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Ferric chloride-graphite intercalation compounds (FeCl3 -GICs) with stage 1 and stage 2 structures were synthesized by reacting FeCl3 and expanded graphite (EG) in air in a stainless-steel autoclave. As rechargeable Li-ion batteries, these FeCl3 -GICs exhibit high capacity, excellent cycling stability, and superior rate capability, which could be attributed to their unique intercalation features. This work may enable new possibilities for the fabrication of Li-ion batteries., (Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

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: A Cu@carbon (Cu@C) spherical core–shell structure has been synthesized from carbonaceous matrices containing embedded copper particles by thermal treatment at 600°C under an argon atmosphere. The matrices are prepared by reducing CuCl2 with vitamin C (VC) in the existence of polyacrylamide (PAM) at 180°C, accompanied by the partial carbonization of VC. It is found that small Cu nanoparticles with diameters of ∼3nm homogeneously disperse in the carbonaceous matrices. Subsequent thermal treatment at 600°C under an argon atmosphere leads to the diffusion of these Cu nanoparticles and further carbonization of carbonaceous matrices to form a Cu@C core–shell structure. The core–shell ratio can be controlled by varying the dose of CuCl2, VC, or PAM. It is found that the carbon shell can effectively shield the metallic Cu core from oxidation in the mixed solution of dilute hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chromium silicide (Cr3Si) nanorods were successfully synthesized using anhydrous chromium trichloride and silicon tetrachloride as starting materials via a co-reduction route at 600 °C in an autoclave. X-ray powder diffraction pattern indicated that the product was cubic Cr3Si (a=4.555 Å). Transmission electron microscope images indicated that the sample consisted of single-crystalline nanorods with a diameter of 40–80 nm, an average length of about 600 nm and a maximum length of about 1.0 μm. The oxidation of Cr3Si began to proceed at the temperature of 650 °C in air, but the product had a high thermal oxidation stability below 1000 °C due to the formed protective layer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pb5S2I6 whiskers and tubules were synthesized from the reaction among lead chloride, thiourea, and excess sodium iodide under hydrothermal conditions at 200 °C for 20–40 h. XRD, SEM, XPS, ICP-AES, and TEM characterized the final products. Most products are whiskers with structure of 3–4 mm in length, 0.5–2.0 μm in diameter for a singular one. Meanwhile, about 10% tubules are produced in the process. The tubules are 3–6 mm in length, 8–20 μm in diameter, and 1–3 μm in thickness. Nanowhiskers were also produced in the route at 180–200 °C for 8–10 h. Raman spectra show that the Pb5S2I6 crystals have complex vibrational modes of PbS and PbI2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]