Properties Of Nanoscale Materials Research Articles

Nanorevolution Unleashing the Power of Nanotechnology

Abstract: Nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter at the nanoscale, has been an extraordi-nary scientific frontier that has revolutionized various fields, with one of the most promising ap-plications being in the realm of medicine. Nanomedicine, an interdisciplinary field at the intersec-tion of nanotechnology and medicine, holds tremendous potential to transform the landscape of healthcare, diagnosis, and treatment. This abstract delves into the burgeoning advancements of nanotechnology in nanomedicine, highlighting its significance, potential benefits, and ethical con-siderations. The primary focus of nanomedicine is to engineer and utilize nanoscale materials, such as nano-particles and nanostructures, to improve the effectiveness and precision of medical interventions. Nano-sized drug delivery systems can target specific cells or tissues, enhancing therapeutic out-comes and reducing side effects. These nanocarriers can penetrate biological barriers and accu-mulate at disease sites, enabling more efficient drug delivery and increasing the bioavailability of therapeutic agents. Furthermore, nanotechnology has opened new horizons in medical imaging. Nanoparticles can be engineered to be responsive to certain diseases or conditions, providing val-uable information for early detection and precise diagnosis. Novel contrast agents based on na-nomaterials have the potential to revolutionize imaging techniques, offering higher sensitivity and specificity, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. Beyond diagnostics and drug delivery, nanotechnology is fostering breakthroughs in regenerative medicine. Nanomaterials can act as scaffolds, guiding tissue repair and promoting cellular regen-eration. By harnessing the unique properties of nanoscale materials, tissue engineering, and organ transplantation may witness unparalleled advancements, bringing hope to countless patients awaiting life-saving treatments. However, the unprecedented potential of nanomedicine also rais-es ethical concerns that demand careful consideration. As nanotechnology progresses, concerns about the safety of nanomaterials, potential toxicity, and long-term effects must be addressed to ensure responsible and sustainable development.

Sulphonated-graphene oxide nanocomposite membranes with PVA-ZnO nanostructures and mechanized agitation-enhanced pt coating for soft robotics bending actuator

Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) actuators have garnered significant scientific attention in robotics and artificial muscles for their ability to operate at low voltage, high strain capacity, and lightweight construction. The lack of uniform bending in IPMC actuators undermines their control precision and restricts their range of potential applications. This study utilized the unique properties of nanoscale materials and Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to develop a membrane for soft robotic bending actuation. Subsequently, a platinum coating was applied to the membrane to mitigate the limitations of IPMCs in soft robotics applications. Herein, mechanized agitation was employed during the solution-casting process to enhance platinum metal (Pt-metal) coating on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures within a PVA- sulphonated graphene oxide nanocomposite, achieving enhanced soft robotics bending actuation capabilities. The resultant membrane composed of sulphonated-graphene oxide and polyvinyl-zinc oxide coated with pt (PsGZ-Pt) was examined by exploring advanced analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). Furthermore, the ionic exchange capacity (IEC), proton conductivity (PC), water uptake and water loss characteristics were evaluated to be 2.1 meq. g−1, 1.95 × 10−3 Scm−1, 59.62% at 45 °C and water loss at 9 min immersion found 38%, respectively. Electromechanical studies of the PsGZ-Pt membrane (size 30 mm length, 10 mm width, 0.07 mm thickness) showed an actuation force of 0.3253 mN and a displacement of roughly 22.8 mm at ± 3 VDC. These findings highlighted the PsGZ-Pt membrane’s potential as a low-cost alternative to expensive commercial IPMC actuators based on polymers. These results presented a straightforward, low-cost approach for synthesizing PsGZ-Pt utilizing conventional technologies. The PsGZ-Pt membrane shows promise for generating low-cost, high-performance actuation materials with a wide range of industrial applications.

Nanostructured materials as hazardous wastewater micropullutants: Sources, behavior, and impact on functional bacterial community of activated sludge

Unique properties of nanoscale materials make them attractive for industrial, medical, agricultural, and environmental applications. Nevertheless, the release of nanoparticles into the environment is a major concern due to the lack of knowledge about their behavior in the environment and potential widespread environmental impacts. On the one hand, nanomaterials are perceived as pollutants that may affect activated sludge microorganisms and, consequently, the efficiency of wastewater treatment processes. On the other hand, some nanomaterials can be intentionally added to activated sludge systems to improve their performance in terms of, e.g., sludge settling and removing heavy metals or organic pollutants. As a result, nanoparticles are frequently accumulated in wastewater, which is considered to be a major source of nanoparticle release to the surrounding environment. Processes that involve the action of activated sludge are used worldwide in wastewater treatment plants due to their excellent capacity of removing nutrients, degrading toxins, and retaining biomass. High concentrations of nanoparticles entering activated sludge systems can affect their growth and metabolism. The research studies, which are reviewed in the present article, show that nanoparticles significantly reduce the relative abundance of the activated sludge microbial community associated with nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus removal. The knowledge about the structure of the activated sludge microbial community with an assessment of nanomaterial toxicity can contribute to optimizing the sludge population and improving the performance of wastewater treatment plants.

(Invited) Nanosecond Electrical Discharges in Liquids: Applications in the Synthesis of Nanoparticles, Including Nanoalloys

In recent decades, the field of nanotechnology has witnessed rapid growth, fueled by the exceptional physical, chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties of nanoscale materials. Nanomaterials have found applications across various domains, including catalysis, drug delivery, microelectronics, and more. Notably, plasma-based methods have emerged as promising avenues for nanomaterial synthesis, offering versatile approaches through both bottom-up and top-down techniques.One particularly innovative area of research is the plasma-liquid system, which has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in nanomaterial synthesis. This system involves the generation of plasma in a gas phase in contact with a liquid or directly within the liquid, sometimes aided by the introduction of bubbles. This communication has two goals: 1) present an overview of the physics of different discharge mechanisms, with a particular focus on the intriguing phenomena occurring at the interfaces, and 2) show different cases where nanomaterials of interest are produced. For instance, we will show that in-liquid spark discharges prouce nanoparticles through electrode erosion, and notably, the properties of these materials are highly sensitive to both the nature of the electrode and the composition of the liquid. In the second part, we introduce an innovative plasma-liquid system where a discharge can be produced at or close the interface of two immiscible liquids. In specific cases where the system is composed of a conductive solution (e.g. salty water) and a hydrocarbon liquid, spark discharges can be generated between a pin in liquid hydrocarbon and the surface of the conductive solution. This unique configuration facilitates therefore an interaction between a high-density plasma (generated in liquid) and a solution containing metal ions. At this stage, many reactions may occur and lead to the reduction of ions to produce nanomaterials. We found that the particles collected from hydrocarbon liquid are different from those collected from the solution, in terms of composition and size distribution. This finding suggests the triggering of different chemical reactions in each liquid, involving thus species with short- as well as long-lifetime species. Consequently, we adopted this approach to synthesize metal nanoparticles as well as binary and ternary nanoalloys, expanding the scope of possibilities in nanomaterial synthesis.

Current Aspects of Nanotechnology Based Healing Approaches for Diabetic Wounds

Abstract: Diabetic wounds represent a significant clinical challenge due to their chronic nature, slow healing rates, and susceptibility to infections, often leading to severe complications. Nanotechnology plays a transforming role in advancing diabetic wound repair therapies. The field of nanotechnology has shown great promise in the medical field in recent years, offering precise tools and materials at the nanoscale to address the complexities of diabetic wound management. The latest breakthroughs in nanomaterial design and fabrication showcase nanoparticles, nanofibers, and hydrogels tailored to enhance tissue regeneration, promote angiogenesis, and modulate the wound microenvironment. These engineered materials serve as versatile systems for the regulated release of cytokines and antimicrobial agents, offering a multifaceted approach to diabetic wound healing. Nanotechnology enables the growth of smart medication delivery technologies with accurate targeting and sustained delivery of medicinal substances right to the location of the wound. Prolonged injuries in hyperglycemic patients are particularly prone to infections, leading to prolonged healing times and increased morbidity. Some of the nanoscale antimicrobial agents, such as nanozyme-chitosan-derived hydrogel, silver nanoparticles, and antimicrobial peptides that exhibit potent bactericidal properties, reduce the risk of infections and associated complications. Nanosensors and advanced imaging techniques enable real-time monitoring of wound healing progress. These tools provide clinicians with valuable insights into tissue viability, inflammation levels, and treatment efficacy, facilitating timely adjustments to therapeutic regimens. This is an inclusive overview of the current state of nanotechnology for the treatment of diabetic wounds, offering insights into the promise and challenges of this innovative approach, by harnessing the unique properties of nanoscale materials and technologies.

Atomic layer annealing for spatial tailoring in sub-4 nm AlN RRAM devices with low-voltage operation

This article investigates the spatial tailoring of nitrogen vacancies by atomic layer annealing (ALA) on resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices with an AlN resistive switching layer. The ALA technique involves the in-situ layer-by-layer He/Ar plasma treatment in the cycle of atomic layer deposition for AlN. The AlN RRAM devices prepared with the ALA treatment near the TiN electrode have significantly superior uniformity of the operation voltages and the switching resistances, along with a lower cycle-to-cycle variation in endurance. This enhancement could be attributed to the relatively stable location of rupture and formation of conductive filaments, as a result of the film densification and the suppression of nitrogen vacancies in the AlN region treated with the ALA process. The AlN RRAM devices also demonstrate excellent retention of more than 106 seconds at 125°C. In addition, the ultra-thin 3.3 nm AlN switching layer contributes to low operation voltages of AlN RRAM. The outcomes manifest that the ALA technique could effectively improve the properties of nanoscale materials through precise spatial tailoring, with an accuracy up to atomic scale.

Terahertz nanoscopy: Advances, challenges, and the road ahead

Exploring nanoscale material properties through light-matter interactions is essential to unveil new phenomena and manipulate materials at the atomic level, paving the way for ground-breaking advancements in nanotechnology and materials science. Various elementary excitations and low-energy modes of materials reside in the terahertz (THz) range of the electromagnetic spectrum (0.1–10 THz) and occur over various spatial and temporal scales. However, due to the diffraction limit, a slew of THz studies are restricted to drawing conclusions from the spatially varying THz responses around half of the probing wavelengths, i.e., from tens to a couple of hundred micrometers. To address this fundamental challenge, scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM), notably scattering-type SNOM (s-SNOM), combined with THz sources has been employed and is fueling growing interest in this technique across multiple disciplines. This review (1) provides an overview of the system developments of SNOM, (2) evaluates current approaches to understand and quantify light-matter interactions, (3) explores advances in THz SNOM applications, especially studies with THz nano-scale spatial responses employing an s-SNOM, and (4) envisions future challenges and potential development avenues for the practical use of THz s-SNOM.

Investigation of polypyrrole/TiO2 and poypyrrole/WO3 nanocomposites as anode modifier in salt bridge microbial fuel cell using municipal wastewater

Developing nanocomposite materials based on conducting polymers (CPs) and metal-oxide nanoparticles, which combine redox electrochemistry of CPs with intrinsic properties of nano-scale semiconducting materials, may offer improved microbial fuel cells (MFCs) performances. Polypyrrole (PPY) based nanocomposites were synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization method and were further used as an anode modifier in salt bridge MFCs. The PPY-based nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The maximum power density of 16.7 mW/m2, 20.1 mW/m2, and 22.5 mW/m2 were obtained for MFC2-PPY, MFC3-PPY/TiO2 and MFC4-PPY/WO3 respectively, suggesting that modification of the anode with PPY- based nanocomposites is beneficial in the electricity generation of the MFC, and have superior performance as compared to the controller MFC1-CC (11.6 mW/m2).

Review On Silver Nano Particles

The aspect of human life, making nanotechnology an exciting field for biomedical applications. Over the years, metal nanoparticles, such as silver, have attracted a lot of attention because of their extraordinary optical, electrical, and antibacterial qualities. Unfortunately, those nanoparticles' aggregation and toxicity have restricted their employment in more advantageous applications. Choosing therapeutically active bimolecular judiciously to functionalize the surface of these particles would undoubtedly improve their biological applicability and biocompatibility. In addition to providing an overview of the current approaches being used to biofunctionalize silver nanoparticles for certain purposes, the current review the distinct size-dependent properties of nanoscale materials have had a significant impact on every aims to highlight the application areas of these particles. Nanotechnology is a promising subject for biomedical applications because of the distinctive size-dependent features of materials at the nanoscale that have greatly touched all aspects of human life. Because of their exceptional optical, electrical, and antibacterial qualities, metal nanoparticles—like silver—have attracted a lot of attention over time. However, their employment in highly optimized applications has been limited due to their poisonous nature and tendency to aggregate. The biocompatibility and biological applicability of these particles are certain to be improved by the logical selection of therapeutically active bimolecular to functionalize their surface. The present review endeavors to emphasize the various application areas of silver nanoparticles while providing an overview of the current approaches entailed in biofunctionalizing these particles for particular uses. Key Word: silver nanoparticles, synthesis, characterization, applications, mechanisms

A Comprehensive Review of Electron Microscopy in Materials Science: Technological Advances and Applications

In nanomaterials and microstructural evolution, electron microscopy has had an important effect on materials investigation. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Electron Diffraction, Operando Electron Microscopy, and Aberration-Corrected Electron Microscopy offer the investigation on understanding of nanoscale material properties and structure. The present research covers the basics, advantages and disadvantages, and material-related applications of various electron microscopy techniques. TEM is useful for investigating atomic arrangements and imperfections in materials, while SEM offers micro- to nanoscale topographical, morphological, & compositional information. EDS, frequently employed with SEM or TEM, analyzes elements and compounds to determine material compositions. Opando Electron Microscopy allows researchers to observe and assess materials during catalytic reactions and battery charge/discharge cycles. This approach is vital for knowing how dynamic processes influence nanoscale material characteristics and behaviour. Another advanced technique, Aberration-Corrected Electron Microscopy, corrects lens aberrations that interfered with electron microscope resolution. This adjustment enables imaging at sample-limited resolutions, allowing further studies of atomic structures & flaws. These electron microscopy methods significantly improve nanomaterial microstructural evolution understanding. These have enabled extensive study of flaws, transitions between phases, and formation mechanisms, which are essential to producing optimal materials.

In Situ Nanomechanics: Opportunities Based on Superplastic Nanomolding.

In situ nanomechanics, referring to the real-time monitoring of nanomechanical deformation during quantitative mechanical testing, is a key technology for understanding the physical and mechanical properties of nanoscale materials. This perspective reviews the progress of in situ nanomechanics from the aspects of preparation and testing of nanosamples, with a major focus on one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures and discussions of their challenges. We highlight the opportunities provided by in situ nanomechanics combined with the superplastic nanomolding technique, especially in the aspects of regulating physical and chemical properties which are highly exploitable for mechanoelectronics, mechanoluminescence, piezoelectronics, piezomagnetism, piezothermography, and mechanochemistry.

Diabetology and Nanotechnology: A Compelling Combination

Abstract:: The convergence of diabetology and nanotechnology has emerged as a promising synergy with the potential to revolutionize the management and treatment of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes, a complex metabolic disorder affecting millions worldwide, necessitates innovative approaches to enhance monitoring, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions. Nanotechnology, a burgeoning field that manipulates materials at the nanoscale, offers unprecedented opportunities to address the challenges posed by diabetes. This abstract explores the multifaceted interface between diabetology and nanotechnology, highlighting key areas of integration. Nanotechnology has paved the way for the development of advanced glucose monitoring systems with enhanced accuracy, sensitivity, and patient convenience. Miniaturized biosensors and implantable devices equipped with nanoscale materials enable continuous and real-time glucose monitoring, empowering individuals with diabetes to make timely and informed decisions about their dietary and insulin management. Furthermore, nanotechnology has facilitated breakthroughs in targeted drug delivery, addressing the limitations of conventional therapies in diabetes treatment. Nano-sized drug carriers can improve bioavailability, enable controlled release, and enhance the selectivity of therapeutic agents, minimizing side effects and optimizing treatment outcomes. Moreover, nanoengineered materials have opened avenues for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, offering the potential to restore damaged pancreatic islets and insulin-producing cells. The amalgamation of diabetology and nanotechnology also holds promise for early disease detection and prevention. Nanoscale diagnostic tools, such as biomarker-based nanoprobes and lab-onchip devices, offer rapid and accurate detection of diabetes-related biomolecules, enabling timely interventions and reducing the risk of complications. However, this compelling combination also presents challenges that warrant careful consideration. Safety, biocompatibility, regulatory approval, and ethical implications are crucial factors that demand meticulous evaluation during the translation of nanotechnology-based solutions into clinical practice. In conclusion, the integration of diabetology and nanotechnology represents a transformative paradigm that has the potential to reshape the landscape of diabetes management. By harnessing the unique properties of nanoscale materials, researchers and clinicians are poised to usher in an era of personalized and precise diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive strategies for diabetes mellitus. As advancements in nanotechnology continue to unfold, the journey towards realizing the full potential of this compelling combination remains an exciting frontier in medical science.

Photocontrolled self-assembly based on photoresponsive ruthenium complexes

Abstract Self-assembly, which occurs through noncovalent interactions among molecules, is a ubiquitous phenomenon in the natural world. Light is a particularly attractive stimulus for manipulating self-assembled structures due to its precise and noninvasive nature. Photoresponsive ruthenium (Ru) complexes are emerging as promising candidates for controlling self-assembly due to their unique coordination chemistry and reversible light-triggered behavior. Specifically, Ru complexes can undergo photodissociation of their ligands in aqueous solutions, leading to the formation of Ru-H2O species, and this process can be used to control the disassembly of assembled structures upon illumination. Conversely, upon cessation of the light stimulus, some Ru–ligand coordination bonds can be restored, resulting in reassembly of the structures. Herein, we mainly introduce our recent progress in the use of Ru(Ⅱ) complexes to create photocontrolled self-assemblies with applications ranging from cancer therapy to the manipulation of the morphology and properties of nanoscale materials. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future directions of photocontrolled assemblies with Ru complexes.

Advances in ultrafast plasmonics

In the past 20 years, we have reached a broad understanding of many light-driven phenomena in nanoscale systems. The temporal dynamics of the excited states are instead quite challenging to explore, and, at the same time, crucial to study for understanding the origin of fundamental physical and chemical processes. In this review, we examine the current state and prospects of ultrafast phenomena driven by plasmons both from a fundamental and applied point of view. This research area is referred to as ultrafast plasmonics and represents an outstanding playground to tailor and control fast optical and electronic processes at the nanoscale, such as ultrafast optical switching, single photon emission, and strong coupling interactions to tailor photochemical reactions. Here, we provide an overview of the field and describe the methodologies to monitor and control nanoscale phenomena with plasmons at ultrafast timescales in terms of both modeling and experimental characterization. Various directions are showcased, among others recent advances in ultrafast plasmon-driven chemistry and multi-functional plasmonics, in which charge, spin, and lattice degrees of freedom are exploited to provide active control of the optical and electronic properties of nanoscale materials. As the focus shifts to the development of practical devices, such as all-optical transistors, we also emphasize new materials and applications in ultrafast plasmonics and highlight recent development in the relativistic realm. The latter is a promising research field with potential applications in fusion research or particle and light sources providing properties such as attosecond duration.

Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy characterization of Nb films for quantum applications

Niobium thin films are key components of superconducting microwave resonators. Interest in these devices has increased dramatically because of their application in quantum systems. Despite tremendous effort to improve their performance, loss mechanisms are still not well understood. Nb/substrate and Nb/air interfaces are likely culprits in contributing to decoherence and ultimately limiting the performance of superconducting devices. Here, we investigate the Nb/substrate interface by studying the effect of hydrogen-passivated H:Si(111) substrates on the local superconducting properties of ∼40 nm thick Nb films compared to Nb films grown on typical Si(001) substrates. Specifically, low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy are employed to compare nanoscale material properties. The atomically flat monohydride H:Si(111) substrates are found to yield a smoother and less defective interface with the Nb film. Correspondingly, the Nb films grown on H:Si(111) substrates present more uniform superconducting properties and exhibit less quasiparticle broadening.

Low-Molecular-Weight Organogelators Based on N-dodecanoyl-L-amino Acids-Energy Frameworks and Supramolecular Synthons.

Lauric acid was used to synthesize the low-molecular-weight organogelators (LMOGs), derivatives of two endogenous (L)-alanine, (L)-leucine, and three exogenous (L)-valine, (L)-phenylalanine, and (L)-proline amino acids. The nature of processes responsible for the gel formation both in polar and in apolar solvents of such compounds is still under investigation. Knowing that the organization of surfactant molecules affects the properties of nano scale materials and gels, we decided to elucidate this problem using crystallographic diffraction and energy frameworks analysis. The single crystals of the mentioned compounds were produced successfully from heptane/tBuOMe mixture. The compounds form lamellar self-assemblies in crystals. The energetic landscapes of single crystals of a series of studied amphiphilic gelators have been analyzed to explore the gelling properties. The presented results may be used as model systems to understand which supramolecular interactions observed in the solid state and what energy contributions are desired in the designing of new low-molecular-weight organic gelators.

Restructuring of emergent grain boundaries at free surfaces – An interplay between core stabilization and elastic stress generation

Emergent grain boundaries at free surface impact a wide range of material properties but little is known about their atomic-scale behavior. Using scanning tunneling microscopy and calculations, we studied the structure of emergent grain boundaries at the surfaces of planar nanocrystalline copper (111) films and bicrystals. We show that for a wide range of misorientation angles there exists a strong energetic preference for boundary cores to lie along close-packed planes that leads to the restructuring of emergent grain boundaries at free surfaces and involves the rotation of adjoining grains and the generation of elastic stresses in the triple junction region. The interplay of the stress field and the core stabilization determines the length scale of the restructuring, which can extend to depths of 15 nm for low angle boundaries. These results point to a new universal mechanism of boundary relaxation at metal surfaces that is expected to be important in grain coalescence, film stress evolution and in controlling properties of nanoscale materials.

The Promise of Emergent Nanobiotechnologies for In Vivo Applications and Implications for Safety and Security.

Nanotechnology, the multidisciplinary field based on the exploitation of the unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanoscale materials, has opened a new realm of possibilities for biological research and biomedical applications. The development and deployment of mRNA-NP vaccines for COVID-19, for example, may revolutionize vaccines and therapeutics. However, regulatory and ethical frameworks that protect the health and safety of the global community and environment are lagging, particularly for nanotechnology geared toward biological applications (ie, bionanotechnology). In this article, while not comprehensive, we attempt to illustrate the breadth and promise of bionanotechnology developments, and how they may present future safety and security challenges. Specifically, we address current advancements to streamline the development of engineered NPs for in vivo applications and provide discussion on nano–bio interactions, NP in vivo delivery, nanoenhancement of human performance, nanomedicine, and the impacts of NPs on human health and the environment.

Performance of different traditional and machine learning-based atomistic potential functions in the simulation of mechanical behavior of Fe nanowires

Characterization of nanoscale material properties using experimental methods is difficult due to their high costs and complexities. Hence, many researchers apply alternative techniques, such as atomic/molecular simulations, to overcome the limitations of experimental methods. A well-established method to study material behavior at nanoscales is molecular dynamics simulation. However, the accuracy of its results is highly dependent on the selection of appropriate potential functions/force fields modeling atomic interactions. This work investigates the effects of considering different potential functions on the mechanical characteristics of BCC Fe nanostructures using molecular dynamics simulations. Laboratory data are used to verify the calculated elastic properties of bulk structures. Furthermore, systematic simulations are performed to determine the elastic properties of nanowires under tensile loading, various potential functions, and different temperatures. According to the results, Ackland's potential function and experimental data are in excellent agreement. On the contrary, Asadi's potential function shows an opposite trend comparing other functions and experimental mechanical data. In addition, the potential function formulated based on artificial neural networks is capable to capture tension-induced necking phenomena in Fe nanowires.

Field induced electron emission from graphene nanostructures

Electric fields play a crucial role in modulating the electronic properties of nanoscale materials. Electron emission, induced by an electric field, is a representative phenomenon. Experimental and theoretical aspects of such electron emission from graphene are briefly reviewed. The emission occurs at the edge of graphene flakes, not at the surface, because the edge highly concentrates the electric field. Emission currents are sensitive to the edge shapes and edge functionalization. This review provides guiding principles for designing high-efficiency field-emission devices by using graphene nanostructures.