Hierarchical nanoarchitecture and phase control of iron oxides are important approaches for achieving multi-functionality for various applications. Herein, rice-grain-shaped iron oxide hollow structures were synthesized via a hydrothermal process using a silk fibrous template, and the crystalline phases (α-Fe 2 O 3 , Fe 3 O 4 ) were controlled by annealing. These structures were applied in a lithium-oxygen battery cathode and as adsorbents for wastewater treatment. The porosity, hollow interior, surface area, surface chemical composition and efficient carbon matrix of the C/Fe 3 O 4 hollow granules obtained by annealing under Ar atmosphere were favorable for enhancing the oxygen reduction and evolution kinetics when applied as an electrocatalyst for lithium-oxygen batteries, and also led to superior adsorption of organic pollutants (Rhodamine B) from an aqueous medium. The C/Fe 3 O 4 hollow granules were uniformly distributed and confined in the 3D nanoarchitecture; this morphology can offer rapid ion transport with improved electronic and chemical kinetics as well as superior adsorption of organic pollutants.
This paper reports a study on a method for achieving lightweight thermoplastic laminate composites referred to as tow spreading technology. Thickness of an unspread 12 K carbon fiber tow is reduced by increasing the tow width from 7 mm to 20 mm. The polypropylene (PP) film was used to stabilize and impregnate the spread tow, covering it into a partially consolidated prepreg: 12 K carbon fiber spread tow/PP. Laminates were fabricated from the spread tow prepreg and control laminate composites were produced from unspread tow prepreg consisting of 12 K carbon fiber and PP. The void content, tensile and flexural properties of the composite laminates were investigated. Consequently, the spread tow laminate composite exhibited lower void content and improved mechanical properties.
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