Nanoscale Advances最新文献

Here at Nanoscale Advances we are lucky to receive high quality research papers from across the full range of nanoscience and nanotechnology topics every year. We wanted to find a way to recognise the most significant papers published in the journal each year, judged by the expert nanoscience and nanotechnology researchers who make up our Editorial and Advisory Boards. In this article we are excited to announce the winner and runners-up of the very first Paper Prize, as well as the process that we have taken to select these excellent articles.

Here at Nanoscale Advances we are lucky to receive high quality research papers from across the full range of nanoscience and nanotechnology topics every year. We wanted to find a way to recognise the most significant papers published in the journal each year, judged by the expert nanoscience and nanotechnology researchers who make up our Editorial and Advisory Boards. In this article we are excited to announce the winner and runners-up of the very first Paper Prize, as well as the process that we have taken to select these excellent articles.

Ensuring food safety requires rapid, sensitive detection of pathogens and contaminants, driven by global challenges such as rising foodborne illnesses and regulatory demands for real-time monitoring. This review examines cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr₃) perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) as advanced fluorescent nanosensors for multiplexed detection of foodborne pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, Vibrio) and non-pesticide contaminants (e.g., mycotoxins, heavy metals, dyes, antibiotics) in complex food matrices. Utilizing high quantum yields and narrow emission spectra, these nanosensors achieve detection limits as low as 10 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU mL⁻¹) and sub-nanomolar levels via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), photoinduced electron transfer (PET), and aggregation-induced quenching (AIQ) mechanisms. We explore advanced synthesis methods (hot-injection, ligand-assisted reprecipitation (LARP), microfluidics) and surface modifications (molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP), metal–organic frameworks (MOF), silica coatings) to enhance stability and specificity. This focused and up-to-date comprehensive review is dedicated to the use of CsPbBr₃ PQDs in the fluorescence-based detection of foodborne pathogens and non-pesticide contaminants. Unlike prior reviews on general perovskite QDs or broader nanosensors, it provides a structured framework emphasizing synthesis strategies, detection mechanisms in real food matrices, comparative performance with other nanomaterials, toxicity mitigation, and prospects for IoT-integrated, regulatory-compliant, field-deployable sensing technologies. The review addresses toxicity and instability challenges through lead-free alternatives and Internet of Things (IoT)-integrated platforms, paving the way for scalable, real-time food safety diagnostics.

Copper (Cu) is a recyclable, abundant, and promising catalyst for energy transition reactions like electrochemical conversion of nitrate (NO₃RR) and CO₂ electroreduction. However, conventional Cu-based electrocatalysts struggle with activity, selectivity, and durability, especially under harsh electrochemical conditions. Exsolution-the in situ generation of metallic nanoparticles on oxide supports in a single step-enables tightly anchored, size-controlled particles, enhancing stability and performance. Incorporating Cu into Sr_1-α (Ti, Fe)O_3-γ perovskites, an earth-abundant system with promising ionic-electronic conductivity and adequate oxygen vacancies, overcomes the limitations of traditional Sr(Ti, Fe)O_3-γ in facilitating nanoparticle exsolution. This work demonstrates controlled Cu nanoparticle exsolution from Sr_0.95Ti_0.3Fe_0.7-x Cu _x O_3-γ perovskites at temperatures as low as 400 °C, notably milder than conventional exsolution conditions. By systematically varying reduction parameters, we achieve control over nanoparticle size (13-38 nm) and population density (118-650 particles per µm²). Electrochemical characterisation using nitrate reduction as a probe reaction demonstrates how exsolution conditions directly influence surface reactivity, establishing these materials as tuneable platforms for (electro)catalytic applications.

This study demonstrates a simple and effective two-step strategy for synthesizing high-quality graphene on copper foils at a low growth temperature of 400 °C, significantly reducing the temperature required compared with conventional CVD methods. First, CO₂ laser pretreatment is applied to the copper substrate, which significantly improves surface smoothness and reduces surface oxides and particulates through localized heating. This process effectively lowers the nucleation density, thereby promoting the formation of larger graphene domains with fewer grain boundaries. Importantly, this approach addresses the common challenge of high defect density in low-temperature-synthesized graphene, enabling the production of films with excellent electrical and structural quality. The graphene/Cu hybrid structure achieves a 66.9% reduction in electrical resistance compared to pristine copper foil and demonstrates outstanding oxidation resistance. To demonstrate practical relevance, a photodetector fabricated using the low-temperature graphene exhibits a high responsivity of 666.95 mA W^-1 and a detectivity of 2.32 × 10¹⁰ Jones under 5 V bias and 100 W m^-2 illumination. Moreover, it maintains stable switching performance even at 0.1 V, highlighting its suitability for low-power optoelectronic and sensor applications.

The product of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) stabilized in water-soluble yeast β-glucan (SeNPs/β-glucan) was successfully synthesized by γ-ray irradiation on a scale of 3 liters per batch. The analysis results of its transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image showed that SeNPs in the product were spherical with an average actual particle size of about 63.3 nm, while dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses indicated that the average hydrodynamic particle size of the product was about 93.5 nm with a narrow distribution and negative zeta potential value (−10.1 mV). In addition, the results also showed the hydrodynamic particle size and size distribution of the product slightly increased after storage for 60 days at 4 °C, whereas a more pronounced increase was observed when stored at room temperature (25 °C). Besides, the structural characteristics of SeNPs/β-glucan were also comprehensively analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to confirm the crystal structure of the Se nanoparticles and their interaction with β-glucan molecules. The anticancer effects of SeNPs/β-glucan on the liver cancer cell line (HepG2) were also investigated and the obtained results demonstrated that SeNPs/β-glucan strongly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of about 6.5 ppm, while its IC₅₀ on the normal cell line (L929) was found to be 48.3 ppm, indicating very low cytotoxicity. The selectivity index (SI) value of the product was determined to be around 7.4, indicating selective toxicity toward cancer cells. Furthermore, apoptosis assays demonstrated that SeNPs/β-glucan induced apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells by triggering cell cycle arrest in the S and G2/M phases in a dose-dependent manner. These findings provide a theoretical foundation and experimental evidence supporting the potential applications of SeNPs/β-glucan in the food and pharmaceutical fields.

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.