Zhongpo Zhou

Bio: Zhongpo Zhou is an academic researcher from Henan Normal University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Materials science & Thin film. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 28 publications receiving 399 citations. Previous affiliations of Zhongpo Zhou include Wuhan University & University of California, Los Angeles.

Tunable Electric Properties of Bilayer α-GeTe with Different Interlayer Distances and External Electric Fields.

Abstract: Based on first-principle calculations, the stability, electronic structure, optical absorption, and modulated electronic properties by different interlayer distances or by external electric fields of bilayer α-GeTe are systemically investigated. Results show that van der Waals (vdW) bilayer α-GeTe has an indirect band structure with the gap value of 0.610 eV, and α-GeTe has attractively efficient light harvesting. Interestingly, along with the decrease of interlayer distances, the band gap of bilayer α-GeTe decreases linearly, due to the enhancement of interlayer vdW interaction. In addition, band gap transition is originated from the electric field-induced near free-electron gas (NFEG) under the application of positive electrical fields. However, when the negative electric fields are applied, there is no NFEG. On account of these characteristics of bilayer α-GeTe, a possible data storage device has been designed. These results indicate that bilayer α-GeTe has a potential to work in new electronic and optoelectronic devices.

WS2/BSe van der Waals type-II heterostructure as a promising water splitting photocatalyst

Abstract: The structure, electronic properties, charge transfer, band edge alignments and optical properties of WS2/BSe heterostructures are investigated by using first-principle calculations. Results imply that WS2/BSe heterostructures are semiconductor with an indirect energy gap (Egap) of 1.73 eV. Additionally, it has a feature of type-II band alignment, which contributes to spatial separation of photo-generated electron-hole pairs in WS2/BSe heterostructures. Charge transfer takes place from BSe to WS2 monolayers, which extends lifetime of the separated photo-induced charge carriers. Most importantly, band edges of the heterostructure are found to meet hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acid solutions (0 < pH < 7). Moreover, compared with only one for WS2 and BSe monolayers, the optical-absorption strength of the heterostructure is significantly enhanced and WS2/BSe heterostructures larges the range of absorption to 717 nm in the visible light region, improving the potential photocatalytic efficiency. These results explain the underlying mechanism of the enhanced photocatalytic activity of WS2/BSe heterostructures. Thus WS2/BSe heterostructures can be applied to 2D heterostructured photocatalysts.

Sulfate radicals induced from peroxymonosulfate by magnetic ferrospinel MFe2O4 (M = Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn) as heterogeneous catalysts in the water

Abstract: Magnetic ferrospinel MFe 2 O 4 (M = Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn) prepared in a sol–gel process was introduced as catalyst to generate powerful radicals from peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for refractory di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) degradation in the water. Various catalysts were described and characterized, and the catalytic activities in PMS oxidation system were investigated. Most important of all, the mechanism of different catalysts in the catalytic PMS solution was illustrated. The results showed that the incorporation of CoFe 2 O 4 had the highest catalytic performance in PMS oxidation for DBP degradation. All catalysts presented favorable recycling and stability in the repeated batch experiment. The catalytic process showed a dependence on initial pH, and an uncharged surface of the catalyst was more profitable for sulfate radical generation. H 2 -TPR and CVs analysis indicated that the sequence of the catalyst's reducibility in PMS solution was CoFe 2 O 4 > CuFe 2 O 4 > MnFe 2 O 4 > ZnFe 2 O 4 , which had a close connection with the activity of metal ion in A site of the catalysts. The surface hydroxyl sites played an important role in the catalytic process, and its quantity determined the degradation of DBP. Moreover, the reactive species in PMS/MFe 2 O 4 system were identified as sulfate radical and hydroxyl radical. The promotion of these radical's reaction was due to the fact that a balance action in the process of M 2+ /M 3+ , O 2− /O 2 , occurred, and at the same time, PMS was catalyzed.

FexCo3-xO4 nanocages derived from nanoscale metal–organic frameworks for removal of bisphenol A by activation of peroxymonosulfate

Abstract: Here we report a facile strategy to synthesize porous FexCo3−xO4 nanocages by heating Prussian blue analogues FeyCo1−y[Co(CN)6]0.67 nH2O nanospheres with tunable size and morphology. The iron doping amount had significant influence on the final morphology and the most uniform nanocages were obtained from x = 0.8. The catalytic performance of the nanocages was thoroughly evaluated by activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for removal of bisphenol A (BPA) in water. The influence of different process parameter on the BPA degradation efficiency was examined and the catalytic stability was tested. The BPA degradation pathway was proposed based on GC–MS and LC–MS results. The involved radicals were identified through radical scavenging experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Mossbauer and XPS techniques were applied to illustrate the catalytic mechanism and B-site CoII on the surface of FexCo3−xO4 nanocages was determined as the main factor for PMS activation. Results indicate that porous FexCo3−xO4 nanocages are available to serve as alternative environmentally friendly catalysts for pollutants removal by activation of PMS.