Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gang He, Yimin Liu, Runchen Gao, Yufeng Gan, Wei Zhao, Duoqiang Liang, Toyohisa Fujita, Deqian Zeng
Summary: ZnCdS solid solution with suitable band gap structure has gained increasing attention in visible-light photocatalytic applications. However, its low photocatalytic efficiency due to fast charge carrier recombination poses significant challenges. In this study, a high efficient and stable 2D/0D NiO/ZnCdS heterojunction was synthesized for visible-light-driven photocatalytic H-2 generation. The NiO/ZnCdS composite with 5% NiO displayed a H-2 generation rate of 5042 mu mol g(-1) h(-1), about 38.2 times higher than ZnCdS nanoparticles. The enhanced catalytic performances were attributed to the formation of 2D/0D p-n heterojunctions, facilitating interfacial charge transfer. This study provides an encouraging method for synthesizing novel 0D/2D p-n heterostructure for solar energy conversion.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qianyu Ji, Bowen Wang, Yajuan Zheng, Fanguang Zeng, Bingheng Lu
Summary: Holey graphene nanosheets are produced through a unique production method, with low defects and high electrical conductivity, exhibiting various pore structure characteristics.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ya Xiong, Teng Liu, Wendi Liu, Xinyu Wang, Yanjun Xue, Jian Tian
Summary: In this work, holey ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets (HCN NSs) with rich active sites were prepared, followed by the growth of 1T-MoS2 NSs on their surfaces to construct 2D/2D 1T-MoS2/HCN heterostructure. The hybrid with 8 wt% 1T-MoS2 content (1T-MoS2/HCN-4) exhibited the highest H2 production rate of 2724.2 mmol-1 h-1 g-1 under simulated solar light illumination with an apparent quantum efficiency of 8.1% (l=370 nm). Moreover, the 1T-MoS2/HCN-4 hybrid showed improved stability after a long-time test. This study paves the way for the design of highly-efficient g-C3N4 based 2D/2D heterostructures for photocatalytic H2 production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Manjeet Kumar, Vishwa Bhatt, Joondong Kim, Ashutosh C. Abhyankar, Hak-Jun Chung, Kulvir Singh, Young Bin Cho, Young Jun Yun, Kwang Soo Lim, Ju-Hyung Yun
Summary: Conquering the challenge of room temperature H-2 detection at ppm/ppb levels is essential for developing highly sensitive/selective sensing devices. By synthesizing 2D ZnO holey nanosheets through controlled oxygen vacancies and annealing, a sensor with improved gas-sensing performance, fast response times, and high stability can be achieved. The unique porous network and large specific surface areas of 2D ZnO holey nanosheets contribute to their superior gas sensing capabilities.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jihyeong Lee, Junsoo Lee, Xiaoyan Jin, Hyungjun Kim, Seong-Ju Hwang
Summary: The defect engineering of inorganic solids is leveraged in this study to synthesize atomically-thin holey 2D nanosheets of a MoN-Mo5N6 composite. Precise control of the interlayer distance is crucial for synthesizing sub-nanometer-thick holey MoN-Mo5N6 nanosheets. The holey MoN-Mo5N6 nanosheets serve as efficient immobilization matrices for Pt single atoms, leading to enhanced electron injection efficiency and electrochemical stability.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Vienna Wong, Xiaoran Zheng, Yue Jiang, Sajjad S. Mofarah, Charles C. Sorrell, Pramod Koshy
Summary: A template-free method was used to fabricate undoped, Cr-doped, and S-doped mesoporous ceria nanostructures. The optimal ratio of cerium coordination polymer to triethanolamine (TEA) for exfoliation was determined to be 30 mg:0.35 mL. The introduction of dopants and heterojunction formation resulted in defects and improved photocatalytic performance. Cr-doped CeO2-x showed the highest photocatalytic performance, while S-doped CeO2-x exhibited lower performance due to reduced porosity from microstructural densification.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zuoyin Liu, Bo Kong, Xiang Xu, Wentao Wang
Summary: This study investigates the effects of crystal facet combinations and I doping on the photocatalytic activity of BiOCl/BiOI heterostructures using hybrid functional calculations. The results show that certain crystal facet combinations and I doping can enhance the photo-generated charge separation efficiency and improve the photocatalytic performance. The study highlights the importance of engineering specific crystal facet combinations and I doping for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the BiOCl/BiOI heterostructure.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiuyan Wang, Kui Chen, Shuhui Wang, Daheng Jiang, Changqiu Ma, Lixin Zhu, Xiaoliang Xu
Summary: A p-Co3O4@n-ZnO surface heterojunction photocatalyst was constructed for efficient CO2 photoreduction. The heterojunction expanded light absorption range, promoted photocarrier separation and charge transport, thus improving the photocatalytic efficiency and stability. Additionally, it also showed enhanced selectivity for CH4 production.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Utkarsh Kumar, Yi-Chen Liu, Han-Wei Hsieh, Zu-Yin Deng, Wen-Min Huang, Chiu-Hsien Wu
Summary: This study demonstrates the ultra-sensitive gas sensor based on Sb/SnS heterostructures for detecting ppb-level NO2 gas at room temperature. By incorporating SnS quantum dots in Sb thin films, the gas-capturing capability of the nanomaterial is enhanced, resulting in high selectivity and sensitivity to NO2.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yang Yang, Jie Lu, Zhichun Ma, Yi Zhao, Shuang Wang, Kai Ge, Yongfang Yang
Summary: Two dimensional CuTCPP/B-TiO2 composites were synthesized by adding B-TiO(2)NPs to the system for preparing 2D CuTCPP nanosheets under hydrothermal condition. The 2D CuTCPP nanosheets act as a supportor to decrease the aggregation of B-TiO2 and improve the adsorption capacity of MB, and also provide more transfer pathway to effectively facilitate interfacial charge transfer and separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, leading to a superior efficiency for photodegradation of MB.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jundie Hu, Tingyu Yang, Xiaogang Yang, Jiafu Qu, Yahui Cai, Chang Ming Li
Summary: The article introduces an environmentally stable Co2P@BP/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst that can selectively and efficiently reduce CO2 to CO, with good ambient stability. The outstanding performance of this photocatalyst is mainly attributed to its lower energy barriers and rapid charge transfer at the heterointerfaces.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michalis Stavrou, Aristeidis Stathis, Ioannis Papadakis, Alina Lyuleeva-Husemann, Emmanouel Koudoumas, Stelios Couris
Summary: This study reports on the transient nonlinear optical responses of two different types of 2D silicon nanosheets. The results demonstrate the importance of chemical functionalization for the efficient enhancement and tailoring of the NLO properties of these Si-based materials, and reveal that the silicon nanosheets exhibit larger NLO responses compared to graphene nanosheets.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qing-Ling Hong, Quan-Guo Zhai, Xiao-Li Liang, Yun Yang, Fu-Min Li, Yu-Cheng Jiang, Man-Cheng Hu, Shu-Ni Li, Yu Chen
Summary: Holey CoOOH nanosheets are easily synthesized and exhibit excellent electroactivity towards the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline solution, surpassing most monometallic Co-based electrocatalysts in terms of overpotential.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Antony Joseph, V Gautham, K. S. Akshay, V Sajith
Summary: Combining hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) with molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) can enhance corrosion resistance properties of coatings, reducing corrosion rate and improving corrosion resistance. Increasing hBN content can further enhance corrosion resistance.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthew S. Gilliam, Ahmed Yousaf, Yuqi Guo, Duo O. Li, AbdulAziz Momenah, Qing Hua Wang, Alexander A. Green
Summary: Non-van der Waals solids produced through liquid-phase exfoliation are providing new insights into 2D materials, with metal diborides exhibiting significantly higher solubility parameters compared to conventional vdW materials. The use of Hansen solubility theory to determine the solubility parameters of these materials has enabled the identification of cosolvent blends that enhance stability and dispersion concentration, which will be crucial for incorporating these materials into various applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thibault De Villenoisy, Xiaoran Zheng, Vienna Wong, Sajjad S. Mofarah, Hamidreza Arandiyan, Yusuke Yamauchi, Pramod Koshy, Charles C. Sorrell
Summary: Materials derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown exceptional structural variety and complexity and can be synthesized using low-cost scalable methods. However, their inherent instability and low electrical conductivity limit their applications. MOF-derived metal-based derivatives (MDs) provide a superior alternative with higher stability and electrical conductivity, while retaining the complex nanostructures of MOFs. This work comprehensively reviews the synthesis and nanostructural design of MDs, aiming to identify the parameters for optimal compositions, structures, nanostructures, and performance, and provide a platform for designing and processing these materials for specific applications. The study is supported by figures summarizing reported approaches and a comprehensive tabular coverage of the studies.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhemi Xu, Tianhao Ji, Shule Zhang, Peiyuan Guan, Joshua Elliott, Tao Wan, Claudio Cazorla, Dewei Chu
Summary: This work explores the defects in Mn-doped SnO2 and compares the effects of interstitial Mn and oxygen vacancies on its electronic structure. The study shows that when Mn-doped SnO2 is synthesized under Sn-rich or O-poor conditions, a defect pair of Mn substitution and interstitial is formed, leading to an energy band across the Fermi level and significant changes in the electronic structure of SnO2. The presence of Mn interstitials allows for stable multi-level resistive states and optical SET in Mn-doped SnO2 memristors, providing guidance for the fabrication of defective metal oxides and promoting research on interstitial-triggered resistive switching and optoelectronic memristors.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Maurice de Koning, Wei Cai, Claudio Cazorla, Jordi Boronat
Summary: The mass transport properties along dislocation cores in hcp 4He are studied using a fully correlated quantum simulation approach and the PIGS method. The results show that the defective 4He systems have a negligible Bose-Einstein condensate fraction, indicating the absence of intrinsic superfluidity in dislocation cores. This challenges the interpretation of the mass-flux-experiment observations and calls for further experimental investigation.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yue Jiang, Cui Ying Toe, Sajjad S. Mofarah, Claudio Cazorla, Shery L. Y. Chang, Yanting Yin, Qi Zhang, Sean Lim, Yin Yao, Ruoming Tian, Yuan Wang, Tasmia Zaman, Hamidreza Arandiyan, Gunther G. Andersson, Jason Scott, Pramod Koshy, Danyang Wang, Charles C. Sorrell
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of using defective BaTiO3-x nanoparticles for piezo-photocatalysis of seawater, showing a promising solution to the limitations of hydrogen production such as the need for purified water and external power. The material's piezoelectric activity was enhanced through a straightforward annealing process, leading to stable piezoelectric tetragonal domains. Experimental techniques revealed the effects of reduction on the energy band structure, confirming the significant piezoelectric effect and presence of self-polarization. Hydrogen evolution was characterized using different water sources, and the results showed a substantial hydrogen evolution rate for both deionized and natural seawater. This work provides new perspectives for large-scale green H2 production using readily available piezoelectric materials with abundant natural resources.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xuan Minh Chau Ta, Thi Kim Anh Nguyen, Anh Dinh Bui, Hieu T. T. Nguyen, Rahman Daiyan, Rose Amal, Thanh Tran-Phu, Antonio Tricoli
Summary: Photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising approach to produce green hydrogen using solar energy. However, the lack of efficient photoanodes to catalyze the water photooxidation reaction remains a challenge. In this study, nanostructured FeWO4 photoanodes were synthesized on a fluorine doped tin oxide glass substrate via a scalable and ultra-fast flame synthesis route. The optimized FeWO4 photoanode with a bandgap of 1.82 eV and a FeOOH/NiOOH co-catalyst coating showed improved water photooxidation performance and good photostability, providing insights for the engineering of small band-gap catalysts for various photoelectrochemical applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sofia Valenti, Claudio Cazorla, Michela Romanini, Josep Lluis Tamarit, Roberto Macovez
Summary: The formation of coamorphous mixtures of drugs can improve solubility and bioavailability while enhancing stability. A kinetically stable amorphous binary mixture of diazepam and nordazepam was studied. The eutectic phase diagram showed a eutectic composition of 0.18 molar fraction of nordazepam with a eutectic melting point of 395.4 +/- 1.2 K. The mixtures exhibited higher glass-transition temperatures and were stable against crystallization. Dielectric spectroscopy revealed relaxation processes in both drugs. The attractive forces within the heteromolecular dimer were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy and DFT simulations.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thanh Son Bui, Emma C. Lovell, Rahman Daiyan, Rose Amal
Summary: This article discusses the role of engineering oxygen vacancies (OVs) in electrocatalytic reactions such as CO2RR and NO3RR. By tuning OVs, the surface electronic structure of catalysts can be modified, leading to enhanced activity of surface active sites. The article first introduces methods for constructing and characterizing OVs, then discusses in detail the mechanism of OVs in CO2RR, and highlights the potential of OVs in NO3RR based on early findings. Finally, the challenges in designing CO2RR/NO3RR electrocatalysts and the perspectives in studying OV engineering are provided.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dali Ji, Yunah Lee, Yuta Nishina, Kazuhide Kamiya, Rahman Daiyan, Dewei Chu, Xinyue Wen, Masamichi Yoshimura, Priyank Kumar, Daria V. Andreeva, Kostya S. Novoselov, Gwan-Hyoung Lee, Rakesh Joshi, Tobias Foller
Summary: This study introduces a simple electrochemical method utilizing the angstrom confinement of laminar rGO nanochannels to achieve atomically thin transition metal oxides. The method allows for sub-unit-cell growth of 2D-TMO and demonstrates a balance between high activity and stability.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Maggie Lim, Jing Sun, Zhipeng Ma, Rouhollah Jalili, Rahman Daiyan, Emma C. Lovell, Rose Amal
Summary: The electrochemical conversion of NOx to ammonium using renewable energy is a green alternative for decarbonization. This study investigates the impact of CuOx oxidation state on the conversion of NOx to ammonium under acidic conditions. The results show that tuning Cu oxidation state can enhance NH4+ yield and Faradaic efficiency, and the Cu2O/Cu interfaces play a crucial role in the reaction. The study also demonstrates the stability of these interfaces during long-term electrolysis.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ran Su, Jiahui Zhang, Vienna Wong, Dawei Zhang, Yong Yang, Zheng-Dong Luo, Xiaojing Wang, Hui Wen, Yang Liu, Jan Seidel, Xiaolong Yang, Ying Pan, Fa-tang Li
Summary: Sub-nanometer-sized Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) nanowires with an orthorhombic (Pca21) ferroelectric phase are synthesized. The ferroelectric polarization of flexible HZO SNWs can be easily switched by slight external vibration, resulting in dynamic modulation of the binding energy of adsorbates and thus breaking the scaling relationship during piezocatalysis. The as-synthesized ultrathin HZO nanowires display superb water-splitting activity, achieving high H2 production rates.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Vienna Wong, Xiaoran Zheng, Yue Jiang, Sajjad S. Mofarah, Charles C. Sorrell, Pramod Koshy
Summary: A template-free method was used to fabricate undoped, Cr-doped, and S-doped mesoporous ceria nanostructures. The optimal ratio of cerium coordination polymer to triethanolamine (TEA) for exfoliation was determined to be 30 mg:0.35 mL. The introduction of dopants and heterojunction formation resulted in defects and improved photocatalytic performance. Cr-doped CeO2-x showed the highest photocatalytic performance, while S-doped CeO2-x exhibited lower performance due to reduced porosity from microstructural densification.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cibran Lopez, Agusti Emperador, Edgardo Saucedo, Riccardo Rurali, Claudio Cazorla
Summary: Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are crucial for green-energy conversion and storage technologies, but their design principles are still uncertain. By using first-principles materials modelling, computational power, and advanced data analysis techniques, we are making progress in solving this fundamental problem.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Brenda Ah-Yan Leung, William Joe, Sajjad S. Mofarah, Charles C. Sorrell, Roozbeh Abbasi, Mohsen Azadeh, Joseph A. Arsecularatne, Pramod Koshy
Summary: This study investigates the degradation behavior of dental resin composites in simulated oral environments. The mechanical and morphological properties of the composites were examined using hardness testing and SEM imaging. Qualitative analyses of the leached ions and theoretical studies on the stability of inorganic fillers were conducted. The study proposes a mechanism for composite leaching and demonstrates the formation of calcified layers on the composite surface. These findings contribute to the development of more durable and resistant composite materials, particularly for patients with gastroesophageal reflux.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiyuan Li, Lixue Jiang, Gan Huang, Da-Wei Wang, Jack Shepherd, Rahman Daiyan, Christos N. Markides, Robert A. Taylor, Jason Scott
Summary: A solar-driven system is proposed for hydrogen production from waste biomass with low carbon and water footprints. The system consists of a waste biomass concentrator, a biomass preconditioning reactor integrated with hybrid PV-thermal collectors, and a flow electrolysis cell equipped with a high-performance electrode. The system achieved an overall solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 7.5% and also produced clean water and a value-added chemical by-product. This work presents a new route towards efficient and economically feasible renewable hydrogen production.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lele Gong, Xiaowei Wang, Rahman Daiyan, Xiaofeng Zhu, Joshua Leverett, Zhiyao Duan, Lipeng Zhang, Rose Amal, Liming Dai, Zhenhai Xia
Summary: In this study, a computational approach based on density functional theory and electrical double-layer interface models is developed to accurately predict potential-dependent reaction pathways, catalytic activity, and product selectivity of electrochemical CO2 reduction. The calculated onset potentials and maximum faradaic efficiency of CO2 reduction agree well with experimental results for single-atom catalysts. This research provides a fundamental understanding of complex potential-dependent catalytic behavior and offers new approaches for catalyst screening in CO2 reduction and other complex reaction systems.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)