A self-healing thermo-reversible elastomer is synthesized by cross-linking a hydrogen bonding polymer network with chemically-modified graphene oxide. This nanocomposite allows for both rapid and efficient self-healing (in only several minutes) at room temperature, without the need for any external stimuli (e.g., heating or light exposure), healing agents, plasticizers or solvents.

ZnCo2O4@MnO2 core–shell nanosheet arrays synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal method exhibited an extraordinary electrochemical performance.

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In recent years, ternary transition metal oxides (TTMOs), especially spinel type TTMOs have attracted widespread attention as promising candidates for electrode materials. Among all of the popular TTMOs, MgCo O is an outstanding one, owing to its superior theoretical capacitance. In this work, MgCo O nanosheet arrays (NSAs) grown directly on nickel foams were fabricated through a facile hydrothermal process at 120 °C for 4 h. With a series of structural and morphological characterization techniques, it was found that the ethanol played a key role in controlling the composition and morphology during the synthesis process. The MgCo O NSAs exhibited a superior specific capacitance of 853.06 C g (at 1 mA cm ) and enhanced cycling performance, with 94.65 % of initial capacitance retained after 3000 cycles when used as a binder-free integrated electrode for electrochemical supercapacitors; much higher than other reported data for MgCo O as well. The excellent electrochemical properties mainly came from the unique morphology of the MgCo O NSAs. This study will demonstrate the applications of MgCo O NSAs based large-scale supercapacitors grown on low-cost nickel foams.

This paper investigates whether political connection can help private firms in China gain access to commercial bank loans. Based on data from the 2012 Nationwide Survey of Private Enterprises in China, it finds that: (i) politically connected firms were more likely to have access to commercial bank loans; (ii) the mechanism for this better access might be that, on the one hand, political connection was used by private firms as a tool to overcome discrimination and/or information asymmetry in the loan market; on the other hand, political connection was seen by banks as a signal of creditworthiness; and (iii) the importance of political connection seems to lie in the connection to the power to govern rather than the mere opportunity to influence policy.