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Abstract: We demonstrate the synthesis of order-aligned Mn3O4 nanostructures by electrochemically depositing Mn3O4 on a pre-fabricated Cu nanowire array current collector. When used as an electrode for lithium-ion batteries, it exhibits a capacity up to 637 and 494 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at a current rate of 10 C and 20 C (10 C = 9.4 A g−1), respectively. The excellent cycling performance and superior rate capability can be attributed to the good electrical contact, fast electron transport and good strain accommodation of the order-aligned nanostructured electrodes. The relationship between the thickness of the Mn3O4 film and its electrochemical performance has also been investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have demonstrated large-scale synthesis of Si nanowire arrays (SiNA) on Ti substrate and their application as high-performance anode of Li-ion batteries. SiNA were controllably synthesized through hot-filament chemical vapour deposition (HFCVD) using Au films of different thickness as a catalyst. We found that the thickness of the Au film based catalysts played important role in controlling the morphology of Si nanostructures. The thick Au layer (e.g., 50nm) resulted in the formation of the SiNA, while the thin Au layer (e.g., 5nm) led to the disordered Si nanowires. The as-synthesized SiNA exhibited large reversible capacity (3600mAhg−1) and high initial Coulombic efficiency (86.4%), which is much better than the disordered Si nanowires. The good contact and adhesion of SiNA with current collectors, as well as excellent strain accommodation might be responsible for the enhanced performance as anode of Li-ion batteries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The umbrella-like ZnO nanostructures have been prepared by the morphological tailoring in the aqueous solution at 95°C in the addition of heterogeneous seeds such as MnO2 and CdS nanoparticles. The morphology and structure of as-synthesized umbrella-like ZnO nanostructures have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The heterogeneous seeds play the critical role for the formation of umbrella-like ZnO nanostructures. Furthermore, the formation mechanism of the umbrella-like nanostructures has been phenomenally presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]