ChemNanoMat最新文献

A simple and reliable method to prepare TiO₂, SiO₂, and ZrO₂ ordered mesoporous films by sol gel chemistry combined with evaporation-induced self assembly of amphiphilic molecules, over a wide variety of substrates (silicon wafers, glass, aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium) and without the need of heating during deposition is presented. The resulting films are less uniform than those obtained by other deposition techniques, but exhibit comparable thicknesses, high transmittance in the visible region, and accessible porosity to both water and small molecules, similar to those achieved with traditional methods. In addition, the possibility of obtaining equivalent oxides over curved glass is demonstrated. Moreover, the preparation of patterned structures, either of single or multiple oxides, with high control at the millimeter scale is shown. In this case, the distinctive physicochemical properties of each oxide can be conserved and spatially localized over a single substrate. In summary, this article paves the way toward the reliable production of ordered mesoporous oxides by spray coating, on a wide variety of flat and curved substrates and either as continuous or patterned thin films. Therefore, numerous applications for the materials obtained by this simple route are envisioned.

Pesticide residue detection is vital for ensuring food and environmental safety. However, conventional analytical methods often require complex, time-consuming, and costly sample pretreatment. In this study, we developed a method for fabricating flexible surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) tapes by decorating commercial transparent adhesive tapes with monolayer films of silver decahedral nanoparticles (AgDeNPs). This flexible SERS tape enables efficient and in situ detection of thiram residues on fruit surfaces. Size-optimized AgDeNPs were assembled into monolayers and transferred onto the tape using a “paste-peel” method, resulting in uniform SERS enhancement over a large area. The transparency of the tape allows SERS measurements from both sides, achieving a detection limit as low as 10⁻⁸ M for 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA). To demonstrate practical applicability, the SERS tape was applied directly to the surface of an apple for in situ analysis of thiram residues. A detection limit of 0.001 mg/L was achieved for thiram, with recovery rates ranging from 97.24% to 99.51%. This flexible, sensitive, and uniform SERS platform offers a promising strategy for rapid, in situ detection of pesticide residues on complex surfaces.

Severe environmental issues caused by the use of fossil fuels have prompted the development of alternative, sustainable, and clean energy sources. Solar-driven chemical processes such as water-splitting and photocatalysis, as well as solar cells that convert solar radiation into electricity, have attracted considerable attention because solar energy is inexhaustible. Given that visible light accounts for 47%, and nearly 50% of the sunlight spectrum covers the near-infrared (NIR) and IR regions, photosensitizers with long-wavelength absorption bands are desirable from the standpoint of efficient light harvesting. To this end, π-extended 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacenes (BODIPYs) have held great promise owing to not only their excellent photophysical properties in the red and NIR regions but also their highly thermal properties. Various synthetic methods, such as metal-catalyzed coupling, nucleophilic substitution of an aldehyde with pyrroles, and photochemical reactions, enable electronic modification through BODIPY derivatization, according to the working mechanisms of energy devices, including photoelectrochemical cells, dye-sensitized catalysis for hydrogen production, dye-sensitized solar cells, organic photovoltaics, and perovskite solar cells. Theoretical and electrochemical studies have supported the use of molecular engineering. This review discusses π-expanded BODIPYs and related analogs that have been utilized in energy materials, demonstrating their feasibility as sensitizers for long-wavelength light.

Neurodegenerative disorders represent a major global health challenge, as current therapeutic approaches predominantly alleviate symptoms rather than restore the function of degenerating neurons. Regenerative medicine offers promising avenues of intervention. However, effective strategies demand advanced delivery systems capable of traversing the central nervous system (CNS). This article examines the potential of liposomal nanocarriers as versatile platforms for both neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. Liposomes provide a flexible modality for CNS drug delivery owing to their favorable physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and capacity to encapsulate diverse therapeutic agents. Their intrinsic ability to interact with the blood–brain barrier positions them as particularly attractive candidates for the targeted delivery of neuroprotective and neurorestorative factors. We highlight recent preclinical and clinical evidence underscoring the importance of liposomal design parameters and administration routes in improving therapeutic outcomes. Through a critical analysis of these design principles within the context of regenerative medicine, this article emphasizes translational considerations as essential steps toward the rational engineering of liposomal systems. Ultimately, the primary objective is to arrest ongoing neurodegeneration, stimulate neuronal regeneration, and redefine the therapeutic landscape of neurodegenerative disease management.

The development of efficient strategies for the detection of cyanide ions simply and cost-effectively is significant in contemporary research. Novel design principle for efficient visual and fluorometric sensing methods for cyanide ions using halogenated (Br, I) organic nanomaterials of 2,2′-bithiophene-5-carboxaldehyde was developed, and the effects of the number of halogen substituents on sensing were analyzed. Quantitative analysis of cyanide sensing by 5′-Iodo-2,2′-bithiophene-5-carboxaldehyde revealed that the binding constant is 1.38 × 10³ M⁻¹ at room temperature. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were determined to be 3.52 × 10⁻⁵ M and 0.17 × 10⁻⁵ M, respectively. Additionally, Job's plot revealed 1:1 stoichiometric binding between 5′-Iodo-2,2′bithiophene-5-carboxaldehyde and cyanide ion. Halogen bond and π–π stacking interaction mediated assembly of 5′-Iodo-2,2′-bithiophene-5-carboxaldehyde was obtained from single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Noncovalent interaction-mediated self-assembly of the sensor resulted in spherical nanostructures, as evident from transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Importantly, density functional theory (DFT) studies showed that by increasing the number of halogen substitutions (Br, I) on 2,2′-bithiophene-5-carboxaldehyde, the activation energy for the nucleophilic attack of cyanide to the aldehyde moiety decreases, and thereby the cyanide sensing efficiency increases.

Bimetallic nanoparticles utilize the synergistic properties of their constituent metals, which have a bearing on the catalyst stability, product selectivity, and tunability of the catalyst activity. Noble metal-based alloys, among various bimetallic structures, are especially appealing due to their electronic tunability and ease of synthesis. Conventional synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles via wet chemical reduction often involves toxic metal salt precursors, raising safety and environmental concerns in addition to tedious purification procedures and reliability concerns related to reproducibility. This study presents a cleaner synthesis route for Au–Pd nanoalloys, combining solvated metal atom dispersion with co-digestive ripening in the ionic liquid [C₁₈BIm]Br, using pure metals and organic solvents. Varying the Au/Pd molar ratio led to uniform, spherical alloy nanoparticles with minimal polydispersity. The catalytic activity of these nanoalloys was evaluated for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol, where the equimolar Au:Pd colloid (AuPd@IL) showed excellent performance with an apparent rate constant of 0.52 min⁻¹, matching or exceeding literature values. Further testing for phenylacetylene semihydrogenation, a key industrially relevant reaction, using the AuPd@IL catalyst resulted in 91.1% conversion with 91.2% styrene selectivity, outperforming its monometallic counterparts (Au@IL: 23.8% conversion, 75.6% selectivity; Pd@IL: 100% conversion, 6.5% selectivity). These findings underscore the enhanced catalytic properties of Au–Pd nanoalloys due to the synergistic interaction between the two metals, offering clear advantages over individual metal catalysts in practical applications.

Flexible pressure sensors have great potential in varieties of applications, such as human motion monitoring, human–machine interfaces and e-skins. Through the integration of novel materials and innovative structural designs, substantial efforts have been devoted to augmenting the sensitivity, detection range, and operational stability of flexible pressure sensors for targeted application scenarios. However, in specific application domains such as robotic tactile systems, intelligent prosthetics, and wearable medical devices, sensors are required to concurrently exhibit both an extensive detection range and heightened sensitivity—a combination that remains unattainable for current flexible pressure sensors. Therefore, inspired by bamboo, a piezoresistive sensor composed of multiwalls carbon nanotubes and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS/MWCNTs) films based on special surface morphology of ridges structure was fabricated through a facile and cost-effective way. Thanks to the ridges structure, the sensor displayed a high sensitivity of 11.68 kPa⁻¹ under pressure range up to 23 kPa and a wide detecting range from 116 Pa to 126 kPa. Besides, due to the hierarchical ridges structure, the sensor showed excellent linearity under three different pressure ranges (R² > 0.92). Moreover, a series of studies have been made to demonstrate the practical application in human motion monitoring and muscular movement detection.

The most common method for the synthesis of copper-containing supported catalysts is impregnation of the support with a copper salt solution. However, calcination and reduction of the resulting materials can lead to agglomeration of copper species and a decrease in catalytic activity. The synthesis of highly dispersed copper particles on the support surface can be performed using ammonia evaporation method with a copper ammine complex as a precursor. This review considers the effect of copper loading and the support nature on the structure of the obtained catalysts with a focus on the benefits of the ammonia evaporation method for preparation of the Cu/SiO₂ catalysts compared to other methods. This review summarizes the results concerning influence of the synthesis conditions of the ammonia evaporation method on the morphology and structure of Cu-based catalysts. The effect of ammonia evaporation temperature and solution pH on copper dispersion, copper particle size, and reducibility of the Cu-based catalysts is also included. The morphology of the silica support and the particle size of the silica sol have impact on the formation of copper phyllosilicate in the Cu/SiO₂ catalysts.

Sustainability in packaging is currently a significant concern for addressing environmental problems associated with nonbiodegradable materials. Even though jute fabric is widely used as a conventional packaging material, it has limitations, such as a porous structure, and high moisture absorbance limits its ability to conserve the dry food grains, seeds, etc. To mitigate this, the electrospinning technique was performed by utilizing polylactic acid (PLA) for nanocoating on the jute fabric's surface. Three PLA ratios were tested and compared with traditional jute fabric. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated that nanofibers effectively linked the gap between yarns on the fabric's surface, while energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the atomic % of elements. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of all the functional components. Moisture management test (MMT) demonstrated successful resistance to water performance, and antibacterial assay showed effective inhibition against two common bacteria of the developed sample due to incorporation of antibacterial chemical. The thermal stability was confirmed from thermogravimetric (TG) analysis (up to 230°C) with improved heat resistance concentrations in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. From thermal conductivity and thermal resistance analysis, nano-coated samples demonstrated reduced thermal conductivity with enhanced thermal resistance. PLA nano-coated jute fabric presents a promising eco-friendly alternative for packaging applications.

Carbon fiber-based structural zinc-ion batteries, which integrate carbon–fiber load-bearing functionality with zinc-ion energy storage, represent a promising class of multifunctional devices for electric-powered systems. In this study, we develop a zinc–carbon fiber (Zn-CF) anode featuring a hierarchical flake-like morphology, achieved through acid treatment and electrodeposition. This structure offers an extensive electrochemical surface area and facilitates uniform Zn deposition. The pouch cell delivers an enhanced specific discharge capacity of 359 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ and retains 289 mAh g⁻¹ under 90° bending, corresponding to 88% capacity retention. A proof-of-concept structural battery (i.e., assembled with Zn-CF anode, MnO₂-CF cathode, and a carbon fiber-epoxy housing), achieves 310 mAh g⁻¹ with comparable voltage profiles to the pouch cell. The Zn-CF anode and structural battery exhibit tensile strengths of 300 and 170 MPa, respectively. These results demonstrate that hierarchical Zn-CF anodes enable bend-resilient, mechanically robust structural zinc-ion batteries suitable for several applications, including electric vehicles, aerospace, and wearable electronics.