Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/CuS composite nanofibres were successfully prepared by electrospinning technique and gas–solid reaction. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images showed that the average diameter of PVA/CuS fibres was about 150–200 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) proved that a majority of CuS nanoparticles with an average diameter of about 15–25 nm are incorporated in the PVA fibres. Xray diffraction (XRD) analyses and electron diffraction pattern also revealed the forming of CuS crystal structure in the PVA fibres.

The ultrafine poly (sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (NaPSS) fibres have been prepared for the first time by electrospinning. The spinning solutions (NaPSS aqueous solutions) in varied concentrations were studied for electrospinning into ultrafine fibres. The results indicated that the smooth fibre could be formed when the concentration of NaPSS was above 40 wt.%. The morphology of the fibres was shown by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that the structure of NaPSS did not change after electrospinning.

Porous tricobalt tetraoxide (Co₃O₄) nanoplates with large aspect ratio have been obtained by annealing Co(OH)₂ precursor nanoplates synthesized by a facile reflux method without the need for any template or surfactant. After the heat treatment, the as-obtained phase-pure Co₃O₄ nanoplates with a wellretained structure were applied as the electrode material for supercapacitors, and the sample exhibits excellent performance with a high specific capacitance of 225 F g^–1 after 2000 charge–discharge cycles at 2 A g^–1, corresponding to a retention of 97% of the initial capacitance.

Co$_9$S$_8$ nanotubes have been successfully synthesized via a facile two-step solvothermal method without the assistance of any template or surfactant, using cobalt sulphate (CoSO$_4$·7H$_2$O), urea and sodium sulphide (Na$_2$S·9H$_2$O) as starting reactants, and deionized water and glycol as the reactive medium. The phase and the morphologyof the as-obtained product were characterized by means of powder X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. The result displays that the Co9S8 nanotubes have hexagonal crosssections,the diameter of the nanotubes is about 200 nm and the wall thickness is of 50 nm. The experiments showed that the Co$_9$S$_8$ nanotubes could be used as new-type catalysts for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. It was found thatthe as-obtained Co$_9$S$_8$ nanotubes contributed to the best catalytic activity.