ABSTRACT:The preparation of nylon 6/clay nanocomposites by a melt-intercalation process is proposed. X-ray diffraction and DSC results show that the crystal structure and crystallization behaviors of the nanocomposites are different from those of nylon 6. Mechanical and thermal testing shows that the properties of the nanocomposites are superior to nylon 6 in terms of the heat-distortion temperature, strength, and modulus without sacrificing their impact strength. This is due to the nanoscale effects and the strong interaction between the nylon 6 matrix and the clay interface, as revealed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Molau testing.

2D/2D heterostructures can combine the collective advantages of each 2D material and even show improved properties from synergistic effects. 2D Transition metal carbide Ti 3 C 2 MXene and 2D 1T-MoS 2 have emerged as attractive prototypes in electrochemistry due to their rich properties. Construction of these two 2D materials, as well as investigation about synergistic effects, is absent due to the instability of 1T-MoS 2 . Here, 3D interconnected networks of 1T-MoS 2 /Ti 3 C 2 MXene heterostructure are constructed by magneto-hydrothermal synthesis, and the electrochemical storage mechanisms are investigated. Improved extra capacitance is observed due to enlarged ion storage space from a synergistically interplayed effect in 3D interconnected networks. Outstanding rate performance is realized because of ultrafast electron transport originating from Ti 3 C 2 MXene. This work provides an archetype to realize excellent electrochemical properties in 2D/2D heterostructures.

Photovoltaic conversion of solar energy into electricity is an alternative way to use renewable energy for sustainable energy production. The great demand of low-cost and efficient solar cells inspires research on solution-processable light-harvesting materials. Antimony trisulfide (Sb 2 S 3) is a promising light-harvester for photovoltaic purposes. Here we report on the in situ grown monolayer of preferentially oriented, large Sb 2 S 3 single-crystalline cuboids on a polycrystalline titania (TiO 2) nanoparticle film. A facile, oriented seed-assisted solutionprocessing method is used, providing the Sb 2 S 3 /TiO 2-based bulk/nano-planar heterojunction with a preferred structure for efficient planar solar cells. An orientation-competing-epitaxial nucleation/growth mechanism is proposed for understanding the growth of the Sb 2 S 3 singlecrystalline cuboids. With an organic hole transporting material, the stable solar cell of the heterojunction yields a power conversion efficiency of 5.15% (certified as 5.12%). It is found that the [221]-oriented Sb 2 S 3 cuboids provide highly effective charge transport channels inside the Sb 2 S 3 layer.