Tungsten carbide-reduced graphene oxide intercalation compound as co-catalyst for methanol oxidation

Highly dispersed tungsten carbide（WC） nanoparticles（NPs） sandwiched between few-layer reduced graphene oxide（RGO） have been successfully synthesized by using thiourea as an anchoring and inducing reagent.The metatungstate ion,[H2W（12）O（40）]^6-,is assembled on thiourea-modified graphene oxide（GO） by an impregnation method.The WC NPs,with a mean diameter of 1.5 nm,are obtained through a process whereby ammonium metatungstate first turns to WS2,which then forms an intercalation compound with RGO before growing,in situ,to WC NPs.The Pt/WC-RGO electrocatalysts are fabricated by a microwave-assisted method.The intimate contacts between Pt,WC,and RGO are confirmed by X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscope,transmission electron microscope,and Raman spectroscopy.For methanol oxidation,the Pt/WC-RGO electrocatalyst exhibited an electrochemical surface area value of 246.1 m^2/g Pt and a peak current density of1364.7 mA/mg Pt,which are,respectively,3.66 and 4.77 times greater than those of commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst（67.2 m^2/g Pt,286.0 mA/mg Pt）.The excellent CO-poisoning resistance and long-term stability of the electrocatalyst are also evidenced by CO stripping,chronoamperometry,and accelerated durability testing.Because Pt/WC-RGO has higher catalytic activity compared with that of commercial Pt/C,as a result of its intercalated structure and synergistic effect,less Pt will be required for the same performance,which in turn will reduce the cost of the fuel cell.The present method is facile,efficient,and scalable for mass production of the nanomaterials.

Preparation and Structural Investigation of CuCl_2 Graphite Intercalation Compounds

Superfine graphite powder was prepared by ball-milling exfoliated graphite containing anhydrous CuCl2 in planetary ball milling systems. Nano-scale CuCl2 graphite intercalation compounds were synthesized by heating a mixture of anhydrous CuCl2 and graphite nanosheets. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were performed to characterize the microstructures of stage-1 nano-scale CuCl2 graphite intercalation compounds. The structure and components of the domain wall and core in the nano-scale CuCl2 graphite intercalation compounds are described. The results show that the content of CuCl2 in the mixture plays a crucial role in the size of the nano-scale CuCl2 graphite intercalation compound.

Synthesis of NdCl_3-FeCl_3-Graphite Intercalation Compounds

NdCl3-FeCl3-graphite intercalation compounds were synthesized by means of molten salt-exchange method.Their layer structure and the relative content of the elements were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electronmicroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results show that the products are mixtures of 2, 3,4-stages,among them, the c-axis repeat distance, Ic, of stage-3 NdCl3-GIC is 1. 6536±0. 0024 nm. In addition, the mechanismof RECl3 intercalation reaction was discussed.

Electrical Properties of Expanded Graphite Intercalation Compounds

The intercalation compounds of CuCl2 were synthesized with expanded graphite, whose magnitude of the electrical conductivity is about 10(3)S(.)cm(-1). Their electrical conductivity is 3 similar to6 times as high as that of the expanded graphite, and about 10 times as high as that of GIC made of the non-expanded graphite. The microanalysis results of chemical compounds by X-ray energy spectrum scanning of TEM testified that the atomic ratio of chloride and cupric is nonstoichoimetric. The multivalence and exchange of electrovalence of the cupric ion was confirmed by the XPS-ESCA. Vacancy of chlorine anion increases the concentration of charge carrier. The special stage structure, made of graphite and chloride, produces a weak chemical bond belt and provides a carrier space in the direction of GIC layer. These factors develop the electrical properties.

Study of NdCl_3-FeCl_3-Graphite Intercalation Compounds by X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

NdCl 3 FeCl 3 graphite intercalation compounds were synthesized by molten salt exchange method. The state of the intercalates and the relative contents of Nd, Fe, Cl, C in the product were determined by X ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS). From the XPS data, it is concluded that the binding energy of Fe2p electrons is about 711 20～710 3 eV, the binding energy of Nd3d electrons is about 983 08～983 20 eV, and Fe in the product has two valence states (Fe 3+ and Fe 2+ ).

Improvement of visible light-induced photocatalytic performance by Cr-doped SrTiO_3-carbon nitride intercalation compound (CNIC) composite

Novel organic-inorganic composite photocatalyst offers new opportunities in the practical applications of photocatalysis. Novel visible light-induced Cr-doped Sr Ti O3–carbon nitride intercalation compound(CNIC) composite photocatalysts were synthesized. The composite photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, photoluminescence(PL) spectroscopy, and BET surface area analyzer. The photocatalytic oxidation ability of the novel composite photocatalyst was evaluated using methyl orange(MO) as a target pollutant. The photocatalysts exhibited a significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance in degrading MO. For maximizing the photodegradation activity of the composite photocatalysts, the optimal CNIC content was determined. The improved photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared Cr-doped Sr Ti O3–CNIC composite photocatalyst may be attributed to the enhancement of photo-generated electron–hole separations at the interface.

The Quantification of Micro-structural Damage of Weak Muddy Intercalation in Dry-wet Cycles Combining in-situ SEM and DIP

In order to reflect truly the damage evolution mechanism of weak muddy intercalation in dry-wet cycles, two typical weak muddy intercalations were selected for dry-wet cycles. The mineral changes of specimens were analyzed via X-ray diffraction after dry-wet cycles. By combining in-situ SEM and digital image processing(DIP), the damage evolution process and damage characteristic parameters of each stage were obtained. The experimental results indicate that the hydration and dissolution of minerals can not be a determinant factor in structure damage. The micro-structural damage is due to disintegration of mineral aggregates, leading to changes in the number and size of cracks and pores. The damage degree of specimens is related to its initial structure, and the micro-structural damage intensifies and finally tends to stabilize with cycle times increased.

Synthesis and Characterization of Montmorillonite Inorgano-Intercalation Compound Assisted by Microwave Irradiation

A montmorillonite inorgano-intercalation compound（MIIC） was synthesized by using a purified Na-exchanged bentonite（PNaB） as a matrix and Al-pillaring ion as an intercalating reagent under microwave irradiation.The synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction（XRD）,^27Al magic angle sample-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance（^27Al MAS NMR）,specific surface area（BET） measurement,and adsorption density determination.The results show that,at 5% solid（PNaB） concentration and 7 minutes irradiation in a 130 W microwave oven,the basal spacing d（001） of the synthesized MIIC increases to 1.740 nm from the original 1.218 nm of PNaB.The MIIC has much higher adsorptive densities to F-and Cr^6＋ from aqueous solution than the PNaB.The adsorption isotherm of F-on the MIIC follows the Freundlich equation,and the increased adsorption is mainly due to the porous structure of the MIIC which created larger adsorption surfaces.The adsorption isotherm of Cr^6＋ on MIIC follows the Langmuir equation and the adsorption is mainly monolayer as a result of chemisorptions.

STUDY ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF Fe-KCI GRAPHITE INTERCALATION COMPOUND

The intercalatants presence of Fe-KCl graphite intercalation compound (Fe-KCl G/C) is in the form of independent crystalline phase. In this paper, its distribution in the carbon interlayer, crystalline status and powder sizes have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) , small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). And the partial crystal structure of the GIC has been researched too.

Electronic Effect of Carbon Support on Pt Catalyst Supported on Graphite Intercalation Compound

Graphite intercalation compounds（GIC） were tested as an experimental model for studying the electronic effect of carbon support on the catalytic activity and poisoning tolerance of Pt catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells. The GIC samples with different intercalation degrees were prepared by electrolyzing graphite flake in H2SO4 for varying the periods of time. The GIC-supported Pt catalyst was deposited electrochemically. The catalytic activity and poisoning tolerance of the GIC-supported Pt catalysts were evaluated. It was found that GIC with sulfate anion as intercalate was able to catalyze methanol electrooxidation, which could be related to the positive charges generated on the graphite layer upon intercalation. As intercalation degree increased, the catalytic activity of the GIC-supported Pt catalyst decreased while the poisoning tolerance improved. This suggests that electron donation from support to catalyst had great effect on both catalytic activity and poisoning tolerance of Pt catalyst. And intercalation can be adopted as another important way to make modification on carboneous catalyst support.

A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE STABILITY OF TERNARY CoCl_2-FeCi_3 GRAPHITE INTERCALATION COMPOUNDS

The ternary CoCl2-FeCl3 graphite intercalation compounds (CoCl2-FeCl3 G/C) have been subjected to different treatments in various media. It is found that the CoCl2-FeCl3 GIC is stable 'when it is stored under conditions of opening to at-mosphere,whereas,acids,NaOH,boiling water,and heat treat-ments have different effects on the stability of the CoCl2-FeCl3 G/C.

Computer simulation of order-disorder phase transition in the intercalation compounds M_(1/2)TiS_2 (M=Fe, Co, Ni)

Based on cluster variation method (CVM) and natural iteration method (MM),order-disorder phase transition in the intercalation compounds M_(1/2)TiS_2 is simulated bycomputer. The favorable conditions, under which 3^(1/2)a_0 x a_0 superstructure is formed, aregiven, and the results are in good agreement with the experiments and theoretical calculations. Therelationship between critical temperature and M-ion-vacancy interaction parameter is linear.

Doping inhomogeneity and staging of ultra-thin graphite intercalation compound flakes probed by visible and near-infrared Raman spectroscopy

When ultra-thin graphite intercalation compounds（GICs） are deposited on the SiO2/Si substrate, it is found that their colors are dependent on the thickness of GIC flakes. The sample colors of ultrathin GIC flakes can no longer provide qualitative information on the stage index. Here, multi-wavelength Raman spectroscopy is thus applied to study the doping inhomogeneity and staging of ultra-thin GICs by FeCl3 intercalation. The G band intensity of stage-1 GIC flakes is strongly enhanced by 532-nm laser excitation, while that of stage-2 and stage-3 flakes exhibits strong intensity enhancement for 785-nm laser excitation. The near-infrared lasers are suggested to probe the doping inhomogeneity and staging of ultra-thin GIC flakes.

Synthesis of ZnGaNO solid solution–carbon nitride intercalation compound composite for improved visible light photocatalytic activity

Visible-light-driven ZnGaNO solid solution–carbon nitride intercalation compound(CNIC) composite photocatalyst was synthesized via a mixing and heating method. The composite photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), photoluminescence(PL) spectroscopy and BET surface area measurements. The activity of ZnGaNO–CNIC composite photocatalyst for photodegradation of methyl orange(MO) is higher than that of either single-phase CNIC or ZnGaNO solid solution. The as-prepared composite photocatalysts exhibit an improved photocatalytic activity due to enhancement for the separation and transport of photo-generated electron–hole pairs.

Design of Wood/Montmorillonite (MMT) Intercalation Nanocomposite

Studying new wood composites through nano science and technology (NSC) will develop new compounding theory of wood, and accelerate the combination of new technology, wood science, material science and other disciplines. The compounding of wood and inorganic MMT on nanoscale molecular level has high potential to greatly improve the mechanical properties, fire retardance, abrasion resistance, decay resistance, dimensional stability and other properties of wood. Based on the great achievements of polymer/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites, this paper reviewed nano intercalation compounding methods (i.e. in-situ intercalative polymerization and direct polymer intercalation), and discussed the structure, properties and modification of montmorillonite (MMT). According to the main chemical components and particular structure of wood, the authors discussed the liquefaction and plasticization of wood, compared the dissolvability and meltability between wood and polymer, and then systematically put forward the basic idea, technological processes and schematic diagram to prepare wood/MMT nanocomposites (WMNC). The key technology to prepare WMNC is either to introduce delaminated MMT nanolayers into wood with the help of some intermediate polymers, or to obtain liquefied wood or plasticized wood from the complicated natural composite. It is applicable and effective to realize wood/MMT nanoscale compounding with the help of proper intercalation agent and medium polymer through the proposed 搊ne-step?or 搕wo-step?impregnating processes.

Composites on Base of the Ultradispersed Polytetrafluoroethylene and Graphite Oxide Intercalated Compounds

Composites based on ultradispersed polytetrafluoroethylene and intercalated graphite oxide compounds with dodecahydro-closo-dodecaborates and methods of their fabrication have been developed. The fabricated composites have been characterized using XRD analysis, and optical microscopy. These composites are distinguished with completeness of their combustion, since the combustion products comprise gaseous boron fluorine-containing compounds of boron, boron trifluoride (BF3), and boron oxyfluoride ((BOF)3). Besides, these composites are characterized with increased energy capacity as compared to purely oxygen-containing compounds, since the heat of formation of boron fluorine-containing compounds is higher than that of boron oxide. Introduction of ultradispersed polytetrafluoroethylene imparts composites with hydrophobicity, thus improving their functioning properties.

Intercalation of multiply solvated hexafluorophospate anion into graphite electrode from mixtures of methyl acetate,ethyl methyl and ethylene carbonates

Graphite is a universal host material for ion intercalation. Li+-graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) have been successfully utilized as the anode material in commercial lithium-ion batteries.Similarly, anion-graphite intercalation compounds (AGICs) have been coming into their own in dual-ion batteries [1]. It is imperative to deepen an understanding of anion storage mechanisms in graphite electrode.

Mg-intercalation engineering of MnO_(2)electrode for high-performance aqueous magnesium-ion batteries

Rechargeable aqueous magnesium-ion batteries(MIBs)show great promise for low-cost,high-safety,and high-performance energy storage applications.Although manganese dioxide(MnO_(2))is considered as a potential electrode material for aqueous MIBs,the low electrical conductivity and unsatisfactory cycling performance greatly hinder the practical application of MnO_(2)electrode.To overcome these problems,herein,a novel Mg-intercalation engineering approach for MnO_(2)electrode to be used in aqueous MIBs is presented,wherein the structural regulation and electrochemical performance of the Mg-intercalation MnO_(2)(denoted as MMO)electrode were thoroughly investigated by density functional theory(DFT)calculations and in-situ Raman investigation.The results demonstrate that the Mg intercalation is essential to adjusting the charge/ion state and electronic band gap of MMO electrode,as well as the highly reversible phase transition of the MMO electrode during the charging-discharging process.Because of these remarkable characteristics,the MMO electrode can be capable of delivering a significant specific capacity of~419.8 mAh·g^(−1),while exhibiting a good cycling capability over 1000 cycles in 1 M aqueous MgCl_(2) electrolyte.On the basis of such MMO electrode,we have successfully developed a soft-packaging aqueous MIB with excellent electrochemical properties,revealing its huge application potential as the efficient energy storage devices.

Retraction:Intercalation of Amines into Layered Calcium Phosphate and Their New Behavior for Copper Retention from Ethanolic Solution

The following article has been retracted due to the investigation of complaints received against it. The Editorial Board found that substantial portions of the text came from other published papers. Unethical behavior such as self-plagiarism and misuse of published figures and data without copyright consent will be treated very seriously. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter, and the OJSTA treats all unethical behavior such as plagiarism seriously. This paper published in Vol.2 No. 1,1-7, 2013, has been removed from this site.

Electrochemically triggered decoupled transport behaviors in intercalated graphite:From energy storage to enhanced electromagnetic applications

Pyrolytic graphite (PG) with highly aligned graphene layers,present anisotropic electrical and thermal transport behavior,which is attractive in electronic,electrocatalyst and energy storage.Such pristine PG could meeting the limit of electrical conductivity (~2.5×10^(4) S·cm^(−1)),although efforts have been made for achieving high-purity sp^(2) hybridized carbon.For manipulating the electrical conductivity of PG,a facile and efficient electrochemical strategy is demonstrated to enhance electrical transport ability via reversible intercalation/de-intercalation of AlCl_(4)^(-)into the graphitic interlayers.With the stage evolution at different voltages,variable electrical and thermal transport behaviors could be achieved via controlling AlCl_(4)^(-)concentrations in the PG because of substantial variation in the electronic density of states.Such evolution leads to decoupled electrical and thermal transport (opposite variation trend) in the in-plane and out-of-plane directions,and the in-plane electrical conductivity of the pristine PG (1.25×10^(4) S·cm^(−1)) could be massively promoted to 4.09×10^(4) S·cm(AlCl_(4)^(-)intercalated PG),much better than the pristine bulk graphitic papers used for the electrical transport and electromagnetic shielding.The fundamental mechanism of decoupled transport feature and electrochemical strategy here could be extended into other anisotropic conductive bulks for achieving unusual behaviors.