The stoichiometric photocatalytic reaction of CO 2 with H 2 O is one of the great challenges in photocatalysis. Here, we construct a Cu 2 O-Pt/SiC/IrO x composite by a controlled photodeposition and then an artificial photosynthetic system with Nafion membrane as diaphragm separating reduction and oxidation half-reactions. The artificial system exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance for CO 2 reduction to HCOOH and H 2 O oxidation to O 2 under visible light irradiation. The yields of HCOOH and O 2 meet almost stoichiometric ratio and are as high as 896.7 and 440.7 μmol g −1 h −1 , respectively. The high efficiencies of CO 2 reduction and H 2 O oxidation in the artificial system are attributed to both the direct Z-scheme electronic structure of Cu 2 O-Pt/SiC/IrO x and the indirect Z-scheme spatially separated reduction and oxidation units, which greatly prolong lifetime of photogenerated electrons and holes and prevent the backward reaction of products. This work provides an effective and feasible strategy to increase the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis.

Hollow spheres and thin films of Ni(OH)(2) and NiO with unusual form and hierarchical structures have been synthesized by a simple solution chemistry method. First, in situ formed Ni(OH)(2) nanoflakelets organized on the surface of styrene-acrylic acid copolymer (PSA) latex particles to form core/shell structures. Ni(OH)(2) hollow shells built up with nanoflakelets were obtained after subsequent removal of the core latex particles by dissolving PSA latex in toluene; the removal of the cores by calcinations would result in NiO hollow shells, also with hierarchical structures. BET calculation showed the surface area of the NiO hollow spheres was 156 m(2)/g. The nanoflakelets could also organize themselves into thin films with hierarchical structures. It is anticipated that these novel structures will have some unique applications in Ni-based batteries and other potentials.

Uniform crystalline Cu 2 O cubes were synthesized in high yield by reducing the copper-citrate complex solution with glucose. A series of shape evolutions of Cu 2 O particles from the transient species such as multi-pod and star-shaped particles to cubic crystals have been arrested based on TEM and SEM observation. The higher growth rate along 〈111〉 induces the shrinking of the eight {111} faces, while six {100} faces remained to form Cu 2 O cubes because of their lower growth rate. The experimental results suggest that the building blocks with desired architecture can be selectively synthesized by programming the growth parameters in the initial synthetic scheme.

Rational design, convenient fabrication, and application of double-shelled hollow architectures with well-defined morphology and multicompositions as electrodes for rechargeable batteries still remain great challenges. Herein, double-shelled Ni− Fe−P/N-doped carbon nanoboxes (defined as Ni−Fe−P/NC) were synthesized and then applied as electrode materials for potassiumion batteries (KIBs) and Li−S batteries, first. The unique architectures could not only alleviate volume changes and prevent aggregation of Ni−Fe−P/NC during cycling but could also provide efficient surface areas for infiltration of electrolyte. Additionally, nitrogen-doped carbon could improve the conductivity of the electrode. Hence, when these Ni−Fe−P/NC nanoboxes were applied as anode materials for KIBs, they delivered enhanced cycling stability (172.9 mA h g −1 after 1600 cycles at 500 mA g −1 and 115 mA h g −1 after 2600 cycles at 1000 mA g −1 ). Meanwhile, the Ni−Fe−P/NC could also be used as the sulfur host material for Li−S batteries; benefiting from its unique hollow structure, it can accommodate high sulfur loading and have strong chemical adsorption ability to polysulfides.

Long-term effective control of serum uric acid can decrease UAER and serum creatinine, increase GFR and may exert kidney protection effects in patients with type 2 diabetes and asymptomatic hyperuricemia.