Hui Liu

Bio: Hui Liu is an academic researcher from Chinese Academy of Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Band gap & Population. The author has an hindex of 22, co-authored 107 publications receiving 2661 citations. Previous affiliations of Hui Liu include Central South University & Texas A&M University at Galveston.

Dopamine as a robust anchor to immobilize functional molecules on the iron oxide shell of magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract: We report on the use of dopamine (DA) as a robust molecular anchor to link functional molecules to the iron oxide shell of magnetic nanoparticles. Using nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) as the functional molecule, we created a system with an M/Fe2O3-DA-NTA (M = Co or SmCo5.2) nanostructure, which possesses high stability and specificity for separating histidine-tagged proteins. The well-established biocompatibility of iron oxide and the robust covalent bonds between DA and Fe2O3 render this strategy attractive for constructing biofunctional magnetic nanoparticles containing iron oxide.

First Principles Calculations of Electronic Band Structure and Optical Properties of Cr-Doped ZnO

Abstract: Electronic band structure and optical properties of Cr-doped ZnO were studied using the density functional method within the generalized-gradient approximation. Three configurations with the substitution of Zn by one and two Cr atoms in different positions were considered. For the pure ZnO, the Fermi level locates at the valence band maximum, while it shifts to the conduction band and exhibits metal-like characteristic after Cr atoms are introduced into the ZnO supercell. The calculated optical properties indicate that the optical energy gap is increased after Cr doping. More importantly, strong absorption in the visible-light region is found, which originates from the intraband transition of the Cr 3d bands and the conduction bands. Our calculations provide electronic structure evidence that, in addition to usage as short-wavelength optoelectronic devices, the Cr-doped ZnO system could be a potential candidate for photoelectrochemical application due to the increase in its photocatalytic activity.

Magnetic properties of Mn doped ZnO tetrapod structures

Abstract: ZnO tetrapod nanostructures were prepared by evaporating Zn metal under humid argon flow. After the fabrication, Mn diffusion doping was performed at two different temperatures (600 and 800 °C). The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffraction (XRD), superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer, and photoluminescence. Diffusion doping resulted in the increase of the size of tetrapods, but no new peaks were found in XRD spectrum. Mn doped ZnO tetrapod structures were found to be ferromagnetic with Curie temperature ∼50 K, and showed large coercive field (∼3500 Oe for 800 °C sample, ∼5500 Oe for 600 °C sample).

Heterogeneous photocatalyst materials for water splitting

Abstract: This critical review shows the basis of photocatalytic water splitting and experimental points, and surveys heterogeneous photocatalyst materials for water splitting into H2 and O2, and H2 or O2 evolution from an aqueous solution containing a sacrificial reagent Many oxides consisting of metal cations with d0 and d10 configurations, metal (oxy)sulfide and metal (oxy)nitride photocatalysts have been reported, especially during the latest decade The fruitful photocatalyst library gives important information on factors affecting photocatalytic performances and design of new materials Photocatalytic water splitting and H2 evolution using abundant compounds as electron donors are expected to contribute to construction of a clean and simple system for solar hydrogen production, and a solution of global energy and environmental issues in the future (361 references)

Mussel-Inspired Surface Chemistry for Multifunctional Coatings

Abstract: We report a method to form multifunctional polymer coatings through simple dip-coating of objects in an aqueous solution of dopamine. Inspired by the composition of adhesive proteins in mussels, we used dopamine self-polymerization to form thin, surface-adherent polydopamine films onto a wide range of inorganic and organic materials, including noble metals, oxides, polymers, semiconductors, and ceramics. Secondary reactions can be used to create a variety of ad-layers, including self-assembled monolayers through deposition of long-chain molecular building blocks, metal films by electroless metallization, and bioinert and bioactive surfaces via grafting of macromolecules.

Solar Water Splitting Cells

Abstract: Energy harvested directly from sunlight offers a desirable approach toward fulfilling, with minimal environmental impact, the need for clean energy. Solar energy is a decentralized and inexhaustible natural resource, with the magnitude of the available solar power striking the earth’s surface at any one instant equal to 130 million 500 MW power plants.1 However, several important goals need to be met to fully utilize solar energy for the global energy demand. First, the means for solar energy conversion, storage, and distribution should be environmentally benign, i.e. protecting ecosystems instead of steadily weakening them. The next important goal is to provide a stable, constant energy flux. Due to the daily and seasonal variability in renewable energy sources such as sunlight, energy harvested from the sun needs to be efficiently converted into chemical fuel that can be stored, transported, and used upon demand. The biggest challenge is whether or not these goals can be met in a costeffective way on the terawatt scale.2

Semiconductor-based Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation

Abstract: 2.3. Evaluation of Photocatalytic Water Splitting 6507 2.3.1. Photocatalytic Activity 6507 2.3.2. Photocatalytic Stability 6507 3. UV-Active Photocatalysts for Water Splitting 6507 3.1. d0 Metal Oxide Photocatalyts 6507 3.1.1. Ti-, Zr-Based Oxides 6507 3.1.2. Nb-, Ta-Based Oxides 6514 3.1.3. W-, Mo-Based Oxides 6517 3.1.4. Other d0 Metal Oxides 6518 3.2. d10 Metal Oxide Photocatalyts 6518 3.3. f0 Metal Oxide Photocatalysts 6518 3.4. Nonoxide Photocatalysts 6518 4. Approaches to Modifying the Electronic Band Structure for Visible-Light Harvesting 6519