylate ） / silica （PGMA/silica） composite nanoparticles , containing epoxy functional groups on the surface, were synthesized via emulsion polymerization. With batch process, high yield and binding efficiency （ both around 90% ） were achieved. The amount of crosslinked GMA was approximately 8wt%- 14wt% to the polymerized monomer. It was found that both the encapsulating ratio and the number of the original silica beads per composite particles altered with the amount of silica added. The obtained particles, with their average particle size of about 60- 70 nm, had a spherical shape and a clear core- shell structure.

Preparation of Supermacroporous Composite Cryogel Embedded with SiO_2 Nanoparticles

Supermacroporous composite cryogels embedded with SiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by radical cryogenic copolymerization of the reactive monomer mixture of acrylamide（AAm） and N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide（MBAAm） containing SiO2 nanoparticles（mass ratios of nanoparticles to the monomer AAm from 0.01 to 0.08） under the freezing-temperature variation condition in glass columns.The properties of these composite cryogels were measured.The height equivalent to theoretical plate（HETP） of the cryogel beds at different liquid flow rates was determined by residence time distribution（RTD） using tracer pulse-response method.The composite cryogel matrix embedded with the mass fraction of SiO2 nanoparticles of 0.02 presented the best properties and was employed in the following graft polymerization.Chromatographic process of lysozyme in the composite cryogel grafted with 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid（AMPSA） was carried out to evaluate the protein breakthrough and elution characteristics.The chromatography can be carried out at relatively high superficial velocity,i.e.,15 cm·min-1,indicating the satisfactory mechanical strength due to the embedded nanoparticles.

Composite magnetic nanoparticles:Synthesis and cancer-related applications

Recent advances in the preparation and applications of composite magnetic nanoparticles are reviewed and summa- rized, with a focus on cancer-related applications.

Formation of Copolymer-Ag Nanoparticles Composite Micelles in Three-dimensional Co-flow Focusing Microfluidic Device

A novel method was presented to create composite micelles of amphiphilic copolymers and Ag nanoparticles(NPs) in a three-dimensional co-flow focusing microfluidic device(3D CFMD). Self-assembly of the copolymers was initiated by the fast mixing of water and a blend dispersion of hydrophobic Ag NPs and amphiphilic copolymers. At the same time, the hydrophobic Ag NPs enter the core of copolymer micelles, based on the hydrophobic interaction. The copolymer-Ag NPs composite micelles have a core-shell structure with copolymer shell and Ag NPs core. COMSOL Multiphysics is used to simulate the concentration distribution of copolymers and Ag NPs under different flow rates. Co-assembly microfluidic conditions are determined based on simulation results. Under suitable microfluidic conditions, both block copolymers and gradient copolymers can co-assemble with hydrophobic Ag NPs to form composite micelles, respectively. This microfluidic coassembly method will have a good prospect in the preparation of composite micelles of amphiphilic copolymers and metal nanoparticles.

Direct Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis of Hemoglobin at PAMAM Dendrimer-MWNTs-Au Nanoparticles Composite Film Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

The direct electron transfer of hemoglobin at the PAMAM-MWNTs-AuNPs composite film modified glassy carbon electrode was studied. In a phosphate buffer solution（PBS, pH=7.0）, the formal potential（E^0） of Hb was -0.105 V versus SCE, the electron transfer rate constant was 4.66 s-1. E^0＇ of Hb at the modified electrode was linearly varied in a pH range of 5.0-8.0 with a slope of-49.2 mV/pH. The Hb/PAMAM-MWNTs-AuNPs/GCE gave an excellent electrocatalytic response to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The catalytic current increased linearly with H2O2 concentration in a range of 1.0× 10^-6 to 2.2× 10^-3 mol/L. The detection limit was 2.0× 10^-7 mol/L at a signal to noise ratio of 3. The Michaelis-Menten constant（Km^app） was 2.95 mmol/L.

Fabrication and Thermal Conductivity Improvement of Novel Composite Adsorbents adding with Nanoparticles

Thermal conductivity is one of key parameters of adsorbents, which will affect the overall system performance of adsorption chiller. To improve adsorbent＇s thermal conductivity is always one of research focuses in chemisorption field. A new chemical composite adsorbent is fabricated by adding carbon coated metal（Aluminum and Nickel） nanoparticles with three different addition amounts into the mixture of chloride salts and natural expanded graphite aiming to improve the thermal conductivity. The preparation processes and its thermal conductivity of this novel composite adsorbent are reported and summarized. Experimental results indicate that the nanoparticles are homogenously dispersed in the composite adsorbent by applying the reported preparation processes. The thermal conductivity of the composite adsorbent can averagely enlarge by 20% when the weight ratio of the added nanoparticles is 10 wt%. Moreover, carbon coated aluminum nanoparticles exhibit more effective enlargement in thermal conductivity than nickel nanoparticles. As for the composite adsorbent of CaCl2-NEG, there is a big reinforcement from 30% to 50% for Al@C nanoparticles, however only 10% in maximum caused by Ni@C nanoparticles. The proposed research provides a methodology to design and prepare thermal conductive chemical composite adsorbent.

Synthesis and Characterization of Superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄@SiO₂Core-Shell Composite Nanoparticles

The Fe3O4@SiO2 composite nanoparticles were obtained from as-synthesized magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles through the modified St?ber method. Then, the Fe3O4 nanoparticles and Fe3O4@SiO2 composite nanoparticles were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Recently, the studies focus on how to improve the dispersion of composite particle and achieve good magnetic performance. Hence effects of the volume ratio of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and magnetite colloid on the structural, morphological and magnetic properties of the composite nanoparticles were systematically investi-gated. The results revealed that the Fe3O4@SiO2 had better thermal stability and dispersion than the magnetite nanoparticles. Furthermore, the particle size and magnetic property of the Fe3O4@SiO2 composite nanoparticles can be adjusted by changing the volume ratio of TEOS and magnetite colloid.

Synthesis and characterization of Fe_3O_4@SiO_2 magnetic composite nanoparticles by a one-pot process

Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell composite nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a one-pot process. Tetraethyl-orthosilicate was used as a surfactant to synthesize Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell structures from prepared Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The properties of the Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@SiO2 composite nanoparticles were studied by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The prepared Fe3O4 particles were approximately 12 nm in size, and the thickness of the SiO2 coating was approximately 4 nm. The magnetic properties were studied by vibrating sample magnetometry. The results show that the maximum saturation magnetization of the Fe3O4@SiO2 powder（34.85 A·m^2·kg^–1） was markedly lower than that of the Fe3O4 powder（79.55 A·m^2·kg^–1）, which demonstrates that Fe3O4 was successfully wrapped by SiO2. The Fe3O4@SiO2 composite nanoparticles have broad prospects in biomedical applications; thus, our next study will apply them in magnetic resonance imaging.

Effect of Fe_(3)O_(4) nanoparticles on magnetic xerogel composites for enhanced removal of fluoride and arsenic from aqueous solution

Fe_(3)O_(4)magnetic xerogel composites were prepared by polycondensation of resorcinol(R)-formaldehyde reaction via a sol-gel process in an aqueous solution through varying the molar ratio of Fe_(3)O_(4)nanoparticles(MNPs),catalyst(C),and water(W)content.MNPs were obtained by co-precipitation(MC),oxidation of iron salts(MO),or solvothermal synthesis(MS).Both MNPs and magnetic xerogels were examined regarding the performance of arsenic and fluoride removal in a batch system.The MC-based MNPs had higher adsorption capacities for both fluoride(202.9 mg/g)and arsenic(3.2 mg/g)than other MNPs in optimum conditions.The X-ray diffraction,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed that Fe was composed into the polymeric matrix of magnetic xerogels that contained 0.59%-4.42%of Fe with a molar ratio of MNPs(M)to R between 0.01 and 0.10.With low R/C and optimum M/R ratios,an increase in the surface area of magnetic xerogels affected the fluoride and arsenic adsorption capacities.The magnetic xerogel composites with the MC-based MNPs prepared at a fixed R/C ratio(100)and at different R/W(0.05-0.06)and M/R(0.07-0.10)ratios had a high arsenic removal efficiency of 100%at an As(V)concentration of 0.1 mg/L and pH of 3.0.The maximum adsorption capacities of magnetic xerogels were approximately five times higher than those of the xerogels without MNP composites.Therefore,Fe_(3)O_(4)nanoparticles enhanced the adsorption of arsenate and fluoride.The variations of alkaline catalyst and water content significantly affected the resulting properties of textural and surface chemistry of magnetic xerogel composites.

Nanoparticles Transport in Ceramic Matriсes: A Novel Approach for Ceramic Matrix Composites Fabrication

The results of practical implementation of a new method for porous piezoceramics, and ceramic matrix piezocomposites fabrication were presented. The method was based on nanoparticles transport in ceramic matrices using a polymer nanogranules coated or filled with a various chemicals, with successive porous ceramics fabrication processes. Different types of polymer microgranules filled and coated by metal-containing nanoparticles were used for a pilot samples fabrication. Polymer microgranules were examined using transmission and scanning electron microscopy as well as by EXAFS and X-ray emission spectroscopy. Pilot samples of nano- and microporous ceramics and composites were fabricated using different piezoceramics compositions (PZT, lead potassium niobate and lead titanate) as a ceramic matrix bases. Resulting ceramic matrix piezocomposites were composed by super lattices of closed or open pores filled or coated by nanoparticles of metals, oxides, ferromagnetics etc. embedded in piezoceramic matrix. Dielectric and piezoelectric parameters of pilot samples were measured using piezoelectric resonance analysis method. New family of nano- and microporous piezoceramics and ceramic matrix piezocomposites are characterized by a unique spectrum of the electrophysical properties unachievable for standard PZT ceramic compositions and fabrication methods.

Thermal and Structural Analyses of PMMA/TiO₂Nanoparticles Composites

In the present work, composites of poly (methyl methacrylate)/titanium oxide nanoparticles (100/0, 97.5/2.5, 95/5, 92.5/7.5, 90/10 and 0/100 wt/wt%)were prepared to be used as bioequivalent materials according to their importance broad practical and medical applications. Thermal properties as well as X-ray diffraction analyses were employed to characterize the structure properties of such composite. The obtained results showed variations in the glass transition temperature (Tg), the melting temperature (Tm), shape and area of thermal peaks which were attributed to the different degrees of crystallinity and the existence of interactions between PMMA and TiO2 nanoparticle molecules. The XRD patterns showed sharpening of peaks at different concentrations of nano-TiO2 powder with PMMA. This indicated changes in the crystallinity/amorphosity ratio, and also suggested that the miscibility between the amorphous components of homo- polymers PMMA and nano-TiO2 powder is possible.The results showed that nano-TiO2 powder mix with PMMA can improve the thermal stability of the homo-polymer under investigation, lead- ing to interesting technological applications.

Microstructure and abrasive wear behaviour of anodizing composite films containing Si C nanoparticles on Ti6Al4V alloy

Anodized composite films containing Si C nanoparticles were synthesized on Ti6Al4 V alloy by anodic oxidation procedure in C4O6H4Na2 electrolyte. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) were employed to characterize the morphology and composition of the films fabricated in the electrolytes with and without addition of Si C nanoparticles. Results show that Si C particles can be successfully incorporated into the oxide film during the anodizing process and preferentially concentrate within internal cavities and micro-cracks. The ball-on-disk sliding tests indicate that Si C-containing oxide films register much lower wear rate than the oxide films without Si C under dry sliding condition. Si C particles are likely to melt and then are oxidized by frictional heat during sliding tests. Potentiodynamic polarization behavior reveals that the anodized alloy with Si C nanoparticles results in a reduction in passive current density to about 1.54×10-8 A/cm2, which is more than two times lower than that of the Ti O2 film(3.73×10-8 A/cm2). The synthesized composite film has good anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties and the growth mechanism of nanocomposite film is also discussed.

Decorating MXene with tiny ZIF-8 nanoparticles:An effective approach to construct composites for water pollutant removal

MXenes have attracted increasing research enthusiasm owing to their unique physical and chemical properties.Although MXenes exhibit exciting potential in cations adsorption due to their unique surface groups,the adsorption capacity is limited by the low specific surface area and undeveloped porosity.Our work aims at enhancing the adsorption performance of a well-known MXene,Ti3C2Tx,for methylene blue(MB)by decorating tiny ZIF-8 nanoparticles in the interlayer.After the incorporation of ZIF-8,suitable interspace in the layers resulting from the distribution of tiny ZIF-8 appears.When employing in MB,the adsorption capacity of composites can reach up to 107 mg·g^(-1) while both ZIF-8(3 mg·g^(-1))and Ti_(3)C_(2)Tx(9mg·g^(-1))show nearly no adsorption capacity.The adsorption mechanism was explored,and the good adsorption capacity is caused by the synergistic effect of ZIF-8 and Ti_(3)C_(2)Tx,for neither of them is of suitable interspace or surface groups for MB adsorption.Our work might pave the way for constructing functional materials based on the introduction of nanoparticles into layered materials for various adsorption applications.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polymeric Composites Embeded with Silver Nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction method. The Ag nanoparticles (AgNP) were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy which shows an absorption band at 420 nm confirming the formation of nanoparticles. For any practical application of the silver nanoparticles it is necessary to stabilize it which can be done by making a composite. In the present studies three polymers were chosen such that AgNP could be put to some practical use. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Polypyrrole (Ppy) and Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are important for use in textiles, electronics and food/drug technologies respectively. Polymeric composites of PVA, PPy, and CMC were prepared by mixing the aqueous solutions of the respective polymers and the colloidal suspension of preformed silver nanoparticles. Various compositions containing 1% to 5% of Ag nanoparticles were prepared. Thin films of these composites were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction showed the presence of the peaks at 2θ values of 38.1°, 44.2°, 64.4 and 78.2° corresponding to cubic phase of silver metal. SEM photographs revealed the presence of Ag nanoparticles of sizes varying from 40 to 80 nm. The electrical conductivity of these materials was studied using the four probe method. The conductivity was found to increase from 10–6 for control samples to 10–3 S/cm after the formation of the nanocomposites.

Preparation, Electrochemical Property and Application in Bulk-modified Electrode of Dawson-type Phospho-molybdate-doped Polypyrrole Composite Nanoparticles

A kind of inorganic-organic hybrid semiconductor composite nanoparticles： Dawson-type phosphomolybdate- doped polypyrrole （P2Mo18-PPy） was designed and prepared using microemulsion oxidation-polymerization at room temperature and characterized by TEM and IR. The P2Mo18-PPy was used as a bulk-modifier to fabricate a chemically modified carbon paste electrode（CPE） by direct mixing, which represents the example of polyoxometalates（ POMs）- doped semiconductor polymer nanoparticles modified electrode. Both the advantage of POMs-doped polymer and the surface-renewal property of the CPE were fully utilized. The electrochemical behavior of the P2Mo18-PPY bulk-modified CPE（P2Mo18-PPy-CPE） was investigated with cyclic voltammetry. Three couples of reversible redox peaks were observed in the range from ＋ 800 to 0 mV, which corresponded to the reduction and oxidation through two-, four- and six-electron processes, respectively. The P2 Mo18-PPY-CPE showed a high electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of nitrite, which expanded the application of POMs-doped semiconductor polymer nanoparticles.