Unveiling Atomic-Scale Product Selectivity at the Cocatalyst-TiO2 Interface Using X-Ray Techniques: Insights into Interface Reactivity.

The microstructure at the interface between the cocatalyst and semiconductor plays a vital role in concentrating photo-induced carriers and reactants. However, observing the atomic arrangement of this interface directly using an electron microscope is challenging due to the coverings of the semiconductor and cocatalyst. To address this, multiple metal-semiconductor interfaces on three TiO2 crystal facets (M/TiO2 ─N, where M represents Ag, Au, and Pt, and N represents the 001, 010, and 101 single crystal facets). The identical surface atomic configuration of the TiO2 facets allowed us to investigate the evolution of the microstructure within these constructs using spectroscopies and DFT calculations. For the first time, they observed the transformation of saturated Ti6c ─O bonds into unsaturated Ti5c ─O and Ti6c ─O─Pt bonds on the TiO2 ─010 facet after loading Pt. This transformation have a direct impact on the selectivity of the resulting products, leading to the generation of CO and CH4 at the Ti6c ─O─Pt and Pt sites, respectively. These findings pinpoint the pivotal roles played by the atomic arrangement at the M/TiO2 ─N interfaces and provide valuable insights for the development of new methodologies using conventional lab-grade equipment.

Geomechanical log responses and identification of fractures in tight sandstone, West Sichuan Xinchang Gas Field.

Natural fractures provide important reservoir space and migration channels for oil and gas in tight reservoirs. Moreover, they are key factors controlling the high yield of tight oil and gas. Accordingly, methods to identify and characterize fractures are essential; however, conventional well-logging data are not ideal for such purposes. To this end, our study proposed an efficient method for identifying and characterizing fractures. First, core observations, core sample test analysis, numerical simulations, core calibration of borehole image logs, and borehole image log calibration of conventional logs were performed to identify sensitive log curves and log response characteristics of fractures. Second, we analyzed the response characteristics and differences in the log and properties of tight sandstone with and without fractures. Third, logging eigenvalue (EvF) and rock physical eigenvalue (MvF) models were constructed to determine different causes of fractures in tight sandstone. Finally, the two models were applied to identify and characterize fractures in the tight sandstone reservoirs in the West Sichuan Xinchang gas field, China. It was found that the effect of using the logging eigenvalue and rock physical eigenvalue models to identify fractures was similar to that observed using an image log. Overall, different fractures were accurately identified and characterized, indicating that the proposed method efficiently identifies and characterizes fractures in tight sandstone, ultimately advancing the research of fine reservoir evaluation and fracture theory.

Piezo-photocatalytic flexible PAN/TiO2 composite nanofibers for environmental remediation.

Mechanical vibrations and solar energy are ubiquitous in the environment. Hereon, we report the synergic enhancement of the oxidation by simultaneously harvesting solar and mechanical vibrations through flexible piezo and photocatalytic composite nanofiber mats. Surface enriched titanium dioxide nanoparticles incorporated in polyacrylonitrile (PAN/TiO2) nanofibers were synthesized using a single pot electrospinning process with well-defined fiber diameters with widely tunable loading density. By incorporating photocatalytic TiO2 in flexible piezoelectric PAN nanofiber support, piezoelectric fields generated under the mechanical deformation promote the separation of the photogenerated electrons and holes to accelerate oxidation of pollutants. Our results demonstrated that the catalytic activity of PAN/TiO2 nanofibers in photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) can be greatly enhanced by environmental vibration-induced piezoelectricity of PAN nanofibers, with a maximum enhancement factor of ~2.5. The working mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of PAN/TiO2 nanofibers by the mechanical vibrations were attributed to the piezoelectric effect of PAN nanofibers, which could efficiently promote the separation of the photogenerated electrons and holes in the TiO2 nanoparticles. We believe the approach to enhancing the catalytic activity of mat can make full use of the polymer properties and natural energy, and it also can be extended to other composite polymer/semiconductor systems.

Bi2 S3 -In2 S3 Heterostructures for Efficient Photoreduction of Highly Toxic Cr6+ Enabled by Facet-Coupling and Z-Scheme Structure.

The construction of Z-scheme photocatalyst materials mimicking the natural photosynthesis system provides many advantages, including increased light harvesting, spatially separated reductive and oxidative active sites and strong redox ability. Here, a novel Bi2 S3 nanorod@In2 S3 nanoparticle heterojunction photocatalyst synthesized through one-pot hydrothermal method for Cr6+ reduction is reported. A systematic investigation of the microstructural and compositional characteristics of the heterojunction catalyst confirms an intimate facet coupling between (440) crystal facet of In2 S3 and (060) crystal facet of Bi2 S3 , which provides a robust heterojunction interface for charge transfer. When tested under visible-light irradiation, the Bi2 S3 -In2 S3 heterojunction photocatalyst with 15% Bi2 S3 loading content achieves the highest Cr6+ photoreduction efficiency of nearly 100% with excellent stability, which is among the best-reported performances for Cr6+ removal. Further examination using optical, photoelectrochemical, impedance spectroscopy, and electron spin resonance spectroscopy characterizations reveal greatly improved photogenerated charge separation and transfer efficiency, and confirm Z-scheme electronic structure of the photocatalyst. The Z-scheme Bi2 S3 -In2 S3 photocatalyst demonstrated here presents promise for the removal of highly toxic Cr6+ , and could also be of interest in photocatalytic energy conversion.

Filling metal-organic framework mesopores with TiO2 for CO2 photoreduction.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)1-3 are known for their specific interactions with gas molecules4,5; this, combined with their rich and ordered porosity, makes them promising candidates for the photocatalytic conversion of gas molecules to useful products6. However, attempts to use MOFs or MOF-based composites for CO2 photoreduction6-13 usually result in far lower CO2 conversion efficiency than that obtained from state-of-the-art solid-state or molecular catalysts14-18, even when facilitated by sacrificial reagents. Here we create 'molecular compartments' inside MOF crystals by growing TiO2 inside different pores of a chromium terephthalate-based MOF (MIL-101) and its derivatives. This allows for synergy between the light-absorbing/electron-generating TiO2 units and the catalytic metal clusters in the backbones of MOFs, and therefore facilitates photocatalytic CO2 reduction, concurrent with production of O2. An apparent quantum efficiency for CO2 photoreduction of 11.3 per cent at a wavelength of 350 nanometres is observed in a composite that consists of 42 per cent TiO2 in a MIL-101 derivative, namely, 42%-TiO2-in-MIL-101-Cr-NO2. TiO2 units in one type of compartment in this composite are estimated to be 44 times more active than those in the other type, underlining the role of precise positioning of TiO2 in this system.

WO3 in suit embed into MIL-101 for enhancement charge carrier separation of photocatalyst.

Compositing nanoparticles photo-catalyst with enormous surface areas metal-organic framework (MOF) will greatly improve photocatalytic performances. Herein, WO3 nanoparticles are partly embedded into pores of MIL-101 or only supported on the outside of representative MIL-101, which were defined as embedded structure WO3@MIL-101@WO3 and coating structure WO3&MIL-101 respectively. Different pH, concentration and loading percentage were researched. XRD, TEM and BET were carried to analyze the composites. Compared with the pristine WO3, all WO3 loaded MOF nanocomposites exhibited remarkable enhancing for the efficiency of photocatalytic degradation methylene blue under visible light. Their activity of the same loading percentage WO3 in embedded structure and coating structure have increased for 9 and 3 times respectively compared with pure WO3. The WO3@MIL-101@WO3 has 3 times higher efficiency than WO3&MIL-101, because the shorter electron-transport distance can make a contribution to electron-hole separation. The further mechanism involved has been investigated by radical quantify experiment, XPS and photoluminescence spectroscopy.

Oxygen Vacancies and Stacking Faults Introduced by Low-Temperature Reduction Improve the Electrochemical Properties of Li2MnO3 Nanobelts as Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes.

Among the Li-rich layered oxides Li2MnO3 has significant theoretical capacity as a cathode material for Li-ion batteries. Pristine Li2MnO3 generally has to be electrochemically activated in the first charge-discharge cycle which causes very low Coulombic efficiency and thus deteriorates its electrochemical properties. In this work, we show that low-temperature reduction can produce a large amount of structural defects such as oxygen vacancies, stacking faults, and orthorhombic LiMnO2 in Li2MnO3. The Rietveld refinement analysis shows that, after a reduction reaction with stearic acid at 340 °C for 8 h, pristine Li2MnO3 changes into a Li2MnO3-LiMnO2 (0.71/0.29) composite, and the monoclinic Li2MnO3 changes from Li2.04Mn0.96O3 in the pristine Li2MnO3 (P-Li2MnO3) to Li2.1Mn0.9O2.79 in the reduced Li2MnO3 (R-Li2MnO3), indicating the production of a large amount of oxygen vacancies in the R-Li2MnO3. High-resolution transmission electron microscope images show that a high density of stacking faults is also introduced by the low-temperature reduction. When measured as a cathode material for Li-ion batteries, R-Li2MnO3 shows much better electrochemical properties than P-Li2MnO3. For example, when charged-discharged galvanostatically at 20 mA·g-1 in a voltage window of 2.0-4.8 V, R-Li2MnO3 has Coulombic efficiency of 77.1% in the first charge-discharge cycle, with discharge capacities of 213.8 and 200.5 mA·h·g-1 in the 20th and 30th cycles, respectively. In contrast, under the same charge-discharge conditions, P-Li2MnO3 has Coulombic efficiency of 33.6% in the first charge-discharge cycle, with small discharge capacities of 80.5 and 69.8 mA·h·g-1 in the 20th and 30th cycles, respectively. These materials characterizations, and electrochemical measurements show that low-temperature reduction is one of the effective ways to enhance the performances of Li2MnO3 as a cathode material for Li-ion batteries.

The pharmacogenomics of valproic acid.

Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug used primarily in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Adverse effects of valproic acid are rare, but hepatotoxicity is severe in particular in those younger than 2 years old and polytherapy. During valproic acid treatment, it is difficult for prescribers to predict its individual response. Recent advances in the field of pharmacogenomics have indicated variants of candidate genes that affect valproic acid efficacy and safety. In this review, a large number of candidate genes that influence valproic acid pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are discussed, including metabolic enzymes, drug transporters, neurotransmitters and drug targets. Furthermore, pharmacogenomics is an important tool not only in further understanding of interindividual variability but also to assess the therapeutic potential of such variability in drug individualization and therapeutic optimization.

One-Pot Synthesis of Cu-Nanocluster-Decorated Brookite TiO2 Quasi-Nanocubes for Enhanced Activity and Selectivity of CO2 Photoreduction to CH4.

A new kind of metallic Cu-loaded brookite TiO2 composite, in which Cu nanoclusters with a small size of 1-3 nm are decorated on brookite TiO2 quasi nanocube (BTN) surfaces (hereafter referred to as Cu-BTN), is synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal process and then used as photocatalyst for CO2 reduction. It was found that the decoration of Cu nanoclusters on BTN surfaces can improve the activity and selectivity of CO2 photoreduction to CH4 , and 1.5 % Cu-BTN gives a maximum overall photocatalytic activity (150.9 µmol g-1 h-1 ) for CO/CH4 production, which is ≈11.4 and ≈3.3 times higher than those of pristine BTN (13.2 µmol g-1 h-1 ) and Ag-BTN (45.2 µmol g-1 h-1 ). Moreover, the resultant Cu-BTN products can promote the selective generation of CH4 as compared to CO due to the number of surface oxygen vacancies and the CO2 /H2 O adsorption behavior, which differs from that of the pristine BTN. The present results demonstrate that brookite TiO2 would be a potential effective photocatalyst for CO2 photoreduction, and that Cu nanoclusters can act as an inexpensive and efficient co-catalyst alternative to the commonly used noble metals to improve the photoactivity and selectivity for CO2 reduction to CH4 .

Influence of PRKCH gene polymorphism on antihypertensive response to amlodipine and telmisartan.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PRKCH rs2230500 genetic polymorphism on efficacy of amlodipine and telmisartan for patients with hypertension. A total of 136 essential hypertension (EH) patients were treated with amlodipine (70 patients) or telmisartan (66 patients), respectively. Genetic polymorphism was genotyped by Sanger sequencing. Both baseline and post-treatment blood pressure (BP) and heart rate were measured to evaluate the influence of genetic polymorphism on the antihypertensive response. No significant difference in the absolute decrease in diastolic blood pressure (DBP),systolic blood pressure (SBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) was observed among PRKCH rs2230500 genotypes after 4-week amlodipine or telmisartan therapy (p > 0.05). However, when compared with carriers or GG genotype, the antihypertensive effect of PRKCH rs2230500 GA/AA carriers was superior in telmisartan treatment group. PRKCH rs2230500 gene polymorphism is significantly related to the efficiency in telmisartan therapy (p = 0.02). The PRKCH rs2230500 may influence the antihypertensive efficacy of telmisartan in Chinese EH patients, and further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Influence of P2Y12 polymorphisms on platelet activity but not ex-vivo antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor in healthy Chinese male subjects.

Activation of platelet implicated a series of signal conduction including outside-in and inside-out related receptor-mediated signaling pathways. Ticagrelor is the first reversible P2Y12 receptor antagonist that exhibits rapid antiplatelet effect. Given that platelet aggregation varies among individuals, genetic polymorphisms in P2Y12 and subsequent signal molecular such as the G-protein beta 3 subunit (GNB3) are supposed to influence the antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor. The aim of this study was to determine whether genetic polymorphisms in P2Y12 and GNB3 genes influence ex-vivo antiplatelet activity of ticagrelor in healthy Chinese subjects. A total of 196 healthy Chinese male individuals were recruited. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was determined by using light transmittance aggregometry at baseline and after incubation of the platelet-rich plasma with 15 and 50 µmol/l ticagrelor, respectively. Nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in P2Y12 and the GNB3 rs5443 polymorphism were genotyped by PCR-direct sequencing. P2Y12 haplotypes were inferred. Baseline platelet aggregation was increased in carriers of the common alleles of P2Y12 SNPs (rs1907637, rs2046934, and rs6809699) and rs6787801 TC heterozygotes (P < 0.05 for all). Results of the haplotype analyses were consistent with those of the single SNPs. Ticagrelor at both concentrations of 15 and 50 µmol/l decreased ADP-induced platelet aggregation significantly (P < 0.05, respectively). Neither single SNPs nor haplotypes of P2Y12 affected ticagrelor-induced ex-vivo inhibition of platelet aggregation. P2Y12 and GNB3 polymorphisms have no effect on the ex-vivo antiplatelet activity of ticagrelor in healthy Chinese male subjects.

Opposite photocatalytic activity orders of low-index facets of anatase TiO2 for liquid phase dye degradation and gaseous phase CO2 photoreduction.

We firstly demonstrate the opposite photocatalytic activity orders of low-index facets of anatase TiO2 in the liquid phase for rhodamine B (RhB) photocatalytic degradation and in the gaseous phase for the photoreduction of CO2 to CH4. The photocatalytic activity order in the liquid phase for RhB photocatalytic degradation is revealed as {001} > {101} > {010}, whereas the photocatalytic activity order {010} > {101} > {001} is found in the gaseous phase for the photoreduction of CO2 to CH4. The atomic arrangement of the different facets, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra, photoluminescence spectra and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis show that the photoactivity order in the gas phase for the photoreduction of CO2 to CH4 mainly depends on the CO2 molecule adsorption properties on the different exposed facets, and the separation efficiency of the photo-generated carriers determines the photoactivity order for the dye degradation reaction in the liquid phase. These findings also provide a new direction to design efficient photocatalysts and the tuning of their photoreactivity for environmental and energy applications.

Three-dimensional macroporous graphene-Li2FeSiO4 composite as cathode material for lithium-ion batteries with superior electrochemical performances.

Three-dimensional macroporous graphene-based Li2FeSiO4 composites (3D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C) were synthesized and tested as the cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. To demonstrate the superiority of this structure, the composite's performances were compared with the performances of two-dimensional graphene nanosheets-based Li2FeSiO4 composites (2D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C) and Li2FeSiO4 composites without graphene (Li2FeSiO4/C). Due to the existence of electronic conductive graphene, both 3D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C and 2D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C showed much improved electrochemical performances than the Li2FeSiO4/C composite. When compared with the 2D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C composite, 3D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C exhibited even better performances, with the discharge capacities reaching 313, 255, 215, 180, 150, and 108 mAh g(-1) at the charge-discharge rates of 0.1 C, 1 C, 2 C, 5 C, 10 C and 20 C (1 C = 166 mA g(-1)), respectively. The 3D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C composite also showed excellent cyclability, with capacity retention exceeding 90% after cycling for 100 times at the charge-discharge rate of 1 C. The superior electrochemical properties of the 3D-G/Li2FeSiO4/C composite are attributed to its unique structure. Compared with 2D graphene nanosheets, which tend to assemble into macroscopic paper-like structures, 3D macroporous graphene can not only provide higher accessible surface area for the Li2FeSiO4 nanoparticles in the composite but also allow the electrolyte ions to diffuse inside and through the 3D network of the cathode material. Specially, the fabrication method described in this study is general and thus should be readily applicable to the other energy storage and conversion applications in which efficient ionic and electronic transport is critical.

Association of platelet ITGA2B and ITGB3 polymorphisms with ex vivo antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor in healthy Chinese male subjects.

Ticagrelor (TIC) is the first reversible P2Y12 receptor antagonist that exhibits rapid antiplatelet effect by indirect inhibition of the GPIIb/IIIa complex. Polymorphisms in genes coding GPIIb/IIIa, namely ITGA2B and ITGB3, are associated with aspirin resistance and risk for thrombotic diseases. We assessed whether ITGA2B and ITGB3 polymorphisms can influence the ex vivo antiplatelet activity of ticagrelor in Chinese population. A total of 196 healthy Chinese male individuals were recruited. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was determined using optical aggregometry at baseline and after incubation of the platelet-rich plasma with 15 and 50 µM ticagrelor, respectively. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in ITGA2B (rs5911 G>T) and ITGB3 (rs4642 A>G and rs4634 G>A) were genotyped by sequencing. TIC at both concentrations of 15 and 50 µM decreased ADP-induced platelet aggregation significantly (P < 0.05, respectively). As compared to ITGA2B rs5911 GG homozygotes, individuals with the rs5911 TG genotype showed significantly increased inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) by both 15 and 50 µM ticagrelor incubation (P < 0.05, respectively). Neither rs4642 nor rs4634 polymorphism affected ticagrelor-induced IPA. We suggest that the ITGA2B rs5911 GG genotype is associated with decreased ex vivo antiplatelet activity of ticagrelor in healthy Chinese male subjects.

The pure shape effect with a removing facet effect of single-crystalline anatase TiO2 (101) for photocatalytic application.

3D TiO2 nanobipyramids (TiO2-NPs) and 1D TiO2 nanobelts (TiO2-NBs) were synthesized from potassium titanate K2Ti6O13 and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns and fast Fourier transform (FFT). The as-synthesized 3D TiO2 nanobipyramids and 1D TiO2 nanobelts all show high {101} facet exposed percentages and were used to investigate the shape effect of TiO2 with the same facet exposure. 3D TiO2 nanobipyramids (101) showed higher photocatalytic activity than 1D TiO2 nanobelts (101). The reasons were discussed using ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, time-resolved photoluminescence spectra, XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) spectra and ATR-IR (attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy) spectra. The postulated mechanism suggests that 3D TiO2 nanobipyramids have more step edges which results in more -OH/H2O molecule adsorption and longer life times of photoinduced carriers than 1D TiO2 nanobelts.

[Effect of notoginseng radix on expression quantity of TGF-beta1/ Smads and CTGF mRNA in rats with alcoholic liver disease].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Notoginseng Radix on hepatic expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in rats with alcoholic liver disease (ALD), in order to discuss its protective effect on alcoholic cirrhosis. METHOD: Fifty SD male rats were divided into the normal control group, the model group, the high-dose and low-dose Notoginseng Radix groups (3.0, 12.0 g x kg(-1)) and the magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate group (24 mg x kg(-1)), with 10 rats in each group. Apart from the control group, other groups were administered with ethanol-cornoil-pyrazole for 14 weeks to establish the alcoholic liver disease model. During the establishment of the model, the high-dose and low-dose Notoginseng Radix groups were administered with 12 g x kg(-1) x d(-1) Notoginseng Radix for 14 weeks, once everyday. Efforts were made to detect liver function, pathology with Masson staining, and the expressions of TGF-beta1, Smad3, Smad7 and CTGF mRNA. RESULT: Compared with the rats in model group, rats in Notoginseng Radix groups showed significant reduction in liver ALT, AST, collagen fiber deposition, and TGF-beta1, Smad3 and CTGF mRNA expressions in liver tissues, with the increase in the expression quantity of Smad7 mRNA. There were differences between the Notoginseng Radix groups. No significant difference was observed between the high-dose Notoginseng Radix group and the magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate group. CONCLUSION: Notoginseng Radix can affect TGF-beta1/Smads signaling pathway and reduce the expression of CTGF.

Effect of notoginseng radix on expression quantity of TGF-beta1/ Smads and CTGF mRNA in rats with alcoholic liver disease / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of Notoginseng Radix on hepatic expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in rats with alcoholic liver disease (ALD), in order to discuss its protective effect on alcoholic cirrhosis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Fifty SD male rats were divided into the normal control group, the model group, the high-dose and low-dose Notoginseng Radix groups (3.0, 12.0 g x kg(-1)) and the magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate group (24 mg x kg(-1)), with 10 rats in each group. Apart from the control group, other groups were administered with ethanol-cornoil-pyrazole for 14 weeks to establish the alcoholic liver disease model. During the establishment of the model, the high-dose and low-dose Notoginseng Radix groups were administered with 12 g x kg(-1) x d(-1) Notoginseng Radix for 14 weeks, once everyday. Efforts were made to detect liver function, pathology with Masson staining, and the expressions of TGF-beta1, Smad3, Smad7 and CTGF mRNA.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared with the rats in model group, rats in Notoginseng Radix groups showed significant reduction in liver ALT, AST, collagen fiber deposition, and TGF-beta1, Smad3 and CTGF mRNA expressions in liver tissues, with the increase in the expression quantity of Smad7 mRNA. There were differences between the Notoginseng Radix groups. No significant difference was observed between the high-dose Notoginseng Radix group and the magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Notoginseng Radix can affect TGF-beta1/Smads signaling pathway and reduce the expression of CTGF.</p>

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-Pt-TiO2 nanocomposite as an efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen production under visible light irradiation.

Porous graphitic carbon nitride (g-C(3)N(4)) was prepared by a simple pyrolysis of urea, and then a g-C(3)N(4)-Pt-TiO(2) nanocomposite was fabricated via a facile chemical adsorption followed by a calcination process. The obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance absorption spectra, and electron microscopy. It is found that the visible-light-induced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate can be remarkably enhanced by coupling TiO(2) with the above g-C(3)N(4), and the g-C(3)N(4)-Pt-TiO(2) composite with a mass ratio of 70 : 30 has the maximum photoactivity and excellent photostability for hydrogen production under visible-light irradiation, and the stable photocurrent of g-C(3)N(4)-TiO(2) is about 1.5 times higher than that of the bare g-C(3)N(4). The above experimental results show that the photogenerated electrons of g-C(3)N(4) can directionally migrate to Pt-TiO(2) due to the close interfacial connections and the synergistic effect existing between Pt-TiO(2) and g-C(3)N(4) where photogenerated electrons and holes are efficiently separated in space, which is beneficial for retarding the charge recombination and improving the photoactivity.

Walnut-like In2S3 microspheres: ionic liquid-assisted solvothermal synthesis, characterization and formation mechanism.

Walnut-like In(2)S(3) microspheres were synthesized through an ionic liquid-assisted solvothermal method for the first time. The crystal structure and morphology of the as-synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurement. It was found that the additional amount of ionic liquid, solvothermal temperature and time played crucial roles in controlling the structure and morphology of the In(2)S(3) microspheres. A possible formation mechanism of the walnut-like In(2)S(3) microsphere was proposed on the basis of the experimental results.