Advanced Nanomaterials Research Articles

Exploring contemporary breakthroughs in utilizing vesicular nanocarriers for breast cancer therapy.

Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease with various morphological features, clinicopathological conditions and responses to different therapeutic options, which is responsible for high mortality and morbidity in women. The heterogeneity of BC necessitates new strategies for diagnosis and treatment, which is possible only by cautious harmonization of the advanced nanomaterials. Recent developments in vesicular nanocarrier therapy indicate a paradigm shift in breast cancer treatment by providing an integrated approach to address current issues. This review provides a detailed classification of various nanovesicles in the treatment of BC with a special emphasis on recent advances, challenges in translating nanomaterialsand future potentials.

Enhancing detectivity of organic photodetectors through the biomass carbon quantum dots from sugarcane bagasse

In recent years, organic photodetectors (OPDs) have received sustained attention due to their tunable wavelength detection, low-cost manufacturing and compatibility with flexible devices. However, as the preparation process proceeds, organic materials inevitably produce some toxic by-products, which triggers an urgent need for green non-toxic optical materials. This paper reports a carbon quantum dot (CQDs) extracted from the green precursor sugarcane bagasse as the sole carbon source, and successfully applied in the OPDs with a structure of FTO/ZnO:CQDs/P3HT/MoO3/Ag for the first time. After CQDs incorporation, the surface of the ZnO thin films exhibits an increased density of oxygen vacancies and adsorbed oxygen. The resulting OPDs exhibit a high detectivity of 2.46 × 1011 Jones and a low noise equivalent power of 1.15 × 10−12 W @ 525 nm. The facile preparation method of CQDs offers a promising opportunity for the green and sustainable synthesis of advanced functional nanomaterials, and the successful demonstration paves new way for the advancement of high-performance OPDs.

Free vibration characteristics of elastic foundation-supported porous functionally graded nanoplates using Rayleigh-Ritz approach

PurposeThe purpose is to explore the free vibration behaviour of elastic foundation-supported porous functionally graded nanoplates using the Rayleigh-Ritz approach. The goal of this study is to gain a better knowledge of the dynamic response of nanoscale structures made of functionally graded materials and porous features. The Rayleigh-Ritz approach is used in this study to generate realistic mathematical models that take elastic foundation support into account. This research can contribute to the design and optimization of advanced nanomaterials with potential applications in engineering and technology by providing insights into the influence of material composition, porosity and foundation support on the vibrational properties of nanoplates.Design/methodology/approachA systematic methodology is proposed to evaluate the free vibration characteristics of elastic foundation-supported porous functionally graded nanoplates using the Rayleigh-Ritz approach. The study began by developing the mathematical model, adding material properties and establishing governing equations using the Rayleigh-Ritz approach. Numerical approaches to solve the problem are used, using finite element methods. The results are compared to current solutions or experimental data to validate the process. The results are also analysed, keeping the influence of factors on vibration characteristics in mind. The findings are summarized and avenues for future research are suggested, ensuring a robust investigation within the constraints.FindingsThe Rayleigh-Ritz technique is used to investigate the free vibration properties of elastic foundation-supported porous functionally graded nanoplates. The findings show that differences in material composition, porosity and foundation support have a significant impact on the vibrational behaviour of nanoplates. The Rayleigh-Ritz approach is good at modelling and predicting these properties. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the possibility of customizing nanoplate qualities to optimize certain vibrational responses, providing useful insights for engineering applications. These findings expand understanding of dynamic behaviours in nanoscale structures, making it easier to build innovative materials with specific features for a wide range of industrial applications.Originality/valueThe novel aspect of this research is the incorporation of elastic foundation support, porous structures and functionally graded materials into the setting of nanoplate free vibrations, utilizing the Rayleigh-Ritz technique. Few research have looked into this complex combo. By tackling complicated interactions, the research pushes boundaries, providing a unique insight into the dynamic behaviour of nanoscale objects. This novel approach allows for a better understanding of the interconnected effects of material composition, porosity and foundation support on free vibrations, paving the way for the development of tailored nanomaterials with specific vibrational properties for advanced engineering and technology applications.

Defining ferroelectric characteristics with reversible piezoresponse: PUND switching spectroscopy PFM characterization

Detecting ferroelectricity at micro- and nanoscales is crucial for advanced nanomaterials and materials with complicated topography. Switching spectroscopy piezoresponse force microscopy (SSPFM), which involves measuring piezoelectric hysteresis loops via a scanning probe microscopy tip, is a widely accepted approach to characterize polarization reversal at the local scale and confirm ferroelectricity. However, the local hysteresis loops acquired through this method often exhibit unpredictable shapes, a phenomenon often attributed to the influence of parasitic factors such as electrostatic forces and current flow. Our research has uncovered that the deviation in hysteresis loop shapes can be caused by spontaneous backswitching occurring after polarization reversal. Moreover, we’ve determined that the extent of this effect can be exacerbated when employing inappropriate SSPFM waveform parameters, including duration, frequency, and AC voltage amplitude. Notably, the conventional ‘pulse-mode’ SSPFM method has been found to intensify spontaneous backswitching. In response to these challenges, we have redesigned SSPFM approach by introducing the positive up-negative down (PUND) method within the ‘step-mode’ SSPFM. This modification allows for effective probing of local piezoelectric hysteresis loops in ferroelectrics with reversible piezoresponse while removing undesirable electrostatic contribution. This advancement extends the applicability of the technique to a diverse range of ferroelectrics, including semiconductor ferroelectrics and relaxors, promising a more reliable and accurate characterization of their properties.

Sustainable Synthesis of Green Cu2O Nanoparticles using Avocado Peel Extract as Biowaste Source

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards the production of advanced nanomaterials using sustainable methods, reflecting a heightened focus on reducing environmental impact and optimizing resource utilization. This growing interest stems from the necessity to address environmental concerns and embrace eco-friendly practices in material synthesis. The primary objective of this study is to explore the eco-friendly synthesis of novel metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) by utilizing bio-waste as a sustainable precursor. The central theme revolves around employing ultrasound-assisted techniques for Cu2O NP synthesis, with a specific emphasis on utilizing avocado peel waste as an effective phytochemical compound for capping. Through systematic process optimization, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the resulting NPs, delving into their chemical, thermal, and surface properties. Advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), were employed to gain profound insights into the attributes of the synthesized NPs. Our experimental results conclusively demonstrate the successful synthesis of spherical Cu2O NPs, each with a diameter of 25 ± 2 nm. This was achieved by utilizing avocado peel waste (APW) and ultrasound-assisted cavitation at room temperature. The study significantly contributes to our understanding of the potential applications of green synthesis methods, paving the way for environmentally friendly and cost-effective Cu2O NPs.

Biocompatible Silica-Coated Europium-Doped CsPbBr3 Nanoparticles with Luminescence in Water for Zebrafish Bioimaging.

Cesium lead halide (CsPbX3, X = Br, Cl, and I) nanocrystals (NCs) are widely concerned and applied in many fields due to the excellent photoelectric performance. However, the toxicity of Pb and the loss of luminescence in water limit its application in vivo. A stable perovskite nanomaterial with good bioimaging properties is developed by incorporating europium (Eu) in CsPbX3 NCs followed with the surface coating of silica (SiO2) shell (CsPbX3:Eu@SiO2). Through the surface coating of SiO2, the luminescence stability of CsPbBr3 in water is improved and the leakage of Pb2+ is significantly reduced. In particular, Eu doping inhibits the photoluminescence quantum yield reduction of CsPbBr3 caused by SiO2 coating, and further reduces the release of Pb2+. CsPbBr3:Eu@SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) show efficient luminescence in water and good biocompatibility to achieve cell imaging. More importantly, CsPb(ClBr)3:Eu@SiO2 NPs are obtained by adjusting the halogen components, and green light and blue light are realized in zebrafish imaging, showing good imaging effect and biosafety. The work provides a strategy for advanced perovskite nanomaterials toward biological practical application.

Carbon quantum dots in bioimaging and biomedicines.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are gaining a lot more attention than traditional semiconductor quantum dots owing to their intrinsic fluorescence property, chemical inertness, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and simple and inexpensive synthetic route of preparation. These properties allow CQDs to be utilized for a broad range of applications in various fields of scientific research including biomedical sciences, particularly in bioimaging and biomedicines. CQDs are a promising choice for advanced nanomaterials research for bioimaging and biomedicines owing to their unique chemical, physical, and optical properties. CQDs doped with hetero atom, or polymer composite materials are extremely advantageous for biochemical, biological, and biomedical applications since they are easy to prepare, biocompatible, and have beneficial properties. This type of CQD is highly useful in phototherapy, gene therapy, medication delivery, and bioimaging. This review explores the applications of CQDs in bioimaging and biomedicine, highlighting recent advancements and future possibilities to increase interest in their numerous advantages for therapeutic applications.

Synthesis strategies of smart 3D nanoarchitectures and their applications in energy storage and conversion

AbstractThe creation of effective and clean energy storage technologies has advanced dramatically due to growing worldwide worries over the depletion of fossil fuels and environmental issues. Energy storage and conversion systems have emerged as a crucial component with the development of numerous electronic devices, enabling the devices to function for extended periods of time. Due to their enormous surface area, strong electrical conductivity, and ion transport, 3D self‐supported nanoarchitectures associated with electrochemical energy storage (EES) devices can offer alternatives for enhancing the performance and advancement of existing EES systems. Here, we present the results of our findings regarding the design, production, and use of self‐supported 3D nanostructures in energy storage and conversion systems such as supercapacitors, batteries, solar cells, and fuel cells. A variety of advanced 3D nanomaterials may be readily created on an immense scale using various synthetic techniques, and they have a great deal of potential for use as electrodes in energy storage and conversion devices with much better performance. These fabrication techniques include electrochemical deposition, electrospinning, chemical precipitation, spray pyrolysis, sol‐gel method, hydrothermal method, chemical vapor deposition, and so forth.

Achieving Electric Aviation with Advanced Battery Technology and Nanomaterials

With the continuous development of industry, environmental problems continue to worsen, of which the environmental problems caused by the traditional aviation industry are particularly serious, but there are many problems with electric aircraft that have not been solved. Therefore, this paper explores the realization of electric aviation by using advanced battery technology and nanomaterials. The study found that there are a variety of advanced battery technologies and nanomaterials that contribute to the realization of electric aviation, among which Multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWCNT)/ graphene-based composite phase change material technology has considerable potential. It has excellent battery thermal management performance and excellent high-power density. However, MWCNT/ graphene-based composite phase change material technology also has shortcomings at present, such as the production process is complex and difficult to mass produce. Although there are still many challenges, this paper believes that these challenges will be solved to enable electric aviation using advanced battery technology and nanomaterials.

Advanced nanomaterials: Fabrication, characterization and applications

Nanomaterials continue to revolutionize various scientific domains due to their unique properties and versatile applications. This study explores the forefront of nanomaterial research, presenting a comprehensive investigation into fabrication techniques, advanced characterization methodologies, and diverse application possibilities. Embarking on the escalating significance of advanced nanomaterials, this study confronts present challenges and endeavours to bridge gaps in our comprehension, establishing itself at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. Our study seeks to achieve a twofold objective - advancing the synthesis of nanomaterials with tailored properties and pushing the boundaries of characterization techniques to reveal intricate details at the nanoscale. The Fabrication section introduces innovative methods such as Top-Down Lithography, highlighting their role in achieving precise control over nanomaterial structures. Characterization, a pivotal phase, unfolds with meticulous scrutiny, using advanced technologies and instruments such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), provide precise insights into the properties and structures of nanomaterials. In the Applications section, exploring how advanced nanomaterials make a big impact in areas like electronics and medicine, showcasing their versatility and potential for groundbreaking advancements. In conclusion, the findings not only contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge but also set the stage for future research, guiding the trajectory of nanomaterial exploration towards new horizons in scientific inquiry.

The heterogeneity of physiological activity for chiral carbon dots derived from L/D/DL-arginine.

Chirality is a ubiquitous phenomenon in nature. The advent of nanomaterials has led to a gradual evolution of chiral studies from the molecular scale to the nanoscale. The emergence of carbon dots (CDs) has inaugurated a novel domain in the scientific and technological realms of carbon nanomaterials. In recent years, CDs have attracted increasing attention due to their luminescent properties, excellent biocompatibility and remarkable bioactivity. However, little attention has been paid to the chirality of the CDs and, in particular, the differences between CDs synthesized from racemic compounds and other chiral CDs, as well as the differences in the biological effects of chiral CDs, remain to be explored. Here, chiral CDs were synthesized from L-/D-/DL-arginine, and the differences in various aspects of chiral CDs were evaluated. We found that L-CDs without extreme differences in structure had brighter fluorescence and a more significant ability of NO generation and lipid droplet inhibition than the other two chiral CDs. Combined with its better drug loading and release ability, we validated its superior efficacy in tumor treatment. Therefore, this study provides a basis for further research on chiral carbon dots and their differences.

Advanced inorganic nanomaterials for high-performance electrochromic applications.

Electrochromic materials and devices with the capability of dynamic optical regulation have attracted considerable attention recently and have shown a variety of potential applications including energy-efficient smart windows, multicolor displays, atuto-diming mirrors, military camouflage, and adaptive thermal management due to the advantages of active control, wide wavelength modulation, and low energy consumption. However, its development still experiences a number of issues such as long response time and inadequate durability. Nanostructuring has demonstrated that it is an effective strategy to improve the electrochromic performance of the materials due to the increased reaction active sites and the reduced ion diffusion distance. Various advanced inorganic nanomaterials with high electrochromic performance have been developed recently, significantly contributing to the development of electrochromic applications. In this review, we systematically introduce and discuss the recent advances in advanced inorganic nanomaterials including zero-, one-, and two-dimensional materials for high-performance electrochromic applications. Finally, we outline the current major challenges and our perspectives for the future development of nanostructured electrochromic materials and applications.

Revealing the diverse electrochemistry of nanoparticles with scanning electrochemical cell microscopy.

The next generation of electroactive materials will depend on advanced nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles (NPs), for improved function and reduced cost. As such, the development of structure-function relationships for these NPs has become a prime focus for researchers from many fields, including materials science, catalysis, energy storage, photovoltaics, environmental/biomedical sensing, etc. The technique of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) has naturally positioned itself as a premier experimental methodology for the investigation of electroactive NPs, due to its unique capability to encapsulate individual, spatially distinct entities, and to apply a potential to (and measure the resulting current of) single-NPs. Over the course of conducting these single-NP investigations, a number of unexpected (i.e. rarely-reported) results have been collected, including fluctuating current responses, and carrying of the NP by the SECCM probe, hypothesised to be due to insufficient NP-surface interaction. Additionally, locations with measurable electrochemical activity have been found to contain no associated NP, and conversely locations with no activity have been found to contain NPs. Through presenting and discussing these findings, this article seeks to highlight complications in single-NP SECCM experiments, particularly those arising from issues with sample preparation.

Mesoporous Mo-doped PtBi intermetallic metallene superstructures to enable the complete electrooxidation of ethylene glycol.

Metallenes, intermetallic compounds, and porous nanocrystals are the three types of most promising advanced nanomaterials for practical fuel cell devices, but how to integrate the three structural features into a single nanocrystal remains a huge challenge. Herein, we report an efficient one-step method to construct freestanding mesoporous Mo-doped PtBi intermetallic metallene superstructures (denoted M-PtBiMo IMSs) as highly active and stable ethylene glycol oxidation reaction (EGOR) catalysts. The materials retained their catalytic performance, even in complex direct ethylene glycol fuel cells (DEGFCs). The M-PtBiMo IMSs showed EGOR mass and specific activities of 24.0 A mgPt-1 and 61.1 mA cm-2, respectively, which were both dramatically higher than those of benchmark Pt black and Pt/C. In situ infrared spectra showed that ethylene glycol underwent complete oxidation via a 10-electron CO-free pathway over the M-PtBiMo IMSs. Impressively, M-PtBiMo IMSs demonstrated a much higher power density (173.6 mW cm-2) and stability than Pt/C in DEGFCs. Density functional theory calculations revealed that oxophilic Mo species promoted the EGOR kinetics. This work provides new possibilities for designing advanced Pt-based nanomaterials to improve DEGFC performance.

Advanced nanomaterials for electrochemical sensors: application in wearable tear glucose sensing technology.

In the last few decades, tear-based biosensors for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) have provided new avenues for the diagnosis of diabetes. The tear CGMs constructed from nanomaterials have been extensively demonstrated by various research activities in this field and are gradually witnessing their most prosperous period. A timely and comprehensive review of the development of tear CGMs in a compartmentalized manner from a nanomaterials perspective would greatly broaden this area of research. However, to our knowledge, there is a lack of specialized reviews and comprehensive cohesive reports in this area. First, this paper describes the principles and development of electrochemical glucose sensors. Then, a comprehensive summary of various advanced nanomaterials recently reported for potential applications and construction strategies in tear CGMs is presented in a compartmentalized manner, focusing on sensing properties. Finally, the challenges, strategies, and perspectives used to design tear CGM materials are emphasized, providing valuable insights and guidance for the construction of tear CGMs from nanomaterials in the future.

Block copolymer self-assembly derived mesoporous magnetic materials with three-dimensionally (3D) co-continuous gyroid nanostructure.

Magnetic nanomaterials are gaining interest for their many applications in technological areas from information science and computing to next-generation quantum energy materials. While magnetic materials have historically been nanostructured through techniques such as lithography and molecular beam epitaxy, there has recently been growing interest in using soft matter self-assembly. In this work, a triblock terpolymer, poly(isoprene-block-styrene-block-ethylene oxide) (ISO), is used as a structure directing agent for aluminosilicate sol nanoparticles and magnetic material precursors to generate organic-inorganic bulk hybrid films with co-continuous morphology. After thermal processing into mesoporous materials, results from a combination of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are consistent with the double gyroid morphology. Nitrogen sorption measurements reveal a type IV isotherm with H1 hysteresis, and yield a specific surface area of around 200 m2 g-1 and an average pore size of 23 nm. The magnetization of the mesostructured material as a function of applied field shows magnetic hysteresis and coercivity at 300 K and 10 K. Comparison of magnetic measurements between the mesoporous gyroid and an unstructured bulk magnetic material, derived from the identical inorganic precursors, reveals the structured material exhibits a coercivity of 250 Oe, opposed to 148 Oe for the unstructured at 10 K, and presence of remnant magnetic moment not conventionally found in bulk hematite; both of these properties are attributed to the mesostructure. This scalable route to mesoporous magnetic materials with co-continuous morphologies from block copolymer self-assembly may provide a pathway to advanced magnetic nanomaterials with a range of potential applications.

Physical and chemical parameters determining the formation of gold-sp metal (Al, Ga, In, and Pb) nanoalloys.

Alloying is a key step towards the fabrication of advanced and unique nanomaterials demanded by the next generation of nanotechnology solutions. In particular, the alloys of Au with the sp-metals are expected to have several appealing plasmonic and electronic properties for a wide range of applications in optics, catalysis, nanomedicine, sensing and quantum devices. However, little is known about the thermodynamic and synthetic factors leading to the successful alloying of Au and sp-metals at the nanoscale. In this work, Au-M nanoalloys, with M = Al, Ga, In, or Pb, have been synthesized by a green and single step laser ablation in liquid (LAL) approach in two environments (pure ethanol and anhydrous acetone). To delve deeper into the key parameters leading to successful alloying under the typical operating conditions of LAL, a multiparametric analysis was performed considering the mixing enthalpy from DFT calculations and other alloying descriptors such as the Hume-Rothery parameters. The results showed that the dominant factors for alloying change dramatically with the oxidative ability of the synthesis environment. In this way, the tendency of the four sp metals to alloy with gold was accurately predicted (R2 > 0.99) using only two and three parameters in anhydrous and non-anhydrous environments, respectively. These results are important to produce nanoalloys using LAL and other physical methods because they contribute to the understanding of factors leading to element mixing at the nanoscale under real synthetic conditions, which is crucial for guiding the realization of next-generation multifunctional metallic nanostructures.

Prevention-through-design approach to mitigate workers’ exposure in the graphene production processes

The growing development of new and advanced nanomaterials calls for a responsible approach to evaluate and prevent health and safety risks for workers, who could be exposed in their whole life cycle. Since many uncertainties still remain about health effects and as long as occupational exposure limits will not be available, Prevention-through-Design (PtD) approach may be proposed as a framework aimed at preventing risks, taking into account health and safety aspects starting from the design stages of innovation production processes. PtD principles could be applied to NMs, including strategies to mitigate emissions and minimize risks related to the manufacturing and use. In the present study, this approach has been successfully applied to different case studies of graphene-based NMs production in research and development laboratories, with promising applications in the transition towards the industrial scale. The methodology includes the integration of ISO control banding tool and OECD multi-metric and tiered approach to assess exposure by inhalation, improving the reliability of risk analysis framework. The findings support the complementary use of qualitative and quantitative data to identify tailored control measures and prevent risks in parallel with the development of NMs production processes, by giving also the opportunity to evaluate their effectiveness.

Principles and practice of greener ionic liquid–nanoparticles biosystem

Ionic liquids as additives in nanoparticles influence their morphology and enhance their bioactivity, highlighting their key role in sustainable chemistry, a major environmental advance.

Harnessing advanced nanomaterials: Wastewater treatment with sustainable approach using 2D g-C3N4 based Ho-doped LaCoO3 nanocomposite

This study presents novel materials for improving wastewater treatment by producing a holmium-doped lanthanum cobaltite (Ho-LaCoO3) nanomaterial, and its composites with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). Powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD) analysis of the synthesized samples verified their high crystallinity. FTIR spectroscopy analyses the existence of significant functional groups like La–O and Co–O. These results show that incorporating Ho and two-dimensional materials into the LaCoO3 matrix successfully increased the surface area and catalytic activity. The morphological analysis indicates the Ho-doped LaCoO3 nanoparticles embedded on the surface of Ho-LaCoO3/g-C3N4. Mott-Schottky analysis was employed to investigate the electrochemical properties of LC and HLC. Optical analysis revealed that adding g-C3N4 sheets to Ho-Doped LaCoO3 significantly reduced the optical bandgap energy. The photocatalytic performance of these materials was assessed by studying the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye, which serves as a model pollutant in wastewater treatment applications. Remarkably, the synergistic effects between Ho-doped LaCoO3 nanoparticles and g-C3N4 exhibited significantly improved photocatalytic performance compared to pure g-C3N4 and LaCoO3, achieving a notable 75 % degradation rate. The kinetic analysis of these degradation reactions revealed that all reactions followed pseudo-first-order rate kinetics. Among all the tested catalysts, the highest rate was observed for g–C3N4–based Ho-Doped LaCoO3 nanocomposite, with a rate constant of 0.009 min−1. These findings highlight the significance of Ho-Doped LaCoO3 and its nanocomposite with g-C3N4 as promising candidates for sustainable and effective wastewater treatment processes.