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In this work, a nano-sized goethite and zinc oxide hetero-structure (FeOOH@ZnO) dispersed on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets was synthesized for the first time to construct a ternary composite (FeOOH@ZnO/RGO) via a stepped graphene oxide (GO) deoxygenation process. Ferrous ions (Fe2+) and metal Zn were employed as reducing agents, which were transformed into FeOOH and ZnO nanoparticles, respectively, to form a hetero-structure in the reaction. Particularly, the size of the nanoparticles could be controlled by limiting the growth kinetics in this work. As a result, a porous RGO architecture was constructed with well-dispersed hetero-structured nanoparticles consisting of encapsulated FeOOH and ZnO nanocrystals. The FeOOH@ZnO/RGO composite exhibited unique lithium-ion storage properties as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Also, compared with the binary FeOOH/RGO and ZnO/RGO composites, the ternary FeOOH@ZnO/RGO composite showed the best battery performance as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries and the best photo-Fenton degradation activity toward methylene blue (MB) degradation under simulated sunlight irradiation. The preparation route for the FeOOH@ZnO/RGO composite is straightforward, effective and has great potential to be scaled-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chelation reaction between LS-Na and SnCl 2 under mild hydrothermal condition generates the SnCl 2 @LS sample with a uniform distribution of Sn2+ in the LS domains, which can be further dispersed by GO sheets via a redox coprecipitation reaction. After thermal treatment, the SnCl 2 @LS@GO sample can be converted to the SnO 2 /LSC/RGO composite with improved micro-structure. [Display omitted] Tin dioxide (SnO 2) is widely recognized as a high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries. To simultaneously achieve satisfactory electrochemical performances and lower manufacturing costs, engineering nano-sized SnO 2 and further immobilizing SnO 2 with supportive carbon frameworks via eco-friendly and cost-effective approaches are challenging tasks. In this work, biomass sodium lignosulfonate (LS-Na), stannous chloride (SnCl 2) and a small amount of few-layered graphene oxide (GO) are employed as raw materials to engineer a hierarchical carbon framework supported SnO 2 nanocomposite. The spontaneous chelation reaction between LS-Na and SnCl 2 under mild hydrothermal condition generates the corresponding SnCl 2 @LS sample with a uniform distribution of Sn2+ in the LS domains, and the SnCl 2 @LS sample is further dispersed by GO sheets via a redox coprecipitation reaction. After a thermal treatment, the SnCl 2 @LS@GO sample is converted to the final SnO 2 /LSC/RGO sample with an improved microstructure. The SnO 2 /LSC/RGO nanocomposite exhibits excellent lithium-ion storage performances with a high specific capacity of 938.3 mAh/g after 600 cycles at 1000 mA g−1 in half-cells and 517.1 mAh/g after 50 cycles at 200 mA g−1 in full-cells. This work provides a potential strategy of engineering biomass derived high-performance electrode materials for rechargeable batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing scalable, simple and low-cost synthesis approach for Si nanoparticles and fabricating Si/carbon composites with specific microstructure to improve the Li storage ability are of great significance for practical application of Si-based Li-ion battery anode. In this report, we employed a facile method to synthesize Si nanoparticles via acid-etching Al-Si alloy powder. The etching process was fully investigated. The as-synthesized Si nanoparticles (∼10 nm) were further embedded into graphene sheets to form a flexible, free-standing paper with “sandwich-like” structure. The Si/graphene paper was directly applied as anode for Li-ion batteries without adding any binder and conductive additive. The graphene sheets not only increase the conductivity of Si material, but also function as a flexible scaffold for strains/stresses release and volume expansion during charge/discharge cycling process, resulting in much higher cycling stability (1500 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g −1 with Coulombic efficiency >99%) compared to the native Si nanoparticles. It provides a scalable Si nanoparticles synthesis approach and a promising high-performance Si/graphene anode material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly efficient resource recycling and comprehensive utilization play a crucial role in achieving the goal of reducing resource wasting, environmental protection, and achieving goal of sustainable development. In this work, the two kinds waste resources of agricultural rice husk and metal ions (Co, Ni, and Mn) from spent lithium-ion batteries have been skillfully utilized to synthesize novel Fenton-like catalysts. Desiliconized rice husk carbon (DRHC) with rich pore structure and large specific surface area from rice husk has been prepared and used as scalable carrier, and dandelion-like nanoparticles cluster could be grown in situ on the surface of the carrier by using metal ions contained waste water. The designed catalysts (X@DRHC) as well as their preparation process were characterized in detail by SEM, TEM, BET, XRD and XPS, respectively. Meanwhile, their catalytic abilities were also studied by activating potassium peroxomonosulfate (PMS) to remove methylene blue (MB). The results indicate X@DRHC displays excellent degradation efficiency on MB with wide pH range and stable reusability, which is suitable for the degradation of various dyes. This work has realized the recycling and high-value utilization of waste resources from biomass and spent lithium-ion batteries, which not only creates an efficient way to dispose waste resources, but also shows high economic benefits in large-scale water treatment. [Display omitted] • Two waste resources of rice husk and metal ions from spent lithium-ion batteries have been skillfully utilized. • Novel Fenton-like catalyst with in situ grown dandelion-like nanoparticles cluster has been synthesized. • The growth rules of X@DRHC has been studied and concluded. • The designed catalyst shows excellent degradation efficiency with wide pH range and stable reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]