2D Nano Research Articles

Characterization of a real time dosimetry system using 2D nano and micro-coatings in proton and carbon therapeutic ion beams

Real-time radioluminescence two-dimensional coatings have potential as dosemeters in proton and carbon therapeutic beams. We investigated coatings made of nano and micro-(C44H38P2)MnCl4 and (C38H36P2)MnBr4 crystals mixed with a water-equivalent substrate. The response of the radioluminescence signal of the coatings along the Bragg curves presented an ionization quenching effect, but less prominent than what has been observed in our previous works using Al2O3:X (X = C and C,Mg) coatings. We hypothesize that this results from their lower crystal sizes and effective atomic number (Zeff). Combined experimental results and Monte Carlo simulations resulted in correction factors to address the linear energy transfer dependence and restore the constant response for particle therapy beams. The quenching correction method was applied to the studied proton and carbon ion beams and yielded the best results for the nano-(C44H38P2)MnCl4, coating, followed by the micro-(C44H38P2)MnCl4, nano-(C38H36P2)MnBr4, and micro-(C38H36P2)MnBr4.

Exploring phosphorene-protein interactions: An integrated computational and spectroscopic investigation

Among 2D materials, exfoliated black phosphorus (or phosphorene) shows great promise for applications in biological domains. However, despite its performances, little is known about the intricate and dynamic interactions that this material can form with proteins. This increases the risk of off-target effects and adds complexity in designing phosphorene-based devices with tailored properties. In this study, we present a straightforward and easily implementable pipeline that integrates spectroscopies with Molecular Dynamics simulations to explore the dynamic interplay between phosphorene and a protein system. Using lysozyme as a deeply investigated reference protein, we employed two theoretical protein models with unique secondary structure folds to increase the descriptive power of the approach and disentangle the complexity and variability of experimental data into a few primary drivers of protein-phosphorene interactions. Our results show that the 2D material does not significantly alter the protein structure, but the observed conformational changes are influenced by the secondary fold. Indeed, while the beta structure interacts mainly through unfolded regions, the alpha fold favours phosphorene binding through structured clusters of residues, leading to more significant structural and dynamic perturbations. By utilizing this pipeline, we have gained valuable insights into the molecular recognition mechanism of phosphorene, enhancing the development of improved phosphorene-based devices. In addition, our methodology offers potential for further applications in biomedicine to characterise interfaces between other 2D (nano)materials and biological entities.

Bibliometric and visual analysis in the field of two-dimensions nano black phosphorus in cancer from 2015 to 2023

This study aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the status and trends of Two-Dimensional Nano Black Phosphorus (2D nano BP) in cancer research from 2015 to 2023, offering insights for future studies. To achieve this, articles from the Web of Science database published between 2015 and 2023 were analyzed using R and VOSviewer software. The analysis included 446 articles, revealing a consistent increase in publication rates, especially between 2017 and 2019. China emerged as a leader in both publication volume and international collaborations. Prominent journals in this field included ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces and Advanced Materials, while key researchers were identified as Zhang Han, Tao Wei, and Yu Xuefeng. The analysis highlighted common keywords such as drug delivery, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy, indicating the major research focuses. The findings suggest that 2D nano BP holds significant promise in cancer treatment research, with a growing global interest. This study thus serves as a valuable reference for future investigations, providing a detailed analysis of the current state and emerging trends in this promising field.

Photoreceptor-Mimetic Microflowers for Restoring Light Responses in Degenerative Retina through a 2D Nanopetal/Cell Biointerface.

Retinitis pigmentosa is the main cause of inherited human blindness and is associated with dysfunctional photoreceptors (PRs). Compared with traditional methods, optoelectronic stimulation can better preserve the structural integrity and genetic content of the retina. However, enhancing the spatiotemporal accuracy of stimulation is challenging. Quantum dot-doped ZnIn2S4 microflowers (MF) are utilized to construct a biomimetic photoelectric interface with a 0D/3D heterostructure, aiming to restore the light response in PR-degenerative mice. The MF bio interface has dimensions similar to those of natural PRs and can be distributed within the curved spatial region of the retina, mimicking cellular dispersion. The soft 2D nano petals of the MF provide a large specific surface area for photoelectric activation and simulate the flexibility interfacing between cells. This bio interface can selectively restore the light responses of seven types of retina ganglion cells that encode brightness. The distribution of responsive cells forms a pattern similar to that of normal mice, which may reflect the generation of the initial "neural code" in the degenerative retina. Patch-clamp recordings indicate that the bio interface can induce spiking and postsynaptic currents at the single-neuron level. The results will shed light on the development of a potential bionic subretinal prosthetic toolkit for visual function restoration.

1D and 2D Boron Nitride Nano Structures: A Critical Analysis for Emerging Applications in the Field of Nanocomposites.

Boron nitride (BN) with its 1D and 2D nano derivatives have gained immense popularity in both the field of research and applications. These nano derivatives have proved to be one of the most promising fillers which can be incorporated in polymers to form nanocomposites with excellent properties. These materials have been around for 25 years whereas significant research has been done in this field for only the past decade. There are many interesting properties which are imparted to the nanocomposites wherein thermal stability, large energy band gap, resistance to oxidation, excellent thermal conductivity, chemical inertness, and exceptional mechanical properties are just a few worthy of mention. Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) was selected as the parent material by most researchers reviewed in this paper through which 2D derivative Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) and 1D derivative Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are synthesized. This review will focus on the in-depth properties of h-BN and further will concisely focus on BNNS and BNNTs for their various properties. A detailed discussion of the addition of BNNS and BNNTs into polymers to form nanocomposites, their synthesis, properties, and applications is followed by a summary determining the most suitable synthesizing processes and the materials, keeping in mind the current challenges.

Space-confined growth of two-dimensional manganese oxide nanosheets in plant-cell structures for efficient tetracycline degradation

Manganese oxides (MnxOy) stand out as promising candidates for various redox reaction involved applications due to their diverse valence states. The expansive surface area of two-dimensional (2D) materials offers an abundance of active sites for reactions, thereby gathering significant interest for catalytic applications. Nonetheless, facile synthesis of 2D nano metal oxides remains a challenge. In this study, cabbage leaf cells were employed as bio-scaffolds to fabricate 2D MnxOy nanomaterials, leveraging the confined space within the cells. The resulting 2D MnxOy nanosheets, featured by multiple valence states and composed of Mn2O3 and Mn3O4 nanocrystals, exhibit a planar size of 32 nm and a lamellar thickness of about 3.95 nm. The distinctive 2D structure, coupled with the material’s multivalent manganese, facilitates efficient electron transfer, enhancing its function as a hetero-catalyst. Consequently, 2D MnxOy nanosheets demonstrate remarkable efficiency, achieving an 89 % removal of tetracycline (40 mg·L–1) with the assistance of H2O2. This study paves the way for employing biological templates to meticulously synthesize nanomaterials with precise morphologies, with applications extending across various fields.

Water desalination, and energy consumption applications of 2D nano materials: hexagonal boron nitride, graphenes, and quantum dots

Abstract In this article, we explore the role of nanotechnology in addressing water scarcity through water desalination. The scope of nanotechnology in water treatment is discussed, emphasizing the potential of 2D nanomaterials such as hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), graphene, and quantum dots in revolutionizing desalination technologies. Various water desalination techniques, including membrane distillation (MD), solar-powered multi-stage flash distillation (MSF), and multi-effect distillation (MED), are analyzed in the context of nanomaterial applications. The review highlights the energy-intensive nature of conventional water treatment methods and underscores nanomaterials’ potential to enhance efficiency and sustainability in water desalination processes. Challenges facing desalination, such as scalability and environmental impact, are acknowledged, setting the stage for future research directions.

Engineering 2D Mg-Al-layered double oxides with highly dispersed and enhanced basic sites for efficient ambient NO2 reactive removal

The release of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) into the atmosphere significantly contributes to air pollution, posing threats to both the environment and human health. Selective adsorption technologies have gained attention for their potential to mitigate NO2 emissions under ambient conditions. However, certain solid adsorbents lack accessible active basic sites, a crucial requirement for high NO2 adsorption capacities due to the acidic nature of NO2. Metal-based layered double oxides (LDOs), derived from layered double hydroxides (LDHs), show promise for ambient NO2 adsorption due to their layered structures, strong basic properties, and adjustable adsorption affinity. In this study, we synthesized a series of M-Al-LDO/A (M = Ni, Co, and Mg) using a facile aqueous miscible organic solvent treatment (AMOST) method. The newly synthesized M-Al-LDO/A exhibited a 2D nano flower-like morphology with expanded surface area, increased pore volume, and enhanced accessible basic sites. Dynamic breakthrough experiments demonstrated the exceptional NO2 adsorption capacity of Mg-Al-LDO/A (4.67 mmol g−1) under ambient conditions, surpassing Mg-Al-LDO/CP (0.13 mmol g−1) synthesized from the conventional method by more than 35 times. Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) results and spectroscopic analyses revealed that the improved NO2 capacity of Mg-Al-LDO/A resulted from the highly dispersed and increased basic sites (Mg-O2-). These findings hold promise for advancing efficient and environmentally friendly NO2 adsorption materials, critical for addressing the challenges posed by NO2-induced air pollution and safeguarding air quality.

Fabrication of 2D TiO2/α-Fe2O3/Fe-g-C3N4 heterogeneous from metallurgical solid waste for Photo-Fenton catalysis of levofloxacin/Cr(VI): Electron transfer pathway and DFT calculation

Herein, the 2D Nano α-Fe2O3 were prepared by solvent-free method from rolling iron scale (RIS) - a by-product of metallurgical industry. 2D TiO2/α-Fe2O3 nanostructures were prepared using the obtained nanocrystals. Fe-doped g-C3N4 (Fe-g-C3N4) was synthesized using RIS as the raw material. A Composite of TiO2/α-Fe2O3 and Fe-g-C3N4 was combined to prepare a TiO2/α-Fe2O3/Fe-g-C3N4 heterojunction with high catalytic performance. This heterojunction was employed as a photo-Fenton catalyst to synergistically remove Cr(VI) and levofloxacin (LEV). The TiO2/α-Fe2O3/Fe-g-C3N4 heterojunction enhanced the intensity of the visible light response and suppressed the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. The N-Fe-O bridge, formed by synergistic coordination effects, enhanced the charge lifetime by decreasing the impedance of the catalyst and increasing the electron transfer rate. Additionally, the Fermi level and work function of the sample were calculated, providing further evidence for the electron transfer. Direct electron transfer between TiO2/α-Fe2O3/Fe-g-C3N4 and LEV/Cr(VI) was observed, indicating its importance in the removal of pollutants. To determine the potential degradation pathways, the energy orbitals of LEV derived from DFT calculations were analyzed. Overall, the study presents an excellent strategy for the sustainable use of RIS and the preparation of highly active catalysts. In conclusion, TiO2/α-Fe2O3/Fe-g-C3N4 is predicted to considerably contribute to studies on treating heavy metal and organic pollutant-contaminated wastewater.

Designing high-efficiency electrode contacts to two-dimensional semiconductor Cu2Se

High-efficiency electrode contact plays a pivotal role in achieving 2D material-based high performance nano devices. Recently, monolayer semiconducting Cu2Se with high stability in air and high carrier mobility of about 103 cm2 V−1 s−1 have been experimentally fabricated. Herein, to design high-efficiency electrode contacts for Cu2Se monolayer, the contact properties between Cu2Se monolayer and a series of experimentally fabricated 2D metals (MX2 in T-phase or H-phase, M = Ni, Nb, Ti, V, Co, Zr, and Ta, X = S, Se and Te) are systematically investigated based on first-principles calculations. Considering both Schottky barriers and tunneling barriers of these metal–semiconductor junctions (MSJs), H-NbSe2 is screened out as the most adaptable electrode for monolayer Cu2Se. Moreover, the fermi level pinning effects are discovered in these MSJs due to the potential steps contributed by the interface dipoles. Our work not only provides useful instruction for the design of high-performance 2D nano devices based on Cu2Se monolayer but also offers insights for prospection into the fundamental electronic properties of MSJs.

Cellulose derivative for biodegradable and large-scalable 2D nano additive manufacturing

Cellulose derivative for biodegradable and large-scalable 2D nano additive manufacturing

Easy-to-Manufacture In-Line 2D Nano Antenna for Enhanced Radiation-Cooled IR Camouflage

Deterministic control of infrared (IR) emitting is attractive for applications in sensors and camouflage. Functional materials and structures that can restrain the surface temperature rise via radiation cooling and inhibit the detectable emitting for camouflage have been developed, yet ideal coordination between the cooling and camouflage considering both design and manufacture purposes remains challenging. Here, we reported an in-line 2D nano antenna for IR camouflage. The in-line 2D configuration was intended for rapid and easy-to-manufacture via efficient direct-writing techniques, e.g., femtosecond laser. We innovatively adopted the detectable IR radiation power as the optimization fitness function, based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, to execute powerful cooling and simultaneously minimize the emitting within the atmospheric window for enhanced camouflage. The optimized structure was manufactured and was compared with the previous IR camouflage structures. The PSO structure reduced the detectable IR radiation power by 55.5–73.6% and suppressed the lock-on range by 33.3–48.6%. Moreover, the function of the in-line 2D nano antenna is insensitive to polarization and angle incidence, which is essential for industrial use. Our work proposed new examples of functional structure design-manufacture strategy for applications including but certainly not limited to cooling, sensors, and camouflage of high-power density advanced systems.

Assemble multi-enzyme mimic tandem Mn3O4@ g-C3N4 for augment ROS elimination and label free detection

Over decades, nanozyme serves as an alternative to natural enzymes that make up the most of intrinsic disadvantages of bio enzymes. The recent research have focused on development of multi enzyme mimic nanomaterials so that they can be equipped for multifunctional action which unlocks the potential application of nanomaterials in the field of bio medical, bio-sensing and sustainable chemistry. Here in layered 2D g-C3N4 have been synthesized and grafted with spherical Mn3O4 by solid state mixing method. The loading of spherical Mn3O4 NPs on the surface of g-C3N4 were easily navigated by FT-IR, FE-SEM and HR-TEM analysis. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) method was used to determine the different phases involve in the formation of tetragonal Mn3O4 NPs on the 2D Nano layer g-C3N4. Fortunate to mixed valance state of Mn3O4, the composites Mn3O4@g-C3N4 showed multi enzyme mimic activity including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), oxidase (OD) and peroxidase (POD), therefore it offers synergistic antioxidant abilities to over exposer of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Based on the excellent SOD-like enzyme activity of Mn3O4@g-C3N4, it successfully eliminated the active oxygen (O2·−) in cigarette smoke. Taking advantages of optimized oxidase activity a sensitive colorimetric probe has been developed to detect two isomeric phenolic pollutant hydroquinone (H2Q) and catechol (CA) with a promising linear range and low detection limit. Along with excellent sensitivity and selectivity the current probe endowed with visual discrimination of two isomers by naked eye.

Electrospun PVA nanofibers doped with titania nanoparticles in plasmon-coupled fluorescence studies: An eco-friendly and cost-effective transition from 2D nano thin films to 1D nanofibers

Electrospun PVA nanofibers doped with titania nanoparticles in plasmon-coupled fluorescence studies: An eco-friendly and cost-effective transition from 2D nano thin films to 1D nanofibers

Experimental Investigation on the Imbibition Behavior of Nanofluids in the Tight Oil and Gas Reservoir through the Application of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Method

Tight oil and gas resources are widely distributed and play an important role in the petroleum industry. Due to its nanoscale pore-throat characteristics, the capillary effect is remarkable, and spontaneous imbibition is very beneficial to the development of low-permeability reservoirs. In this study, the imbibition experiments of 2D nano blackcard, nanoemulsion, and water were carried out, respectively. The pore-throat fluid distribution characteristics before and after core imbibition were analyzed with nuclear magnetic resonance technology, and the enhanced oil recovery effects of 2D nano blackcard nanoemulsion, and water were comprehensively evaluated. The results show that the final recovery factors of cores soaked in 2D nano blackcard (0.005 ωt%) and nanoemulsion (0.02 ωt%) or imbibed in water are 32.29%, 26.05%, and 7.19%, respectively. It can be found that 2D nano blackcard is the fluid with the best imbibition effect. In this work, a new type of 2D nano blackcard was proposed and identified as a functional imbibition fluid for enhanced oil recovery in tight reservoirs, providing a practical reference for the effective development of tight, low-permeability oil and gas reservoirs.

Preparation of SERS substrate with 2D silver plate and nano silver sol for plasticizer detection in edible oil

As a widely used industrial additive of plastic products, phthalate ester (PAE) plasticizers can easily migrate into food, threatening human health. In this work, we proposed a rapid, precise, and reliable method to detect PAE plasticizers in edible oils by using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology. A two-dimensional (2D) silver plate synergizing with a nanosilver sol was prepared as a substrate for SERS to detect potassium hydrogen phthalate (PHP), a hydrolysate of a PAE plasticizer. Detection conditions, such as pH values, drying times, and hydrolysate interference, were optimized. The working curve was well fitted with a linear parameter R2 of 0.9994, and the minimum detection limit was evaluated as 10−9 mol/L. Furthermore, the detection accuracy was supported by five edible oil samples. Therefore, using SERS technology to detect PHP is expected to provide an avenue for PAE plasticizer detection in oils and fats, and it features promising potential applications in food safety.

Robust architecture of 2D nano Mg-based borohydride on graphene with superior reversible hydrogen storage performance

Efficient technical strategies to synthesize hydrides with high capacity and favorable reversibility are significant for the development of novel energy materials. Herein, nano Mg-based borohydride, Mg(BH4)2, with robust architecture was designed and prepared by confining on graphene through a solution self-confinement method. The Mg(BH4)2 confined on graphene displays a wrinkled 2D nano layer morphology within 8.8 nm thickness. Such 2D nano Mg(BH4)2 can start dehydrogenation at 67.9 °C with a high capacity of 12.0 wt.%, which is 190.5 °C lower than pristine Mg(BH4)2. The isothermal dehydrogenation tests and kinetics fitting results indicate the 2D nano Mg(BH4)2 possesses much-enhanced dehydrogenation kinetics of 31.3 kJ/mol activation energy, which is only half of pristine Mg(BH4)2. The thermodynamics of the 2D nano Mg(BH4)2 is also verified by PCT tests, of which Gibbs free energy value for the confined 2D nano Mg(BH4)2 is estimated to be -18.01 kJ/mol H2, lower than -16.36 kJ/mol H2 of pristine Mg(BH4)2. Importantly, the reversibility of the confined 2D nano Mg(BH4)2 is significantly enhanced to over 90% capacity retention with relatively kinetics stability during 10 cycles. The mechanism analyses manifest that Mg(BH4)2 exhibits stable 2D nano morphology during 10 cyclic tests, resulting in the greatly reduced H diffusion path and the improved de/rehydrogenation kinetics of the 2D nano Mg(BH4)2. Based on theoretical calculations of Mg(BH4)2 and the intermediate MgB12H12 confined on graphene, the charge transfer status of both samples is modified to facilitate de/rehydrogenation, thus leading to the significant thermodynamic improvements of the reversible hydrogen storage performances for 2D nano Mg(BH4)2. Such investigation of the Mg-based borohydride will illuminate prospective technical research of energy storage materials.

Bismuth-Based BiOBrxI1–x/Ti3C2 MXene Schottky Nanocomposites for Hg2+ Photoelectrochemical Sensors

BiOBrxI1–x/Ti3C2 Schottky heterojunction nanocomposites were prepared through a simple electrostatic adsorption and self-assembly method. The Schottky heterojunction was used as a sensitive material in the fabrication of a photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor for mercury ion detection. Due to the large specific surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and abundant surface chemical groups of the 2D nano Ti3C2 in the Schottky heterojunction, the in situ growth of solid solution BiOBrxI1–x on its surface enabled the nanocomposites to form a high Schottky barrier to improve the sensitivity of the PEC response. The addition of glutathione (GSH) caused it to adhere to the surface of the nanocomposites where it hindered the transfer of electrons and reducing the photocurrent by reacting with the bismuth ions on their surface through its carboxyl groups. During the Hg2+ assay, Hg2+ ions reacted to GSH on the surface of the heterojunction nanocomposites, and then captured more GSH in a solution to form a complex with 3D structure. This complex further hindered electron transfer and led to a sharp decrease in photocurrent. A trace amount of Hg2+ was detected based on the change of photocurrent, with a linear range of 1.0 × 10–10 mol/L to 1.0 × 10–6 mol/L and a detection limit of 4.21 × 10–11 mol/L. This method was one of the most sensitive methods reported for Hg2+ detection. The sensor had been applied to determine trace mercury in environmental water samples.

Photocatalytic degradation of phenol under visible light using electrospun Ag/TiO2 as a 2D nano-powder: Optimizing calcination temperature and promoter content

• Electrospun Ag/TiO 2 nanofiber (2D nano powder) was tested for phenol degradation. • Calcination temperature of 450℃ is the best one with a Rutile fraction of 23.8%. • An optimum value of thr Ag promoter is 5% in these photocatalytic experiments. • Adding 5% Ag to the TiO 2 nanofiber decrease the band gap from 3.27 to 3.03 nm. • Nanofibers as 2D nano-powder can be separated easily because of micrometric length. Phenol is one of the toxic materials, and releasing it into the water can be quite irritating and harmful to the health of organisms and the environment. In this study, phenol degradation was investigated using Ag/TiO 2 electrospun nanofiber photocatalyst as a 2D nano-powder. Nanofibers have 2 dimensions in the range of nanometers but their length of them are in the range of micrometers. The micrometer size is an advantage for the separation of the photocatalyst from the suspension. Though, nanometer size is suitable for increasing the available surface for the light. The effect of silver content (0.5–15%) as a promoter and the calcination temperature (300–900 °C) was studied on the degradation of phenol over the synthesized nanofiber-based photocatalyst. Photocatalysts were characterized by various techniques including N 2 -physisorption, XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, FTIR, TGA/DSC, TPO, and DRS. The results have indicated that 5% of Ag content on TiO 2 is the best promoter loading in these experiments. Furthermore, the calcination temperature of 450 °C is found to be the optimum value with an optimum rutile fraction of 23.8%. Maximum phenol degradation was 82.65% at pH = 7, catalyst dosage of 1.5 g/L, and phenol concentration of 5 ppm under a low power visible light (18 W).

Synthesis of ultrathin two-dimensional metal-organic framework nanosheets for lubricant additives

Two-dimension (2D) nano materials are diffusely employed as lubricant additives. In this paper, three kinds of ultrathin 2D metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets with different metal ions (Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+) were successfully synthesized by ultrasonic assisted self-assembly under appropriate solvent ratio. Ni-MOF nanosheets as a new additive in 500 N system exhibit the best dispersion stability and lubrication performance, which is related to its maximum absolute value of Zeta potential. Compared with pure 500 N, the best tribological properties were obtained with the addition of 0.1 wt% Ni-MOF nanosheets, reducing friction by 33.2 ± 12.4 % and wear by 98.7 ± 0.14 %. The excellent performance originates from interlayer sliding effect, polishing effect, and tribofilm with concrete structure. The iron oxide particles embedded in the tribofilm play a supporting structrue for the whole tribofilm. The carbonaceous and nitrogenous compounds are filled around the iron oxide particles, which makes tribofilm denser and more smooth. The further friction tests under higher sliding velocity and longer term reveal the potential industrial use of Ni-MOF nanosheets.