Henan Normal University

About: Henan Normal University is a education organization based out in Xinxiang, China. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Ionic liquid. The organization has 10863 authors who have published 11077 publications receiving 166773 citations.

Rationally designed three-layered Cu 2 S@carbon@MoS 2 hierarchical nanoboxes for efficient sodium storage

Abstract: Hybrid materials, integrating the merits of individual components, are ideal structures for efficient sodium storage. However, the construction of hybrid structures with decent physical/electrochemical properties is still challenging. Now, the elaborate design and synthesis of hierarchical nanoboxes composed of three-layered Cu2 S@carbon@MoS2 as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries is reported. Through a facile multistep template-engaged strategy, ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets are grown on nitrogen-doped carbon-coated Cu2 S nanoboxes to realize the Cu2 S@carbon@MoS2 configuration. The design shortens the diffusion path of electrons/Na+ ions, accommodates the volume change of electrodes during cycling, enhances the electric conductivity of the hybrids, and offers abundant active sites for sodium uptake. By virtue of these advantages, these three-layered Cu2 S@carbon@MoS2 hierarchical nanoboxes show excellent electrochemical properties in terms of decent rate capability and stable cycle life.

Enhanced sunlight photocatalytic performance of Sn-doped ZnO for Methylene Blue degradation

Abstract: In the present study, nano-structured ZnO and Sn-doped ZnO photocatalysts with high sunlight photocatalytic activity were successfully synthesized through the decomposition of zinc acetate and glucose by microwave heating. The prepared ZnO and Sn-doped ZnO photocatalyst were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence spectrum (PL), UV–vis absorption spectrum (UV–vis), N 2 adsorption and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The results showed that the doping greatly changed the microstructure, morphology and optical properties of ZnO, which may contribute to the enhancement of photocatalytic activity. The sunlight photocatalytic activity of the prepared pure ZnO and Sn-doped ZnO photocatalyst was investigated by the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) solution under sunlight irradiation. Compared with pure ZnO, 13% higher decolorization rate and 29–52% higher mineralization efficiency were obtained by the Sn-doped ZnO. The results indicated that Sn-doped ZnO had a higher photocatalytic activity and Sn dopant greatly increased the photocatalytic activity of ZnO.

Ionic liquid-based aqueous two-phase systems and their applications in green separation processes

Abstract: As a new separation technology, ionic liquid (IL)-based aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) are attracting the attention of a growing number of scientists and engineers. This article reviews the significant progress that has been made in the field and highlights the possible directions of future developments. We focus on the effects of inorganic salts and ILs on the phase equilibrium of ATPSs, the microstructure of the ATPSs, and their applications in extraction and separation (e.g., small organic molecules, biochemicals, and radiological isotopes). We also address the recovery and the reuse of ILs and the work needed in future.

Tyrosine-assisted preparation of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic performance and synergistic antibacterial activities

Abstract: In this paper, Ag/ZnO metal-semiconductor nanocomposites were prepared through a facile one-pot hydrothermal method with the assistance of tyrosine. The synthesized samples were structurally characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was shown that the added tyrosine served both as a shape conductor for the formation of ZnO faceted nanorods and as a reducing agent of Ag(+) ions. In the reaction process, the complexation of Ag(+) with NH(3) and OH(-) decreased the redox potential of Ag(+)/Ag, which prevented the formation of isolated Ag nanoparticles in solution. The prepared Ag/ZnO nanocomposites showed potential applications in photodegradation of organic dye pollutants and destruction of bacteria.