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Abstract: Co2P nanocrystals were successfully synthesized by a polymer-assisted hydrothermal method. The reaction was carried out at 190 °C–220 °C using cobalt chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2·6H2O) as Co-source and yellow phosphorous as P-source. Polyacrylamide (PAM) was used as surfactant. By controlling the experiment parameters such as the reaction temperature and the amount of polyacrylamide (PAM), Co2P nanocrystals with the rod-like or flower-like morphology could be prepared successfully. The phase and the morphology of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopes (TEM), electron diffraction pattern (ED) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Furthermore, based on the results of the TEM observation, the possible formation processes of the Co2P nanorods or nanoflowers were also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cadmium chalcogenide (CdE, E=S, Se, Te) polycrystalline nanotubes have been synthesized from precursor of CdS/cadmium thiolate complex at room temperature. The precursor was hydrothermally synthesized at 180°C using thioglycolic acid (TGA) and cadmium acetate as starting materials. The transformation from the rod-like precursor of CdS/cadmium thiolate complex to CdS, CdSe and CdTe nanotubes were performed under constant stirring at room temperature in aqueous solution containing S2−, Se2− and Te2−, respectively. The nanotube diameter can be controlled from 150 to 400nm related to the dimension of templates. The XRD patterns show the cadmium chalcogenide nanotubes all corresponding to face-centered cubic structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

NiO polyhedron nanocrystals have been synthesized using a single source of nickel chloride through a calcination reaction. The electrochemical results displayed that the obtained sample is an outstanding anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The sample maintains a high specific capacity of 645.5 mAh g −1 at current density of 1000 mA g −1 after 100 cycles. Even at high current density of 4000 mA g −1 , the NiO polyhedron nanocrystals still deliver a capacity of 459.6 mAh g −1 . The high specific capacity, long stable cyclic property and good rate capability make the NiO polyhedron nanocrystals a good candidate anode material for high-performance LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Graphene-like structure of V2O3 had been synthesized by a top-down precursor-pyrolyzation strategy. The first-order transformation of V2O3 disappeared with the increasing of temperature. It represents a positive temperature coefficient semiconductor behavior. It is a noteworthy and promising candidate for ultrathin energy-storage devices. The discharge capacity of V2O3 nanosheets is maintained at 300mAh/g after 75 cycles at the current density of 200mA/g, which exhibits excellent discharge capacity and superior cycling stability. Flower-like precursors composed of nanosheets were also successfully synthesized by adjusting temperature and time. V2O3 has perfectly inherited the morphology of its precursors. The new method demonstrated here provides a new way in the preparation of other ultrathin nanosheets materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Well dispersed chestnut-like Cd2Ge2O6 (CGO) and Cd2Ge2O6/reduced graphene oxide (CGO/RGO) nanocomposites are successfully prepared via a facile one-pot hydrothermal method and characterized as novel lithium storage materials for the first time. Electrochemical characterization of lithiation/delithiation of the CGO/RGO nanocomposites reveals a large capacity of 943mAhg−1 for the first cycle and a capacity retention of 721mAhg−1 even after 100 cycles. The superior electrochemical performance of the CGO/RGO nanocomposites electrode compared to the pure CGO electrode can be attributed to the well dispersed RGO which enhances the electronic conductivity and accommodate the volume change during the lithium storage process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Powdered zirconium nitride (ZrN) has been prepared via a benzene-thermal synthesis via the reaction of anhydrous zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl4) and lithium nitride (Li3N) at a temperature of 380–400 °C. The product was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the results show the mole ratio of Zr/N is 1:0.87. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern can be indexed to the cubic cell of ZrN with the lattice constant a=4.5675 A˚. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images indicate that average particle size is about 180 nm in diameter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sn-contained N-doped carbon composite (Sn@NC) with Sn nanoparticles of 5–30 nm uniformly dispersed in N-doped hollow carbon nanosphere matrix was produced by in-situ polymerization of pyrrole, and reduction of SnO 2 synchronous with decomposition of polypyrrole. SnO 2 nanospheres serve as both the template of hollow carbon nanospheres and the Sn source. Due to the cooperation of the uniformly dispersed Sn particles and N-doped hollow carbon structure, the obtained Sn@NC shows a reversible capacity of 1070 mA h g −1 over 200 cycles at 0.2 C and 500 mA h g −1 over 500 cycles at 5 C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel strategy is developed to prepare graphene oxide - wrapped nanocrystals composite (GO@NCs) by the assistance of chitosan (CS). This assembly process can be accomplished at room temperature within two minutes, which is driven by both hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction between GO sheets and CS chains. It's also worth pointing out that this novel method can be widely applied in preparing various kinds of GO-wrapped nanocrystals composites, and the coated GO can further enhance the electrochemical performance of the GO@NCs composite. For instance, the GO-wrapped tin selenide nanorods composite (GO@SnSe) prepared by this method is evaluated as an anode for lithium ion batteries and delivers an enhanced reversible capacity of 764 mA h g −1 at the current density of 100 mA g −1 after 100 cycles, which is much higher than that of bare SnSe nanorods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) materials were prepared by pyrolyzing pyrrole in the presence of basic magnesium carbonate at 400–700°C. Three kinds of C–N bonding patterns, namely pyridinic-, pyrrolic-, and graphitic-type N, are present in NC products. The pyrolysis temperature has an intensive influence on the contents of three nitrogen species. It is found that NC-700, containing the highest content (3.87at%) of graphitic-type N, exhibits the best discrimination ability for ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), and uric acid (UA). Differential pulse voltammetry study reveal that the detection limit (S/N=3) can reach 0.090µM for DA even in the presence of 1000µM AA and 200µM UA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Well dispersed CdCO3/carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) nanocomposites are synthesized via a facile solution method. As a novel anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the CdCO3/CNTs nanocomposites deliver an initial reversible capacity of 876mAhg−1 and a better cycle ability. The superior electrochemical performance can be attributed to its unique hierarchy architecture, which facilitate the electron transport and accommodate the large volume change during the alloying/de-alloying reactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Li2MnSiO4/C nanocomposite is successfully synthesized by hydrothermal reaction at 150°C for 48h and then annealed at 650°C in the presence of citric acid. Interestingly, the hydrothermal synthesized Li2MnSiO4 shows a shuttle-like shape, which is composed of primary particles with average size of 50–100nm. After carbon coating, these nanoparticles are separated from the secondary particles, and the thickness of carbon layer is about 2–4nm. The Li2MnSiO4/C nanocomposite delivers an improved high electronic conductivity and an enhanced electrochemical behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Well dispersed MnCO3/carboxylated carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites are prepared by a facile solution precipitation method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations show that due to heterogeneous nucleation sizes the addition of carboxylated CNT is able to suppress growth of MnCO3 particles, resulting in formation of nano-sized particles. Electrochemical characterization of lithiation/delithiation of the MnCO3/CNT nanocomposites reveals a large capacity of 772mAhg−1 for the first cycle with 84% capacity retention after 100 cycles. The superior electrochemical performance of the MnCO3/CNT nanocomposites electrode compared to the pure MnCO3 electrode can be attributed to super-fine particles and good conductivity due to the presence of CNTs. Their large surface area facilitates fast lithium ion and electron transport and accommodates the big volume change during the conversion reactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electrochemical performance of LiMn2O4 is improved by the surface coating of nano-Li3PO4 via ball milling and high-temperature heating. The Li3PO4-coated LiMn2O4 powders are characterized by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). At 55°C, capacity retention of 85% after 100cycles was obtained for Li/Li3PO4-coated LiMn2O4 electrode at 1C rate, while that of pristine sample was only 65.6%. The Li/Li3PO4-coated LiMn2O4 electrode also showed improved rate capability especially at high C rates. At 5C-rates, the delivered capacities of pristine and Li3PO4-coated LiMn2O4 electrodes were 80.7mAh/g and 112.4mAh/g, respectively. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicates that the charge transfer resistance for Li/Li3PO4-coated LiMn2O4 cell was reduced compared to Li/LiMn2O4 cell. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes with larger diameter of about 160 nm have been synthesized through catalytic decomposition of polypropylene and maleated polypropylene using Ni as catalysts in autoclave at 700 °C. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) images reveal the morphologies and structures of carbon nanotubes. The possible growth process of carbon nanotubes was also discussed. The results indicate that reaction temperature, maleated polypropylene and Ni catalysts play key roles in the synthesis of large diameters carbon nanotubes. Also, using waste polypropylene as starting material for preparing carbon nanotubes is feasible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a new synthetic route to hybridize ZnS semiconductor nanoparticles and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based electrospinning nanofibers. At first, zinc ions are introduced onto the surface of carboxylic PVA nanofibers. Then sulfide ions are added to react with zinc ions to form ZnS nanoparticles. The average diameter of the nanofibers is about 300 nm, and the diameter of the ZnS nanoparticles is about 5 nm. The photoluminescence spectrum of ZnS/carboxylic PVA nanocomposites has a 60 nm blue shift compared with that of the corresponding bulk ZnS sample. The carboxylic PVA enhances the quantum effects of the ZnS nanoparticles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Spinel LiMn2O4 crystal with the grain sizes of about 15 nm is firstly synthesized by hydrothermal route at 180 °C using MnO2 as a precursor. The LiMn2O4 powders synthesized by hydrothermal technique and sol–gel reaction were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The LiMn2O4 samples were used as cathode materials for lithium-ion battery, whose electrochemical properties were investigated. The results show that the sample obtained by hydrothermal route has higher capacity than that prepared by sol–gel method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The spherical ZnS and flower-like CdS microcrystallites are prepared by a convenient hydrothermal process through the reactions of Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O or Cd(CH3COO)2·2H2O with S and NaH2PO2·H2O in aqueous solution at 180 °C for 12 h. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to confirm the cubic phases of the ZnS and CdS microcrystallites. Their chemical compositions are characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show the morphologies of the as-synthesized ZnS and CdS. The photoluminescence spectra (PL) exhibit their optical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Flowerlike ZnO nanostructures were prepared by a PEG2000 and urea-assisted hydrothermal process at 140 °C. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectrum. Results show that urea played a significant role in the formation of ZnO nanostructures. A preliminary explanation of the mechanism is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Zinc sulfide hollow microspheres were synthesized via a solvothermal route. The products were characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) techniques. The results showed that the as-prepared ZnS hollow spheres have uniform size about 2–3 μm in diameter and have been formed through the aggregation of ZnS nanocrystals. The optical property of the products was also recorded by means of photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanocrystalline vanadium nitride (VN) was prepared by a direct thermal liquid–solid reaction between vanadium chloride (VCl4) and sodium azide (NaN3) at 600 °C. Characterized by XRD, TEM, XPS and PL, the composition and morphology of the product were confirmed. The possible reaction mechanism was also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: PbS nanocubic and dendritic crystals were successfully prepared by a complex solvothermal synthetic route using Pb(NO3)2 and dithizone as reagents and ethylenediamine as solvent. The complex precursor was found to effectively play an important role in the morphologies of PbS crystals. Investigations suggest that the nanocubes (diameter range of 70 nm) were obtained under high flux of monomers in relative short reaction duration, and the dendrites were formed through an oriented attachment growth from the cubes under a subsequent process. Scanning electron microscope studies show that the dendrites have three-dimensional eight-horn-shaped dendritic structure. The influence of the reaction temperature, duration and precursors has been discussed. On the basis of the experimental results, a growth mechanism of the PbS crystals was proposed, which was supported by the technical characterizations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Crystalline silver nanowires, with diameters of 100–500 nm and lengths up to tens of micrometer, were synthesized via a reaction of Cu2O and AgNO3 in aqueous solution mixed with ethanol at room temperature. Cu2O was used as reducing agent. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The possible mechanism for the formation of silver nanowires is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Novel copper sulfide nanocones and nanobelts have been hydrothermally fabricated at 140 °C for 24 h with acrylamide and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) as surfactants, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern indicates that the as-prepared samples are the pure hexagonal phase CuS. XPS spectra show that the ratio of Cu/S is about 1:1.084. The morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images reveal that nanocones and nanobelts grow along the [110] axis. The surfactant is found to be critical to the morphologies of the products. The possible formation mechanism is also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Novel skeletal silver with netlike structure was synthesized via a seed-mediated solution phase process. The initial step is the formation of Ag nanoparticles by reducing AgNO3 with hydrazine hydrate. The Ag nanoparticles serve as seeds for the nucleation and growth of silver produced by reducing AgNO3 with Raney nickel. Raney Ni and Ag seeds are key factors in producing Ag skeleton structure. The product was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) nanowires and nanorods were synthesized by a co-precipitation-anneal process. Both the nanowires and the nanorods had nearly uniform diameter of ca. 60 nm. The nanowires had long and straight morphology with length up to several micrometers. Moreover, the products were the ITO with corundum structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nanocrystalline CdE (E=Se, Te) has been successfully synthesized by employing chalcogenites (Na2SeO3 and K2TeO3) as chalcogen sources via γ-irradiation route in the presence of ammonia at room temperature. In the procedures, SeO32− and TeO32− anions were gradually reduced to release Se2− and Te2− in the irradiation field, and then the reduced Se2− or Te2− was combined with Cd2+ ions to produce CdE. The final products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lead tungstate (PbWO4), an important inorganic scintillator, was synthesized via a mild hydrothermal reaction route. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to characterize the products. The effects of solvents, reagents, reaction temperature, and time on the formation of the PbWO4 nanocrystalites were investigated. The examination of photoluminescence (PL) property of the as-prepared samples revealed that the PL of the as-prepared PbWO4 nanocrystalites was strongly dependent on the preparation conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Millerite NiS nanocrystals have been prepared through the solvent (hydro-) thermal method. The XRD patterns indicated that the products were pure millerite NiS with cell parameters a=9.624(4) A˚, c=3.150(1) A˚. Using ethylenediamine and hydrazine hydrate as solvent resulted in the formation of rod-like nanocrystalline NiS, whereas spherical nanoparticles were obtained using aqueous ammonia as solvent. The products obtained have relatively high surface areas, which favors the application in catalysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: ZnCO3 nanoparticle aggregations with porous morphology are prepared via a facile solid-state metathesis reaction in ambient environments. For the first time, ZnCO3 is characterized as a novel anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The porous ZnCO3 delivers an initial reversible capacity of 735mAhg−1 and good rate ability. The good electrochemical performance can be attributed to its unique hierarchy architecture, which facilitates the ion transport and buffers the large volume change during the alloying/de-alloying reactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Phosphorus-doped mesoporous carbon was successfully synthesized from waste tires. • Phosphorus-doped mesoporous carbon was used as anode materials for KIBs. • The doped mesoporous carbon showed a capacity of 128.5 mA h/g at 500 mA/g. Recycling of waste tires is an important technology due to the health and environmental problems caused by them. Herein, we developed a low-cost method to prepare phosphorus-doped mesoporous carbon (PMC) by a preferred phosphoric acid treatment and high temperature calcination process of waste tires. After doping with phosphorus, the PMC electrode exhibited improved reversible capacity (181.8 mA h/g @ 100 mA/g) and good rate performance. It still delivers a specific capacity of 128.5 mA h/g when cycled under 500 mA/g. The increased performance of PMC was owing to the joint effect of phosphorus doping and mesoporous structure, which could shorten the transport path of K+ and improve the electrochemical reactivity for potassium batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ca9Co12O28 nanoparticles with size of about 25nm were prepared by Pechini process at 850°C for 4h. The as-obtained nanoparticles demonstrated initial charge/discharge capacities of 908 and 816mAh/g and a stable discharge capacity of 210mAh/g after 50 cycles. Different morphologies of Ca9Co12O28 as multilayer structure and micro-plates were also obtained by solid-state reaction and coprecipitation-precursor technique at 850°C for 20h. When they were studied in the charge/discharge experiments of lithium ion batteries, the initial discharge capacities reached values of 762 and 790mAh/g, together with stable discharge capacities of 141 and 151mAh/g after 50 cycles, respectively, which were both lower than those of nanoparticles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Spinel LiMn2O4 nanorods have been synthesized through a solid state reaction at 700°C for 10h by using MnOOH nanorods as the template which were obtained by a hydrothermal route. LiMn2O4 nanorods have diameters of 80–170nm and lengths of several micrometers. Galvanostatic battery testing shows that the synthesized LiMn2O4 nanorods can deliver high capacity and good cycle stability (107 and 94mAh g−1 at current rate 1C and 5C up to 50 cycles, respectively) in the potential window of 3.0–4.3V. Such good performances may be due to the favorable morphology and the raw material of MnOOH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: LiFePO4 nanopolyhedrons with the size of ~200nm have been solvothermally synthesized in the binary solvent of benzyl alcohol and ethylene glycol. As citric acid added, microellipsoids with an average size of 1μm were formed. LiFePO4 nanopolyhedrons and microellipsoids were coated by carbon layers using cellulose acetate as carbon source. Electrochemical measurements showed that the LiFePO4/C nanopolyhedrons could deliver a discharge capacity of 145mAhg−1 under 1C and had a capacity decay rate of <11% after 200 cycles, while the LiFePO4/C microellipsoids had a discharge capacity of 123mAhg−1 under 1C and the capacity decay rate was less than 8% after 200 cycles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Graphene nanosheets (GS) had been solvothermally synthesized through reducing hexachloro-1,3-butadiene (C4Cl6) by metallic sodium (Na) in polyethylene glycol-600 (PEG-600) at 300°C. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) investigations indicated that 1–3 graphite layers could be observed. The Raman spectrum showed that the peak of 2D band at 2693cm−1 of GS had a smaller wave number and stronger intensity compared to the 2717cm−1 of commercial graphitic flakes. Meanwhile, the ID/IG value of GS was 0.40 indicating a lower density of defects of GS. The possible reaction process was that C4Cl6 was dechlorinated by Na in the presence of PEG-600 to produce carbon framework, then these newly produced carbon framework would connect to each other to form the hexagonal network of graphene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Urchin-like Fe3BO5@carbon core–shell structures (defined as “FBOC”) have been fabricated by a one-step co-pyrolysis method using boric acid and ferrocene as raw materials. This complex architecture is composed of high-density Fe3BO5@carbon nanocables that stand on Fe3BO5@carbon structure. After removing the Fe3BO5, hollow urchin-like carbon material was obtained. In the reaction process, B2O3 and H2O that decomposed from H3BO3 have synergistic effect on the formation of urchin-like structures. It is found that urchin-like structures can also be obtained when other materials that can release H2O and B2O3 react with ferrocene. The influences of the reaction conditions on the preparation of FBOC have been discussed in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rhombohedra microcrystallites of magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) have been hydrothermally synthesized by urea and magnesium sources (Mg, MgCl2, Mg(OH)2, MgSO4, and MgO) at 160°C. The experimental parameters such as reaction temperature, time, and reactants were researched to investigate the reaction mechanism. The product synthesized by Mg powder was about 10μm, and the diameters of the products synthesized by Mg(OH)2 and MgSO4 were about 1–2μm. The product could transfer from the mixture of MgCO3, Mg(OH)2, Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·4H2O to pure MgCO3 by increasing reaction time or raising reaction temperature, which indicates that Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·4H2O was just the intermediate product, and MgCO3 was the final product. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hierarchical cobalt dendrites with ferromagnetic properties have been synthesized by using the in situ produced cobalt carbonate together with cobalt oxalate as precursor and hypophosphite (H2PO2 −) as the reducing agent in mixed solutions at 160 °C. XRD and SAED patterns reveal that the as-prepared cobalt dendrites have a single-crystalline structure with a [001] growth orientation. The shape evolution of the hierarchical cobalt dendrites was investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Single-crystalline 3C–SiC nanowires have been synthesized in large scale through a one-step autoclave route by the reaction of SiCl4, (C5H5)2Fe and metallic Na at 500 °C. Electron microscopy investigations show that the nanowires have typical diameters of 15–50 nm, lengths up to several tens of micrometers and grow along the [111] direction. The possible growth mechanism of the nanowires is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Flower-like microstructures of ferromagnetic Ni nanotips have been synthesized in aqueous solution at 140 °C for 12 h. XRD pattern indicated the sample is cubic Ni with lattice constant a =3.514 Å. FE-SEM shown the formation process of Ni sample. Room temperature magnetic characterization of as-prepared Ni sample demonstrates much enhanced ferromagnetic property. The hydrazine hydrate was used as reduced agent and ligand in present synthesis, the possible formation mechanism was also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Niobium diboride (NbB2) nanorods have been successfully synthesized by the reaction of NbCl5 with NaBH4 in the temperature range of 550–650 °C in an autoclave. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron diffraction show that the as-prepared products are NbB2. Transmission electron micrographs shows that the average diameter of samples are in the range of 50–60 nm and the length is up to 600 nm. The mechanism for the formation of crystalline NbB2 is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanocrystalline boron nitride (BN) was prepared by the reaction of BBr3 and Mg3N2 at 400 °C. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) patterns can be indexed as hexagonal BN with the lattice constants of a=2.504 and c=6.671 Å. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed whisker-like and flake-like morphology. The product was also characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nanocrystalline boron nitride (BN) with needle-like morphology has been synthesized by reacting amorphous B powder with NaN3. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Zirconium phosphide (ZrP) has been synthesized via a sodium co reduction of ZrCl4 and PCl3 at 350 °C. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) pattern can be indexed as cubic ZrP with the lattice constant a=5.25 Å. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image indicates the product has dendritic morphology and hexagonal flakes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nanocrystalline vanadium diboride (VB2) were successfully synthesized at 650 °C through a solid state reaction. The synthesis was carried out by reacting VCl4 with NaBH4 and Mg in an autoclave. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern indicates the formation of hexagonal VB2. An atomic ratio of B to V of 2.11:1.0 is determined from X-ray photoelectron spectra. Transmission electron microscopy image shows that typical VB2 crystallites are composed of uniform particles with the grain size in the range of 50–100 nm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]