Recent trends and perspectives in rhenium-based nanomaterials for sustainable applications

Abstract

With the rapid development of modern science and technology, it is necessary to search for alternative nanostructured materials towards the application of electrochemical (EC) sensors, catalysts, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and biomedicine. However, such type of nanomaterials is limited due to the lack of synthesis procedures and unique set of physical and chemical properties. This review aims to provide insights into recent advances devoted towards synthesis and applications of rhenium (Re) nanostructures. Special attention has been focused on the synthesis of Re nanostructures with defined optical, structural, and catalytic properties based on the available literature studies. The integration of Re nanomaterials into various electrochemical devices with interest in the detection of biomolecules, drugs, organic pollutants, etc. is highlighted. Given that Re nanomaterials have a high specific surface area and surface energy, they are appealing as catalysts. The so-obtained Re nanomaterials are effective in various catalytic reactions with good recycling abilities. These materials are also considered ideal candidates for redox-type energy storage materials due to their superior intrinsic advantages such as structural, electronic, electro-optical and chemical properties, which are exceptional among other transition metal compounds (TMCs) investigated so far. The potential role of Re materials in photocatalytic degradation of methylene orange, methylene blue, rhodamine B etc., emphasizing the influence of various factors such as pH, concentration of dye, loading of photocatalyst, light intensity, irradiation time, etc. is discussed. The recent advancements in engineered ReNPs and its composites, particularly for SERS substrates, have been systematically surveyed. Because of its unique physical and chemical performance, ReNPs act as a remarkable diagnostics reagent candidate and show to improve its photoluminescence, lipophilicity, cell uptake, cytotoxicity, biological distribution, pharmacology, and toxicology. At the end of this review, we conclude by discussing the remaining challenges associated with the Re nanomaterials and our perspective on the future of nanoscience and nanotechnology. This review is the first to focus on various synthesis methods employed for the preparation of ReNPs, and its composites and highlight the development of electrochemical sensors, catalytic organic reactions, SERS and biomedical applications.