Qicheng Liu

Enhanced photocatalytic properties of graphene oxide/ZnO nanohybrid by Mg dopants

In this study, the enhancement of photocatalytic activity of a graphene oxide/ZnO (GO/ZnO) nanohybrid was achieved via introducing Mg as a co-dopant element by the co-precipitation method. The Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles were adsorbed on GO sheets. Compared with the catalyses with GO/ZnO nanohybrids, GO/Zn1−xMgxO nanohybrids exhibited better photocatalytic activity, in which the decomposition rate of methyl orange (MO) reached 100% within 60 min. The enhancement is attributed to Mg-doping and efficient charge transfer of the photogenerated electrons in the conduction band of ZnO to graphene.

Structural Improvement of Pitch-Derived Mesocarbon Microbeads by Preprocessing Raw Material

Mesocarbon microbeads (MCMBs) were synthesized by pyrolyzing the hexane insoluble (HI) extracted from the coal-tar pitch in the dimethyl silicone dispersant. Structural development of product thus prepared was investigated by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope and particle size analyzer. Experimental results indicated that the HI-derived MCMBs possessed well-graphitized structure, excellent spherical morphology and even particle size due to preprocessing of the pitch raw material. It was suggested that structural improvement benefited from homogenous nucleation and good fluidity of the mesophase spherules.

Preparation and electrochemical properties of Ba0.8La0.2FeO3-δ cathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Perovskite Ba0.8La0.2FeO3-δ was synthesized via a glycine–nitrate process as the cathode material for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. Ultra-fine pure phase Ba0.8La0.2FeO3-δ powder was obtained after the self-propagating combustion of a complex xerogel precursor. The Ba0.8La0.2FeO3-δ cathode showed good compatibility and an enhanced phase interface with a samarium-doped ceria electrolyte. Electrochemical measurements showed that the Ba0.8La0.2FeO3-δ cathode achieved a low polarization resistance of 0.58 Ω cm2 at 800 °C in an air atmosphere. The porous nanostructure guaranteed the catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction, even if the cathode material possessed a cobalt-free and low rare earth composition.Graphical abstract

Preparation and photocatalytic activity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/Mg-doped ZnO nanohybrids

Abstract Multi-walled carbon nanotubes/Mg-doped ZnO (MWNTs/Zn1-xMgxO) nanohybrids were prepared by co-precipitation method, and their photocatalytic activity for methyl orange (MO) was studied. Experimental results showed that Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles were successfully deposited on the surface of MWNTs under annealing at 450 °C and 550 °C. The resultant MWNTs/Zn0.9Mg0.1O nanohybrids had better photocatalytic activity for degradation of methyl orange than pure ZnO: the rates of MO photodegradation were 100 % and 30 % for 1 h, respectively. The enhancement in the photocatalytic activity was attributed to the excellent electronic properties of MWNTs and Mg-doping.

Graphene Oxide/ZnO-Bi2O3 Nanoplate Photocatalysis with Strong Adsorption Capacity and High Efficient under Simulated Solar Light

Graphene/ZnO-Bi2O3 nanoplates (GZB) were prepared by means of the low temperature hydrothermal method, and their photocatalytic activity for degradating rhodamine B (RhB) was studied. Experimental results show that the ZnO-Bi2O3 nanoparticles were supported on graphene sheet under the assist of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Furthermore, the resultant GZB nanoplates exhibited very strong adsorption capacity and high photocatalytic activity, in which the first absorbed ability comes up to about 74.62% within 30 min. Moreover, 90% RhB in solution can be degraded within 100 min under visible light after the sample reach the maximum adsorption.