Multifunctional Nanomaterials Research Articles

Hierarchical WS2-WO3 Nanohybrids with Flower-like p-n Heterostructures for Trimethylamine Detection

The detection of trimethylamine (TMA) is critically important due to its toxic and flammable nature, which poses significant risks to human health and the environment. However, achieving high response, rapid kinetics, selectivity, and low operating temperatures in TMA sensing remains challenging. In this study, WS2/WO3 nanohybrids with flower-like hierarchical structures were synthesized via an in situ sulfurization process, utilizing varying amounts of thioacetamide to control the sulfurization state of WO3. These novel hierarchical WS2/WO3 nanohybrids exhibit remarkable selectivity towards TMA, as well as rapid response and recovery characteristics. Specially, the optimal WS2/WO3 sensor, composed of 5% WS2/WO3 nanohybrids, demonstrates exceptional TMA sensing performance, including a high response (19.45 at 10 ppm), good repeatability, reliable long-term stability, and a low theoretical detection limit (15.96 ppb). The superior sensing capabilities of the WS2/WO3 nanohybrids are attributed to the formation of p-n heterojunctions at the interface, the unique hierarchical structures, and the catalytic activity of WS2. Overall, this work provides a straightforward and versatile approach for synthesizing multifunctional nanomaterials by combining metal oxide micro-flowers with transition metal dichalcogenide nanoflakes for applications in monitoring TMA in complex environments.

Nanomaterials that Aid in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease, Resolving Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing Ability.

As a form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD) suffers from no efficacious cure, yet AD treatment is still imperative, as it ameliorates the symptoms or prevents it from deteriorating or maintains the current status to the longest extent. The human brain is the most sensitive and complex organ in the body, which is protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This yet induces the difficulty in curing AD as the drugs or nanomaterials that are much inhibited from reaching the lesion site. Thus, BBB crossing capability of drug delivery system remains a significant challenge in the development of neurological therapeutics. Fortunately, nano-enabled delivery systems possess promising potential to achieve multifunctional diagnostics/therapeutics against various targets of AD owing to their intriguing advantages of nanocarriers, including easy multifunctionalization on surfaces, high surface-to-volume ratio with large payloads, and potential ability to cross the BBB, making them capable of conquering the limitations of conventional drug candidates.This review, which focuses on the BBB crossing ability of the multifunctional nanomaterials in AD diagnosis and treatment, will provide an insightful vision that is conducive to the development of AD-related nanomaterials.

The Second Laser Revolution in Chemistry: Emerging Laser Technologies for Precise Fabrication of Multifunctional Nanomaterials and Nanostructures

The Second Laser Revolution in Chemistry: Emerging Laser Technologies for Precise Fabrication of Multifunctional Nanomaterials and Nanostructures

Overcoming Challenges of Lignin Nanoparticles: Expanding Opportunities for Scalable and Multifunctional Nanomaterials.

ConspectusThe increasing demand for polymeric materials derived from petroleum resources, along with rising concerns about climate change and global plastic pollution, has driven the development of biobased polymeric materials. Lignin, which is the second most abundant biomacromolecule after cellulose, represents a promising renewable raw material source for the preparation of advanced materials. The lucrative properties of lignin include its high carbon content (>60 atom %), high thermal stability, biodegradability, antioxidant activity, absorbance of ultraviolet radiation, and slower biodegradability compared to other wood components. Moreover, the advent of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) over the last ten years has circumvented many well-known shortcomings of technical lignins, such as heterogeneity and poor compatibility with polymers, thereby unlocking the great potential of lignin for the development of advanced functional materials.LNPs stand out owing to their well-defined spherical shape and excellent colloidal stability, which is due to the electrostatic repulsion forces of carboxylic acid and phenolic hydroxyl groups enriched on their surface. These forces prevent their aggregation in aqueous dispersions (pH 3-9) and provide a high surface area to mass ratio that has been exploited to adsorb positively charged compounds such as enzymes or polymers. Consequently, it is not surprising that LNPs have become a prominent player in applied research in areas such as biocatalysis and polymeric composites, among others. However, like all ventures of life, LNPs also face certain challenges that limit their potential end-uses. Solvent instability remains the most challenging aspect due to the tendency of these particles to dissolve or aggregate in organic solvents and basic or acidic pH, thus limiting the window for their chemical functionalization and applications. In addition, the need for organic solvent during their preparation, the poor miscibility with hydrophobic polymeric matrices, and the nascent phase regarding their use in smart materials have been identified as important challenges that need to be addressed.In this Account, we recapitulate our efforts over the past years to overcome the main limitations mentioned above. We begin with a brief introduction to the fundamentals of LNPs and a detailed discussion of their associated challenges. We then highlight our work on: (i) Preparation of lignin-based nanocomposites with improved properties through a controlled dispersion of LNPs within a hydrophobic polymeric matrix, (ii) Stabilization of LNPs via covalent (intraparticle cross-linking) and noncovalent (hydration barrier) approaches, (iii) The development of an organic-solvent-free method for the production of LNPs, and (iv) The development of LNPs toward smart materials with high lignin content. Finally, we also offer our perspectives on this rapidly growing field.

Terbium (III) and salicylamide doped nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles synthesized from Olea europaea L. plant extracts via eco-friendly green synthesis approach and co-precipitation method

An eco-friendly and cost-effective NiFe2O4 nanoparticles and its derivatives NiFe2O4:salicylamide, NiFe2O4:salicylamide:Tb3+ and NiFe2O4:salicylamide:Tb3+:Olea europaea L. extracts have been successfully synthesised using a simple and refluxed-assisted chemical co-precipitation method and green route approach followed by thermal treatment steps. In this report, the structural, morphological, optical characteristics and biological activities of the nanoparticles were characterized by using XRD, SEM, FTIR, UV-Vis, PL, BET analysis, antibacterial assays and antioxidant activities. The results from XRD revealed that NiFe2O4 has a crystalline structure and EDX elemental mapping confirmed the uniform distributed of all the elements in the matrix. The incorporation of salicylamide, Tb3+ and Olea europaea L. extracts into NiFe2O significantly enriched the luminescence intensities and changed the emission colour coordinates. Colour tunability was achieved with luminescence ranging from bright blue emission to reddish orange light, which makes nanoparticles important candidates for solid-state lighting technologies. Combining olive leaf extracts with NiFe2O4 nanoparticles provided effective antibacterial activity by reducing the toxicity of nanoparticles. Moreover, all experimental results reveal new ideas for the design and optimization of multifunctional nanomaterials with higher sensitivity and pave the way for the production of new functional nanomaterials.

High photothermal conversion of AgPdCu alloy hollow nanospheres with enhanced intraband transitions for sensitive detection of Albendazole

A popular point-of-care diagnostic method is lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a signal tracer. However, considering the weak absorbance of conventional AuNPs, the poor sensitivity has greatly limited the wide application of AuNPs-LFIA. With the development of nanomaterials, the engineering of multifunctional composite nanomaterials (NPs) with synergistic size tuning and shape engineering provides extraordinary opportunities to improve the sensitivity of LFIA. Taking advantage of the electronic effects of three kinds of metallic elements including Ag, Pd, and Cu, trimetallic-alloys AgPdCu hollow nanospheres (AgPdCuHNs) with crystal defects was prepared, featuring excellent colorimetric signal (α = 6.6 L/g cm−1), outstanding photothermal properties (η = 75.64 %), high antibody coupling efficiency (96.31 %), and unrestricted immunorecognition affinity (Ka = 2.366 × 109 M−1), all of which are conducive to a highly sensitive dual-signal transduction mode. A colorimetric-photothermal dual-response immunoassay was constructed with AgPdCuHNs achieving colorimetric and photothermal detection limits of 0.071 and 0.018 ng mL−1 for Albendazole monitoring, which were approximately 4- and 15-fold lower than that of AuNPs-LFIA (0.279 ng mL−1), respectively. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of AgPdCuHNs-LFIA in establishing high-performance sensing and can be extended to a wide range of future point-of-care testing applications.

Study of antibacterial effects of Transcarpathian clinoptilolite compositions modified in different chemical ways

Background. Natural clinoptilolite (CL) meets most of the requirements for the multifunctional mineral nanomaterials. It is considered biologically neutral and non-toxic. CL is the only representative of natural zeolites that has been approved for use in medical practice and food industry. Antibacterial activity of Transcarpathian clinoptilolite was shown to be enhanced via its modification using thermal, chemical and mechanochemical treatments. The natural form of this mineral contains a significant concentration of surface silanol (-OH) groups. An increase in the efficiency of zeolite-based materials in terms of biological activity can be achieved by means of thermal and chemical treatments, replacement of cations in the exchange complex, doping with heavy metal cations, or mechanochemical treatment. Materials and Methods. FTIR spectroscopy, Electronic spectroscopy, Particle size distribution, IR spectroscopy, Crystal structure and morphology, Measurement of antibacterial activity. Results. Intact and thermally modified CL was shown to exhibit weak antibacterial effect, while its mechanical modification led to an enhanced activity. It was established that H-form of clinoptilolite demonstrated higher efficiency in inhibiting the growth of Gram-positive bacteria, compared to the Na-form of the clinoptilolite, but their effect on growth of Gram-negative bacteria was insignificant. Such an activity was accompanied by an increase in the specific surface area and porosity that promoted better contact with bacteria. Conclusions: Different samples of CL had dissimilar effect on specific types of bacteria. Intact CL has a weak antibacterial activity of inhibiting growth of microorganisms, while thermal, chemical, and mechanical modifications of the CL structure differentially increased such an activity. The H-form of CL inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) more effectively compared to the Na-form of CL. However, H-form of CL has a weak effect on growth of the Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens).

Multifunctional nanomaterials for smart wearable diabetic healthcare devices

Wearable diabetic healthcare devices have attracted great attention for real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) using biofluids such as tears, sweat, saliva, and interstitial fluid via noninvasive ways. In response to the escalating global demand for CGM, these devices enable proactive management and intervention of diabetic patients with incorporated drug delivery systems (DDSs). In this context, multifunctional nanomaterials can trigger the development of innovative sensing and management platforms to facilitate real-time selective glucose monitoring with remarkable sensitivity, on-demand drug delivery, and wireless power and data transmission. The seamless integration into wearable devices ensures patient's compliance. This comprehensive review evaluates the multifaceted roles of these materials in wearable diabetic healthcare devices, comparing their glucose sensing capabilities with conventionally available glucometers and CGM devices, and finally outlines the merits, limitations, and prospects of these devices. This review would serve as a valuable resource, elucidating the intricate functions of nanomaterials for the successful development of advanced wearable devices in diabetes management.

Direct observation of electron transfer in solids through X-ray crystallography

Nanoscale electron transfer (ET) in solids is fundamental to the design of multifunctional nanomaterials, yet its process is not fully understood. Herein, through X-ray crystallography, we directly observe solid-state ET via a crystal-to-crystal process. We first demonstrate the creation of a robust and flexible electron acceptor/acceptor (A/A) double-wall nanotube crystal ([(Zn2+)4(LA)4(LA=O)4]n) with a large window (0.90 nm × 0.92 nm) through the one-dimensional porous crystallization of heteroleptic Zn4 metallocycles ((Zn2+)4(LA)4(LA=O)4) with two different acceptor ligands (2,7-bis((1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)ethynyl)acridine (LA) and 2,7-bis((1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)ethynyl)acridin-9(10H)-one (LA=O)) in a slow-oxidation-associated crystallization procedure. We then achieve the bottom-up construction of the electron donor incorporated-A/A nanotube crystal ([(D)2⊂(Zn2+)4(LA)4(LA=O)4]n) through the subsequent absorption of electron donor guests (D = tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and ferrocene (Fc)). Finally, we remove electrons from the electron donor guests inside the nanotube crystal through facile ET in the solid state to accumulate holes inside the nanotube crystal ([(D•+)2⊂(Zn2+)4(LA)4(LA=O)4]n), where the solid-state ET process (D – e– → D•+) is thus observed directly by X-ray crystallography.

Efficient Strategy to Synthesize Tunable pH-Responsive Hybrid Micelles Based on Iron Oxide and Gold Nanoparticles.

The preparation of multifunctional nanomaterials based on inorganic nanoparticles with organic materials has emerged as a promising strategy for the development of new nanomedicines for in vitro and in vivo biomedical applications. Here, we synthesized pH-responsive hybrid inorganic micelles by combining a novel pH-responsive amphiphilic molecule with hydrophobic payloads. This amphiphile was synthesized in a one-pot reaction and self-assembled readily into micelles under acidic pH conditions. In the presence of hydrophobic NP payloads such as AuNPs or IONPs, the amphiphile self-organized around them through hydrophobic interactions, resulting in the formation of colloidally stable hybrid micelles. The size of the hydrophobic NPs determined the pH-response of the inorganic hybrid micelles, which is tuned from pH 7 to 11 for our pH-responsive amphiphilic molecule. This achievement represents a novel approach for the synthesis of tunable pH-responsive hybrid micelles based on inorganic NPs for biomedical imaging, hyperthermia treatment, and also drug delivery nanosystems.

Stimuli-responsive photoluminescent and structural properties of MIL-53(Al) MOF for sensing applications

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are an intriguing group of porous materials due to their potential influence on the development of indispensable technologies like luminescent sensors and solid-state light devices, luminescent multifunctional nanomaterials. In this research work we explored MIL-53(Al), an exceptional class of MOF that, along with guest adsorption, undergoes structural transitions exhibiting breathing behavior between narrow pore and large pore under temperature and mechanical stress. Therefore, we opted for the time resolved luminescence and FT-Raman spectroscopy to investigate the mechanochromic and thermochromic response of this material under external stimuli. Intriguingly, when subjected to temperature changes, MIL-53(Al) exhibited a ratiometric fluorescence behavior related to the reversible relationship of photoluminescence emission intensity with respect to temperature. Moreover, under higher mechanical stress MIL-53(Al) displayed turn-on behavior in emission intensity, hence offering a thrilling avenue for the application in mechanically deformed-based luminescent sensors and ratiometric fluorescence temperature sensors.

Highly dispersed nanomaterials in polymer matrix via aerosol-jet-based multi-material 3D printing

Polymer-based nanocomposites emerged in the 1960s as a groundbreaking approach to advanced materials. By incorporating robust, durable, and multifunctional nanomaterials into a polymer matrix, the performance of nanocomposites has significantly surpassed that of the base polymers. However, over the past six decades, the challenges of achieving uniform nanomaterial dispersion and the resulting non-uniform properties have impeded further progress in this field. Here, we present a polymer-based nanocomposite with highly dispersed nanomaterials, achieved through aerosol-jet-based multi-material three-dimensional (AM3D) printing. This method allows precise programming of the nanocomposite's composition, structure, and dispersity. Numerical simulations in the design of AM3D printing system facilitate the avoidance of interfacial compatibility issue among heterogeneous aerosols, enabling distributed printing without nanomaterial agglomeration. As a result of this high level of dispersion and distribution, the 3D structured nanocomposite exhibits a uniform dielectric constant and low dielectric loss across the entire printed area. This work establishes an engineering framework for defect-free nanocomposites and significantly expands the range of polymer-based multi-material nanocomposite that can be designed and manufactured with complex architectures. One-Sentence SummaryAerosol-jet-based multi-material 3D printing enables highly dispersed nanomaterials in the polymer-based nanocomposite.

A Ligand-Directed Spatial Regulation to Structural and Functional Tunability in Aggregation-Induced Emission Luminogen-Functionalized Organic-Inorganic Nanoassemblies.

Aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen)-functionalized organic-inorganic hybrid nanoparticles (OINPs) are an emerging category of multifunctional nanomaterials with vast potential applications. The spatial arrangement and positioning of AIEgens and inorganic compounds in AIEgen-functionalized OINPs determine the structures, properties, and functionalities of the self-assembled nanomaterials. In this work, a facile and general emulsion self-assembly tactic for synthesizing well-defined AIEgen-functionalized OINPs is proposed by coassembling alkane chain-functionalized inorganic nanoparticles with hydrophobic organic AIEgens. As a proof of concept, the self-assembly and structural evolution of plasmonic-fluorescent hybrid nanoparticles (PFNPs) from concentric circle to core shell and then to Janus structures is demonstrated by using alkane chain-modified AuNPs and AIEgens as building blocks. The spatial position of AuNPs in the signal nanocomposite is controlled by varying the alkane ligand length and density on the AuNP surface. The mechanism behind the formation of various PFNP nanostructures is also elucidated through experiments and theoretical simulation. The obtained PFNPs with diverse structures exhibit spatially tunable optical and photothermal properties for advanced applications in multicolor and multimode immunolabeling and photothermal sterilization. This work presents an innovative synthetic approach of constructing AIEgen-functionalized OINPs with diverse structures, compositions, and functionalities, thereby championing the progressive development of these OINPs.

Multi-functional copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Lagerstroemia indica leaf extracts and their applications

Developing multifunctional nanomaterials through environmentally friendly and efficient approaches is a pivotal focus in nanotechnology. This study aimed to employ a biogenic method to synthesize multifunctional copper oxide nanoparticles (LI-CuO NPs) with diverse capabilities, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and seed priming properties, as well as photocatalytic organic dye degradation and wastewater treatment potentials using Lagerstroemia indica leaf extract. The synthesized LI-CuO NPs were extensively characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The colloid displayed surface plasmon resonance peaks at 320 nm, characteristic of LI-CuO NPs. DLS analysis revealed an average particle size of 93.5 nm and a negative zeta potential of −20.3 mV. FTIR and XPS analyses demonstrated that LI-CuO NPs possessed abundant functional groups that acted as stabilizing agents. XRD analysis indicated pure crystalline and spherical LI-CuO NPs measuring 36 nm in size. Antibacterial tests exhibited significant differential activity of LI-CuO NPs against both gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) bacteria. In antioxidant tests, the LI-CuO NPs demonstrated a remarkable radical scavenging activity of 97.6 % at a concentration of 400 μg mL−1. These nanoparticles were also found to enhance mustard seed germination at low concentrations. With a remarkable reusability, LI-CuO NPs exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance, with a degradation efficiency of 97.6 % at 150 μg/mL as well as a 95.6 % reduction in turbidity when applied to wastewater treatment. In conclusion, this study presents environmentally friendly method for the facile synthesis of LI-CuO NPs that could potentially offer promising applications in biomedicine, agriculture, and environmental remediation due to their multifunctional properties.

Synthesis and application of multifunctional magnetic mesoporous nanomaterials with redox reaction and NIR response in tumor treatment

In recent years, the novel minimally invasive combination therapy for tumors has garnered widespread attention due to its controllable therapeutic target, effective combination therapy outcome, and minimal toxic side effects. This study integrated inorganic nanospheres of ferric oxide (Fe3O4) with mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN), along with polymeric organic polymers—polyaniline (PANI) and hyaluronic acid (HA)—to create a multifunctional tumor treatment platform (Fe3O4@MSN@PANI@HA), aiming to enhance the efficacy of therapies that have monotherapy limitations. The Fe2+ within the Fe3O4@MSN@PANI@HA nanoparticles can react with the unique hydrogen peroxide present in the tumor microenvironment to generate hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which possess cytotoxic properties that can selectively eradicate tumor cells, thereby facilitating chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Moreover, Fe3O4@MSN@PANI@HA nanoparticles, when loaded with the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), yield Fe3O4@MSN@PANI@HA-DOX nanoparticles. It has been demonstrated that these nanoparticles exhibit commendable drug-loading efficiency and controlled drug-release capabilities, contributing to the chemotherapy of tumors. The inclusion of PANI in the Fe3O4@MSN@PANI@HA nanoparticles endows them with an exceptional photothermal conversion capability. Upon exposure to an 808-nm near-infrared laser (NIR), the photothermal conversion efficiency of the composite nanomaterials reaches 42.76 %, thereby enabling photothermal therapy (PTT) through the thermal ablation of tumor cells. The HA component of the composite nanoparticles provides excellent biocompatibility and a sustained drug-release effect. Simultaneously, it could target tumor cells by recognizing specific receptors that are overexpressed on the cell surfaces, directing the transport of the composite nanoparticles to the tumor site, and selectively destroying tumor cells. This paper confirms the potent therapeutic impact of composite nanoparticles on tumors and offers a novel perspective for designing multifunctional composite nanomaterials.

Green synthesis of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis flower-decorated gold nanoparticles: Sustainable approaches for enhancing antimicrobial and supercapacitor performance

The physiochemical and electrochemical characteristics of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) produced by phytosynthesis technique at varying concentrations of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis flower (NAF) are presented in this study. The final porous carbon decorated AuNPs have possible applications in antibacterial research as well as energy storage field. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed tiny spherical shaped nanoparticles, and UV–visible spectroscopy showed size-dependent optical properties. Significant antibacterial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was shown by the NAF-derived AuNPs. A symmetric supercapacitor with 64 F g−1 specific capacitance at 1 A g−1 and 97% cycling stability after 5000 charge-discharge cycles was produced using the as-synthesized electrode. This study provides a sustainable method for producing multifunctional nanomaterials by highlighting the potential of NAF-derived AuNPs for dual applications in the antibacterial and supercapacitor areas.

Nanomaterials for advanced energy applications: Recent advancements and future trends

Nowadays, one of the most promising and significant challenges for our society is achieving highly efficient energy utilization. To address the upcoming demands in energy applications, which demonstrate considerable potential for future trends, continuous efforts are necessary to develop improved and higher-performing inorganic multifunctional nanomaterials. Multifunctional inorganic nanomaterials have been extensively researched to meet the requirements of various energy applications or to enhance them further. Specific attention is given to inorganic nanomaterials for advanced energy storage, conservation, transmission, and conversion applications, which strongly rely on the optical, mechanical, thermal, catalytic, and electrical properties of energy materials. At the nanometer-scale range, triboelectric, piezoelectric, thermoelectric, electrochromic, and photovoltaic materials have made significant contributions to numerous energy sector applications. Functional inorganic materials possess unique properties, including excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and a large surface area, which enhance their competitiveness in energy-related applications. Herein, recent research, development, and advances in inorganic multifunctional nanomaterials to enhance their performance are discussed, highlighting how devices combine the functionalities of nanomaterials. In this manner, we aim to provide insights into future applications and elucidate the ongoing research challenges currently facing this field.

Light Responsive DNA Nanomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications.

DNA nanomaterials have been widely employed for various biomedical applications. With rapid development of chemical modification of nucleic acid, serials of stimuli-responsive elements are included in the multifunctional DNA nanomaterials. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in light responsive DNA nanomaterials based on photocleavage/photodecage, photoisomerization, and photocrosslinking for efficient bioimaging (including imaging of small molecule, microRNA, and protein) and drug delivery (including delivery of small molecule, nucleic acid, and gene editing system). We also discuss the remaining challenges and future perspectives of the light responsive DNA nanomaterials in biomedical applications.

Ultraviolet‐Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B Using Ag3PO4 Nanoparticles for Sustainable Catalysis

AbstractThe design and development of multifunctional nanomaterials holds the key to unlocking new possibilities in water treatment technologies due to the exceptional properties that emerge at the nanoscale. Here, we demonstrate the photocatalytic efficiency of silver orthophosphate in the UV region choosing Rhodamine B as the pollutant model. To begin with, a simple and scalable route was employed for the synthesis of silver orthophosphate nanoparticles. The cubic phase of the crystallized synthesized nanoparticles is revealed from powder X‐ray diffraction patterns and the optical absorbance exhibited onset of absorption at 522 nm in UV–visible spectrum. The microstructural analysis performed using scanning electron microscopy revealed the size of the particles to be in the range of 200–500 nm. The catalytic efficiency of the silver orthophosphate nanoparticles was assessed by following the kinetics of photocatalytic degradation and is observed to follow pseudo‐first order kinetics with the apparent rate constant min−1. The findings underline the efficiency of silver orthophosphate nanoparticles as a sustainable catalyst in UV region for the photoremediation of water contaminated with organic pollutants.

Efficiency enhancement of organic light-emitting diodes with multifunctional magnetic composite nanoparticles of Fe3O4@Au@SiO2

Multifunctional nanomaterials have been widely utilized to optimize the performances of optoelectronic devices. In this work, magnetic composite nanoparticles (NPs) of Fe3O4@Au@SiO2 are used as dopants to improve the quantum efficiency of electroluminescence of the tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum-based organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). As a result, the performances of doped OLED (Von = 2.8 V, L = 23,400 cd/m2, EQE = 1.55) are obviously boosted as compared to the control device (Von = 2.9 V, L = 19,780 cd/m2, EQE = 1.27). Especially, the current efficiency of fluorescent green OLEDs can be 22.5 % enhanced by simply mixing the magnetic Fe3O4@Au@SiO2 (0.5 wt‰) NPs into poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), yielding the maximum value of 4.62 cd/A. The efficiency enhancement could be attributed to the collective effects of light-scattering, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and magnetic effect induced by magnetic composite NPs.