Nanoscale Advances最新文献

Two-dimensional layered metal oxides (2D LMOs) have emerged as a rapidly growing class of materials that combine the advantages of reduced dimensionality with the functional diversity of transition metal oxides. Their high surface-to-volume ratio, structural anisotropy, tunable bandgap, and variable oxidation states endow them with unique electrical, optical, and catalytic properties. Recent advances in atomic layer deposition, vapor-phase synthesis, and liquid-phase exfoliation have enabled the scalable fabrication of high-quality 2D LMOs with controlled stoichiometry and thickness. This review provides a comprehensive overview of their structure–property relationships, charge transport mechanisms, and interfacial phenomena, emphasizing how defect engineering, quantum confinement, and interlayer coupling can be exploited to tailor their performance. The integration of 2D LMOs into van der Waals heterostructures further enhances band alignment, charge transfer, and excitonic control, unlocking new opportunities for transistors, sensors, and spintronic and optoelectronic devices. Current challenges such as environmental stability, phase control, and large-scale processability are critically assessed. Finally, emerging computational and machine learning-guided approaches are discussed as pathways to accelerate the rational design of 2D LMOs for flexible, energy-efficient, and multifunctional electronic applications.

Brain cancer remains one of the most challenging malignancies due to the blood–brain barrier (BBB), limited drug penetration, and resistance to conventional therapies. Recent advancements in magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have opened new avenues for targeted and efficient brain cancer treatment. MNPs offer multifunctionality, including magnetic hyperthermia therapy, targeted drug delivery, and enhanced imaging via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This review explores the latest progress in MNP-based theranostics, highlighting their physicochemical properties, functionalization strategies, and mechanisms of action in brain cancer therapy. Additionally, we discuss novel approaches such as stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, BBB penetration techniques, and multifunctional hybrid nanoparticles. Furthermore, preclinical and clinical studies are reviewed to assess the current status and translational challenges. Despite promising outcomes, toxicity, biodistribution, and long-term biocompatibility remain key hurdles in clinical applications. Addressing these limitations will pave the way for personalized nanomedicine-based brain cancer treatment, optimizing therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes.

Composite light-trapping structures offer a promising approach to achieving broadband absorption and high efficiency in thin-film solar cells (TFSCs) in order to accelerate sustainable energy solutions. As the leading material in thin-film solar technology, cadmium telluride (CdTe) faces challenges from surface reflective losses across the solar spectrum and weak absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) range. This computational study addresses these limitations by employing a dual light trapping technique: the top surfaces of both the cadmium sulfide (CdS) and CdTe layers are tapered as nanocones (NCs), while germanium (Ge) spherical nanoparticles (NPs) are embedded within the CdTe absorber layer to enhance broadband absorption. Numerical simulations using Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) and other methods are used to optimize the parameters and configurations of both nanostructures, aiming to achieve peak optoelectronic performance. The results show that a short-circuit current density (J_sc) of 35.38 mA cm⁻² and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 27.76% can be achieved with optimal nanocone (NC) texturing and spherical Ge NP configurations, an approximately 45% and 81% increase in J_sc and PCE, respectively. To understand the enhancement mechanisms, the study includes analyses using diffraction grating theory and Mie theory. Fabricability of these structures is also evaluated. Furthermore, an additional study on the effects of incident angle variation and polarization change demonstrates that the optimal structure is robust under practical conditions, maintaining consistent performance.

The emergence of effective, durable waste water treatment technology is of paramount importance due to the rising threat of toxic heavy metal pollution of water resources to human health as well as the environment. In order to improve multi-functional adsorption, we present the synthesis and performance of ZePol-4, a novel zeolite–polymer composite made from ETS-4 zeolite, chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and L-cysteine. The crystallinity, porosity, and functional group integrity of the composite were validated by structural and morphological characterization (XRD, SEM, and EDS). Excellent uptake capacities for important heavy metals were shown by batch adsorption experiments, with equilibrium adsorption capacities of 243.5 mg g⁻¹ (Pb²⁺), 170.1 mg g⁻¹ (Hg²⁺), 113.5 mg g⁻¹ (Cu²⁺), 80.3 mg g⁻¹ (Cd²⁺), and 45.3 mg g⁻¹ (As³⁺). In accordance with this, ZePol-4 achieved high removal efficiencies in 60 minutes of 98% for Pb²⁺, 93% for Cd²⁺, 88% for Hg²⁺, 75% for As³⁺, and 70% for Cu²⁺. The composite required less extensive chemical adjustment because it worked well over a broad pH range, with optimal removal taking place close to neutral pH. The accuracy of the removal data was guaranteed by dual quantification using UV-vis and ICP-MS. Strong binding interactions and quick kinetics were made possible by the complementary contributions of amino, hydroxyl, and thiol groups through surface complexation and ion exchange. With its quick adsorption, high selectivity, and operational compatibility with actual environmental conditions, ZePol-4 shows great promise as a scalable, environmentally friendly, and highly effective material for tertiary wastewater treatment.

Carbon dots (C-dots) have emerged as highly promising light-harvesting materials, particularly as photosensitizers, due to their eco-friendliness, biocompatibility, and cost-efficiency. Their adaptability as photosensitizers has garnered widespread attention, marking them as pivotal materials for future technological innovations. One of the key attributes of C-dots is their dual functionality in charge transfer, enabling them to serve as both electron donors and acceptors. This charge transfer process between C-dots and small organic molecules as quenchers plays a critical role in diverse applications such as photocatalysis, sensing, and optoelectronics. In this perspective, we have discussed the capability of C-dots in confined environments, doped C-dots, C-dots/molecular hybrids, and perovskite/C-dots composites as photosensitizers. This perspective includes the origin of fluorescence and carrier dynamics in full colour light-emitting C-dots, followed by a novel way to control the photosensitizer capability of C-dots via the transfer of electrons and holes in hybrids, composites, and doped C-dots, and the effects of the core and surface in the electron transfer process. The photosensitizer capability of C-dots was investigated via exploring the charge transfer dynamics using various advanced optical techniques like steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence and ultrafast transient absorption (TA). This perspective also focuses on understanding the ultrafast dynamics of C-dots, such as charge transfer, charge transport, and charge recombination, in various environments, composites, and hybrid systems, with an emphasis on their development as effective photosensitizers. The extensive range of reported electron donor–acceptor systems underscores the versatility of C-dots as photosensitizers, with their tuneable electronic properties tailored to address the demands of emerging technological challenges.

Two-dimensional valleytronics offers a promising platform for novel information processing and quantum technologies by harnessing the valley degree of freedom. A key challenge lies in lifting valley degeneracy, for which magnetic proximity effects provide a promising route. Here, we demonstrate substantial valley splitting in a MoTe₂/CrSCl heterostructure via first-principles calculations. We show that interlayer charge transfer and interfacial orbital hybridization critically govern the valley physics at the interface. Under a moderate in-plane tensile strain (3%) and an applied out-of-plane electric field (0.2 V Å⁻¹), a sizable valley splitting of 63 meV emerges at the valence band maximum. These conditions induce hole doping and a pronounced Berry curvature of −23 Ų at the K valley, realizing an electrically tunable anomalous valley Hall effect. Our findings establish the MoTe₂/CrSCl interface as a versatile platform for valley-selective charge transport, opening pathways for valleytronic device applications.

With the overuse of antibiotics and the emergence of increasingly complex application scenarios, single-strategy bactericidal approaches are proving increasingly inadequate in today's environment. How to simultaneously attack multiple “targets” from multiple dimensions has become one of the hot topics in current research. This study proposes a multi-mechanism synergistic antibacterial platform based on Janus polystyrene–gold nanoparticle (AuNPs–PS) microspheres using COMSOL 6.3. This platform achieves the displacement motion of Janus AuNPs–PS microspheres through the UV-induced photothermal effect (PTT), and combines dielectrophoretic force (DEP) to enable controlled enrichment and directional arrangement of the microspheres. It achieves enhanced sterilization efficiency through the synergistic interaction of the photothermal effect and DEP based on Janus AuNPs. The study first simulated the light absorption–scattering model of AuNPs–PS microspheres under UV irradiation, verifying that the microspheres can generate a temperature field via the photothermal effect. Subsequently, the motion of the microspheres under thermophoresis and their effective separation under DEP were simulated to assess their feasibility in practical applications. Finally, the paper compares the bactericidal rates achieved by the microspheres under UV irradiation alone versus under multi-mechanism synergy. Simulation results indicate that the synergistic effect of multiple mechanisms yields a bactericidal efficacy approximately 30% higher than that of a single strategy. Among these, UV itself has a bactericidal effect. Relevant literature indicates that AuNPs can generate high temperatures under the photothermal effect, thereby disrupting bacterial membrane structures to a certain extent. Furthermore, the photocatalytic effect on the AuNP surface can catalyze the production of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under appropriate conditions, facilitating the inactivation of certain bacteria. The PS matrix serves as an ideal carrier for AuNPs, with its excellent functionalization and dielectric properties providing the foundation for DEP manipulation. Furthermore, the spatial targeting and enrichment effect of DEP significantly enhances the local microsphere concentration and contact efficiency with bacteria. This multi-synergistic approach combining “physical enrichment–photothermal–photocatalysis” offers a potential strategy for overcoming bacterial resistance barriers. Under simulated conditions, it demonstrates promising removal potential against persistent biofilms, providing a theoretical mechanism for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections without readily inducing resistance. However, this inference requires validation through biological experiments. The study aims to provide theoretical foundations and simulation guidance for developing highly efficient sterilization technologies.

The increasing burden of toxic heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and pathogenic microorganisms in aquatic environments necessitates the development of sustainable purification strategies. This review comprehensively elucidates recent progress in the synthesis, characterization, and application of phytogen-based synthesis of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (phytogen@MNPs) for eco-friendly wastewater treatment. Plant-derived bioactive compounds serve as green capping agents, facilitating the synthesis of multifunctional, biocompatible, and surface-reactive MNPs. This review details diverse phytogenic sources, synthesis methodologies, and advanced characterization techniques, highlighting the influence of surface modification on stability, adsorption efficiency, and superparamagnetic behavior. Applications in the adsorption and catalytic degradation of inorganic, organic, and microbial contaminants are critically discussed, along with the kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics of pollutant removal. The antibacterial properties, reusability, and impact of real water matrices are covered, highlighting the superior performance and cost-effectiveness of phytogen@MNPs. Mechanistic insights into pollutant–nanoparticle interactions reveal the decisive roles of surface functionalization and particle size. This review also encompasses the advantages of phytogen@MNPs over conventional materials, while also identifying the need for standardized protocols, evaluation of long-term stability, and strategies for scalable production to fully realize their potential in environmental remediation in future work.

Titanium nitride (TiN) thin films demonstrate high electrical conductivity and thermal stability up to 400 °C in ambient conditions, with stability extending to 600–800 °C under inert or vacuum environments. Unlike many metals and transition metal nitrides, TiN combines high carrier mobility with moderate carrier concentration, making it ideal for thermal management and power-efficient applications in nanoelectronics and energy harvesting. This study systematically investigates the thermoelectric and electronic transport properties of TiN films grown by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), comparing them to those produced using traditional thermal atomic layer deposition (thermal ALD). These properties are studied as a function of growth temperature and the number of growth cycles. In particular, TiN films deposited by PEALD at 400 °C for 2000 ALD cycles exhibited a remarkable power factor of 512 µW m⁻¹ K⁻² at room temperature compared to a power factor of 4.95 µW m⁻¹ K⁻² measured for thermal ALD films fabricated under the same deposition conditions. Additionally, thermal conductivity was also measured for thicker TiN films (86 nm), yielding values of 26.96 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ for PEALD and 7.01 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ for thermal ALD, marking the first such report for ALD-grown TiN. These values offer an upper estimate of the thermal behavior in thinner films. Based on these measured properties, the thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) at room temperature was calculated to be 0.0056 for PEALD TiN films which is significantly higher than the value of 0.0002 obtained for thermal ALD TiN films. Our findings provide critical insights into transport properties of TiN, offering guidance for the development of conductive nanolayers in thermoelectric, nanoelectronic, and on-chip cooling applications, where precise control over thermal and electronic behavior is vital, thereby expanding the relevance of ALD TiN in high-performance applications.

A stable and controllable coating can be formed on the surface of gold nanorods (AuNRs) by using metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which avoids the agglomeration of the nanohybrid AuNR@MOF and also expands the functionality of the plasmon nanoparticles. In this review, we discuss the chemical role of the different components of the nanohybrid, i.e., AuNR, surface ligand or mesoporous nanostructure (MN) and the MOF around the AuNR. The methodologies used in the different synthesis stages and the factors to be considered to maintain stability in the construction of this type of nanostructures are also reported. Furthermore, we observed that there are a wide variety of MOF morphologies that can be built around AuNRs, even using the same components for their formation, which vary depending on the synthesis methodology. Finally, we discuss about the broad range of applications, of the AuNR@MOF nanohybrids, mainly in the biological field.