Shanghai University

About: Shanghai University is a education organization based out in Shanghai, Shanghai, China. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Microstructure & Graphene. The organization has 59583 authors who have published 56840 publications receiving 753549 citations. The organization is also known as: Shànghǎi Dàxué.

Thermal Emitting Strategy to Synthesize Atomically Dispersed Pt Metal Sites from Bulk Pt Metal.

Abstract: Developing a facile route to access active and well-defined single atom sites catalysts has been a major area of focus for single atoms catalysts (SACs). Herein, we demonstrate a simple approach to generate atomically dispersed platinum via a thermal emitting method using bulk Pt metal as a precursor, significantly simplifying synthesis routes and minimizing synthesis costs. The ammonia produced by pyrolysis of Dicyandiamide can coordinate with platinum atoms by strong coordination effect. Then, the volatile Pt(NH3)x can be anchored onto the surface of defective graphene. The as-prepared Pt SAs/DG exhibits high activity for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction and selective oxidation of various organosilanes. This viable thermal emitting strategy can also be applied to other single metal atoms, for example, gold and palladium. Our findings provide an enabling and versatile platform for facile accessing SACs toward many industrial important reactions.

Porous Carbon Composites for Next Generation Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

Abstract: Rechargeable lithium batteries have attracted great attention as next generation power systems for electric vehicles (EVs). Lithium ion batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, and lithium–oxygen batteries are all suitable to be the power systems for next generation EVs, but their power densities and cycling performance still need to be improved to match the requirements of practical EVs. Thus, rational design and controllable synthesis of electrode materials with unique microstructure and outstanding electrochemical performance are crucially desired. Porous carbon-based composites have many advantages for energy storage and conversion owing to their unique properties, including high electronic conductivity, high structural stability, high specific surface area, large pore volume for efficient electrolyte flux, and high reactive electrode materials with controllable size confined by porous carbon frameworks. Therefore, porous carbon composites exhibit excellent performance as electrode materials for lithium ion batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, and lithium–oxygen batteries. In this review, we summarize research progress on porous carbon composites with enhanced performance for rechargeable lithium batteries. We present the detailed synthesis, physical and chemical properties, and the innovation and significance of porous carbon composites for lithium ion batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, and lithium–oxygen batteries. Finally, we conclude the perspectives and critical challenges that need to be addressed for the commercialization of rechargeable lithium batteries.

Ag nanoparticle embedded-ZnO nanorods synthesized via a photochemical method and its gas-sensing properties

Abstract: A facile photochemical method was used to synthesize Ag nanoparticle (Ag NP) embedded-ZnO nanorods in this article. The as-synthesized Ag NP embedded-ZnO nanorod samples were characterized systematically by TEM, XPS, DSC, XRD and SEM. The characterization results confirmed that Ag NPs had been embedded in ZnO nanorods. The gas-sensing properties of Ag NP embedded-ZnO nanorods were also investigated. While the performances of the sensors can be enhanced by embedding Ag NPs onto the surfaces of ZnO nanorods, the response of Ag NP embedded-ZnO nanorod sensors to 50 ppm ethanol is almost three times as high as that of those made from pure-ZnO nanorods. The responses of the sensors have no apparent degradation after being exposed to ethanol of 30 ppm for 100 days. Our Ag NP embedded-ZnO nanorod sensors have long-term stability and exhibit highly enhanced gas-sensing performances in their response and selectivity for detecting ethanol vapor.

Recent Progresses in Electrocatalysts for Water Electrolysis

Abstract: The study of hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts for water electrolysis is a developing field in which noble metal-based materials are commonly used. However, the associated high cost and low abundance of noble metals limit their practical application. Non-noble metal catalysts, aside from being inexpensive, highly abundant and environmental friendly, can possess high electrical conductivity, good structural tunability and comparable electrocatalytic performances to state-of-the-art noble metals, particularly in alkaline media, making them desirable candidates to reduce or replace noble metals as promising electrocatalysts for water electrolysis. This article will review and provide an overview of the fundamental knowledge related to water electrolysis with a focus on the development and progress of non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts in alkaline, polymer exchange membrane and solid oxide electrolysis. A critical analysis of the various catalysts currently available is also provided with discussions on current challenges and future perspectives. In addition, to facilitate future research and development, several possible research directions to overcome these challenges are provided in this article.