Predicting the adsorption behavior in bulk from metal clusters

The physicochemical properties of materials are directly related to their size. The ability to understand and eventually tailor the materials' properties over multiple length scales has always been of a primary research goal. Using quantum mechanical calculations and mathematical modeling, we establish a novel theoretical framework capable of predicting the catalytic behavior of bulk metals and alloys and specifically the adsorbate binding energy, using electronic structure information from sub-nanometer cluster models as input. These models demonstrate that bulk-phase concepts can be reproduced from clusters; a first step towards bridging the properties of materials at different length scales. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Fabrication of one-dimensional Ag/multiwalled carbon nanotube nano-composite

Composite made of multiwalled carbon nanotubes coated with silver was fabricated by an electroless deposition process. The thickness of silver layer is about 40 to 60 nm, characterized as nano-crystalline with (111) crystal orientation along the nanotube's axial direction. The characterization of silver/carbon nanotube [Ag/CNT] nanowire has shown the large current carrying capability, and the electric conductivity is similar to the pure silver nanowires that Ag/CNT would be promising as building blocks for integrated circuits

Growth of Y-shaped Carbon Nanofibers from Ethanol Flames

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Y-shaped carbon nanofibers as a multi-branched carbon nanostructure have potential applications in electronic devices. In this article, we report that several types of Y-shaped carbon nanofibers are obtained from ethanol flames. These Y-shaped carbon nanofibers have different morphologies. According to our experimental results, the growth mechanism of Y-shaped carbon nanofibers has been discussed and a possible growth model of Y-shaped carbon nanofibers has been proposed.</p