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Nanomaterials
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Nanomaterials for Potential Uses in Extraterrestrial Environments
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Nanomaterials for Potential Uses in Extraterrestrial Environments

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanocomposite Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 16785

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Placido Mineo

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
Interests: polymers for special uses; polymer-based materials for use in extraterrestrial environments; polymers containing porphyrinoids, fullerenes and metal complexes for sensing and catalysis; nanosystems decorated with macromolecules and/or drugs; spontaneous symmetry-breaking phenomena
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Angelo Nicosia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
Interests: polymer-based materials for special use; design and development of nanomaterials for space applications; nanomaterials for smart degradation of air and water contaminants in out-of-orbit environment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanomaterials cover the most intriguing aspects of new technologies, with applications ranging from nanoelectronics to nanomedicine, including nanosensors and nanocatalysts, to cite few examples. 

Many fields of science are utilizing nanomaterials to face new technological problems or to obtain materials with new properties. 

Nevertheless, the most difficult challenges have yet to be faced: the development of materials for ordinary use in extraterrestrial environments. This arising need is due to the increase in the field of space exploration and activity. Indeed, all the main space agencies are working on very intriguing projects with colonisation of the Moon and Mars as final goals. 

Nevertheless, the realization of these ambitious goals has to consider important problems related to the use of conventional materials in unconventional environments, where these materials are subjected to particular chemical and physical stresses due to the presence of low gravity, solar wind, and cosmic rays (ionizing radiations and/or high-energy ions). 

In this landscape, this Special Issue aims to collect research articles as well as communications and reviews regarding the synthesis and/or applications of nanomaterials that can be potentially used in extraterrestrial environments such as in low-orbit stations or stable structures on the Moon and/or Mars. 

In particular, articles regarding nanomaterials suitable for functional (i.e., sensing, energy, catalysis, etc.) and/or structural (i.e., shielding spacecraft, crew, or electronic devices) applications in outer space conditions are welcome.  

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Nanomaterials useful to shield electronic devices from spatial interferences, as an example, generated from solar explosions;
  • Nanomaterials to brake high-energy ions;
  • Nanomaterials to improve the performance of astronaut suits (i.e., new nanomaterials acting against space suit tissue laceration);
  • Nanomaterials suitable to reduce the effects of ionizing radiations (UVB and C radiations, X- and g-rays);
  • Nanomaterials with low gas, vapour, and/or moisture permeability for applications in high-vacuum environments;
  • Self-healing nanomaterials;
  • Nanomaterials for pollutants sensing in indoor extraterrestrial environments;
  • Nanomaterials for depollution in space station conditions;
  • Nanomaterials for energy production;
  • Theoretical studies of the interaction of nanomaterials with high-energy radiations and/or ions;
  • Nanomaterials as sensors for pressure, high-energy radiation, or high-energy ions;
  • Nanomaterials for propulsion systems;
  • Soft nanomaterials in low gravity;
  • Thought experiments in the topics of the Special Issue and/or in low gravity;
  • Theory, simulation, and design of nanomaterials for extraterrestrial environments.

Prof. Dr. Placido Mineo
Guest Editors

Dr. Angelo Nicosia 
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • chemistry of nanomaterials in the space
  • depollution
  • energy generation
  • graphene
  • high-vacuum environments
  • low-gravity environments
  • nanocatalysts
  • nanocomposites
  • nanomaterials
  • nanoparticles
  • out-of-orbit applications
  • physics of nanomaterials in the space
  • shielding nanomaterials
  • soft nanomaterials
  • space installations
  • spacecraft
  • spacesuits

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 179 KiB  
Editorial
Nanomaterials for Potential Uses in Extraterrestrial Environments
by Angelo Nicosia and Placido Mineo
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(10), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100893 - 20 May 2024
Viewed by 301
Abstract
Over the past decades, the development of nanomaterials has played an important role in the most intriguing aspects of new technologies in several scientific fields, such as nanoelectronics, nanomedicine [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Potential Uses in Extraterrestrial Environments)

Research

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17 pages, 7498 KiB  
Article
Impact of Proton Irradiation on Medium Density Polyethylene/Carbon Nanocomposites for Space Shielding Applications
by Federica Zaccardi, Elisa Toto, Shreya Rastogi, Valeria La Saponara, Maria Gabriella Santonicola and Susanna Laurenzi
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(7), 1288; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13071288 - 6 Apr 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1455
Abstract
The development of novel materials with improved radiation shielding capability is a fundamental step towards the optimization of passive radiation countermeasures. Polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites filled with carbon nanotubes (CNT) or graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) can be a good compromise for maintaining the radiation shielding [...] Read more.
The development of novel materials with improved radiation shielding capability is a fundamental step towards the optimization of passive radiation countermeasures. Polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites filled with carbon nanotubes (CNT) or graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) can be a good compromise for maintaining the radiation shielding properties of the hydrogen-rich polymer while endowing the material with multifunctional properties. In this work, nanocomposite materials based on medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) loaded with different amounts of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), GNPs, and hybrid MWCNT/GNP nanofillers were fabricated, and their properties were examined before and after proton exposure. The effects of irradiation were evaluated in terms of modifications in the chemical and physical structure, wettability, and surface morphology of the nanocomposites. The aim of this work was to define and compare the MDPE-based nanocomposite behavior under proton irradiation in order to establish the best system for applications as space shielding materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Potential Uses in Extraterrestrial Environments)
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13 pages, 3653 KiB  
Article
Portable Nanocomposite System for Wound Healing in Space
by Chiara Zagni, Andrea Antonino Scamporrino, Paolo Maria Riccobene, Giuseppe Floresta, Vincenzo Patamia, Antonio Rescifina and Sabrina Carola Carroccio
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(4), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13040741 - 15 Feb 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1436
Abstract
It is well known that skin wound healing could be severely impaired in space. In particular, the skin is the tissue at risk of injury, especially during human-crewed space missions. Here, we propose a hybrid system based on the biocompatible poly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate [...] Read more.
It is well known that skin wound healing could be severely impaired in space. In particular, the skin is the tissue at risk of injury, especially during human-crewed space missions. Here, we propose a hybrid system based on the biocompatible poly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA) to actively support a nanocontainer filled with the drug. Specifically, during the cryo-polymerization of HEMA, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) embedded with thymol (Thy) were added as a component. Thy is a natural pharmaceutical ingredient used to confer wound healing properties to the material, whereas HNTs were used to entrap the Thy into the lumen to ensure a sustained release of the drug. The as-obtained material was characterized by chemical–physical methods, and tests were performed to assess its ability for a prolonged drug release. The results showed that the adopted synthetic procedure allows the formation of a super absorbent system with good swelling ability that can contain up to 5.5 mg of Thy in about 90 mg of dried sponge. Releasing tests demonstrated the excellent material’s ability to perform a slow controlled delivery of 62% of charged Thy within a week. As humans venture deeper into space, with more extended missions, limited medical capabilities, and a higher risk of skin wounds, the proposed device would be a versatile miniaturized device for skin repair in space. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Potential Uses in Extraterrestrial Environments)
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14 pages, 2183 KiB  
Communication
Effects of Simulated Solar Wind on Polymethyl Methacrylate Thin Film
by Lidia Mezzina, Angelo Nicosia, Giuseppe Antonio Baratta, Maria Elisabetta Palumbo, Carlotta Scirè and Placido Giuseppe Mineo
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(12), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12121992 - 10 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1806
Abstract
Space exploration missions are currently becoming more frequent, due to the ambition for space colonization in sight of strengthening terrestrial technologies and extracting new raw materials and/or resources. In this field, the study of the materials’ behaviour when exposed to space conditions is [...] Read more.
Space exploration missions are currently becoming more frequent, due to the ambition for space colonization in sight of strengthening terrestrial technologies and extracting new raw materials and/or resources. In this field, the study of the materials’ behaviour when exposed to space conditions is fundamental for enabling the use of currently existing materials or the development of new materials suitable for application in extra-terrestrial environments. In particular, the versatility of polymers renders them suitable for advanced applications, but the effects of space radiation on these materials are not yet fully understood. Here, to shed light on the effects of simulated solar wind on a polymeric material, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was produced through radical bulk polymerization. The PMMA in the form of a thin film was subjected to proton beam bombardment at different fluences and in a high vacuum environment, with structural changes monitored through real-time FT-IR analysis. The structure of the residual material was investigated through MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The collected data allowed us to hypothesize the structural modifications of the PMMA and the related mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Potential Uses in Extraterrestrial Environments)
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19 pages, 3487 KiB  
Article
Photosensitized Thermoplastic Nano-Photocatalysts Active in the Visible Light Range for Potential Applications Inside Extraterrestrial Facilities
by Lidia Mezzina, Angelo Nicosia, Fabiana Vento, Guido De Guidi and Placido Giuseppe Mineo
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(6), 996; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12060996 - 17 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2362
Abstract
Among different depollution methods, photocatalysis activated by solar light is promising for terrestrial outdoor applications. However, its use in underground structures and/or microgravity environments (e.g., extraterrestrial structures) is forbidden. In these cases, there are issues related to the energy emitted from the indoor [...] Read more.
Among different depollution methods, photocatalysis activated by solar light is promising for terrestrial outdoor applications. However, its use in underground structures and/or microgravity environments (e.g., extraterrestrial structures) is forbidden. In these cases, there are issues related to the energy emitted from the indoor lighting system because it is not high enough to promote the photocatalytic mechanism. Moreover, microgravity does not allow the recovery of the photocatalytic slurry from the depolluted solution. In this work, the synthesis of a filmable nanocomposite based on semiconductor nanoparticles supported by photosensitized copolyacrylates was performed through a bulk in situ radical copolymerization involving a photosensitizer macromonomer. The macromonomer and the nanocomposites were characterized through UV-Vis, fluorescence and NMR spectroscopies, gel permeation chromatography and thermogravimetric analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the sensitized nanocomposites was studied through photodegradation tests of common dyes and recalcitrant xenobiotic pollutants, employing UV-Vis and visible range (λ > 390 nm) light radiations. The sensitized nanocomposite photocatalytic performances increased about two times that of the unsensitized nanocomposite and that of visible range light radiation alone (>390 nm). The experimental data have shown that these new systems, applied as thin films, have the potential for use in indoor deep underground and extraterrestrial structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Potential Uses in Extraterrestrial Environments)
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15 pages, 3756 KiB  
Article
Influence of POSS Type on the Space Environment Durability of Epoxy-POSS Nanocomposites
by Avraham I. Bram, Irina Gouzman, Asaf Bolker, Nurit Atar, Noam Eliaz and Ronen Verker
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(2), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12020257 - 14 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1937
Abstract
In order to use polymers at low Earth orbit (LEO) environment, they must be protected against atomic oxygen (AO) erosion. A promising protection strategy is to incorporate polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) molecules into the polymer backbone. In this study, the space durability of [...] Read more.
In order to use polymers at low Earth orbit (LEO) environment, they must be protected against atomic oxygen (AO) erosion. A promising protection strategy is to incorporate polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) molecules into the polymer backbone. In this study, the space durability of epoxy-POSS (EPOSS) nanocomposites was investigated. Two types of POSS molecules were incorporated separately—amine-based and epoxy-based. The outgassing properties of the EPOSS, in terms of total mass loss, collected volatile condensable material, and water vapor regain were measured as a function of POSS type and content. The AO durability was studied using a ground-based AO simulation system. Surface compositions of EPOSS were studied using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that with respect to the outgassing properties, only some of the EPOSS compositions were suitable for the ultrahigh vacuum space environment, and that the POSS type and content had a strong effect on their outgassing properties. Regardless of the POSS type being used, the AO durability improved significantly. This improvement is attributed to the formation of a self-passivated AO durable SiO2 layer, and demonstrates the potential use of EPOSS as a qualified nanocomposite for space applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Potential Uses in Extraterrestrial Environments)
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Review

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23 pages, 12431 KiB  
Review
Carbon Nanocomposites in Aerospace Technology: A Way to Protect Low-Orbit Satellites
by Janith Weerasinghe, Karthika Prasad, Joice Mathew, Eduardo Trifoni, Oleg Baranov, Igor Levchenko and Kateryna Bazaka
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(11), 1763; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13111763 - 30 May 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3471
Abstract
Recent advancements in space technology and reduced launching cost led companies, defence and government organisations to turn their attention to low Earth orbit (LEO) and very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites, for they offer significant advantages over other types of spacecraft and present [...] Read more.
Recent advancements in space technology and reduced launching cost led companies, defence and government organisations to turn their attention to low Earth orbit (LEO) and very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites, for they offer significant advantages over other types of spacecraft and present an attractive solution for observation, communication and other tasks. However, keeping satellites in LEO and VLEO presents a unique set of challenges, in addition to those typically associated with exposure to space environment such as damage from space debris, thermal fluctuations, radiation and thermal management in vacuum. The structural and functional elements of LEO and especially VLEO satellites are significantly affected by residual atmosphere and, in particular, atomic oxygen (AO). At VLEO, the remaining atmosphere is dense enough to create significant drag and quicky de-orbit satellites; thus, thrusters are needed to keep them on a stable orbit. Atomic oxygen-induced material erosion is another key challenge to overcome during the design phase of LEO and VLEO spacecraft. This review covered the corrosion interactions between the satellites and the low orbit environment, and how it can be minimised through the use of carbon-based nanomaterials and their composites. The review also discussed key mechanisms and challenges underpinning material design and fabrication, and it outlined the current research in this area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Potential Uses in Extraterrestrial Environments)
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18 pages, 7282 KiB  
Review
Nanomaterials for Cortisol Sensing
by Giuseppe Trusso Sfrazzetto and Rossella Santonocito
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(21), 3790; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12213790 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2333
Abstract
Space represents one of the most dangerous environments for humans, which can be affected by high stress levels. This can lead to severe physiological problems, such as headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, hypertension, depression, and coronary heart diseases. During a stress condition, the human [...] Read more.
Space represents one of the most dangerous environments for humans, which can be affected by high stress levels. This can lead to severe physiological problems, such as headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, hypertension, depression, and coronary heart diseases. During a stress condition, the human body produces specific hormones, such as dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol. In particular, the control of cortisol levels can be related to the stress level of an astronaut, particularly during a long-term space mission. The common analytical methods (HPLC, GC-MS) cannot be used in an extreme environment, such as a space station, due to the steric hindrance of the instruments and the absence of gravity. For these reasons, the development of smart sensing devices with a facile and fast analytical protocol can be extremely useful for space applications. This review summarizes the recent (from 2011) miniaturized sensoristic devices based on nanomaterials (gold and carbon nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, nano-electrodes), which allow rapid and real-time analyses of cortisol levels in biological samples (such as saliva, urine, sweat, and plasma), to monitor the health conditions of humans under extreme stress conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Potential Uses in Extraterrestrial Environments)
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