A two-dimensional periodic microflower array was fabricated on Al:ZnO thin films by the irradiation of three interfered 800 nm femtosecond laser beams. The petals of the microflowers are ∼200 nm in size, and the intervals between the nanopetals are about 100 nm. These values are significantly smaller than the laser wavelength and its diffraction-limited scale. The evolution of microflowers with...

A facile one-pot solvent-thermal method was developed to synthesize a unique 3D microflower structure assembled from single- or double-layered 2D nanosheets of V4O9 (F-VO). Simply by controlling the precursor concentration, yolk-shelled V4O9 (YS-VO) or bulk V4O9 (B-VO) can be produced instead. The precursor-concentration dependent growth mechanism is proposed. The exceptional catalytic/electroc...

A simple and versatile method for preparation of new crystalline graphite nitrate-like ammonium vanadium bronze (NH4)0.19V2O5·0.44H2O nano-microstructures is developed via a simple hydrothermal route following heat treatment. (NH4)0.19V2O5·0.44H2O platelets are tested as a novel high-energy cathode material for sodium-ion batteries. The enhancement of electrochemical performance for a (NH4)0.19...

We demonstrate a new design of Ge-based electrodes comprising three-dimensional (3-D) spherical microflowers containing crystalline nanorod networks on sturdy 1-D nanostems directly grown on a metallic current collector by facile thermal evaporation. The Ge nanorod networks were observed to self-replicate their tetrahedron structures and form a diamond cubic lattice-like inner network. After et...

Titanium oxide films with trilayer structure grown on fluorine doped tin oxide substrate were prepared from one-step hydrothermal process. The trilayer structure consists of microflowers, nanorod array and compact nanoparticulates, which is expected to posses the merits of good light harvesting, a high electron transport rate, while avoiding the issues of electron shunting. The photovoltaic per...

A simple two-stage chemical solution process is reported, to deposit a superhydrophobic film on copper foams with view be employed in oil absorption or filtration procedures. The first stage includes the growth of silver layer increase micro roughness and second one evolves modification using stearic acid. whole time-saving, cost effective versatile. UV-Vis spectroscopy was determine optimum de...