Preparation of α-Fe2O3/rGO composites toward supercapacitor applications

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) integrated with iron oxide nanoparticles (α-Fe₂O₃/rGO) composites with different morphologies were successfully obtained through the in situ synthesis and mechanical agitation methods. It was found that the α-Fe₂O₃ was densely and freely dispersed on the rGO layer. By comparing electrochemical properties, the sheet-like α-Fe₂O₃/rGO composites demonstrate excellent electrochemical performance: the highest specific capacitance, and excellent cycling stability and rate capacity. The specific capacitance is 970 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹ and the capacitance retention is 75% after 2000 cycles with the current density reaching 5 A g⁻¹. It is mainly due to the synergistic effect between the α-Fe₂O₃ and rGO, and the high conductivity of the rGO offers a fast channel for the movement of electrons.

Preparation of α-Fe₂O₃/rGO composites for supercapacitor application using in situ synthesis and a mechanical agitation method.     

MOF-derived (MoS2, γ-Fe2O3)/graphene Z-scheme photocatalysts with excellent activity for oxygen evolution under visible light irradiation

Constructing Z-scheme heterojunctions is considered as an effective strategy to obtain catalysts of high efficiency in electron–hole separation in photocatalysis. Unfortunately, suitable heterojunctions are difficult to fabricate because the direct interaction between two semiconductors may lead to unpredictable negative effects such as electron scattering or electron trapping due to the existence of defects which causes the formation of new substances. Furthermore, the van der Waals contact between two semiconductors also results in bad electron diffusion. In this work, a MOF-derived carbon material as a Z-scheme photocatalyst was synthesized via one-step thermal treatment of MoS₂ dots @Fe-MOF (MIL-101). Under visible light irradiation, the well-constructed Z-scheme (MoS₂, γ-Fe₂O₃)/graphene photocatalyst shows 2-fold photocatalytic oxygen evolution activity (4400 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹) compared to that of γ-Fe₂O₃/graphene (2053 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹). Based on ultraviolet photoelectron spectrometry (UPS), Mott–Schottky plot, photocurrent and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) results, the photo-induced electrons from the conduction band of γ-Fe₂O₃ could transport quickly to the valence band of MoS₂via highly conductive graphene as an electron transport channel, which could significantly enhance the electron–hole separation efficiency as well as photocatalytic performance.

The heterojunction between MoS₂ and γ-Fe₂O₃ was constructed via linking by in situ formed graphene, which resulted in a good photocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction, showing O₂ evolution activity of 4400 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹.     

Hematite iron oxide nanoparticles: apoptosis of myoblast cancer cells and their arithmetical assessment

Hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) forms iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) which are thermally stable and have various electrochemical and optochemical applications. Due to their wide applicability, the present work was designed to form the hematite phase of iron oxide (αFe₂O₃NPs) NPs prepared via a solution process. Their cytological performance was checked with C2C12 cells. The crystalline property of the NPs was examined with X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) and it was found that the size of the particles formed ranged from 12 to 15 nm. Structural information was also identified via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which again confirmed that the size of each NP is about 12–15 nm. Surface topographical analysis was done via atomic force microscopy (AFM), which reveals that the size of the distance between two particles is in the range of 12 ± 3 nm. The C2C12 cells were cultured in a humidified environment with 5% CO₂ and were checked via a microscope. The αFe₂O₃NPs were used for cytotoxic evaluation against C2C12 cells. A MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was utilized to check the viability of cells in a dose-dependent (100 ng mL⁻¹, 500 ng mL⁻¹ or 1000 ng mL⁻¹) manner. The morphology of the cells under the influence of αFe₂O₃NPs for live and dead cells in a wet environment was confirmed via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The apoptosis caused due to the αFe₂O₃NPs was evaluated in presence of caspases 3/7 with GAPDH genes, which confirmed the upregulation that is responsible in caspase 3/7 genes, with treatment of C2C12 at low (500 ng mL⁻¹) and high (1000 ng mL⁻¹) doses of αFe₂O₃NPs. Analytical studies were also performed to authenticate the obtained data for αFe₂O₃NPs using parameters such as precision, accuracy, linearity, limits of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ), quantitative recoveries and relative standard deviation (RSD). The analyses play a significant role in investigating the large effect of αFe₂O₃NPs on C2C12 cells.

Hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) forms iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) which are thermally stable and have various electrochemical and optochemical applications.     

A novel MnO–CrN nanocomposite based non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide sensor

A MnO–CrN composite was obtained via the ammonolysis of the low-cost nitride precursors Cr(NO₃)₃·9H₂O and Mn(NO₃)₂·4H₂O at 800 °C for 8 h using a sol–gel method. The specific surface area of the synthesized powder was measured via BET analysis and it was found to be 262 m² g⁻¹. Regarding its application, the electrochemical sensing performance toward hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was studied via applying cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometry (i–t) analysis. The linear response range was 0.33–15 000 μM with a correlation coefficient (R²) value of 0.995. Excellent performance toward H₂O₂ was observed with a limit of detection of 0.059 μM, a limit of quantification of 0.199 μM, and sensitivity of 2156.25 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻². A short response time of within 2 s was achieved. Hence, we develop and offer an efficient approach for synthesizing a new cost-efficient material for H₂O₂ sensing.

A MnO–CrN composite was obtained via the ammonolysis of the low-cost nitride precursors Cr(NO₃)₃·9H₂O and Mn(NO₃)₂·4H₂O at 800 °C for 8 h using a sol–gel method.     

Controllable synthesis of aluminum doped peony-like α-Ni(OH)2 with ultrahigh rate capability for asymmetric supercapacitors

Ion substitution and micromorphology control are two efficient strategies to ameliorate the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors electrode materials. Here, Al³⁺ doped α-Ni(OH)₂ with peony-like morphology and porous structure has been successfully synthesized through a facile one-pot hydrothermal process. The Al³⁺ doped α-Ni(OH)₂ electrode shows an ultrahigh specific capacitance of 1750 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹, and an outstanding electrochemical stability of 72% after running 2000 cycles. In addition, the Al³⁺ doped α-Ni(OH)₂ electrode demonstrates an excellent rate capability (92% retention at 10 A g⁻¹). Furthermore, by using this unique Al³⁺ doped α-Ni(OH)₂ as the positive electrode and a hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) as the negative electrode, the assembled asymmetric supercapacitor can demonstrate a high energy/power density (49.6 W h kg⁻¹ and 14 kW kg⁻¹). This work proves that synthesizing an Al³⁺ doped structure is an effective means to improve the electrochemical properties of α-Ni(OH)₂. This scheme could be extended to other transition metal hydroxides to enhance their electrochemical performance.

Ion substitution and micromorphology control are two efficient strategies to ameliorate the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors electrode materials.     

A comparison study of MnO2 and Mn2O3 as zinc-ion battery cathodes: an experimental and computational investigation

The high specific capacity, low cost and environmental friendliness make manganese dioxide materials promising cathode materials for zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). In order to understand the difference between the electrochemical behavior of manganese dioxide materials with different valence states, i.e., Mn(iii) and Mn(iv), we investigated and compared the electrochemical properties of pure MnO₂ and Mn₂O₃ as ZIB cathodes via a combined experimental and computational approach. The MnO₂ electrode showed a higher discharging capacity (270.4 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹) and a superior rate performance (125.7 mA h g⁻¹ at 3 A g⁻¹) than the Mn₂O₃ electrode (188.2 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ and 87 mA h g⁻¹ at 3 A g⁻¹, respectively). The superior performance of the MnO₂ electrode was ascribed to its higher specific surface area, higher electronic conductivity and lower diffusion barrier of Zn²⁺ compared to the Mn₂O₃ electrode. This study provides a detailed picture of the diversity of manganese dioxide electrodes as ZIB cathodes.

MnO₂ and Mn₂O₃ cathodes for zinc ion batteries were experimentally and computationally explored.     

Facile one-step hydrothermal synthesis of α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 composites for the synergistic adsorption and photodegradation of dyes

With the expansion of industrialization, dye pollution has become a significant hazard to humans and aquatic ecosystems. In this study, α-Fe₂O₃/g-C₃N₄-R (where R is the relative percentage of α-Fe₂O₃) composites were fabricated by a one-step method. The as-prepared α-Fe₂O₃/g-C₃N₄-0.5 composites showed excellent adsorption capacities for methyl orange (MO, 69.91 mg g⁻¹) and methylene blue (MB, 29.46 mg g⁻¹), surpassing those of g-C₃N₄ and many other materials. Moreover, the ionic strength and initial pH influenced the adsorption process. Relatively, the adsorption isotherms best fitted the Freundlich model, and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model could accurately describe the kinetics for the adsorption of MO and MB by α-Fe₂O₃/g-C₃N₄-0.5. Electrostatic interaction and π–π electron donor–acceptor interaction were the major mechanisms for MO/MB adsorption. In addition, the photocatalytic experiment results showed that more than 79% of the added MO/MB was removed within 150 min. The experimental results of free-radical capture revealed that holes (h⁺) were the major reaction species for the photodegradation of MO, whereas MB was reduced by the synergistic effect of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and holes (h⁺). This study suggests that the α-Fe₂O₃/g-C₃N₄ composites have an application potential for the removal of dyes from wastewater.

Simple one-step hydrothermal synthesis of α-Fe₂O₃/g-C₃N₄ composites for the synergistic adsorption and photodegradation of dyes     

Morphology control of α-Fe2O3 towards super electrochemistry performance

α-Fe₂O₃ with various morphologies including spindle, rod, tube, disk, and ring were synthesized through controlling the H₂PO₄⁻ etching process. The concentrations of H₂PO₄⁻ plays an important role in controlling the morphology change of the samples. Selected adsorption of H₂PO₄⁻ ions resulted in anisotropic growth. In addition, the etching of H₂PO₄⁻ occurred in the center of rods which resulted in tubal α-Fe₂O₃. Nanodiscs were created once the etching process occurred on the wall of the tube. The electrochemical test shows that disklike samples revealed excellent specific capacitance, rate capacity and cycling stability because of relative higher surface area and pore structure. For the CO catalytic oxidation properties, spindle samples exhibited super catalytic activity.

α-Fe₂O₃ with various morphologies including spindle, rod, tube, disk, and ring were synthesized through controlling the H₂PO₄⁻ etching process.     

One-pot synthesis of CoFe2O4/rGO hybrid hydrogels with 3D networks for high capacity electrochemical energy storage devices

CoFe₂O₄/reduced graphene oxide (CoFe₂O₄/rGO) hydrogel was synthesized in situ via a facile one-pot solvothermal approach. The three-dimensional (3D) network structure consists of well-dispersed CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles on the surfaces of graphene sheets. As a binder-free electrode material for supercapacitors, the electrochemical properties of the CoFe₂O₄/rGO hybrid hydrogel can be easily adjusted by changing the concentration of the graphene oxide (GO) precursor solution. The results indicate that the hybrid material made using 3.5 mg mL⁻¹ GO solution exhibits an outstanding specific capacitance of 356 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹, 68% higher than the pure CoFe₂O₄ counterpart (111 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹), owing to the large specific surface area and good electric conductivity. Additionally, an electrochemical energy storage device based on CoFe₂O₄/rGO and rGO was assembled, which exhibits a high energy density of 17.84 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 650 W kg⁻¹ and an excellent cycling stability with 87% capacitance retention at 5 A g⁻¹ after 4000 cycles. This work takes one step further towards the development of 3D hybrid hydrogel supercapacitors and highlights their potential application in energy storage devices.

CoFe₂O₄/reduced graphene oxide (CoFe₂O₄/rGO) hydrogel was synthesized in situ via a facile one-pot solvothermal approach.     

Disodium citrate-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of V2O5 nanowires for high performance supercapacitors

Orthorhombic vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanowires with uniform morphology were successfully fabricated via a facile hydrothermal process. The effect of disodium citrate dosage on the crystallinity, morphology and electrochemical properties of the products was analyzed. Experimental results indicate that orthorhombic V₂O₅ nanowires with high crystallinity and diameter of about 20 nm can be obtained at 180 °C for 24 h when the dosage of disodium citrate is 0.236 g. Furthermore, the prepared V₂O₅ nanowires demonstrate a high specific capacitance of 528.2 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹ and capacitance retention of 85% after 1000 galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles at 1 A g⁻¹ when used as supercapacitors electrode in 0.5 M K₂SO₄.

Orthorhombic vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanowires with uniform morphology were successfully fabricated via a facile hydrothermal process.     

α(β)-PbO2 doped with Co3O4 and CNT porous composite materials with enhanced electrocatalytic activity for zinc electrowinning

The high energy consumption during zinc electrowinning is mainly caused by the high overpotential of the oxygen evolution for Pb–Ag alloys with strong polarization. The preparation of new active energy-saving materials has become a very active research field, depending on the synergistic effects of active particles and active oxides. In this research, a composite material, α(β)-PbO₂, doped with Co₃O₄ and CNTs on the porous Ti substrate was prepared via one-step electrochemical deposition and the corresponding electrochemical performance was investigated in simulated zinc electrowinning solution. The composite material showed a porous structure, finer grain size and larger electrochemical surface area (ECSA), which indicated excellent electrocatalytic activity. Compared with the Pb–0.76 wt% Ag alloy, the overpotential of oxygen evolution for the 3D-Ti/PbO₂/Co₃O₄–CNTs composite material was decreased by about 452 mV under the current density of 500 A m⁻² in the simulated zinc electrowinning solution. The decrease in the overpotential of oxygen evolution was mainly ascribed to the higher ECSA and lower charger transfer resistance. Moreover, it showed the lowest self-corrosion current density of 1.156 × 10⁻⁴ A cm⁻² and may be an ideal material for use in zinc electrowinning.

3D-Ti/PbO₂–Co₃O₄–CNTs composite electrode was fabricated through galvanostatic electrodepositon, which shows outstanding electrocatalytic activity to OER in harsh media (50 g L⁻¹ Zn²⁺ + 150 g L⁻¹ H₂SO₄).     

MnO2/ZnCo2O4 with binder-free arrays on nickel foam loaded with graphene as a high performance electrode for advanced asymmetric supercapacitors

ZnCo₂O₄ nanosheets were successfully arrayed on a Ni foam surface with graphene using a hydrothermal method followed by annealing treatment; then MnO₂ nanoparticles were electrodeposited on the ZnCo₂O₄ nanosheets to obtain a synthesized composite binder-free electrode named MnO₂/ZnCo₂O₄/graphene/Ni foam (denoted as MnO₂/ZnCo₂O₄/G/NF). After testing the binder-free composite electrode of MnO₂/ZnCo₂O₄/G/NF via cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy testing, we found that it exhibited ultrahigh electrochemical properties, with a high specific areal capacitance of 3405.21 F g⁻¹ under a current density of 2 A g⁻¹, and wonderful cycling stability, with 91.2% retention after 5000 cycles. Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) based on MnO₂/ZnCo₂O₄/G/NF//G/NF was successfully designed. When tested, the as-designed ASC can achieve a maximum energy density of 46.85 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 166.67 W kg⁻¹. Finally, the ASC we assembled can power a commercial red LED lamp successfully for more than 5 min, which proves its practicability. All these impressive performances indicate that the MnO₂/ZnCo₂O₄/graphene composite material is an outstanding electrode material for electrochemical capacitors.

Schematic illustration of formation process of MnO₂/ZnCo₂O₄/G/NF composite electrode.     

Hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide assisted growth of NiCo2O4@reduced graphene oxide/ nickel foam nanoneedle arrays with enhanced performance for supercapacitor electrodes

NiCo₂O₄@reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/nickel foam (NF) composites were prepared via a hydrothermal method followed by annealing assisted by hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). NiCo₂O₄@rGO/NF nanoneedle arrays grew directly on Ni foam (NF) without using a binder. The effect of graphene oxide (GO) concentration on the electrochemical properties of the composite was studied. When the GO concentration was 5 mg L⁻¹, the as-prepared NiCo₂O₄@rGO/NF reaches the highest specific capacitance of 1644 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹. Even at 15 A g⁻¹, the specific capacitance is still 1167 F g⁻¹ and the capacitance retention rate is 89% after 10 000 cycles at 10 A g⁻¹. Furthermore, a NiCo₂O₄@rGO/NF//graphene hydrogel (GH) asymmetric supercapacitor cell (ASC) device was assembled and exhibits a high specific capacitance of 84.13 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ and excellent cycle stability (113% capacitance retention) after 10 000 charge/discharge cycles at 10 A g⁻¹. This provides potential for application in the field of supercapacitors due to the outstanding specific capacitance, rate performance and cycle stability of NiCo₂O₄@rGO/NF.

Anisotropic NiCo₂O₄ nanoneedle arrays grew directly on Ni foam in the presence of rGO via the hydrothermal method followed by annealing assisted by hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB).     

Synthesis of interconnected mesoporous ZnCo2O4 nanosheets on a 3D graphene foam as a binder-free anode for high-performance Li-ion batteries

Interconnected mesoporous sheet-like ZnCo₂O₄ nanomaterials directly grown on a three-dimensional (3D) graphene film (GF) coated on Ni foam (NF) have been successfully synthesized via an effective chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method combined with a subsequent hydrothermal route. When the ZnCo₂O₄@3DGF@NF composite material with a high surface area of 46.06 m² g⁻¹ is evaluated as a binder-free anode material for lithium ion batteries, it exhibits a superior electrochemical performance with a high discharge capacity (1223 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 500 mA g⁻¹ after 240 cycles), and an excellent reversibility (coulombic efficiency of 97–99%). Such an outstanding electrochemical performance may be attributed to its unique mesoporous sheet-like nanostructure with a 3DGF supporting, which can facilitate the electrolyte penetration and accelerate the ion/electron transport, as well as buffer the volume variation during charge/discharge processes.

Mesoporous ZnCo₂O₄ nanomaterials grown on a three-dimensional (3D) graphene film (GF) coated on Ni foam (NF) have been synthesized via an effective chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method combined with a subsequent hydrothermal route.     

α-Fe2O3 hollow meso–microspheres grown on graphene sheets function as a promising counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells

Although nanoparticles, nanorods, and nanosheets of α-Fe₂O₃ on graphene sheets have been synthesized, it remains a challenge to grow 3D α-Fe₂O₃ nanomaterials with more sophisticated compositions and structures on the graphene sheets. Herein, we demonstrate a facile solvothermal route under controlled conditions to successfully fabricate 3D α-Fe₂O₃ hollow meso–microspheres on the graphene sheets (α-Fe₂O₃/RGO HMM). Attributed to the combination of the catalytic features of α-Fe₂O₃ hollow meso–microspheres and the high conductivity of graphene, α-Fe₂O₃/RGO HMM exhibited promising electrocatalytic performance as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The DSSCs fabricated with α-Fe₂O₃ HMM displayed high power conversion efficiency of 7.28%, which is comparable with that of Pt (7.71%).

Although nanoparticles, nanorods, and nanosheets of α-Fe₂O₃ on graphene sheets have been synthesized, it remains a challenge to grow 3D α-Fe₂O₃ nanomaterials with more sophisticated compositions and structures on the graphene sheets.     

Al-doped α-MnO2 coated by lignin for high-performance rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Zn/MnO₂ batteries, one of the most widely studied rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries, suffer from poor cyclability because the structure of MnO₂ is labile with cycling. Herein, the structural stability of α-MnO₂ is enhanced by simultaneous Al³⁺ doping and lignin coating during the formation of α-MnO₂ crystals in a hydrothermal process. Al³⁺ enters the [MnO₆] octahedron accompanied by producing oxygen vacancies, and lignin further stabilizes the doped Al³⁺via strong interaction in the prepared material, Al-doped α-MnO₂ coated by lignin (L + Al@α-MnO₂). Meanwhile, the conductivity of L + Al@α-MnO₂ improves due to Al³⁺ doping, and the surface area of L + Al@α-MnO₂ increases because of the production of nanorod structures after Al³⁺ doping and lignin coating. Compared with the reference α-MnO₂ cathode, the L + Al@α-MnO₂ cathode achieves superior performance with durably high reversible capacity (∼180 mA h g⁻¹ at 1.5 A g⁻¹) and good cycle stability. In addition, ex situ X-ray diffraction characterization of the cathode at different voltages in the first cycle is employed to study the related mechanism on improving battery performance. This study may provide ideas of designing advanced cathode materials for other aqueous metal-ion batteries.

Al³⁺ doping combined with lignin coating improves the structural stability and electrochemical performance of the modified α-MnO₂, L + Al@α-MnO₂.     

Design and synthesis of hierarchical NiO/Ni3V2O8 nanoplatelet arrays with enhanced lithium storage properties

Hierarchical NiO/Ni₃V₂O₈ nanoplatelet arrays (NPAs) grown on Ti foil were prepared as free-standing anodes for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) via a simple one-step hydrothermal approach followed by thermal treatment to enhance Li storage performance. Compared to the bare NiO, the fabricated NiO/Ni₃V₂O₈ NPAs exhibited significantly enhanced electrochemical performances with superior discharge capacity (1169.3 mA h g⁻¹ at 200 mA g⁻¹), excellent cycling stability (570.1 mA h g⁻¹ after 600 cycles at current density of 1000 mA g⁻¹) and remarkable rate capability (427.5 mA h g⁻¹ even at rate of 8000 mA g⁻¹). The excellent electrochemical performances of the NiO/Ni₃V₂O₈ NPAs were mainly attributed to their unique composition and hierarchical structural features, which not only could offer fast Li⁺ diffusion, high surface area and good electrolyte penetration, but also could withstand the volume change. The ex situ XRD analysis revealed that the charge/discharge mechanism of the NiO/Ni₃V₂O₈ NPAs included conversion and intercalation reaction. Such NiO/Ni₃V₂O₈ NPAs manifest great potential as anode materials for LIBs with the advantages of a facile, low-cost approach and outstanding electrochemical performances.

Hierarchical NiO/Ni₃V₂O₈ nanoplatelet arrays (NPAs) grown on Ti foil were prepared as free-standing anodes for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) via a simple one-step hydrothermal approach followed by thermal treatment to enhance Li storage performance.     

Highly efficient reduction of 4-nitrophenolate to 4-aminophenolate by Au/γ-Fe2O3@HAP magnetic composites

In this article, the catalyst Au/γ-Fe₂O₃@hydroxyapatite (Au/γ-Fe₂O₃@HAP) consisting of Au nanoparticles supported on the core–shell structure γ-Fe₂O₃@HAP was prepared through a deposition–precipitation method. The catalyst was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption–desorption and atomic absorption spectrometry. The as-prepared Au/γ-Fe₂O₃@HAP exhibited excellent performance for the reduction of 4-nitrophenolate (4-NP) to 4-aminophenolate (4-AP) in the presence of NaBH₄ at room temperature. Thermodynamic and kinetic data on the reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP catalyzed by the as-prepared catalyst were studied. The as-prepared catalyst could be easily separated by a magnet and recycled 6 times with over 92% conversion of 4-NP to 4-AP. In addition, the as-prepared catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance on other nitrophenolates. The TOF value of this work on the reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP was 241.3 h⁻¹. Au/γ-Fe₂O₃@HAP might have a promising potential application on the production of 4-AP and its derivatives.

In this article, the catalyst Au/γ-Fe₂O₃@hydroxyapatite (Au/γ-Fe₂O₃@HAP) consisting of Au nanoparticles supported on the core–shell structure γ-Fe₂O₃@HAP was prepared through a deposition–precipitation method.     

MOF-derived Bi2O3@C microrods as negative electrodes for advanced asymmetric supercapacitors

Bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) with high specific capacity has emerged as a promising negative electrode material for supercapacitors (SCs). Herein, we propose a facile metal–organic framework (MOF) derived strategy to prepare Bi₂O₃ microrods with a carbon coat (Bi₂O₃@C). They exhibit ultrahigh specific capacity (1378 C g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹) and excellent cycling stability (93% retention at 4000 cycles) when acting as negative electrode material for advanced asymmetric SCs. The assembled Bi₂O₃@C//CoNi-LDH asymmetric supercapacitor device exhibits a high energy density of 49 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 807 W kg⁻¹. The current Bi-MOF-derived strategy would provide valuable insights to prepare Bi-based inorganic nanomaterials for high-performance energy storage technologies and beyond.

Bi₂O₃ microrods with a carbon coat (Bi₂O₃@C) exhibit ultrahigh specific capacity (1378 C g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹) and excellent cycling stability (93% retention at 4000 cycles) as negative electrodes for supercapacitors.     

Development of pristine and Au-decorated Bi2O3/Bi2WO6 nanocomposites for supercapacitor electrodes

Pristine and Au-decorated Bi₂O₃/Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposites were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. Characterization techniques such as XRD, FESEM, HRTEM and XPS were used to explore the structural, morphological and electronic properties. Furthermore, electrochemical characterizations including cyclic voltammetry (CV), the galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) method, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were performed to investigate the supercapacitance behaviour of the synthesized materials. Interestingly, the Au-decorated Bi₂O₃/Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposite showed a higher capacitance of 495.05 F g⁻¹ (1 M aqueous KOH electrolyte) with improved cycling stability (99.26%) over 2000 cycles, measured at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹, when compared to the pristine Bi₂O₃/Bi₂WO₆ composite (capacitance of 148.81 F g⁻¹ and good cycling stability (95.99%) over 2000 cycles at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹). The results clearly reveal that the decoration of the Bi₂O₃/Bi₂WO₆ composite with Au nanoparticles enhances its supercapacitance behaviour, which can be attributed to an increase in electrical conductivity, good electrical contact between the electrode and electrolyte, and an increase in effective area. The Au-decorated Bi₂O₃/Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposite can be considered as an electrode material for supercapacitor application.

Pristine and Au-decorated Bi₂O₃/Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposites were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method, and find its application in supercapacitor.