Hollow tubes constructed by carbon nanotubes self-assembly for CO_(2) capture

Carbon nanotubes(CNTs)have garnered significant attention in the fields of science,engineering,and medicine due to their numerous advantages.The initial step towards harnessing the potential of CNTs involves their macroscopic assembly.The present study employed a gentle and direct self-assembly technique,wherein controlled growth of CNT sheaths occurred on the metal wire’s surface,followed by etching of the remaining metal to obtain the hollow tubes composed of CNTs.By controlling the growth time and temperature,it is possible to alter the thickness of the CNTs sheath.After immersing in a solution containing 1 g/L of CNTs at 60℃ for 24 h,the resulting CNTs layer achieved a thickness of up to 60μm.These hollow CNTs tubes with varying inner diameters were prepared through surface reinforcement using polymers and sacrificing metal wires,thereby exhibiting exceptional attributes such as robustness,flexibility,air tightness,and high adsorption capacity that effectively capture CO_(2) from the gas mixture.

Morphology Control of TiO_(2)Nanotubes towards High-Efficient Electrodes for Supercapacitor

This article studies the role of electrochemical parameters in controlling the morphology of oxidized TiO_(2)nanotubes and the electrochemical performance of modified TiO_(2)nanotubes.Humidity is a key factor for fabricating TiO_(2)nanotubes.When the relative humidity belows 70%,the TiO_(2)nanotubes can be successfully prepared.What's more,by changing the anodization voltage and time,the diameter and the length of TiO_(2)nanotubes can be adjusted.In addition,the TiO_(2)nanotubes are modified through electrochemical self-doping and loading Pt metal particles on the surface of the nanotubes,which promotes the performance of the supercapacitor.The sample anodized at 100 V for 3 h has a specific capacity of up to 2.576 mF/cm~2 at a scan rate of 100 mV/s after self-doping,and its capacity retention rate still remains at 89.55%after 5000 cycles,demonstrating excellent cycling stability.The Pt-modified sample has a specific capacity of up to 3.486 mF/cm~2 at the same scan rate,exhibiting more outstanding electrochemical performance.

Fabrication and photodegradation properties of TiO_2 nanotubes on porous Ti by anodization

Both Ti foil and porous Ti were anodized in 0.5%HF and in ethylene glycol electrolyte containing 0.5%NH4F(mass fraction) separately. The results show that TiO2 nanotubes can be formed on Ti foil by both processes, whereas TiO2 nanotubes can be formed on porous Ti only in the second process. The overhigh current density led to the failure of the formation nanotubes on porous Ti in 0.5%HF electrolyte. TiO2 nanotubes were characterized by SEM and XRD. TiO2 nanotubes on porous Ti were thinner than those on Ti foil. Anatase was formed when TiO2 nanotubes were annealed at 400 °C and fully turned into rutile at 700 °C. To obtain good photodegradation, the optimal heat treatment temperature of TiO2 nanotubes was 450 °C. The porosity of the substrates influenced photodegradation properties. TiO2 nanotubes on porous Ti with 60% porosity had the best photodegradation.

Formation Mechanistism Study of TiO2 Film Comprising Nanotubes and Nanoparticles

A novel titanium dioxide （TiO2） film comprising both nanotubes and nanopaticles was fabricated by an anodization process of the modified titanium. The local electric field at the anodized surface was simulated and its influence on the morphology of the TiO2 film was discussed. The results show that the electric field strength is enhanced by the covering. The growth rate of TiO2 increases with the assist of the local electric field. However, TiO2 dissolution is hindered since the local electric field prevents [TiF6]6- from diffusing. It means that the balance condition for the formation of nanotubes is broken, and TiO2 nanoparticles are formed. Moreover, the crystal structure of the TiO2 film was confirmed using X-ray diffraction and Raman analysis. The anatase is a main phase for the proposed film.

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.

Synergistic effect of carbon nanotube and encapsulated carbon layer enabling high-performance SnS_2-based anode for lithium storage

Tin disulfide(SnS_(2)),due to large interlayer spacing and high theoretical capacity,is regarded as a prospective anode material for lithium-ion batteries.Nevertheless,the poor electron conductivity of SnS_(2) and huge volumetric change during the lithiation/delithiation process lead to a rapid capacity decay of the battery,hindering its commercialization.To address these issues,herein,SnS_(2) is in-situ grown on the surface of carbon nanotubes(CNT)and then encapsulated with a layer of porous amorphous carbon(CNT/SnS_(2)@C)by simple solvothermal and further carbonization treatment.The synergistic effect of CNT and porous carbon layer not only enhances the electrical co nductivity of SnS_(2) but also limits the huge volumetric change to avoid the pulverization and detachment of SnS_(2).Density functional theo ry calculations show that CNT/SnS_(2)@C has high Li^(+)adsorption and lithium storage capacity achieving high reaction kinetics.Consequently,cells with the CNT/SnS_(2)@C anode exhibit a high lithium storage capacity of 837mAh/g after 100 cycles at 0.1 A/g and retaining a capacity of 529.8 mAh/g under 1.0 A/g after 1000 cycles.This study provides a fundamental understanding of the electrochemical processes and beneficial guidance to design high-performance SnS_(2)-based anodes for LIBs.

Three-dimensional Porous Networks of Ultra-long Electrospun SnO_2 Nanotubes with High Photocatalytic Performance

Recent progress in nanoscience and nanotechnology creates new opportunities in the design of novel SnO2 nanomaterials for photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical. Herein, we firstly highlight a facile method to prepare threedimensional porous networks of ultra-long SnO2 nanotubes through the single capillary electrospinning technique.Compared with the traditional SnO2 nanofibers, the as-obtained three-dimensional porous networks show enhancement of photocurrent and photocatalytic activity, which could be ascribed to its improved light-harvesting efficiency and high separation efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Besides, the synthesis route delivered three-dimensional sheets on the basis of interwoven nanofibrous networks, which can be readily recycled for the desirable circular application of a potent photocatalyst system.

Two-dimensional ultrathin MoS2-modified black Ti^3+-TiO2 nanotubes for enhanced photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production

Two-dimensional (2D) ultrathin MoS2-modified black Ti^3+-TiO2 nanotubes were fabricated using an electrospinning-hydrothermal treatment-reduction method.Bare TiO2 nanotubes were fabricated via electrospinning.Then,2D MoS2 lamellae were grown on the surface of the nanotubes and Ti^3+/Ov ions were introduced by reduction.The photocatalytic performance of the 2D MoS2/Ti^3+-TiO2 nanotubes was^15 times better than that of TiO2.The HER enhancement of the MoS2/Ti^3+-TiO2 nanotubes can be attributed to the Pt-like behavior of 2D MoS2 and the presence of Ti^3+-ions,which facilitated the quick diffusion of the photogenerated electrons to water,reducing the H2 activation barrier.The presence of Ov ions in the nanotubes and their hollow structure increased their solar utilization.

TEM Study on the Formation Process of TiO_2 Nanotubes

The process, that the polycrystalline TiO2 powders were converted into TiO2 nanotubes, was observed with transmission electron microscope. The results obtained indicated that in concentrated NaOH aqueous solution, anisotropic swelling appears on the polycrystalline TiO2 granula at first, and then the nanotubes are formed.

Photo-degradation of Acid-red 3B dye catalyzed by TiO_2 nanotubes

TiO2 nanotube precursor was synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of TiO2 powders with NaOH solution and the properties of the nanotube materials were tuned using different post-treatments. Transmission electron microscopic （TEM） observation revealed that the nanotube could be obtained by either a direct rinse with acid solution or rinse with distilled water followed by acid solution. The results of X-ray diffraction （XRD） and inductively coupled plasma （ICP） analysis indicated that the nanotube material was composed of H2Ti2O5·H2O. In addition, the photocatalytic activities of the resulting catalysts were found to be strongly dependent on the post-treatment. The results of the photocatalytic reaction showed that the degradation of Acid-red 3B dye fitted pseudo-zero-order kinetics and TiO2 nanotube prepared under direct rinse with acid solution exhibited a higher catalytic efficiency compared to other catalysts.

BiVO4/TiO2(N2) Nanotubes Heterojunction Photoanode for Highly Efficient Photoelectrocatalytic Applications

We report the development of a novel visible response BiVO_4/TiO_2(N_2) nanotubes photoanode for photoelectrocatalytic applications. The nitrogen-treated TiO_2 nanotube shows a high carrier concentration rate, thus resulting in a high efficient charge transportation and low electron–hole recombination in the TiO_2–BiVO_4. Therefore, the BiVO_4/TiO_2(N_2) NTs photoanode enabled with a significantly enhanced photocurrent of 2.73 mA cm^(-2)(at 1 V vs. Ag/Ag Cl) and a degradation efficiency in the oxidation of dyes under visible light. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer, and UV–Vis absorption spectrum were conducted to characterize the photoanode and demonstrated the presence of both metal oxides as a junction composite.

Fabrication of Fe_2O_3@polypyrrole Nanotubes and the Catalytic Properties Under the Ultrasound

Fe2O3@polypyrrole nanotubes （Fe2O3@PPy nanotubes） have been successfully prepared by in-situ polymerization of the pyrrole on the surface of Fe2O3 nanotubes （Fe2O3-NTs）, via using L-Lysine as modified surfactant. Hollow PPy nanotubes were also produced by dissolution of the Fe2O3 core from the core/shell composite nanotubes with 1 mol,L-1 HC1. Scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, transmission electron microscope （TEM）, selective-area electron diffraction （SAED）, X-ray powder diffraction （XRD）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS） and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy（FT-IR） confirmed the formation of Fe2O3-NTs and Fe2O3@PPy core/shell nanotubes. Its catalytic properties were investigated under the ultrasound. The results of UV-vis spectroscopy （UV） demonstrated Rhodamine B （RhB） can be efficiently degraded by Fe2O3 @PPy nanotubes.

Preparation of Polyaniline/TiO_2 Composite Nanotubes for Photodegradation of AZO Dyes

Polyaniline （PANI） composite nanotubes （90-130 nm in diameter） containing titanium dioxide （TiO2） nanoparticles （about 10 nm in diameter） were synthesized through a self-assembly process in the presence of a-naphthalenesulfonic acid （a-NSA） as the dopant. It was found that PANI-TiO2 composites and PANI nanotubes both behaved with significant photocatalytic activities towards AZO dyes, during 2 h photocatalytic processes under natural light, the degradation ratio was 94.2% and 97.2% respectively （methyl orange and orange II）. The morphology of such products was characterized by SEM. The specific surface area of such composite nanotubes was 14.7 m2/g compared to normal polyaniline which was 0.27 m2/g. IR and X-ray diffraction characterizations showed that the chemical chain of the composite nanotubes was identical to that of the doped PANI. It may provide a new way for photodegradation of organic contaminants by using conjugated polymer with dimensional structure.

Supporting IrO2 and IrRuOx nanoparticles on TiO2 and Nb-doped TiO2 nanotubes as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction

IrO2 and IrRuOx(Ir:Ru 60:40 at%),supported by 50 wt%onto titania nanotubes(TNTs)and(3 at%Nb)Nb-doped titania nanotubes(Nb-TNTs),as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction(OER),were synthesized and characterized by means of structural,surface analytical and electrochemical techniques.Nb doping of titania significantly increased the surface area of the support from 145(TNTs)to 260 m2g-1(Nb-TNTs),which was significantly higher than those of the Nb-doped titania supports previously reported in the literature.The surface analytical techniques showed good dispersion of the catalysts onto the supports.The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses showed that Nb was mainly in the form of Nb(IV)species,the suitable form to behave as a donor introducing free electrons to the conduction band of titania.The redox transitions of the cyclic voltammograms,in agreement with the XPS results,were found to be reversible.Despite the supported materials presented bigger crystallite sizes than the unsupported ones,the total number of active sites of the former was also higher due to their better catalyst dispersion.Considering the outer and the total charges of the cyclic voltammograms in the range 0.1–1.4 V,stability and electrode potentials at given current densities,the preferred catalyst was Ir O2 supported on the Nb-TNTs.The electrode potentials corresponding to given current densities were between the smallest ones given in the literature despite the small oxide loading used in this work and its Nb doping,thus making the Nb-TNTs-supported IrO2 catalyst a promising candidate for the OER.The good dispersion of IrO2,high specific surface area of the Nb-doped supports,accessibility of the electroactive centers,increased stability due to Nb doping and electron donor properties of the Nb(IV)oxide species were considered the main reasons for its good performance.

Synthesis and evaluation of carbon nanotubes composite adsorbent for CO2 capture： a comparative study of CO2 adsorption capacity of single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes

As a preliminary investigation towards obtaining carbon nanotube composite adsorbent for CO2 capture, in this study CO2 adsorption performance of three commercial carbon nanotubes （CNTs） one single-walled carbon nanotubes （SWCNTs）, and two （2） different multi-walled carbon nanotubes （referred to as A-MWCNTs and B-MWCNTs） were evaluated and compared. The purpose of this study was to compare the different types of CNTs and select the best to serve as the solid anchor in the development of a hydrophobic composite adsorbent material for CO2 capture. The N2 physi- sorption of the CNTs was conducted to determine their surface area, pore volume and pore size. In addition, morphology and purity of the CNTs were checked with Transmission Electron Microscopy and Raman Spectroscopy, respectively. The CO2 adsorption capacity of the CNTs was evaluated using Thermo-gravimetric analysis （TGA） at 1.1 bar, at operating temperature ranged from 25 to 55 ~C and at different CO2 feed flow rates, in order to evaluate the effects of these variables on the CO2 adsorption capacity. The results of CO2 adsorption with the TGA show that CO2 adsorption capacity for both SWCNTs and MWCNTs was the highest at 25 ~C. Changing the CO2 flowrates had no significant effect on the adsorption capacity of MWCNTs, but decreasing the CO2 flow rate resulted in the enhancement of the CO2 adsorption capacity of SWCNTs. Overall, it was found that the SWCNTs displayed the highest CO2 adsorption capacity （29.97 gCO2/kg ad- sorbent） when compared to the MWCNTs （12.09 gCO2/kg adsorbent）, indicating a 150% increase in adsorption capacity over MWCNTs.

Nickel nanoparticles supported on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes are a highly active,selective and stable CO_(2) methanation catalyst

CO_(2) methanation using nickel-based catalysts has attracted large interest as a promising power-to-gas route.Ni nanoparticles supported on nitrogen-doped CNTs with Ni loadings in the range from 10 wt% to 50 wt% were synthesized by impregnation,calcination and reduction and characterized by elemental analysis,X-ray powder diffraction,H_(2) temperature-programmed reduction,CO pulse chemisorption and transmission electron microscopy.The Ni/NCNT catalysts were highly active in CO_(2) methanation at atmospheric pressure,reaching over 50% CO_(2) conversion and over 95% CH_(4) selectivity at 340℃ and a GHSV of50,000 mL g^(-1) h^(-1) under kinetically controlled conditions.The small Ni particle sizes below 10 nm despite the high Ni loading is ascribed to the efficient anchoring on the N-doped CNTs.The optimum loading of 30 wt%-40 wt% Ni was found to result in the highest Ni surface area,the highest degree of conversion and the highest selectivity to methane.A constant TOF of 0.3 s^(-1) was obtained indicating similar catalytic properties of the Ni nanoparticles in the range from 10 wt%to 50 wt% Ni loading.Long-term experiments showed that the Ni/NCNT catalyst with 30 wt% Ni was highly stable for 100 h time on stream.

TiO_2 composite nanotubes embedded with CdS and upconversion nanoparticles for near infrared light driven photocatalysis

We report a colloidal process to coat a layer of TiO2onto SiO2composite nanofibers containing embedded CdS and upconversion nanoparticles(UCNPs).The SiO2composite nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning.To improve the energy transfer efficiency,UCNPs and CdS nanoparticles were bound in close proximity to each other within the SiO2matrix.β‐NaYF4:Yb(30%),Tm(0.5%)@NaYF4:Yb(20%),Er(2%)core–shell nanoparticles were used as nanotransducers for near infrared light.These nanoparticles exhibited enhanced upconversion fluorescence compared withβ‐NaYF4:Yb(30%),Tm(0.5%)orβ–NaYF4:Yb(30%),Tm(0.5%)@NaYF4nanoparticles.The morphologies,size and chemical compositions have been extensively investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),X‐ray diffraction(XRD)and X‐ray photoelectron spectra(XPS),respectively.The TEM images showed that the TiO2composite nanotubes were embedded with a large amount of UCNPs and CdS nanoparticles.The composite TiO2nanotubes degraded more than90%of rhodamine B(RhB)dye during20min of irradiation by simulated solar light.In particular,more than50%of RhB was decomposed in70min,under irradiation of near infrared light(NIR).This high degradation was attributed to the full spectrum absorption of solar light,and the enhanced transfer efficiency for near infrared light.The as‐prepared nanostructures can harness solar energy,and provide an alternative to overcome energy shortages and environmental protection.

Nitrogen-doped carbon encapsulated in mesoporous TiO2 nanotubes for fast capacitive sodium storage

Controllable synthesis of insertion-type anode materials with beneficial micro-and nanostructures is a promising approach for the synthesis of sodium-ion storage devices with high-reactivity and excellent electrochemical performance.In this study,we developed a sacrificial-templating route to synthesize TiO_(2)@N-doped carbon nanotubes(TiO_(2)@NC-NTs)with excellent electrochemical performance.The asprepared mesoporous TiO_(2)@NC-NTs with tiny nanocrystals of anatase TiO_(2) wrapped in N-doped carbon layers showed a well-defined tube structure with a large specific surface area of 198 m^(2) g^(-1) and a large pore size of~5 nm.The TiO_(2)@NC-NTs delivered high reversible capacities of 158 m A h g^(-1) at 2 C(1 C=335 m A g^(-1))for 2200 cycles and 146 m A h g^(-1) at 5 C for 4000 cycles,as well as an ultrahigh rate capability of up to 40 C with a capacity of 98 m A h g^(-1).Even at a high current density of 10 C,a capacity of 138 m A h g^(-1) could be delivered over 10,000 cycles.Thus,the synthesis of mesoporous TiO_(2)@NC-NTs was demonstrated to be an efficient approach for developing electrode materials with high sodium storage and long cycle life.

Metal–Organic Framework-Assisted Synthesis of Compact Fe_2O_3 Nanotubes in Co_3O_4 Host with Enhanced Lithium Storage Properties

Transition metal oxides are promising candidates for the high-capacity anode material in lithium-ion batteries.The electrochemical performance of transition metal oxides can be improved by constructing suitable composite architectures. Herein, we demonstrate a metal–organic framework(MOF)-assisted strategy for the synthesis of a hierarchical hybrid nanostructure composed of Fe_2O_3 nanotubes assembled in Co_3O_4 host. Starting from MOF composite precursors(Fe-based MOF encapsulated in a Cobased host matrix), a complex structure of Co_3O_4 host and engulfed Fe_2O_3 nanotubes was prepared by a simple annealing treatment in air. By virtue of their structural and compositional features, these hierarchical composite particles reveal enhanced lithium storage properties when employed as anodes for lithium-ion batteries.

Fabrication, annealing, and electrocatalytic properties of platinum nanoparticles supported on self-organized TiO_2 nanotubes

The platinum nanoparticles supported on self-organized TiO2 nanotubes （Pt-TiO2/Ti） were prepared using electrochemical anodic oxidation followed by cathodic reduction. The structure and chemical nature of the Pt-TiO2/Ti electrocatalyst were investigated by X-ray diffraction （XRD） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. Both XRD and SEM results indicate the presence of platinum on nanotubular TiO2. The stability of the Pt deposits was also investigated in 0.5 mol/L H2SO4 solution by cyclic voltammetry. The electrocatalytic activity of the Pt-TiO2/Ti catalyst exhibits enhancement effect during electro-oxidation of methanol when annealed to anatase. Successive cyclic voltam- mograms of methanol oxidation on the Pt-TiO2/Ti electrocatalyst shows unique electrocatalytic characteristics when compared to methanol oxidation on the bulk Pt catalyst. This is because of further quick oxidation of adsorbed CO by Pt （111） facets of Pt particles on self-organized TiO2 nanotubes when the formation of an electroactive film onto the working catalyst surface occurs.