SnS with high theoretical capacity has been impeded from practical applications as the anode of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries due to its large volume expansion and fast capacity decay. A nanostructure of the SnS semifilled carbon nanotube (SnS@CNT) has been realized by plasma-assisted fabrication of Sn semifilled CNT (Sn@CNT) followed by post-sulfurization. When serving as the anode of a Li-ion battery, SnS@CNT delivers an initial discharge capacity of 1258 mAh g at 0.3 A g. Instead of capacity fading, SnS@CNT shows inverse capacity growth to 2733 mAh g after 470 cycles. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images show that the void in CNTs, after cycling, is fully filled with pulverized SnS grains which have a shortened Li-ion diffusion path and enhanced surface area for interfacial redox reactions. In addition, the CNTs, like a pocket, confine the pulverized SnS, maintain the electric contact and structural integrity, and thus allow the electrodes to work safely under long cyclic loadings and extreme temperature conditions.

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The green up-conversion emissions centered at the wavelengths of about 534nm and 549nm of the Er3+ doped silicate glass were recorded, using a 978 nm semiconductor laser diode (LD) as an excitation source. The fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) of the green up-conversion emissions at about 534nm and 549nm in the Er3+ doped silicate glass was studied as a function of temperature over the temperature range of 296K-673K. The maximum sensitivity and the temperature resolution derived from the FIR of the green up-conversion emissions are approximately 0.0023K-1 and 0.8K, respectively. It is demonstrated that the prototype optical temperature sensor based on the FIR technique from the green up-conversion emissions in the Er3+ doped silicate glass could play a major role in temperature measurement.