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High-capacity and cycle-stable SiO x /C composite anodes for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) were synthesized from rice husk (RH) using an ecofriendly, one-step pyrolysis process that takes full advantage of both the silica and organic components of RH. The process–property–performance relationship for this process was investigated. Pyrolysis of RH at a sufficiently high temperature (1000 °C) results in a C scaffold with a low surface area, high electronic conductivity, and embedded SiO x nanoparticles that are highly active toward lithiation, enabling high rate capability along with outstanding cycle stability for LIB applications. A SiO x /C anode delivering a specific capacity of 654 mAh g–1 and retaining 88% capacity (99.8% CE) after 1000 cycles was demonstrated. Higher capacities, up to 920 mAh g–1, can be achieved by adding a Si-containing polymer coating on RH prior to pyrolysis. The SiO x /C anodes demonstrated considerable promise for Li metal-free Li-ion sulfur batteries.

In this work, silver nanoparticles decorated onto polyaniline nanowires were synthesized site-specifically onto Pt working electrodes (with only 0.8 mm2 area) using a novel, rapid, and effective electrochemical procedure: electropolymerization of PANi NWs and electrodeposition of AgNPs. The complementary properties of PANi NWs and AgNPs were obtained, including high surface area, high electrochemical activity, high biocompatibility, high chemical stability and good adhesion with the electrode surface. Obtained results showed advantages of the electrosynthesis method compared to traditional methods, which have difficulties in binding between modifying materials with electrode surfaces. The sensor surface modification with the PANi NWs/AgNPs material facilitated the probe DNA immobilization and improved the electrochemical signal of the DNA sensors. The detection limit of the sensors was 2.80 × 10−15 M. The DNA sensors exhibited advantages including direct detection, high sensitivity, good specificity, and potential miniaturization for development of lab-on-a-chip systems.