Bio-Inspired Synthesis of Hierarchical Composites by Supramolecule Analogue Templates, Formation Mechanism of Mesocrystals and Their Electrocatalytic Application

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This project aims to design an environmentally benign procedure to synthesize novel hierarchical composite nanomaterials in large-scale for applications in electrocatalysis by using tellurium nanowires and calcium silicate nanowires as supramolecule analogue templates. The flexibility and surface charge distribution, and self-assembly behavior of the ultrathin nanowires, are closer to a polymer chain rather than to a rigid body. We propose to use the ultrathin nanowires as a supramolecular template analogue for the bio-inspired synthesis of electrocatalysts (Fe, Ni, Co oxides and Co and Mo sulfides) by combining bionics and nanoscience. The detailed studies on the principles of nucleation and growth as well as the self-assembly of the crystal nuclei on the surface of ultrathin nanowires will be performed for understanding the crystallization mechanism and designing and controlling the synthesis of new hierarchical nanomaterials. Based on these prepared hierarchical composite electrocatalysts, we investigate the influence of the composition and structure on the electrochemical activity and stability and try to establish the correlation of the structural parameters and electrochemical performance. The proposed route involved in using ultrathin nanowire as a supramolecular template analogue will provide a new perspective for the traditional electrochemical nanomaterials and bio-inspired synthesis.