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Main observation and conclusion: There is no doubt that SiOx and carbon composite is one of the promising anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries owing to its high capacity and rational cycling stability. Herein, we report a sol‐gel synthesis followed by molten salt carbonization route to fabricate graphene‐like carbon nanosheet wrapped SiOx/C submicrospheres (SiOx/C@2D‐C). The in‐situ generated carbon nanosheets under molten salt condition can further improve the electroconductivity, restrain the volumetric expansion and guarantee the structural integrity of the electrode. As a result, the as‐obtained SiOx/C@2D‐C delivers a discharge capacity of 559 mAh·g−1 at 0.5 A·g−1 after 200 cycles and 548 mAh·g–1 at 1.0 A·g−1 even after 1000 cycles. The full cell assembled with SiOx/C@2D‐C as anode and commercial LiFePO4 as cathode can achieve an energy density of 200 Wh·kg−1 and maintain a capacity of 66.7% after 100 cycles with a working potential of 2.8 V. The approach is simple and cost effective, which is promising for mass production of SiOx‐based materials for high energy LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal Selenides with layer structure has obvious advantages to store guest alkaline metal ions, promote cycling stability and accelerate diffusion kinetics when applied as electrode for batteries. Among them, layer structured Bi 2 Se 3 with large interlayer spacing is expect to have potential applications in rechargeable batteries. In this study, Bi 2 Se 3 @NC composite with lollipop-like structure was synthesized by conveniently hydrothermal combined subsequent selenization process and then applied as high-performance anodes for both PIBs and LIBs. The synergistic effects between Bi 2 Se 3 and N-doped carbon shell endow it excellent performances anode for PIBs (~ 201.2 mA h g−1 after 1200 cycles at 100 mA g−1, and 130.5 mA h g−1 after 2000 cycles at high current density of 1000 mA g−1). Bi 2 Se 3 @NC also exhibited outstanding performance as anode for LIBs (~ 1005.8 mA h g−1 after 300 cycles at 100 mA g−1). The reaction kinetics analyses results revealed that pseudocapacitance contribution play important role for the excellent electrochemical performances. It is worth to note that the Bi 2 Se 3 @NC//PTCDA-450 potassium-ion full cells were successfully assembled, and 122.3 mA h g−1 was remained after 200 cycles at 100 mA g−1 (the coulombic efficiency can keep at ~ 100%). In addition, ex-situ X-ray diffraction and HRTEM were adopted to explore the phase evolution of Bi 2 Se 3 @NC during charge-discharge processes and density functional theory (DFT)-based first-principle calculations reveal that Bi 2 Se 3 has a lower diffusion barrier and adsorption energy than that of Bi 2 O 3. These results prove the merits of Bi 2 Se 3 @NC and its application potential as suitable anode material for half/full PIBs and LIBs. Lollipop-like structure of Bi 2 Se 3 @NC as anode for half/full PIBs has remarkable performances. [Display omitted] • The formation process of Bi 2 Se 3 @NC with lollipop-like structure was studied. • The advantages of Bi 2 Se 3 was revealed based on density functional theory (DFT). • Bi 2 Se 3 @NC//PTCDA-450 full PIBs cell has remarkable electrochemical performance. • Lollipop-like of Bi 2 Se 3 @NC acted as multifunctional material for both PIBs and LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ultrathin Co-B i nanosheets intimately grown on reduced graphene oxides composite was conveniently fabricated. • The obtained composite has effective performance for regulating polysulfides for the first time. • Outstanding cycling stability and a high sulfur mass loading of 9.5 mg cm−2 was achieved. • The strong binding strength and electrocatalysis effect of the composite is confirmed by DFT calculations. Co-B i /rGO composite has been reported for the first time to regulate the polysulfide intermediates, which delivers a high capacity of 1334 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C, impressive rate performance up to 8 C, outstanding cycling stability over 500 cycles at 1 C, and remarkable areal capacity of 8.3 mAh cm−2 with a high sulfur mass loading of 9.5 mg cm−2. [Display omitted] The practical application of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries is hindered by the nonconductivity of sulfur, sluggish reaction kinetics and polysulfide shuttling. The liquid lithium polysulfide intermediates, connecting the Li–S battery electrochemical reaction of sulfur to Li 2 S, play a decisive role on battery performance. Herein, Co-B i nanosheets intimately grown on reduced graphene oxides (Co-B i /rGO) composite has been reported for the first time to regulate the polysulfide intermediates. The Co-B i could not only chemically trap polysulfides but also propel the acceleration of polysulfide conversion enabled by a lower free energy and decomposition energy barrier in Li–S reaction process. Therefore, the Co-B i /rGO–S cathode delivers a high capacity of 1334 mAh g–1 at 0.2 C, impressive rate performance up to 8 C, outstanding cycling stability over 500 cycles at 1 C, and remarkable areal capacity of 8.3 mAh cm–2 with a high sulfur mass loading of 9.5 mg cm–2. The chemical binding strength, the Gibbs free energy and the energy barrier for transition state from theoretical calculations give a deep insight of polysulfide regulation by Co-B i. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main observation and conclusion: There is no doubt that SiOx and carbon composite is one of the promising anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries owing to its high capacity and rational cycling stability. Herein, we report a sol‐gel synthesis followed by molten salt carbonization route to fabricate graphene‐like carbon nanosheet wrapped SiOx/C submicrospheres (SiOx/C@2D‐C). The in‐situ generated carbon nanosheets under molten salt condition can further improve the electroconductivity, restrain the volumetric expansion and guarantee the structural integrity of the electrode. As a result, the as‐obtained SiOx/C@2D‐C delivers a discharge capacity of 559 mAh·g−1 at 0.5 A·g−1 after 200 cycles and 548 mAh·g–1 at 1.0 A·g−1 even after 1000 cycles. The full cell assembled with SiOx/C@2D‐C as anode and commercial LiFePO4 as cathode can achieve an energy density of 200 Wh·kg−1 and maintain a capacity of 66.7% after 100 cycles with a working potential of 2.8 V. The approach is simple and cost effective, which is promising for mass production of SiOx‐based materials for high energy LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A facile and simple strategy for preparing WS 2 nanosheets with small sizes embedded on N-doped graphene. • The catalytic effect of WS 2 have been confirmed by the ingenious combination of dynamic tests and theoretical calculations. • The superior Li-S batteries performance contributed by the WS 2. Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) regarded as the most potential energy storage system, are severely restricted by sluggish conversion kinetics and shuttle effect of lithium polysulfide (LiPS) for the practical application. In terms of these limitations, herein an in-situ grown WS 2 nanosheets embedded on N-doped graphene (WS 2 @NG) composite configuration is presented with remarkably catalytic effect for S hosts. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and electrochemical testing results synergistically indicate that the WS 2 @NG characterized by strongly interaction with LiPS species contributes to an effective inhabitation towards shuttle effect. In addition, the significant charge transfers between WS 2 and LiPS interface can reduce the energy barrier for the conversion between S and Li 2 S. Benefitting from these merits, the LSBs based on WS 2 @NG/S cathodes show remarkable rate performance with a capacity of 683 mAh g−1 at 5 C and impressive cyclic durability with a retained displayed capacity of 556 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 C. Even with a sulfur loading of 6.6 mg cm−2, the WS 2 @NG/S based LSBs can still deliver a high areal capacity of 8.9 mAh cm−2. These results demonstrate that the WS 2 @NG can act as multifunctional LiPS mediators to construct high-performance LSBs system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 2D TiO 2 is synthesized from Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene via one-step hydrothermal reaction. • A robust and flexible polymer/ TiO 2 hybrid gel electrolyte is designed. • 2D TiO 2 can improve the mechanical properties and ionic conductivity of gel. • The hybrid gel electrolyte can regulate Zn depositing/stripping. • Full Zn||PVA-Zn(CF 3 SO 3) 2 -TiO 2 ||V 2 O 5 cell exhibits enhanced performance. Gel electrolytes are key components for flexible energy storage devices. However, disadvantages such as poor ionic conductivity and mechanical behavior limit the practical applications of gel electrolytes. Herein, two-dimensional TiO 2 nanosheets are fabricated from Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene by a one-step hydrothermal reaction. The structure and component of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene can be easily controlled by modulating the synthesis conditions. Influences of TiO 2 nanosheets content in PVA-based gel electrolyte are explored, which brings higher ionic conductivity and better mechanical properties with suitable additive amount. As a consequence, with the hybrid gel electrolyte, highly stable Zn plating/stripping is achieved (over 3000 h at 0.5 mA cm−2). Full Zn||PVA-Zn(CF 3 SO 3) 2 -TiO 2 ||V 2 O 5 cell shows high capacity (216 mAh g−1 after 115 cycles) and excellent cycling performance. This work provides an alternative route to develop high performance hybrid gel electrolyte for flexible energy storage devices such as Li/Na/K/Zn and supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: MnO nanospheres encapsulated in carbon (MnO/C) composites were synthesized through a one-step solid state reaction between potassium permanganate and salicylic acid at 700°C, which could be transformed into MnO2 nanorods after being annealed in ambient atmosphere. Their formation mechanisms and electrochemical performances as anodes in Li-ion batteries (LIBs) were investigated. The first discharge capacity of MnO/C composites was 585.9mAhg−1, while that of MnO2 was 1269mAhg−1, indicating their potential applications in LIBs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cubic phase silicon carbide (3C-SiC) nanowires (labeled as “Sample 1”) with diameters ranging from 10nm to 80nm and lengths up to several micrometers were obtained by using CHI3, Si powder, and metallic Na as reactants at 230°C. In addition, SiC polyhedra (labeled as “Sample 2”) with smooth surfaces and diameters of 2–5μm were obtained by using the different amounts of the same reactants at 500°C. The room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra of Sample 1 and Sample 2 show strong ultraviolet emission peaks centered at 360nm and 354nm, respectively. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) curves reveal that the thermal stability (against air oxidation) of Sample 2 is better than Sample 1. The possible formation mechanisms of the products with distinct dimensions were briefly discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: NiS nanobelts of hexagonal phase have been hydrothermally synthesized starting from Ni(CH3COO)2·4H2O and Na2S2O3·5H2O at 200°C for 12h. The as-prepared nanobelts were 50nm thick, 70–200nm wide and more than 10μm long. As ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) added, in similar condition, 2μm NiS2 microspheres of cubic phase were prepared. However, as Ni2+/ ratio was 1:1 and the temperature was decreased to 160°C, 5μm NiS2 microspheres constructed of cuboids were formed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The transformation of Te nanotubes to CoTe2 nanotubes have been achieved through a solvothermal process in a mixed solvent of ethylene glycol (EG) and oleic acid (OA) at 200°C for 24h. Single crystalline Te nanotubes generated in situ could serve as the Te source and template, and then transformed as self-assembly CoTe2 nanotubes. In the unique reaction system, CoTe2 nanotubes were obtained when the volume ratio of EG and OA (V EG/V OA) was 5/3. The facile approach was extended to prepare other 1D telluride nanostructures, including CdTe, PbTe, Sb2Te3 and Bi2Te3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Silicon carbide (3C-SiC) nanocrystals were prepared starting from SiO2, C2H5OH, and metallic Mg in an autoclave at 200°C. X-ray diffraction patterns of the sample can be indexed as the cubic phase of SiC with the lattice constant a =4.357Å, in good agreement with the reported value (JCPDS card no. 29-1129; a =4.359Å). Transmission electron microscopy images show that the product mainly composed of nanowires with diameters in the range of 10–30nm and lengths up to tens of micrometers; High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images reveal that these 3C-SiC nanowires grow along [111] direction; As polyvinylpyrrolidine was added into the above reactant system, the final products obtained at 180°C were mixed 3C and 2H-SiC flakes. Thermal gravimetric analysis curves reveal that these two samples have thermal stability below 800°C, and room-temperature photoluminescence spectrum of the 3C-SiC sample show a strong emission peak centered at 403nm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hexagonal phase BiPO4 nano-cocoons and monoclinic phase BiPO4 nanorods have been synthesized in the mixed solvents of glycerol and distilled water with the volume ratio of 2:1 at 200°C. The solvothermal evolution process from hexagonal phase BiPO4 nano-cocoons to monoclinic phase BiPO4 nanorods was observed by varying the reaction time from 1 to 3h. In the hydrothermal condition at 160°C, the similar phase transformation from hexagonal phase BiPO4 to monoclinic phase BiPO4 was also observed, accompanying with a morphology transformation from nanorods to octahedron-like microcrystals. It was found that the volume ratio of glycerol to water in the solvothermal condition had a great impact on the shapes of products, while it had no influence on the formation of different phases. The fluorescence spectra of hexagonal phase BiPO4 nano-cocoons and monoclinic phase BiPO4 nanorods were also studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Highly crystalline rhombohedral boron nitride (r-BN) with regular triangular shapes were synthesized on a large scale in a stainless steel autoclave using B2O3 and NaNH2 as reactants at 600°C for 6h. The as-prepared BN triangular nanoplates have an average edge length of 400nm and the thickness of about 60nm. The photoluminescence measurements reveal that the r-BN products show strong yellow-green emission. The as-prepared r-BN has potential optical and optoelectronic applications in high temperature devices due to its excellent thermal stability and anti-oxidation properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polycrystalline InP hollow nanospheres with an average size of 520nm and shell thickness of about 110nm were obtained by acid treatment of In/InP core–shell nanospheres which were solvothermally synthesized in ethanolamine–water binary solution at 180°C. The sizes of InP hollow nanospheres increased with the increasing reactants quantities. Meanwhile the shell thicknesses of InP hollow nanospheres could be controlled by varying the quantity of yellow phosphorus. The process of In/InP core–shell nanospheres transforming into InP hollow nanospheres was also investigated. The InP products prepared in our experiments can emit blue light, which is different from previous reports and increases the potential application of InP nanomaterial. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Well-aligned arrays of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanowires were synthesized through the reduction of Cu(CH3COO)2 by ethylene glycol (EG) without the assistance of externally introduced template. The panorama of well-aligned arrays of Cu2O nanowires looks like a biscuit. These Cu2O nanowires are ∼30nm in diameter. A systematic investigation has been carried out to understand the factors influencing the phase composition and Cu2O morphologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bismuth sulfide nanorods were synthesized on a large scale via a simple self-sacrificing template route, by the direct reaction between the pre-prepared precursor metallic bismuth NT arrays and thiourea (Tu) in air at 100 ∘C for 16 h. XRD, TEM, SEM and HRTEM characterizations show that the prepared Bi2S3 samples are all phase pure and the Bi2S3 nanorods have uniform diameters of approximately 30–50 nm and lengths up to several micrometers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: ZnO nanowires (∼60%) and nanobelts (∼40%) have been fabricated on a large scale via a low temperature one-pot hydrothermal technique. Na2CO3 was introduced not only as alkaline source but also as a controllable reagent for the crystal growth of ZnO. The comparison experiment results indicate that the adding amount of Na2CO3 greatly affect the length/diameter aspect ratios of 1D ZnO nanocrystals. In addition, the introduction of surfactant SDSN was indispensable in controlling the growth of belt-like ZnO. Room temperature photoluminescence spectrum showed a weak UV band emission at 379nm and a strong broad yellow emission around 564nm. A possible mechanism on the formation of the ZnO nanowires was proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two kinds of new morphology of carbon nanomaterials, carbon nanocables and branched-nanobelts can been produced by pyrolyzing ethylene glycol monvethyl ether (CH3CH2OCH2CH2OH) with Fe as catalyst at 650–700°C. The carbon nanocables are made of two parts, the interior carbon nanowires encapsulated in the outer carbon nanotubes. For the nanocables, HRTEM images reveal that the crystallinity of the outer carbon nanotubes is better than that of the interior carbon nanowires. HRTEM image shows that the junctions of the branched-nanobelts are composed of graphitic layers that are almost perpendicular to the respective axis of the branched-nanobelts. The catalysts, temperature and reaction time were investigated. The possible growth mechanism for the as-synthesized carbon structures is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanowires of beta-Ag0.33V2O5 phase with high aspect ratio have been prepared by hydrothermal method at 180°C for 16h with equal moles of AgNO3 and NH4VO3. Acetic acid was used as an acidifying agent and pH value was between 1.8 and 2.3. X-ray diffraction pattern indicates that the sample is monoclinic phase akin to AgV6O15. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy shows that the nanowires have widths in the range of 70nm, thicknesses of 10nm and lengths of approximately several mm. X-ray photoelectron spectrum measurements further confirm the component of AgV6O15. TEM and HRTEM were further used to characterize the products. The obtained sample might find possible application as an electrode material in lithium ion batteries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Single-crystalline -MnO2 nanowires with diameters of 10–30nm and lengths ranging from 6 to 10μm have been successfully synthesized by hydrothermal treating a mixed solution of KMnO4 and NH4Cl at 140°C for 24h. The final products were characterized by XRD, FESEM, TEM and HRTEM. The effect of anion Cl− in the possible rolling formation mechanism was also briefly discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sb2O3 nanorods were successfully prepared via a mild hydrothermal route based on the reactions between SbCl3 and NH3·H2O in aqueous solution at 120–180°C for 12h. The as-prepared Sb2O3 nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelctron spectroscopy (XPS). Results showed that NH3·H2O played a significant role in the formation of Sb2O3 nanorods. The presence of NH3·H2O could greatly favor the reaction progress toward the right-hand side and led to the orientation growth of Sb2O3 nanorods. A possible mechanism for the formation of Sb2O3 nanocrystallites was discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new MnOOH precursor route has been developed to synthesize single-crystalline nanorods of tetragonal β-MnO2. Uniform γ-MnOOH nanorods were first prepared by reducing KMnO4 with KI under hydrothermal conditions at 120 °C. After calcination of the γ-MnOOH nanorods at 250 °C for 2 h in air, β-MnO2 nanorods retaining the morphologies of γ-MnOOH nanorods were obtained. The temperature, time and heating speed of calcination were found to be important for the morphologies of the β-MnO2 nanorods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

VOx·nH2O (2.0⩽x⩽2.5) nanoribbons have been synthesized by direct hydrothermal processing of the aqueous solution of NH4VO3 and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400) at pH 3.5–5.5. Techniques of XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, ED, and XPS have been used to characterize the structure, morphology, and composition of the nanoribbons. The VOx·nH2O nanoribbons are up to ∼200 μm in length, 100–150 nm in width, 20–30 nm in thickness, and grow along the [010] direction. The ratios of V4+ to V5+ in the products can be readily controlled by carefully adjusting the periods of reaction time. PEG carries the roles of both transport and reducing agent. A coordination self-assembly mechanism was proposed to elucidate the formation of the VOx·nH2O nanoribbons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel chemical synthetic route has been developed to prepare ZrC hollow nanospheres at 600°C, using ZrCl4 and C6Cl6 as source materials, and metallic Na as the reductant. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. And an in situ template reduction–carbonization mechanism for ZrC hollow nanospheres was proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sb aligned-nanowire bundles, tube-groove-like nanostructures and dendrites have been prepared via a low-temperature solvothermal metal-reduction route. It is found that solvent, reaction temperature and time play important roles in the morphology control of the final Sb products. The possible orientated aggregation growth mechanism was proposed for the formation of these three kinds of Sb nanocrystals with typical morphologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sb2S3 nanowires with high aspect ratios have been successfully prepared on a large scale using SbCl3 and Na2S as starting materials in ethylene glycol at 200°C for 10 h. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images and transmission electron microscopy images show that the nanowires have diameters in the range of 20–100 nm and lengths up to 50 μm. Diffuse reflection spectrum indicates that the as-prepared Sb2S3 nanowires have obvious quantum size effects. The effects of reaction parameters on the growth of nanowires were discussed. A possible mechanism on the formation of the Sb2S3 nanowires was proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hollow CdS nanospheres packed with square subunits were fabricated via microwave irradiation and pentaerythriol. The products were characterized with XRD, TEM, HRTEM, EDX and UV–vis spectrum. The results indicate that pentaerythriol is necessary in the formation of square subunits with high degree of crystallinity. A possible growth mechanism was proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A convenient hydrothermal decomposition process has been developed to prepare cupric oxide shuttle-like nanocrystals using CuCl2·H2O and NaOH as the starting materials. The product was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that the as-prepared CuO shuttle-like crystals have regular shape, uniform size distribution and with high yield. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A rapid and convenient polyol method has been proposed to synthesize foam-like CuInS2 nanocrystalline with extended, sponge-like, porous structure by refluxing CuCl2·2H2O, InCl3·4H2O and thiourea (Tu) in ethylene glycol at 195°C for 1 h. Studies found that the agitation state and the ratio of CuCl2 to InCl3 have great influence on the purity of the final products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cu3BiS3 nanorods with different aspect ratios were obtained via simple ethanol-thermal reactions between CuCl2·2H2O, BiCl3 and thiourea at relatively low temperature (160°C, 10 h). The as-prepared samples were characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectra. Studies found that the solvent has great influence on the aspect ratio of as-prepared Cu3BiS3 nanorods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Semiconducting Tin(II) monosulfide nanowires, nanorods and nanoparticles were successfully selectively prepared using SnCl2·2H2O and thiourea (Tu) as the raw materials by appropriately choosing different alkaline solution as reaction media. The SnS nanowires are uniform with diameters 30–70 nm and lengths 3–10 μm, the nanorods are about several micrometers long with average width of 60–200 nm and the nanoparticles have an even diameter of about 5–10 nm. Compared to the previous reports, the present method is relatively simple, without using complex apparatus, and manipulated conveniently, which may be favorable for industrial application in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The novel polygonal flake like Ag8SnS6 crystal, Cu2FeSnS4 flaky, and well-dispersed Cu2CoSnS4 nanoparticles were successfully prepared via a convenient hydrothermal reaction route at relatively low temperature, which was avoiding the use of high temperature treatments or toxic organic solvents. The products were characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectronic spectra (XPS) and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). It was found that the reaction temperature played a key role for the formation of the target products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mineral nanocrystalline Cu3BiS3 and Pb1−xBi2x/3S (or Bi0.22Pb0.89S1.22) have been prepared at low synthetic temperature of 100–150 °C by convenient hydrothermal decomposition process. X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectra, and element analysis were used to characterize and measure the samples. The as-prepared Cu3BiS3 sample consisted of whisker-like particles with an average size of 50×10 nm2 and the Pb1−xBi2x/3S sample displayed aggregative particles with size in the range of 30–50 nm. Preliminary results showed that the prepared precursors, reaction temperature and time played a role in the formation of the final products. A possible reaction mechanism was also discussed briefly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Single crystalline Bi2S3 nanorods have been prepared using a polyol method through reaction between bismuth nitrate and thiourea. The product was characterized using XRD, TEM and HRTEM. Side-by-side growth, dendritic growth and haystack form growth of Bi2S3 nanorods were observed in the samples grown in different alkaline media. The mechanism for the growth of Bi2S3 nanorods was discussed. [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: A simple biomolecule-assisted hydrothermal approach was developed to synthesize antimony sulfide nanowires. The strategy presented here is the application of l-cysteine, acting not as complexing agent but also as sulfur source. The experimental results indicate that the reaction temperature is of importance for obtaining pure antimony sulfide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]