Ferroelectric photovoltaic has attracted increasing attention since its discovery in the 1970s, due to above bandgap photovoltage and polarized light-dependent photocurrent. However, its practical applications have been limited by weak visible light absorption and low photoconductivity. Intrinsic modification of the material, such as bandgap tuning through chemical doping, has proven effective but usually leads to the degradation of ferroelectricity. Recently, various nanostructures such as multilayer heterojunctions, nanoparticles, vertically aligned nanocomposites and polar nanoregions have been developed to enhance photovoltaic performance. These approaches enable nanoassembling materials in a lower dimension manner to optimize the bulk photovoltaic effect whilst effectively preserving or even inducing ferroelectricity. This review highlights the fabrication processes of these emerging ferroelectric nanostructures and evaluates their photovoltaic performance.
{"title":"Nanostructure Engineering for Ferroelectric Photovoltaics","authors":"Wenzhong Ji, Teng Lu, Yun Liu","doi":"10.1039/d4nr04908j","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4nr04908j","url":null,"abstract":"Ferroelectric photovoltaic has attracted increasing attention since its discovery in the 1970s, due to above bandgap photovoltage and polarized light-dependent photocurrent. However, its practical applications have been limited by weak visible light absorption and low photoconductivity. Intrinsic modification of the material, such as bandgap tuning through chemical doping, has proven effective but usually leads to the degradation of ferroelectricity. Recently, various nanostructures such as multilayer heterojunctions, nanoparticles, vertically aligned nanocomposites and polar nanoregions have been developed to enhance photovoltaic performance. These approaches enable nanoassembling materials in a lower dimension manner to optimize the bulk photovoltaic effect whilst effectively preserving or even inducing ferroelectricity. This review highlights the fabrication processes of these emerging ferroelectric nanostructures and evaluates their photovoltaic performance.","PeriodicalId":92,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142987644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Anusha, Anjali Yadav, Pratap Vishnoi, Dharmendar Kumar Sharma
Mixing different metal ions in the B site of ABX3 perovskites offers a promising approach to address challenges related to toxicity, stability and performance in optoelectronic applications. One such example is CsPb1-xSnxBr3 which addresses the toxicity issue posed by lead while allowing us to tune optoelectronic properties such as band gap. In this work, nearly monodisperse CsPb1-xSnxBr3 quantum dots (QDs) synthesized with variable Pb/Sn compositions, i.e. CsPbBr3, CsPb0.9Sn0.1Br3 and CsPb0.7Sn0.3Br3. Photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of CsPb1-xSnxBr3 first increases for x=0.1 and then decrease for x=0.3 with respect to x=0. Such effect of Sn incorporation on the PLQY investigated using photoblinking studies which revealed three level blinking statistics namely ON, GRAY and OFF. These results along with the excited state lifetime measurements enabled us to understand charge carrier dynamics in CsPb1-xSnxBr3 QDs. Based on our findings we propose that the photogenerated hot electrons of Sn enhances the PLQY by filling TRAP states centered on Pb, which otherwise promote non-radiative relaxations in the Sn free CsPbBr3. However, at higher Sn concentrations, non-radiative recombination becomes more pronounced, reducing the PLQY.
{"title":"Mixed Metal Halide Perovskite CsPb1-xSnxBr3 Quantum Dots: Insight into Photophysics from Photoblinking Studies","authors":"A. Anusha, Anjali Yadav, Pratap Vishnoi, Dharmendar Kumar Sharma","doi":"10.1039/d4nr04879b","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4nr04879b","url":null,"abstract":"Mixing different metal ions in the B site of ABX<small><sub>3</sub></small> perovskites offers a promising approach to address challenges related to toxicity, stability and performance in optoelectronic applications. One such example is CsPb<small><sub>1-x</sub></small>Sn<small><sub>x</sub></small>Br<small><sub>3</sub></small> which addresses the toxicity issue posed by lead while allowing us to tune optoelectronic properties such as band gap. In this work, nearly monodisperse CsPb<small><sub>1-x</sub></small>Sn<small><sub>x</sub></small>Br<small><sub>3</sub></small> quantum dots (QDs) synthesized with variable Pb/Sn compositions, i.e. CsPbBr<small><sub>3</sub></small>, CsPb<small><sub>0.9</sub></small>Sn<small><sub>0.1</sub></small>Br<small><sub>3</sub></small> and CsPb<small><sub>0.7</sub></small>Sn<small><sub>0.3</sub></small>Br<small><sub>3</sub></small>. Photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of CsPb<small><sub>1-x</sub></small>Sn<small><sub>x</sub></small>Br<small><sub>3</sub></small> first increases for x=0.1 and then decrease for x=0.3 with respect to x=0. Such effect of Sn incorporation on the PLQY investigated using photoblinking studies which revealed three level blinking statistics namely ON, GRAY and OFF. These results along with the excited state lifetime measurements enabled us to understand charge carrier dynamics in CsPb<small><sub>1-x</sub></small>Sn<small><sub>x</sub></small>Br<small><sub>3</sub></small> QDs. Based on our findings we propose that the photogenerated hot electrons of Sn enhances the PLQY by filling TRAP states centered on Pb, which otherwise promote non-radiative relaxations in the Sn free CsPbBr<small><sub>3</sub></small>. However, at higher Sn concentrations, non-radiative recombination becomes more pronounced, reducing the PLQY.","PeriodicalId":92,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale","volume":"51 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142987647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The use of bioresorbable compositions has been considered a promising therapeutic approach for treating compromised bone tissues. Gellan gum (GG) is a predominant polysaccharide recognized for its exceptional biocompatibility and biodegradability, facile bio-fabrication, and customizable mechanical attributes, rendering it well-suited for developing versatile bone scaffolds. On the other hand, MXene nanosheets have been declared a representational filler to augment the osteogenic effect and amend the mechanical properties of the polymeric biomaterials. Herein, the GG/MXene system was formulated to investigate the synergistic impact of gellan gum and MXene on promoting bone tissue engineering. Accordingly, Ti3C2Tx MXene nanogalleries were synthesized and loaded with 1, 3, and 5 wt% ratios into the GG matrix to fortify the overall performances. Based on the outcomes, the GG containing 1 wt% MXene showed a homogeneous surface with an optimized topography, providing greater amorphous regions (15%), boosted hydrophilicity (27.5°), and a favorable Young's modulus (13.43 MPa). Additionally, the designed scaffold provided exceptional osteogenetic adhesion and bactericidal behavior against both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and -negative (E. coli) bacteria. To achieve more desirable biological performance, 1 ml garlic extract (GA) was introduced to the freeze-dried composite network. The results exhibited better cell attachment in the porous GA-mediated scaffold with furthered antibacterial features through an increase in the zone diameter breakpoint from 4.8 ± 0.2 and 5.0 ± 0.1 mm to 5.9 ± 0.3 and 6.2 ± 0.2 mm against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Therefore, embedding GA, alongside MXene layered nanomaterials, into the GG-based matrix could provide a convenient scaffolding architecture for guided bone regeneration, facilitating appropriate cell attachment, growth, and proliferation.
{"title":"Multipurpose triadic MXene/garlic/gellan gum-based architecture in the horizon of bone tissue regeneration","authors":"Lin Zhou, Zhuo Zhao, Seyedeh Nooshin Banitaba, Sanaz Khademolqorani, Xin Han, Guang Chen","doi":"10.1039/d4nr03995e","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4nr03995e","url":null,"abstract":"The use of bioresorbable compositions has been considered a promising therapeutic approach for treating compromised bone tissues. Gellan gum (GG) is a predominant polysaccharide recognized for its exceptional biocompatibility and biodegradability, facile bio-fabrication, and customizable mechanical attributes, rendering it well-suited for developing versatile bone scaffolds. On the other hand, MXene nanosheets have been declared a representational filler to augment the osteogenic effect and amend the mechanical properties of the polymeric biomaterials. Herein, the GG/MXene system was formulated to investigate the synergistic impact of gellan gum and MXene on promoting bone tissue engineering. Accordingly, Ti<small><sub>3</sub></small>C<small><sub>2</sub></small>T<small><sub><em>x</em></sub></small> MXene nanogalleries were synthesized and loaded with 1, 3, and 5 wt% ratios into the GG matrix to fortify the overall performances. Based on the outcomes, the GG containing 1 wt% MXene showed a homogeneous surface with an optimized topography, providing greater amorphous regions (15%), boosted hydrophilicity (27.5°), and a favorable Young's modulus (13.43 MPa). Additionally, the designed scaffold provided exceptional osteogenetic adhesion and bactericidal behavior against both Gram-positive (<em>S. aureus</em>) and -negative (<em>E. coli</em>) bacteria. To achieve more desirable biological performance, 1 ml garlic extract (GA) was introduced to the freeze-dried composite network. The results exhibited better cell attachment in the porous GA-mediated scaffold with furthered antibacterial features through an increase in the zone diameter breakpoint from 4.8 ± 0.2 and 5.0 ± 0.1 mm to 5.9 ± 0.3 and 6.2 ± 0.2 mm against <em>S. aureus</em> and <em>E. coli</em>, respectively. Therefore, embedding GA, alongside MXene layered nanomaterials, into the GG-based matrix could provide a convenient scaffolding architecture for guided bone regeneration, facilitating appropriate cell attachment, growth, and proliferation.","PeriodicalId":92,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142987765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Björn Greijer, Alexandra Nefedova, Tatiana Agback, Peter Agback, Vambola Kisand, Kai Rausalu, Alexander Vanetsev, Gulaim A. Seisenbaeva, Angela Ivask, Vadim G Kessler
Recent COVID-19 pandemic has set strong quest for advanced understanding of possible tracks in abating and eliminating viral infections. In the view that several families of “pristine” small oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have demonstrated virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2, we studied the effect of two NPs with presumably different reactivity, on two viruses aiming to evaluate two “primary suspect” routes of their antiviral activity, either specific blocking of surface proteins or causing membrane disruption. The chosen NPs were non-photoactive 3.5 nm triethanolamine terminated (surface capped) titania TiO2 NPs (TATT) and ultrasmall (1.1 nm) silicotungstate polyoxometalate (POM) NPs. The former were expected to both, interact with viral surface proteins as well as strongly complex with phosphate groups whereas the latter was not expected to form surface complexes. We demonstrated that expectedly, POM NPs up to 1.25 mM (4.5 mg/l) had no significant antiviral activity towards neither of the used viruses, an enveloped transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) belonging to coronaviruses and non-enveloped encelomyocarditis virus (EMCV). At the same time, TATT NPs exhibited statistically significant (p<0.05) antiviral activity against TGEV starting from 0.125 mM (12 µg/ml). However, no antiviral activity of TATT against non-enveloped EMCV was detected. The observation that TATT NPs showed activity only against enveloped viruses and at relatively high concentrations suggests that the effect could be related with complexation with phospholipids. Possible chemical mechanism of viral membrane disruption was investigated by a variable temperature NMR study of NP complexation with model organic phosphate molecules, proving TATT to strongly interact with them and POM remain unreacted. Viral membrane disruption by TATT NPs was additionally confirmed by demonstraing RNA leackage from TGEV upon contact with those NPs. Therefore, our study proved a new mechanism of antiviral action of titania NPs in the dark which involved membrane disruption proceeding via direct surface complexation.
{"title":"Molecular Mechanisms behind the Anti Corona Virus Activity of Small Metal Oxide Nanoparticles","authors":"Björn Greijer, Alexandra Nefedova, Tatiana Agback, Peter Agback, Vambola Kisand, Kai Rausalu, Alexander Vanetsev, Gulaim A. Seisenbaeva, Angela Ivask, Vadim G Kessler","doi":"10.1039/d4nr03730h","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4nr03730h","url":null,"abstract":"Recent COVID-19 pandemic has set strong quest for advanced understanding of possible tracks in abating and eliminating viral infections. In the view that several families of “pristine” small oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have demonstrated virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2, we studied the effect of two NPs with presumably different reactivity, on two viruses aiming to evaluate two “primary suspect” routes of their antiviral activity, either specific blocking of surface proteins or causing membrane disruption. The chosen NPs were non-photoactive 3.5 nm triethanolamine terminated (surface capped) titania TiO2 NPs (TATT) and ultrasmall (1.1 nm) silicotungstate polyoxometalate (POM) NPs. The former were expected to both, interact with viral surface proteins as well as strongly complex with phosphate groups whereas the latter was not expected to form surface complexes. We demonstrated that expectedly, POM NPs up to 1.25 mM (4.5 mg/l) had no significant antiviral activity towards neither of the used viruses, an enveloped transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) belonging to coronaviruses and non-enveloped encelomyocarditis virus (EMCV). At the same time, TATT NPs exhibited statistically significant (p<0.05) antiviral activity against TGEV starting from 0.125 mM (12 µg/ml). However, no antiviral activity of TATT against non-enveloped EMCV was detected. The observation that TATT NPs showed activity only against enveloped viruses and at relatively high concentrations suggests that the effect could be related with complexation with phospholipids. Possible chemical mechanism of viral membrane disruption was investigated by a variable temperature NMR study of NP complexation with model organic phosphate molecules, proving TATT to strongly interact with them and POM remain unreacted. Viral membrane disruption by TATT NPs was additionally confirmed by demonstraing RNA leackage from TGEV upon contact with those NPs. Therefore, our study proved a new mechanism of antiviral action of titania NPs in the dark which involved membrane disruption proceeding via direct surface complexation.","PeriodicalId":92,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142987646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jiaming Hu, Jianheng Hong, Weiting Yu, Xiuzhen Wei, Meilan Pan
High salinity in wastewater often hampers the performance of traditional adsorbents by disrupting electrostatic interactions and ion exchange processes, limiting their efficiency. This study addresses these challenges by investigating the salt-promoted adsorption of Cu ions onto amino-functionalized chloromethylated polystyrene microspheres (EDA@CMPS). The adsorbent was synthesized by grafting ethylenediamine (EDA) onto CMPS, which significantly improved Cu adsorption, achieving nearly three times the capacity in saline solutions (1.65 mmol/g) compared to non-saline solutions (0.66 mmol/g). Mechanistic analysis showed that the presence of salts, such as NaCl, promoted the protonation of amino groups on EDA@CMPS, increasing their positive charge and enhancing their affinity for Cu ions. The solution's ionic strength further amplified this protonation, reducing electrostatic repulsion between the adsorbent and Cu ions, thus improving binding efficiency. Additionally, the increased ionic strength altered Cu speciation, favoring the formation of Cu(NH₃)₄²⁺ complexes, which were more easily adsorbed. These synergistic effects resulted in faster adsorption kinetics, higher capacity, and improved Cu ions removal, particularly in saline environments. Overall, these findings bridge the gap between material design and functional performance in high-salinity wastewater, offering a promising strategy for efficient heavy metal removal and environmental remediation.
{"title":"Boosting Cu Ions Capture in High-Salinity Environments with Amino-Functionalized Millispheres","authors":"Jiaming Hu, Jianheng Hong, Weiting Yu, Xiuzhen Wei, Meilan Pan","doi":"10.1039/d4nr04517c","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4nr04517c","url":null,"abstract":"High salinity in wastewater often hampers the performance of traditional adsorbents by disrupting electrostatic interactions and ion exchange processes, limiting their efficiency. This study addresses these challenges by investigating the salt-promoted adsorption of Cu ions onto amino-functionalized chloromethylated polystyrene microspheres (EDA@CMPS). The adsorbent was synthesized by grafting ethylenediamine (EDA) onto CMPS, which significantly improved Cu adsorption, achieving nearly three times the capacity in saline solutions (1.65 mmol/g) compared to non-saline solutions (0.66 mmol/g). Mechanistic analysis showed that the presence of salts, such as NaCl, promoted the protonation of amino groups on EDA@CMPS, increasing their positive charge and enhancing their affinity for Cu ions. The solution's ionic strength further amplified this protonation, reducing electrostatic repulsion between the adsorbent and Cu ions, thus improving binding efficiency. Additionally, the increased ionic strength altered Cu speciation, favoring the formation of Cu(NH₃)₄²⁺ complexes, which were more easily adsorbed. These synergistic effects resulted in faster adsorption kinetics, higher capacity, and improved Cu ions removal, particularly in saline environments. Overall, these findings bridge the gap between material design and functional performance in high-salinity wastewater, offering a promising strategy for efficient heavy metal removal and environmental remediation.","PeriodicalId":92,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142987643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Obesity, a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by excessive body weight and adipose tissue accumulation, is intricately linked to a spectrum of health complications. It is driven by a confluence of factors, including gut microbiota dysbiosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which are pivotal in its pathogenesis. A multifaceted therapeutic strategy that targets these interrelated pathways is essential for effective obesity management. In this context, biomass-derived carbon dots have emerged as a promising avenue due to their diverse biological activities and potential in nanomedicine. Our study presents the synthesis of multi-modal hawthorn carbon dots (HCD), employing a green hydrothermal carbonization method that diverged from traditional stir-frying techniques. This eco-friendly approach facilitates the preparation of HCD, emphasizing the role of sugar compounds as the primary carbon source in their formation. In vitro assays demonstrate that HCD possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are crucial in combating the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with obesity. We further investigate the impact of HCD intervention in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model, employing both post-modeling and simultaneous modeling administration strategies. Our findings reveal that HCD treatment significantly reduces body weight and hepatic lipid accumulation in HFD mice, concurrently enhancing glucose tolerance and alleviating insulin resistance. Moreover, antibiotic perturbation experiments, complemented by bioinformatics analysis of colon microbiota, indicate that HCD substantially modulate gut microbiota composition. This modulation is associated with the amelioration of obesity-related conditions, suggesting that HCD may exert their beneficial effects through the regulation of gut microbiota, in addition to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. These multimodal mechanisms of action position HCD as a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of obesity, offering a novel therapeutic strategy that targets the complex interplay of factors involved in this metabolic disorder.
{"title":"Hawthorn carbon dots: a novel therapeutic agent for modulating body weight and hepatic lipid profiles in high-fat diet-fed mice","authors":"Shuai Lin, Yu-jun Zheng, Yi-ze Xu, Yang Zhou, Xin He, Chun-feng Zhang, Chun-su Yuan","doi":"10.1039/d4nr04486j","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4nr04486j","url":null,"abstract":"Obesity, a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by excessive body weight and adipose tissue accumulation, is intricately linked to a spectrum of health complications. It is driven by a confluence of factors, including gut microbiota dysbiosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which are pivotal in its pathogenesis. A multifaceted therapeutic strategy that targets these interrelated pathways is essential for effective obesity management. In this context, biomass-derived carbon dots have emerged as a promising avenue due to their diverse biological activities and potential in nanomedicine. Our study presents the synthesis of multi-modal hawthorn carbon dots (HCD), employing a green hydrothermal carbonization method that diverged from traditional stir-frying techniques. This eco-friendly approach facilitates the preparation of HCD, emphasizing the role of sugar compounds as the primary carbon source in their formation. <em>In vitro</em> assays demonstrate that HCD possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are crucial in combating the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with obesity. We further investigate the impact of HCD intervention in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model, employing both post-modeling and simultaneous modeling administration strategies. Our findings reveal that HCD treatment significantly reduces body weight and hepatic lipid accumulation in HFD mice, concurrently enhancing glucose tolerance and alleviating insulin resistance. Moreover, antibiotic perturbation experiments, complemented by bioinformatics analysis of colon microbiota, indicate that HCD substantially modulate gut microbiota composition. This modulation is associated with the amelioration of obesity-related conditions, suggesting that HCD may exert their beneficial effects through the regulation of gut microbiota, in addition to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. These multimodal mechanisms of action position HCD as a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of obesity, offering a novel therapeutic strategy that targets the complex interplay of factors involved in this metabolic disorder.","PeriodicalId":92,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale","volume":"95 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142987652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dai Zhang, Yue Liu, Yahui Liu, Xiuling Jiao, Dairong Chen, Ningji Gong, Ting Wang
The controllable synthesis of monodisperse mesoporous silica microspheres with unique physicochemical properties is becoming increasingly important for a variety of applications such as catalysts, chromatography, drug delivery and sensors. Here, we report a facile microfluidic-assisted sol-gel method for preparation of silica microspheres with precisely controlled properties such as the size of the microspheres, the surface morphology, porosity and stiffness. All these properties can be manipulated by changing specific synthesis parameters, such as changing the microfluidic channels to tune the size of the microdroplets (tens to hundreds of microns), changing the contents of the precursor solution to manipulate the surface morphology (wrinkled to smooth surface) and changing the gelation/annealing conditions to tune the porosity (surface area up to 1021 m2/g) and stiffness of the microspheres (elastic modulus tunable from 0.9 GPa to 144.3 GPa). Further investigations indicate rapid solvent diffusion promotes formation of condensed microspheres while gelation of silica sol induces mesoporous structures, tuning the solvent diffusion and gelation rates enable the modulation of the porous structure and surface morphology, and the surface status further determines the stiffness of the microspheres. The strategy presented here may provide new tools for on-demand design of the next generation monodisperse silica microspheres with precisely controlled properties, it may also bring new insights to preparation of other monodisperse microspheres with desired functionalities.
{"title":"Microfluidic-assisted Sol-gel Preparation of Monodisperse Mesoporous Silica Microspheres with Controlled Size, Surface Morphology, Porosity and Stiffness","authors":"Dai Zhang, Yue Liu, Yahui Liu, Xiuling Jiao, Dairong Chen, Ningji Gong, Ting Wang","doi":"10.1039/d4nr04698f","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4nr04698f","url":null,"abstract":"The controllable synthesis of monodisperse mesoporous silica microspheres with unique physicochemical properties is becoming increasingly important for a variety of applications such as catalysts, chromatography, drug delivery and sensors. Here, we report a facile microfluidic-assisted sol-gel method for preparation of silica microspheres with precisely controlled properties such as the size of the microspheres, the surface morphology, porosity and stiffness. All these properties can be manipulated by changing specific synthesis parameters, such as changing the microfluidic channels to tune the size of the microdroplets (tens to hundreds of microns), changing the contents of the precursor solution to manipulate the surface morphology (wrinkled to smooth surface) and changing the gelation/annealing conditions to tune the porosity (surface area up to 1021 m<small><sup>2</sup></small>/g) and stiffness of the microspheres (elastic modulus tunable from 0.9 GPa to 144.3 GPa). Further investigations indicate rapid solvent diffusion promotes formation of condensed microspheres while gelation of silica sol induces mesoporous structures, tuning the solvent diffusion and gelation rates enable the modulation of the porous structure and surface morphology, and the surface status further determines the stiffness of the microspheres. The strategy presented here may provide new tools for on-demand design of the next generation monodisperse silica microspheres with precisely controlled properties, it may also bring new insights to preparation of other monodisperse microspheres with desired functionalities.","PeriodicalId":92,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale","volume":"55 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142987648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The multiple perceptual behaviors of creatures to the highly complex world greatly benefit their survival in the cruel environment. Inspired by this, multimodal sensing materials have been expected as one of the most crucial elements to bridge artificial intelligence with reality in rapidly evolving technological competition. The well-organized integration of multiple independent stimulus responses in a single material rather than simple integration is expected to benefit the accuracy and multifunctional applications of sensing devices greatly. However, the desired multi-function coupling through elaborate nanostructure and supramolecular design still remains challenges and attracts great attention. Under the framework of nanostructure design for multimodal response, the coupling of mechanoluminescent ability and advanced stimulus-response has been reported being able to realize comprehensive perception and multifunctional applications for more complex scenarios. Herein, this mini review briefly outlines an overview about latest advances of multimodal mechanoluminescent sensors, concentrates on the nanostructure design strategy for multiple function coupling, including triboelectric compositing, supramolecular interfacial connection, and band structure modulation, etc., emphatically discusses the advantages of mechanoluminescence coupling with self-powered sensing, piezoresistive response, temperature/chemical detection, and corresponding advanced tools for heterogeneous output decoupling. Finally, the conclusions and outlooks of multimodal mechanoluminescent sensors are presented.
{"title":"Recent advances in multimodal mechanoluminescent sensors enabled by nanostructure design","authors":"Zihao Wang, Jiaman Hu, Minglin Yang, Jize Liu, Xinxing Zhang","doi":"10.1039/d4nr04875j","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4nr04875j","url":null,"abstract":"The multiple perceptual behaviors of creatures to the highly complex world greatly benefit their survival in the cruel environment. Inspired by this, multimodal sensing materials have been expected as one of the most crucial elements to bridge artificial intelligence with reality in rapidly evolving technological competition. The well-organized integration of multiple independent stimulus responses in a single material rather than simple integration is expected to benefit the accuracy and multifunctional applications of sensing devices greatly. However, the desired multi-function coupling through elaborate nanostructure and supramolecular design still remains challenges and attracts great attention. Under the framework of nanostructure design for multimodal response, the coupling of mechanoluminescent ability and advanced stimulus-response has been reported being able to realize comprehensive perception and multifunctional applications for more complex scenarios. Herein, this mini review briefly outlines an overview about latest advances of multimodal mechanoluminescent sensors, concentrates on the nanostructure design strategy for multiple function coupling, including triboelectric compositing, supramolecular interfacial connection, and band structure modulation, etc., emphatically discusses the advantages of mechanoluminescence coupling with self-powered sensing, piezoresistive response, temperature/chemical detection, and corresponding advanced tools for heterogeneous output decoupling. Finally, the conclusions and outlooks of multimodal mechanoluminescent sensors are presented.","PeriodicalId":92,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142986220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Serena Giberti, Sutapa Dutta, Stefano Corni, Marco Frasconi, Giorgia Brancolini
A multiscale approach is employed to investigate the interaction dynamics between Interleukin-6, a key cancer biomarker, and alkyl-functionalized surfaces, with the ultimate goal of guiding biosensor design. The study integrates Classical Molecular Dynamics, Brownian Dynamics simulations, and binding experiments to explore the adsorption dynamics and energetics of IL-6 on surfaces modified with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). The comparative analysis reveals a dramatic effect on the interaction strength of IL-6 with a SAMs comprising a mix of charged and hydrophobic ligands. Solvent Accessible Surface Area analysis shows enhanced exposure of charged terminal groups on the mixed SAM surface. Experimental investigations using Surface Plasmon Resonance reveal that IL-6 interactions enhance with increased charged ligand content in mixed SAMs, retaining high binding affinity even under high ionic strength conditions. Computational studies further highlight hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions as key factors driving the high affinity of IL-6 on the mixed SAMs surface. This research offers insights into optimizing surfaces for enhanced IL-6 recognition, which can be extended to other protein biomarkers, by combining experimental and computational approaches to improved biosensing performance.
{"title":"Protein-Surface Interactions in Nano-Scale Biosensors for IL-6 Detection Using Functional Monolayers","authors":"Serena Giberti, Sutapa Dutta, Stefano Corni, Marco Frasconi, Giorgia Brancolini","doi":"10.1039/d4nr04199b","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4nr04199b","url":null,"abstract":"A multiscale approach is employed to investigate the interaction dynamics between Interleukin-6, a key cancer biomarker, and alkyl-functionalized surfaces, with the ultimate goal of guiding biosensor design. The study integrates Classical Molecular Dynamics, Brownian Dynamics simulations, and binding experiments to explore the adsorption dynamics and energetics of IL-6 on surfaces modified with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). The comparative analysis reveals a dramatic effect on the interaction strength of IL-6 with a SAMs comprising a mix of charged and hydrophobic ligands. Solvent Accessible Surface Area analysis shows enhanced exposure of charged terminal groups on the mixed SAM surface. Experimental investigations using Surface Plasmon Resonance reveal that IL-6 interactions enhance with increased charged ligand content in mixed SAMs, retaining high binding affinity even under high ionic strength conditions. Computational studies further highlight hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions as key factors driving the high affinity of IL-6 on the mixed SAMs surface. This research offers insights into optimizing surfaces for enhanced IL-6 recognition, which can be extended to other protein biomarkers, by combining experimental and computational approaches to improved biosensing performance.","PeriodicalId":92,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142987650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Higher energy demand is a hallmark of progress which necessitates careful management of environmental pollution for our healthy life and ensures better planet for future generations. Heterostructure material-based catalysts have emerged as a comprehensive solution to combat the diverse challenges related to energy and environment. Here, a n-n type ZnO-ZnFe2O4 heterostructure synthesized through simple reflux followed by a co-precipitation technique is explored for the same. Detailed photocatalytic and gas sensing studies reveal that the 50% ZnO - 50% ZnFe2O4 based sample (ZZF-11) showed the highest Cr (VI) degradation with a rate constant of ~159×10-4 s-1, which is ~23 times higher than pristine ZnO and 6.4 times higher than pristine ZnFe2O4. Additionally, the ZZF-11 sample produces ~550 μmol/g of H2 within a 300-minute interval through a photocatalytic water-splitting reaction. The ZZF-11 sensor also shows a significantly high response to 1 ppm CO gas (S= 29.4%) compared to all other pure and composite samples. The formation of the heterostructure and transfer of charges through interface played important role here. Most possible mechanism for the enhanced surface catalytic performance of ZZF-11 has been discussed critically by corroborating experimental results with DFT studies. The study demonstrates a unified pathway to enhance the various surface catalytic processes by tuning different parameters of heterostructure material to jointly combat environmental and energy related issues.
{"title":"Synergistic Effect of ZnO-ZnFe2O4 Heterostructure for Enhanced Surface Catalytic Activity in Cr (VI) Reduction, Green H2 Generation and CO Sensing: Experimental Study supported by DFT","authors":"Subhajit Mojumder, Tanushri Das, Sanchi Monga, Prantik Bhattacharya, Sourabh Pal, Srabanti Ghosh, Saswata Bhattacharya, Mrinal Pal","doi":"10.1039/d4nr04687k","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4nr04687k","url":null,"abstract":"Higher energy demand is a hallmark of progress which necessitates careful management of environmental pollution for our healthy life and ensures better planet for future generations. Heterostructure material-based catalysts have emerged as a comprehensive solution to combat the diverse challenges related to energy and environment. Here, a n-n type ZnO-ZnFe2O4 heterostructure synthesized through simple reflux followed by a co-precipitation technique is explored for the same. Detailed photocatalytic and gas sensing studies reveal that the 50% ZnO - 50% ZnFe2O4 based sample (ZZF-11) showed the highest Cr (VI) degradation with a rate constant of ~159×10-4 s-1, which is ~23 times higher than pristine ZnO and 6.4 times higher than pristine ZnFe2O4. Additionally, the ZZF-11 sample produces ~550 μmol/g of H2 within a 300-minute interval through a photocatalytic water-splitting reaction. The ZZF-11 sensor also shows a significantly high response to 1 ppm CO gas (S= 29.4%) compared to all other pure and composite samples. The formation of the heterostructure and transfer of charges through interface played important role here. Most possible mechanism for the enhanced surface catalytic performance of ZZF-11 has been discussed critically by corroborating experimental results with DFT studies. The study demonstrates a unified pathway to enhance the various surface catalytic processes by tuning different parameters of heterostructure material to jointly combat environmental and energy related issues.","PeriodicalId":92,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale","volume":"94 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142986216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：