Journal of Nanoparticle Research最新文献

The identification of the most favorable isomers is crucial for understanding non-classical clusters. For Be₅O₆²⁻ cluster, a recently reported structure ascribes the most favorable isomer as a star-shaped cyclic D_5h-Be₅O₆²⁻, contrasting to the previously claimed linear isomer. Our results reveal the key factors that determine the most favorable isomer, which are facilitated by an increase in orbital and electrostatic stabilizing terms that overcome the increase in steric repulsion, resulting in a more compact structure. Computationally evaluated ¹⁷O-NMR and aromatic characteristics, reveals a non-aromatic behavior. The current approach is useful for further understanding the preference between isomers in non-classical clusters.

This study investigates the energy characteristics of the adsorption layer formed on the surface of ZrO₂+3mol% Y₂O₃ nanopowder system under varying humidity conditions by thermogravimetry, electron microscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin-echo techniques. The spin–spin and spin–lattice relaxation times were determined at different relative ambient humidity. Our findings indicate slow relaxation of water molecules within the pore spaces of the samples, with a characteristic time parameter of 1.18 × 10^–7 s. Furthermore, a nonlinear relationship between desorption activation energy and humidity content was observed in the system. These results suggest the potential applicability of the investigated nano powder system as an adsorption device for energy storage purposes.

Recently, there has been considerable interest in utilizing the photocatalytic capabilities of semiconductor nanoparticles to degrade organic pollutants under sunlight. However, their post-treatment recovery remains a challenge. This study introduces a novel BiOCl/EVA nanocomposite film designed to simplify photocatalyst separation while maintaining high photocatalytic performance. BiOCl nanoparticles were synthesized via a co-precipitation method and embedded into an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) matrix using a solvent casting technique. The resulting films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The films demonstrated high crystallinity, thermal stability, and uniform nanoparticle dispersion. Optical analysis via Tauc plots revealed a suitable band gap for visible-light activation. Photocatalytic tests showed that approximately 98% of rhodamine B (RhB) dye was degraded under sunlight within 120 min. Additionally, the composite retained 88% of its efficiency after four reuse cycles, confirming its stability and reusability. Finally, through the use of experimental data and the trapping of active species, the degradation mechanism of RhB was elucidated. This work presents a promising, easily recoverable photocatalyst with strong potential for practical wastewater treatment applications.

Graphical Abstract

Hybrid nanoparticles (NPs), especially polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) NPs, have emerged as efficient dopants for enhancing the electro-optic (EO) performance of liquid crystal (LC) devices. POSS NPs improve homeotropic alignment (HA) stability, reduce applied voltages, decrease ion density, and optimize dielectric properties, etc., leading to significant performance gains. In the present review, the analysis of reported EO studies shows a reduction in threshold (V_th) and operating (V_O) voltages by up to 25–35% and 20–30%, respectively, along with an enhanced contrast ratio (CR) of 40–60%. In addition, the response times improve markedly, with rise and fall times shortened by 20–50% compared with the undoped systems. Moreover, the dielectric anisotropy (Δε), conductivity suppression, and elastic constants are also favourably tuned. These improvements arise from POSS–LC molecular interactions and surface anchoring effects, which make the POSS-doped LC system potentially applicable to advanced displays, fast switching spatial light modulators (SLMs), tunable photonic devices, and low power EO components. Thus, the present work consolidates recent findings, provides comparative quantitative analysis, and highlights future opportunities for POSS-based nanocomposites in next-generation LC technologies.

Silica–ethylmaltol (EMA) nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulating {2,2′,2″,2‴-{4′-{[(4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]biphenyl-4-yl}-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine-6,6″-diyl}bis(methylenenitrilo)}tetrakis(acetate)–Eu³⁺ (DTBTA–Eu (III)) were prepared by the sol–gel method with the addition of EMA. The luminescence emission peak intensity of DTBTA–Eu (III) encapsulated in silica–EMA NPs increased with the amount of DTATB–Eu (III) from 0.4 to 9.6 µmol with the NP size maintained at 441 to 527 nm. The elution of EMA into distilled water led to the easy formation of silica nanocapsules (NCs) containing DTBTA–Eu (III) by controlling the immersion time. The remaining 12% of DTBTA–Eu (III) was bound to the interior of the silica NCs and the luminescence emission intensity of DTBTA–Eu (III) decreased from 293 to 32 at 614 nm after 2 days of immersion. The citrate ions added during the preparation of silica–EMA NPs encapsulating DTBTA–Eu (III) induced an electrostatic repulsion between silica NPs caused by negative charges of citrate ions on the silica NPs, resulting in a decrease in NP size from 616 (pm 22) to 329 (pm 15) nm, and the luminescence emission peak intensities of silica–EMA NPs encapsulating DTBTA–Eu (III) decreased from 950 to 250.

A graphene oxide (GO)-based electrochemical immunosensor was constructed for sensitive quantification of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in wheat flour. GO was employed for the first time on screen-printed paper electrodes (SPPEs), offering a low-cost, portable sensing platform. EDC–NHS cross-linking chemistry was optimized systematically for compatibility with paper substrates to guarantee strong antibody immobilization. GO synthesized was completely characterized through UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), particle size analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), while the modification of electrodes was traced through FT-IR, FESEM, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Employing potassium ferricyanide as a redox mediator, the performance of the sensor was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and EIS. The immunosensor showed good analytical sensitivity (10,186.51 µA/cm²/ng) with a detection limit of 1.26 fg/µL, verified on different electrodes (n ≥ 5) for reproducibility confirmation. Notably, the device was tested in spiked as well as naturally contaminated wheat flour samples for its real-world potential. Integrating portability, low-cost fabrication, and robust sensitivity, this GO–SPPE immunosensor presents a promising tool for fast on-site detection of AFB1 in food safety applications.

This study explores the sensing capabilities of novel Pt_n cluster decorated BC₃ monolayers for detecting gas molecules including SO₂, SO₃, NO₂ and CO₂. Adsorption of these molecules on the Pt₃ nanocluster decorated BC₃ nanosheets was examined using the density functional theory approach. After structural optimization, SO₂, SO₃ and NO₂ molecules are tightly adsorbed through oxygen sites. The CO₂ molecule also displays strong adsorption through both carbon and oxygen sides. By analyzing the relaxed structures, we have calculated the geometric and electronic properties like adsorption distances/energies, band structures and electron density differences. The most negative adsorption energy in Pt₃ cluster decorated BC₃ nanosheets specifies the strongest adsorption of molecules on the hybrid systems compared with pristine BC₃. The strong interaction between the oxygen atom of gas molecules and the Pt atoms was fully described by the state density and charge density difference maps. These findings propose that novel BC₃/Pt₃ nanocluster systems are worthy candidates for use in trapping SO₂, SO₃, NO₂ and CO₂ molecules.

In the current study, nanoenzymes with multi-enzyme-like activities have garnered significant attention in anti-tumor treatment by responding to the tumor microenvironment. This study reports a kind of high-drug-loading nanoparticles with multiple nanozyme activities. These nanoparticles can respond to the tumor microenvironment and are used for the combined chemotherapy–photothermal–chemodynamic therapy of tumors. In the tumor microenvironment, Fe³⁺/Mn²⁺ bimetallic species can reduce the level of glutathione and simultaneously convert endogenous hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals through the Fenton reaction, enhancing the efficiency of dynamic therapy. Meanwhile, MnO₂ can decompose hydrogen peroxide under acidic conditions to produce oxygen, alleviating tumor hypoxia. In order to take advantage of the hollow structure of nanoparticles, the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel was loaded into the hollow structure. In vitro studies have shown that nanoparticles have a higher drug release rate under simulated tumor conditions, with the maximum drug release rate reaching 79%, demonstrating the stimuli-responsive decomposition of the nanoparticles. The photothermal conversion efficiency can reach 41.3%, and they also have good CAT and POD activities. Studies at the cellular level have shown that nanoparticles have good cytocompatibility with 4T1 cells and were effectively internalized by breast cancer cells, causing 80% of the cells to die through chemodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy effects. The nanoparticles constructed in this study have broad application prospects in building drug-loaded composite nanomaterials with multiple functions for the treatment of tumors.

The two-dimensional MXenes nanosheets, discovered in 2011 by Drexel University, are prominent fillers for developing forward osmosis (FO) membranes. The unique features of MXenes such as high surface area, tunable layer spacing, hydrophilicity, and excellent chemical and thermal stability enhance membrane performance in FO applications. Key challenges in FO based desalination are efficient draw solution (DS) recovery and the lack of membranes that effectively balance water flux and reverse salt flux (RSF). Therefore, the present study demonstrates the synthesis of Ti₃C₂Tₓ nanosheets derived from the precursor Ti₃AlC₂ and their application as nanofillers in thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes. This study uniquely evaluates the Ti₃C₂Tₓ TFN membrane for real seawater desalination using a thermoresponsive DS, specifically addressing challenges related to DS recovery and RSF. The FO performance was evaluated in terms of flux and conductivity change (feed seawater), and an efficient DS recovery process was demonstrated. Adding Ti₃C₂Tₓ nanosheets improved the cross-linking degree of the polyamide layer and enhanced the FO flux compared to the nascent TFC membrane. The M-0.05 membrane maintained a consistent flux of approximately 9–9.4 L/m²·h while achieving over 99% salt rejection during real seawater desalination. The analysis of the final product water revealed an efficient seawater desalination process to generate the quality water at the end.

Methylene blue is a significant pollutant that seriously threatens the safety of water environments, and traditional methods have difficulty removing it. In this study, lignin carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were prepared by the hydrothermal method, and a BiVO₄/CQD composite material was fabricated for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. Through various testing methods, the optimal composite with carbon quantum dots was successfully studied. The incorporation of carbon quantum dots reduced the band gap of BiVO₄ and enhanced the light absorption and electron transfer ability of the BiVO₄/CQD composite material. The incorporation of CQDs can effectively enhance the degradation performance of BiVO₄/CQD composite material toward methylene blue. Under illumination for 120 min, the degradation rate of methylene blue by pure BiVO₄ material was only 56.2%, while the degradation rate of methyl blue by BiVO₄/CQDs-15 composite material could reach as high as 99.7%. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity is attributed to the highly dispersed nature of CQDs on the surface of BiVO₄, their upconversion property, excellent electron transfer ability, and the synergistic effect on the photocatalytic performance of BiVO₄.