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Cobalt( ii ) ions were adsorbed to the surface of rod-shape anatase TiO 2 nanocrystals and subsequently heated to promote ion diffusion into the nanocrystal. After removal of any remaining surface bound cobalt, a sample consisting of strictly cobalt-doped TiO 2 was obtained and characterized with powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, SQUID magnetometry, and inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The nanocrystal morphology was unchanged in the process and no new crystal phases were detected. The concentration of cobalt in the doped samples linearly correlates with the initial loading of cobalt( ii ) ions on the nanocrystal surface. Thin films of the cobalt doped TiO 2 nanocrystals were prepared on indium-tin oxide coated glass substrate, and the electrical conductivity increased with the concentration of doped cobalt. Magnetic measurements of the cobalt-doped TiO 2 nanocrystals reveal paramagnetic behavior at room temperature, and antiferromagnetic interactions between Co ions at low temperatures. Antiferromagnetism is atypical for cobalt-doped TiO 2 nanocrystals, and is proposed to arise from interstitial doping that may be favored by the diffusional doping mechanism. 

Hollow Mn₃O₄nanoparticles (diameter=31 nm, cavity diameter=16 nm, and shell thickness=7 nm) were attached to the surface of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). A suspension of hollow Mn₃O₄/MWCNT with Nafion™ was dropcast onto a glassy carbon electrode, and the electrochemical reduction of oxygen in aqueous solution was investigated with this electrode. We assess the role of MWCNT, hollow Mn₃O₄, and Nafion™ in the performance of the electrode, and investigate the kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction. The electrode exhibits outstanding performance in measures of cathodic current density and onset potential, and performed similarly well in acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions.