Future Nanotechnology Applications Research Articles

The application of nanotechnology in the field of lithium-ion battery

Nanotechnology, with its remarkable progress, has permeated various aspects of daily life, highlighting its crucial role in shaping the world. One of its most significant applications is in the realm of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), where it holds the potential to dramatically enhance battery performance. This application is studied extensively both in the industry and academia. As the use of LIBs becomes more widespread, the demand for these batteries continues to rise. This paper will primarily focus on the utilization of nanotechnology within the LIB sector. This paper will delve into its applications across various components, including the cathode and anode. Furthermore, this paper will explore the potential future applications of nanotechnology in this field, examining how it can revolutionize energy storage technologies. The integration of nanotechnology not only enhances the performance of LIBs but also opens doors to innovative solutions that can address the growing energy demands of the modern society.

Frequency dependence of nanorod self-alignment using microfluidic methods

Dielectrophoresis is a potential candidate for aligning nanorods on electrodes, in which the interplay between electric fields and microfluidics is critically associated with its yield. Despite much of previous work on dielectrophoresis, the impact of frequency modulation on dielectrophoresis-driven nanorod self-assembly is insufficiently understood. In this work, we systematically explore the frequency dependence of the self-alignment of silicon nanorod using a microfluidic channel. We vary the frequency from 1kHz to 1000 kHz and analyze the resulting alignments in conjunction with numerical analysis. Our experiment reveals an optimal alignment yield at approximately 100 kHz, followed by a decrease in alignment efficiency. The nanorod self-alignments are influenced by multiple consequences, including the trapping effect, induced electrical double layer, electrohydrodynamic flow, and particle detachment. This study provides insights into the impact of frequency modulation of electric fields on the alignment of silicon nanorods using dielectrophoresis, broadening its use in various future nanotechnology applications.

Multifunctional role of nanoparticles for the diagnosis and therapeutics of cardiovascular diseases

The increasing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains responsible for morbidity and mortality worldwide; their effective diagnostic or treatment methods are of great interest to researchers. The use of NPs and nanocarriers in cardiology has drawn much interest. The present comprehensive review provides deep insights into the use of current and innovative approaches in CVD diagnostics to offer practical ways to utilize nanotechnological interventions and the critical elements in the CVD diagnosis, associated risk factors, and management strategies of patients with chronic CVDs. We proposed a decision tree-based solution by discussing the emerging applications of NPs for the higher number of rules to increase efficiency in treating CVDs. This review-based study explores the screening methods, tests, and toxicity to provide a unique way of creating a multi-parametric feature that includes cutting-edge techniques for identifying cardiovascular problems and their treatments. We discussed the benefits and drawbacks of various NPs in the context of cost, space, time and complexity that have been previously suggested in the literature for the diagnosis of CVDs risk factors. Also, we highlighted the advances in using NPs for targeted and improved drug delivery and discussed the evolution toward the nano-cardiovascular potential for medical science. Finally, we also examined the mixed-based diagnostic approaches crucial for treating cardiovascular disorders, broad applications and the potential future applications of nanotechnology in medical sciences.

The Parasporal Body of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis: A Unique Phage Capsid-Associated Prokaryotic Insecticidal Organelle.

The three most important commercial bacterial insecticides are all derived from subspecies of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Specifically, Bt subsp. kurstaki (Btk) and Bt subsp. aizawai (Bta) are used to control larval lepidopteran pests. The third, Bt subsp. israelensis (Bti), is primarily used to control mosquito and blackfly larvae. All three subspecies produce a parasporal body (PB) during sporulation. The PB is composed of insecticidal proteins that damage the midgut epithelium, initiating a complex process that results in the death of the insect. Among these three subspecies of Bt, Bti is unique as it produces the most complex PB consisting of three compartments. Each compartment is bound by a multilaminar fibrous matrix (MFM). Two compartments contain one protein each, Cry11Aa1 and Cyt1Aa1, while the third contains two, Cry4Aa1/Cry4Ba1. Each compartment is packaged independently before coalescing into the mature spherical PB held together by additional layers of the MFM. This distinctive packaging process is unparalleled among known bacterial organelles, although the underlying molecular biology is yet to be determined. Here, we present structural and molecular evidence that the MFM has a hexagonal pattern to which Bti proteins Bt152 and Bt075 bind. Bt152 binds to a defined spot on the MFM during the development of each compartment, yet its function remains unknown. Bt075 appears to be derived from a bacteriophage major capsid protein (MCP), and though its sequence has markedly diverged, it shares striking 3-D structural similarity to the Escherichia coli phage HK97 Head 1 capsid protein. Both proteins are encoded on Bti's pBtoxis plasmid. Additionally, we have also identified a six-amino acid motif that appears to be part of a novel molecular process responsible for targeting the Cry and Cyt proteins to their cytoplasmic compartments. This paper describes several previously unknown features of the Bti organelle, representing a first step to understanding the biology of a unique process of sorting and packaging of proteins into PBs. The insights from this research suggest a potential for future applications in nanotechnology.

Construction of Silver Nanoparticles inside Microtubules Using Tau-Derived Peptide Ligated with Silver-Binding Peptide

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver nanowires (AgNWs) are interesting nanomaterials that attract significant research attention. The use of peptides/proteins as templates is a promising strategy for constructing uniform metal nanoparticles and nanowires, including AgNPs and AgNWs. In this study, the inner space of microtubules was used to grow AgNPs and AgNWs (or nanowire-like one-dimensional nanoparticle assemblies) using a tandem peptide consisting of our developed Tau-derived peptide that binds to the inner surface of microtubules, and a silver-binding peptide. The incorporation of the peptide into microtubules, stabilization by crosslinking using glutaraldehyde, and subsequent incubation with a silver ion source and reductant, resulted in the formation of uniform AgNPs inside microtubules. The density and morphology of the AgNPs were varied by altering the incubation times and concentrations of the silver ion source and reductant. The developed AgNP-containing microtubules could be useful for future nanotechnological applications, particularly in nanoelectronics and dynamic nanomaterials.

UV Photoluminescence Microscopy of Individual ZnO Nanostructured Clusters

Ultraviolet (UV) photoluminescence (PL) spectra were acquired from individual nanostructured ZnO clusters less than 1 μm in size. The nanostructured clusters were formed by aggregation of a small number of nanoparticles. This analysis employed a microscopy apparatus specially designed for PL assessments of nanostructures at UV wavelengths with a spatial resolution of 0.395 μm. Atomic force microscopy was also employed to ascertain the sizes and morphologies of the nanostructured clusters. The ZnO samples were prepared by laser ablation in liquid (LAL) and comprised spherical, rhomboid, or gel-coated particles. PL emissions originating from free excitons (FX), FX phonon replicas, and defects were observed. The FX peak widths and positions were found to vary (with positions from 3.30 to 3.36 eV), suggesting that a range of particle sizes and morphologies was obtained from the LAL process. FX peaks at higher energies exhibited greater widths as a consequence of a quantum size effect originating from the crystallites comprising the nanostructured clusters. The rhomboid particles showed less-intense emissions related to defects compared with the other two types while also exhibiting the least intense emissions related to FX phonon replicas. This work also examined the mechanism by which nanoparticles were produced by LAL on the basis of the spectroscopic data. The information presented herein is expected to assist in the design and fabrication of semiconductor nanoparticles for future nanotechnology applications.

Dielectric Properties of Ovalene-Like Nanostructure with RKKY Interactions: Monte Carlo Study

In this study, we investigated the dielectric properties of ovalene-like nanostructure with RKKY (Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yoshida) interactions, using Monte Carlo simulations. Nanosystem consists of an ovalene-like nanostructure with mixed spins [Formula: see text]-7/2 and S-1, separated by non-electric layers (NEL). We investigated the effect of the non-electric layers, external longitudinal electric field and ferrielectric exchange coupling on polarization and dielectric susceptibility of the nanostructure. We find that the transition temperature is affected by an increase in the number of non-electrical layers. These results can enrich the dielectric properties of ovalene-like nanostructure for future nanotechnology applications.

Morphology Control of PbZrxTi1-xO3 Crystallites under Alkaline Hydrothermal Conditions

Outstanding ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of PbZrxTi1-xO3 (PZT) make nano and sub-micrometer particles of this material interesting for future nanotechnological applications as well as for fundamental studies of ferroelectricity at the nanoscale. In the present work, the prospects of a new hydrothermal approach were explored to control the particle size, aggregation stage, and composition of the PZT with the target composition of Zr/Ti = 60/40 (x = 0.6). Starting with water-soluble Zr-, Ti-, and Pb-precursors, the PZT formation was examined in the broad base (KOH) concentration range. The PZT particle size and composition were governed by the ratio of KOH with respect to Pb and not by the absolute KOH concentration (cKOH). The incorporation of Zr into the PZT perovskite phase began to decline at KOH:Pb ≤ 1.7 and at KOH:Pb > 20. In the concentration range of 20 ≥ KOH:Pb > 1.5, the PZT particles adopted a cube-like shape, the size of which decreased with a decrease in the KOH:Pb ratio. The smallest (<200 nm) and well-separated PZT particles were obtained at KOH:Pb = 1.7. The prevailing PZT crystal structure at a Zr/Ti composition of around 60/40 was rhombohedral; the tetragonal phase also began to appear in Ti-richer PZT compositions (Zr/Ti ≤ 50/50). The developed understanding established the basis for further tailoring of PZT particle morphologies for application-oriented or fundamental research.

Magnetic Properties and Compensation Temperature of a Mixed Monolayer Coronene-Like Nanostructure: Monte Carlo Study

In this study, the ground-state phase diagrams and magnetic properties of mixed spin ([Formula: see text]-1, [Formula: see text]-7/2) of the monolayer coronene-like nanostructure have been investigated using Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) in the frame of the Blume Capel model. In the first part, ground-state phase diagrams have been analyzed in order to show the more stable configurations of spins corresponding to various planes. In addition, MCS is applied to study the behavior of the compensation and blocking temperatures by varying the exchange coupling interaction values. Finally, the hysteresis cycle behaviors have been investigated for selected values of exchange coupling parameters, temperature and crystal field. The theoretical results obtained in this study can enrich the magnetic properties of nanosystems and pave the way for researchers to experimentally study monolayer coronene-like nanostructure for future applications in nanotechnology.

Silicene nanosheets intercalated in slightly defective epitaxial graphene on a 4H-SiC(0001) substrate

In the last years, epitaxial graphene (epi-Gr) demonstrated to be an excellent substrate for the synthesis of epitaxial or intercalated two dimensional (2D) materials. Among 2D materials, silicene has been for a long time a dream for the scientific community, for its importance both from the fundamental and the application point of view. Despite the theoretical prediction of silicene energetic viability, experimentally the substrate proved to play a fundamental role in the Si atom adsorption process leading, in case of metal substrates, to a mixed phase formation and, for van der Waals chemical inert substrates, to Si atom intercalation even at room temperature. Such an intercalation has been associated to the presence of surface defects. Very recently it has been shown that hundreds of nanometer area quasi-free standing silicene can be grown on top of an almost ideal epi-Gr layer synthesized on 6H-SiC substrate. In the present paper, using scanning tunneling microscopy and Raman analysis, we demonstrate that a non-ideal (slightly defective) epi-Gr network obtained by thermal decomposition of Si-terminated 4H-SiC(0001) enables the Si atom penetration forming intercalated silicene nanosheets at room temperature, thus opening a path towards controlled intercalation of silicon atoms through epi-Gr and formation of silicene nanosheets for future applications in nanotechnology.

DNA‐Based Nanofabrication for Nanoelectronics

AbstractThis review surveys recent developments of DNA nanotechnology related to its applications in nanoelectronics industry. The authors start with a brief introduction of DNA nanostructures, followed by a focused discussion of various DNA‐based fabrication approaches that are relevant to the semiconductor industry, including DNA‐based doping of semiconductor materials, DNA‐based fabrication of nanostructures of metallic, dielectric, and semiconductor materials, and DNA‐based lithographic patterning of Si, SiO2, metal, graphene, and polymer substrates. Examples of DNA‐templated fabrication of prototype nanoscale transistors and sensors are highlighted. Finally, major technical challenges facing the future applications of DNA nanotechnology in nanoelectronics and beyond are discussed.

II-VI core/shell quantum dots and doping with transition metal ions as a means of tuning the magnetoelectronic properties of CdS/ZnS core/shell QDs: A DFT study

This paper examines the alterations in the properties of II-VI Quantum Dots (QDs) when these are coated with a shell made of another material of the same family and investigates the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of doped CdS/ZnS core/shell QDs. The core/shell QDs have been constructed by building the shell over the bare core QD and it is found that this construction of a shell over the bare QD can bring about dramatic changes in its optical properties. On changing the shell by varying either the cation or the anion, substantial variations are brought about in the band gap and electrophilicity. The trend of Fermi energies is more negative for core/shell QDs than for the QDs without a shell, and the value is almost the same for core/shell QDs with the same core. Swapping of the core and the shell materials brings greater stability in the case of shells of the wider band gap materials. Binding energy data demonstrates that the CdS/ZnS, CdSe/ZnSe, CdSe/CdS core/shell systems are more stable than ZnS/CdS, ZnSe/CdSe, CdS/CdSe core/shell systems, respectively. An augmentation in the properties is found on doping the QD with transition metal ions. The binding energies are found to be functions of the kind of dopant as well as the spin multiplicity and account for the stability of one spin state over the other at a specific site of the QD. The most fascinating property that plays a decisive role in the extant work is the introduction of magnetism in core/shell QDs as a result of the entry of unpaired electrons within the CdS/ZnS QDs on doping with transition metal ions. The deviation of the observed magnetic moments from the expected values increases as the dopant is varied from Mn2+ to Fe2+ to Co2+ to Ni2+ to Cu2+. Hirshfeld charge analysis shows that the doped ion accepts negative charge from the sulfide ions in the core, with the smallest charge transfer seen in the case of Hg2+ ions. As we move from Mn2+ to Hg2+, the trend followed for the Hirshfeld charges indicates that the overall charge on the core is lower and that on the shell is higher for all the doped cases in comparison to the undoped CdS/ZnS core/shell QD. The band gap values reveal that the Fe2+ doped CdS/ZnS core/shell structures have the smallest band gaps. Hence, we expect that this paper will help researchers to develop a strategy to produce QDs of the anticipated properties for various applications, and transition metal ions can be successfully employed for modification of various magnetoelectronic properties of the host semiconductor for future applications in nanotechnology.

Unraveling the Excitonic Transition and Associated Dynamics in Confined Long Linear Carbon Chains with Time‐Resolved Resonance Raman Scattering

AbstractLong linear carbon chains are attracting intense interest arising from their remarkable properties, such as the tunable direct energy gap, the high mechanical hardness, and the high Raman response cross section, which would play a great role in their potential applications in future nanotechnology. Here the excitonic transitions and the associated relaxation dynamics of nanotube confined long linear carbon chains are comprehensively interrogated by using steady state and time‐resolved Raman spectroscopies. The exciton relaxation dynamics of the confined carbon chains occurs on a hundred of picoseconds timescale, in strong contrast to the host dynamics that occurs on a few picoseconds’ timescale. A prominent time‐resolved Raman response is observed over a broad energy range extending from 1.2 to 2.8 eV, which includes the strong Raman resonance region around 2.2 eV. Strong coupling between the chain and the nanotube host is found from the dynamics at high excitation energies which provides clear evidence for an efficient energy transfer from the host carbon nanotube to the chain. The experimental study presents the first unique characterization of the long linear carbon chain exciton dynamics, providing indispensable knowledge for the understanding of the interactions between different carbon allotropes.

Enhanced gas sensing and photocatalytic activity of reduced graphene oxide loaded TiO2 nanoparticles

In the present study, we have evaluated the gas sensing and photocatalytic activity of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) conjugated titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) formed by the hydrothermal method. The as-synthesized rGO-TiO2 nanocomposite were characterized for the physicochemical properties such as the nature of crystallinity, functionalization, and morphology by making use of the powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. On testing the gas sensing properties, we found that the rGO-TiO2 nanocomposite can serve as the chemoresistive-type sensor because of its sensitivity and selectivity towards different concentrations of hydrogen and oxygen at room temperature conditions. However, the rGO-TiO2 sensor’s response and recovery speed towards hydrogen and oxygen needs further optimization. Test of photocatalytic activity of TiO2-rGO catalyst for the removal of two model contaminant dyes, RhB and MB showed effective removal, with respective degradation percentages of about 80 and 90% within the first 50 min of irradiation under visible light irradiation. Besides, MB was more effectively degraded using TiO2-rGO than pure TiO2 during the first 30 min of irradiation and this enhanced activity can be attributed to the increased capacity of light absorption, the efficiency of charge carriers separation, and the specific surface area maintained by the rGO-TiO2 nanocomposite to effectively utilize the photo-generated holes (h+) and superoxide radicals (O2−), responsible for the degradation of the dye. Based on the overall analysis, the formation of rGO-TiO2 nanocomposite can significantly improve the gas sensing and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 NPs and thus can be potential for practical applications in future nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology and Nanobiomaterials: Redefining Ways of Managing Oral Cancer

Nano-biotechnology can be considered as application of various nanotechnologies in the biological field. With the advent of nano-particles, a revolution has come in the scientific community. The convergence of nanotechnology and medicine recently led to an interdisciplinary field, nanomedicine, which brings together engineers, physicists, biologists, chemists, mathematicians, and physicians striving to improve detection, imaging, and drug-delivery devices. The approaches to nanomedicine range from the medical use of nanomaterials, to nanoelectronics biosensors, and even possible future applications of molecular nanotechnology. Cancer is a leading cause of mortality in the world. Cancers of the head and neck—including the salivary glands, thyroid, and the mucosal lining of the oral cavity, pharynx, nasopharynx, and larynx—account for the high percentage of malignancies of the world. At present the treatment modalities available are very limited. A multidisciplinary approach is needed, including the cooperation of biophysics experts, molecular biologists and medical practitioners, to find ways of using nano-biotechnologies for cancer management. Hence future research needs to focus on designing new strategies where nano-biomaterials and medicine can come together to find a cure.

Sweet Pluronic poly(propylene oxide)-b-oligosaccharide block copolymer systems: Toward sub-4 nm thin-film nanopattern resolution

Block copolymers (BCPs) with a high Flory–Huggins interaction parameter (χ) are promising alternatives to conventional nanopatterning materials for future nanolithography and nanotechnology applications. Herein, we described AB- and ABA-type BCPs comprising oligosaccharides (maltoheptaose, maltotriose, and maltose as the A block) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO, as the B block) as new high-χ BCP systems, which can be termed “Sweet Pluronics”. The BCPs were successfully synthesized by click reaction between azido-functionalized PPO and propargyl-functionalized maltooligosaccharides. These BCPs undergo microphase separation in bulk state to provide various nanopatterns, i.e., sub-4 nm nanofeatures (cylinders, lamellae, and spheres) with domain spacing as low as 6.2 nm, depending on their composition and the applied annealing conditions. The thin film of these BCPs fabricated on a silicon substrate also showed various microphase-separated structures. When the BCP thin films were subjected to high-temperature solvent vapor annealing using a µ-wave oven as the heating source, their morphologies changed from parallel lamellar to cylindrical because of the preferential swelling of PPO. Overall, these results confirmed that the present “Sweet Pluronics” system is promising high-χ materials for sub-4 nm nanopatterning applications.

Enhancement of polar nature of domain boundaries in ferroelastic Pb3(PO4)2 by doping divalent-metal ions

The effect of doping metal ions in ferroelastic Pb3(PO4)2 (PPO) on the polar nature of domain boundaries (DBs) was investigated using a second harmonic generation (SHG) microscope. It has been already reported that (DBs) of non-doped PPO is SH active and polar. The present study reveals that DBs of Ca-doped and Mg-doped PPO show greatly enhanced SH activity. This indicates that doping by metal ions enhances the polar nature of the DBs of PPO. This is important for future applications of DB nanotechnology. The enhancement of SH intensity is explained by a larger displacement of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions in DBs due to smaller ionic radii. Analyses of the SH anisotropy experiments reveal that the symmetry-adapted W-wall belongs to monoclinic m and the non-adapted W’-wall to monoclinic 2. Both point groups are classified as the polar classes, which coincides with the case of pure PPO.

Synthesis of carbon nanotubes on sand grains for mortar reinforcement

Abstract This study reports a new method of incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in mortar and the observed improvements in its mechanical properties. The method consists in growing carbon nanotubes (CNT) on sand grains prior to the mortar preparation instead of incorporating functionalized MWCNT (f-MWCNT) to the mixture. The use of additives or surfactants is not required. Flexural strength tests show an average increase of 12% in the strength when using f-MWCNT. Meanwhile, the average gain in flexural strength reached 26% with the proposed method. Also, image tests prove the efficiency of this new method in homogeneously distributing CNT bundles. Since no advanced technique is applied in producing mortar from the altered sand, the method represents a simple and economically viable way of incorporating CNT at building sites, disclosing a variety of future applications of nanotechnology in the cement industry.

Fabrication of WO3–reduced graphene oxide (WO3–G) nanocomposite for enhanced optical and electrical properties

We report an easy and efficient route for the preparation of WO3–G nanocomposites via a one-pot microwave-assisted method. The changes induced by the addition of graphene oxide (GO) on surface morphology, microstructure, thermal, optical, and electrical properties of the composite were investigated. The crystallographic structure and phase composition were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy results indicate the presence of WO3 and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in composites and field emission scanning electron microscopy results confirm the growth of WO3 nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide sheets. Raman measurements show a decrease of carbon–oxygen functional groups and an increase in graphitic carbon content leading to the reduction of graphene oxide in the composites. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and Photoluminescence spectroscopy were used to study the optical properties. Thermogravimetric analysis results revealed the higher thermal stability of WO3–G nanocomposites. The frequency-dependent dielectric properties of WO3 nanoparticles and WO3–G nanocomposites at various temperatures were investigated and compared. WO3–G nanocomposites exhibited high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss with a decrease in frequency and an increase in the temperature. The Cole–Cole analysis confirmed that WO3–G nanocomposites have better conductivity and show non-Debye-type relaxation in the applied frequency range. The results showed that WO3–G nanocomposites possess improved optical and electrical properties, which would be promising for practical applications in future nanotechnology.

Self-Assembled DNA Nanostructures-Based Nanocarriers Enabled Functional Nucleic Acids Delivery.

Nucleic acids are recognized as the blueprints of life and the repositories of genetic information, which play essential roles in the "central dogma of molecular biology". As classical and specific nucleic acids, apart from carrying genetic information, functional nucleic acids (FNAs) perform many intriguing functions such as targeted recognition, therapy and enzymatic catalysis. FNAs with excellent biocompatibility provide great promise for future applications in bioanalysis, material science, and nanotechnology. Nevertheless, effective delivery of FNAs to the targeted location still suffers from one or more challenges, especially in the field of biomedicine. Encouragingly, DNA nanotechnology shows great potential for applications in bioimaging, biosensing, and molecules delivery. Importantly, it provides an unprecedented opportunity to design and synthesize a series of self-assembled DNA nanostructures with well-defined size, shape, surface chemistry, and function. Through Watson-Crick base-pairing rules, FNAs, including aptamers, DNAzymes, small interfere RNA (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine dinucleotide oligonucleotides (CpG ODNS), are successfully decorated with self-assembled DNA nanostructures for delivery. In this progress report, we focus on self-assembled DNA nanostructures-based nanocarriers to deliver FNAs for applications in cellular analysis and cancer theranostics. First, we briefly summarize the superior properties of the prospective nanocarriers and introduce the self-assembled DNA nanostructures. Then we mainly highlight the most recent achievements of self-assembled DNA nanostructures as comers for the delivery of FNAs. Finally, this review points to some of the current challenges in the applications of self-assembled DNA nanostructures as FNAs nanocarriers and provides an insight into the future perspectives of self-assembled DNA nanostructures-based nanocarriers for FNAs delivery.