Nanomaterials

35 pages, 1687 KB

Open AccessReview

Cellulose-Based Nanoparticles Processed from Agricultural Waste Biomass—A Review

by Shadrack Mubanga Chisenga, Francis Collins Muga, Olabisi Mariam Okesola, Jones Yengwe, Haibao Liu, Peter Kaluba, Alice Mutiti Mweetwa and Zizikazi Sodzidzi

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060387 - 23 Mar 2026

Viewed by 450

Abstract

The nanoparticles processed from non-edible crop materials and residues have evoked great use in the food and non-food industry. The diversity in agricultural waste biomass and differences in extraction techniques account for variations in end-product properties, and would require examination of waste crop [...] Read more.

The nanoparticles processed from non-edible crop materials and residues have evoked great use in the food and non-food industry. The diversity in agricultural waste biomass and differences in extraction techniques account for variations in end-product properties, and would require examination of waste crop types (source) to determine suitability for the production of cellulose, nanocellulose and graphene particles. This review showed that screening criteria of end-user properties include chemical composition, cellulose contents, morphology, crystallinity, thermal stability, rheology, surface charge and zeta potential. The literature shows that the end-user properties vary with plant source (that is crop type) and extraction techniques. In this review, the cellulose content and percentage crystallinity are primary parameters for selecting agricultural waste biomass for the production of nanocellulose and nanofibrils. Additionally, zeta potential and surface charge can determine polymer interaction for suitability in industrial applications. Moreover, nanocellulose and biochar were found to have various industrial applications as ingredients in the production of food packaging including active packaging, rheological modifiers and thickeners. Pyrolysis is the eminent strategy for the transformation of agricultural waste into biochar-derived nanoparticles and carbon-rich materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanocomposite Materials)

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9 pages, 2041 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Precursor-Directed Thermal Synthesis of Copper Catalysts for Tunable CO₂ to CH₄ and C₂H₄ Conversion at Industrial Current Densities

by Hunter B. Vibbert, Luqman Azhari, Nathan Rafisiman, Emma Olson, Bing Tan and Nicholas G. Pavlopoulos

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060386 - 23 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Scalable copper catalysts for electrochemical CO₂ reduction have been prepared through precursor-directed thermal synthesis, enabling tunable conversion to CH₄ and C₂H₄ at industrial current densities. Thermal treatment of distinct copper precursor salts was found to yield nanostructured catalysts [...] Read more.

Scalable copper catalysts for electrochemical CO₂ reduction have been prepared through precursor-directed thermal synthesis, enabling tunable conversion to CH₄ and C₂H₄ at industrial current densities. Thermal treatment of distinct copper precursor salts was found to yield nanostructured catalysts with composition- and morphology-dependent selectivity, and high Faradaic efficiencies under flow conditions. This simple, low-cost process demonstrates that precursor chemistry can control active phase formation and product distribution, providing a practical route toward scalable CO₂ electroreduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Electrochemistry: Synthesis and Applications of Electrocatalysts)

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13 pages, 3579 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hexagonal Close-Packed Au@Ag Superlattices for Versatile and Cost-Effective SERS Platforms

by Weizhe Fu, Yinan Zhang and Jiapeng Zheng

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060385 - 23 Mar 2026

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Abstract

The rapid fabrication of low-cost surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates is highly desirable for chemical and biological sensing. Existing customized SERS substrates, such as Au or Ag nanostructures produced by physical deposition, frequently involve complex fabrication routes, which limits the scalability of SERS [...] Read more.

The rapid fabrication of low-cost surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates is highly desirable for chemical and biological sensing. Existing customized SERS substrates, such as Au or Ag nanostructures produced by physical deposition, frequently involve complex fabrication routes, which limits the scalability of SERS devices. Here, we present the hexagonal close-packed plasmonic superlattices as an efficient, low-cost and applicable SERS platform, fabricated by scalable seed-mediated growth and interfacial self-assembly methods. We systematically compared Ag, Au, and Au@Ag nanospheres (NSs) of different sizes and demonstrated that the plasmonic superlattices made by 55 nm Au@Ag NSs exhibit the strongest Raman response, highest sensitivity, lowest detection limit, good spatial uniformity, and broad applicability. Simulations and Raman mapping experiments further confirm that Au@Ag NSs achieve an optimal balance between hotspot density and plasmonic field intensity, allowing for direct identification and quantification of diverse biochemical targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanophotonics Materials and Devices)

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15 pages, 9178 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Microwave-Assisted, Rapidly Self-Healing, FFF-Printed TPU and Its Application in Supercritical Foaming

by Shaoyun Chen, Rui Wang, Longhui Zheng, Jianhong Gao, Cuifang Cai, Zixiang Weng, Xiaoying Liu, Bo Qu, Jianlei Wang and Dongxian Zhuo

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060384 - 23 Mar 2026

Viewed by 333

Abstract

To mitigate the interlayer defects and weak interfacial adhesion inherent in FFF-printed parts, thereby facilitating subsequent supercritical foaming applications, a microwave-assisted interlayer healing strategy is developed for FFF-printed, supercritical CO₂-foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) by incorporating aminated helical multi-walled carbon nanotubes (AS-MWCNTs). [...] Read more.

To mitigate the interlayer defects and weak interfacial adhesion inherent in FFF-printed parts, thereby facilitating subsequent supercritical foaming applications, a microwave-assisted interlayer healing strategy is developed for FFF-printed, supercritical CO₂-foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) by incorporating aminated helical multi-walled carbon nanotubes (AS-MWCNTs). Owing to their unique helical morphology, AS-MWCNTs exhibit enhanced microwave absorption and localized heating capability, enabling selective thermal activation at interlayer regions within the foamed architecture. Microwave irradiation induces localized softening of the TPU matrix and promotes polymer chain mobility and interdiffusion across layer interfaces, while preserving the cellular morphology and bulk foamed structure. By optimizing AS-MWCNT loading, substantial improvements in interlayer bonding strength, energy absorption, and overall mechanical performance are achieved. This work provides an effective strategy to restore interlayer integrity in supercritical CO₂-foamed, additive manufactured elastomers and offers insights into the design of microwave-responsive, self-healing cellular materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanofabrication and Nanomanufacturing)

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16 pages, 4235 KB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Learning-Assisted Burst Femtosecond Laser Polishing of Invar Alloy: Process Optimization and Performance Enhancement

by Jiawei Lin, Donghan Li, Jinlin Luo, Kai Li, Xianshi Jia, Cong Wang, Xin Li, Ke Sun and Ji’an Duan

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060383 - 23 Mar 2026

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Abstract

As a key low-expansion material for high-end equipment such as aerospace and precision instruments, the surface quality of Invar alloy directly determines the operational performance of devices. To fill the research gap in the multi-parameter synergy and mechanism of Invar alloy laser polishing, [...] Read more.

As a key low-expansion material for high-end equipment such as aerospace and precision instruments, the surface quality of Invar alloy directly determines the operational performance of devices. To fill the research gap in the multi-parameter synergy and mechanism of Invar alloy laser polishing, this study performs polishing experiments on Invar alloy using a burst-mode femtosecond laser, with a repetition rate of 1 MHz and four sub-pulses per burst. The results indicate that energy density plays a dominant role in the polishing effect: with the increase in energy density, the surface roughness first decreases and then increases. A stable molten pool is formed under medium energy density (0.47–0.64 J/cm²), and under the optimal parameter conditions, the surface roughness is reduced to 394 ± 50 nm, representing a 52% reduction compared to the original surface (821 nm). Scanning speed and scanning pitch affect the polishing effect by synergistically regulating energy input: increasing scanning speed under high energy density can inhibit the rise in roughness, while a small scanning pitch can lower the threshold of optimal energy density. Amplitude spectrum analysis reveals that the medium-scale surface undulations are significantly improved after polishing. A four-layer Fully Connected Neural Network (FCNN) model is established to achieve high-precision prediction of polishing effects with a coefficient of determination R² = 0.92, which enables rapid prediction of unknown polishing parameter combinations and provides a new solution path for the optimization of polishing effects. This study clarifies the interaction mechanism between a burst-mode laser and Invar alloy, proposes an efficient ultra-precision polishing method for Invar alloy, and lays a theoretical foundation for its application in the field of high-end manufacturing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrafast Laser Micro-Nano Welding: From Principles to Applications)

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14 pages, 2494 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Scale Gradient Fiber Structure Hierarchical Flexible Ceramic Aerogel for High-Temperature Filtration

by Chuan-Hui Guo, Yuan Gao, Chao Zhang, Chu-Bing Li, Yue-Han Sun, Hong-Xiang Chu, Run-Ze Shao, Zhi-Wei Zhang, Yun-Ze Long and Jun Zhang

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060382 - 23 Mar 2026

Viewed by 322

Abstract

High-temperature particulate matter (PM) filtration remains a fundamental challenge, because most fiber filters not only face the challenge of high temperatures but also suffer from an inherent trade-off between capture efficiency, pressure drop, and service life. This paper reports a hierarchical layered zirconia [...] Read more.

High-temperature particulate matter (PM) filtration remains a fundamental challenge, because most fiber filters not only face the challenge of high temperatures but also suffer from an inherent trade-off between capture efficiency, pressure drop, and service life. This paper reports a hierarchical layered zirconia (ZrO₂) ceramic fiber aerogel featuring a continuous multiscale gradient. The aerogel was prepared by gradient air-blown spinning, and the resulting structure has directional order, with the fiber diameter gradually decreasing from upstream to downstream, thus forming a pore size gradient and achieving hierarchical particle interception across multiple scales. This rational design simultaneously suppresses surface clogging and reduces flow resistance, resolving the longstanding trade-off between efficiency and permeability. Consequently, this aerogel achieves an ultra-high filtration efficiency of 99.96%, a low pressure drop of 156 Pa, and a high dust-holding capacity of 101 g m⁻². The material also exhibits outstanding mechanical toughness (80% compressive strain elasticity and 25.75% tensile fracture strain) and thermal stability up to 1000 °C. Moreover, it maintains over 99.95% filtration efficiency at high temperatures and can be fully regenerated through 800 °C heat treatment. This work establishes a structure-based design paradigm for high-temperature filtration media and provides a scalable pathway for next-generation industrial flue gas purification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Nanocomposites: Bridging Innovative Design and Cutting-Edge Applications)

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1 pages, 123 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Guo et al. Optimization Mechanism of Nozzle Parameters and Characterization of Nanofibers in Centrifugal Spinning. Nanomaterials 2023, 13, 3057

by Qinghua Guo, Peiyan Ye, Zhiming Zhang and Qiao Xu

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060381 - 23 Mar 2026

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Abstract

In the original publication [...] Full article

12 pages, 2285 KB

Open AccessArticle

Temperature-Optimized Liquid-Phase Iodide Ligand Exchange Enables Low-Trap Solution-Processed PbS Quantum Dot Photodetection at 940 nm

by Kapil Patidar, Her-Yih Shieh and Hsueh-Shih Chen

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060380 - 22 Mar 2026

Viewed by 380

Abstract

PbS quantum dots (QDs) synthesized with oleic acid (OA) ligands suffer from poor charge transport in solid films, necessitating ligand exchange to shorter halide ligands for optoelectronic applications. This study investigates how ligand-exchange temperature governs OA-to-iodide substitution in PbS QDs. At 40 °C, [...] Read more.

PbS quantum dots (QDs) synthesized with oleic acid (OA) ligands suffer from poor charge transport in solid films, necessitating ligand exchange to shorter halide ligands for optoelectronic applications. This study investigates how ligand-exchange temperature governs OA-to-iodide substitution in PbS QDs. At 40 °C, the QD surface shows maximized halide passivation (I/Pb = 0.60) and minimized oxygen-related species (O/Pb = 0.23), suggesting reduced oxygen-associated defect formation and enabling n-type band alignment and reduced trap-mediated losses. PbS QD photodetectors fabricated from the 40 °C-treated QDs have 52% external quantum efficiency (EQE) at 940 nm (vs. 39% at 25 °C), with a responsivity of 0.394 A/W and an estimated detectivity of 2.1 × 10¹³ Jones. Temperature optimization of ligand-exchange provides a straightforward lever to improve device performance and reproducibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Dots Enabling Advanced Quantum Sensing, Photodetector and Photovoltaic Technologies)

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25 pages, 8719 KB

Open AccessArticle

Green-Synthesized Rutin-Capped Gold Nanoparticles Attenuate Experimental Liver Fibrosis by Targeting Oxidative Stress and TGF-β Signaling

by Roxana Maria Decea, Ioana Baldea, Gabriela Adriana Filip, Luminita David, Bianca Moldovan, Vlad Toma, Claudia-Andreea Moldoveanu, Mara Muntean and Simona Valeria Clichici

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060379 - 22 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Liver fibrosis is driven by persistent oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling, with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) acting as a key profibrotic mediator. Rutin (Ru) is a plant-derived flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but its low bioavailability limits therapeutic efficacy. This study investigated [...] Read more.

Liver fibrosis is driven by persistent oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling, with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) acting as a key profibrotic mediator. Rutin (Ru) is a plant-derived flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but its low bioavailability limits therapeutic efficacy. This study investigated whether rutin-phytoreduced gold nanoparticles (RuAuNPs) enhanced rutin delivery leading to antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects in a rat model of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis was induced by oral administration of thioacetamide (TAA, 150 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) for six weeks. Following fibrosis induction, the animals were treated with free rutin (30 mg/kg body weight), RuAuNPs (0.3 mg/kg body weight), or AuNPs (0.3 mg/kg body weight), both expressed as nanoparticle mass, all administered orally for four weeks. RuAuNPs were synthesized by green rutin-mediated reduction and further characterized by TEM, DLS, and FTIR spectroscopy; they were spherical, showing an average hydrodynamic size of 104.1 nm (PDI 0.345). FTIR confirmed rutin capping. Biological effects were evaluated by liver morphology (H&E histology, TEM), biochemical assessment of liver aminotransferases and glico-lipidic status, ELISA and spectrophotometry measurement of redox biomarkers (lipid peroxidation, glutathione status, antioxidant enzymes), cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and TGF-β. TAA-induced hepatic injury and remodeling with increased profibrotic signaling, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Free rutin slightly ameliorated the liver damage, whereas RuAuNP improved histological features, reduced TGF-β and pro-inflammatory cytokines, decreased lipid peroxidation, and supported antioxidant defenses. Overall, RuAuNP may enhance rutin efficacy in TAA-induced liver fibrosis, with novelty stemming from the integrated in vivo evaluation of tissue changes and key profibrotic/oxidative/inflammatory pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress on the Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Organisms)

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16 pages, 5475 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Facile Nanocarrier for Paclitaxel Delivery Based on Carboxymethyl Chitosan Encapsulated 6-Deoxy-6-Mercapto-β-Cyclodextrin Grafted Concave Cubic Gold

by Hao Li, Lin Zhang, You Long, Chao Shen, Song Zhang, Fang Chen, Nan Chen and Chenghong Huang

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060378 - 21 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Paclitaxel is a first-line anticancer drug, but its low water solubility impedes bioavailability. The purpose of this study is to estalish a delivery strategy via carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)-encapsulated 6-deoxy-6-mercapto-β-cyclodextrins (dmβCDs)-modified concave cubic gold (CCGs) to achieve PTX release. CCGs were initially synthesized by [...] Read more.

Paclitaxel is a first-line anticancer drug, but its low water solubility impedes bioavailability. The purpose of this study is to estalish a delivery strategy via carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)-encapsulated 6-deoxy-6-mercapto-β-cyclodextrins (dmβCDs)-modified concave cubic gold (CCGs) to achieve PTX release. CCGs were initially synthesized by the one-pot method and further modified by dmβCDs, the dmβCDs can effectively capture PTX molecules, followed by encapsulation with CMCS, and then prepare pH-responsive CMCS/dmβCDs/CCGs nanocarriers after lyophilization. Results indicated that desirable hexagonal CCGs with 50 ± 5 nm size can be obtained by adjusting H₂O₂ and HClO concentration. FT-IR, Raman and XRD spectra had confirmed dmβCDs successfully grafted to the surface of CCGs. Drug loading experiments demonstrated that the nanocarrier encapsulated PTX in amorphous powder or molecular form have a capacity of 55.05 µg/mL. Drug release experiments revealed PTX release from CMCS/dmβCDs/CCGs nanocarriers carrying a typical pH-responsive profile and indicating earlier release in an acidic environment than in a neutral or alkaline environment. The proposed method can be utilized to effectually achieve high-efficiency solubilization and targeted release inside tumor cells of PTX. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery Using Inorganic Nanoparticles)

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19 pages, 7779 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Analytical Modeling Study on the Thermal Behavior of Copper–Carbon Nanotube Composite Through-Silicon Via (TSV)

by Kai Ying and Jie Liang

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060377 - 21 Mar 2026

Viewed by 269

Abstract

In this study, the Monte Carlo (MC) method is employed to generate the diameter and relative positional distributions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Based on this, we develop a three-layer thermal model for a copper-carbon nanotube (Cu-CNT) through-silicon via (TSV). By integrating Gauss–Hermite quadrature [...] Read more.

In this study, the Monte Carlo (MC) method is employed to generate the diameter and relative positional distributions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Based on this, we develop a three-layer thermal model for a copper-carbon nanotube (Cu-CNT) through-silicon via (TSV). By integrating Gauss–Hermite quadrature with the Law of Large Numbers (LLN), an analytical expression for thermal conductivity is derived, enabling efficient and accurate estimation of the thermal conductivity of Cu-CNT-filled TSV. Contrary to expectations, the thermal conductivity of TSV does not increase significantly with CNT volume fraction, primarily due to the interfacial thermal resistance at Cu-CNT and CNT-CNT junctions. Through calibration against previously reported experimental data, the effective Cu-CNT interfacial thermal resistance is estimated to be on the order of 10⁻⁷ m²K/W. Comparison with previously reported effective thermal conductivity data of Cu-CNT composites shows that the model maintains an error below 2% when the CNT volume fraction is below 10%. The model is therefore most suitable for low CNT volume fractions, where the assumed spatial distribution and structural simplifications remain physically valid. Furthermore, this study investigates the influence of TSV length on thermal performance, predicts the variation in thermal conductivity of Cu-CNT composites under different volume fractions, and the extracted thermal conductivity values are further used as material inputs for device-level electro-thermal COMSOL 6.1 simulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanocomposite Materials)

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20 pages, 5554 KB

Open AccessArticle

CaCO₃/BiO_2−x/CdS Composite with Rapid Photocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI) Under Visible Light

by Chao Liu, Chongxue Huang, Chaohao Hu, Dianhui Wang, Yan Zhong and Chengying Tang

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060376 - 21 Mar 2026

Viewed by 254

Abstract

CaCO₃/BiO_2−x/CdS (CCO/BO/CS) ternary composite photocatalyst was synthesized via a hydrothermal method combined with chemical precipitation, and its performance in the photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) under visible light was systematically investigated. Compared with pure BiO_2−x, CdS, [...] Read more.

CaCO₃/BiO_2−x/CdS (CCO/BO/CS) ternary composite photocatalyst was synthesized via a hydrothermal method combined with chemical precipitation, and its performance in the photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) under visible light was systematically investigated. Compared with pure BiO_2−x, CdS, and binary BiO_2−x/CdS composites, the CCO/BO/CS system exhibited significantly enhanced Cr(VI) reduction activity. Specifically, the CCO/BO/CS (0.75:1:2 wt) composite achieved a Cr(VI) reduction efficiency of 94.53% within 30 min of visible light irradiation—approximately 94.6 times and 6.1 times higher than those of BiO_2−x (1.0%) and CdS (15.52%). Photoelectrochemical and trapping experiments revealed that the enhanced performance stems from improved charge separation, accelerated interfacial electron transfer, and the promotional role of CaCO₃—likely through lattice distortion—rather than direct photocatalytic participation. This study highlights the innovation of incorporating low-cost, eco-friendly calcium carbonate into semiconductor-based photocatalysts to induce lattice distortion for enhanced charge separation, as an effective strategy for improving the reduction efficiency of Cr(VI). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Advanced Functional Materials in Photocatalysis and Their Role in Sustainable Technologies)

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12 pages, 4755 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermally Engineered Nickel-Tungsten Oxide Films for Energy Efficient Electrochromic Devices

by Usha K.S. and Sang Yeol Lee

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060375 - 20 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Nickel-oxide-based anodic electrochromic materials are extensively utilized as counter electrodes in smart window systems due to their reversible optical response during ion insertion and extraction. This study systematically investigates the influence of substrate temperature on the electrochromic properties of sputtered nickel-tungsten oxide thin [...] Read more.

Nickel-oxide-based anodic electrochromic materials are extensively utilized as counter electrodes in smart window systems due to their reversible optical response during ion insertion and extraction. This study systematically investigates the influence of substrate temperature on the electrochromic properties of sputtered nickel-tungsten oxide thin films. The deposited thin films exhibit an amorphous structure. An increase in substrate temperature results in a decrease in nickel-vacancy concentration. Raman spectroscopy verifies the amorphous nature. Films deposited at lower substrate temperatures exhibit superior electrochromic performance, characterized by improved optical contrast of 64% and rapid coloration (2.21 s) and bleaching (0.93 s) dynamics. The enhanced performance is ascribed to the disordered amorphous structure and the existence of enough nickel vacancies, which collectively facilitate efficient and reversible lithium-ion transfer. This study illustrates that meticulous regulation of substrate temperature is an effective method for adjusting the microstructure and defect chemistry of nickel–tungsten oxide thin films, rendering them appropriate as effective counter electrodes for energy-efficient smart window applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Research of Semiconductor Micro-Nano Structure Optoelectronic Devices)

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24 pages, 4516 KB

Open AccessArticle

Polymorph II Cellulose Nanocrystals Derived from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches for High-Efficiency COD Removal in Industrial Wastewater

by Jemina Pomalaya-Velasco, Yéssica Bendezú-Roca, Yamerson Canchanya-Huaman and Juan A. Ramos-Guivar

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060374 - 20 Mar 2026

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Abstract

This study reports the valorization of oil palm empty fruit bunches into cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for the removal of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) from industrial wastewater generated by the same processing sector. Cellulose I_β was first isolated through sequential bleaching, delignification, [...] Read more.

This study reports the valorization of oil palm empty fruit bunches into cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for the removal of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) from industrial wastewater generated by the same processing sector. Cellulose I_β was first isolated through sequential bleaching, delignification, and mercerization, and two hydrolysis routes were evaluated to obtain CNCs: a concentrated acid route (60% v/v H₂SO₄, 50 °C, 60 min) for CNCs-1 and a low-acid, long-duration route (1% v/v H₂SO₄, 80 °C, 12 h) for CNCs-2. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffractograms confirmed the polymorphic transition, assigning cellulose I_β to the intermediate materials and cellulose II to the CNC samples, with crystallite sizes of 4.99 nm for CNCs-1 and 5.43 nm for CNCs-2. Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy analysis showed the progressive removal of lignin and hemicellulose and supported the cellulose I_β to II transition through changes in hydroxyl bonding and crystallinity-related bands. Preliminary adsorption tests showed better COD removal with CNCs-2, which were therefore selected for optimization using a Box–Behnken design with the adsorbent mass, pH, and contact time as variables. The quadratic model was significant (R² = 0.9675; predicted R² = 0.8908), and the maximum COD removal reached 91.47%, decreasing the COD concentration from 2459.0 to 209.85 mg L⁻¹ under the optimum conditions of 0.09 g CNCs-2, pH 3, and 20 min. These results highlight cellulose II nanocrystals derived from oil palm waste as a promising and scalable adsorbent for industrial wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Nanocellulose and Related Polysaccharide-Based Nanomaterials in a Green Context)

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3 pages, 139 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Nanomaterials for Sustainable Green Energy

by Zhao Ding and Liangjuan Gao

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060373 - 20 Mar 2026

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Abstract

The ongoing transition toward sustainable energy systems is increasingly driven by advances in materials science [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Sustainable Green Energy)

13 pages, 2307 KB

Open AccessArticle

Photocatalytic Phenylmethylamine Coupling Reaction of Organic–Inorganic Composites Based on Benzothiophene Polymers and TiO₂

by Xin Li, Zhaozheng Yang, Lingyu Tai, Chengzhi Ma, Yuqing Hu, Jiawei Cai, Xin Shen, Pinghuai Liu, Lilin Tan and Yifan Chen

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060372 - 19 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Benzothiophene polymers, as a class of novel organic semiconductor materials, exhibit significant potential in the field of photocatalysis due to their broad light-responsive range and tunable energy level structures. In this study, a benzothiophene-based polymer organic semiconductor (denoted as P42) was integrated with [...] Read more.

Benzothiophene polymers, as a class of novel organic semiconductor materials, exhibit significant potential in the field of photocatalysis due to their broad light-responsive range and tunable energy level structures. In this study, a benzothiophene-based polymer organic semiconductor (denoted as P42) was integrated with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) via a simple sol–gel method, yielding an organic–inorganic hybrid material. This composite facilitates the modulation of energy level potentials and promotes the effective separation of photogenerated charges, thereby demonstrating remarkable synergistic catalytic performance in the photocatalytic oxidative coupling of benzylamines. By optimizing the ratio of organic to inorganic components and various photocatalytic reaction conditions, the hybrid material 1.7%P42-TiO₂, containing 1.7 wt% of the dithiophene polymer without any metal cocatalysts, exhibited outstanding performance under an air atmosphere and visible light irradiation after 12 h. It achieved a yield of over 88.7% and a selectivity exceeding 89.8% in the synthesis of N-benzoylaniline, significantly surpassing the performance of pure TiO₂ (52.9% yield, 54.9% selectivity) and P42 (54.4% yield, 54.9% selectivity). Structural and photophysical characterizations, including UV–Vis DRS, XRD, SEM, TEM, and EPR, reveal that the enhanced photocatalytic activity originates from broad visible-light absorption, improved charge separation, and well-matched energy levels. Mechanistic investigations suggest a synergistic pathway involving photoinduced hole oxidation and radical-mediated coupling. This work provides valuable insights and a reference for the solar-driven photocatalytic synthesis of nitrogen-containing platform molecules under mild conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy and Catalysis)

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8 pages, 894 KB

Open AccessPerspective

Biodegradable Nanoplastics: An Overlooked Polluting Terra Incognita Towards Global Plastic Risk Assessment?

by Xiaowei Wu, Shuai Tang, Kun Lu and Xiaoli Zhao

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060371 - 19 Mar 2026

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Abstract

To mitigate environmental plastic accumulation and close the loop on plastic, the development of biodegradable plastics has presented a promising prospect for overcoming the global plastic pollution issue. However, it is critical to examine not only their benefits but also their unintended ecological [...] Read more.

To mitigate environmental plastic accumulation and close the loop on plastic, the development of biodegradable plastics has presented a promising prospect for overcoming the global plastic pollution issue. However, it is critical to examine not only their benefits but also their unintended ecological consequences, especially for smaller-sized biodegradable nanoplastics. Our work highlights the often-overlooked risks associated with biodegradable nanoplastics. Due to the lack of environmental in situ monitoring data, the global occurrence, fate, and ecological risk of biodegradable nanoplastics remain poorly understood. Likewise, it remains unclear and questionable whether nanoplastics are eco-friendly as a promising alternative to the circular and sustainable plastic economy. We, therefore, call for a coordinated global effort to proactively mitigate the potential risks of biodegradable nanoplastics, including establishing a full-chain risk assessment system, developing key detection and simulation technologies, designing and optimizing bioplastic structures, and improving the legal supervision mechanism. These holistic efforts will facilitate the development of a sustainable practice for the closed-loop recycling of biodegradable plastics, which simultaneously helps establish a sustainable biodegradable plastic circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Research of Nanoplastic: Formation, Mechanism and Risk)

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18 pages, 2508 KB

Open AccessArticle

Giant Tunneling Electroresistance and Anisotropic Photoresponse in Sliding Ferroelectric Homojunctions Based on Bilayer Janus MoSSe

by Huxiao Yang and Yuehua Xu

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060370 - 18 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Interlayer-sliding ferroelectricity in van der Waals bilayers enables ultralow-power switching, but practical devices are often limited by contact/interface scattering and weak coupling between polarization and transport. We propose homophase lateral architectures based on bilayer Janus MoSSe: a 1T/2H/1T ferroelectric tunnel homojunction and an [...] Read more.

Interlayer-sliding ferroelectricity in van der Waals bilayers enables ultralow-power switching, but practical devices are often limited by contact/interface scattering and weak coupling between polarization and transport. We propose homophase lateral architectures based on bilayer Janus MoSSe: a 1T/2H/1T ferroelectric tunnel homojunction and an H-phase lateral p–i–n photodetector (artificially doped electrode). Metallic 1T electrodes largely eliminate contact barriers and maximize polarization-driven tunneling modulation. Using non-equilibrium Green’s function–density functional theory (Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof approximation, without explicit spin–orbit coupling), we find that AB to BA sliding reduces the current from the nA range to the pA range, with the minimum current of|I_OFF|_min = 2.83 pA, yielding giant tunneling electroresistance up to 5.3 × 10⁴%. Projected local density of states reveals a non-rigid long-range potential redistribution that reshapes the tunneling barrier and opens high-transmission channels. In the p–i–n photodetector, the response is strongly anisotropic and stacking-dependent: AB reaches photocurrent density J_ph ≈ 7.2 µA·mm⁻² at 2.6 eV for in-plane light versus ≈ 2.9 µA·mm⁻² at 3.5 eV for out-of-plane, and exceeds BA by 1.5–1.8 times due to density of states advantages and Mo-d orbital selection rules. Bilayer Janus MoSSe therefore provides a reconfigurable platform for high-contrast memory and polarization-sensitive photodetection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging 2D Materials for Future Nanoelectronics)

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22 pages, 2844 KB

Open AccessArticle

Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Citrus sinensis Leaves: Effects of Experimental Parameters, Antimicrobial Evaluation and Development of Chitosan Composites

by Jordana Bortoluz, Axel J. P. Jacquot, Lucas C. Colissi, Paula Sartori, Lílian V. R. Beltrami, Régis Guégan, Giovanna Machado, Mariana Roesch-Ely, Janaina S. Crespo and Marcelo Giovanela

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060369 - 18 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) have received considerable attention because of their wide range of applications, particularly in the development of antimicrobial materials for medical, environmental, and industrial purposes. However, conventional synthesis routes often involve the use of toxic chemicals and environmentally harmful conditions. [...] Read more.

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) have received considerable attention because of their wide range of applications, particularly in the development of antimicrobial materials for medical, environmental, and industrial purposes. However, conventional synthesis routes often involve the use of toxic chemicals and environmentally harmful conditions. To overcome these limitations, green synthesis strategies have been developed as sustainable alternatives through the use of natural reducing and stabilizing agents. In this study, Citrus sinensis leaf extract, which exhibits high antioxidant capacity, was investigated for green synthesis of CuONPs, followed by their subsequent incorporation into a chitosan polymeric matrix. The optimal synthesis conditions were achieved at a pH of 7.0 using copper(II) acetate monohydrate (Cu(CH₃COO)₂·H₂O) at a concentration of 10.0 g L⁻¹ and a calcination temperature of 300 °C. The resulting CuONPs exhibited a heterogeneous morphology, with average particle sizes ranging from 20 to 30 nm, and demonstrated satisfactory antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The incorporation of these NPs into chitosan yielded composite materials with enhanced antimicrobial performance, highlighting the added value of polymer–NP hybrid systems. Although these composite materials were not evaluated under realistic operational conditions, the optimized green protocol provides a robust methodological basis for future studies targeting water disinfection and other environmentally relevant technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biological and Pharmaceutical Applications (Third Edition))

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13 pages, 1837 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the ORMOSIL Used for the Functionalization of MSNs in the Removal of Anionic Contaminants from Sugarcane Processing Wastewater

by William A. Talavera-Pech, Carlos A. Chan-Keb, Ángel A. Bacelis-Jiménez, Judith Ruiz-Hernández, Valentina Aguilar-Melo and Claudia M. Agraz-Hernández

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060368 - 17 Mar 2026

Viewed by 323

Abstract

Water pollution from the sugar industry is a significant environmental problem as it generates effluents containing organic compounds, solids, nutrients, and chemicals such as H₃PO₄, SO₂, and Ca (OH)₂. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are a [...] Read more.

Water pollution from the sugar industry is a significant environmental problem as it generates effluents containing organic compounds, solids, nutrients, and chemicals such as H₃PO₄, SO₂, and Ca (OH)₂. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are a promising option for its treatment, due to their high surface area, and ease of functionalization using organically modified silanes (ORMOSIL) improving its adsorption of contaminants. The objective of this study is to remove anions (Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₂⁻, NO₃⁻) from the wastewater of a sugar mill in Campeche, Mexico and improve its physicochemical parameters (conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen) using MSNs functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (MSNs-APTES) or 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane (MSNs-3-2-A). The synthesized materials were characterized by FTIR and XPS analyses, which confirmed the incorporation of amino functional group and that MSNs-APTES exhibited a stronger N1s signal, indicating greater surface accessibility of amino groups. However, a partial surface masking under complex aqueous conditions was revealed. In contrast, MSNs-3-2-A showed lower apparent surface exposure of amino groups maintaining a more stable functional presence after exposure, likely due to its diamine structure promoting more confined interactions within the mesoporous framework. The results of removing anions and physicochemical parameters of wastewater exposed to MSNs indicate that treatments with MSNs-APTES and MSNs-3-2-A were able to significantly reduce the concentrations of SO₄²⁻, NO₂⁻ and NO₃⁻ anions, but not able to reduce the chloride ion. A decrease in turbidity and an increase in dissolved oxygen were also observed. Then, both materials proved to be functional and stable in contact with wastewater, demonstrating their potential for environmental remediation, particularly for the removal of anionic contaminants from sugar industry effluents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology)

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23 pages, 2145 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stability Analysis of Navier–Stokes–Voigt Fluids in Porous Media with Slippery Effect

by Jing Shi, Jiayu Zhang, Quansheng Liu, Zhaodong Ding and Ruigang Zhang

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060367 - 17 Mar 2026

Viewed by 354

Abstract

This paper investigates the linear stability of Navier–Stokes–Voigt (NSV) fluid flow in a channel filled with a homogeneous porous medium under general asymmetric slip boundary conditions. This study bridges the research gap between idealized theoretical models (uniform coating) and realistic engineering surfaces in [...] Read more.

This paper investigates the linear stability of Navier–Stokes–Voigt (NSV) fluid flow in a channel filled with a homogeneous porous medium under general asymmetric slip boundary conditions. This study bridges the research gap between idealized theoretical models (uniform coating) and realistic engineering surfaces in superhydrophobic channels. In practice, manufacturing defects often lead to non-uniform slip distributions. By solving the generalized eigenvalue problem using the Chebyshev spectral collocation method, we quantify the sensitivity of the critical Reynolds number to symmetry breaking. The results reveal that symmetric slip achieves optimal stability, whereas symmetry breaking causes a significant destabilizing effect. Energy analysis clarifies the physical origin of this instability. Furthermore, we find that increasing the porous medium permeability parameter or the Voigt regularization parameter effectively counteracts the slip-induced instability. Specifically, flow stability can be restored even under highly asymmetric slip conditions if the porous damping or the viscoelastic regularization effect is sufficiently strong. This implies that inevitable manufacturing defects in engineering can be compensated for by optimizing the porous medium matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Theory and Simulation of Nanostructures)

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11 pages, 1794 KB

Open AccessArticle

Glucose-Assisted Synthesis of In₂O₃ Nanorods for High-Performance Ozone Detection

by Xiumei Xu, Yi Zhou, Haijiao Zhang, Mengmeng Dai, Gui Wang, Gang Yang and Yongsheng Zhu

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060366 - 17 Mar 2026

Viewed by 328

Abstract

In₂O₃ has high electron mobility, strong affinity for oxidizing gases, and abundant tunable surface oxygen species. These features enable efficient charge transfer during ozone adsorption, making In₂O₃ a promising ozone-sensing material. However, conventional In₂O₃ [...] Read more.

In₂O₃ has high electron mobility, strong affinity for oxidizing gases, and abundant tunable surface oxygen species. These features enable efficient charge transfer during ozone adsorption, making In₂O₃ a promising ozone-sensing material. However, conventional In₂O₃-based gas sensors still suffer from insufficient sensitivity at low ozone concentrations and slow response/recovery rates, limiting their performance for high-precision gas detection. In this study, morphology-controlled In₂O₃ nanorods were synthesized via a glucose-assisted hydrothermal method, enabling coordinated regulation of the material structure and surface properties. Compared with conventional In₂O₃ nanocubes, the glucose-modulated In₂O₃ nanorods exhibited an approximately sevenfold increase in response toward 1 ppm O₃, indicating markedly improved capability for detecting low-concentration ozone. In addition, the sensor demonstrated a relatively low detection limit of about 80 ppb and fast response/recovery behavior (108 s/238 s). This strategy improves gas sensing performance through morphology optimization, increased surface active sites, and enhanced electron transport, offering a feasible materials design route for high-performance ozone gas sensors and showing potential for real-time environmental ozone monitoring and related applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices)

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26 pages, 3293 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tuning the Optoelectronic and Photovoltaic Properties of Natural Chlorophyll Dye Molecules via Solvent Interaction: A Computational Insight

by Mohammed A. Al-Seady, Hussein Hakim Abed, Hayder M. Abduljalil and Mousumi Upadhyay Kahaly

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060365 - 17 Mar 2026

Viewed by 275

Abstract

The chlorophyll molecule is considered a low-cost material, easy to synthesize, and easily extracted from plant leaves. It exhibits high chemical stability, structural flexibility, and high absorbance ability at the visible range of electromagnetic radiation. In this work, the geometrical, electronic, and optical [...] Read more.

The chlorophyll molecule is considered a low-cost material, easy to synthesize, and easily extracted from plant leaves. It exhibits high chemical stability, structural flexibility, and high absorbance ability at the visible range of electromagnetic radiation. In this work, the geometrical, electronic, and optical properties of pure, dissolved, and doped chlorophyll (C1) natural organic dye were computed by density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). The solvents considered include water (H₂O), acetone (C₂H₆O), dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂), chloroform (CH₃Cl), and dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO) (C₂H₆OS). The solar photovoltaic parameters, such as light-harvesting efficiency (LHE), oscillation strength (f), free energy of electron injection (

{Δ G}_{I n j .}

) and regeneration (

{Δ G}_{R e g .}

), open-circuit voltaic (V_OC), and efficiency (

η

), were also investigated. The evaluated energy gap slightly shifted from 1.920 eV to 1.980 eV based on the solvent polarity, while the UV-Visible absorption spectrum red-shifted from 422.3 nm to 439.8 nm, improving the overall efficiency up to 21.5% in DMSO solvent. The (LHE) and (

{Δ G}_{I n j .}

) properties regarding Cl molecules improved up to 69.1% and −1.384 eV when dissolved in chloroform and DMSO solvents, respectively. Doping C1 molecule via metal transition atoms such as zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) further modified the optical and photovoltaic performance. Doped C1 molecule via Cu atom shows the best photonic results, including the highest open-circuit voltage (V_oc) and conversion efficiency (

Ƞ

), while the Ni-doped C1 dye displays the longest lifetime, 1.699 µs, and the highest electronic coupling constant, 1.975 eV; thus, it has the superior photovoltaic performance. These results demonstrate that both solvents and transition metal atom modification significantly improve C1 performance, making metal-doped C1 a promising low-cost and eco-friendly sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanogenerators for Energy and Electrochemical Applications)

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18 pages, 3607 KB

Open AccessArticle

Organometallic Synthesis of Platinum-Based Nanomaterials for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

by Nargiz Kazimova, Nuria Romero, Jérôme Esvan, Marjorie Cavarroc, Sara Cavaliere and Karine Philippot

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060364 - 17 Mar 2026

Viewed by 355

Abstract

Pt-based catalysts remain the most effective materials for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs); however, platinum scarcity and high cost severely limit the large-scale deployment of the technology. Improving catalytic activity and durability through [...] Read more.

Pt-based catalysts remain the most effective materials for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs); however, platinum scarcity and high cost severely limit the large-scale deployment of the technology. Improving catalytic activity and durability through precise control of nanoparticle morphology is therefore crucial for reducing costs and enhancing sustainability, enabling PEMFC widespread adoption. In this context, carbon-supported Pt-based nanoparticles with a 30 wt.% Pt loading were synthesized by an organometallic chemistry approach using hexadecylamine (HDA) as a stabilizer, allowing fine control over nanoparticle morphology. Two distinct synthesis pathways (one-pot and two-step procedures) were used to prepare platinum catalysts supported on KetjenBlack EC-300J (KB), and their influence on the electrocatalytic activity of the obtained nanomaterials was studied. Furthermore, the effect of HDA stabilization on catalyst performance was investigated. Directly synthesized Pt/KB catalysts exhibited similar ORR mass activity, regardless of whether or not HDA was present. Pt/KB prepared by the two-step procedure showed a significantly lower performance. Additionally, despite a larger loss of electrochemical surface area during an accelerated stress test compared to a commercial Pt/C reference, Pt^HDA/KB and Pt/KB catalysts maintained stable mass activity and limited specific activity degradation, highlighting the beneficial effect of nanoparticle stabilization in the presence of HDA on prolonged electrocatalyst cycling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Nanomaterials—Women in Nanomaterials)

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9 pages, 1109 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thiol-Amine Processed PbS Thin Films for Enhanced Near-Infrared Photodetection

by Yuanze Hong, Zhipeng Wei and Xiaohua Wang

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060363 - 17 Mar 2026

Viewed by 306

Abstract

Developing reliable processing routes for semiconductor thin films is essential for advancing photodetection technologies. The amine-thiol solvent system, in comparison with other liquid-phase synthesis methods, does not necessitate stepwise ion-exchange reactions. It is capable of obtaining the target semiconductor thin film by directly [...] Read more.

Developing reliable processing routes for semiconductor thin films is essential for advancing photodetection technologies. The amine-thiol solvent system, in comparison with other liquid-phase synthesis methods, does not necessitate stepwise ion-exchange reactions. It is capable of obtaining the target semiconductor thin film by directly dissolving bulk powder followed by subsequent annealing. Although PbO can be dissolved in this solvent as a raw material to obtain PbS thin films, the structural evolution, optical properties, and photodetection performance of the films obtained via this solvent system still require further exploration. This solvent system was employed to prepare PbS thin films, and a comprehensive investigation was carried out on the evolution of their structure, morphology, and optical properties during preheating and annealing treatments. During preheating, the films exhibit directional ordering within the organic matrix, which converts into phase-pure PbS upon annealing. Based on the optimized films, interdigitated photodetectors and hybrid devices integrated with graphene transistors are fabricated. The resulting devices exhibit strong photoresponse and operational stability, demonstrating the viability of amine-thiol-processed PbS films for photodetection applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Research of Semiconductor Micro-Nano Structure Optoelectronic Devices)

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21 pages, 2030 KB

Open AccessReview

Green-Synthesized Nanomaterials for Catalytic Reduction of para-Nitrophenol and Methylene Blue: Recent Advances and Perspectives

by Himanshi Soni, Monika Bhattu, Mikhael Bechelany and Jagpreet Singh

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060362 - 16 Mar 2026

Viewed by 362

Abstract

Nitrophenol (NP) and methylene blue (MB) are considered among the most hazardous organic contaminants frequently released from pharmaceutical, textile, and paper industries, posing significant risks to both human health and the environment. The conventional treatment involves adsorption, oxidation, biological, filtration, and other photochemical [...] Read more.

Nitrophenol (NP) and methylene blue (MB) are considered among the most hazardous organic contaminants frequently released from pharmaceutical, textile, and paper industries, posing significant risks to both human health and the environment. The conventional treatment involves adsorption, oxidation, biological, filtration, and other photochemical degradation methods, which often suffer from low efficiency, limited reusability, and the production of secondary toxic by-products. In this context, the nanomaterials (NMs) mediated catalytic reduction of MB into leucomethylene blue and p-NP into p-aminophenol (p-AP) has emerged as a promising approach, due to its high efficiency and effectiveness. This review emphasizes the green synthesis of NMs for catalytic applications, which align with the principles of the circular economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This thorough review systematically examines the mechanistic understanding of the reduction of both p-NP and MB via different green synthesized NMs and evaluating their catalytic efficiencies. Furthermore, a detailed discussion of the reduction of pollutants (p-NP and MB) is provided, along with their mechanistic insights. In addition, this paper also provides a comparative table highlighting the effects of using different precursors, experimental conditions on the conversion catalytic efficiency and reusability potency. Thus, this work provides the insights into recent research on the catalytic reduction of p-NP and MB into valuable products, highlighting the significance of green synthesized nanocatalysts for effective wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites for Water Remediation: Synthesis and Current Applications)

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17 pages, 2845 KB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles for the Magnetic Removal of Algae That Bind Cadmium

by Péter Koska, Tímea Fóris, Kitti Gráczer, Ágnes Mária Állné Ilosvai, Ferenc Kristály, Lajos Daróczi, László Vanyorek and Béla Viskolcz

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060361 - 16 Mar 2026

Viewed by 309

Abstract

The removal of cadmium from contaminated water remains a critical challenge due to its high toxicity, persistence, and limited treatability at low concentrations. In this study, we propose a novel algal–nanoparticle system that integrates cadmium adsorption by Chlorella vulgaris with zinc ferrite (ZnFe [...] Read more.

The removal of cadmium from contaminated water remains a critical challenge due to its high toxicity, persistence, and limited treatability at low concentrations. In this study, we propose a novel algal–nanoparticle system that integrates cadmium adsorption by Chlorella vulgaris with zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄) nanoparticle-assisted sedimentation, with the aim of addressing a significant operational challenge in algal remediation. The microalgal biomass demonstrated the capacity to remove cadmium with efficiencies exceeding 90%, facilitated by adsorption through surface functional groups. The incorporation of ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles promoted the formation of dense, magnetically responsive aggregates, significantly accelerating biomass settling without the necessity for additional chemical flocculants. The strategy’s efficacy is evidenced by its enhancement of metal removal and solid–liquid separation processes, which renders it a potentially scalable and environmentally sustainable approach for the treatment of cadmium-contaminated wastewater. The strategy holds relevance for effluents derived from mining, electroplating, fertilizer production and battery manufacturing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology)

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34 pages, 32077 KB

Open AccessReview

Rational Design of Hollow Nanostructures: Engineering the Cavity Microenvironment for Advanced Electrocatalysis

by Yong-Gang Sun, Xin Wang, Jian Xiong, Yi-Han Zhang, Jin-Yi Ding, Bo Peng, Yuan Gu, Yi-Cong Xie, Kang-Lin Zhang, Mao Yuan and Xi-Jie Lin

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060360 - 15 Mar 2026

Viewed by 462

Abstract

Hollow nanostructures have emerged as a pivotal class of nanomaterials in electrocatalysis, offering intrinsic advantages such as high surface-to-volume ratios, reduced density, and economical utilization of precious metals. However, the prevailing research paradigm has predominantly focused on the external shell characteristics while overlooking [...] Read more.

Hollow nanostructures have emerged as a pivotal class of nanomaterials in electrocatalysis, offering intrinsic advantages such as high surface-to-volume ratios, reduced density, and economical utilization of precious metals. However, the prevailing research paradigm has predominantly focused on the external shell characteristics while overlooking the decisive role of the interior cavity microenvironment. This review introduces a novel conceptual framework that positions the rational engineering of the cavity microenvironment—encompassing mass transport dynamics, localized electronic structure modulation, active site exposure, and structural stability—as a unified design principle for next-generation electrocatalysts. We systematically elucidate how precise control over cavity geometry, composition, and interfacial properties can optimize electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction (ORR), oxygen evolution (OER), and hydrogen evolution (HER) reactions. By correlating microenvironmental parameters with catalytic metrics, we establish structure–property–performance relationships and highlight recent breakthroughs. Finally, we outline future challenges in achieving atomic-level precision in cavity design, understanding dynamic evolution under operating conditions, and scaling up synthesis for industrial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Electrochemistry: Synthesis and Applications of Electrocatalysts)

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26 pages, 7181 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation into Stability, Heat Transfer, and Flow Characteristics of TiO₂-SiO₂ Hybrid Nanofluids Under Multiple Influencing Factors

by Jiahao Wu, Zhuang Li, Weiwei Jian and Danzhu Ma

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060359 - 15 Mar 2026

Viewed by 436

Abstract

Extensive research and empirical evidence demonstrate that nanofluids enhance heat transfer efficiency in microchannels, but this improvement is often accompanied by increased pressure drop and particle clogging. This study aims to determine the optimal parameters for preparing stable nanofluids and to discuss the [...] Read more.

Extensive research and empirical evidence demonstrate that nanofluids enhance heat transfer efficiency in microchannels, but this improvement is often accompanied by increased pressure drop and particle clogging. This study aims to determine the optimal parameters for preparing stable nanofluids and to discuss the effects of different parameters on thermal and hydraulic performance. By analyzing the impact of varying ultrasonication time, particle concentration, particle size, surfactant type, and mixing ratios on stability, the most stable nanofluid was selected for evaluation of flow heat transfer and cost-effectiveness. Results indicate that a 1:1 mixed nanofluid of TiO₂ (20 nm)-SiO₂ (50 nm) exhibits optimal stability under conditions of 90 min ultrasonication, 0.20 vol% total particle concentration, and 0.15 wt% xanthan gum. At a Reynolds number of 550, this mixed nanofluid exhibits superior thermal performance. Compared with deionized water, its convective heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number increase by 40.25% and 37.94%, respectively, while the pressure drop rises by only 17.18%. The performance evaluation criterion reaches 1.43, accompanied by a high cost–performance factor. These findings demonstrate that mixing large and small particles of TiO₂ and SiO₂ not only significantly enhances thermal performance but also positively impacts stability and hydraulic properties. A 90 min ultrasonic treatment time markedly improves stability and optimizes dynamic light scattering results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy and Catalysis)

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18 pages, 4480 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Rashba Effect and Optical Absorption in 2D Janus XMoYZ₂ (X = S/Se/Te; Y = Si/Ge; Z = N/P): A First-Principles Study

by Xiaochuan Liu, Meng Li, Ningru Shang, Peng Guo, Hongyue Song, Bin Zhao, Lin Li and Jianjun Wang

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060358 - 14 Mar 2026

Viewed by 302

Abstract

To overcome the physical constraints during the miniaturization of conventional semiconductor devices, spintronics is playing an increasingly prominent role. The Rashba effect, characterized by spin–momentum locking, has emerged as a promising solution to address challenges. Two-dimensional (2D) Janus transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) break [...] Read more.

To overcome the physical constraints during the miniaturization of conventional semiconductor devices, spintronics is playing an increasingly prominent role. The Rashba effect, characterized by spin–momentum locking, has emerged as a promising solution to address challenges. Two-dimensional (2D) Janus transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) break spatial inversion symmetry, creating favorable conditions for the Rashba effect. Based on first-principles calculations, 2D Janus materials XMoYZ₂ (X = S/Se/Te; Y = Si/Ge; Z = N/P) were investigated, with strain, external electric field and charge doping employed to modulate the Rashba effect. The strain results reveal that the Rashba constants of XMoYZ₂ increase significantly with compressive strain. Specifically, after applying uniaxial strain, the Rashba constant of TeMoSiP₂ is enhanced to ~2.2 times its initial value. Compressive strain reduces atomic spacing, enhances orbital overlap, and increases spin–orbit coupling (SOC) strength. All the TeMoYZ₂ materials exhibit significant anisotropy under uniaxial strain, which is favorable for spin-oriented transport. SeMoGeP₂ shows an almost linear Rashba constant–electric field correlation, while TeMoGeP₂ and TeMoSiP₂ show non-monotonic variation. The Rashba constant of TeMoSiP₂ can be enhanced to ~2.7 times its intrinsic value under either positive or negative applied electric fields. Charge doping induces negligible changes in the SOC effect. Finally, the optical absorption properties of TeMoGeP₂, TeMoSiN₂, and TeMoSiP₂ were investigated. This study clarifies the mechanism underlying the enhancement of Rashba constants in XMoYZ₂ materials, enriching the research landscape of spintronics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiscale Modeling and Characterization Technique of Advanced Nanostructured Materials for Extreme Service)

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Nanomaterials, Volume 16, Issue 6 (March-2 2026) – 48 articles

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