By using a facile and template-free polyol refluxing process, we reported the successful synthesis of porous SnS and SnS 2 architectures on a large scale. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by using XRD, SEM, TEM, UV-vis DRS, Raman and N 2 adsorption-desorption analyses. Studies revealed that the as-synthesized SnS and SnS 2 products mainly consist of porous flower-like microstructures with reasonable BET surface areas of 66 m 2 g À1 and 33 m 2 g À1 , respectively. Photocatalytic properties of trace amounts of samples were investigated by photodegradation of MB and RhB under visible light irradiation. The photoelectrochemical properties of both samples were also studied by configuring the samples as photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells, exhibiting excellent photosensitivity and response with greatly enhanced I on/off as high as 1.4 Â 10 3 , three orders of magnitude higher than previous work. The results indicate the potential applications of the SnS x nanostructures in visible-light-driven photocatalysts, high response photodetectors and other optoelectronic nanodevices.

No abstract

No abstract

Thermochromic coatings that can change their color in response to variations in ambient temperature have various potential applications. Cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) are promising thermochromic materials due to their selective light reflection and wide regulation range. However, it remains a challenge to fabricate thermochromic coatings that combine good responsivity, mechanical strength, fabrication feasibility, and flexibility. In this study, CLC microcapsules containing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and a melamine–formaldehyde (MF) resin hybrid shell were fabricated via in situ polymerization using CNC-stabilized Pickering emulsions as templates. The CNCs were employed as both Pickering emulsifiers and alignment agents of CLCs to prepare CLC Pickering emulsions. The CLC microcapsules were mixed with curable binders to obtain coating slurries, and thermochromic coatings were prepared by painting the slurries on substrates and drying. The thermochromic coatings could adjust their color in the visible wavelength range in a temperature range of 12 to 42 °C. Moreover, the obtained thermochromic coatings displayed a relatively high reflectance of up to 30–40% and can even be applied to flexible substrates. The CLC microcapsules with CNCs and an MF hybrid shell are promising in the field of smart decorative paints, anti-counterfeit labels, and artificial skins.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Highly ordered transparent TiO2macropore arrays were synthesized via a simple glass-clamping method at room temperature. The as-synthesized TiO2macropore arrays show high transmittance in the visible light region and can be used as transparent photocatalysts for degradation of organic dyes.