•ZSM-5/KIT-1 composites were synthesized using an ionic liquid as a template.•The ZSM-5/KIT-1 composites show a crystalline MFI framework and a three-dimensional network of worm-like channels.•The ratio of ZSM-5 and KIT-1 could be simply adjusted by controlling the pre-crystalline time.ZSM-5/KIT-1 composites were synthesized using an ionic liquid as a template. The structures and morphologies of as-obtained products were characterized using an infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer, N2 adsorption/desorption, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The resultant zeolites show a fully crystalline microporous MFI zeolite framework and a three-dimensional network of short worm-like channels. Mesopores and microspores of 4.2 and 0.8 nm in diameter coexist in the zeolite composites. Moreover, the ratio of ZSM-5 and KIT-1 could be simply adjusted by controlling the pre-crystalline time. We believe that the strategy for fabricating ZSM-5/KIT-1 through a simple method could potentially promote the large-scale production of zeolite composites.

A novel sandwich-like hierarchical structure composed of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and uniform cobalt disulfide (CoS2) octahedrons is successfully prepared by a simple one-step solvothermal process, in which Co2+ cations attracted into graphene framework by the electrostatic adsorption induce the growth of octahedral CoS2 nanoparticles between the layers of graphene. The fascinating sandwich-like structured CoS2/RGO hybrid inherits excellent electrical conductivity of graphene skeletons. Meanwhile, CoS2 octahedrons intercalated between the layers of graphene provide both rich inner active sites for the reduction of triiodide and abundant mesoporous structure for effective electrolyte diffusion. Benefit from the synergistic effects of CoS2 octahedrons and RGO, the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) assembled with this CoS2/RGO counter electrode (CE) manifests excellent photoelectric conversion efficiency (7.69%), even higher than that of DSSC with conventional noble metal Pt CE (7.38%). Furthermore, CoS2/RGO composite displays outstanding electrochemical stability in I3−/I− redox electrolyte. Overall, this design provides a new strategy for the development of alternative Pt-free counter electrode materials in a DSSC system.Download high-res image (332KB)Download full-size image

A novel basic polymerized ionic liquid (BPIL): polymeric 1-[(4-ethenylphenyl)methyl]-3-propylimidazolium imidazolide was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron spray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The BPIL was used as an efficient catalyst for aqueous Knoevenagel condensations with extended substrates. In comparison with common base catalysts, the BPIL showed high catalytic activity, which was ascribed to the cooperation between the strong basicity and the high surface activity. Moreover, the BPIL with high molecular weight has high surface activity and low catalytic activity. In addition, the BPIL was easily recovered and maintained high catalytic activity after five cycles of use in the system using benzaldehyde and malononitrile as substrates.

Zinc–nickel (Zn–Ni) ferrite nanorods were synthesized by a microemulsion-based method in combination with calcination at different temperatures. The morphologies and structures of Zn–Ni ferrite nanorods and their precursors of Zn–Ni–Fe composite oxalate nanorods were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Magnetization measurements were carried out using a vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. It was shown that the Zn–Ni ferrite nanorods were around 50–200 nm in diameter and several micrometers in length. Their saturation magnetization increased with increasing calcination temperature from 350 to 900 °C. In addition, the magnetic properties of the Zn–Ni ferrite nanorods were also affected by their composition.

Ferrioxalate submicrorods/graphene composites were synthesized through a simple solvothermal process in a mixture of ethylene glycol and water. The in situ growth of ferrioxalate submicrorods and the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) were completed in a one-step reaction. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the reduction of GO. Uniform rod-like ferrioxalates with diameter of about 600 nm and length of several micrometers were well distributed on the graphene sheets. As-obtained composites exhibited better photocatalytic properties than pure ferrioxalate submicrorods. The influence of different contents of GO on photocatalytic performance was also investigated. A possible photocatalytic mechanism of ferrioxalate submicrorods/graphene composites was proposed.

A novel approach to prepare the exfoliated polymer/layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites is reported. The key features of this method are synthesis of nanoplatelet-like organic LDH modified with N-Lauroyl-glutamate (LDH-LG) and blending LDH-LG with polyester acrylate followed by UV curing. The LDH-LG was prepared by adjusting the proportion of the oil phase in the O/W type microemulsion. From X-ray diffraction analysis and high resolution transmission electron microscope observation, the nanoscale organic LDH particles were homogeneously dispersed in the polymer matrix. The addition of LDH-LG into polyester acrylate improved the wear resistance of the nanocomposite film significantly. The coefficients of static friction, dynamic friction and gloss of nanocomposite with 2 wt% of LDH-LG decreased to 0.114°, 0.062° and 87.5° compared with 0.856°, 0.758° and 94.0° of the pure polymer, respectively. The thermal properties of the polymer/LDH nanocomposites were also discussed.

Mg/Fe oxide nanotubes decorated with nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (CNx) were fabricated by catalytic chemical vapor deposition of ethylenediamine on the outer surface of oxide nanotubes. Mg/Fe oxide nanotubes were prepared using a 3:1 molar precursor solution of Mg(NO3)2 and Fe(NO3)3 and anodic aluminum oxide as the substrate. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The XRD pattern shows that the oxide nanotubes are made up of MgO and Fe2O3. TEM and SEM observations indicate the oxide nanotubes are arrayed roughly parallel to each other, and the outer surface of oxide nanotubes are decorated with CNx. XPS results show the nitrogen-doped level in CNx is about 7.3 at.%. Magnetic measurements with VSM demonstrate the saturated magnetization, remanence and coercivity of oxide nanotubes are obvious improved after being decorated with CNx.Graphical abstract.Highlights► Mg/Fe oxide nanotubes arrayed parallel to each other were prepared by an AAO template method. ► The Mg/Fe oxide nanotubes decorated with CNx were realized by CVD of ethylenediamine on the outer surface of oxide nanotubes. ► The magnetic properties of Mg/Fe oxide nanotubes were highly improved after being decorated.

The dendritic polyester, dendritic maleate, and epoxy/dendritic maleate resins were synthesized and analyzed by acid value, hydroxyl value, FT-IR, TGA, and DSC. The dendritic maleate and epoxy/dendritic maleate resins were applied in UV-curable coating, and the properties of the UV-curable coatings were compared. With the introduction of epoxy resin, the epoxy/dendritic maleate resin formed larger cross linked structure and more cavities which helped to improve the properties of coating. The epoxy/dendritic maleate resin exhibited higher thermal decomposition temperature and Tg. The coating based on equal content of epoxy resin and dendritic maleate had higher gel content and better properties such as impact strength, adhesive strength, flexibility, pencil hardness, and solvent resistances. The SEM figures showed that the epoxy/dendritic maleate resin could form more cavities and improve the toughness of coating.

Cu/Fe mixed oxides (Cu/Fe-MOs) were prepared by calcination of Cu/Fe hydrotalcite (Cu/Fe-HT) precursors. They were used as new catalyst for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) and their catalytic activity was studied by thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analysis. With the addition of 4 wt.% Cu/Fe-MOs, thermal decomposition of AP was accelerated by 104 °C. Higher catalyst addition favors further decomposition of AP. The catalytic activity order is: Cu/Fe-MOs-500 > Cu/Fe-MOs-800 > CuO·Fe2O3. The proposed catalytic mechanism is the presence of O2− on the surface of Cu/Fe-MOs which can simplify thermal decomposition of AP.

The N-doped carbon nanotubes (CNx) were prepared by catalytic chemical vapor deposition of ethylenediamine with a series of Mg/Fe layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as catalyst precursors. The catalytic actived Fe particles were obtained by calcination of LDHs containing Fe3+ ions followed by reduction. The purification of CNx was carried out using a diluted nitric acid. The obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma spectrum, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The growth temperature has a distinct effect on the morphology and structure of CNx. Enhancing the growth temperature from 550 °C to 750 °C, the morphology of CNx changes from straight to bamboo-like and to bell-like, whereas the N-doped level decreases from 8.8 to 5.7 at.%. The content of Fe in precursors has little effect on the morphology of CNx, but it affects the N-doped level and structure. These results indicate that the morphology and structure of CNx are related to the synthetic parameters, like the growth temperature and composition of catalyst.

The nitrogen (N)-doped carbon (CNx) nanotubes were synthesized by pyrolysis of ethylenediamine with Ni1·07Mg1·01AlO3·58, Ni1·99Mg0·29AlO3·78, and Ni2·31Mg0·08AlO3·89 mixed oxides as catalysts at 650°C. Those mixed oxides were obtained by calcination of corresponding layered double hydroxide precursors (LDHs). Structure and composition of LDHs and mixed oxides were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Inductively coupled plasma spectrum. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope were used to characterize the N content, proportion of pyridine-like N structure and morphology of CNx nanotubes. The results showed that the tubes grown with Ni2·31Mg0·08AlO3·89 as catalysts had more obvious bamboo-like structure, larger diameter than those grown with Ni1·07Mg1·01AlO3·58 and Ni1·99Mg0·29AlO3·78. The N content and proportion of graphitic-like N structures increased with the content of Ni2+ increasing in LDH precursors. The morphology, N content and pyridine-like N structures for CNx nanotubes can be controlled to a certain extent by varying the content of Ni2+ in LDH precursors.