N-doped graphene quantum dot-decorated N-TiO2/P-doped porous hollow g-C_(3)N_(4) nanotube composite photocatalysts for antibiotic photodegradation and H2 production

Exclusive responsiveness to ultraviolet light (~3.2 eV) and high photogenerated charge recombination rate are the two primary drawbacks of pure TiO_(2). We combined N-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs), morphology regulation, and heterojunction construction strategies to synthesize N-GQD/N-doped TiO_(2)/P-doped porous hollow g-C_(3)N_(4) nanotube (PCN) composite photocatalysts (denoted as G-TPCN). The optimal sample (G-TPCN doped with 0.1wt% N-GQD, denoted as 0.1% G-TPCN) exhibits significantly enhanced photoabsorption, which is attributed to the change in bandgap caused by elemental doping (P and N), the improved light-harvesting resulting from the tube structure, and the upconversion effect of N-GQDs. In addition, the internal charge separation and transfer capability of0.1% G-TPCN are dramatically boosted, and its carrier concentration is 3.7, 2.3, and 1.9 times that of N-TiO_(2), PCN, and N-TiO_(2)/PCN(TPCN-1), respectively. This phenomenon is attributed to the formation of Z-scheme heterojunction between N-TiO_(2) and PCNs, the excellent electron conduction ability of N-GQDs, and the short transfer distance caused by the porous nanotube structure. Compared with those of N-TiO_(2), PCNs, and TPCN-1, the H2 production activity of 0.1%G-TPCN under visible light is enhanced by 12.4, 2.3, and 1.4times, respectively, and its ciprofloxacin (CIP) degradation rate is increased by 7.9, 5.7, and 2.9 times, respectively. The optimized performance benefits from excellent photoresponsiveness and improved carrier separation and migration efficiencies. Finally, the photocatalytic mechanism of 0.1% G-TPCN and five possible degradation pathways of CIP are proposed. This study clarifies the mechanism of multiple modification strategies to synergistically improve the photocatalytic performance of 0.1% G-TPCN and provides a potential strategy for rationally designing novel photocatalysts for environmental remediation and solar energy conversion.

Highly enhanced UV absorption and light emission of monolayer WS_(2)through hybridization with Ti_(2)N MXene quantum dots and g-C_(3)N_(4)quantum dots

Two-dimensional(2D)transition metal dichalcogenides(TMD)are atomically thin semiconductors with promising optoelectronic applications across the visible spectrum.However,their intrinsically weak light absorption and the low photoluminescence quantum yield(PLQY)restrict their performance and potential use,especially in ultraviolet(UV)wavelength light ranges.Quantum dots(QD)derived from 2D materials(2D/QD)provide efficient light absorption and emission of which energy can be tuned for desirable light wavelength.In this study,we greatly enhanced the photon absorption and PLQY of monolayer(1L)tungsten disulfide(WS_(2))in the UV range via hybridization with 2D/QD,particularly titanium nitride MXene QD(Ti_(2)N MQD)and graphitic carbon nitride QD(GCNQD).With the hybridization of MQD or GCNQD,1LWS_(2)showed a maximum PL enhancement by 15 times with 300 nm wavelength excitation,while no noticeable enhancement was observed when the excitation photon energy was less than the bandgap of the QD,indicating that UV absorption by the QD played a crucial role in enhancing the light emission of 1L-WS_(2)in our 0D/2D hybrid system.Our findings present a convenient method for enhancing the photo-response of 1L-WS_(2)to UV light and offer exciting possibilities for harvesting UV energy using 1L-TMD.

Small but mighty:Empowering sodium/potassium-ion battery performance with S-doped SnO_(2) quantum dots embedded in N,S codoped carbon fiber network

SnO_(2) has been extensively investigated as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)and potassium-ion batteries(PIBs)due to its high Na/K storage capacity,high abundance,and low toxicity.However,the sluggish reaction kinetics,low electronic conductivity,and large volume changes during charge and discharge hinder the practical applications of SnO_(2)-based electrodes for SIBs and PIBs.Engineering rational structures with fast charge/ion transfer and robust stability is important to overcoming these challenges.Herein,S-doped SnO_(2)(S-SnO_(2))quantum dots(QDs)(≈3 nm)encapsulated in an N,S codoped carbon fiber networks(S-SnO_(2)-CFN)are rationally fabricated using a sequential freeze-drying,calcination,and S-doping strategy.Experimental analysis and density functional theory calculations reveal that the integration of S-SnO_(2) QDs with N,S codoped carbon fiber network remarkably decreases the adsorption energies of Na/K atoms in the interlayer of SnO_(2)-CFN,and the S doping can increase the conductivity of SnO_(2),thereby enhancing the ion transfer kinetics.The synergistic interaction between S-SnO_(2) QDs and N,S codoped carbon fiber network results in a composite with fast Na+/K+storage and extraordinary long-term cyclability.Specifically,the S-SnO_(2)-CFN delivers high rate capacities of 141.0 mAh g^(−1) at 20 A g^(−1) in SIBs and 102.8 mAh g^(−1) at 10 A g^(−1) in PIBs.Impressively,it delivers ultra-stable sodium storage up to 10,000 cycles at 5 A g^(−1) and potassium storage up to 5000 cycles at 2 A g^(−1).This study provides insights into constructing metal oxide-based carbon fiber network structures for high-performance electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices.

Experimental and computational study of annealed nickel sulfide quantum dots for catalytic and antibacterial activity

This research investigates the hydrothermal synthesis and annealing duration effects on nickel sulfide(NiS_(2) quantum dots(QDs)for catalytic decolorization of methylene blue(MB)dye and antimicrobial efficacy.QD size increased with longer annealing,reducing catalytic activity.UV–vis,XRD,TEM,and FTIR analyses probed optical structural,morphological,and vibrational features.XRD confirmed NiS2's anorthic structure,with crystallite size growing from 6.53 to 7.81 nm during extended annealing.UV–Vis exhibited a bathochromic shift,reflecting reduced band gap energy(Eg)in NiS_(2).TEM revealed NiS_(2)QD formation,with agglomerated QD average size increasing from 7.13 to 9.65 nm with prolonged annealing.Pure NiS_(2) showed significant MB decolorization(89.85%)in acidic conditions.Annealed NiS_(2) QDs demonstrated notable antibacterial activity,yielding a 6.15mm inhibition zone against Escherichia coli(E.coli)compared to Ciprofloxacin.First-principles computation supported a robust interaction between MB and NiS_(2),evidenced by obtained adsorption energies.This study highlights the nuanced relationship between annealing duration,structural changes,and functional properties in NiS_(2)QDs,emphasizing their potential applications in catalysis and antibacterial interventions.

Platinum quantum dots-decorated MXene-derived titanium dioxide nanowire/Ti_(3)C_(2) heterostructure for use in solar-driven gas-phase carbon dioxide reduction to yield value-added fuels

Solar-driven photocatalytic CO_(2) reduction to produce valuable chemicals and fuels offers an attractive strategy in alleviating the energy crisis.Pt quantum dots(PtQDs)with TiO_(2) nanowire(TiO_(2)NW)/Ti_(3)C_(2) MXene heterostructures(Pt-TiO_(2)NW/Ti_(3)C_(2)) with tight interfacial contacts between the various components were prepared at room temperature via oxidation reactions.The incorporated PtQDs played crucial roles as electron conduction bridges supported by the cocatalyst effect,effectively enhancing the separation efficiencies of photoinduced electron/hole pairs and improving CO_(2) reduction under simulated solar light irradiation.The Pt-TiO_(2)NW/Ti_(3)C_(2) heterostructures exhibited remarkable carbon monoxide(CO)and methane(CH_(4)) production at respective rates of 38.14 and 36.15μmol g^(-1)after 10 h of simulated solar light irradiation,an apparent quantum yield of 1.68%,and 79.2%selectivity for CH4.The photocatalytic activities of the Pt-TiO_(2) NW/Ti_(3)C_(2) heterostructures for CO_(2) reduction were significantly enhanced compared to those of TiO_(2)NW/Ti_(3)C_(2) and the single-component photocatalysts,and they exhibited remarkable stabilities even after five cycles.In addition,the densities of states and electronic characteristics of Ti_(3)C_(2) MXene and Pt-TiO_(2)NW/Ti_(3)C_(2) were studied using density functional theory,and a synergistic mechanism of the improvement in CO_(2) photoreduction is proposed.

Carbon Nitride Quantum Dots:A Novel Fluorescent Probe for Non-Enzymatic Hydrogen Peroxide and Mercury Detection

The mercury species in the ocean(MeHg,Hg^(2+))will be enriched in marine organisms and threaten human health through the food chain.While the excessive H_(2)O_(2)in the metabolic process will produce hydroxyl radicals and accelerate the aging of human cells,causing a series of diseases.Hence,the cost-effective and rapid detection of mercury and H_(2)O_(2)is of urgent requirement and significance.Here,we synthesized emerging graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots(g-CNQDs)with high fluorescence quantum yield(FLQY)of 42.69%via a bottom-up strategy by a facile one-step hydrothermal method.The g-CNQDs can detect the H_(2)O_(2)and Hg^(2+)through the fluorescence quenching effect between g-CNQDs and detected substances.With the presence of KI,g-CNQDs show concentration-dependent fluorescence toward H_(2)O_(2),with a wide detection range of 1–1000μmolL^(-1)and a low detection limit of 0.23μmolL^(-1).The g-CNQDs also show sensitivity toward Hg^(2+)with a detection range of 0–0.1μmolL^(-1)and a detection limit of 0.038μmolL^(-1).This dual-function detection of g-CNQDs has better practical application capability compared to other quantum dot detection.This study may provide a new strategy for g-CNQDs preparation and construct a fluorescence probe that can be used in various systems involving H_(2)O_(2)and Hg^(2+),providing better support for future bifunctional or multifunction studies.

Dual-Functional Lithiophilic/Sulfiphilic Binary-Metal Selenide Quantum Dots Toward High-Performance Li-S Full Batteries

The commercial viability of lithium-sulfur batteries is still challenged by the notorious lithium polysulfides(Li PSs)shuttle effect on the sulfur cathode and uncontrollable Li dendrites growth on the Li anode.Herein,a bi-service host with Co-Fe binary-metal selenide quantum dots embedded in three-dimensional inverse opal structured nitrogen-doped carbon skeleton(3DIO FCSe-QDs@NC)is elaborately designed for both sulfur cathode and Li metal anode.The highly dispersed FCSe-QDs with superb adsorptive-catalytic properties can effectively immobilize the soluble Li PSs and improve diffusion-conversion kinetics to mitigate the polysulfide-shutting behaviors.Simultaneously,the 3D-ordered porous networks integrated with abundant lithophilic sites can accomplish uniform Li deposition and homogeneous Li-ion flux for suppressing the growth of dendrites.Taking advantage of these merits,the assembled Li-S full batteries with 3DIO FCSe-QDs@NC host exhibit excellent rate performance and stable cycling ability(a low decay rate of 0.014%over 2,000 cycles at 2C).Remarkably,a promising areal capacity of 8.41 mAh cm^(-2)can be achieved at the sulfur loading up to 8.50 mg cm^(-2)with an ultra-low electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 4.1μL mg^(-1).This work paves the bi-serve host design from systematic experimental and theoretical analysis,which provides a viable avenue to solve the challenges of both sulfur and Li electrodes for practical Li-S full batteries.

Graphene Quantum Dot‑Mediated Atom‑Layer Semiconductor Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution

The hydrogen evolution reaction performance of semiconducting 2H-phase molybdenum disulfide(2H-MoS_(2))presents a significant hurdle in realizing its full potential applications.Here,we utilize theoretical calculations to predict possible functionalized graphene quantum dots(GQDs),which can enhance HER activity of bulk MoS_(2).Subsequently,we design a functionalized GQD-induced in-situ bottom-up strategy to fabricate near atom-layer 2H-MoS_(2) nanosheets mediated with GQDs(ALQD)by modulating the concentration of electron withdrawing/donating functional groups.Experimental results reveal that the introduction of a series of functionalized GQDs during the synthesis of ALQD plays a crucial role.Notably,the higher the concentration and strength of electron-withdrawing functional groups on GQDs,the thinner and more active the resulting ALQD are.Remarkably,the synthesized near atom-layer ALQD-SO_(3)demonstrate significantly improved HER performance.Our GQD-induced strategy provides a simple and efficient approach for expanding the catalytic application of MoS_(2).Furthermore,it holds substantial potential for developing nanosheets in other transition-metal dichalcogenide materials.

基于N掺杂Ti_(3)C_(2)MXene量子点的荧光探针用于Hg2+和S2-的传感检测

基于N掺杂Ti_(3)C_(2) MXene量子点(N-Ti_(3)C_(2) MQDs)荧光探针和配位相互作用,构建了一种检测Hg^(2+)和S^(2-)的“开-关-开”型荧光传感新方法.研究发现,制备的N-Ti_(3)C_(2) MQDs发射蓝色荧光(λem=440 nm),荧光量子产率为15.7%.Hg^(2+)与N-Ti_(3)C_(2) MQDs表面的—NH2,—COOH,—OH等官能团产生选择性配位作用,导致N-Ti_(3)C_(2) MQDs体系荧光猝灭.当加入S^(2-)后,由于S^(2-)与Hg^(2+)之间强的结合力,形成HgS沉淀,从而使N-Ti_(3)C_(2) MQDs体系荧光恢复.基于该原理,构建了一种“开-关-开”型荧光传感方法,实现了对Hg^(2+)和S^(2-)的定量检测.N-Ti_(3)C_(2) MQDs探针的荧光强度与Hg^(2+)浓度在0.02~200μmol/L范围内呈良好线性关系,检出限为10 nmol/L(S/N=3);与S^(2-)浓度在0.07~150μmol/L范围内呈良好线性关系,检出限为30 nmol/L(S/N=3).该方法具有成本低、操作简单、灵敏度高和选择性好等特点,并可用于水样中Hg^(2+)和S^(2-)的检测.

Electrostatic Self-assembly of 0D–2D SnO_(2) Quantum Dots/Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) MXene Hybrids as Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

MXenes,a new family of two-dimensional(2D)materials with excellent electronic conductivity and hydrophilicity,have shown distinctive advantages as a highly conductive matrix material for lithium-ion battery anodes.Herein,a facile electrostatic self-assembly of SnO2 quantum dots(QDs)on Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets is proposed.The as-prepared SnO2/MXene hybrids have a unique 0D-2D structure,in which the 0D SnO2 QDs(~4.7 nm)are uniformly distributed over 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets with controllable loading amount.The SnO2 QDs serve as a high capacity provider and the“spacer”to prevent the MXene sheets from restacking;the highly conductive Ti3C2Tx MXene can not only provide efficient pathways for fast transport of electrons and Li ions,but also buffer the volume change of SnO2 during lithiation/delithiation by confining SnO2 QDs between the MXene nanosheets.Therefore,the 0D-2D SnO2 QDs/MXene hybrids deliver superior lithium storage properties with high capacity(887.4 mAh g?1 at 50 mA g?1),stable cycle performance(659.8 mAh g?1 at 100 mA g?1 after 100 cycles with a capacity retention of 91%)and excellent rate performance(364 mAh g?1 at 3 A g?1),making it a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

Pb^(2+)对掺杂硼硅酸盐玻璃中CsPbBr_(3)钙钛矿量子点发光性能的影响

硼硅酸盐玻璃包覆钙钛矿CsPbBr_(3)量子点(PQDs@glass)能够大幅提高PQDs的稳定性,使其在LED照明和显示技术中拥有广泛的应用空间。然而,玻璃包覆的同时也导致了PQDs发光强度与量子产率降低。本工作为提高其发光强度探讨了热诱导温度及Pb^(2+)的含量对PQDs@glass结构的影响,当热诱导温度为460℃,Pb^(2+)浓度为6 mol时,其发光强度最高。研究发现,Pb^(2+)浓度的增加会导致玻璃网状结构的致密化,改变玻璃组分的扩散行为,影响PQDs的析晶过程,导致PQDs@glass发光强度的变化。本工作得到量子产率高达95.6%的PQDs@glass,并实现了硼硅酸盐玻璃基质内PQDs的尺寸可控制备。结果表明,PQDs尺寸分布在10 nm左右,超过86%的颗粒尺寸在6~14 nm内,且具有优越的稳定性,经历10次室温至200℃热循环后,发光强度仍能保持初始强度的98.9%。最后,为了验证其在LED照明及显示领域的应用,将制备的量子点微晶玻璃粉料与二甲基硅氧烷(PDMS)混合,得到的LED器件性能优异,色域范围覆盖110%sRGB。本研究为PQDs@glass的大规模制备及其在LED器件领域的应用奠定了基础。

Light-triggered interfacial charge transfer and enhanced photodetection in CdSe/ZnS quantum dots/MoS_(2)mixed-dimensional phototransistors

Mix-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures(vdWHs)have inspired worldwide interests and efforts in the field of ad-vanced electronics and optoelectronics.The fundamental understanding of interfacial charge transfer is of vital import-ance for guiding the design of functional optoelectronic applications.In this work,type-Ⅱ0D-2D CdSe/ZnS quantum dots/MoS_(2)vdWHs are designed to study the light-triggered interfacial charge behaviors and enhanced optoelectronic performances.From spectral measurements in both steady and transient states,the phenomena of suppressed photolu-minescence(PL)emissions,shifted Raman signals and changed PL lifetimes provide strong evidences of efficient charge transfer at the 0D-2D interface.A series of spectral evolutions of heterostructures with various QDs overlapping concentrations at different laser powers are analyzed in details,which clarifies the dynamic competition between exciton and trion during an efficient doping of 3.9×10^(13)cm^(−2).The enhanced photoresponses(1.57×10^(4)A·W^(-1))and detectivities(2.86×10^(11)Jones)in 0D/2D phototransistors further demonstrate that the light-induced charge transfer is still a feasible way to optimize the performance of optoelectronic devices.These results are expected to inspire the basic understand-ing of interfacial physics at 0D/2D interfaces,and shed the light on promoting the development of mixed-dimensional op-toelectronic devices in the near future.

Curtailing Carbon Usage with Addition of Functionalized NiFe2O4 Quantum Dots:Toward More Practical S Cathodes for Li-S Cells

Smartcombination of manifold carbonaceous materials with admirable functionalities(like full of pores/functional groups,high specific surface area) is still a mainstream/preferential way to address knotty issues of polysulfides dissolution/shuttling and poor electrical conductivity for S-based cathodes.However,extensive use of conductive carbon fillers in cell designs/technology would induce electrolytic overconsumption and thereby shelve high-energy-density promise of Li-S cells.To cut down carbon usage,we propose the incorporation of multi-functionalized NiFe2O4 quantum dots(QDs) as affordable additive substitutes.The total carbon content can be greatly curtailed from 26%(in traditional S/C cathodes) to a low/commercial mass ratio(~5%).Particularly,note that NiFe2O4 QDs additives own superb chemisorption interactions with soluble Li2Sn molecules and proper catalytic features facilitating polysulfide phase conversions and can also strengthen charge-transfer capability/redox kinetics of overall cathode systems.Benefiting from these intrinsic properties,such hybrid cathodes demonstrate prominent rate behaviors(decent capacity retention with ~526 mAh g^-1 even at 5 A g^-1) and stable cyclic performance in LiNO3-free electrolytes(only ~0.08% capacity decay per cycle in 500 cycles at 0.2 A g^-1).This work may arouse tremendous research interest in seeking other alternative QDs and offer an economical/more applicable methodology to construct low-carbon-content electrodes for practical usage.

电荷迁移方向调控的BiVO_(4)量子点/苝四羧酸Z型异质结与纳米金修饰在人工光合成H_(2)O_(2)中的协同作用

利用太阳能驱动的半导体光催化技术将H_(2)O和O_(2)转化为H_(2)O_(2),是传统蒽醌工艺的可持续替代方案之一.在光催化O_(2)还原生产H_(2)O_(2)的过程中,主要涉及到O_(2)的还原和H_(2)O的氧化两个半反应.然而,单一的窄带隙半导体往往难以满足整体反应的热力学电位要求.为了克服这一挑战,研究人员借鉴自然光合作用的原理,提出了构建Z型异质结体系的策略.这种体系不仅能有效促进电荷的分离,从而增强光催化效率,而且能保留光生电荷较强的氧化还原能力,这对于H_(2)O_(2)的光合成至关重要.此外,O_(2)的活化对于H_(2)O_(2)光合成同样重要.然而,目前在构建Z型异质结时,对于Z型异质结的两组分自身电荷传输方向的匹配性鲜有关注.因此,构建具有电荷定向传输的Z型异质结,并精准负载O_(2)活化位点,对于提高H_(2)O_(2)的光合成效率和稳定性具有重要意义.本文以苝-3,4,9,10-四羧酸二酐(PTCDA)为前驱体,在水解的过程中,引入预制备的钒酸铋量子点(BQD),原位构建BQD/PTA Z型异质结.然后,通过低温辅助光还原策略将纳米Au精确修饰在苝四甲酸(PTA)上,制得具有定向电荷传输的BQD/PTA-Au Z型异质结.形貌表征结果表明,PTA的形态为平均厚度为3.5 nm的不规则纳米片,其表面均匀负载了直径约为7 nm的BQD纳米颗粒,而超小的Au纳米粒子(直径约为5 nm)则负载在PTA纳米片的边缘.优化后的BQD/PTA-Au异质结光催化H_(2)O_(2)产率为218.6μmol g^(-1)h^(-1),约为PTA纳米片的6.4倍;此外,在405 nm波长下,该异质结的表观量子产率为PTA的4.8倍.在模拟太阳光条件下,BQD/PTA-Au异质结的太阳能到化学能转换效率(SCC)为0.47%;且在连续5次的循环实验中表现出良好的稳定性.光物理和光化学测试结果表明,BQD/PTA Z型异质结的构建显著促进了PTA的电荷分离,Au修饰后复合体的电荷分离进一步增强.扫描开尔文探针(SKP)测试结果表明,BQD和PTA的能带结构满足Z型电荷传输路径,电子顺磁共振和原位X射线光电子能谱分析结果表明,所构建的Z型异质结由于电荷传输方向匹配,显著促进·O_(2)-自由基的形成;而后续的Au修饰则能够定向接受来自PTA的光生电子.旋转圆盘电极测试结果表明,BQD/PTA-Au的平均电子转移数最接近2,说明其遵循两电子氧还原反应(ORR)路径.结合物种捕获实验推测,·O_(2)-自由基是BQD/PTA-Au异质结光合成H_(2)O_(2)的主要活性物种.原位漫反射红外光谱测试证实,纳米Au修饰可进一步提高O_(2)在催化剂表面吸附,并加速两电子的O_(2)还原反应.综上,本文围绕着具有各向异性电荷迁移的PTA,设计构建了电荷定向迁移的Z型异质结体系,实现了高效的H_(2)O_(2)光合成,为高效Z型异质结体系设计构建提供了新思路.

SnS_2 quantum dots: Facile synthesis, properties,and applications in ultraviolet photodetector

Tin sulfide quantum dots(SnS_2 QDs) are n-type wide band gap semiconductor. They exhibit a high optical absorption coefficient and strong photoconductive property in the ultraviolet and visible regions. Therefore, they have been found to have many potential applications, such as gas sensors, resistors, photodetectors, photocatalysts, and solar cells. However, the existing preparation methods for SnS_2 QDs are complicated and require a high temperature and high pressure environments; hence they are unsuitable for large-scale industrial production. An effective method for the preparation of monodispersed SnS_2 QDs at normal temperature and pressure will be discussed in this paper. The method is facile, green,and low-cost. In this work, the structure, morphology, optical, electrical, and photoelectric properties of SnS_2 QDs are studied. The synthesized SnS_2 QDs are homogeneous in size and exhibit good photoelectric performance. A photoelectric detector based on the SnS_2 QDs is fabricated and its J–V and C–V characteristics are also studied. The detector responds under λ = 365 nm light irradiation and reverse bias voltage. Its detectivity approximately stabilizes at 1011 Jones at room temperature. These results show the possible use of SnS_2 QDs in photodetectors.

N×N Clos Digital Cross-Connect Switch Using Quantum Dot Cellular Automata(QCA)

Quantum dot cellular automata(QCA)technology is emerging as a future technology which designs the digital circuits at quantum levels.The tech-nology has gained popularity in terms of designing digital circuits,which occupy very less area and less power dissipation in comparison to the present comple-mentary metal oxide semiconductor(CMOS)technology.For designing the rou-ters at quantum levels with non-blocking capabilities various multi-stage networks have been proposed.This manuscript presents the design of the N×NClos switch matrix as a multistage interconnecting network using quantum-dot cellular automata technology.The design of the Clos switch matrix presented in the article uses three input majority gates(MG).To design the 4×4 Clos switch matrix,a basic 2×2 switch architecture has been proposed as a basic mod-ule.The 2×2 switching matrix(SM)design presented in the manuscript utilizes three input majority gates.Also,the 2×2 SM has been proposed usingfive input majority gates.Two different approaches(1&2)have been presented for designing 2×2 SM usingfive input majority gates.The 2×2 SM design based on three input majority gate utilizes four zone clocking scheme to allow signal transmis-sion.Although,the clocking scheme used in 2×2 SM using three input MG and in 2×2 SM approach 1 usingfive input MG is conventional.The 2×2 SM approach 2 design,utilizes the clocking scheme in which clocks can be applied by electricfield generators easily and in turn the switch element becomes physically realizable.The simulation results conclude that the 2×2 SM is suitable for designing a 4×4 Clos network.A higher order of input-output switching matrix,supporting more number of users can utilize the proposed designs.

氮掺杂Ti_(3)C_(2)MXene量子点荧光探针用于α-葡萄糖苷酶活性检测

α-葡萄糖苷酶是生物体糖代谢途径中不可或缺的一类酶,发展简单、灵敏、准确的α-葡萄糖苷酶活性检测及抑制剂筛选方法对于糖尿病的治疗与预防具有重要意义。该文基于氮掺杂Ti_(3)C_(2)MXene量子点(NTi_(3)C_(2)MQDs)荧光探针和内滤效应(IFE),构建了一种“开-关-开”型荧光传感α-葡萄糖苷酶活性检测及抑制剂筛选的新方法。研究发现,N-Ti_(3)C_(2)MQDs发射蓝色荧光(λem=440 nm),荧光量子产率为15.7%。其检测机理为:α-葡萄糖苷酶水解底物对硝基苯基-α-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷,水解产物对硝基苯酚通过内滤效应导致NTi_(3)C_(2)MQDs荧光猝灭;而抑制剂阿卡波糖可使α-葡萄糖苷酶的活性受到抑制,水解产物减少,N-Ti_(3)C_(2)MQDs荧光恢复。结果显示,N-Ti3C2 MQDs探针荧光强度与α-葡萄糖苷酶浓度在5~300 U/L范围内呈良好线性关系,检出限为2.5 U/L(S/N=3),对阿卡波糖的半最大抑制浓度(IC_(50))为178.5μmol/L。该方法具有成本低、操作简单、灵敏度高、选择性好等特点,已成功用于人血清中α-葡萄糖苷酶活性的测定。

200-nm long TiO_2 nanorod arrays for efficient solid-state Pb S quantum dot-sensitized solar cellsR

To ensure the infiltration of spiro-OMeTAD into the quantum dot-sensitized photoanode and to consider the limit of the hole diffusion length in the spiro-OMeTAD layer, a rutile TiO2 nanorod array with a length of 200 nm, a diameter of 20 nm and an areal density of 720 ram 2 was successfully prepared using a hydrothermal method with an aqueous-grown solution of 38 mM titanium isopropoxide and 6 M hydrochloric acid at 170 ℃ for 75 min. PbS quantum dots were deposited by a spin coating-assisted successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction （spin-SILAR）, and all solid-state PbS quantum dot-sensitized TiO2 nanorod array solar cells were fabricated using spiro-OMeTAD as electrolytes. The results revealed that the average crystal size of PbS quantum dots was -78 nm using Pb（NO3）2 as the lead source and remain unchanged with the increase of the number of spin-SILAR cycles. The all solid-state PbS quantum dot-sensitized TiO2 nanorod array solar cells with spin-SILAR cycle numbers of 20, 30 and 40 achieved the photoelectric conversion efficiencies of 3.74%, 4.12% and 3.11%, respectively, under AM 1.5 G illumination （100 mW/cm2）.

CdS Quantum Dots-sensitized TiO_2 Nanotube Arrays for Solar Cells

CdS quantum dots（QDs） sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays photoelectrodes were investigated for their photovoltaic performance of quantum dots-sensitized solar cells. The highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays（TNAs） were synthesized on Ti foils by anodic oxidation method. Then CdS quantum dots were deposited onto the TiO2 nanotube arrays by successive ionic layer absorption and reaction（SILAR） method to serve as the sensitizers. Cd（NO3）2 and Na2S were used as the precursor materials of Cd＋ and S2- ions, respectively. It is found that the CdS QDs sensitizer may significantly increase the light response of TiO2 nanotube arrays. With increasing CdS QDs deposition cycles, the visible light response increases. Maximum photocurrent was obtained for the QDs that have an absorption peak at about 500 nm. Under AM 1.5 G illuminations（100 mW cm^-2）, a 4.85 mA/cm^2 short circuit current density was achieved, and the maximium energy conversion efficiency of the asprepared CdS QDs-sensitized TNAs solar cells was obtained as high as 0.81% at five SILAR cycles.

Higher open-circuit voltage set by cobalt redox shuttle in SnO_2 nanofibers-sensitized CdTe quantum dot solar cells

In this study, we report an efficient CdTe-SnOquantum dot（QD） solar cell fabricated by heat-assisted drop-casting of hydrothermally synthesized CdTe QDs on electrospun SnOnanofibers. The as-prepared QDs and SnOnanofibers were characterized by dynamic light scattering（DLS）, UV–Vis spectroscopy,photoluminescence（PL） spectra, X-ray diffraction（XRD） and transmission electron microscopy（TEM）. The SnOnanofibers deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide（SnO） and sensitized with the CdTe QDs were assembled into a solar cell by sandwiching against a platinum（Pt） counter electrode in presence of cobalt electrolyte. The efficiency of cells was investigated by anchoring QDs of varying sizes on SnO. The best photovoltaic performance of an overall power conversion efficiency of 1.10%, an open-circuit voltage（Voc）of 0.80 V, and a photocurrent density（JSC） of 3.70 m A/cmwere obtained for cells with SnOthickness of5–6 μm and cell area of 0.25 cmunder standard 1 Sun illumination（100 m W/cm）. The efficiency was investigated for the same systems under polysulfide electrolyte as well for a comparison.