X-ray scattering is a structural characterization tool that has impacted diverse fields of study. It is unique in its ability to examine materials in real time and under realistic sample environments, enabling researchers to understand morphology at nanometer and angstrom length scales using complementary small and wide angle X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS), respectively. Herein, we focus on the use of SAXS to examine nanoscale particulate systems. We provide a theoretical foundation for X-ray scattering, considering both form factor and structure factor, as well as the use of correlation functions, which may be used to determine a particle’s size, size distribution, shape, and organization into hierarchical structures. The theory is expanded upon with contemporary use cases. Both transmission and reflection (grazing incidence) geometries are addressed, as well as the combination of SAXS with other X-ray and non-X-ray characterization tools. We conclude with an examination of several key areas of research w...

Small Angle X-ray Scattering for Nanoparticle Research

Inorganic semiconductor nanostructures are ideal systems for exploring a large number of novel phenomena at the nanoscale and investigating the size and dimensionality dependence of their properties for potential applications. The use of such nanostructures with tailored geometries as building blocks is also expected to play crucial roles in future nanodevices. Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes much attention has been paid to exploring the usage of inorganic semiconductor nanostructures as field-emitters due to their low work functions, high aspect ratios and mechanical stabilities, and high electrical and thermal conductivities. This article provides a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art research activities in the field. It mainly focuses on the most widely studied inorganic nanostructures, such as ZnO, ZnS, Si, WO3, AlN, SiC, and their field-emission properties. We begin with a survey of inorganic semiconductor nanostructures and the field-emission principle, and then discuss the recent progresses on several kinds of important nanostructures and their field-emission characteristics in detail and overview some additional inorganic semiconducting nanomaterials in short. Finally, we conclude this review with some perspectives and outlook on the future developments in this area.

Inorganic semiconductor nanostructures and their field-emission applications

One-dimensional inorganic nanostructures have drawn prime attention due to their potential for understanding fundamental physical concepts and constructing nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices. This critical review mainly focuses on our recent research progresses in 1D inorganic nanostructures, including their rational synthesis and potential applications, with an emphasis on field-emitter and photodetector applications. Firstly, we will discuss the rational design of synthetic strategies and the synthesis of 1D nanostructures via a vapour phase approach. Secondly, we will present our recent progresses with respect to several kinds of important inorganic nanostructures and their field-emission and photoconductivity characteristics. Finally, we conclude this review with some perspectives/outlook and future research in these fields (212 references).

One-dimensional inorganic nanostructures: synthesis, field-emission and photodetection.

Magnesium, the lightest structural metal, is approximately four times lighter than steel—the most widely used metal in industrial applications. Currently available Mg alloys, however, are impractically expensive for use in automotive structural components, as severe ductility problems require forming operations at elevated temperatures and an exclusion from critical safety components. With a strong impetus in research having sprung up during the last two decades, addition of rare-earth elements in small quantities emerged as a potential solution for simultaneously delivering the ductility and weight requirements for automotive applications. These improvements are arguably achieved by virtue of texture weakening and enhancement of non-basal slip. However, ways by which rare-earth elements modify texture remain very elusive, and no consensus on the driving mechanisms has been reached in the literature as of yet. We take a look back at different paradigms held for the action of rare-earth additions, and examine key facts that may reconcile controversies. We attempt to identify critical gaps and suggest venues to overcome them. These gaps, once filled, may promote Mg alloys to become a stronghold for lightweighting, which will exceptionally benefit our environment and wellbeing.

A review on the effect of rare-earth elements on texture evolution during processing of magnesium alloys

A novel high-efficiency visible-light sensitive Ag2CO3 semiconductor photocatalyst was prepared by a simple ion-exchange method based on a strategy incorporating of p-block C element into a narrow bandgap Ag2O. This photocatalyst exhibits universal high-efficient degradation ability for typically several RhB, MO and MB dyes. Getting insight into degradation patterns of dyes over Ag2CO3 identifies they are self-oxidation behavior of semiconductor rather than the effect of photosensitization. The reaction mechanism investigated by a series of radical trapping experiments, not only ascertains the major photoreaction approaches of dyes on the surface of Ag2CO3, but also reveals the unique universality advantage that arises from selective using one of many activated species to decompose many kinds of dyes such as RhB, MO and MB. The theoretical calculation based on first-principles provides inherently essential evidences for high-efficient oxidation performance of Ag2CO3 photocatalyst.

A novel high-efficiency visible-light sensitive Ag2CO3 photocatalyst with universal photodegradation performances: Simple synthesis, reaction mechanism and first-principles study

Effect of twinning and dynamic recrystallization on the high strain rate rolling process

Revisiting the precipitation sequence in Al–Zn–Mg-based alloys by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy

A unique ZnS branched architecture was fabricated by a facile thermal evaporation method. Stable UV emission at 327 nm and superior field emission with a low turn-on field, a high field-enhancement factor, a large current density, and small fluctuation were observed.

Jizi Liu

Papers

Effect of twinning and dynamic recrystallization on the high strain rate rolling process

Revisiting the precipitation sequence in Al–Zn–Mg-based alloys by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy

ZnS Branched Architectures as Optoelectronic Devices and Field Emitters

A high-strength AlZnMg alloy hardened by the T-phase precipitates

Formation mechanism of precipitate T1 in AlCuLi alloys