Showing papers by "Hua Zhang published in 2017"
TL;DR: The unique advances on ultrathin 2D nanomaterials are introduced, followed by the description of their composition and crystal structures, and the assortments of their synthetic methods are summarized.
Abstract: Since the discovery of mechanically exfoliated graphene in 2004, research on ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials has grown exponentially in the fields of condensed matter physics, material science, chemistry, and nanotechnology. Highlighting their compelling physical, chemical, electronic, and optical properties, as well as their various potential applications, in this Review, we summarize the state-of-art progress on the ultrathin 2D nanomaterials with a particular emphasis on their recent advances. First, we introduce the unique advances on ultrathin 2D nanomaterials, followed by the description of their composition and crystal structures. The assortments of their synthetic methods are then summarized, including insights on their advantages and limitations, alongside some recommendations on suitable characterization techniques. We also discuss in detail the utilization of these ultrathin 2D nanomaterials for wide ranges of potential applications among the electronics/optoelectronics, electrocat...
3,628 citations
TL;DR: This tutorial review summarized the recent advances in MOF-derived hybrid micro-/nano-structures, focusing on energy storage and conversion, and discusses their potential applications in lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, supercapacitors, lithium -oxygen batteries and fuel cells.
Abstract: Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), an important class of inorganic–organic hybrid crystals with intrinsic porous structures, can be used as versatile precursors or sacrificial templates for preparation of numerous functional nanomaterials for various applications. Recent developments of MOF-derived hybrid micro-/nano-structures, constructed by more than two components with varied functionalities, have revealed their extensive capabilities to overcome the weaknesses of the individual counterparts and thus give enhanced performance for energy storage and conversion. In this tutorial review, we summarize the recent advances in MOF-derived hybrid micro-/nano-structures. The synthetic strategies for preparing MOF-derived hybrid micro-/nano-structures are first introduced. Focusing on energy storage and conversion, we then discuss their potential applications in lithium-ion batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, supercapacitors, lithium–oxygen batteries and fuel cells. Finally, we give our personal insights into the challenges and opportunities for the future research of MOF-derived hybrid micro-/nano-structures.
808 citations
TL;DR: In situ hybridization of MXenes and 2D MOFs with interface control will provide more opportunities for their use in energy-based applications and are comparable with or even better than those achieved by the previously reported state-of-the-art transition-metal-based catalysts.
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) metal–organic framework (MOF) nanosheets have been recently regarded as the model electrocatalysts due to their porous structure, fast mass and ion transfer through the thickness, and large portion of exposed active metal centers Combining them with electrically conductive 2D nanosheets is anticipated to achieve further improved performance in electrocatalysis In this work, we in situ hybridized 2D cobalt 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (CoBDC) with Ti3C2Tx (the MXene phase) nanosheets via an interdiffusion reaction-assisted process The resulting hybrid material was applied in the oxygen evolution reaction and achieved a current density of 10 mA cm–2 at a potential of 164 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode and a Tafel slope of 482 mV dec–1 in 01 M KOH These results outperform those obtained by the standard IrO2-based catalyst and are comparable with or even better than those achieved by the previously reported state-of-the-art transition-metal-based catalysts While the CoBDC layer pr
495 citations
TL;DR: As a proof-of-concept application, the obtained ultrathin COF NSs are used as a novel fluorescence sensing platform for the highly sensitive and selective detection of DNA.
Abstract: The ability to prepare ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic framework (COF) nanosheets (NSs) in high yield is of great importance for the further exploration of their unique properties and potential applications Herein, by elaborately designing and choosing two flexible molecules with C3v molecular symmetry as building units, a novel imine-linked COF, namely, TPA-COF, with a hexagonal layered structure and sheet-like morphology, is synthesized Since the flexible building units are integrated into the COF skeletons, the interlayer stacking becomes weak, resulting in the easy exfoliation of TPA-COF into ultrathin 2D NSs Impressively, for the first time, the detailed structural information, ie, the pore channels and individual building units in the NSs, is clearly visualized by using the recently developed low-dose imaging technique of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) As a proof-of-concept application, the obtained ultrathin COF NSs are used as a novel fluorescence sensing platform for
394 citations
TL;DR: This study paves a new avenue to design nanomaterial-based biomimetic catalysts with multiple complex functions, and uses the synthesized hybrid nanosheets to detect biomolecules, such as glucose.
Abstract: Inspired by the multiple functions of natural multienzyme systems, a new kind of hybrid nanosheet is designed and synthesized, i.e., ultrasmall Au nanoparticles (NPs) grown on 2D metalloporphyrinic metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets. Since 2D metalloporphyrinic MOF nanosheets can act as the peroxidase mimics and Au NPs can serve as artificial glucose oxidase, the hybrid nanosheets are used to mimic the natural enzymes and catalyze the cascade reactions. Furthermore, the synthesized hybrid nanosheets are used to detect biomolecules, such as glucose. This study paves a new avenue to design nanomaterial-based biomimetic catalysts with multiple complex functions.
340 citations
01 Feb 2017
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide recent advances in the synthesis of 2D metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets by using the top-down and bottom-up methods, including sonication exfoliation, interfacial synthesis, three-layer synthesis, and surfactant-assisted synthesis methods.
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) metal–organic framework (MOF) nanosheets are attracting increasing research interest due to their unique properties originating from their ultrathin thickness and large surface area with highly accessible active sites. Here, the aim is to provide recent advances in the synthesis of 2D MOF nanosheets by using the top-down and bottom-up methods, including sonication exfoliation, interfacial synthesis, three-layer synthesis, and surfactant-assisted synthesis methods. In addition, the recent progress in 2D-MOF-nanosheet-based nanocomposites is also introduced. The synthesis of 2D MOF nanosheets should lead to new kinds of functional nanomaterials for a wide range of applications.
330 citations
TL;DR: This comprehensive review discusses the recent progress in graphene-, 2D transition metal dichalcogenide-, and 2D black phosphorus-based FET sensors, with an emphasis on rapid and low-concentration detection of gases, biomolecules, and water contaminants.
Abstract: Meeting the increasing demand for sensors with high sensitivity, high selectivity, and rapid detection presents many challenges In the last decade, electronic sensors based on field-effect transistors (FETs) have been widely studied due to their high sensitivity, rapid detection, and simple test procedure Among these sensors, two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial-based FET sensors have been demonstrated with tremendous potential for the detection of a wide range of analytes which is attributed to the unique structural and electronic properties of 2D nanomaterials This comprehensive review discusses the recent progress in graphene-, 2D transition metal dichalcogenide-, and 2D black phosphorus-based FET sensors, with an emphasis on rapid and low-concentration detection of gases, biomolecules, and water contaminants
299 citations
TL;DR: The research progress in the preparation of waste-derived carbon-based functional materials is summarized, along with their applications in water remediation and energy storage; challenges and future research directions in this emerging research field are also discussed.
Abstract: Carbon-based functional materials hold the key for solving global challenges in the areas of water scarcity and the energy crisis. Although carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have shown promising results in various fields of application, their high preparation cost and low production yield still dramatically hinder their wide practical applications. Therefore, there is an urgent call for preparing carbon-based functional materials from low-cost, abundant, and sustainable sources. Recent innovative strategies have been developed to convert various waste materials into valuable carbon-based functional materials. These waste-derived carbon-based functional materials have shown great potential in many applications, especially as sorbents for water remediation and electrodes for energy storage. Here, the research progress in the preparation of waste-derived carbon-based functional materials is summarized, along with their applications in water remediation and energy storage; challenges and future research directions in this emerging research field are also discussed.
279 citations
TL;DR: These novel 2D multinary layered metal chalcogenide nanomaterials exhibit some unique properties compared to 2D binary TMD counterparts, thus holding great promise in various potential applications including electronics/optoelectronics, catalysis, sensors, biomedicine, and energy storage and conversion with enhanced performances.
Abstract: Ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as MoS2 , WS2 , TiS2 , TaS2 , ReS2 , MoSe2 and WSe2 , have attracted considerable attention over the past six years owing to their unique properties and great potential in a wide range of applications. Aiming to achieve tunable properties and optimal application performances, great effort is devoted to the exploration of 2D multinary layered metal chalcogenide nanomaterials, which include ternary metal chalcogenides with well-defined crystal structures, alloyed TMDs, heteroatom-doped TMDs and 2D metal chalcogenide heteronanostructures. These novel 2D multinary layered metal chalcogenide nanomaterials exhibit some unique properties compared to 2D binary TMD counterparts, thus holding great promise in various potential applications including electronics/optoelectronics, catalysis, sensors, biomedicine, and energy storage and conversion with enhanced performances. This article focuses on the state-of-art progress on the preparation, characterization and applications of ultrathin 2D multinary layered metal chalcogenide nanomaterials.
240 citations
27 Feb 2017
TL;DR: Based on a new "one for two" strategy, a single two-dimensional metal-organic framework (MOF) precursor has been transformed into both electrodes for a flexible asymmetric supercapacitor that demonstrated not only highly robust mechanical flexibility but also outstanding electrochemical performance.
Abstract: Based on a new “one for two” strategy, a single two-dimensional (2D) metal–organic framework (MOF) precursor has been transformed into both electrodes (i.e., a Co3O4 cathode and a N-doped carbon anode) for a flexible asymmetric supercapacitor. The device demonstrated not only highly robust mechanical flexibility but also outstanding electrochemical performance. The “one for two” concept can significantly ease the fabrication process and has great potential to be extended to other functional materials for different applications.
216 citations
TL;DR: The study implicates that the rational design and controlled synthesis of an ultrathin 2D noble metal alloy may open up new opportunities for enhancing catalytic activities of noble metal nanostructures.
Abstract: Inspired by the unique properties of ultrathin 2D nanomaterials and excellent catalytic activities of noble metal nanostructures for renewable fuel cells, a facile method is reported for the high-yield synthesis of ultrathin 2D PdCu alloy nanosheets under mild conditions. Impressively, the obtained PdCu alloy nanosheet after being treated with ethylenediamine can be used as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for formic acid oxidation. The study implicates that the rational design and controlled synthesis of an ultrathin 2D noble metal alloy may open up new opportunities for enhancing catalytic activities of noble metal nanostructures.
TL;DR: This study reports the facile synthesis of single- and few-layer free-standing phenylethylammonium lead halide perovskite NSs, that is, (PEA)2 PbX4 ( PEA=C8 H9 NH3 , X=Cl, Br, I).
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite nanosheets (NSs) are attracting increasing research interest due to their unique properties and promising applications. Here, for the first time, we report the facile synthesis of single- and few-layer free-standing phenylethylammonium lead halide perovskite NSs, that is, (PEA)2 PbX4 (PEA=C8 H9 NH3 , X=Cl, Br, I). Importantly, their lateral size can be tuned by changing solvents. Moreover, these ultrathin 2D perovskite NSs exhibit highly efficient and tunable photoluminescence, as well as superior stability. Our study provides a simple and general method for the controlled synthesis of 2D perovskite NSs, which may offer a new avenue for their fundamental studies and optoelectronic applications.
TL;DR: An electrochemically favorable Ni(OH)2 with porously hierarchical structure and ultrathin nanosheets in a core-shell structure was achieved through modulating the surface chemical activity of TiO2 by hydrogenation as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: An electrochemically favorable Ni(OH)2 with porously hierarchical structure and ultrathin nanosheets in a core-shell structure H-TiO2 @Ni(OH)2 is achieved through modulating the surface chemical activity of TiO2 by hydrogenation, which creates a defect-rich surface of TiO2 , thereby facilitating the subsequent nucleation and growth of Ni(OH)2 . These configuration-tailored H-TiO2 @Ni(OH)2 core-shell nanowires exhibit a superior electrochemical performance and good flexibility.
TL;DR: In this article, a review of recent progress in sensing applications of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheets and their composites is introduced.
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheets, such as MoS2, WS2, etc., are attracting increasing interest due to their intriguing physical, chemical, electronic, and optical properties. Success in development of methods for large-scale production of 2D TMD nanosheets and their composites has given great potential for various novel applications. In this review, recent progress in sensing applications of 2D TMD nanosheets and their composites is introduced. Moreover, different sensing strategies and signal-transducing mechanisms for sensing devices based on 2D TMD nanosheets and their composites are also summarized and discussed.
TL;DR: This study develops few-layer graphdiyne (GD) nanosheets that are used as novel sensing platforms for a variety of fluorophores real-time detection of DNA with low background and high signal-to-noise ratio, which show a distinguished fluorescence quenching ability and different affinities toward single-Stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA.
Abstract: Despite recent progress in 2D nanomaterials-based biosensing, it remains challenging to achieve sensitive and high selective detection. This study develops few-layer graphdiyne (GD) nanosheets (NSs) that are used as novel sensing platforms for a variety of fluorophores real-time detection of DNA with low background and high signal-to-noise ratio, which show a distinguished fluorescence quenching ability and different affinities toward single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA. Importantly, for the first time, a few-layer GD NSs-based multiplexed DNA sensor is developed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors summarize the recent progress in 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanomaterial-based biosensors for the sensitive detection of various kinds of targets, including nucleic acid, proteins, and small biomolecules.
Abstract: Biosensors are powerful tools used to monitor biological and biochemical processes, ranging from clinical diagnosis to disease therapy. The huge demands for bioassays greatly promote the development of new nanomaterials as sensing platforms. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials with superior properties, such as large surface areas and excellent conductivities, are excellent candidates for biosensor applications. Among them, single- or few-layered transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanomaterials represent an emerging class of 2D nanomaterials with unique physical, chemical, and electronic properties. In this mini-review, we summarize the recent progress in 2D TMD nanomaterial-based biosensors for the sensitive detection of various kinds of targets, including nucleic acid, proteins, and small biomolecules, based on different sensors like optical sensors and electrochemical sensors, and bioelectronic sensors. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in this promising field are also proposed.
TL;DR: The methodology employed here utilizes the sodium super ion conductor type sodium iron phosphate wrapped with conducting carbon network to generate a stable Fe3+ /Fe4+ redox couple, thereby exhibiting higher operating voltage and energy density of sodium-ion batteries.
Abstract: The methodology employed here utilizes the sodium super ion conductor type sodium iron phosphate wrapped with conducting carbon network to generate a stable Fe3+ /Fe4+ redox couple, thereby exhibiting higher operating voltage and energy density of sodium-ion batteries. This new class of sodium iron phosphate wrapped by carbon also displays a cycling stability with >96% capacity retention after 200 cycles.
TL;DR: High-yield synthesis of Au nanorods (NRs) with alternating 4H/face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal-phase heterostructures via a one-pot wet-chemical method and it is believed that this new synthetic strategy can be used to prepare other novel catalysts for various promising applications.
Abstract: Noble-metal nanomaterials are attracting increasing research interest due to their promising applications in electrochemical catalysis, for example. Although great efforts have been devoted to the size-, shape-, and architecture-controlled synthesis of noble-metal nanomaterials, their crystal-phase-controlled synthesis is still in its infancy. Here, for the first time, this study reports high-yield synthesis of Au nanorods (NRs) with alternating 4H/face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal-phase heterostructures via a one-pot wet-chemical method. The coexistence of 4H and fcc phases is relatively stable, and the 4H/fcc Au NRs can serve as templates for crystal-phase-controlled epitaxial growth of other metals. As an example, bimetallic 4H/fcc Au@Pd core–shell NRs are synthesized via the epitaxial growth of Pd on 4H/fcc Au NRs. Significantly, the 4H/fcc Au@Pd NRs show superior mass activity toward the ethanol oxidation reaction, i.e., 6.2 and 4.9 times those of commercial Pd black and Pt/C catalysts, respectively. It is believed that this new synthetic strategy can be used to prepare other novel catalysts for various promising applications.
TL;DR: A robust hybrid zinc-battery that makes use of transition-metal-based redox reaction (M-O-OH → M-O, M = Ni and Co) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to deliver more electrochemical energies of comparably higher voltage with much longer cycle life is reported.
Abstract: Advanced batteries with long cycle life and capable of harnessing more energies from multiple electrochemical reactions are both fundamentally interesting and practically attractive. Herein, we report a robust hybrid zinc-battery that makes use of transition-metal-based redox reaction (M–O–OH → M–O, M = Ni and Co) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to deliver more electrochemical energies of comparably higher voltage with much longer cycle life. The hybrid battery was constructed using an integrated electrode of NiCo2O4 nanowire arrays grown on carbon-coated nickel foam, coupled with a zinc plate anode in alkaline electrolyte. Benefitted from the M–O/M–O–OH redox reactions and rich ORR active sites in NiCo2O4, the battery has concurrently exhibited high working voltage (by M–O–OH → M–O) and high energy density (by ORR). The good oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of the electrode and the reversible M–O ↔ M–O–OH reactions also enabled smooth recharging of the batteries, leading to excellent cycling ...
TL;DR: The preparation of nanofiber-based meshes derived from waste glass through a green and sustainable route is demonstrated, and the resulting meshes exhibit excellent performance in the selective separation of a wide range of oil/water mixtures.
Abstract: The deterioration of water resources due to oil pollution, arising from oil spills, industrial oily wastewater discharge, etc., urgently requires the development of novel functional materials for highly efficient water remediation. Recently, superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic materials have drawn significant attention due to their low oil adhesion and selective oil/water separation. However, it is still a challenge to prepare low-cost, environmentally friendly, and multifunctional materials with superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity, which can be stably used for oil/water separation under harsh working conditions. Here, the preparation of nanofiber-based meshes derived from waste glass through a green and sustainable route is demonstrated. The resulting meshes exhibit excellent performance in the selective separation of a wide range of oil/water mixtures. Importantly, these meshes can also maintain the superwetting property and high oil/water separation efficiency under various harsh conditions. Furthermore, the as-prepared mesh can remove water-soluble contaminants simultaneously during the oil/water separation process, leading to multifunctional water purification. The low-cost and environmentally friendly fabrication, harsh-environment resistance, and multifunctional characteristics make these nanofiber-based meshes promising toward oil/water separation under practical conditions.
TL;DR: A strategy for controlled synthesis of a new type of heterostructure in which TMD NSs, including MoS2 and MoSe2, vertically grow along the longitudinal direction of one-dimensional Cu2-xS nanowires (NWs) in an epitaxial manner is reported.
Abstract: Rational design and synthesis of heterostructures based on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted increasing interests because of their promising applications in electronics, catalysis, etc. However, the construction of epitaxial heterostructures with an interface at the edges of TMD nanosheets (NSs) still remains a great challenge. Here, we report a strategy for controlled synthesis of a new type of heterostructure in which TMD NSs, including MoS2 and MoSe2, vertically grow along the longitudinal direction of one-dimensional (1D) Cu2–xS nanowires (NWs) in an epitaxial manner. The obtained Cu2–xS-TMD heterostructures with tunable loading amount and lateral size of TMD NSs are achieved by the consecutive growth of TMD NSs on Cu2–xS NWs through gradual injection of chalcogen precursors. After cation exchange of Cu in Cu2–xS-TMD heterostructures with Cd, the obtained CdS–MoS2 heterostructures retained their original architectures. Compared to the pure CdS NWs, the CdS–MoS2 heterostructures wi...
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that single crystals of 1Td WTe2 can be exfoliated into the nanosheets with 2-7 layers by liquid-phase exfoliation, which are assembled into air-stable films and further all-solid-state flexible supercapacitors.
Abstract: Compared with 2D S-based and Se-based transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), Te-based TMDs display much better electrical conductivities, which will be beneficial to enhance the capacitances in supercapacitors. However, to date, the reports about the applications of Te-based TMDs in supercapacitors are quite rare. Herein, the first supercapacitor example of the Te-based TMD is reported: the type-II Weyl semimetal 1Td WTe2 . It is demonstrated that single crystals of 1Td WTe2 can be exfoliated into the nanosheets with 2-7 layers by liquid-phase exfoliation, which are assembled into air-stable films and further all-solid-state flexible supercapacitors. The resulting supercapacitors deliver a mass capacitance of 221 F g-1 and a stack capacitance of 74 F cm-3 . Furthermore, they also show excellent volumetric energy and power densities of 0.01 Wh cm-3 and 83.6 W cm-3 , respectively, superior to the commercial 4V/500 µAh Li thin-film battery and the commercial 3V/300 µAh Al electrolytic capacitor, in association with outstanding mechanical flexibility and superior cycling stability (capacitance retention of ≈91% after 5500 cycles). These results indicate that the 1Td WTe2 nanosheet is a promising flexible electrode material for high-performance energy storage devices.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reported the combination of two high-capacitance phases of MnO2 nanowires and ultrathin nanoflakes to form a core-branch heterostructure nanoarray, which not only increases the mass loading of active materials but also results in evident pseudocapacitance enhancement.
Abstract: Despite the extensive research on MnO2 as a pseudocapacitor electrode material, there has been no report on heterostructures of multiple phase MnO2. Here we report the combination of two high-capacitance phases of MnO2, namely, α-MnO2 nanowires and δ-MnO2 ultrathin nanoflakes, to form a core-branch heterostructure nanoarray. This material and structure design not only increases the mass loading of active materials (from 1.86 to 3.37 mg cm2), but also results in evident pseudocapacitance enhancement (from 28 F g−1 for pure nanowires to 178 F g−1 for heterostructures at 5 mV s−1). The areal capacitance is up to 783 mF cm−2 at 1 mV s−1. Upon 20 000 cycles, the heterostructure array electrode still delivers a reversible capacitance above 100 F g−1 at 4.5 A g−1. Kinetic analysis reveals that capacitances due to both capacitive and diffusion controlled processes have been enlarged for the self-branched heterostructure array. This work presents a new route to improve the electrochemical performance of MnO2 as a binder-free supercapacitor electrode.
TL;DR: The results suggest that the interfacial layer-breathing couplings in the vdWHs formed by MoS2 and graphene flakes are not sensitive to their stacking order and twist angle between the two constituents, and demonstrate that the interlayer coupling in two-dimensional semimetals and semiconductors can lead to new lattice vibration modes.
Abstract: Interfacial coupling between neighboring layers of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), formed by vertically stacking more than two types of two-dimensional materials (2DMs), greatly affects their physical properties and device performance. Although high-resolution cross-sectional scanning tunneling electron microscopy can directly image the atomically sharp interfaces in the vdWHs, the interfacial coupling and lattice dynamics of vdWHs formed by two different types of 2DMs, such as semimetal and semiconductor, are not clear so far. Here, we report the ultralow-frequency Raman spectroscopy investigation on interfacial couplings in the vdWHs formed by graphene and MoS2 flakes. Because of the significant interfacial layer-breathing couplings between MoS2 and graphene flakes, a series of layer-breathing modes with frequencies dependent on their layer numbers are observed in the vdWHs, which can be described by the linear chain model. It is found that the interfacial layer-breathing force constant between ...
01 Jun 2017
TL;DR: In this article, recent advances in the synthesis of various electrocatalytic structures toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are summarized, centering on several important examples of nonprecious-metal nanostructures, molecular clusters, and single-atomic/molecular catalysts.
Abstract: Electrochemical splitting of water into hydrogen is a promising approach for energy conversion and storage The development of efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts is crucial for realizing the wide application of this technology Here, recent advances in the synthesis of various electrocatalytic structures toward the hydrogen-evolution reaction (HER) are summarized, centering on several important examples of nonprecious-metal nanostructures, molecular clusters, and single-atomic/molecular catalysts The central strategy to achieve high electrocatalytic activity is discussed, namely, maximizing the utilization efficiency of all active sites through downsizing and merging the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis To close, the current challenges and future opportunities are discussed
TL;DR: Three-dimensional nanoporous carbon frameworks encapsulated Sn nanoparticles (Sn@3D-NPC) are developed by a facile method as an improved lithium ion battery anode, opening a new application of metal-organic frameworks in energy storage.
Abstract: Three-dimensional nanoporous carbon frameworks encapsulated Sn nanoparticles (Sn@3D-NPC) are developed by a facile method as an improved lithium ion battery anode. The Sn@3D-NPC delivers a reversible capacity of 740 mAh g–1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g–1, corresponding to a capacity retention of 85% (against the second capacity) and high rate capability (300 mAh g–1 at 5 A g–1). Compared to the Sn nanoparticles (SnNPs), such improvements are attributed to the 3D porous and conductive framework. The whole structure can provide not only the high electrical conductivity that facilities the electron transfer but also the elasticity that will suppress the volume expansion and aggregation of SnNPs during the charge and discharge process. This work opens a new application of metal–organic frameworks in energy storage.
TL;DR: The developed SPR biosensor demonstrated its applicability for the detection of miRNA-141 in cancer cell extractions, and the results obtained were consistent with those obtained by qRT-PCR.
TL;DR: It is indicated that exosomal microRNAs, may be regulators for the seizure development in mTLE-HS, and can be used as potential therapeutic targets and biomarker for diagnosis inmTle-HS.
Abstract: // Shaofeng Yan 1 , Hua Zhang 1 , Wenyan Xie 2 , Fangang Meng 3 , Kai Zhang 1 , Yin Jiang 3 , Xin Zhang 3 , Jianguo Zhang 1, 3 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China 2 Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qian Fo Shan Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong Province, China 3 Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China Correspondence to: Jianguo Zhang, email: zjguo73@126.com Keywords: exosome, microRNA, epilepsy, hippocampal sclerosis Received: September 22, 2016 Accepted: November 23, 2016 Published: December 01, 2016 ABSTRACT Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (mTLE-HS) is the most common type of focal epilepsy. The present study aimed to explore the expression and functions of exosomal microRNAs in mTLE-HS. A total of 50 microRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in mTLE-HS compared with healthy controls. Among them, 2 were increased and 48 were decreased. The 6 significant differentially expressed candidate microRNAs (miR-3613-5p, miR-4668-5p, miR-8071, miR-197-5p, miR-4322, and miR-6781-5p ) in exosome were validated. The bioinformatics analysis showed that the potential target genes of these microRNAs were involved in biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components. Similarly, these microRNAs also affected axon guidance, pathways in cancer, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, focal adhesion, the calcium signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Among 6 candidate microRNAs, miR-8071 had the best diagnostic value for mTLE-HS with 83.33% sensitivity and 96.67% specificity, and was associated with seizure severity. This study indicated that exosomal microRNAs, may be regulators for the seizure development in mTLE-HS, and can be used as potential therapeutic targets and biomarker for diagnosis in mTLE-HS.
TL;DR: The facile synthesized PAAM/PA/PDA hydrogel provides a novel and regenerable platform for monitoring and removing Cu2+ in real samples and exhibits a good capacity to remove Cu2+(231.36±4.70mgg-1), which is superior to those of other adsorption materials reported in the literature.
TL;DR: Ta2 NiS5 -P has a ternary instead of binary composition, which allows it to passively target, effectively delineate, and completely eradicate the tumor of living mice after systemic administration.
Abstract: 2D materials (TDMs) have been explored for photonic theranostics. To achieve deep-tissue penetration, near-infrared (NIR) light is essential for photoacoustic (PA) theranostics. However, because the absorption profiles of existing TDMs are generally featureless with no obvious NIR absorption peaks, their PA signals and therapeutic efficacies are limited. This paper herein reports the synthesis and application of ternary chalcogenide nanosheets (Ta2 NiS5 -P) for PA theranostics. In contrast to the current TDMs for such application, Ta2 NiS5 -P has a ternary instead of binary composition. This difference brings in the strong and featured NIR for Ta2 NiS5 -P. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first example using ternary chalcogenide nanosheets for such application; moreover, the photothermal conversion efficiency of Ta2 NiS5 -P is the highest (35%) among all the reported TDMs based on the same calculation method. These advantages allow Ta2 NiS5 -P to passively target, effectively delineate, and completely eradicate the tumor of living mice after systemic administration.