Properties Of Nanomaterials Research Articles

Temperature Evolution of Composition, Thermal, Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Ti3C2Tx-MXene.

MXenes are a family of two-dimensional nanomaterials. Titanium carbide MXene (Ti3C2Tx-MXene), reported in 2011, is the first inorganic compound reported among the MXene family. In the present work, we report on the study of the composition and various physical properties of Ti3C2Tx-MXene nanomaterial, as well as their temperature evolution, to consider MXenes for space applications. X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and mass spectroscopy measurements confirmed the structure and terminating groups of the MXene surface, revealing a predominant single OH layer character. The temperature dependence of the specific heat shows a Debye-like character in the measured range of 2 K-300 K with a linear part below 10 K, characteristic of conduction electrons of metallic materials. The electron density of states (DOS) calculations for Ti3C2OH-MXene reveal a significant DOS value at the Fermi level, with a large slope, confirming its metallic character, which is consistent with the experimental findings. The temperature dependence of electrical resistivity of the MXene samples was tested for a wide temperature range (3 K-350 K) and shows a decrease on lowering temperature with an upturn at low temperatures, where negative magnetoresistance is observed. The magnetoresistance versus field is approximately linear and increases its magnitude with decreasing temperature. The magnetization curves are straight lines with temperature-independent positive slopes, indicating Pauli paramagnetism due to conduction electrons.

Responsive self-assembly of nanomaterials: Mechanisms, applications, and future perspectives

In the development of nanotechnology, responsive self-assembly has been an important research theme. Responsive self-assembly is a technique where nanoparticles form structures in response to external stimuli like temperature and light. Thermo-responsive and photo-controlled self-assembly processes are outstanding compared with traditional methods, and theyve been applied in drug delivery and smart surfaces. Yet, the two processes still have their own challenges in practical applications. This review explores both techniques for explaining how these external stimuli work and the role of nanomaterial properties in the processes. Then it dives deep into their applications, specifically focusing on their strengths and challenges. Thermo-responsive and photo-controlled self-assembly are eco-friendly and reversible, ensuring their wide applications in various conditions. However, thermo-responsive materials, notably UCST-based polymers, are limited in scope, sensitive to the environment, and extremely expensive, while the effectiveness of the photo-controlled assembly process is limited by certain light conditions. Future research should focus on exploring their potential and overcoming the challenges.

Nitrogen-doped Carbon Dots Derived from Green Algae and Ammonia as Photocatalyst Material

Carbon dots are a novel carbon-based material with the appealing properties of inexpensive nanomaterials, low toxicity, environmental tolerance, abundance, photostability, and simplicity of synthesis. Carbon dots (CDs) have effectively distinguished themselves from other materials due to their superior properties, such as ultra-small size, good photostability, excellent biocompatibility, and tunable fluorescence properties. This study synthesized carbon dots from green algae using a hydrothermal method at 180 °C and doped with nitrogen. Green algae contain carbohydrates, proteins, and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, allowing them to produce more carbon and be used as a precursor in synthesizing carbon dots. The FT-IR and UV-Vis spectra reveal the distinct functionalization and energy gap between the surface states of CDs and N-CDs. The carbon nanoparticles were then used as photocatalysts to degrade methyl red. The results indicate that nitrogen doping is superior for reducing methyl red and has tremendous potential for environmental applications.

A Review on the Development of Polymer Supported Heterogeneous Palladium Materials for Organic Synthesis and Electrochemical Applications

Abstract:: This comprehensive review explores the advancements in catalytic transformation, focusing on the use of heterogeneous catalytic systems with a particular emphasis on polymeric-supported palladium (Pd) complexes. This study explores the limitations associated with conventional homogeneous reagents, emphasizes the transition to eco-friendly catalytic systems, and emphasizes the importance of Pd nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are particularly noteworthy for their distinctive properties, including elevated catalytic activity, making them promising for various applications in organic synthesis. The review thoroughly examines the design and synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts, emphasizing the crucial selection of safe and recyclable supports to augment the longevity and reusability of metallic catalysts. Diverse polymer varieties, including polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyacrylate derivatives, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and grafted polymers, are investigated as viable supports for Pd complexes. The authors intricately describe the synthesis techniques for these polymer-supported Pd catalysts and furnish illustrative examples showcasing their effectiveness in organic transformation. This comprehensive review additionally highlights the synthesis of polymer-supported palladium (Pd) materials and discusses their applications in electrochemistry. The focus extends to the electrocatalytic properties of Pdbased polymeric nanomaterials, showcasing their effectiveness in glucose sensing, hydrogen peroxide detection, and the sensing of other biological analytes. Furthermore, the catalytic capabilities of Pd nanoparticles in various electrochemical applications, including wastewater treatment and electrochemical capacitors, are explored. Integrating polymer-supported Pd materials into these electrochemical processes underscores their versatility and potential contributions to advancements in catalysis and electrochemical sensing. Catalytic applications featuring polymer-supported palladium complexes with polymeric ligands in organic synthesis processes use the Sonogashira reaction, Suzuki-Miyaura coupling, Heck reaction, Catalytic asymmetric transformations, etc. The subsequent section of the paper focuses on the creation of polymeric palladium complexes, achieved by the complexation of polymeric ligands with palladium precursors. It delves into noteworthy examples of catalytic processes employing polymer-supported palladium complexes featuring polymeric ligands, emphasizing distinct polymers, such as PS, PE, polyacrylate derivatives, PEG, and grafting polymers. The review concludes by exploring catalytic asymmetric transformations using chiral palladium complexes immobilized on polymer supports and discusses various chiral ligands and their immobilization on polymer supports, emphasizing their application in asymmetric allylic alkylation. The review furnishes a comprehensive summary of recent advancements, challenges, and prospective avenues in catalytic oxidation facilitated by polymer- supported palladium catalysts with electrochemical applications.

Green synthetic biomaterials: Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial properties of lichen-derived nanomaterials

The green synthesis of nanoparticles using lichen extracts offers a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. Known for their medicinal properties, lichens can effectively reduce and stabilise metallic salts, providing an eco-friendly approach to producing nanomaterials with potential antimicrobial applications. In this study, the lichen Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca was utilised in the green synthesis of nanoparticles, successfully creating lichen-derived silver-zinc oxide (Ag–ZnO), silver-strontium oxide (Ag–SrO), and silver-nickel oxide (Ag–NiO) nanoparticles. Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy revealed that the characteristic light absorption of the NCs occurred within the range of 300–400 nm for each synthesis, and dynamic light scattering measurements indicated that the hydrodynamic diameters of the nanoparticles were below 100 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the constituent elements. Imaging with field-emission scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy showed that the nanoparticles had spherical shapes with dimensions measuring below 50 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis of the synthesised nanocomposite materials revealed the presence of Ag–ZnO (22 nm), Ag–SrO (48 nm), and Ag–NiO (21 nm) nanoparticles. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified functional groups in the nanoparticles, confirming their compositions, while thermogravimetric analysis determined the thermal decomposition temperatures of the NCs. The antibacterial efficacy of these materials was assessed, with Ag–ZnO (inhibition zone 11.0 mm) and Ag–NiO (inhibition zone 10.0 mm) showing significant effectiveness against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In contrast, Ag–SrO (inhibition zone 6.5 mm) exhibited comparatively lower antibacterial activity. Additionally, the study highlighted the antifungal properties of Ag–NiO (inhibition zone 19.0 mm) and Ag–ZnO (inhibition zone 8.5 mm) nanomaterials. This research advances the understanding of lichen-based nanotechnology and its potential for developing sustainable antimicrobial solutions.

Microheater Chips with Carbon Nanotube Resistors.

The specific and excellent properties of the low-dimensional nanomaterials have made them promising building blocks to be integrated into microelectromechanical systems with high performances. Here, we present a new microheater chip for in situ TEM, in which a cross-stacked superaligned carbon nanotube (CNT) film resistor is located on a suspended SiNx membrane via van der Waals (vdW) interactions. The CNT microheater has a fast high-temperature response and low power consumption, thanks to the micro/nanostructure of the CNT materials. Moreover, the membrane bulging amplitude is significantly reduced to only ∼100 nm at 800 °C for the vdW interaction between the CNTs and the SiNx membrane. An in situ observation of the Sn melting process is successfully conducted with the assistance of a customized flexible temperature control system. The uniform wafer-scaled CNT films enable a high level of consistency and cost-effective mass production of such chips. The as-developed in situ chips, as well as the related techniques, hold great promise in nanoscience, materials science, and electrochemistry.

Cobalt-Modified Black Phosphorus Nanosheets-Enabled Ferrate (VI) Activation for Efficient Chemiluminescence Detection of Thiabendazole.

The development of chemiluminescence-based innovation sensing systems and the construction of a sensing mechanism to improve the analytical performance of compounds remain a great challenge. Herein, we fabricated an advanced oxidation processes pretreated chemiluminescence (AOP-CL) sensing system via the introduction of cobalt-modified black phosphorus nanosheets (Co@BPNs) to achieve higher efficient thiabendazole (TBZ) detection. Co@BPNs, enriched with lattice oxygen, exhibited a superior catalytic performance for accelerating the decomposition of ferrate (VI). This Co@BPNs-based ferrate (VI) AOP system demonstrated a unique ability to selectively decompose TBZ, resulting in a strong CL emission. On this basis, a highly selective and sensitive CL sensing platform for TBZ was established, which exhibited strong resistance to common ions and pesticides interference. This was successfully applied to detecting TBZ in environmental samples such as tea and kiwi fruits. Besides, the TBZ detection mechanism was explored, Co@BPNs-based ferrate (VI) AOP system produced a high yield of ROS (mainly 1O2), which oxidized the thiazole-based structure of TBZ, generating chemical energy that was transferred to Co@BPNs via a chemical electron exchange luminescence (CIEEL) mechanism, leading to intense CL emission. Notably, this study not only proposed an innovative approach to enhance the chemical activity and CL properties of nanomaterials but also offered a new pathway for designing efficient CL probes for pollutant monitoring in complex samples.

Role of Surface Functional Groups on the Adsorption Capacity of Carbon Nanomaterials in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the role of surface functional groups on the adsorption capacity of carbon nanomaterials in Nigeria. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Surface functionalization plays a crucial role in altering the physicochemical properties of carbon nanomaterials, thereby influencing their adsorption performance. Functional groups such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amino groups can significantly enhance adsorption capacity by increasing the surface area, creating favorable binding sites, and altering surface polarity. Studies have shown that the type, density, and distribution of these functional groups on carbon nanomaterials directly affect their adsorption efficiency towards various contaminants including heavy metals, organic pollutants, and dyes. Furthermore, the synergistic effects between different functional groups and their interactions with target molecules further contribute to the enhanced adsorption performance of functionalized carbon nanomaterials. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of surface functionalization, theory of adsorption mechanisms and theory of surface reactivity may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the role of surface functional groups on the adsorption capacity of carbon nanomaterials in Nigeria. Develop tailored functionalization strategies based on specific adsorption applications and target contaminants. Advocate for the development of standardized protocols for assessing the performance and safety of functionalized carbon nanomaterials in adsorption applications.

Interlayer coupling modulated for thermoelectric transport characterization of black arsenic nanoscale devices

Modulating interlayer coupling modes can effectively enhance the thermoelectric properties of nanomaterials or nanoscale devices. By using density functional theory combined with non-equilibrium Green’s function method, we investigate the thermoelectric properties of zigzag-type black arsenic nanoscale devices with varying interlayer coupling modes. Our results show that altering the interlayer coupling mode significantly modulates the thermoelectric properties of the system. Specifically, we consider four coupling modes with different strengths, by modulating different interlayer overlap patterns. Notably, in the weaker interlayer coupling mode, the system exhibits enhanced thermoelectric properties due to increased interface phonon scattering, for example, the M4 reaching a peak value of 2.23 at μ = −0.73 eV. Furthermore, we explore the temperature-dependent behavior of each coupling model. The results suggest that the thermoelectric characteristics are more sensitive to temperature variations in the weaker coupling modes. These insights provide valuable guidance for enhancing the thermoelectric performance of nanoscale devices through precise interlayer coupling modulation.

Computational Study of the Effect of the Size-Dependent Dielectric Functions of Gold Nanomaterials on Optical Properties

The effect of size on the optical properties of gold nanomaterials has been studied using the theoretical Drude–Sommerfield model. The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function of bulk as a function of wavelength due to free electron contribution and the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function of nanogold materials as a function of wavelength due to free electron and bond electron contribution are calculated. The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function of bulk as a function of wavelength due to the free electron contribution graph and The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function of nanogold materials as a function of wavelength due to free electron and bond electron contributions are plotted. As we observed from the graphs, the real dielectric functions of both bulk and nanogold materials are inversely proportional to wavelength. The imaginary part of the dielectric function of bulk gold materials is independent of wavelength. At high wavelengths, the size of the gold nanomaterial is highly influenced by both real and imagined dielectric functions at high waves. As the wavelength increases, the effect of the size on the dielectric function also increases. The size-dependent dielectric function of nanomaterials is highly influenced by their optical properties and electrical structure.

A Universal Biomacromolecule-Enabled Assembly Strategy for Constructing Multifunctional Aerogels with 90% Inorganic Mass Loading from Inert Nano-Building Blocks.

Inert inorganic nano-building blocks, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and boron nitride (BN) nanosheets, possess excellent physicochemical properties. However, it remains challenging to build aerogels with these inert nanomaterials unless they are chemically modified or compounded with petrochemical polymers, which affects their intrinsic properties and is usually not environmentally friendly. Here, a universal biomacromolecule-enabled assembly strategy is proposed to construct aerogels with 90 wt% ultrahigh inorganic loading. The super-high inorganic content is beneficial for exploiting the inherent properties of inert nanomaterials in multifunctional applications. Taking chitosan-CNTs aerogel as a proof-of-concept demonstration, it delivers sensitive pressure response as a pressure sensor, an ultrahigh sunlight absorption (94.5%) raising temperature under light (from 25 to 71°C within 1min) for clean-up of crude oil spills, and superior electromagnetic interference shielding performance of up to 68.9dB. This strategy paves the way for the multifunctional application of inert nanomaterials by constructing aerogels with ultrahigh inorganic loading.

Augmenting Antioxidative Properties of Cerium Oxide Nanomaterial with Andrographis paniculata Mediated Synthesis and Investigating its Biomedical Potentials.

Augmenting Antioxidative Properties of Cerium Oxide Nanomaterial with Andrographis paniculata Mediated Synthesis and Investigating its Biomedical Potentials.

Assessment of the catalytic and biological potential of yttrium and samarium-modified copper ferrite nanomaterials

The present study reports the preparation of crystalline and nanosized copper ferrite (CuFe2O4), Y3+ substituted CuFe2O4 (CuFe1.95Y0.05O4), and Sm3+ substituted CuFe2O4 (CuFe1.95Sm0.05O4) using a simple co-precipitation method. The XRD analysis confirmed the formation of the cubic spinel phase, while XPS studies validated the presence of Cu and Fe in 2+ and 3+ oxidation states respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed the nanoparticles with a diameter in the range of 10–60 nm. The introduction of fractional amounts of Y3+ and Sm3+ ions in the CuFe2O4 lattice enhanced the reduction of 4-nitrophenol, attributed to decreased particle size facilitating the reduction process. In the case of antimicrobial activity, Candida albican was found to be maximally sensitive to CuFe2O4 and CuFe1.95Y0.05O4, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was inhibited by CuFe1.95Sm0.05O4. Moreover, a maximum of 61.9 ± 1.91 % anti-Pseudomonas biofilm activity and 75.7 ± 1.28 % DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed for CuFe1.95Y0.05O4 at 200 μg/ml concentration. The improvement in biological activities was attributed to the reduced particle size, crystal structure modification, and increased stability of the CuFe2O4 lattice with substitution. The enhancement in catalytic and biological performance highlighted the effectiveness of minimal Y3+ and Sm3+ concentrations in modulating the properties of CuFe2O4 nanomaterials.

Machine Learning Methods for Prediction of Biomedical Properties of Nanomaterials

Machine Learning Methods for Prediction of Biomedical Properties of Nanomaterials

Recent progress on charge transfer engineering in reticular framework for efficient electrochemiluminescence.

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a luminescence production technique triggered by electrochemistry, which has emerged as a powerful analytical technique in bioanalysis and clinical diagnosis. During ECL, charge transfer (CT) is an important process between electrochemical excitation and luminescent emission, and dramatically affects the efficiency of exciton generation, playing a pivotal role in the light-emitting properties of nanomaterials. Reticular framework materials with intramolecular/intermolecular interactions offer a promising platform for regulating CT pathways and enhancing luminescence efficiency. Deciphering the role of intramolecular/intermolecular CT processes in reticular framework materials allows for the targeted design and synthesis of emitters with precisely controlled CT properties. This sheds light on the microscopic mechanisms of electro-optical conversion in ECL, propelling advancements in their efficiency and breakthrough applications. This mini-review focuses on recent advancements in engineering CT within reticular frameworks to boost ECL efficiency. We summarized strategies including intra-reticular charge transfer, CT between the metal and ligands, and CT between guest molecules and frameworks within reticular frameworks, which holds promise for developing next-generation ECL devices with enhanced sensitivity and light emission.

Development of size and shape dependent model for various thermodynamic properties of nanomaterials

The models developed in this work are used to study various thermodynamic properties of nanomaterials. A better agreement between theory and experiment indicates the validity of the proposed model. Since the model is simple and easy to use, we extend the theory to understand, how the thermodynamic properties of different nanomaterials depend on size and shape. The results were compared with previous theoretical work and experimental data. We have concluded that the model predicts a better agreement with previous theoretical work and experimental studies. Current research produces thermodynamic models for the Debye frequency, melting entropy, melting enthalpy, and Einstein temperature. To the best of our knowledge, such models are not yet available in the literature that works well.

Enhancing Agricultural Efficiency and Biodiversity Conservation through Nano Pesticides; A Focus on Food Research

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to addressing the challenges faced by modern agriculture, particularly in the field of crop protection. Nano-pesticides, which are pesticide formulations that incorporate nanomaterials or nanostructures, have garnered significant attention due to their potential to enhance the efficacy of active ingredients while minimizing adverse environmental and health impacts. This review provides a comprehensive overview of on the current state of research on nano-pesticides, focusing on their synthesis, characterization, mode of action, and efficacy in various agricultural applications. The unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, such as high surface area to volume ratio, enhanced solubility, and controlled release, are exploited in the development of nano-pesticide formulations. Different types of nano-pesticides, including nanoemulsions, nanoencapsulation, and nanocomposites, are discussed in detail, highlighting their advantages over conventional pesticide formulations. The review also examines the interactions of nano-pesticides with target pests and the environment, as well as their potential toxicity and ecotoxicological effects. The role of nano-pesticides in integrated pest management strategies and their compatibility with sustainable agricultural practices are explored. Furthermore, the review addresses the challenges associated with the commercialization and regulatory aspects of nano-pesticides, emphasizing the need for thorough risk assessment and standardized testing protocols. Future research directions and opportunities for the development of nano-pesticides are outlined, focusing on the optimization of formulations, targeted delivery, and precision agriculture. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the potential of nano-pesticides as a tool for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability while minimizing the negative impacts on biodiversity and food safety.

Mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of 2D nanomaterials for advanced applications

The rapid development of two-dimensional (2D) Nanomaterials, primarily graphene-based nanoplates or nanosheets, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), dichalcogenides of transition metals (TMDs), MXenes, metal-/covalent- organic frameworks, (MOFs/COFs) over the last decade has been driven by the great success of graphene. Despite their high similarity in lattice structure, the uniqueness of their specific atomic arrangement gives rise to phenomenal properties such as electrical, mechanical, and thermal, and thus finds a broad array of applications in electronics, optoelectronics, energy storage devices, solar cells, composites, manufacturing, and so on. This paper majorly focuses on the various properties of 2D Nanomaterials including electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Due to the promising properties of 2D Nanomaterials, various applications of 2D Nanomaterials are highlighted. The future outlook of 2D Nanomaterials has also been discussed.

Highly selective removal of U(VI) from aqueous solutions by porous nanomaterials

AbstractWith the fast development of nuclear energy peaceful utilization, large amounts of U(VI) are not only required to be extracted from solutions for sustainable nuclear fuel supply but also inevitably released into the environment to result in pollution, which is hazardous to human health. Thereby, the selective extraction of U(VI) from aqueous solutions is crucial to U(VI) pollution treatment and also to nuclear industry sustainable development. In this minireview, we summarized the selective extraction of U(VI) from solutions by porous nanomaterials (i.e., porous carbon nanomaterials, covalent organic frameworks, metal organic frameworks, and other nanomaterials) using different techniques, that is, sorption, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and other strategies. The efficient high extraction ability is dependent on the properties of porous nanomaterials and the used techniques. The high surface areas, abundant active sites, and functional groups are efficient for the high sorption of U(VI), but the special functional groups such as amidoxime groups are more critical for high selective extraction. The electrocatalytic extraction is related to the active sites, especially the single atom sites, of the porous nanomaterials as electrode. The special functional groups, bandgap, electron transfer pathway and electron donor–acceptor structures of photocatalysts contribute the high photocatalytic extraction of U(VI). The interaction mechanisms are discussed from spectroscopic analysis and computational simulation at molecular level. In the end, the challenges and prospectives for the efficient extraction of U(VI) are described.

Transmission Electron Microscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering-Fundamental Perspective

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) are fundamental tools in nanotechnology and materials science, providing information about the structural and dynamic properties of nanomaterials and colloidal systems. This review provides a thorough examination of TEM and DLS, beginning with a discussion of their fundamental principles. It discusses the interaction of electron beams in TEM and the dynamics of scattered light in DLS, followed by an examination of instrumentation and experimental setups, including recent advances for increased resolution and sensitivity. The article then discusses the numerous applications of TEM and DLS in nanomaterial characterization. It includes analyses of nanoparticle size, shape, morphology, and distribution, as well as research into colloidal system dynamics such as nanoparticle aggregation, diffusion, and stability. The review concludes with a forward-looking perspective on emerging trends and future directions in nanomaterial characterization. It emphasizes the potential of TEM and DLS to overcome current challenges and advance our understanding of nanoscale phenomena. Overall, this comprehensive review provides researchers and practitioners with a solid understanding of the TEM and DLS principles, methodologies, and applications, as well as valuable fundamental insights.