Editor’s Choice Articles

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

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11 pages, 7311 KiB  
Article
Large-Scale High-Accuracy and High-Efficiency Phase Plate Machining
by Guanhua Wang, Zhaoxiang Liu, Lvbin Song, Jianglin Guan, Wei Chen, Jian Liu, Jinming Chen, Min Wang and Ya Cheng
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(19), 1563; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14191563 - 27 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1247
Abstract
In this paper, multifunctional, multilevel phase plates of quartz substrate were efficiently prepared by using a newly developed polygon scanner-based femtosecond laser photolithography system combined with inductively coupled discharge plasma reactive-ion etching (ICP-RIE) technology. The femtosecond laser photolithography system can achieve a scanning [...] Read more.
In this paper, multifunctional, multilevel phase plates of quartz substrate were efficiently prepared by using a newly developed polygon scanner-based femtosecond laser photolithography system combined with inductively coupled discharge plasma reactive-ion etching (ICP-RIE) technology. The femtosecond laser photolithography system can achieve a scanning speed of 5 m/s and a preparation efficiency of 15 cm2/h while ensuring an overlay alignment accuracy of less than 100 nm and a writing resolution of 500 nm. The ICP-RIE technology can control the etching depth error within ±5 nm and the mask-to-mask edge error is less than 1 μm. An 8-level Fresnel lens phase plate with a focal length of 20 mm and an 8-level Fresnel axicon phase plate with a cone angle of 5° were demonstrated. The diffraction efficiency was greater than 93%, and their performance was tested for focusing and glass cutting, respectively. Combined with the high-speed femtosecond laser photolithography system’s infinite field-of-view (IFOV) processing capability, the one-time direct writing preparation of phase plate masks of different sizes was realized on a 6-inch wafer. This is expected to reduce the production cost of quartz substrate diffractive optical elements and promote their customized mass production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanofabrication and Nanomanufacturing)
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14 pages, 1546 KiB  
Article
Mobility Gaps of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Related to Hydrogen Concentration and Its Influence on Electrical Performance
by Francesca Peverini, Saba Aziz, Aishah Bashiri, Marco Bizzarri, Maurizio Boscardin, Lucio Calcagnile, Carlo Calcatelli, Daniela Calvo, Silvia Caponi, Mirco Caprai, Domenico Caputo, Anna Paola Caricato, Roberto Catalano, Roberto Cirro, Giuseppe Antonio Pablo Cirrone, Michele Crivellari, Tommaso Croci, Giacomo Cuttone, Gianpiero de Cesare, Paolo De Remigis, Sylvain Dunand, Michele Fabi, Luca Frontini, Livio Fanò, Benedetta Gianfelici, Catia Grimani, Omar Hammad, Maria Ionica, Keida Kanxheri, Matthew Large, Francesca Lenta, Valentino Liberali, Nicola Lovecchio, Maurizio Martino, Giuseppe Maruccio, Giovanni Mazza, Mauro Menichelli, Anna Grazia Monteduro, Francesco Moscatelli, Arianna Morozzi, Augusto Nascetti, Stefania Pallotta, Andrea Papi, Daniele Passeri, Marco Petasecca, Giada Petringa, Igor Pis, Pisana Placidi, Gianluca Quarta, Silvia Rizzato, Alessandro Rossi, Giulia Rossi, Federico Sabbatini, Andrea Scorzoni, Leonello Servoli, Alberto Stabile, Silvia Tacchi, Cinzia Talamonti, Jonathan Thomet, Luca Tosti, Giovanni Verzellesi, Mattia Villani, Richard James Wheadon, Nicolas Wyrsch, Nicola Zema and Maddalena Pedioadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(19), 1551; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14191551 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1594
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive study of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si)-based detectors, utilizing electrical characterization, Raman spectroscopy, photoemission, and inverse photoemission techniques. The unique properties of a-Si have sparked interest in its application for radiation detection in both physics and medicine. Although amorphous [...] Read more.
This paper presents a comprehensive study of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si)-based detectors, utilizing electrical characterization, Raman spectroscopy, photoemission, and inverse photoemission techniques. The unique properties of a-Si have sparked interest in its application for radiation detection in both physics and medicine. Although amorphous silicon (a-Si) is inherently a highly defective material, hydrogenation significantly reduces defect density, enabling its use in radiation detector devices. Spectroscopic measurements provide insights into the intricate relationship between the structure and electronic properties of a-Si, enhancing our understanding of how specific configurations, such as the choice of substrate, can markedly influence detector performance. In this study, we compare the performance of a-Si detectors deposited on two different substrates: crystalline silicon (c-Si) and flexible Kapton. Our findings suggest that detectors deposited on Kapton exhibit reduced sensitivity, despite having comparable noise and leakage current levels to those on crystalline silicon. We hypothesize that this discrepancy may be attributed to the substrate material, differences in film morphology, and/or the alignment of energy levels. Further measurements are planned to substantiate these hypotheses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanotechnology in Intelligent Flexible Devices)
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17 pages, 9752 KiB  
Article
Impact of Silver Incorporation and Flash-Lamp-Annealing on the Photocatalytic Response of Sputtered ZnO Films
by Leo Álvarez-Fraga, Raúl Gago, David G. Calatayud, Slawomir Prucnal and Olga Sánchez
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(18), 1519; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14181519 - 19 Sep 2024
Viewed by 987
Abstract
Thin films of silver-doped zinc oxide (SZO) were deposited at room temperature using a DC reactive magnetron co-sputtering technique using two independent Zn and Ag targets. The crystallographic structure, chemical composition and surface morphology of SZO films with different silver concentrations were correlated [...] Read more.
Thin films of silver-doped zinc oxide (SZO) were deposited at room temperature using a DC reactive magnetron co-sputtering technique using two independent Zn and Ag targets. The crystallographic structure, chemical composition and surface morphology of SZO films with different silver concentrations were correlated with the photocatalytic (PC) properties. The crystallization of the SZO films was made using millisecond range flash-lamp-annealing (FLA) treatments. FLA induces significant structural ordering of the wurtzite structure and an in-depth redistribution of silver, resulting in the formation of silver agglomerates. The wurtzite ZnO structure is observed for silver contents below 10 at.% where Ag is partially incorporated into the oxide matrix, inducing a decrease in the optical band-gap. Regardless of the silver content, all the as-grown SZO films do not exhibit any significant PC activity. The best PC response is achieved for samples with a relatively low Ag content (2–5 at.%) after FLA treatment. The enhanced PC activity of SZO upon FLA can be attributed to structural ordering and the effective band-gap narrowing through the combination of silver doping and the plasmonic effect caused by the formation of Ag clusters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Properties of Metal Oxide Thin Films)
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23 pages, 5179 KiB  
Article
Comparison In Vitro Study on the Interface between Skin and Bone Cell Cultures and Microporous Titanium Samples Manufactured with 3D Printing Technology Versus Sintered Samples
by Maxim Shevtsov, Emil Pitkin, Stephanie E. Combs, Greg Van Der Meulen, Chris Preucil and Mark Pitkin
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(18), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14181484 - 12 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1338
Abstract
Percutaneous implants osseointegrated into the residuum of a person with limb amputation need to provide mechanical stability and protection against infections. Although significant progress has been made in the biointegration of percutaneous implants, the problem of forming a reliable natural barrier at the [...] Read more.
Percutaneous implants osseointegrated into the residuum of a person with limb amputation need to provide mechanical stability and protection against infections. Although significant progress has been made in the biointegration of percutaneous implants, the problem of forming a reliable natural barrier at the level of the surface of the implant and the skin and bone tissues remains unresolved. The use of a microporous implant structure incorporated into the Skin and Bone Integrated Pylon (SBIP) should address the issue by allowing soft and bone tissues to grow directly into the implant structure itself, which, in turn, should form a reliable barrier to infections and support strong osseointegration. To evaluate biological interactions between dermal fibroblasts and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts in vitro, small titanium discs (with varying pore sizes and volume fractions to achieve deep porosity) were fabricated via 3D printing and sintering. The cell viability MTT assay demonstrated low cytotoxicity for cells co-cultured in the pores of the 3D-printed and sintered Ti samples during the 14-day follow-up period. A subsequent Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of the relative gene expression of biomarkers that are associated with cell adhesion (α2, α5, αV, and β1 integrins) and extracellular matrix components (fibronectin, vitronectin, type I collagen) demonstrated that micropore sizes ranging from 200 to 500 µm of the 3D printed and sintered Ti discs were favorable for dermal fibroblast adhesion. For example, for representative 3D-printed Ti sample S6 at 72 h the values were 4.71 ± 0.08 (α2 integrin), 4.96 ± 0.08 (α5 integrin), 4.71 ± 0.08 (αV integrin), and 1.87 ± 0.12 (β1 integrin). In contrast, Ti discs with pore sizes ranging from 400 to 800 µm demonstrated the best results (in terms of marker expression related to osteogenic differentiation, including osteopontin, osteonectin, osteocalcin, TGF-β1, and SMAD4) for MC3T3-E1 cells. For example, for the representative 3D sample S4 on day 14, the marker levels were 11.19 ± 0.77 (osteopontin), 7.15 ± 0.29 (osteonectin), and 6.08 ± 0.12 (osteocalcin), while for sintered samples the levels of markers constituted 5.85 ± 0.4 (osteopontin), 4.45 ± 0.36 (osteonectin), and 4.46 ± 0.3 (osteocalcin). In conclusion, the data obtained show the high biointegrative properties of porous titanium structures, while the ability to implement several pore options in one structure using 3D printing makes it possible to create personalized implants for the best one-time integration with both skin and bone tissues. Full article
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17 pages, 20722 KiB  
Article
AFM for Nanomechanical Assessment of Polymer Overcoatings on Nanoparticle-Decorated Biomaterials
by Jonathan Wood, Dennis Palms, Ruvini Dabare, Krasimir Vasilev and Richard Bright
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(18), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14181475 - 11 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1231
Abstract
Nanoparticle adhesion to polymer and similar substrates may be prone to low nano-Newton forces, disrupting the surface bonds and patterning, potentially reducing the functionality of complex surface patterns. Testing this, a functionalised surface reported for biological and medical applications, consisting of a thin [...] Read more.
Nanoparticle adhesion to polymer and similar substrates may be prone to low nano-Newton forces, disrupting the surface bonds and patterning, potentially reducing the functionality of complex surface patterns. Testing this, a functionalised surface reported for biological and medical applications, consisting of a thin plasma-derived oxazoline-based film with 68 nm diameter covalently bound colloidal gold nanoparticles attached within an aqueous solution, underwent nanomechanical analysis. Atomic Force Microscopy nanomechanical analysis was used to quantify the limits of various adaptations to these nanoparticle-featured substrates. Regular and laterally applied forces in the nano-Newton range were shown to de-adhere surface-bound gold nanoparticles. Applying a nanometre-thick overcoating anchored the nanoparticles to the surface and protected the underlying base substrate in a one-step process to improve the overall stability of the functionalised substrate against lower-range forces. The thickness of the oxazoline-based overcoating displayed protection from forces at different rates. Testing overcoating thickness ranging from 5 to 20 nm in 5 nm increments revealed a significant improvement in stability using a 20 nm-thick overcoating. This approach underscores the importance of optimising overcoating thickness to enhance nanoparticle-based surface modifications’ durability and functional integrity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Antibacterial Properties of Metal-Based Nanomaterials)
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10 pages, 1916 KiB  
Article
Adhesion Strength Enhancement of Butyl Rubber and Aluminum Using Nanoscale Self-Assembled Monolayers of Various Silane Coupling Agents for Vibration Damping Plates
by So Rim Lee, Dang Xuan Nghia, Jin Young Oh and Tae Il Lee
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(18), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14181480 - 11 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1338
Abstract
In this paper, we enhance the adhesion strength of butyl rubber-based vibrational damping plates using nanoscale self-assembled monolayers of various silane coupling agents. The silane coupling agents used to chemically modify the plate’s aluminum surface include 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), (3-glycidyloxypropyl) triethoxysilane (GPTES), 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS), [...] Read more.
In this paper, we enhance the adhesion strength of butyl rubber-based vibrational damping plates using nanoscale self-assembled monolayers of various silane coupling agents. The silane coupling agents used to chemically modify the plate’s aluminum surface include 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), (3-glycidyloxypropyl) triethoxysilane (GPTES), 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS), and 3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl isocyanate (ICPTES). The modified surfaces were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the enhancement in adhesion strength between the rubber and aluminum was estimated through T-Peel tests. As a result, MPTMS showed the highest enhancement in adhesion strength, of approximately 220% compared to the untreated sample, while GPTES, ICPTES, and APTES resulted in adhesion strength enhancements of approximately 200%, 150%, and 130%, respectively. Full article
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22 pages, 9684 KiB  
Article
Techniques and Instruments for Assessing and Reducing Risk of Exposure to Nanomaterials in Construction, Focusing on Fire-Resistant Insulation Panels Containing Nanoclay
by Romeo Cristian Ciobanu and Mihaela Aradoaei
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(18), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14181470 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1077
Abstract
The paper explains how nano exposure is assessed in the construction field and focuses on the production of fire-resistant insulation panels with nanoclay. Utilizing the commercial ANSYS CFX® software, a preliminary theoretical simulation was conducted on nano exposure in the workplace, which [...] Read more.
The paper explains how nano exposure is assessed in the construction field and focuses on the production of fire-resistant insulation panels with nanoclay. Utilizing the commercial ANSYS CFX® software, a preliminary theoretical simulation was conducted on nano exposure in the workplace, which revealed that particle dispersion is primarily driven by diffusion. Panel post-processing through drilling results in the highest inhalation exposure, followed by mixing and grinding activities. Compared to a state of ‘no activity’, each activity resulted in an exposure increase by a factor of min. 1000. An overall assessment suggests that the use of nanoparticles in construction materials may not significantly heighten workers’ exposure to nanopowders when considering particle concentration alone as opposed to using traditional micro-scale materials. However, the issue persists when it comes to blending powders or performing finishing tasks on panels, with concentration levels being significantly higher for drilling, grinding, and mixing powders at 2.4 times above the standard reference value (40,000 particles/cm3); this is unacceptable, even for brief durations. Examination of dermal contact with gloves and masks worn by workers revealed no nanoparticle penetration. Safety measures were proposed for workers based on decision trees to enhance their safety. Ten categories of protection strategies have been devised to combat the impact of nanoparticles, which are tailored to specific technical situations, but they must be modified for various types of nanoparticles despite potential shared health implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Organisms (2nd Edition))
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13 pages, 4872 KiB  
Article
Dual-Mode Sensing of Fe(III) Based on Etching Induced Modulation of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
by Miriam Parmigiani, Benedetta Albini, Pietro Galinetto and Angelo Taglietti
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(18), 1467; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14181467 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1108
Abstract
Convenient, rapid, highly sensitive and on-site iron determination is important for environmental safety and human health. We developed a sensing system for the detection of Fe(III) in water based on 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarine (MMC)-stabilized silver-coated gold nanostars (GNS@Ag@MMC), exploiting a redox reaction between the Fe(III) [...] Read more.
Convenient, rapid, highly sensitive and on-site iron determination is important for environmental safety and human health. We developed a sensing system for the detection of Fe(III) in water based on 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarine (MMC)-stabilized silver-coated gold nanostars (GNS@Ag@MMC), exploiting a redox reaction between the Fe(III) cation and the silver shell of the nanoparticles, which causes a severe transformation of the nanomaterial structure, reverting it to pristine GNSs. This system works by simultaneously monitoring changes in the Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) spectra as a function of added Fe(III). The proposed sensing system is able to detect the Fe(III) cation in the 1.0 × 10−5–1.5 × 10−4 M range, and its selectivity of the GNS@Ag@MMC sensor toward iron has been verified monitoring the LSPR and the SERS response to other cations with a clear selectivity toward Fe(III). Full article
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12 pages, 4784 KiB  
Article
Optimal Computational Modeling and Simulation of QCA Reversible Gates for Information Reliability in Nano-Quantum Circuits
by Jun-Cheol Jeon
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171460 - 8 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1280
Abstract
As the relationship between energy and information loss and reversible gates was revealed, much interest in reversible gate design arose, and as quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) gained attention as a next-generation nano circuit design technology, various reversible gates based on QCA emerged. The [...] Read more.
As the relationship between energy and information loss and reversible gates was revealed, much interest in reversible gate design arose, and as quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) gained attention as a next-generation nano circuit design technology, various reversible gates based on QCA emerged. The proposed study optimizes the performance and design costs of existing QCA-based reversible gates including TR, RUG, PQR, and URG. According to most indicators, the proposed circuits showed significant improvement rates and outperformed existing studies. In particular, the proposed optimal TR, RUG, PQR, and URG showed performance improvements of 266%, 265%, 300%, and 144% in CostAD, respectively, compared with the best existing circuit. This shows outstanding improvement and superiority in terms of area and delay, which are the most important factors in the performance of nano-scale circuits that are becoming extremely miniaturized. Additionally, the exceptionally high-output polarization of the proposed circuits is an important indicator of the circuit’s expansion and connection and increases the circuit’s reliability. Full article
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11 pages, 13353 KiB  
Article
In Situ Studies on the Influence of Surface Symmetry on the Growth of MoSe2 Monolayer on Sapphire Using Reflectance Anisotropy Spectroscopy and Differential Reflectance Spectroscopy
by Yufeng Huang, Mengjiao Li, Zhixin Hu, Chunguang Hu, Wanfu Shen, Yanning Li and Lidong Sun
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1457; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171457 - 7 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1318
Abstract
The surface symmetry of the substrate plays an important role in the epitaxial high-quality growth of 2D materials; however, in-depth and in situ studies on these materials during growth are still limited due to the lack of effective in situ monitoring approaches. In [...] Read more.
The surface symmetry of the substrate plays an important role in the epitaxial high-quality growth of 2D materials; however, in-depth and in situ studies on these materials during growth are still limited due to the lack of effective in situ monitoring approaches. In this work, taking the growth of MoSe2 as an example, the distinct growth processes on Al2O3 (112¯0) and Al2O3 (0001) are revealed by parallel monitoring using in situ reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) and differential reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), respectively, highlighting the dominant role of the surface symmetry. In our previous study, we found that the RAS signal of MoSe2 grown on Al2O3 (112¯0) initially increased and decreased ultimately to the magnitude of bare Al2O3 (112¯0) when the first layer of MoSe2 was fully merged, which is herein verified by the complementary DRS measurement that is directly related to the film coverage. Consequently, the changing rate of reflectance anisotropy (RA) intensity at 2.5 eV is well matched with the dynamic changes in differential reflectance (DR) intensity. Moreover, the surface-dominated uniform orientation of MoSe2 islands at various stages determined by RAS was further investigated by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). By contrast, the RAS signal of MoSe2 grown on Al2O3 (0001) remains at zero during the whole growth, implying that the discontinuous MoSe2 islands have no preferential orientations. This work demonstrates that the combination of in situ RAS and DRS can provide valuable insights into the growth of unidirectional aligned islands and help optimize the fabrication process for single-crystal transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) monolayers. Full article
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20 pages, 6599 KiB  
Article
Conversion of Ultrasmall Glutathione-Coated Silver Nanoparticles during Dispersion in Water into Ultrasmall Silver Sulfide Nanoparticles
by Natalie Wolff, Oleg Prymak, Nataniel Białas, Torsten Schaller, Kateryna Loza, Felix Niemeyer, Marc Heggen, Claudia Weidenthaler, Cristiano L. P. Oliveira and Matthias Epple
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1449; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171449 - 5 Sep 2024
Viewed by 2685
Abstract
Ultrasmall silver nanoparticles (2 nm) were prepared by reduction with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and stabilized by the ligand glutathione (a tripeptide: glycine–cysteine–glutamic acid). NMR spectroscopy and optical spectroscopy (UV and fluorescence) revealed that these particles initially consist of silver nanoparticles and [...] Read more.
Ultrasmall silver nanoparticles (2 nm) were prepared by reduction with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and stabilized by the ligand glutathione (a tripeptide: glycine–cysteine–glutamic acid). NMR spectroscopy and optical spectroscopy (UV and fluorescence) revealed that these particles initially consist of silver nanoparticles and fluorescing silver nanoclusters, both stabilized by glutathione. Over time, the silver nanoclusters disappear and only the silver nanoparticles remain. Furthermore, the capping ligand glutathione eliminates hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from the central cysteine and is released from the nanoparticle surface as tripeptide glycine–dehydroalanine–glutamic acid. Hydrogen sulfide reacts with the silver core to form silver sulfide. After four weeks in dispersion at 4 °C, this process is completed. These processes cannot be detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), or differential centrifugal sedimentation (DCS) as these methods cannot resolve the mixture of nanoparticles and nanoclusters or the nature of the nanoparticle core. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed the mostly oxidized state of the silver nanoparticle core, Ag(+I), both in freshly prepared and in aged silver nanoparticles. These results demonstrate that ultrasmall nanoparticles can undergo unnoticed changes that considerably affect their chemical, physical, and biological properties. In particular, freshly prepared ultrasmall silver nanoparticles are much more toxic against cells and bacteria than aged particles because of the presence of the silver clusters. Full article
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13 pages, 3601 KiB  
Article
Texture-Induced Strain in a WS2 Single Layer to Monitor Spin–Valley Polarization
by George Kourmoulakis, Antonios Michail, Dimitris Anestopoulos, Joseph A. Christodoulides, Manoj Tripathi, Alan Β. Dalton, John Parthenios, Konstantinos Papagelis, Emmanuel Stratakis and George Kioseoglou
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1437; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171437 - 3 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1930
Abstract
Nanoscale-engineered surfaces induce regulated strain in atomic layers of 2D materials that could be useful for unprecedented photonics applications and for storing and processing quantum information. Nevertheless, these strained structures need to be investigated extensively. Here, we present texture-induced strain distribution in single-layer [...] Read more.
Nanoscale-engineered surfaces induce regulated strain in atomic layers of 2D materials that could be useful for unprecedented photonics applications and for storing and processing quantum information. Nevertheless, these strained structures need to be investigated extensively. Here, we present texture-induced strain distribution in single-layer WS2 (1L-WS2) transferred over Si/SiO2 (285 nm) substrate. The detailed nanoscale landscapes and their optical detection are carried out through Atomic Force Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and optical spectroscopy. Remarkable differences have been observed in the WS2 sheet localized in the confined well and at the periphery of the cylindrical geometry of the capped engineered surface. Raman spectroscopy independently maps the whole landscape of the samples, and temperature-dependent helicity-resolved photoluminescence (PL) experiments (off-resonance excitation) show that suspended areas sustain circular polarization from 150 K up to 300 K, in contrast to supported (on un-patterned area of Si/SiO2) and strained 1L-WS2. Our study highlights the impact of the dielectric environment on the optical properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials, providing valuable insights into the selection of appropriate substrates for implementing atomically thin materials in advanced optoelectronic devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Optical Spectroscopy of Layered Materials)
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13 pages, 2384 KiB  
Article
Potential of Enzymatically Synthesized Hemozoin Analog as Th1 Cell Adjuvant
by Kazuaki Hoshi, Anh Thi Tram Tu, Miwako Shobo, Karin Kettisen, Lei Ye, Leif Bülow, Yoji Hakamata, Tetsuya Furuya, Ryutaro Asano, Wakako Tsugawa, Kazunori Ikebukuro, Koji Sode and Tomohiko Yamazaki
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1440; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171440 - 3 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1621
Abstract
Hemozoin (Hz) is a heme crystal produced during malaria infection that stimulates immune cells, leading to the production of cytokines and chemokines. The immunostimulatory action of Hz has previously been applied in the development of alternative adjuvants. Crystallization of hemin is a chemical [...] Read more.
Hemozoin (Hz) is a heme crystal produced during malaria infection that stimulates immune cells, leading to the production of cytokines and chemokines. The immunostimulatory action of Hz has previously been applied in the development of alternative adjuvants. Crystallization of hemin is a chemical approach for producing Hz. Here, we focused on an enzymatic production method for Hz using the heme detoxification protein (HDP), which catalyzes heme dimer formation from hemin in Plasmodium. We examined the immunostimulatory effects of an enzymatically synthesized analog of Hz (esHz) produced by recombinant Plasmodium falciparum HDP. Enzymatically synthesized Hz stimulates a macrophage cell line and human peripheral mononuclear cells, leading to the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-12p40. In mice, subcutaneous administration of esHz together with an antigen, ovalbumin (OVA), increased the OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G2c isotype level in the serum, whereas OVA-specific IgG1 was not induced. Our findings suggest that esHz is a useful Th-1 cell adjuvant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biology and Medicines)
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15 pages, 2554 KiB  
Article
Ball-Milling Enhanced UV Protection Performance of Ca2Fe-Sulisobenzone Layered Double Hydroxide Organic Clay
by Márton Szabados, Rebeka Mészáros, Dorina Gabriella Dobó, Zoltán Kónya, Ákos Kukovecz and Pál Sipos
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1436; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171436 - 2 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1429
Abstract
Using a co-precipitation technique, the anionic form of sulisobenzone (benzophenone-4) sunscreen ingredient was incorporated into the interlayer space of CaFe-hydrocalumite for the first time. Using detailed post-synthetic millings of the photoprotective nanocomposite obtained, we aimed to study the mechanochemical effects on complex, hybridized [...] Read more.
Using a co-precipitation technique, the anionic form of sulisobenzone (benzophenone-4) sunscreen ingredient was incorporated into the interlayer space of CaFe-hydrocalumite for the first time. Using detailed post-synthetic millings of the photoprotective nanocomposite obtained, we aimed to study the mechanochemical effects on complex, hybridized layered double hydroxides (LDHs). Various physicochemical properties of the ground and the intact LDHs were compared by powder X-ray diffractometry, N2 adsorption-desorption, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric measurements. The data showed significant structural and morphological deformations, surface and textural changes and multifarious thermal behavior. The most interesting development was the change in the optical properties of organic LDHs; the milling significantly improved the UV light blocking ability, especially around 320 nm. Spectroscopic results verified that this could be explained by a modification in interaction between the LDH layers and the sulisobenzone anions, through modulated π–π conjugation and light absorption of benzene rings. In addition to the vibrating mill often used in the laboratory, the photoprotection reinforcement can also be induced by the drum mill grinding system commonly applied in industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanocomposite Materials)
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12 pages, 2681 KiB  
Article
Interpretable Structural Evaluation of Metal-Oxide Nanostructures in Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) Images via Persistent Homology
by Ryuto Eguchi, Yu Wen, Hideki Abe and Ayako Hashimoto
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1413; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171413 - 29 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1713
Abstract
Persistent homology is a powerful tool for quantifying various structures, but it is equally crucial to maintain its interpretability. In this study, we extracted interpretable geometric features from the persistent diagrams (PDs) of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images of self-assembled Pt-CeO2 [...] Read more.
Persistent homology is a powerful tool for quantifying various structures, but it is equally crucial to maintain its interpretability. In this study, we extracted interpretable geometric features from the persistent diagrams (PDs) of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images of self-assembled Pt-CeO2 nanostructures synthesized under different annealing conditions. We focused on PD quadrants and extracted five interpretable features from the zeroth and first PDs of nanostructures ranging from maze-like to striped patterns. A combination of hierarchical clustering and inverse analysis of PDs reconstructed by principal component analysis through vectorization of the PDs highlighted the importance of the number of arc-like structures of the CeO2 phase in the first PDs, particularly those that were smaller than a characteristic size. This descriptor enabled us to quantify the degree of disorder, namely the density of bends, in nanostructures formed under different conditions. By using this descriptor along with the width of the CeO2 phase, we classified 12 Pt-CeO2 nanostructures in an interpretable way. Full article
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23 pages, 5319 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Chemoresistive Gas Sensors Using Two-Dimensional Materials
by Jae-Kwon Ko, In-Hyeok Park, Kootak Hong and Ki Chang Kwon
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1397; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171397 - 27 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2645
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as a promising candidate in the chemoresistive gas sensor field to overcome the disadvantages of conventional metal-oxide semiconductors owing to their strong surface activities and high surface-to-volume ratio. This review summarizes the various approaches to enhance the 2D-material-based [...] Read more.
Two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as a promising candidate in the chemoresistive gas sensor field to overcome the disadvantages of conventional metal-oxide semiconductors owing to their strong surface activities and high surface-to-volume ratio. This review summarizes the various approaches to enhance the 2D-material-based gas sensors and provides an overview of their progress. The distinctive attributes of semiconductor gas sensors employing 2D materials will be highlighted with their inherent advantages and associated challenges. The general operating principles of semiconductor gas sensors and the unique characteristics of 2D materials in gas-sensing mechanisms will be explored. The pros and cons of 2D materials in gas-sensing channels are discussed, and a route to overcome the current challenges will be delivered. Finally, the recent advancements to enhance the performance of 2D-material-based gas sensors including photo-activation, heteroatom doping, defect engineering, heterostructures, and nanostructures will be discussed. This review should offer a broad range of readers a new perspective toward the future development of 2D-material-based gas sensors. Full article
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18 pages, 6087 KiB  
Article
Strain and Substrate-Induced Electronic Properties of Novel Mixed Anion-Based 2D ScHX2 (X = I/Br) Semiconductors
by Ashima Rawat and Ravindra Pandey
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1390; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171390 - 26 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1184
Abstract
Exploration of compounds featuring multiple anions beyond the single-oxide ion, such as oxyhalides and oxyhydrides, offers an avenue for developing materials with the prospect of novel functionality. In this paper, we present the results for a mixed anion layered material, ScHX2 (X: [...] Read more.
Exploration of compounds featuring multiple anions beyond the single-oxide ion, such as oxyhalides and oxyhydrides, offers an avenue for developing materials with the prospect of novel functionality. In this paper, we present the results for a mixed anion layered material, ScHX2 (X: Br, I) based on density functional theory. The result predicted the ScHX2 (X: Br, I) monolayers to be stable and semiconducting. Notably, the electronic and mechanical properties of the ScHX2 monolayers are comparable to well-established 2D materials like graphene and MoS2, rendering them highly suitable for electronic devices. Additionally, these monolayers exhibit an ability to adjust their band gaps and band edges in response to strain and substrate engineering, thereby influencing their photocatalytic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Theory and Simulation of Nanostructures)
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23 pages, 3531 KiB  
Review
Metal–Organic Frameworks for Overcoming the Blood–Brain Barrier in the Treatment of Brain Diseases: A Review
by Hafezeh Nabipour and Sohrab Rohani
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1379; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171379 - 23 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2168
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) plays a vital role in safeguarding the central nervous system by selectively controlling the movement of substances between the bloodstream and the brain, presenting a substantial obstacle for the administration of therapeutic agents to the brain. Recent breakthroughs in [...] Read more.
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) plays a vital role in safeguarding the central nervous system by selectively controlling the movement of substances between the bloodstream and the brain, presenting a substantial obstacle for the administration of therapeutic agents to the brain. Recent breakthroughs in nanoparticle-based delivery systems, particularly metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), provide promising solutions for addressing the BBB. MOFs have become valuable tools in delivering medications to the brain with their ability to efficiently load drugs, release them over time, and modify their surface properties. This review focuses on the recent advancements in molecular-based approaches for treating brain disorders, such as glioblastoma multiforme, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. This paper highlights the significant impact of MOFs in overcoming the shortcomings of conventional brain drug delivery techniques and provides valuable insights for future research in the field of neurotherapeutics. Full article
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29 pages, 7083 KiB  
Article
Mechanical and Shape Memory Properties of Additively Manufactured Polyurethane (PU)/Halloysite Nanotube (HNT) Nanocomposites
by Wendy Triadji Nugroho, Yu Dong and Alokesh Pramanik
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(16), 1373; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14161373 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1500
Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of halloysite nanotube (HNT) content on mechanical and shape memory properties of additively manufactured polyurethane (PU)/HNT nanocomposites. The inclusion of 8 wt% HNTs increases their tensile strength by 30.4% when compared with that of virgin PU at 44.75 [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the impact of halloysite nanotube (HNT) content on mechanical and shape memory properties of additively manufactured polyurethane (PU)/HNT nanocomposites. The inclusion of 8 wt% HNTs increases their tensile strength by 30.4% when compared with that of virgin PU at 44.75 MPa. Furthermore, consistently significant increases in tensile modulus, compressive strength and modulus, as well as specific energy absorption are also manifested by 47.2%, 34.0%, 125% and 72.7% relative to neat PU at 2.29 GPa, 3.88 MPa, 0.28 GPa and 0.44 kJ/kg respectively. However, increasing HNT content reduces lateral strain due to the restricted mobility of polymeric chains, leading to a decrease in negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR). As such, shape recovery ratio and time of PU/HNT nanocomposites are reduced by 9 and 45% with the inclusion of 10 wt% HNTs despite an increasing shape fixity ratio up to 12% relative to those of neat PU. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanocomposite Materials)
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14 pages, 5143 KiB  
Article
A Self-Powered, Skin Adhesive, and Flexible Human–Machine Interface Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator
by Xujie Wu, Ziyi Yang, Yu Dong, Lijing Teng, Dan Li, Hang Han, Simian Zhu, Xiaomin Sun, Zhu Zeng, Xiangyu Zeng and Qiang Zheng
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(16), 1365; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14161365 - 20 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1915
Abstract
Human–machine interactions (HMIs) have penetrated into various academic and industrial fields, such as robotics, virtual reality, and wearable electronics. However, the practical application of most human–machine interfaces faces notable obstacles due to their complex structure and materials, high power consumption, limited effective skin [...] Read more.
Human–machine interactions (HMIs) have penetrated into various academic and industrial fields, such as robotics, virtual reality, and wearable electronics. However, the practical application of most human–machine interfaces faces notable obstacles due to their complex structure and materials, high power consumption, limited effective skin adhesion, and high cost. Herein, we report a self-powered, skin adhesive, and flexible human–machine interface based on a triboelectric nanogenerator (SSFHMI). Characterized by its simple structure and low cost, the SSFHMI can easily convert touch stimuli into a stable electrical signal at the trigger pressure from a finger touch, without requiring an external power supply. A skeleton spacer has been specially designed in order to increase the stability and homogeneity of the output signals of each TENG unit and prevent crosstalk between them. Moreover, we constructed a hydrogel adhesive interface with skin-adhesive properties to adapt to easy wear on complex human body surfaces. By integrating the SSFHMI with a microcontroller, a programmable touch operation platform has been constructed that is capable of multiple interactions. These include medical calling, music media playback, security unlocking, and electronic piano playing. This self-powered, cost-effective SSFHMI holds potential relevance for the next generation of highly integrated and sustainable portable smart electronic products and applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Self-Powered Flexible Sensors Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators)
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23 pages, 31708 KiB  
Article
Development of In Situ Methods for Preparing La-Mn-Co-Based Compounds over Carbon Xerogel for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in an Alkaline Medium
by Jhony Xavier Flores-Lasluisa, Bryan Carré, Joachim Caucheteux, Philippe Compère, Alexandre F. Léonard and Nathalie Job
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(16), 1362; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14161362 - 19 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1342
Abstract
Metal oxides containing La, Mn, and Co cations can catalyze oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) in electrochemical processes. However, these materials require carbon support and optimal interactions between both compounds to be active. In this work, two approaches to prepare composites of La-Mn-Co-based compounds [...] Read more.
Metal oxides containing La, Mn, and Co cations can catalyze oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) in electrochemical processes. However, these materials require carbon support and optimal interactions between both compounds to be active. In this work, two approaches to prepare composites of La-Mn-Co-based compounds over carbon xerogel were developed. Using sol-gel methods, either the metal-based material was deposited on the existing carbon xerogel or vice versa. The metal oxide selected was the LaMn0.7Co0.3O3 perovskite, which has good catalytic behavior and selectivity towards direct ORRs. All the as-prepared composites were tested for ORRs in alkaline liquid electrolytes and characterized by diverse physicochemical techniques such as XRD, XPS, SEM, or N2 adsorption. Although the perovskite structure either decomposed or failed to form using those in situ methods, the materials exhibited great catalytic activity, which can be ascribed to the strengthening of the interactions between oxides and the carbon support via C-O-M covalent bonds and to the formation of new active sites such as the MnO/Co heterointerfaces. Moreover, Co-Nx-C species are formed during the synthesis of the metal compounds over the carbon xerogel. These species possess a strong catalytic activity towards ORR. Therefore, the composites formed by synthesizing metal compounds over the carbon xerogel exhibit the best performance in the ORR, which can be ascribed to the presence of the MnO/Co heterointerfaces and Co-Nx-C species and the strong interactions between both compounds. Moreover, the small nanoparticle size leads to a higher number of active sites available for the reaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanomaterials for Electrocatalytic Application)
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10 pages, 1994 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Thermal Stability of Conductive Mercury Telluride Colloidal Quantum Dot Thin Films Using Atomic Layer Deposition
by Edward W. Malachosky, Matthew M. Ackerman and Liliana Stan
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(16), 1354; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14161354 - 16 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1342
Abstract
Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are valuable for their potential applications in optoelectronic devices. However, they are susceptible to thermal degradation during processing and while in use. Mitigating thermally induced sintering, which leads to absorption spectrum broadening and undesirable changes to thin film electrical [...] Read more.
Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are valuable for their potential applications in optoelectronic devices. However, they are susceptible to thermal degradation during processing and while in use. Mitigating thermally induced sintering, which leads to absorption spectrum broadening and undesirable changes to thin film electrical properties, is necessary for the reliable design and manufacture of CQD-based optoelectronics. Here, low-temperature metal–oxide atomic layer deposition (ALD) was investigated as a method for mitigating sintering while preserving the optoelectronic properties of mercury telluride (HgTe) CQD films. ALD-coated films are subjected to temperatures up to 160 °C for up to 5 h and alumina (Al2O3) is found to be most effective at preserving the optical properties, demonstrating the feasibility of metal–oxide in-filling to protect against sintering. HgTe CQD film electrical properties were investigated before and after alumina ALD in-filling, which was found to increase the p-type doping and hole mobility of the films. The magnitude of these effects depended on the conditions used to prepare the HgTe CQDs. With further investigation into the interaction effects of CQD and ALD process factors, these results may be used to guide the design of CQD–ALD materials for their practical integration into useful optoelectronic devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Synthesis, Interfaces and Nanostructures)
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31 pages, 4738 KiB  
Article
Synthesized Bis-Triphenyl Phosphonium-Based Nano Vesicles Have Potent and Selective Antibacterial Effects on Several Clinically Relevant Superbugs
by Silvana Alfei, Guendalina Zuccari, Francesca Bacchetti, Carola Torazza, Marco Milanese, Carlo Siciliano, Constantinos M. Athanassopoulos, Gabriella Piatti and Anna Maria Schito
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(16), 1351; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14161351 - 15 Aug 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1762
Abstract
The increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens due to antibiotic misuse translates into obstinate infections with high morbidity and high-cost hospitalizations. To oppose these MDR superbugs, new antimicrobial options are necessary. Although both quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) and phosphonium salts (QPSs) possess antimicrobial [...] Read more.
The increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens due to antibiotic misuse translates into obstinate infections with high morbidity and high-cost hospitalizations. To oppose these MDR superbugs, new antimicrobial options are necessary. Although both quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) and phosphonium salts (QPSs) possess antimicrobial effects, QPSs have been studied to a lesser extent. Recently, we successfully reported the bacteriostatic and cytotoxic effects of a triphenyl phosphonium salt against MDR isolates of the Enterococcus and Staphylococcus genera. Here, aiming at finding new antibacterial devices possibly active toward a broader spectrum of clinically relevant bacteria responsible for severe human infections, we synthesized a water-soluble, sterically hindered quaternary phosphonium salt (BPPB). It encompasses two triphenyl phosphonium groups linked by a C12 alkyl chain, thus embodying the characteristics of molecules known as bola-amphiphiles. BPPB was characterized by ATR-FTIR, NMR, and UV spectroscopy, FIA-MS (ESI), elemental analysis, and potentiometric titrations. Optical and DLS analyses evidenced BPPB tendency to self-forming spherical vesicles of 45 nm (DLS) in dilute solution, tending to form larger aggregates in concentrate solution (DLS and optical microscope), having a positive zeta potential (+18 mV). The antibacterial effects of BPPB were, for the first time, assessed against fifty clinical isolates of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative species. Excellent antibacterial effects were observed for all strains tested, involving all the most concerning species included in ESKAPE bacteria. The lowest MICs were 0.250 µg/mL, while the highest ones (32 µg/mL) were observed for MDR Gram-negative metallo-β-lactamase-producing bacteria and/or species resistant also to colistin, carbapenems, cefiderocol, and therefore intractable with currently available antibiotics. Moreover, when administered to HepG2 human hepatic and Cos-7 monkey kidney cell lines, BPPB showed selectivity indices > 10 for all Gram-positive isolates and for clinically relevant Gram-negative superbugs such as those of E. coli species, thus being very promising for clinical development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biology and Medicines)
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15 pages, 1723 KiB  
Article
Human Serum Albumin Protein Corona in Prussian Blue Nanoparticles
by Chiara Colombi, Giacomo Dacarro, Yuri Antonio Diaz Fernandez, Angelo Taglietti, Piersandro Pallavicini and Lavinia Doveri
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(16), 1336; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14161336 - 11 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1548
Abstract
Prussian Blue nanoparticles (PBnps) are now popular in nanomedicine thanks to the FDA approval of PB. Despite the numerous papers suggesting or describing the in vivo use of PBnps, no studies have been carried out on the formation of a protein corona on [...] Read more.
Prussian Blue nanoparticles (PBnps) are now popular in nanomedicine thanks to the FDA approval of PB. Despite the numerous papers suggesting or describing the in vivo use of PBnps, no studies have been carried out on the formation of a protein corona on the PBnp surface and its stabilizing role. In this paper, we studied qualitatively and quantitatively the corona formed by the most abundant protein of blood, human serum albumin (HSA). Cubic PBnps (41 nm side), prepared in citric acid solution at PB concentration 5 × 10−4 M, readily form a protein corona by redissolving ultracentrifuged PBnp pellets in HSA solutions, with CHSA ranging from 0.025 to 7.0 mg/mL. The basic decomposition of PBnp@HSA was studied in phosphate buffer at the physiological pH value of 7.4. Increased stability with respect to uncoated PBnps was observed at all concentrations, but a minimum CHSA value of 3.0 mg/mL was determined to obtain stability identical to that observed at serum-like HSA concentrations (35–50 mg/mL). Using a modified Lowry protocol, the quantity of firmly bound HSA in the protein corona (hard corona) was determined for all the CHSA used in the PBnp@HSA synthesis, finding increasing quantities with increasing CHSA. In particular, an HSA/PBnp number in the 1500–2300 range was found for CHSA 3.0–7.0 mg/mL, largely exceeding the 180 HSA/PBnp value calculated for an HSA monolayer on a PBnp. Finally, the stabilization brought by the HSA corona allowed us to carry out pH-spectrophotometric titrations on PBnp@HSA in the 3.5-9-0 pH range, revealing a pKa value of 6.68 for the water molecules bound to the Fe3+ centers on the PBnp surface, whose deprotonation is responsible for the blue-shift of the PBnp band from 706 nm (acidic solution) to 685 nm (basic solution). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Materials and Metal-Organic Frameworks)
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18 pages, 3895 KiB  
Article
Core–Shell Interface Engineering Strategies for Modulating Energy Transfer in Rare Earth-Doped Nanoparticles
by Zhaoxi Zhou, Yuan Liu, Lichao Guo, Tian Wang, Xinrong Yan, Shijiong Wei, Dehui Qiu, Desheng Chen, Xiaobo Zhang and Huangxian Ju
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(16), 1326; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14161326 - 7 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2001
Abstract
Rare earth-doped nanoparticles (RENPs) are promising biomaterials with substantial potential in biomedical applications. Their multilayered core–shell structure design allows for more diverse uses, such as orthogonal excitation. However, the typical synthesis strategies—one-pot successive layer-by-layer (LBL) method and seed-assisted (SA) method—for creating multilayered RENPs [...] Read more.
Rare earth-doped nanoparticles (RENPs) are promising biomaterials with substantial potential in biomedical applications. Their multilayered core–shell structure design allows for more diverse uses, such as orthogonal excitation. However, the typical synthesis strategies—one-pot successive layer-by-layer (LBL) method and seed-assisted (SA) method—for creating multilayered RENPs show notable differences in spectral performance. To clarify this issue, a thorough comparative analysis of the elemental distribution and spectral characteristics of RENPs synthesized by these two strategies was conducted. The SA strategy, which avoids the partial mixing stage of shell and core precursors inherent in the LBL strategy, produces RENPs with a distinct interface in elemental distribution. This unique elemental distribution reduces unnecessary energy loss via energy transfer between heterogeneous elements in different shell layers. Consequently, the synthesis method choice can effectively modulate the spectral properties of RENPs. This discovery has been applied to the design of orthogonal RENP biomedical probes with appropriate dimensions, where the SA strategy introduces a refined inert interface to prevent unnecessary energy loss. Notably, this strategy has exhibited a 4.3-fold enhancement in NIR-II in vivo imaging and a 2.1-fold increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related photodynamic therapy (PDT) orthogonal applications. Full article
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10 pages, 3536 KiB  
Article
Gamma-Irradiation-Induced Electrical Characteristic Variations in MoS2 Field-Effect Transistors with Buried Local Back-Gate Structure
by Su Jin Kim, Seungkwon Hwang, Jung-Dae Kwon, Jongwon Yoon, Jeong Min Park, Yongsu Lee, Yonghun Kim and Chang Goo Kang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(16), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14161324 - 7 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2284
Abstract
The impact of radiation on MoS2-based devices is an important factor in the utilization of two-dimensional semiconductor-based technology in radiation-sensitive environments. In this study, the effects of gamma irradiation on the electrical variations in MoS2 field-effect transistors with buried local [...] Read more.
The impact of radiation on MoS2-based devices is an important factor in the utilization of two-dimensional semiconductor-based technology in radiation-sensitive environments. In this study, the effects of gamma irradiation on the electrical variations in MoS2 field-effect transistors with buried local back-gate structures were investigated, and their related effects on Al2O3 gate dielectrics and MoS2/Al2O3 interfaces were also analyzed. The transfer and output characteristics were analyzed before and after irradiation. The current levels decreased by 15.7% under an exposure of 3 kGy. Additionally, positive shifts in the threshold voltages of 0.50, 0.99, and 1.15 V were observed under irradiations of 1, 2, and 3 kGy, respectively, compared to the non-irradiated devices. This behavior is attributable to the comprehensive effects of hole accumulation in the Al2O3 dielectric interface near the MoS2 side and the formation of electron trapping sites at the interface, which increased the electron tunneling at the MoS2 channel/dielectric interface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices)
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23 pages, 4546 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Dye Adsorption on Cold Plasma-Oxidized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: A Comparative Study
by Anastasia Skourti, Stefania Giannoulia, Maria K. Daletou and Christos A. Aggelopoulos
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(15), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14151298 - 1 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1828
Abstract
The oxidation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using cold plasma was investigated for their subsequent use as adsorbents for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions. The properties of MWCNTs after plasma modification and their adsorption capacities were compared with pristine and chemically [...] Read more.
The oxidation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using cold plasma was investigated for their subsequent use as adsorbents for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions. The properties of MWCNTs after plasma modification and their adsorption capacities were compared with pristine and chemically oxidized nanotubes. The modification process employed a reactor where plasma was generated through dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) powered by high-voltage nanosecond pulses. Various modification conditions were examined, such as processing time and pulse voltage amplitude. The degree of oxidation and the impact on the chemistry and structure of the nanotubes was investigated through various physicochemical and morphological characterization techniques (XPS, BET, TEM, etc.). Maximum oxidation (O/C = 0.09 from O/C = 0.02 for pristine MWCNTs) was achieved after 60 min of nanopulsed-DBD plasma treatment. Subsequently, the modified nanotubes were used as adsorbents for the removal of the dye methylene blue (MB) from water. The adsorption experiments examined the effects of contact time between the adsorbent and MB, as well as the initial dye concentration in water. The plasma-modified nanotubes exhibited high MB removal efficiency, with adsorption capacity proportional to the degree of oxidation. Notably, their adsorption capacity significantly increased compared to both pristine and chemically oxidized MWCNTs (~54% and ~9%, respectively). Finally, the kinetics and mechanism of the adsorption process were studied, with experimental data fitting well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. This study underscores the potential of plasma technology as a low-cost and environmentally friendly approach for material modification and water purification. Full article
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11 pages, 1818 KiB  
Article
How Well Can Quantum Embedding Method Predict the Reaction Profiles for Hydrogenation of Small Li Clusters?
by Dominic Alfonso, Benjamin Avramidis, Hari P. Paudel and Yuhua Duan
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(15), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14151267 - 29 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1924
Abstract
Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics in novel ways to tackle complex chemistry problems that cannot be accurately addressed using traditional quantum chemistry methods. However, the high computational cost and available number of physical qubits with high fidelity limit its application [...] Read more.
Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics in novel ways to tackle complex chemistry problems that cannot be accurately addressed using traditional quantum chemistry methods. However, the high computational cost and available number of physical qubits with high fidelity limit its application to small chemical systems. This work employed a quantum-classical framework which features a quantum active space-embedding approach to perform simulations of chemical reactions that require up to 14 qubits. This framework was applied to prototypical example metal hydrogenation reactions: the coupling between hydrogen and Li2, Li3, and Li4 clusters. Particular attention was paid to the computation of barriers and reaction energies. The predicted reaction profiles compare well with advanced classical quantum chemistry methods, demonstrating the potential of the quantum embedding algorithm to map out reaction profiles of realistic gas-phase chemical reactions to ascertain qualitative energetic trends. Additionally, the predicted potential energy curves provide a benchmark to compare against both current and future quantum embedding approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theoretical Calculation Study of Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition)
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26 pages, 8570 KiB  
Review
Polymeric Nanocomposites of Boron Nitride Nanosheets for Enhanced Directional or Isotropic Thermal Transport Performance
by Buta Singh, Jinchen Han, Mohammed J. Meziani, Li Cao, Subhadra Yerra, Jordan Collins, Simran Dumra and Ya-Ping Sun
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(15), 1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14151259 - 27 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2212
Abstract
Polymeric composites with boron nitride nanosheets (BNNs), which are thermally conductive yet electrically insulating, have been pursued for a variety of technological applications, especially those for thermal management in electronic devices and systems. Highlighted in this review are recent advances in the effort [...] Read more.
Polymeric composites with boron nitride nanosheets (BNNs), which are thermally conductive yet electrically insulating, have been pursued for a variety of technological applications, especially those for thermal management in electronic devices and systems. Highlighted in this review are recent advances in the effort to improve in-plane thermal transport performance in polymer/BNNs composites and also the growing research activities aimed at composites of enhanced cross-plane or isotropic thermal conductivity, for which various filler alignment strategies during composite fabrication have been explored. Also highlighted and discussed are some significant challenges and major opportunities for further advances in the development of thermally conductive composite materials and their mechanistic understandings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanocomposites: From Strategic Design to Applications)
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24 pages, 2408 KiB  
Review
Carbon Dots in Photodynamic/Photothermal Antimicrobial Therapy
by Siqi Wang, Colin P. McCoy, Peifeng Li, Yining Li, Yinghan Zhao, Gavin P. Andrews, Matthew P. Wylie and Yi Ge
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(15), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14151250 - 25 Jul 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3700
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents an escalating global challenge as conventional antibiotic treatments become less effective. In response, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) have emerged as promising alternatives. While rooted in ancient practices, these methods have evolved with modern innovations, particularly through [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents an escalating global challenge as conventional antibiotic treatments become less effective. In response, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) have emerged as promising alternatives. While rooted in ancient practices, these methods have evolved with modern innovations, particularly through the integration of lasers, refining their efficacy. PDT harnesses photosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are detrimental to microbial cells, whereas PTT relies on heat to induce cellular damage. The key to their effectiveness lies in the utilization of photosensitizers, especially when integrated into nano- or micron-scale supports, which amplify ROS production and enhance antimicrobial activity. Over the last decade, carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as a highly promising nanomaterial, attracting increasing attention owing to their distinctive properties and versatile applications, including PDT and PTT. They can not only function as photosensitizers, but also synergistically combine with other photosensitizers to enhance overall efficacy. This review explores the recent advancements in CDs, underscoring their significance and potential in reshaping advanced antimicrobial therapeutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Nanostructures as Promising Future Materials: 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 2591 KiB  
Article
High Magnetic Performance in MnGa Nanocomposite Magnets
by Ovidiu Crisan and Alina Daniela Crisan
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(15), 1245; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14151245 - 24 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1367
Abstract
In view of their potential applicability in technology fields where magnets are required to operate at higher temperatures, the class of nanocomposite magnets with little or no rare earth (RE) content has been widely researched in the last two decades. Among these nanocomposite [...] Read more.
In view of their potential applicability in technology fields where magnets are required to operate at higher temperatures, the class of nanocomposite magnets with little or no rare earth (RE) content has been widely researched in the last two decades. Among these nanocomposite magnets, the subclass of magnetic binary systems exhibiting the formation of L10 tetragonal phases is the most illustrious. Some of the most interesting systems are represented by the Mn-based alloys, with addition of Al, Bi, Ga, Ge. Such alloys are interesting as they are less costly than RE magnets and they show promising magnetic properties. The paper tackles the case of MnGa binary alloys with various compositions around the Mn3Ga stoichiometry. Four MnGa magnetic alloys, with Mn content ranging from 70 at% to 75 at% were produced using rapid solidification to form the melt. By combining structural information arising from X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy with magnetic properties determined by vibrating sample magnetometry, we are able to document the nature and properties of the structural phases formed in the alloys in their as-cast state and upon annealing, the evolution of the phase structure after annealing and its influence on the magnetic behavior of the MnGa alloys. After annealing at 400 °C and 500 °C, MnGa alloys are showing a multiple-phase microstructure, consisting of co-existing crystallites of L10 and D022 tetragonal phase. As a consequence of these structurally and magnetically different phases, co-existing within the microstructure, promising magnetic features are obtained, with both coercive fields and saturation magnetization exceeding values previously reported for both alloys and layers of MnGa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanocomposite Magnets with the L10 Phase)
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15 pages, 4439 KiB  
Article
Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Using Zinc Indium Sulfide Aggregated Nanostructures Fabricated under Four Anionic Conditions
by I-Hua Tsai and Eric Wei-Guang Diau
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(14), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14141231 - 20 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1263
Abstract
Zinc indihuhium sulfide (ZIS), among various semiconductor materials, shows considerable potential due to its simplicity, low cost, and environmental compatibility. However, the influence of precursor anions on ZIS properties remains unclear. In this study, we synthesized ZIS via a hydrothermal method using four [...] Read more.
Zinc indihuhium sulfide (ZIS), among various semiconductor materials, shows considerable potential due to its simplicity, low cost, and environmental compatibility. However, the influence of precursor anions on ZIS properties remains unclear. In this study, we synthesized ZIS via a hydrothermal method using four different anionic precursors (ZnCl2/InCl3, Zn(NO3)2/In(NO3)3, Zn(CH3CO2)2/In(CH3CO2)3, and Zn(CH3CO2)2/In2(SO4)3), resulting in distinct morphologies and crystal structures. Our findings reveal that ZIS produced from Zn(CH3CO2)2/In2(SO4)3 (ZIS-AceSO4) exhibited the highest photocatalytic CO2 reduction efficiency, achieving a CO production yield of 134 μmol g−1h−1. This enhanced performance is attributed to the formation of more zinc and indium vacancy defects, as confirmed by EDS analysis. Additionally, we determined the energy levels of the valence band maximum (VBM) and the conduction band minimum (CBM) via UPS and absorption spectra, providing insights into the band alignment essential for photocatalytic processes. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the anionic precursor’s impact on ZIS properties but also offer new avenues for optimizing photocatalytic CO2 reduction, marking a significant advancement over previous studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy and Catalysis)
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23 pages, 22654 KiB  
Review
Ligand Engineering of Inorganic Lead Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots toward High and Stable Photoluminescence
by Changbo Deng, Qiuping Huang, Zhengping Fu and Yalin Lu
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(14), 1201; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14141201 - 15 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2632
Abstract
The ligand engineering of inorganic lead halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) is an indispensable strategy to boost their photoluminescence stability, which is pivotal for optoelectronics applications. CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) PQDs exhibit exceptional optical properties, including high color purity and [...] Read more.
The ligand engineering of inorganic lead halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) is an indispensable strategy to boost their photoluminescence stability, which is pivotal for optoelectronics applications. CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) PQDs exhibit exceptional optical properties, including high color purity and tunable bandgaps. Despite their promising characteristics, environmental sensitivity poses a challenge to their stability. This article reviews the solution-based synthesis methods with ligand engineering. It introduces the impact of factors like humidity, temperature, and light exposure on PQD’s instability, as well as in situ and post-synthesis ligand engineering strategies. The use of various ligands, including X- and L-type ligands, is reviewed for their effectiveness in enhancing stability and luminescence performance. Finally, the significant potential of ligand engineering for the broader application of PQDs in optoelectronic devices is also discussed. Full article
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12 pages, 8570 KiB  
Article
Quantized Microcavity Polariton Lasing Based on InGaN Localized Excitons
by Huying Zheng, Runchen Wang, Xuebing Gong, Junxing Dong, Lisheng Wang, Jingzhuo Wang, Yifan Zhang, Yan Shen, Huanjun Chen, Baijun Zhang and Hai Zhu
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(14), 1197; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14141197 - 14 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1350
Abstract
Exciton–polaritons, which are bosonic quasiparticles with an extremely low mass, play a key role in understanding macroscopic quantum effects related to Bose–Einstein condensation (BEC) in solid-state systems. The study of trapped polaritons in a potential well provides an ideal platform for manipulating polariton [...] Read more.
Exciton–polaritons, which are bosonic quasiparticles with an extremely low mass, play a key role in understanding macroscopic quantum effects related to Bose–Einstein condensation (BEC) in solid-state systems. The study of trapped polaritons in a potential well provides an ideal platform for manipulating polariton condensates, enabling polariton lasing with specific formation in k-space. Here, we realize quantized microcavity polariton lasing in simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) states based on spatial localized excitons in InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs). Benefiting from the high exciton binding energy (90 meV) and large oscillator strength of the localized exciton, room-temperature (RT) polaritons with large Rabi splitting (61 meV) are obtained in a strongly coupled microcavity. The manipulation of polariton condensates is performed through a parabolic potential well created by optical pump control. Under the confinement situation, trapped polaritons are controlled to be distributed in the selected quantized energy sublevels of the SHO state. The maximum energy spacing of 11.3 meV is observed in the SHO sublevels, indicating the robust polariton trapping of the parabolic potential well. Coherent quantized polariton lasing is achieved in the ground state of the SHO state and the coherence property of the lasing is analyzed through the measurements of spatial interference patterns and g(2)(τ). Our results offer a feasible route to explore the manipulation of macroscopic quantum coherent states and to fabricate novel polariton devices towards room-temperature operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoscale Materials and Their Photonic Devices)
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39 pages, 3752 KiB  
Review
Harnessing Magnetic Nanoparticles for the Effective Removal of Micro- and Nanoplastics: A Critical Review
by Sabina Vohl, Matjaž Kristl and Janja Stergar
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(14), 1179; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14141179 - 11 Jul 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3873
Abstract
The spread of micro- (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment has become a significant environmental concern, necessitating effective removal strategies. In this comprehensive scientific review, we examine the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as a promising technology for the removal of MPs [...] Read more.
The spread of micro- (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment has become a significant environmental concern, necessitating effective removal strategies. In this comprehensive scientific review, we examine the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as a promising technology for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. We first describe the issues of MPs and NPs and their impact on the environment and human health. Then, the fundamental principles of using MNPs for the removal of these pollutants will be presented, emphasizing that MNPs enable the selective binding and separation of MPs and NPs from water sources. Furthermore, we provide a short summary of various types of MNPs that have proven effective in the removal of MPs and NPs. These include ferromagnetic nanoparticles and MNPs coated with organic polymers, as well as nanocomposites and magnetic nanostructures. We also review their properties, such as magnetic saturation, size, shape, surface functionalization, and stability, and their influence on removal efficiency. Next, we describe different methods of utilizing MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs. We discuss their advantages, limitations, and potential for further development in detail. In the final part of the review, we provide an overview of the existing studies and results demonstrating the effectiveness of using MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. We also address the challenges that need to be overcome, such as nanoparticle optimization, process scalability, and the removal and recycling of nanoparticles after the completion of the process. This comprehensive scientific review offers extensive insights into the use of MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs from water. With improved understanding and the development of advanced materials and methods, this technology can play a crucial role in addressing the issues of MPs and NPs and preserving a clean and healthy environment. The novelty of this review article is the emphasis on MNPs for the removal of MPs and NPs from water and a detailed review of the advantages and disadvantages of various MNPs for the mentioned application. Additionally, a review of a large number of publications in this field is provided. Full article
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23 pages, 7475 KiB  
Review
Design Strategies of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Nano Electrocatalysts for High Current Density Water Splitting
by Bao Zang, Xianya Liu, Chen Gu, Jianmei Chen, Longlu Wang and Weihao Zheng
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(14), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14141172 - 9 Jul 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2223
Abstract
Hydrogen is now recognized as the primary alternative to fossil fuels due to its renewable, safe, high-energy density and environmentally friendly properties. Efficient hydrogen production through water splitting has laid the foundation for sustainable energy technologies. However, when hydrogen production is scaled up [...] Read more.
Hydrogen is now recognized as the primary alternative to fossil fuels due to its renewable, safe, high-energy density and environmentally friendly properties. Efficient hydrogen production through water splitting has laid the foundation for sustainable energy technologies. However, when hydrogen production is scaled up to industrial levels, operating at high current densities introduces unique challenges. It is necessary to design advanced electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) under high current densities. This review will briefly introduce the challenges posed by high current densities on electrocatalysts, including catalytic activity, mass diffusion, and catalyst stability. In an attempt to address these issues, various electrocatalyst design strategies are summarized in detail. In the end, our insights into future challenges for efficient large-scale industrial hydrogen production from water splitting are presented. This review is expected to guide the rational design of efficient high-current density water electrolysis electrocatalysts and promote the research progress of sustainable energy. Full article
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14 pages, 3765 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Thermoelectric Nanoantenna for Massive High-Output-Voltage Arrays
by Mohamad Khoirul Anam, Yudhistira Yudhistira and Sangjo Choi
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131159 - 7 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1518
Abstract
Thermoelectric nanoantennas have been extensively investigated due to their ability to directly convert infrared (IR) radiation into direct current without an additional rectification device. In this study, we introduce a thermoelectric nanoantenna geometry for maximum output voltage (Voc) and propose [...] Read more.
Thermoelectric nanoantennas have been extensively investigated due to their ability to directly convert infrared (IR) radiation into direct current without an additional rectification device. In this study, we introduce a thermoelectric nanoantenna geometry for maximum output voltage (Voc) and propose an optimal series array configuration with a finite number of antennas to enhance the Voc. A finite and open-ended SiO2 substrate, with a thickness of a quarter-effective wavelength at a frequency of 28.3 THz, is used to generate standing waves within the substrate. An array of antennas is then positioned optimally on the substrate to maximize the temperature difference (T) between hot and cold areas, thereby increasing the average Voc per antenna element. In numerical simulations, a linearly polarized incident wave with a power density of 1.42 W/cm2 is applied to the structure. The results show that a single antenna with the optimum geometry on a substrate measuring 35 µm × 35 µm generates a T of 64.89 mK, corresponding to a Voc of 1.75 µV. Finally, a series array of 5 × 6 thermoelectric nanoantennas on a 150 µm × 75 µm substrate including measurement pads achieves an average T of 49.60 mK with a total Voc of 40.18 µV, resulting in an average Voc of 1.34 µV per antenna element and a voltage responsivity (βv) of 0.77 V/W. This value, achieved solely by optimizing the antenna geometry and open-ended substrate, matches or exceeds the Voc and βv of approximately 1 µV and 0.66 V/W, respectively, from suspended thermoelectric antenna arrays over air cavities. Therefore, the proposed thermoelectric nanoantenna array device, characterized by high stability and ease of fabrication, is suitable for manufacturing massive nanoantenna arrays for high-output IR-DC energy harvesters. Full article
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15 pages, 2843 KiB  
Article
p-Type Schottky Contacts for Graphene Adjustable-Barrier Phototransistors
by Carsten Strobel, Carlos Alvarado Chavarin, Martin Knaut, Matthias Albert, André Heinzig, Likhith Gummadi, Christian Wenger and Thomas Mikolajick
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1140; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131140 - 2 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1762
Abstract
The graphene adjustable-barriers phototransistor is an attractive novel device for potential high speed and high responsivity dual-band photodetection. In this device, graphene is embedded between the semiconductors silicon and germanium. Both n-type and p-type Schottky contacts between graphene and the semiconductors are required [...] Read more.
The graphene adjustable-barriers phototransistor is an attractive novel device for potential high speed and high responsivity dual-band photodetection. In this device, graphene is embedded between the semiconductors silicon and germanium. Both n-type and p-type Schottky contacts between graphene and the semiconductors are required for this device. While n-type Schottky contacts are widely investigated, reports about p-type Schottky contacts between graphene and the two involved semiconductors are scarce. In this study, we demonstrate a p-type Schottky contact between graphene and p-germanium. A clear rectification with on–off ratios of close to 103 (±5 V) and a distinct photoresponse at telecommunication wavelengths in the infrared are achieved. Further, p-type silicon is transferred to or deposited on graphene, and we also observe rectification and photoresponse in the visible range for some of these p-type Schottky junctions. These results are an important step toward the realization of functional graphene adjustable-barrier phototransistors. Full article
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14 pages, 9321 KiB  
Article
One-Pot Synthesis of Cellulose-Based Carbon Aerogel Loaded with TiO2 and g-C3N4 and Its Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B
by Fangqin Liu, Mingjie Fan, Xia Liu and Jinyang Chen
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1141; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131141 - 2 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1768
Abstract
A cellulose-based carbon aerogel (CTN) loaded with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was prepared using sol–gel, freeze-drying, and high-temperature carbonization methods. The formation of the sol–gel was carried out through a one-pot method using [...] Read more.
A cellulose-based carbon aerogel (CTN) loaded with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was prepared using sol–gel, freeze-drying, and high-temperature carbonization methods. The formation of the sol–gel was carried out through a one-pot method using refining papermaking pulp, tetrabutyl titanate, and urea as raw materials and hectorite as a cross-linking and reinforcing agent. Due to the cross-linking ability of hectorite, the carbonized aerogel maintained a porous structure and had a large specific surface area with low density (0.0209 g/cm3). The analysis of XRD, XPS, and Raman spectra revealed that the titanium dioxide (TiO2) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) were uniformly distributed in the CTN, while TEM and SEM observations demonstrated the uniformly distributed three-dimensional porous structure of CTN. The photocatalytic activity of the CTN was determined according to its ability to degrade rhodamine B. The removal rate reached 89% under visible light after 120 min. In addition, the CTN was still stable after five reuse cycles. The proposed catalyst exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance under visible light conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoscale Material Catalysis for Environmental Protection)
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16 pages, 6613 KiB  
Article
Innovative AI-Enhanced Ice Detection System Using Graphene-Based Sensors for Enhanced Aviation Safety and Efficiency
by Dario Farina, Hatim Machrafi, Patrick Queeckers, Patrice D. Dongo and Carlo Saverio Iorio
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131135 - 1 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2098
Abstract
Ice formation on aircraft surfaces poses significant safety risks, and current detection systems often struggle to provide accurate, real-time predictions. This paper presents the development and comprehensive evaluation of a smart ice control system using a suite of machine learning models. The system [...] Read more.
Ice formation on aircraft surfaces poses significant safety risks, and current detection systems often struggle to provide accurate, real-time predictions. This paper presents the development and comprehensive evaluation of a smart ice control system using a suite of machine learning models. The system utilizes various sensors to detect temperature anomalies and signal potential ice formation. We trained and tested supervised learning models (Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest), unsupervised learning models (K-Means Clustering), and neural networks (Multilayer Perceptron) to predict and identify ice formation patterns. The experimental results demonstrate that our smart system, driven by machine learning, accurately predicts ice formation in real time, optimizes deicing processes, and enhances safety while reducing power consumption. This solution holds the potential for improving ice detection accuracy in aviation and other critical industries requiring robust predictive maintenance. Full article
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14 pages, 3793 KiB  
Article
Energy Storage Application of CaO/Graphite Nanocomposite Powder Obtained from Waste Eggshells and Used Lithium-Ion Batteries as a Sustainable Development Approach
by Kathalingam Adaikalam, Aviraj M. Teli, Karuppasamy Pandian Marimuthu, Sivalingam Ramesh, Hyungyil Lee, Heung Soo Kim and Hyun-Seok Kim
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131129 - 30 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1864
Abstract
The reuse of waste materials has recently become appealing due to pollution and cost reduction factors. Using waste materials can reduce environmental pollution and product costs, thus promoting sustainability. Approximately 95% of calcium carbonate-containing waste eggshells end up in landfills, unused. These eggshells, [...] Read more.
The reuse of waste materials has recently become appealing due to pollution and cost reduction factors. Using waste materials can reduce environmental pollution and product costs, thus promoting sustainability. Approximately 95% of calcium carbonate-containing waste eggshells end up in landfills, unused. These eggshells, a form of bio-waste, can be repurposed as catalytic electrode material for various applications, including supercapacitors, after being converted into CaO. Similarly, used waste battery electrode materials pose environmental hazards if not properly recycled. Various types of batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, are extensively used worldwide. The recycling of used lithium-ion batteries has become less important considering its low economic benefits. This necessitates finding alternative methods to recover and reuse the graphite rods of spent batteries. Therefore, this study reports the conversion of waste eggshell into calcium oxide by high-temperature calcination and extraction of nanographite from spent batteries for application in energy storage fields. Both CaO and CaO/graphite were characterized for their structural, morphological, and chemical compositions using XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS techniques. The prepared CaO/graphite nanocomposite material was evaluated for its efficiency in electrochemical supercapacitor applications. CaO and its composite with graphite powder obtained from used lithium-ion batteries demonstrated improved performance compared to CaO alone for energy storage applications. Using these waste materials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices results in cheaper, greener, and sustainable processes. This approach not only aids in energy storage but also promotes sustainability through waste management by reducing landfills. Full article
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19 pages, 4885 KiB  
Article
TiO2 Nanoparticles with Adjustable Phase Composition Prepared by an Inverse Microemulsion Method: Physicochemical Characterization and Photocatalytic Properties
by Bogna D. Napruszewska, Anna Walczyk, Dorota Duraczyńska, Joanna Kryściak-Czerwenka, Robert Karcz, Adam Gaweł, Paweł Nowak and Ewa M. Serwicka
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131130 - 30 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1617
Abstract
Titania nanoparticles (NPs) find wide application in photocatalysis, photovoltaics, gas sensing, lithium batteries, etc. One of the most important synthetic challenges is maintaining control over the polymorph composition of the prepared nanomaterial. In the present work, TiO2 NPs corresponding to anatase, rutile, [...] Read more.
Titania nanoparticles (NPs) find wide application in photocatalysis, photovoltaics, gas sensing, lithium batteries, etc. One of the most important synthetic challenges is maintaining control over the polymorph composition of the prepared nanomaterial. In the present work, TiO2 NPs corresponding to anatase, rutile, or an anatase/rutile/brookite mixture were obtained at 80 °C by an inverse microemulsion method in a ternary system of water/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide/1-hexanol in a weight ratio of 17:28:55. The only synthesis variables were the preparation of the aqueous component and the nature of the Ti precursor (Ti(IV) ethoxide, isopropoxide, butoxide, or chloride). The materials were characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, FTIR and Raman vibrational spectroscopies, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The synthesis products differed significantly not only in phase composition, but also in crystallinity, textural properties, and adsorption properties towards water. All TiO2 NPs were active in the photocatalytic decomposition of rhodamine B, a model dye pollutant of wastewater streams. The mixed-phase anatase/rutile/brookite nanopowders obtained from alkoxy precursors showed the best photocatalytic performance, comparable to or better than the P25 reference. The exceptionally high photoactivity was attributed to the advantageous electronic effects known to accompany multiphase titania composition, namely high specific surface area and strong surface hydration. Among the single-phase materials, anatase samples showed better photoactivity than rutile ones, and this effect was associated, primarily, with the much higher specific surface area of anatase photocatalysts. Full article
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9 pages, 542 KiB  
Article
Random Field Ising Model Criticality in a Complex Binary Liquid System
by Henrich Frielinghaus, Purushottam S. Dubey, Debasish Saha, Eunjoo Shin, Olaf Holderer, Jan V. Sengers and Stephan Förster
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131125 - 29 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1109
Abstract
While Ising criticality in classical liquids has been firmly established both theoretically and experimentally, much less is known about criticality in liquids in which the growth of the correlation length is frustrated by finite-size effects. A theoretical approach for dealing with this issue [...] Read more.
While Ising criticality in classical liquids has been firmly established both theoretically and experimentally, much less is known about criticality in liquids in which the growth of the correlation length is frustrated by finite-size effects. A theoretical approach for dealing with this issue is the random-field Ising model (RFIM). While experimental critical-exponent values have been reported for magnetic samples (here, we consider γ, ν and η), little experimental information is available for critical fluctuations in corresponding liquid systems. In this paper, we present a study on a binary liquid consisting of 3-methyl pyridine and heavy water in a very light-weight porous gel. We find that the experimental results are in agreement with the theoretical predictions from the RFIM. Full article
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21 pages, 6750 KiB  
Article
A Hierarchical Nano to Micro Scale Modelling of 3D Printed Nano-Reinforced Polylactic Acid: Micropolar Modelling and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
by AbdolMajid Rezaei, Razie Izadi and Nicholas Fantuzzi
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131113 - 28 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1828
Abstract
Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing technique widely used for rapid prototyping. This method facilitates the creation of parts with intricate geometries, making it suitable for advanced applications in fields such as tissue engineering, aerospace, and electronics. Despite its advantages, FDM [...] Read more.
Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing technique widely used for rapid prototyping. This method facilitates the creation of parts with intricate geometries, making it suitable for advanced applications in fields such as tissue engineering, aerospace, and electronics. Despite its advantages, FDM often results in the formation of voids between the deposited filaments, which can compromise mechanical properties. However, in some cases, such as the design of scaffolds for bone regeneration, increased porosity can be advantageous as it allows for better permeability. On the other hand, the introduction of nano-additives into the FDM material enhances design flexibility and can significantly improve the mechanical properties. Therefore, modelling FDM-produced components involves complexities at two different scales: nanoscales and microscales. Material deformation is primarily influenced by atomic-scale phenomena, especially with nanoscopic constituents, whereas the distribution of nano-reinforcements and FDM-induced heterogeneities lies at the microscale. This work presents multiscale modelling that bridges the nano and microscales to predict the mechanical properties of FDM-manufactured components. At the nanoscale, molecular dynamic simulations unravel the atomistic intricacies that dictate the behaviour of the base material containing nanoscopic reinforcements. Simulations are conducted on polylactic acid (PLA) and PLA reinforced with silver nanoparticles, with the properties derived from MD simulations transferred to the microscale model. At the microscale, non-classical micropolar theory is utilised, which can account for materials’ heterogeneity through internal scale parameters while avoiding direct discretization. The developed mechanical model offers a comprehensive framework for designing 3D-printed PLA nanocomposites with tailored mechanical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Theory and Simulation of Nanostructures)
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22 pages, 2160 KiB  
Review
Advancements in Aerogel Technology for Antimicrobial Therapy: A Review
by George-Alexandru Croitoru, Diana-Cristina Pîrvulescu, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Marius Rădulescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu and Carmen-Larisa Nicolae
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131110 - 28 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2178
Abstract
This paper explores the latest advancements in aerogel technology for antimicrobial therapy, revealing their interesting capacity that could improve the current medical approaches for antimicrobial treatments. Aerogels are attractive matrices because they can have an antimicrobial effect on their own, but they can [...] Read more.
This paper explores the latest advancements in aerogel technology for antimicrobial therapy, revealing their interesting capacity that could improve the current medical approaches for antimicrobial treatments. Aerogels are attractive matrices because they can have an antimicrobial effect on their own, but they can also provide efficient delivery of antimicrobial compounds. Their interesting properties, such as high porosity, ultra-lightweight, and large surface area, make them suitable for such applications. The fundamentals of aerogels and mechanisms of action are discussed. The paper also highlights aerogels’ importance in addressing current pressing challenges related to infection management, like the limited drug delivery alternatives and growing resistance to antimicrobial agents. It also covers the potential applications of aerogels in antimicrobial therapy and their possible limitations. Full article
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13 pages, 2347 KiB  
Article
Ultra-Mild Fabrication of Highly Concentrated SWCNT Dispersion Using Spontaneous Charging in Solvated Electron System
by Junho Shin, Jung Hoon Kim, Jungeun Lee, Sangyong Lee, Jong Hwan Park, Seung Yol Jeong, Hee Jin Jeong, Joong Tark Han, Seon Hee Seo, Seoung-Ki Lee and Jungmo Kim
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131094 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1917
Abstract
The efficient dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has been the subject of extensive research over the past decade. Despite these efforts, achieving individually dispersed SWCNTs at high concentrations remains challenging. In this study, we address the limitations associated with conventional methods, such [...] Read more.
The efficient dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has been the subject of extensive research over the past decade. Despite these efforts, achieving individually dispersed SWCNTs at high concentrations remains challenging. In this study, we address the limitations associated with conventional methods, such as defect formation, excessive surfactant use, and the use of corrosive solvents. Our novel dispersion method utilizes the spontaneous charging of SWCNTs in a solvated electron system created by dissolving potassium in hexamethyl phosphoramide (HMPA). The resulting charged SWCNTs (c-SWCNTs) can be directly dispersed in the charging medium using only magnetic stirring, leading to defect-free c-SWCNT dispersions with high concentrations of up to 20 mg/mL. The successful dispersion of individual c-SWCNT strands is confirmed by their liquid-crystalline behavior. Importantly, the dispersion medium for c-SWCNTs exhibits no reactivity with metals, polymers, or other organic solvents. This versatility enables a wide range of applications, including electrically conductive free-standing films produced via conventional blade coating, wet-spun fibers, membrane electrodes, thermal composites, and core-shell hybrid microparticles. Full article
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16 pages, 3821 KiB  
Article
Development of Focused Ultrasound-Assisted Nanoplexes for RNA Delivery
by Sanjeev Ranjan, Stef Bosch, Hannamari Lukkari, Johanna Schirmer, Niina Aaltonen, Heikki J. Nieminen, Vesa-Pekka Lehto, Arto Urtti, Tatu Lajunen and Kirsi Rilla
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1089; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131089 - 25 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2669
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics, including siRNA, have obtained recognition in recent years due to their potential to treat various chronic and rare diseases. However, there are still limitations to lipid-based drug delivery systems in the clinical use of RNA therapeutics due to the need for [...] Read more.
RNA-based therapeutics, including siRNA, have obtained recognition in recent years due to their potential to treat various chronic and rare diseases. However, there are still limitations to lipid-based drug delivery systems in the clinical use of RNA therapeutics due to the need for optimization in the design and the preparation process. In this study, we propose adaptive focused ultrasound (AFU) as a drug loading technique to protect RNA from degradation by encapsulating small RNA in nanoliposomes, which we term nanoplexes. The AFU method is non-invasive and isothermal, as nanoplexes are produced without direct contact with any external materials while maintaining precise temperature control according to the desired settings. The controllability of sample treatments can be effectively modulated, allowing for a wide range of ultrasound intensities to be applied. Importantly, the absence of co-solvents in the process eliminates the need for additional substances, thereby minimizing the potential for cross-contaminations. Since AFU is a non-invasive method, the entire process can be conducted under sterile conditions. A minimal volume (300 μL) is required for this process, and the treatment is speedy (10 min in this study). Our in vitro experiments with silencer CD44 siRNA, which performs as a model therapeutic drug in different mammalian cell lines, showed encouraging results (knockdown > 80%). To quantify gene silencing efficacy, we employed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Additionally, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques were employed to capture images of nanoplexes. These images revealed the presence of individual nanoparticles measuring approximately 100–200 nm in contrast with the random distribution of clustered complexes observed in ultrasound-untreated samples of liposome nanoparticles and siRNA. AFU holds great potential as a standardized liposome processing and loading method because its process is fast, sterile, and does not require additional solvents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biology and Medicines)
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28 pages, 10260 KiB  
Review
Carbon-Enhanced Hydrated Salt Phase Change Materials for Thermal Management Applications
by Yizhe Liu, Xiaoxiang Li, Yangzhe Xu, Yixuan Xie, Ting Hu and Peng Tao
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131077 - 24 Jun 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3301
Abstract
Inorganic hydrated salt phase change materials (PCMs) hold promise for improving the energy conversion efficiency of thermal systems and facilitating the exploration of renewable thermal energy. Hydrated salts, however, often suffer from low thermal conductivity, supercooling, phase separation, leakage and poor solar absorptance. [...] Read more.
Inorganic hydrated salt phase change materials (PCMs) hold promise for improving the energy conversion efficiency of thermal systems and facilitating the exploration of renewable thermal energy. Hydrated salts, however, often suffer from low thermal conductivity, supercooling, phase separation, leakage and poor solar absorptance. In recent years, compounding hydrated salts with functional carbon materials has emerged as a promising way to overcome these shortcomings and meet the application demands. This work reviews the recent progress in preparing carbon-enhanced hydrated salt phase change composites for thermal management applications. The intrinsic properties of hydrated salts and their shortcomings are firstly introduced. Then, the advantages of various carbon materials and general approaches for preparing carbon-enhanced hydrated salt PCM composites are briefly described. By introducing representative PCM composites loaded with carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, graphene oxide, graphene, expanded graphite, biochar, activated carbon and multifunctional carbon, the ways that one-dimensional, two-dimensional, three-dimensional and hybrid carbon materials enhance the comprehensive thermophysical properties of hydrated salts and affect their phase change behavior is systematically discussed. Through analyzing the enhancement effects of different carbon fillers, the rationale for achieving the optimal performance of the PCM composites, including both thermal conductivity and phase change stability, is summarized. Regarding the applications of carbon-enhanced hydrate salt composites, their use for the thermal management of electronic devices, buildings and the human body is highlighted. Finally, research challenges for further improving the overall thermophysical properties of carbon-enhanced hydrated salt PCMs and pushing towards practical applications and potential research directions are discussed. It is expected that this timely review could provide valuable guidelines for the further development of carbon-enhanced hydrated salt composites and stimulate concerted research efforts from diverse communities to promote the widespread applications of high-performance PCM composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nano-Enhanced Thermal Functional Materials)
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15 pages, 3802 KiB  
Article
Magnetic Particle Imaging-Guided Thermal Simulations for Magnetic Particle Hyperthermia
by Hayden Carlton, Nageshwar Arepally, Sean Healy, Anirudh Sharma, Sarah Ptashnik, Maureen Schickel, Matt Newgren, Patrick Goodwill, Anilchandra Attaluri and Robert Ivkov
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(12), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14121059 - 20 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2758
Abstract
Magnetic particle hyperthermia (MPH) enables the direct heating of solid tumors with alternating magnetic fields (AMFs). One challenge with MPH is the unknown particle distribution in tissue after injection. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) can measure the nanoparticle content and distribution in tissue after [...] Read more.
Magnetic particle hyperthermia (MPH) enables the direct heating of solid tumors with alternating magnetic fields (AMFs). One challenge with MPH is the unknown particle distribution in tissue after injection. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) can measure the nanoparticle content and distribution in tissue after delivery. The objective of this study was to develop a clinically translatable protocol that incorporates MPI data into finite element calculations for simulating tissue temperatures during MPH. To verify the protocol, we conducted MPH experiments in tumor-bearing mouse cadavers. Five 8–10-week-old female BALB/c mice bearing subcutaneous 4T1 tumors were anesthetized and received intratumor injections of Synomag®-S90 nanoparticles. Immediately following injection, the mice were euthanized and imaged, and the tumors were heated with an AMF. We used the Mimics Innovation Suite to create a 3D mesh of the tumor from micro-computerized tomography data and spatial index MPI to generate a scaled heating function for the heat transfer calculations. The processed imaging data were incorporated into a finite element solver, COMSOL Multiphysics®. The upper and lower bounds of the simulated tumor temperatures for all five cadavers demonstrated agreement with the experimental temperature measurements, thus verifying the protocol. These results demonstrate the utility of MPI to guide predictive thermal calculations for MPH treatment planning. Full article
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12 pages, 3186 KiB  
Article
Mixing Rules for Left-Handed Disordered Metamaterials: Effective-Medium and Dispersion Properties
by Ana Bărar, Stephen A. Maclean, Barry M. Gross, Doina Mănăilă-Maximean and Octavian Dănilă
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(12), 1056; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14121056 - 19 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1290
Abstract
Left-handed materials are known to exhibit exotic properties in controlling electromagnetic fields, with direct applications in negative reflection and refraction, conformal optical mapping, and electromagnetic cloaking. While typical left-handed materials are constructed periodic metal-dielectric structures, the same effect can be obtained in composite [...] Read more.
Left-handed materials are known to exhibit exotic properties in controlling electromagnetic fields, with direct applications in negative reflection and refraction, conformal optical mapping, and electromagnetic cloaking. While typical left-handed materials are constructed periodic metal-dielectric structures, the same effect can be obtained in composite guest–host systems with no periodicity or structural order. Such systems are typically described by the effective-medium approach, in which the components of the electric permittivity tensor are determined as a function of individual material properties and doping concentration. In this paper, we extend the discussion on the mixing rules to include left-handed composite systems and highlight the exotic properties arising from the effective-medium approach in this framework in terms of effective values and dispersion properties. Full article
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