Application Of Nanomaterials Research Articles

Investigating the optical properties and electronic structure of gallium phosphide nanotubes doped with arsenic via implementing first-principles calculations.

This study investigates the impact of arsenic doping on the optical characteristics and electronic structure of zigzag (8, 0) and armchair (4, 4) gallium phosphide nanotubes using first-principles calculations based on the GaP1-xAsx system, where x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1. The electronic calculations showed that doping more arsenic atoms reduces the energy band gap for zigzag and armchair GaPAs nanotubes. PDOS analysis indicates that Ga-4p and P-3p orbitals play a significant role in determining the electronic properties of the GaP nanotube. The dominance of Ga-4p and P-3p orbitals in both the valence and conduction bands indicates their importance across the energy spectrum of the material. The complex dielectric function and absorption coefficient of zigzag and armchair GaP1-xAsx nanotubes are calculated for incident radiation with energies ranging from 1 to 6.2eV. Optical results revealed that both zigzag and armchair GaPNTs exhibit strong absorption in the UV-visible regions due to electronic transitions between different Van Hove singularities. Also, due to quantum confinement effects, pure zigzag gallium phosphide nanotube exhibited two absorption edges at wavelengths (273 and 375nm). These edges stand from the energy level's quantization in the nanotube construction, affecting the absorption characteristics. Substitutional doping by arsenic atoms changes the absorption edge to the long wavelengths due to decreased bandgap energy. Investigating electronic structures and optical properties of nanotubes proposes several advantages, such as understanding the doping effects on the nanotube structure and contributing to the direction of the experimental studies. These computational studies play a key role in developing the applications of nanomaterials. Calculations of density functional theory (DFT) are achieved via the SIESTA package. SIESTA is a powerful and effective tool for executing DFT calculations on a large system of atoms. It generates numerous output files covering detailed information about the electronic structure, optical properties, total energy, optimized geometry, and other computed properties. The generalized gradient approximation GGA with Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof PBE functional was used. A vacuum region of 10 A0 was applied to avoid the interactions of adjacent nanotubes.

Generation of gamma photons and pairs with transverse orbital angular momentum via spatiotemporal optical vortex pulse

We present the generation of well-collimated gamma photons and pairs with extrinsic transverse orbital angular momentum (TOAM) through the head-on collision of an intense spatiotemporal optical vortex (STOV) pulse carrying intrinsic TOAM and a high-energy electron beam. It is found that the TOAM of STOV pulse remains almost unchanged, and the TOAM is conserved in the center-of-mass frame. Moreover, there exhibits a duality for particles TOAM in the CMF and laboratory frame when the initial location of high-energy electron beam is different. Furthermore, the TOAM of gamma photons in the CMF increases while that of positrons decreases as the topological charge of STOV pulse increases, whereas in the LF, the TOAM of both gamma photons and positrons decreases. The result under the same pulse intensity is better than that under the same pulse energy. The increase in the initial energy of high-energy electrons leads to an enhancement of the TOAM of both gamma photons and positrons in both frames. Gamma photons and electrons/positrons with TOAM as a new degree of freedom may have extensive applications in optical communication, astrophysics, nanomaterials, and other fields.

Synthesis and structural characteristics of AgxSn1–xO2 nanocomposites and their sensing performance toward methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide

The physical features and potential applications of metal oxide semiconductor nanomaterials can be influenced by doping, heat treatment, and applied synthesis techniques. Herein, a simple hydrothermal method was used to synthesize AgxSn1–xO2 nanocomposites (x=0, 0.05, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, and 1). The crystal structure, surface morphology, chemical bonding, surface area, and oxidation states are investigated. FTIR, XRD, HR-TEM, SEM, and XPS techniques were used to characterize the AgxSn1–xO2 nanocomposites, while the electrical resistivity measurement was conducted to assess their gas-sensing characteristics. The findings demonstrate that Ag atoms are evenly distributed inside the tetragonal SnO2 lattice up to x=0.4, meanwhile, a further increase in x leads to the growth of a cubic Ag2O phase alongside the SnO2 phase. The crystallite size of the SnO2 phase was increased as the Ag concentration increased, whereas reduced for the Ag2O phase. The pure SnO2 phase exhibits spherical nanoparticles, whereas the AgxSn1–xO2 nanocomposites (x > 0) have a morphology of nanosheets and nanoplates. The average BET surface area was improved to 358 m2/g by increasing the Ag content up to x=0.2. The XPS confirms the presence of various oxides such as Sn 3d, O 1 s, and Ag 3d. The AgxSn1–xO2 nanocomposites were employed as electrical sensors to detect CH4, H2, and CO gases at an operating temperature range of 200–400 °C. The Ag0.2Sn0.8O2 nanocomposites show the best response/recovery time towards CH4 at 200 °C. The AgxSn1–xO2 composite exhibits a good response towards CH4 compared to H2, and CO gases.

How new nanomaterials can improve the performance of lithium batteries

Abstract In recent years, lithium batteries have become energy storage methods in many fields for their advantages of high energy density, and many fields such as civil electric vehicles, electronic products, and aerospace rely on lithium batteries. At present, the performance demand for lithium batteries in electric vehicles is increasing, and finding ways to improve the performance of lithium batteries has become a top priority. Since silicon has the highest theoretical specific capacity, carbon nanotube technology is relatively mature, and the research and development prospects of new negative electrode materials for nano-batteries are broad. This paper analyzes the different influences of nano-silicon-based materials, carbon nanotubes modified by new materials and new negative nano-lithium materials on lithium batteries from nanomaterials. And summarize their respective roles to help readers further understand the application of nanomaterials in lithium batteries. It is designed to help readers further understand the application of nanomaterials in lithium batteries.

Nanotechnology applied in lithium-ion battery electrode

Abstract Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the device that are widely used to store energy for various applications such as electric vehicles. However, the application of the LIBs still faces limitations such as energy density, durability, charging speed and safety. Nanomaterials, which have at least one dimension under nanoscale, can offer some solutions to these challenges by modifying the properties and performance of the electrode materials. In this research, recent progresses and challenges of using nanomaterials as electrode materials for LIBs are analyzed. The advantages and disadvantages of different types of nanomaterials are being discussed, such as nanoparticles, nanocoating, nanotubes, and nanocomposites, and their effects on the electrochemical behavior of the LIBs. On the other hand, some of the key issues and future directions for the development of nanomaterials-based LIBs are also being highlighted. This research aims to provide a comprehensive overview and perspective on the application of nanomaterials for better performance LIBs.

Application of nanomaterials for improving zinc-ion batteries performance

Abstract Extensive endeavours are underway to devise global strategies for energy storage, aiming to fulfil the burgeoning energy demands in the foreseeable future. While lead-acid batteries (LABs) and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently two common and widely used types of batteries, they are accompanied by environmental implications and safety apprehensions. In this context, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as an up-and-coming solution, exhibiting an economically viable composition and leveraging nanomaterials to enhance electrochemical performance and facilitate efficient energy storage. This passage delves into recent studies about incorporating nanoparticles in rechargeable aqueous AZIBs and evaluates their performance characteristics. A comprehensive analysis of eight studies has been conducted, scrutinizing various aspects such as electrochemical performance, stability, specific capacity, and charging rate. By juxtaposing these studies, noteworthy observations have been made regarding the impact of nanoparticles, along with insights into potential advancements for the AZIBs in the future.

Facilitating Eco-Friendly Construction Practices with the Sustainable Application of Nanomaterials in Concrete Composites

This research concentrates on the development of Nano Modified Concrete (NMC) and evaluates its performance through an extensive analysis of various strength and durability properties. The study encompasses assessments such as slump cone test, compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, permeability and acid resistance. The objective is to appraise the structural robustness of NMC, employing Nanosilica (NS) and Nanoclay (NC) as supplementary cementitious materials. Sixteen distinct concrete mixtures underwent casting and testing, featuring diverse cement replacement rates (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%) of NS and NC at varying addition levels (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of nano additives by weight of fine aggregate) for each trial. Comparative analysis with conventional concrete underscores the notable enhancement in mechanical strength achieved by NMC without compromising its fresh and hardened state properties. Additionally, the incorporation of NS and NC contributes to increased slump values, facilitating improved workability due to smoother concrete surfaces. The findings suggest that the introduction of NMC leads to an overall improvement in the long-term performance of concrete structures. Adding NS and NC not only improves the properties of concrete but also plays a role in alleviating soil pollution.

Plasmon-enhanced fluorescence for biophotonics and bio-analytical applications.

Fluorescence spectroscopy serves as an ultrasensitive sophisticated tool where background noises which serve as a major impediment to the detection of the desired signals can be safely avoided for detections down to the single-molecule levels. One such way of bypassing background noise is plasmon-enhanced fluorescence (PEF), where the interactions of fluorophores at the surface of metals or plasmonic nanoparticles are probed. The underlying condition is a significant spectral overlap between the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the nanoparticle and the absorption or emission spectra of the fluorophore. The rationale being the coupling of the excited state of the fluorophore with the localized surface plasmon leads to an augmented emission, owing to local field enhancement. It is manifested in enhanced quantum yields concurrent with a decrease in fluorescence lifetimes, owing to an increase in radiative rate constants. This improvement in detection provided by PEF allows a significant scope of expansion in the domain of weakly emitting fluorophores which otherwise would have remained unperceivable. The concept of coupling of weak emitters with plasmons can bypass the problems of photobleaching, opening up avenues of imaging with significantly higher sensitivity and improved resolution. Furthermore, amplification of the emission signal by the coupling of free electrons of the metal nanoparticles with the electrons of the fluorophore provides ample opportunities for achieving lower detection limits that are involved in biological imaging and molecular sensing. One avenue that has attracted significant attraction in the last few years is the fast, label-free detection of bio-analytes under physiological conditions using plasmonic nanoparticles for point-of-care analysis. This review focusses on the applications of plasmonic nanomaterials in the field of biosensing, imaging with a brief introduction on the different aspects of LSPR and fabrication techniques.

Investigating electron-induced dissociation dynamics in the organometallic precursor Fe(CO)5: a nonadiabatic molecular dynamics approach

This research employs excited states molecular dynamics simulations to explore the electron-induced dissociation behavior of Fe(CO)5 molecules, with the specific focus on electronic excitation. The study initiates with the detailed analysis of the molecule’s stable ground state structure. Subsequent simulations reveal distinctive dissociation patterns in various bonds, particularly noting the rapid dissociation of bonds between Fe and C1, Fe and C2, while those with Fe and C3 oscillate without complete dissociation. Emphasizing the influence of the transition from the highest occupied molecular orbital to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital on reactivity, the investigation sheds light on the charge transfer phenomenon during dissociation through Bader analysis. Insights into transitions between excited and ground states are derived from the time evolution of the Kohn–Sham orbital. This study significantly contributes to understanding intricate dissociation mechanisms under electronic excitation, especially in molecules like Fe(CO)5 characterized by complex chemical bonds. Beyond theoretical exploration, the research holds practical significance for applications in nanomaterials, such as focused electron beam-induced deposition and the fabrication of nanoscale structures, enriching our comprehension of electronic-excitation-induced dissociation and advancing both theoretical understanding and practical applications in this field.

Review on the Recent Applications of Nanomaterials in Energy, Environment and Health Care

Review on the Recent Applications of Nanomaterials in Energy, Environment and Health Care

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Cannabis sativa: Properties, Synthesis, Mechanistic Aspects, and Applications

The increasing global focus on green nanotechnology research has spurred the development of environmentally and biologically safe applications for various nanomaterials. Nanotechnology involves crafting diverse nanoparticles in terms of shapes and sizes, with a particular emphasis on environmentally friendly synthesis routes. Among these, biogenic approaches, including plant-based synthesis, are favored for their safety, simplicity, and sustainability. Silver nanoparticles, in particular, have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional effectiveness, biocompatibility, and eco-friendliness. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) has emerged as a promising candidate for aiding in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Leveraging the phytochemical constituents of Cannabis, researchers have successfully tailored silver nanoparticles for a wide array of applications, spanning from biomedicine to environmental remediation. This review explores the properties, synthesis mechanisms, and applications of silver nanoparticles obtained from Cannabis. Additionally, it delves into the recent advancements in green synthesis techniques and elucidates the optical properties of these nanoparticles. By shedding light on plant-based fabrication methods for silver nanoparticles and their diverse bionanotechnology applications, this review aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of green nanotechnology. Through a comprehensive examination of the synthesis processes, mechanistic aspects, and potential applications, this review underscores the importance of sustainable approaches in nanoparticle synthesis and highlights the potential of Cannabis-derived silver nanoparticles in addressing various societal and environmental challenges.

New Fire-Retardant Open-Cell Composite Polyurethane Foams Based on Triphenyl Phosphate and Natural Nanoscale Additives.

Despite the mechanical and physical properties of polyurethane foams (PUF), their application is still hindered by high inflammability. The elaboration of effective, low-cost, and environmentally friendly fire retardants remains a pressing issue that must be addressed. This work aims to show the feasibility of the successful application of natural nanomaterials, such as halloysite nanotubes and nanocellulose, as promising additives to the commercial halogen-free, fire-retardant triphenyl phosphate (TPP) to enhance the flame retardance of open-cell polyurethane foams. The nanocomposite foams were synthesized by in situ polymerization. Investigation of the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite PUF revealed that the nanoscale additives led to a notable decrease in the foam's compressibility. The obtained results of the flammability tests clearly indicate that there is a prominent synergetic effect between the fire-retardant and the natural nanoscale additives. The nanocomposite foams containing a mixture of TPP (10 and 20 parts per hundred polyol by weight) and either 10 wt.% of nanocellulose or 20 wt.% of halloysite demonstrated the lowest burning rate without dripping and were rated as HB materials according to UL 94 classification.

A Review on Advancements in Nanomaterial Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications: Towards Sustainable and Innovative Solutions

A Review on Advancements in Nanomaterial Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications: Towards Sustainable and Innovative Solutions

Application of carrier free nanomaterials in healthcare

Application of carrier free nanomaterials in healthcare

Analysis of parabolic trough solar collector thermal efficiency with application of a graphene oxide nanosheet‐based nanofluid

AbstractNowadays, clean energy production and reconciliation with nature is one of the best solutions known to rectify the global warming issue. Solar energy, as a clean and green one, has recently been drawing scientists' attention to itself more than ever. Applying parabolic trough solar collectors (PTSCs) is one of the state‐of‐the‐art ways to extract energy from the sun. As one of the most interesting research topics, the thermal efficiency enhancement of PTSCs is studied. The current study demonstrates how the thermal efficiency of PTSCs is enhanced through the application of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, as an inexpensive nanomaterial with superb thermal conductivity and unique structure, in thermal oil, namely, Behran oil, as heat transfer fluid, within the effective volume fraction range of 0.05. The above‐mentioned analysis is based on the theoretical calculations performed through a mathematical model based on the Taylor series approximation. All the calculations are performed with respect to a PTSC unit of a solar–thermal power plant situated in Shiraz, Iran, as the research case study. In addition, the Nan et al. model is used to analytically predict how the increase in the volume fraction of GO nanosheets raises the thermal conductivity and consequently increases the convection heat transfer coefficient of the nanofluid, leading to the thermal efficiency enhancement of PTSCs. The results reveal a maximum thermal efficiency of 71.10% for the volume fraction of 0.05. In comparison to the thermal efficiency of the real‐world case‐study mentioned above with pure thermal oil, that is, 67.71%, the thermal efficiency enhancement by about 5.5%, is achieved. Moreover, it is discussed how the thermal efficiency achieved from GO nanosheets surpasses the ones obtained from the application of particle shape nanomaterials, or carbon nanotubes in the same conditions.

Highly Bright and Stable CsPbX3@Cs4PbX6 Hexagonal Nanoarchitectonics Created by Controlling Dissolution-Recrystallization of CsPbX3 Nanomaterials.

CsPbBr3@Cs4PbBr6 hexagonal NCs with a bright photoluminescence (PL) peak of 456nm are created through the dissolution-recrystallization of CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets. Small CsPbBr3 nanocrystals are encapsulated in hexagonal Cs4PbBr6 during recrystallization to form a core-shell structure and keep high brightness and stability. The recrystallization kinetics is systematically investigated to explore the roles of methyl acetate, oleylamine, and n-hexane. Result further indicates that core/shell NCs remained high PL under a variety of harsh conditions (e.g., light irradiation and heat treatment) because of Cs4PbX6 shell and the controlling of recrystallization. Their initial PL intensity is remained after 4 months of storage under ambient conditions and continuous exposure to UV lamp for 180min. The bright PL is also maintained even treatment at 120°C. To indicate the universality of this synthesis method, CsPbX3@Cs4PbX6 hexagonal NCs with different emission colors are fabricated by changing temperature, solvent viscosity, and precursors (e,g, oleylamine and halogens). These core-shell samples reveal bright and stable green, orange, and red PL. Because of its high stability, the core/shell NCs are dispersed in flexible films to create diverse patterns. The films also exhibit high brightness and excellent stability. This strategy opens a novel avenue for the application of perovskite nanomaterials in the display field.

Biomedical applications of graphene-based nanomaterials: recent progress, challenges, and prospects in highly sensitive biosensors.

Graphene-based nanomaterials (graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene quantum dots, graphene-based nanocomposites, etc.) are emerging as an extremely important class of nanomaterials primarily because of their unique and advantageous physical, chemical, biological, and optoelectronic aspects. These features have resulted in uses across diverse areas of scientific research. Among all other applications, they are found to be particularly useful in designing highly sensitive biosensors. Numerous studies have established their efficacy in sensing pathogens and other biomolecules allowing for the rapid diagnosis of various diseases. Considering the growing importance and popularity of graphene-based materials for biosensing applications, this review aims to provide the readers with a summary of the recent progress in the concerned domain and highlights the challenges associated with the synthesis and application of these multifunctional materials.

Recent developments in cancer diagnosis and treatment using nanotechnology.

The article provides an insightful overview of the pivotal role of nanotechnology in revolutionizing cancer diagnosis and treatment. It discusses the critical importance of nanoparticles in enhancing the accuracy of cancer detection through improved imaging contrast agents and the synthesis of various nanomaterials designed for oncology applications. The review broadly classifies nanoparticles used in therapeutics, including metallic, magnetic, polymeric, and many other types, with an emphasis on their functions in drug delivery systems for targeted cancer therapy. It details targeting mechanisms, including passive and intentional targeting, to maximize treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects. Furthermore, the article addresses the clinical applications of nanomaterials in cancer treatment, highlights prospects, and addresses the challenges of integrating nanotechnology into cancer treatment.

Carbon nanomaterials: Pioneering innovations in bioimaging and biosensing technologies

Carbon-based nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon dots, carbon nano onions, and carbon nano horns, exhibit exceptional properties such as high electrical and thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. These characteristics make them attractive for various biomedical applications, particularly in bioimaging and biosensing. In bioimaging, carbon-based nanomaterials offer several advantages. Their unique properties enable precise imaging of biological events in cells, tissues, and organs, with minimal interference in living processes. By leveraging these properties, researchers can achieve high-resolution imaging for accurate diagnosis and therapy. Similarly, carbon-based nanomaterials are crucial in biosensing applications. They provide a platform for developing highly sensitive biosensors due to their distinctive electrical properties and surface characteristics. Functionalizing these nanomaterials with specific biomolecules or receptors allows for the detection and extraction of target molecules with exceptional precision and sensitivity, inspired by principles found in living systems. A review article focusing on the applications of carbon-based nanomaterials in bioimaging and biosensing would provide insights into their potential in advancing biotechnology. This article discusses a variety of carbon-based nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon dots, carbon nano onions, and carbon nano horns, emphasizing their unique properties and applications in bioimaging and sensing. The review emphasizes the importance of detection accuracy and sensitivity in biomedical applications and investigates how carbon-based nanomaterials help to advance biotechnology. This exploration will allow researchers to explore and create novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Advancing Neural Interfaces: Recording, Stimulation, and Beyond.

ConspectusNeurotechnology has seen dramatic improvements in the last three decades. The major focus in the field has been to design electrical communication platforms with high spatial resolution, stability, and translatability for understanding and affecting neural pathways. The deployment of nanomaterials in bioelectronics has enhanced the capabilities of conventional approaches employing microelectrode arrays (MEAs) for electrical interfaces, allowing the construction of miniaturized, high-performance neuroelectronics (Garg, R.; et al. ACS Appl. Nano Mater. 2023, 6, 8495). While these advancements in the electrical neuronal interface have revolutionized neurotechnology both in scale and breadth, an in-depth understanding of neurons' interactions is challenging due to the complexity of the environments where the cells and tissues are laid. The activity of large, three-dimensional neuronal systems has proven difficult to accurately monitor and modulate, and chemical cell-cell communication is often completely neglected. Recent breakthroughs in nanotechnology have provided opportunities to use new nonelectric modes of communication with neurons and to significantly enhance electrical signal interface capabilities. The enhanced electrochemical activity and optical activity of nanomaterials owing to their nonbulk electronic properties and surface nanostructuring have seen extensive utilization. Nanomaterials' enhanced optical activity enables remote neural state modulation, whereas the defect-rich surfaces provide an enormous number of available electrocatalytic sites for neurochemical detection and electrochemical modulation of cell microenvironments through Faradaic processes. Such unique properties can allow multimodal neural interrogation toward generating closed-loop interfaces with access to more complete neural state descriptors. In this Account, we will review recent advances and our efforts spearheaded toward utilizing nanostructured electrodes for enhanced bidirectional interfaces with neurons, the application of unique hybrid nanomaterials for remote nongenetic optical stimulation of neurons, tunable nanomaterials for highly sensitive and selective neurotransmitter detection, and the utilization of nanomaterials as electrocatalysts toward electrochemically modulating cellular activity. We highlight applications of these technologies across cell types through nanomaterial engineering with a focus on multifunctional graphene nanostructures applied though several modes of neural modulation but also an exploration of broad material classes for maximizing the potency of closed-loop bioelectronics.