Controllably modulated asymmetrical photoresponse with a nonvolatile memory effect in a single CH3NH3PbI3 micro/nanowire for photorectifiers and photomemory.

Nanostructured hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites exhibit remarkable photodetection performance due to their abundant surface states and high responsivity to visible light. However, in traditional photodetectors with a symmetrical configuration of two-terminal electrodes, the photoresponse is independent of bias polarity. Moreover, for self-powered photodetectors, an asymmetric structure of the chemical composition, such as p-n and Schottky junctions, and two different electrodes are necessary. Herein, we demonstrate a modulable asymmetrical photoresponse by packing only one electrode end in a single CH3NH3PbI3 micro/nanowire with two symmetrical Ag electrodes. This not only enables the high performance of light- and bias-modulated multifunctional photorectifiers and self-powered photodetectors, but also allows controllable implementation of nonvolatile photomemory with a tunable spectral responsivity and range. At an unpacked electrode interface, trace moisture in the environment promotes a good bonding of Ag+ and I-, substantially decreasing the interface barrier. Conversely, at a packed electrode interface, abundant surface states can be well preserved, leading to a high interface barrier. Notably, under a large voltage and strong light, the redox of Ag/AgI at the unpacked electrode interface and the injection and ejection of holes at the packed electrode interface can be reversibly conducted by inverting the voltage polarity, enabling a controllable nonvolatile modulation. Therefore, by clarifying the actual origin of the photoelectrical response of CH3NH3PbI3 micro/nanowires at electrode interfaces, high-performance multifunctional photorectifiers and self-powered photodetectors based on asymmetrical interface photovoltaic effects with two symmetrical electrodes can be controllably realized. Furthermore, by precise cooperative modulation of two electrode interface states with a large voltage and strong illumination, nonvolatile photomemory with a tunable spectral responsivity and range can be implemented.

Adsorption Behaviors of Organic Micropollutants on Zirconium Metal-Organic Framework UiO-66: Analysis of Surface Interactions.

Herein, we studied the adsorption behaviors of organic micropollutants, such as anticonvulsant carbamazepine (CBZ) and antibiotic tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), on zirconium metal-organic framework UiO-66 in water. The maximum adsorption capacities of CBZ and TC on the UiO-66 were 37.2 and 23.1 mg·g-1 at 25 °C, respectively. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics of CBZ and TC were well described by using the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order model, respectively, and the adsorptions on UiO-66 are endothermic reactions. The adsorption capacities of CBZ and TC on UiO-66 were decreased with the increase of solution pH. The presence of humic acid could improve the adsorption of CBZ and TC on UiO-66, but K+ ion inhibited their adsorption obviously. In addition, Ca2+ and Al3+ ions also suppressed the adsorption of TC on UiO-66. The competitive adsorption suggested that the adsorption sites for CBZ on UiO-66 were different from those for TC. The surface interactions between UiO-66 and the two micropollutants were demonstrated by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectra. The characterizations showed that the adsorption of CBZ on UiO-66 is mainly a physisorption, and the hydrophobic effect played a crucial role during the adsorption of CBZ; meanwhile weak π-π electron donor-acceptor interaction and electrostatic attraction also existed. However, the adsorption of TC on UiO-66 is mainly a chemisorption; in addition to the strong electrostatic attraction and π-π electron donor-acceptor interaction forces, the nitrogenous groups of TC played an important role, which can replace the carboxylic groups coordinated with Zr-O clusters. The obtained results will aid us to comprehend the surface interaction between organic micropollutants and UiO-66 and expand the application of UiO-66 as sorbent for removal of pollutants from water.

One-pot synthesis of hematite@graphene core@shell nanostructures for superior lithium storage.

Novel hematite@graphene composites have been successfully synthesized by a one-pot surfactant governed approach under mild wet-chemical conditions. A series of characterizations including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrum, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the hematite nanoparticles with relatively uniform size were encapsulated by graphene layers and were able to form core-shell nanostructures. The electrochemical properties of hematite@graphene core-shell nanostructures as anodes for lithium-ion batteries were evaluated by galvanostatic charge-discharge and AC impedance spectroscopy techniques. The as-prepared hematite@graphene core-shell nanostructures exhibited a high reversible specific capacity of 1040 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 200 mA g(-1) (0.2 C) after 180 cycles and excellent rate capability and long cycle life. Furthermore, a reversible capacity as high as 500 mA h g(-1) was still achieved after 200 cycles even at a high rate of 6 C. The electrochemical test results show that the hematite@graphene composites prepared by the one-pot wet chemical method are promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

Hollow α-MnS Spheres and Their Hybrids with Reduced Graphene Oxide: Synthesis, Microwave Absorption, and Lithium Storage Properties.

Novel α-MnS hollow spheres (MHSs) have been fabricated successfully by a one-pot template-free solvothermal method. The as-synthesized α-MnS spheres have diameters of about 3-5 µm and porous shells of thickness about 0.5 µm composed of numerous nanocrystals. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption. Time-dependent morphology evolution suggested that transformation of chemical components and Ostwald ripening play vital roles for these hollow structures with a porous shell. The possible formation mechanism for the fabrication of MHSs is proposed. Meanwhile, MHS-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) hybrids have been prepared in the presence of graphene oxide (GO) by using the same procedure. The amount of GO can affect the morphology of α-MnS crystals in hybrids. The microwave absorption and lithium storage properties of the pure MHSs and MHS-RGO hybrids were studied in detail. Compared with pristine MHSs, the MHS-RGO hybrids possess remarkably enhanced microwave absorption and lithium storage properties. The enhanced microwave absorbing and electrochemical properties are also explained.