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Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers are promising devices for hydrogen production from water splitting, but their performance and stability are still limited by various factors. This paper studies the effects of different structures on the performance of PEM electrolyzers, focusing on the working temperature, water conductivity, and the structure of bipolar plate. The results show that higher temperature and lower water conductivity enhance the electrolyzer performance, by increasing the catalyst activity and the proton transport. Moreover, a novel structure using a platinum-coated titanium mesh-based bipolar plate is proposed and tested. This structure improves the performance of the electrolyzer, by optimizing the mass transport, pressure drop, and water management in the electrolyzer. A 23-cell electrolyzer with this structure is developed and demonstrated. The electrolyzer achieves a high performance and stability, with a cell voltage of 1.742 V, a voltage efficiency of 85.0%, and a hydrogen production rate of 1.14 Nm3/h at 0.99 A/cm2. The observed cell voltage for the PEM electrolyzer is consistent with the documented range, typically spanning from 1.55 to 1.90 V at a current density of 0.99 A/cm2. This suggests that our bipolar plate design simplifies PEM electrolyzer manufacture while maintaining comparable performance to existing electrolyzers. [Display omitted] • Performance of PEM electrolyzers affected by different structures. • Higher temperature and lower water conductivity enhance performance. • Platinum-coated titanium mesh as flow field plate improves performance. • 23-cell electrolyzer with novel structure achieves high performance and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell (PEMEC) is a green and efficient method for producing hydrogen. The flow field structure is a critical factor affecting the performance of electrolysis. However, conventional processing of flow channels is complex and expensive, a novel PEMEC structure utilizing three-dimensional titanium meshes as flow distributors instead of flow channels is proposed. It is found to exhibit higher current density, pressure, hydrogen concentration, and lower temperature than the traditional parallel flow fields. The current density is improved by 88.2 mA/cm2 and the energy consumption is reduced by 0.15 kW h N−1·m−3 at 1.9 V. Based on the uniformity index, the new structure is found to improve the current and temperature uniformity by 20.6% and 13.4%, respectively, when compared to the parallel flow field structure. Additionally, the physical properties of the mesh layers are studied in terms of their influence on electrolysis performance. The increase in porosity and decrease in thickness can enhance the performance of the cell. The results show that a structure with titanium meshes is more beneficial for improving the heat and mass transfer performance and optimizing uniform distribution than the parallel channels, which provides a new direction for the design of electrolysis cell structures. • A novel PEMEC structure with Ti meshes as flow distributors is proposed. • The new structure improves current and temperature uniformity by 20.6% and 13.4%, respectively. • The energy consumption is reduced by 0.09 kW h N−1·m−3 at 1.7 V. • Increasing porosity and decreasing thickness of mesh layers can improve the performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocompatible polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), despite fulfilling biomedical aspects, lack the mechanical strength needed for hard-tissue implant applications. This gap can be closed by using composites with metallic reinforcements, as their adaptable mechanical properties can overcome this problem. Keeping this in mind, novel Ti-mesh-reinforced PMMA composites were developed. The influence of the orientation and volume fraction of the mesh on the mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. The composites were prepared by adding Ti meshes between PMMA layers, cured by hot-pressing above the glass transition temperature of PMMA, where the interdiffusion of PMMA through the spaces in the Ti mesh provided sufficient mechanical clamping and adhesion between the layers. The increase in the volume fraction of Ti led to a tremendous improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites. A significant anisotropic behaviour was analysed depending on the direction of the mesh. Furthermore, the shaping possibilities of these composites were investigated via four-point bending tests. High shaping possibility was found for these composites when they were shaped at elevated temperature. These promising results show the potential of these materials to be used for patient-specific implant applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly ordered TiO2 nanotube (NT) arrays grown on Ti mesh and Ti foil were successfully prepared by a controlled anodic oxidation process and tested for water photo-electrolysis. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), combined with other electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry) in tests performed in the dark and under illumination conditions, was used to correlate the photoactivity to the specific charge transfer resistances associated with a 3D (mesh) or 2D (foil) geometry of the support. The peculiar structure of the nanotubes in the mesh (with better light absorption and faster electron transport along the nanotubes) strongly impacts the catalytic performances under illumination. H2 production and current density in water photo-electrolysis were over three times higher with the TiO2NTs/Ti mesh, compared to the foil in the same conditions. The results obtained by the EIS technique, used here for the first time to directly compare TiO2 nanotubes on two different supports (Ti foil and Ti mesh), led to a better understanding of the electronic properties of TiO2 nanotubes and the effect of a specific support on its photocatalytic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Polyhydride electrocatalysts integrated directly into metal substrates have attracted attention because they can provide high electrochemical specific surface area and excellent mechanical properties. In this work, through the classical hydrothermal method and subsequent phosphating procedure, we synthesized for the first time an electrocatalyst with a pyramid‐shaped MnCO3 as the main structure, P and Co as co‐doping elements, named Co, P‐MnCO3, and used it as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The experimental results show that the excellent catalytic activity in alkaline media, with current densities of 10 and 200 mA∙cm−2 at 61 mV and 158 mV and low overpotentials, which are better than P‐Co (108/234 mV) and P‐MnCO3 (175 mV/340 mV), etc. it has more electrochemically active sites, faster charge transfer rate and lower resistance. The excellent electrochemical properties benefit from the unique highly active binary Co, P‐MnCO3 pyramid brick sites shortened the ion transfer distance and optimized synergistic effect between the doped metal elements (Co,P between MnCO3), the porous connection between Co, P‐MnCO3 and the high conductivity substrate, increased the electron‐transfer efficiency between the substrate and material, accelerating the conversion of H+ to H2; facilitated the release of bubbles and provided excellent mechanical properties for improved catalyst stability. This work provides a new idea for the synthesis of multi‐element electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocompatible polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), despite fulfilling biomedical aspects, lack the mechanical strength needed for hard-tissue implant applications. This gap can be closed by using composites with metallic reinforcements, as their adaptable mechanical properties can overcome this problem. Keeping this in mind, novel Ti-mesh-reinforced PMMA composites were developed. The influence of the orientation and volume fraction of the mesh on the mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. The composites were prepared by adding Ti meshes between PMMA layers, cured by hot-pressing above the glass transition temperature of PMMA, where the interdiffusion of PMMA through the spaces in the Ti mesh provided sufficient mechanical clamping and adhesion between the layers. The increase in the volume fraction of Ti led to a tremendous improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites. A significant anisotropic behaviour was analysed depending on the direction of the mesh. Furthermore, the shaping possibilities of these composites were investigated via four-point bending tests. High shaping possibility was found for these composites when they were shaped at elevated temperature. These promising results show the potential of these materials to be used for patient-specific implant applications.

Highly ordered TiO2 nanotube (NT) arrays grown on Ti mesh and Ti foil were successfully prepared by a controlled anodic oxidation process and tested for water photo-electrolysis. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), combined with other electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry) in tests performed in the dark and under illumination conditions, was used to correlate the photoactivity to the specific charge transfer resistances associated with a 3D (mesh) or 2D (foil) geometry of the support. The peculiar structure of the nanotubes in the mesh (with better light absorption and faster electron transport along the nanotubes) strongly impacts the catalytic performances under illumination. H2 production and current density in water photo-electrolysis were over three times higher with the TiO2NTs/Ti mesh, compared to the foil in the same conditions. The results obtained by the EIS technique, used here for the first time to directly compare TiO2 nanotubes on two different supports (Ti foil and Ti mesh), led to a better understanding of the electronic properties of TiO2 nanotubes and the effect of a specific support on its photocatalytic properties.

The hot-pressing process of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is one of the research hotspots in the field of the fuel cell. To obtain suitable titanium mesh-based MEA hot pressing process parameters, titanium mesh was used as electrode substrate material. The anode and cathode of MEA were prepared by the drip-coated method, and the titanium mesh-based MEA was prepared under different hot-pressing pressure and temperature, respectively. The performance of titanium mesh-based MEA was studied by morphological observation, elemental analysis, thickness measurement, single cell test and numerical fitting analysis. The results demonstrated that: with increasing hot-pressing pressure from 0 MPa to 10 MPa, the forming thickness of titanium mesh-based MEA is getting thin gradually, and the peak power density of titanium mesh-based MEA first increased and then gradually decreased; with increasing hot-pressing temperature from 115 °C to 155 °C, the peak power density of titanium mesh-based MEA enhanced at the beginning and then also gradually decreased. Under the premise of a hot-pressing time of 180 s and the optimal operating temperature of DMFC of 60 °C, the appropriate hot-pressing process conditions of titanium mesh-based MEA are a hot-pressing pressure of 5 MPa and a hot-pressing temperature of 135 °C. The results can provide a technological reference for the preparation of titanium mesh MEA for DMFC.

Metallic implants (mesh) for guided bone regeneration can result in foreign body reactions with surrounding tissues, infection, and inflammatory reactions caused by micro-organisms in the oral cavity after implantation. This study aimed to reduce the possibility of surgical failure caused by microbial infection by loading antibacterial manuka oil in a biocompatible nanostructure surface on Ti and to induce stable bone regeneration in the bone defect. The manuka oil from New Zealand consisted of a rich β-triketone chemotype, leptospermone, which showed strong inhibitory effects against several bacteria, even at very low oil concentrations. The TiO2 nanotubular layer formed by anodization effectively enhanced the surface hydrophilicity, bioactivity, and fast initial bone regeneration. A concentration of manuka oil in the range of 0.02% to less than 1% can have a synergistic effect on antibacterial activity and excellent biocompatibility. A manuka oil coating (especially with a concentration of 0.5%) on the TiO2 nanotube layer can be expected not only to prevent stenosis of the connective tissue around the mesh and inflammation by microbial infection but also to be effective in stable and rapid bone regeneration.

TiO 2 nanotube arrays (TiO 2 NTAs) were mainly synthesized by the anodization of Ti foils, and the Ti mesh anodization was little researched. TiO 2 NTAs/Ti mesh showed remarkably high photocatalytic performance in pollutant treatment and photocurrent/hydrogen generation. In this paper, TiO 2 NTAs were synthesized on flexible three dimensional Ti mesh surface, and CdS/PbS sensitizers covered TiO 2 NTAs by the hydrothermal deposition. Especially, the S –CdS photocatalyst prepared by CdS sensitization showed strong photocurrent and photocatalytic pollutant removal capacity. RhB, MB dyes and Cr(VI) ions were effectively purified under solar irradiation, and samples also showed excellent visible light-driven photoelectric ability. Furthermore, the S –PbS photocatalyst prepared by PbS sensitization showed high photocatalytic water splitting performance. The functional material offers a flexible, low cost and high photocatalytic membrane for waste water treatment and photocurrent/hydrogen generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the 3D porous hierarchical MoS2 nanostructures were prepared via a simple hydrothermal deposition method only utilizing titanium (Ti) mesh as a substrate. The as-synthesized uniform MoS2 flower-like nanostructures were assembled by nanosheets composed of several stacking layers. The curved and rough surface of cylindrical Ti wire was beneficial to assembly of MoS2 nanosheets into hierarchical architectures. Moreover, the electrochemical performance of the as-prepared MoS2 nanostructured electrodes for capacitors was also investigated. The structural advantages lead to a remarkably improved pseudocapacitive property including high capacitance and durable cycling ability. A binder-free electrode composed of MoS2 hierarchical nanostructures grown on the Ti mesh was fabricated through a simple hydrothermal deposition route. The rough and curved surface of Ti mesh is beneficial to the assembly of MoS2 nanosheets. The MoS2-based nanostructured electrode demonstrated greatly enhanced pseudocapacitive property due to its desirable structural merit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanosheets of Bi 2 MoO 6 were loaded to surface of TiO 2 NTs (grown on Ti mesh) via simple solvothermal method and the amount of Bi 2 MoO 6 nanosheets was adjusted by changing reaction intervals. The PEC removal efficiency of RhB, MO, MB and Cr (VI) achieved 75%, 100%, 100% and 100%. The type-II heterojunction mechanism was tentatively proposed. The fabrication of TiO 2 NTs/Bi 2 MoO 6 type-II heterojunction photocatalyst was carried out by a simple solvothermal method. Bi 2 MoO 6 nanoparticles with nanosheet microstructures were successfully loaded on TiO 2 NTs surface through the adjustment of reaction intervals. The heterojunction photocatalyst showed excellent organic dye and heavy metal ion removal performances, and nearly 100%, 75%, 100% and 100% of MO, RhB, MB and Cr (VI) were removed by simulative sunlight irradiation for 3 or 2 h, respectively. The outstanding photocatalyic performance was mainly due to the formation of type-II heterojunction between TiO 2 and Bi 2 MoO 6. The type-II heterojunction not only enhanced visible light response but also accelerated photogenerated charge carrier transfer and restrained the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs with the assistance of internal electric field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Harbin Institute of Technology. Social Sciences Edition / Haerbin Gongye Daxue Xuebao. Shehui Kexue Ban is the property of Harbin Institute of Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Water dissociation reaction (Volmer step) is the main restrictive factor that gives rise to the sluggish reaction kinetics for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline solution. In this paper, Ru doped Ni(OH) 2 deposited on Ti mesh (abbreviated as TM) was synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal method. SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman, and XPS analysis indicated that both surface morphology and electronic structure had an apparent change, but phase structure maintained unchanged after Ru doping. HER activities of Ru doped Ni(OH) 2 /TM samples in 1.0 M KOH were investigated in detail. Ru doped Ni(OH) 2 /TM prepared with 0.2 mM RuCl 3 precursor (denoted as Ru doped Ni(OH) 2 /TM-0.2) presented excellent HER performance with an overpotential of 135 mV at −10 mA/cm2 and the lowest Tafel slope of 63.7 mV/dec. This electrocatalyst also maintained long-term stability even operating for 15 h. Experimental results demonstrated that Ru doping into Ni(OH) 2 could enhance charge transfer rate, increase electrocatalytically active surface area (ECSA) and, most importantly, accelerate Volmer step and also provide appropriate Ru active sites for hydrogen adsorption, which endowed Ru doped Ni(OH) 2 /TM-0.2 with superior HER activity and durability. Unlabelled Image • Ru doped Ni(OH) 2 on Ti mesh was synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal method. • Ru doping greatly enhanced alkaline HER performance with 135 mV at −10 mA/cm2. • Synergistic effect between Ru and Ni in Ru doped Ni(OH) 2 promoted HER kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium (Ti) mesh-supported "TiO 2 nanowire arrays (TNWAs)/Yb-Er-F tri-doped TiO 2 up-conversion nanoparticles (YEF-TiO 2 -UCNPs)" composite structures were prepared as photoanodes of the flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by using hydrothermal and spin-coating approaches. The as-synthesized YEF-TiO 2 -UCNPs which could enhance the absorption of N719 dyes by converting the near-infrared light to visible light exhibited better up-conversion luminescence properties than the Yb Er co-doped TiO 2 up-conversion nanoparticles (YE-TiO 2 -UCNPs). Moreover, the appropriate YEF-TiO 2 -UCNPs could enlarge light harvesting range of the formed flexible photoanode and improved the photovoltaic performance of the DSSCs. Under the simulated solar irradiation of 100 mW cm−2 (AM 1.5G), the flexible DSSC with a Ti mesh-supported "TNWAs/YEF-TiO 2 -UCNPs 60% P25 40% " composite structure achieved a short-circuit current density (J sc) of 12.81 mA cm−2 and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.54%, showing improvements of 45.7% and 37.8% as compared with TNWAs/P25 100% (8.79 mA cm−2, 4.02%), respectively. • Ti mesh-supported "TNWAs/YEF-TiO 2 -UCNPs x P25 1-x " composite was hydrothermally prepared. • The "TNWAs/YEF-TiO 2 -UCNPs x P25 1-x " composites fully flexible DSSCs were constructed. • YEF-TiO 2 -UCNPs expanded the incident light utilization range of the flexible DSSCs. • "TNWAs/YEF-TiO 2 -UCNPs 60% P25 40% " based flexible DSSC exhibited enhanced PCE of 5.54%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Ti@Ni0.85Se electrodes with a triple hierarchy architecture were designed, and their applications in electrocatalytic water splitting were studied. The 3D electrode is comprised of three types of structures including the bottom square Ti mesh structure as the conductive substrate, a vertical and uniform Ni0.85Se nanosheet arrays structure in the intermediate section, and the topmost Ni0.85Se flower structure. This triple hierarchy architecture is binder‐free, conductive, and has a particular feature of enlarged surface areas, exposing more active sites, promoting mass‐ and charge‐transfer, and accelerating dissipation of gases generated during water electrolysis. Moreover, DFT calculations confirmed that the Ni0.85Se possesses metallic character, which further promotes the charge transfer of the electrocatalyst. Benefiting from this special structure and metallic character, the electrode displays a superior activity of 10 mA cm−2 at 120 mV hydrogen evolution reaction overpotential and 30 mA cm−2 at 270 mV oxygen evolution reaction overpotential. By using this electrode as a bifunctional electrocatalyst, an alkali electrolyzer affords a water splitting current of 10 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of 1.66 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Ag 3 PO 4 /Ag 4 P 2 O 7 nanospheres were deposited on the surface of TiO 2 nanotube arrays by a hydrothermal method. The visible light photocurrent density of TiO 2 NTs/Ag 3 PO 4 /Ag 4 P 2 O 7 was 103.51 μA/cm2 and the photovoltage was −0.19 V/cm2. The TiO 2 NTs/Ag 3 PO 4 /Ag 4 P 2 O 7 showed the optimal photoelectrocatalytic removal efficiencies of methylene blue. Highlights • Ag 3 PO 4 /Ag 4 P 2 O 7 nanospheres were deposited on TiO 2 nanotube arrays/Ti mesh by a hydrothermal method. • The TiO 2 NTs/Ag 3 PO 4 /Ag 4 P 2 O 7 photoelectrode showed the excellent photoelectrochemical properties. • The PEC mechanism of TiO 2 NTs/Ag 3 PO 4 /Ag 4 P 2 O 7 photocatalysts was proposed. Abstract Ag 3 PO 4 /Ag 4 P 2 O 7 nanospheres were deposited on the surface of TiO 2 nanotube arrays/Ti mesh by the hydrothermal method, and the cetyltriethylammnonium bromide (CTAB) addition amount significantly influenced the morphology, phase composition, solar absorption, photoelectric conversion and photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation of methylene blue (MB). The results indicated that the sample prepared with the CTAB addition of 0.025 g showed the optimal visible light photocurrent density (103.51 μA/cm2), photovoltage (−0.19 V/cm2) and PEC efficiency (99.39%) for MB decomposition. The influence factors of PEC performances including external voltage and electrolyte concentration were further explored. Beside, the PEC mechanism of TiO 2 NTs/Ag 3 PO 4 /Ag 4 P 2 O 7 was tentatively proposed. The excellent photoelectrochemical activity of the three dimensional (3D) TiO 2 NTs/Ag 3 PO 4 /Ag 4 P 2 O 7 photoelectrode would drive it prospective applications in solar cells and waste-water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Preparation of Ti mesh loaded with Ag "nanobosk". • Ultrasensitive SERS substrate for trace norfloxacin in water (1 × 10−10 mol L−1). • Good reproducibility and satisfactory rapid detection capability. • SERS substrate used in direct detection from solution. Graphical abstract Synopsis: Preparation of Ti mesh loaded with Ag "nanobosk" and the SERS behavior of norfloxacin on Ti mesh loaded with Ag "nanobosk" are reported. Abstract In the present work, Ti mesh loaded with Ag "nanobosk" was prepared through electro-deposition and characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Then, the surface enhanced Raman scattering of norfloxacin on the Ti mesh loaded with Ag "nanobosk" was directly explored in norfloxacin aqueous solution. In addition, for practical purposes, the surface enhanced Raman scattering of norfloxacin was studied as a function of content of Ag, pH of solution, ions in water, and salinity, respectively. At last, the surface enhanced mechanisms were discussed preliminarily. The results indicate that the Ti mesh loaded with Ag "nanobosk" is an ultrasensitive surface enhanced Raman scattering substrate for trace norfloxacin in water. When the concentration of norfloxacin is 1 × 10−5 mol L−1, the enhancement factor is approximately 5.1 × 103 at 1389 cm−1. And the detection limit is up to 1 × 10-10 mol L−1 for norfloxacin under optimal conditions. Our work provides a new strategy for designing a sensing platform which is sensitive to trace norfloxacin in water and can be applied in the routine detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract The 3D TiO 2 nanotube arrays (TiO 2 NTs) were prepared by the anodization of Ti meshes via adjusting the anodization voltage. The solar photocurrent density of TiO 2 NTs (30) was 1.63 mA/cm2 and the photovoltage was −0.36 V/cm2. The TiO 2 NTs (30) showed the optimal photoelectrocatalytic removal efficiencies of methyl orange, rhodamine B, methyl blue and Cr(VI). Highlights • TiO 2 nanotube arrays on Ti mesh were prepared by the anodization method. • The TiO 2 NTs (30) photoelectrode showed the excellent photoelectrochemical properties. • The PEC mechanism of TiO 2 NTs photocatalysts was proposed. Abstract The 3D TiO 2 nanotube arrays (TiO 2 NTs) were prepared by the anodization of Ti meshes via adjusting the anodization voltage. The anodization voltage between 15 and 60 V could form the uniform tubular structures revolving around Ti wires, and the diameter and length increased with the increasement of voltages. The results indicated that the anatase TiO 2 NTs (30) prepared with the andization voltage of 30 V showed excellent solar photocurrent, photovoltage, interface impedance and photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) efficiencies for the removal of dye molecules and Cr(VI) heavy metal ions. The TiO 2 NTs (30) sample with the average diameter of 70 nm and thickness of 4.56 μm showed photocurrent density of 1.63 mA/cm2, photovoltage of −0.36 V/cm2 and removal efficiencies of 71.31%, 51.39%, 98.07% and 48.26% for the PEC removal of methyl orange (MO), Rhodamine B (RhB), methyl blue (MB) and Cr(VI), respectively. The excellent photoelectrochemical propery of TiO 2 NTs (30) could be attributed to the effective pollutant adsorption and carrier transportation. This flexible photoelectrode would cause intense attention in the applications of solar cells, pollutant degradation, photolysis of water, and gas sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscale control of the growth of inorganic metal oxides determines their structures and properties, and leads to development of novel nanostructured materials with fundamental and practical importance from a point of view their further applications. After anodic aluminum oxide, the next nanoporous material which has attracted tremendous interest of researchers around the world, is nanoporous anodic titanium oxide (ATO) formed by anodization. The main objective of this work was to investigate the ability of formation of anodic titanium oxide structures, particularly in the form of TiO 2 nanopore arrays on 3D titanium substrates (Ti mesh) in viscous electrolyte containing fluoride ions. Three-dimensional (3D) TiO 2 nanopore arrays grown on Ti mesh were prepared via two-step electrochemical anodization process, and the effect of anodizing potential and duration of the process on the formation of ATO layers on titanium mesh were investigated. The 3D TiO 2 nanopore arrays on Ti mesh were characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The results showed that the optimized anodization conditions for preparation of titanium dioxide nanopore arrays are 40 and 50 V of the applied potential, and 10 min of time processing. The effect of annealing temperature of ATO layers on their morphology and phase composition was also investigated in detail. The amorphous ATO layers on titanium mesh transform to anatase phase at 400 °C and further to rutile phase at 600 °C. However, photoelectrochemical tests demonstrated that the best photoelectrochemical performance of fabricated 3D photoanodes was observed for the samples anodized at 40 V or 50 V for 10 min, and annealed at 400 °C. The photoelectrochemical properties of the mesh-based and typical plate TiO 2 /Ti electrodes were compared. It was found that the higher photoconversion efficiency was observed for the 3D TiO 2 /Ti mesh electrode than for a typical plate TiO 2 /Ti electrode. It is expected that anodizing of three dimensional (3D) Ti substrates will offer an opportunity to enhance various properties of anodic titanium oxide, especially its photoactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti-mesh supported TiO 2 nanowire arrays (NWAs)/upconversion luminescence Er 3+ -Yb 3+ codoped TiO 2 nanoparticles (UC-EY-TiO 2 NPs) composite structured photoanodes for fully flexible dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were firstly constructed via a hydrothermal and spin coating process. UV–vis-NIR absorption spectra of the TiO 2 NWAs/UC-EY-TiO 2 NPs composites exhibited strong absorption around near infrared (NIR) 980 nm. The composites excited by 980 nm NIR laser could emit upconversion fluorescence at 489, 526, 549 and 658 nm, which expanded the spectral response range and sunlight capturing capability of formed flexible DSSCs. Moreover, the TiO 2 NWAs/UC-EY-TiO 2 NPs was coated with an Nb 2 O 5 thin layer to further suppress electron recombination losses. The complete flexible DSSCs based on Nb 2 O 5 coated TiO 2 NWAs/2.0 mol% Er 3+ -1.0 mol% Yb 3+ codoped TiO 2 NPs photoanode and Pt/ITO-PEN counter electrode exhibited an enhanced photon to current conversion efficiency of 8.10%, a 68% improvement compared to TiO 2 NWAs/undoped TiO 2 NPs based DSSCs (4.82%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient photocatalytic reactor to remove pollutants from either water or air relies on highly active photocatalytic thin films on appropriate substrates, which contribute to both light harvesting and pollutant molecules transfer. In this investigation, few-layer titanate nanobelts were deposited on metallic Ti mesh using hydrogen peroxide solution, which were then subjected to a subsequent hot water treatment to achieve crystallized titania nanorod arrays. The three-dimensional arrays of nanorods formed on Ti mesh (three layers overlapped) exhibited an exceptional high efficiency when utilized to assist photodegradation of rhodamine B in water under UV light illumination, which is 25 times that of P25 film, and even 1.3 times that of P25 nanoparticles in a slurry system. For photodegradation of phenol in water, the three-layer Ti mesh also exhibited a reaction rate constant 6.9 times that of P25 film. The reduced band gap, abundant surface hydroxyl groups, and mixed phase effects arising from the low temperature approach contribute to the high photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a kinetically slow process for overall water splitting, particularly in neutral electrolyte. Great efforts have been devoted to the control in either composition or mesoscale structure of the nanocatalysts for accelerating the OER performance. However, the interface between the nanocatalysts and current collector, the third aspect to be considered for the design of an OER dyadic electrode, has been less touched till now. As a proof-of-concept study here, we described the importance of constructing an Ohmic contact at the interface of the cobalt selenide nanostructures (as the active components) and the Ti mesh (as the current collector) to significantly promote the OER performance in neutral electrolyte. The cobalt selenide/Ti mesh hybrid electrode could provide a current density of 29.6 mA cm −2 at an OER overpotential of 570 mV and high durability in neutral medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three-dimensional (3D) TiO nanotube arrays (TNTA) were prepared by electrochemical anodization of Ti mesh in a mixed electrolyte solution of (NH)SO and NHF. Well-defined CdS-sensitized ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNRA/CdS) were successfully built on TNTA by the hydrothermal method and chemical bath deposition. The as-prepared samples were characterized by means of XRD, FESEM, and UV-Vis. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were evaluated by measuring the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic efficiencies for MB degradation were 49 and 60 % for Ti mesh/ZNRA/CdS and Ti mesh/TNTA/ZNRA/CdS after irradiation for 6 h, respectively. This can be attributed to the presence of TNTA at the bottom of a ZNRA/CdS composite, which provides a direct pathway for photoinjected electrons transferring along the photoanode to enhance charge-collection efficiency and consequently reduce electron-hole recombination. Furthermore, it can enlarge the practical applications range of TiO due to its 3D nanoarray structure with good light-harvesting ability and flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel configuration of two electrodes containing electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) pressed into a bifunctional air electrode is designed for rechargeable Zn–air batteries. MOC/25BC carbon paper (MOC consisting of α-MnO 2 and XC-72 carbon black) and Fe 0.1 Ni 0.9 Co 2 O 4 /Ti mesh on this air electrode mainly serve as the cathode for the ORR and the anode for the OER, respectively. The morphology and physicochemical properties of Fe 0.1 Ni 0.9 Co 2 O 4 are investigated through scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. Electrochemical studies comprise linear sweep voltammetry, rotating ring-disk electrode voltammetry, and the full-cell charge–discharge–cycling test. The discharge peak power density of the Zn–air battery with the unique air electrode reaches 88.8 mW cm −2 at 133.6 mA cm −2 and 0.66 V in an alkaline electrolyte under an ambient atmosphere. After 100 charge–discharge cycles at 10 mA cm −2 , an increase of 0.3 V between charge and discharge cell voltages is observed. The deep charge–discharge curve (10 h in each step) indicates that the cell voltages of discharge (1.3 V) and charge (1.97 V) remain constant throughout the process. The performance of the proposed rechargeable Zn–air battery is superior to that of most other similar batteries reported in recent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nb 2 O 5 coated hierarchical TiO 2 nanowire-sheet arrays photoanode was synthesized on flexible Ti-mesh substrate by using a hydrothermal approach. The effect of TiO 2 morphology and Nb 2 O 5 coating layer on the photovoltaic performance of the flexible dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on Ti-mesh supported nanostructures were systematically investigated. Compared to the TiO 2 nanowire arrays (NWAs), hierarchical TiO 2 nanowire arrays (HNWAs) with enlarged internal surface area and strong light scattering properties exhibited higher overall conversion efficiency. The introduction of thin Nb 2 O 5 coating layers on the surface of the TiO 2 HNWAs played a key role in improving the photovoltaic performance of the flexible DSSC. By separating the TiO 2 and electrolyte (I – /I 3 – ), the Nb 2 O 5 energy barrier decreased the electron recombination rate and increased electron collection efficiency and injection efficiency, resulting in improved J sc and V oc . Furthermore, the influence of Nb 2 O 5 coating amounts on the power conversion efficiency were discussed in detail. The fully flexible DSSC based on Nb 2 O 5 coated TiO 2 HNWAs films with a thickness of 14 μm displayed a well photovoltaic property of 4.55% ( J sc = 10.50 mA cm –2 , V oc = 0.75 V, FF = 0.58). The performance enhancement of the flexible DSSC is largely attributed to the reduced electron recombination, enlarged internal surface area and superior light scattering ability of the formed hierarchical nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO 2 nanowire arrays (NWAs) with an average diameter of 80 nm have been successfully synthesized on titanium (Ti) mesh substrates via hydrothermal method. The effects of preparing conditions such as concentration of NaOH solution, reaction time, and hydrothermal temperature on the growth of TiO 2 nanoarrays and its related photovoltaic properties were systematically investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and photovoltaic properties test. The growth mechanism of the Ti mesh-supported TiO 2 nanostructures was discussed in detail. Moreover, a parametric study was performed to determine the optimized temperature and time of the dye sensitized process for the flexible dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). It is demonstrated that hydrothermal parameters had obvious influence on the morphology and growth density of the as-prepared TiO 2 nanoarrays. In addition, the performance of the flexible DSSC depended strongly on the sensitization temperature and time. By utilizing Ti mesh-supported TiO 2 NWAs (with a length of about 14 μm) as a photoanode, the flexible DSSC with a short circuit current density of 10.49 mA cm −2 , an open-circuit voltage of 0.69 V, and an overall power conversion efficiency of 3.42% was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, simultaneous treatments, reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and oxidation of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), such as bisphenol A (BPA), 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2) and 17β-estradiol (E2), were investigated with a rotating photocatalytic reactor including TiO 2 nanotubes formed on titanium mesh substrates under solar UV irradiation. In the laboratory tests with a rotating type I reactor, synergy effects of the simultaneous photocatalytic reduction and oxidation of inorganic (Cr(VI)) and organic (BPA) pollutants were achieved. Particularly, the concurrent photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) and oxidation of BPA was higher under acidic conditions. The enhanced reaction efficiency of both pollutants was attributed to a stronger charge interaction between TiO 2 nanotubes (positive charge) and the anionic form of Cr(VI) (negative charge), which are prevented recombination (electron–hole pair) by the hole scavenging effect of BPA. In the extended outdoor tests with a rotating type II reactor under solar irradiation, the experiment was extended to examine the simultaneous reduction of Cr(VI) in the presence of additional EDCs, such as EE2 and E2 as well as BPA. The findings showed that synergic effect of both photocatalytic reduction and oxidation was confirmed with single-component (Cr(VI) only), two-components (Cr(VI)/BPA, Cr(VI)/EE2, and Cr(VI)/E2), and four-components (Cr(VI)/BPA/EE2/E2) under various solar irradiation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the wastewater containing 4-nitrophenol is restored on an industrial scale, it is needful to find an efficient catalyst which can be used in a continuous flow apparatus. Here, graphene nanosheets loaded with Ag nanoparticles were immobilized on Ti meshes. Afterwards, their catalytic behavior was explored in a continuous flow apparatus for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. It can be found that the Ag nanoparticles loaded graphene nanosheets immobilized on Ti meshes are an efficient catalyst for elimination of 4-nitrophenol from water which is suitable for continuous flow system. When the 4-nitrophenol solution run through the above-mentioned Ti meshes at flow velocity of 3 mL min−1, 92% 4-nitrophenol (100 mL, 1.0 × 10−4 mol L−1) could be eliminated in 150 min. Moreover, this integrated catalyst can also exhibit quite satisfactory durability. After it was used two times, its catalytic activity still could maintain 84% activity of the fresh sample in the third cycle. [Display omitted] • Immobilization of the Ag nanoparticles loaded graphene nanosheets on Ti mesh • Efficient integrated catalyst for removal of 4-nitrophenol from water • New pathway to an efficient catalyst which can be applied in continuous flow system • Modular reactor unit which is easily assembled to fabricate big reactor [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet light treatment of dental implants immediately prior to placement, or photofunctionalization, is a novel clinical tool with the potential to improve implant therapy. Photofunctionalization improves the surface properties of titanium surfaces by removing hydrocarbons, regenerating hydrophilicity, and optimizing electrostatic properties. We photofunctionalized dental implants and titanium mesh (Ti mesh) in two complex clinical cases requiring simultaneous guided bone regeneration, sinus elevation, immediate implant placement into the extraction socket, and esthetic consideration. The use of photofunctionalized implants and Ti mesh facilitated more strategic and aggressive treatment planning and resulted in successful treatment outcomes with secure application of immediate and early loading protocols. In vitro, the number of attached osteoblasts and the level of alkaline phosphatase activity were substantially increased on photofunctionalized Ti mesh, providing validation of the enhanced osteoconductive properties of photofunctionalized Ti mesh. An overview of the principles of photofunctionalization and practical guidance on its clinical use are presented. The clinical cases discussed here, along with the suggested technical guidance and research data, suggest that photofunctionalization is a useful and effective tool for improving implant therapy by enabling novel avenues of treatment and overcoming common challenges in current implant dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallic implants (mesh) for guided bone regeneration can result in foreign body reactions with surrounding tissues, infection, and inflammatory reactions caused by micro-organisms in the oral cavity after implantation. This study aimed to reduce the possibility of surgical failure caused by microbial infection by loading antibacterial manuka oil in a biocompatible nanostructure surface on Ti and to induce stable bone regeneration in the bone defect. The manuka oil from New Zealand consisted of a rich β-triketone chemotype, leptospermone, which showed strong inhibitory effects against several bacteria, even at very low oil concentrations. The TiO2 nanotubular layer formed by anodization effectively enhanced the surface hydrophilicity, bioactivity, and fast initial bone regeneration. A concentration of manuka oil in the range of 0.02% to less than 1% can have a synergistic effect on antibacterial activity and excellent biocompatibility. A manuka oil coating (especially with a concentration of 0.5%) on the TiO2 nanotube layer can be expected not only to prevent stenosis of the connective tissue around the mesh and inflammation by microbial infection but also to be effective in stable and rapid bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction including self-rotating TiO2/Ti mesh is applied. [•] For preparing TiO2 nanotubes, Ti was anodized with mixed electrolytes and annealed. [•] Reduction is affected by hydraulic retention time (HRT) and revolution speeds. [•] Cr(VI) reduction efficiency is observed to be highest up to 95% at the 90rpm. [•] The rate of Cr(VI) reduction is increased by increasing the number of TiO2/Ti mesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: CWO (catalytic wet oxidation) of a process wastewater and phenolate solution was carried out at 230°C, 200°C and total pressure of 50bar, with oxygen, in a stainless steel autoclave. Monolith Ti mesh supported precious metal oxide catalysts were characterized with XPS, ICP-MS, SEM and their activity compared in oxidation of model and real wastewaters. The Ru/Ir oxide coated Ti monolith catalysts showed remarkable catalytic activity in wet oxidation both in the overall oxidation expressed by COD (chemical oxygen demand) decrease and in the carbon mineralization expressed by TOC (total organic carbon) decrease. This was valid for the real pharmaceutical wastewater as well as for a phenolate solution too. Meshes containing Ru, Pd and Ir oxide alone were less active than Ru/Ir together on Ti. This observation is in accordance with the electrochemical properties of the same mesh used in hypochlorite production. The commercial mesh was most stable under the conditions of wet oxidation, however the loss of its precious metal content was observed during longer usage. The Ru/Ir monolith catalysts prepared in our laboratories had similar initial activity but they were less stable, the leaching and/or abrasion of the surface precious metal oxide layer was faster, independently of that their had fragmented or continuous structure, resulting from the preparation methods. The loss of activity during longer usage can be the result of deposition of iron and silicon oxides too, as showed by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) analysis. An important feature of the good catalytic activity of the Ru/Ir oxide coated Ti mesh can be the uniform distribution of the two oxides showed by LA–ICPMS (laser ablation–inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry). According to XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) results, the upper surface layer of the catalysts is covered by a mixture of Ru–Ir–Ti oxide of approximately 0.1:0.02:1 atomic ratio for commercial catalyst, and an 0.5:0.7:1.0 atomic ratio for catalysts prepared in our laboratories. We suppose that such mixture of oxides with uniform distribution are the carrier of the good catalytic activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report that NaOH hydrothermal treatment and HF post-treatment of the titanium mesh for the Pt/Ti counter electrode improved the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells. High performance platinum nanoparticles have been sprayed onto Ti meshes to form counter electrodes for use in large-area flexible DSSCs using a vacuum thermal decomposition method at low temperature (120°C). The obtained Pt/Ti counter electrode shows low charge-transfer resistance (57.52Ωcm2 with active area of 80cm2) and high electrocatalytic activity for the I3 −/I− redox reaction. The photovoltaic properties and resistances of Pt/Ti counter electrodes with different HF post-treatment times of the NaOH treated Ti meshes have been investigated. The efficiency of the large-area (80cm2) flexible DSSC reaches 6.17% under irradiation with a natural light intensity of 55mWcm−2 measured outdoors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: High performance and homogeneous platinum (Pt) nanoparticles is electrodeposited onto titanium (Ti) mesh to form counter electrodes for use in large-area flexible dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The obtained Pt/Ti counter electrode shows high electrocatalytic activity for the I3 −/I− redox reaction, low charge transfer resistance (49.57Ωcm2 with an area of 80cm2) and good light transmittance (92.31%). Based on the counter electrode, a light-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of 6.13% is achieved for a flexible DSSC with an area of 80cm2, and a maximum power output of 0.443W is reached for a flexible DSSC with an area of 160cm2, under an outdoors natural light irradiation with an intensity of 55mWcm−2. The present findings should accelerate the practical application of flexible DSSCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The use of titanium mesh-supported gold and silver anodes in direct borohydride fuel cells (DBFCs) is reported. The anodes were prepared by either thermal decomposition or electrochemical deposition and were characterised by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses. The performance of the mesh electrodes was compared with that for carbon-supported electrodes. The mesh anodes gave current densities, for borohydride oxidation, up to 50% greater and cell power densities up to 20% greater than those obtained with carbon-supported anodes. The effects of catalyst loading and fuel cell operating conditions are also reported. Electrode stability was examined over a prolonged period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: PtRuO2/Ti anodes with a varying Pt:Ru ratio were prepared by thermal deposition of a PtRuO2 catalyst layer onto a Ti mesh for the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The morphology and structure of the catalyst layers were analyzed by SEM, EDX, and XRD. The catalyst coating layers became porous with increase of the Ru content, and showed oxide and alloy characteristics. The relative activities of the PtRuO2/Ti electrodes were assessed and compared using half-cell tests and single DMFC experiments. The results showed that these electrodes were very active for the methanol oxidation and that the optimum Ru surface coverage was ca. 38% for a DMFC operating at 20–60°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel tubular cell structure for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is proposed based on a tubular Ti mesh and a Ti mesh anode. A dip coating method has been developed to fabricate the cell. The characterization of the tubular MEA has been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), half cell and single cell testing. The tubular DMFC single cell comprises: a Ti mesh, a cathode diffusion layer and catalyst layer, a Nafion recast membrane and a PtRuO x /Ti anode. Half cell tests show that the optimum catalyst loading, Ru/(Ru+Pt) atomic ratio and the Nafion loading of a PtRuO x /Ti mesh anode are: 4mgcm−2, 38% and 0.6mgcm−2, respectively. Single cell tests show that the Nafion loading of the recast Nafion membrane and the concentration of the methanol in the electrolyte have a major influence on cell performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Characterisation of a platinised Ti mesh electrode, prepared by electrodeposition of Pt, by methanol oxidation has been studied over a range of NaOH and methanol concentrations using cyclic voltammetry (CV), quasi-steady-state polarisation, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The activity of methanol oxidation in aqueous alkaline systems increased with pH or OH species coverage on the electrode surface. A reaction order of close to 0.5 was obtained for both NaOH and methanol in NaOH solutions indicating that adsorption of methanol and OH− on the platinised electrode follows Termkin isotherm. In the high potential region, a poisoning effect was observed at methanol/[OH−] concentration ratio greater than 1, which could have arisen from an excess of methanol at the electrode surface and/or depletion of OH− at the electrode surface. The methanol oxidation behaviour conforms with that on Pt electrodes suggesting a promising new method of preparing electrodes for fuel cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Platinised Ti electrodes were produced by thermal decomposition of H2PtCl6 onto mesh substrates. Surface properties and morphology of the Pt deposit on Ti mesh were characterised using SEM, EDAX and XRD analysis. A highly dispersed Pt deposit layer was obtained.Direct methanol fuel cell tests with anion exchange membrane electrolyte and platinised Ti mesh anode were carried out and compared to conventional hot-pressed carbon supported Pt catalysts. The platinised Ti mesh anode showed higher catalytic activity than the conventional Pt/C electrode, and gave a stable fuel cell performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The hot-pressing process of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is one of the research hotspots in the field of the fuel cell. To obtain suitable titanium mesh-based MEA hot pressing process parameters, titanium mesh was used as electrode substrate material. The anode and cathode of MEA were prepared by the drip-coated method, and the titanium mesh-based MEA was prepared under different hot-pressing pressure and temperature, respectively. The performance of titanium mesh-based MEA was studied by morphological observation, elemental analysis, thickness measurement, single cell test and numerical fitting analysis. The results demonstrated that: with increasing hot-pressing pressure from 0 MPa to 10 MPa, the forming thickness of titanium mesh-based MEA is getting thin gradually, and the peak power density of titanium mesh-based MEA first increased and then gradually decreased; with increasing hot-pressing temperature from 115 °C to 155 °C, the peak power density of titanium mesh-based MEA enhanced at the beginning and then also gradually decreased. Under the premise of a hot-pressing time of 180 s and the optimal operating temperature of DMFC of 60 °C, the appropriate hot-pressing process conditions of titanium mesh-based MEA are a hot-pressing pressure of 5 MPa and a hot-pressing temperature of 135 °C. The results can provide a technological reference for the preparation of titanium mesh MEA for DMFC.

Abstract: A platinum (Pt) nanoparticle-covered titania (TiO2) nanotube arrays titanium (Ti) mesh electrode (Pt/TiO2-NTs/Ti) has been successfully fabricated on Ti mesh via a thermal reduction technique by spraying H2PtCl6·6H2O isopropanol solution onto vertically oriented TiO2 nanotube arrays. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammerty (CV) investigations showed that the Pt/TiO2-NTs/Ti mesh electrode has superior electrocatalytic activity, good stability, and low ohmic series resistance (3.41Ωcm2). With the diamond-shaped holes, the actual area of the Ti mesh electrode was less than that of the Pt/FTO glass electrode, but the catalytic activities were essentially equal. A flexible dye-sensitized solar cell was assembled from the Pt/TiO2-NTs/Ti mesh electrode and a sensitized TiO2 photoanode on Ti foil substrate, and it reached a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.6% using a backside illumination simulated solar light (AM 1.5G, 100mWcm−2). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Preparation of Ti mesh loaded with multibranched Ag "bushes". • Electrochemical behavior of 5-nitroguaiacol on Ti mesh loaded with Ag "bushes". • Electrode with remarkable sensitivity to 5-nitroguaiacol in water. In the present work, Ti mesh loaded with multibranched Ag "bushes" was prepared. Then, the electrochemical behavior of 5-nitroguaiacol was explored on the as-prepared Ti mesh using cyclic voltammetry. At last, the mechanism of the electrochemical process was discussed. The results show that the as-prepared sample possesses remarkable sensitivity to 5-nitroguaiacol in water. The detection limit is 5 × 10-6 mol L-1 for 5-nitroguaiacol, implying that it is possible to fabricate an electrochemical sensor with high sensitivity which can be applied in the routine detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical grown BiOI nanosheets were fabricated by the solvothermal deposition on the surface of TiO 2 nanotube arrays (TiO 2 NTs)/Ti meshes for the enhanced photocatalytic removal of organic dyes and heavy metal ions. The BiOI nanosheets with different size and distribution were prepared by changing the reagent concentration. The photoelectrochemical results illustrated that the TiO 2 NTs/BiOI (0.05) prepared with Bi3+ concentration of 0.05 mol/L showed the uniform nanosheet structure, strong solar absorption, high photocurrent generation, low interface resistance and outstanding photocatalytic property. The visible light photocurrent and photovoltage achieved 114.33 μA/cm2 and -0.24 V, and the photocatalytic removal efficiencies of MO, RhB, MB and Cr (VI) achieved 92.22%, 97.28%, 96.57% and 70.51%, respectively. Moreover, the photocatalytic stability, active group and electron transfer mechanism were also investigated. The TiO 2 NTs/BiOI heterojunction provided the effective charge carrier transportation path, which dramatically inhibited the combination and consumption of electrons. The design and construction of TiO 2 NTs/BiOI electrodes identified the strategy for the efficient photocatalytic pollution treatment. Image 1 • BiOI nanosheets were loaded on TiO 2 NTs surface by a simple solvothermal method. • The TiO 2 NTs/BiOI photoelectrodes showed the excellent photoelectric activity. • The photocatalytic mechanism of TiO 2 NTs/BiOI heterojunctions was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Ti@Ni 0.85 Se electrodes with a triple hierarchy architecture were designed, and their applications in electrocatalytic water splitting were studied. The 3D electrode is comprised of three types of structures including the bottom square Ti mesh structure as the conductive substrate, a vertical and uniform Ni 0.85 Se nanosheet arrays structure in the intermediate section, and the topmost Ni 0.85 Se flower structure. This triple hierarchy architecture is binder-free, conductive, and has a particular feature of enlarged surface areas, exposing more active sites, promoting mass- and charge-transfer, and accelerating dissipation of gases generated during water electrolysis. Moreover, DFT calculations confirmed that the Ni 0.85 Se possesses metallic character, which further promotes the charge transfer of the electrocatalyst. Benefiting from this special structure and metallic character, the electrode displays a superior activity of 10 mA cm -2 at 120 mV hydrogen evolution reaction overpotential and 30 mA cm -2 at 270 mV oxygen evolution reaction overpotential. By using this electrode as a bifunctional electrocatalyst, an alkali electrolyzer affords a water splitting current of 10 mA cm -2 at a cell voltage of 1.66 V., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)