Yuanzhi Zhu

Bio: Yuanzhi Zhu is an academic researcher from Kunming University of Science and Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Catalysis & Overpotential. The author has an hindex of 16, co-authored 30 publications receiving 827 citations. Previous affiliations of Yuanzhi Zhu include Tianjin University.

Hierarchical “nanoroll” like MoS2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid with high electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity

Abstract: Developing highly efficient noble-metal-free electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has attracted increasing attentions. Here, we report a simple strategy to synthesize the hierarchical “nanoroll” like MoS2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid by combining liquid nitrogen-freezing and subsequent annealing. The quick freezing of the Ti3C2Tx nanosheets and ammonium tetrathiomolybdate mixture causes a sudden change in the strain of Ti3C2Tx, which leads to an interesting “nanoroll” like hierarchical structure. After annealing at H2/Ar atmosphere, vertically aligned molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) crystallites are in situ formed in and on the nanoroll like Ti3C2Tx. Notably, this hierarchical MoS2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid exhibits excellent HER catalytic activity with a small onset overpotential of 30 mV, and a more than 25-fold increase in the exchange current density compared with MoS2 was observed.

N-Butyllithium-Treated Ti3C2Tx MXene with Excellent Pseudocapacitor Performance.

Abstract: MXenes, a family of two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal carbide and nitride materials, are supposed to be promising pseudocapacitive materials because of their high electronic conductivity and hy...

High Yield Exfoliation of WS2 Crystals into 1-2 Layer Semiconducting Nanosheets and Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution from WS2/CdS Nanorod Composites.

Abstract: Monolayer WS2 has interesting properties as a direct bandgap semiconductor, photocatalyst, and electrocatalyst, but it is still a significant challenge to prepare this material in colloidal form by liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE). Here, we report the preparation of 1–2 layer semiconducting WS2 nanosheets in a yield of 18–22 wt % by a modified LPE method that involves preintercalation with substoichometric quantities of n-butyllithium. The exfoliated WS2 nanosheeets are n-type, have a bandgap of ∼1.78 eV, and act as a cocatalyst with CdS nanorods in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution using lactate as a sacrificial electron donor. Up to a 26-fold increase in H2 evolution rate was observed with WS2/CdS hybrids compared with their pure CdS counterpart, and an absorbed photon quantum yield (AQE) of >60% was measured with the optimized photocatalyst.

Controllable Synthesis of Ruthenium Phosphides (RuP and RuP2) for pH-Universal Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract: Metal phosphides are promising efficient non-Pt electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, we report a simple strategy to controllably synthesize pure RuP and RuP2 and evaluate their HER performances in all pH range. Different from other transition metal phosphides, the HER performance of the RuPx in all pH range obviously improves as the phosphorus content decreases. By systematic research, it has been found that the RuP-475 with more Ru had much better conductivity and more catalytically active sites than the P rich RuP2-550. In addition, the RuP-475 exhibits excellent HER performance with small overpotential at a current density of 10 mA cm–2 (46, 47, 22 mV in pH 0, 7, and 14, respectively).

Covalent Organic Frameworks: Structures, Synthesis, and Applications

Abstract: Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline porous polymers formed by a bottom-up approach from molecular building units having a predesigned geometry that are connected through covalent bonds. They offer positional control over their building blocks in two and three dimensions. This control enables the synthesis of rigid porous structures with a high regularity and the ability to fine-tune the chemical and physical properties of the network. This Feature Article provides a comprehensive overview over the structures realized to date in the fast growing field of covalent organic framework development. Different synthesis strategies to meet diverse demands, such as high crystallinity, straightforward processability, or the formation of thin films are discussed. Furthermore, insights into the growing fields of COF applications, including gas storage and separations, sensing, electrochemical energy storage, and optoelectronics are provided.

Sustainable Recycling Technology for Li-Ion Batteries and Beyond: Challenges and Future Prospects.

Abstract: Tremendous efforts are being made to develop electrode materials, electrolytes, and separators for energy storage devices to meet the needs of emerging technologies such as electric vehicles, decarbonized electricity, and electrochemical energy storage. However, the sustainability concerns of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and next-generation rechargeable batteries have received little attention. Recycling plays an important role in the overall sustainability of future batteries and is affected by battery attributes including environmental hazards and the value of their constituent resources. Therefore, recycling should be considered when developing battery systems. Herein, we provide a systematic overview of rechargeable battery sustainability. With a particular focus on electric vehicles, we analyze the market competitiveness of batteries in terms of economy, environment, and policy. Considering the large volumes of batteries soon to be retired, we comprehensively evaluate battery utilization and recycling from the perspectives of economic feasibility, environmental impact, technology, and safety. Battery sustainability is discussed with respect to life-cycle assessment and analyzed from the perspectives of strategic resources and economic demand. Finally, we propose a 4H strategy for battery recycling with the aims of high efficiency, high economic return, high environmental benefit, and high safety. New challenges and future prospects for battery sustainability are also highlighted.

Pseudocapacitive Electrodes Produced By Oxidant-Free Polymerization of Pyrrole Between the Layers of 2D Titanium Carbide (MXene)

Abstract: Heterocyclic pyrrole molecules are in situ aligned and polymerized in the -absence of an oxidant between layers of the 2D Ti3C2Tx (MXene), resulting in high volumetric and gravimetric capacitances with capacitance retention of 92% after 25,000 cycles at a 100 mV s(-1) scan rate.

Advances in Conjugated Microporous Polymers.

Abstract: Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) are a unique class of materials that combine extended π-conjugation with a permanently microporous skeleton. Since their discovery in 2007, CMPs have become established as an important subclass of porous materials. A wide range of synthetic building blocks and network-forming reactions offers an enormous variety of CMPs with different properties and structures. This has allowed CMPs to be developed for gas adsorption and separations, chemical adsorption and encapsulation, heterogeneous catalysis, photoredox catalysis, light emittance, sensing, energy storage, biological applications, and solar fuels production. Here we review the progress of CMP research since its beginnings and offer an outlook for where these materials might be headed in the future. We also compare the prospect for CMPs against the growing range of conjugated crystalline covalent organic frameworks (COFs).