Graphene nanoscrolls are Archimedean-type spirals formed by rolling single-layer graphene sheets. Their unique structure makes them conceptually interesting and understanding their formation gives important information on the manipulation and characteristics of various carbon nanostructures. Here we report a 100% efficient process to transform nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide sheets into homogeneous nanoscrolls by decoration with magnetic g-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles. Through a large number of control experiments, magnetic characterization of the decorated nanoparticles, and ab initio calculations, we conclude that the rolling is initiated by the strong adsorption of maghemite nanoparticles at nitrogen defects in the graphene lattice and their mutual magnetic interaction. The nanoscroll formation is fully reversible and upon removal of the maghemite nanoparticles, the nanoscrolls return to open sheets. Besides supplying information on the rolling mechanism of graphene nanoscrolls, our results also provide important information on the stabilization of iron oxide nanoparticles.
NASCION-type Li conductors have great potential to bring high capacity solid-state batteries to realization, related to its properties such as high ionic conductivity, stability under ambient conditions, wide electrochemical stability window, and inexpensive production. However, their chemical and thermal instability toward metallic lithium (Li) has severely hindered attempts to utilize Li as anode material in NASCION-based battery systems. In this work, it is shown how a tailored multifunctional interlayer between the solid electrolyte and Li anode can successfully address the interfacial issues. This interlayer is designed by creating a quasi-solid-state paste in which the functionalities of LAGP (Li 1.5 Al 0.5 Ge 1.5 (PO 4 ) 3 ) nanoparticles and an ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte are combined. In a solid-sate cell, the LAGP-IL interlayer separates the Li metal from bulk LAGP and creates a chemically stable interface with low resistance (≈5 Ω cm 2 ) and efficiently prevents thermal runaway at elevated temperatures (300 °C). Solid-state cells designed with the interlayer can be operated at high current densities, 1 mA cm −2 , and enable high rate capability with high safety. Here developed strategy provides a generic path to design interlayers for solid-state Li metal batteries.
The sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode side of proton exchange membrane fuel cells is one major technical challenge for realizing sustainable solutions for the transportation sector. Finding efficient yet cheap electrocatalysts to speed up this reaction therefore motivates researchers all over the world. Here we demonstrate an efficient synthesis of palladium-tungsten bimetallic nanoparticles supported on ordered mesoporous carbon. Despite a very low percentage of noble metal (palladium:tungsten ¼ 1:8), the hybrid catalyst material exhibits a performance equal to commercial 60% platinum/Vulcan for the oxygen reduction process. The high catalytic efficiency is explained by the formation of small palladium islands embedded at the surface of the palladium-tungsten bimetallic nanoparticles, generating catalytic hotspots. The palladium islands are B1 nm in diameter, and contain 10-20 palladium atoms that are segregated at the surface. Our results may provide insight into the formation, stabilization and performance of bimetallic nanoparticles for catalytic reactions.
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