Di Li

Bio: Di Li is an academic researcher from Chinese Academy of Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Molecular cloud & Star formation. The author has an hindex of 57, co-authored 617 publications receiving 15824 citations. Previous affiliations of Di Li include Space Science Institute & Max Planck Society.

Highly luminescent S, N co-doped graphene quantum dots with broad visible absorption bands for visible light photocatalysts.

Abstract: A facile hydrothermal synthesis route to N and S, N co-doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) was developed by using citric acid as the C source and urea or thiourea as N and S sources. Both N and S, N doped GQDs showed high quantum yield (78% and 71%), excitation independent under excitation of 340–400 nm and single exponential decay under UV excitation. A broad absorption band in the visible region appeared in S, N co-doped GQDs due to doping with sulfur, which alters the surface state of GQDs. However, S, N co-doped GQDs show different color emission under excitation of 420–520 nm due to their absorption in the visible region. The excellent photocatalytic performance of the S, N co-doped GQD/TiO2 composites was demonstrated by degradation of rhodamine B under visible light. The apparent rate of S, N:GQD/TiO2 is 3 and 10 times higher than that of N:GQD/TiO2 and P25 TiO2 under visible light irradiation, respectively.

On Off On Fluorescent Carbon Dot Nanosensor for Recognition of Chromium(VI) and Ascorbic Acid Based on the Inner Filter Effect

Abstract: Chromium(VI) [Cr(VI)] is considered as a severe environmental pollutant, due to its highly toxic and carcinogenic properties. Therefore, low cost, highly sensitive sensors for the determination of Cr(VI) are highly demanded. It is well-known that highly luminescent carbon dots (CDs) have been successfully applied as fluorescent nanosensors for pH, ions, and molecular substances. In the present work, we have demonstrated an on–off fluorescent CD probe for detecting Cr(VI) based on the inner filter effect (IFE) because the absorption bands of Cr(IV) fully covered the emission and excitation bands of CDs. This CD-based nanosensor provides obvious advantages of simplicity, convenience, rapid response, high selectivity, and sensitivity, which have potential application for the detection of Cr(VI) in the environmental industry. In addition, because Cr(VI) can be reduced to low valent chromium species easily by reductant, resulting in the elimination of the IFE and recovery of CD fluorescence, the CD–Cr(VI) mixt...

The five-hundred-meter aperture spherical radio telescope (fast) project

Abstract: Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) is a Chinese mega-science project to build the largest single dish radio telescope in the world. Its innovative engineering concept and design pave a new road to realize a huge single dish in the most effective way. FAST also represents Chinese contribution in the international efforts to build the square kilometer array (SKA). Being the most sensitive single dish radio telescope, FAST will enable astronomers to jump-start many science goals, such as surveying the neutral hydrogen in the Milky Way and other galaxies, detecting faint pulsars, looking for the first shining stars, hearing the possible signals from other civilizations, etc. The idea of sitting a large spherical dish in a karst depression is rooted in Arecibo telescope. FAST is an Arecibo-type antenna with three outstanding aspects: the karst depression used as the site, which is large to host the 500-meter telescope and deep to allow a zenith angle of 40 degrees; the active main ref...

Correction: Corrigendum: The work mechanism and sub-bandgap-voltage electroluminescence in inverted quantum dot light-emitting diodes

Abstract: Through introducing a probe layer of bis(4,6-difluorophenylpyridinato-N,C2)picolinatoiridium (FIrpic) between QD emission layer and 4, 4-N, N- dicarbazole-biphenyl (CBP) hole transport layer, we successfully demonstrate that the electroluminescence (EL) mechanism of the inverted quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs) with a ZnO nanoparticle electron injection/transport layer should be direct charge-injection from charge transport layers into the QDs. Further, the EL from QD-LEDs at sub-bandgap drive voltages is achieved, which is in contrast to the general device in which the turn-on voltage is generally equal to or greater than its bandgap voltage (the bandgap energy divided by the electron charge). This sub-bandgap EL is attributed to the Auger-assisted energy up-conversion hole-injection process at the QDs/organic interface. The high energy holes induced by Auger-assisted processes can be injected into the QDs at sub-bandgap applied voltages. These results are of important significance to deeply understand the EL mechanism in QD-LEDs and to further improve device performance.

Toward Efficient Orange Emissive Carbon Nanodots through Conjugated sp(2) -Domain Controlling and Surface Charges Engineering.

Abstract: A strategy of achieving efficient orange emissive carbon nanodots (CNDs) with large sized conjugated sp(2) -domain is achieved in a solvothermal synthetic route using dimethylformamide as solvent, which is the basis of orange bandgap emission; enhanced orange emission with photoluminescent quantum yield of 46% is realized through surface charges engineering by surface metal-cation-functionalization.

The Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Black Hole Merger

Abstract: On September 14, 2015 at 09:50:45 UTC the two detectors of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory simultaneously observed a transient gravitational-wave signal. The signal sweeps upwards in frequency from 35 to 250 Hz with a peak gravitational-wave strain of 1.0×10(-21). It matches the waveform predicted by general relativity for the inspiral and merger of a pair of black holes and the ringdown of the resulting single black hole. The signal was observed with a matched-filter signal-to-noise ratio of 24 and a false alarm rate estimated to be less than 1 event per 203,000 years, equivalent to a significance greater than 5.1σ. The source lies at a luminosity distance of 410(-180)(+160) Mpc corresponding to a redshift z=0.09(-0.04)(+0.03). In the source frame, the initial black hole masses are 36(-4)(+5)M⊙ and 29(-4)(+4)M⊙, and the final black hole mass is 62(-4)(+4)M⊙, with 3.0(-0.5)(+0.5)M⊙c(2) radiated in gravitational waves. All uncertainties define 90% credible intervals. These observations demonstrate the existence of binary stellar-mass black hole systems. This is the first direct detection of gravitational waves and the first observation of a binary black hole merger.

Carbon quantum dots and their applications

Abstract: Fluorescent carbon nanoparticles or carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are a new class of carbon nanomaterials that have emerged recently and have garnered much interest as potential competitors to conventional semiconductor quantum dots. In addition to their comparable optical properties, CQDs have the desired advantages of low toxicity, environmental friendliness low cost and simple synthetic routes. Moreover, surface passivation and functionalization of CQDs allow for the control of their physicochemical properties. Since their discovery, CQDs have found many applications in the fields of chemical sensing, biosensing, bioimaging, nanomedicine, photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. This article reviews the progress in the research and development of CQDs with an emphasis on their synthesis, functionalization and technical applications along with some discussion on challenges and perspectives in this exciting and promising field.

Star Formation in the Milky Way and Nearby Galaxies

Abstract: We review progress over the past decade in observations of large-scale star formation, with a focus on the interface between extragalactic and Galactic studies. Methods of measuring gas contents and star-formation rates are discussed, and updated prescriptions for calculating star-formation rates are provided. We review relations between star formation and gas on scales ranging from entire galaxies to individual molecular clouds.

Theory of Star Formation

Abstract: We review current understanding of star formation, outlining an overall theoretical framework and the observations that motivate it. A conception of star formation has emerged in which turbulence plays a dual role, both creating overdensities to initiate gravitational contraction or collapse, and countering the effects of gravity in these overdense regions. The key dynamical processes involved in star formation—turbulence, magnetic fields, and self-gravity— are highly nonlinear and multidimensional. Physical arguments are used to identify and explain the features and scalings involved in star formation, and results from numerical simulations are used to quantify these effects. We divide star formation into large-scale and small-scale regimes and review each in turn. Large scales range from galaxies to giant molecular clouds (GMCs) and their substructures. Important problems include how GMCs form and evolve, what determines the star formation rate (SFR), and what determines the initial mass function (IMF). Small scales range from dense cores to the protostellar systems they beget. We discuss formation of both low- and high-mass stars, including ongoing accretion. The development of winds and outflows is increasingly well understood, as are the mechanisms governing angular momentum transport in disks. Although outstanding questions remain, the framework is now in place to build a comprehensive theory of star formation that will be tested by the next generation of telescopes.

Electrospinning and Electrospun Nanofibers: Methods, Materials, and Applications

Abstract: Electrospinning is a versatile and viable technique for generating ultrathin fibers. Remarkable progress has been made with regard to the development of electrospinning methods and engineering of electrospun nanofibers to suit or enable various applications. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of electrospinning, including the principle, methods, materials, and applications. We begin with a brief introduction to the early history of electrospinning, followed by discussion of its principle and typical apparatus. We then discuss its renaissance over the past two decades as a powerful technology for the production of nanofibers with diversified compositions, structures, and properties. Afterward, we discuss the applications of electrospun nanofibers, including their use as "smart" mats, filtration membranes, catalytic supports, energy harvesting/conversion/storage components, and photonic and electronic devices, as well as biomedical scaffolds. We highlight the most relevant and recent advances related to the applications of electrospun nanofibers by focusing on the most representative examples. We also offer perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and new directions for future development. At the end, we discuss approaches to the scale-up production of electrospun nanofibers and briefly discuss various types of commercial products based on electrospun nanofibers that have found widespread use in our everyday life.