Search Results (367)

Zeolite-based composite nanomaterials represent a versatile and mechanistically rich platform for the removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs)—including pharmaceuticals, endocrine-disrupting compounds, pesticides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—from contaminated water systems. Although pristine zeolite frameworks provide well-defined microporous architectures, tunable Si/Al ratios, and ion-exchange capacity, their intrinsic hydrophilicity restricts interaction diversity and limits performance toward the structurally heterogeneous OMPs prevalent in real aquatic environments. Composite integration with carbonaceous nanophases, functional polymers and surfactants, and catalytically active metal oxide nanoparticles substantially extends this interaction repertoire, yielding multifunctional materials whose adsorption performance exceeds that of the individual components. Drawing on a systematic survey of peer-reviewed literature published between 2016 and 2026, this review develops a mechanism-oriented, structure–property–performance framework examining five dominant adsorption mechanisms—electrostatic attraction, π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic partitioning, and micropore confinement—in relation to composite nanoarchitecture, surface chemistry, and structural parameters. The modulating influence of realistic water matrix conditions on adsorption efficiency is critically assessed, alongside challenges of regeneration, long-term stability, metal leaching, and the persistent gap between laboratory-scale synthesis and scalable deployment. Priority research directions are identified, including standardized performance evaluation under environmentally representative conditions and rational design of hierarchical multifunctional nanocomposites from earth-abundant and waste-derived precursors. Full article

This study investigates the enhancement of AA6082/Al₂O₃ aluminum metal matrix nanocomposites (AMMNCs) through powder metallurgy combined with systematic process optimization. Ultrasound-assisted dispersion and Taguchi design L9 orthogonal array were employed to improve nanoparticle distribution and optimize fabrication parameters. The effect of Al₂O₃ content and ultrasonication time (UT) on hardness and compressive strength was analyzed using S/N ratio and ANOVA. Characterization was performed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The result shows that Al₂O₃ content had the most significant influence on both hardness (82.25%) and compressive strength (81.08%), followed by UT. The optimal condition produced a maximum hardness of 31.9 HV and compressive strength of 205.53 MPa. Regression models demonstrated strong predictive accuracy (R² > 85%). Overall, the study highlights the effectiveness of parameter optimization in improving nanocomposite performance and provides valuable guidance for advanced material design. Full article

Bio-based, biodegradable, and renewable polymers offer a promising alternative to traditional synthetic polymers derived from petroleum or other non-renewable resources. However, their use is limited by suboptimal properties and high costs. Incorporating sustainable reinforcements into the polymer matrix significantly improves biopolymer performance while preserving key properties, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Bio-based polymeric composites have emerged as a crucial category of biopolymers, playing a key role in advancing a sustainable, circular economy. This review provides an updated overview of bio-based polymer composites and nanocomposites, focusing on reinforcement strategies using natural nanofillers and engineered nanoparticles. We summarize key synthesis and processing methods, discuss structure–property relationships, and highlight recent advances in applications such as food packaging, biomedical devices, energy systems, environmental remediation, 3D printing, and supercapacitors. Polymer nanocomposites are versatile, with their performance depending on the type, size, and interactions between the fillers and the polymer matrix. Progress in metallic, ceramic, carbon-based, natural, and hybrid fillers has improved their properties. Using bio-based polymers and renewable fillers supports sustainability. Natural nanofillers derived from renewable sources and industrial byproducts offer a sustainable approach to developing high-performance, biodegradable nanocomposites. Smart nanocomposites can react to external stimuli by integrating specialized fillers that enhance their mechanical and mobility properties. Shape memory nanocomposites can be remotely activated—using heat, electricity, magnets, or light—enabling advanced applications. Finally, we address major challenges and outline future directions for scalable, circular-material solutions, drawing on perspectives from the circular economy and life cycle assessment (LCA). Full article

Owing to the high stability and low cost of nanozymes, they have been extensively investigated and reported. In this work, highly active CeO₂ nanoflowers were first prepared and then different metal elements were doped into the CeO₂ nanoflower matrix via a novel synthesis method to fabricate M-CeO₂ (M = Cu, Fe, Co, Mn, La) nanomaterials. Mn-CeO₂ with the highest peroxidase-like activity was selected via systematic screening, the as-prepared Mn-CeO₂ nanocomposites exhibited enhanced enzyme-like activity due to the strong metal-support interaction. This article explored the effects of doping ratio, pH, temperature, reaction time, and material concentration on its activity. A simple sensitive and selective colorimetric method was established and successfully used to detect hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid sensitively. When the hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration is within the 2.0–120.0 μM range, the UV-visible absorbance at 652 nm was associated linearly with the H₂O₂ concentration, R² = 0.9959, LOD = 1.7 μM (S/N = 3). The absorbance of the reaction system showed a good linear relationship with the ascorbic acid (AA) concentration (1.0–40.0 μM, R² = 0.992), LOD = 0.98 μM (S/N = 3). This study provides an effective way to construct efficient nanozymes and their potential applications in sensing and detection. Full article

Polymer-based biosensors have evolved from passive supports into active functional elements that dictate analytical performance in complex real-world samples. This critical review with meta-trend analysis examines 96 original research articles published between 2015 and 2025, evaluating how four polymer classes (conductive polymers, redox-mediator polymers, hydrogels, and molecularly imprinted polymers) address matrix effects in food, beverage, environmental and clinical applications. Electrochemical detection dominates (79% of studies), with conductive polymers enabling low-potential operation that excludes electroactive interference. Hydrogels achieve superior precision (RSD below 3%) in protein-rich matrices through biocompatible microenvironments that preserve enzyme kinetics. Molecularly imprinted polymers provide unmatched stability in harsh environments for trace-level detection of heavy metals and toxins, though delayed response times from slow analyte diffusion persist. Critical evaluation exposes validation deficits: 91% of studies omit limits of quantification, while approximately one-third lack reproducibility (33%) and precision (30%). The multi-matrix challenge, maintaining calibration across different hostile environments, remains the primary barrier to commercial deployment. Advanced architectures, including nanocapsulation, hierarchical nanocomposites, and microneedle-integrated systems, offer pathways to overcome limitations in fouling resistance and operational stability. Full article

One of the main sources of microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems is municipal wastewater, and preserving the ecological security of water depends on its effective removal. In this study, a potential multi-functionalized nanocomposite (NH₂-MIL-101(Fe)/CS/GO), which consists of an iron-based metal–organic framework (NH₂-MIL-101(Fe)) integrated with chitosan (CS) as a biopolymer matrix and graphene oxide (GO) as a conductive support, was exploited to enhance microplastic removal via different adsorptive hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions. According to adsorption tests, the removal efficiencies of NH₂-MIL-101(Fe)/CS/GO for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics (25–30 μm) were 93.8% and 89.7%, respectively, at pH 6.2 and for 40 min of contact time. Adsorption isotherms were well fitted to both the Langmuir and the Freundlich models, and the maximum adsorption capacities of PET and PS were 321.4 and 255.1 mg·g⁻¹, respectively. The removal efficiency reached 92.5% after six cycles. The proposed MOF-based CS/GO nanocomposite provides an efficient and durable method of controlling microplastic contamination in urban wastewater. The developed multi-functionalized nanocomposite offers excellent electrostatic and hydrophobic synergy through a large surface area and π–π interactions for GO, positively charged CS, and a very high surface area with tunable porosity for the amino–MIL-101 (Fe) moiety. The proposed MOF-based nanocomposite provides an effective and persistent method of reducing microplastic contamination in constructed wetlands and water/wastewater treatment plants. Full article

Biocompatible nanocomposite hydrogels are emerging as versatile platforms in nanomedicine, particularly when natural proteins are used as both structural and chemical components. In this work, we report a green, simple, and rapid in situ synthesis of ultrasmall silver nanoparticles (uAgNPs) within a bovine serum albumin (BSA) hydrogel, in which albumin simultaneously acts as the reducing agent and three-dimensional scaffold. The confined reaction environment generated uniformly dispersed Ag nanostructures with diameters in the 4–40 nm range, as confirmed by DLS and TEM. High-resolution TEM revealed clear Face-Centered Cubic (FCC, 111) lattice fringes, demonstrating the crystalline nature of the embedded uAgNPs. Quantitative image analysis showed narrow size distributions and high circularities, consistent with cluster stabilization through protein–metal interactions. Rheological measurements further indicated that the incorporation of uAgNPs enhanced hydrogel stiffness and delayed yielding, reflecting a reinforcement effect mediated by the nanoparticles acting as additional cross-linking points. Moreover, when very small embedded uAgNPs are formed, the presence of emissive silver nanoclusters was found using fluorescence emission spectroscopy. Overall, our results show that BSA hydrogels provide an effective matrix for directing green uAgNP nucleation, ensuring high stability, controlled growth in less than 2 min, and improved mechanical properties. The resulting protein–nanoparticle composite constitutes a promising soft material for imaging, sensing, and other biomedical applications requiring stable, biocompatible nanoscale architectures. Full article

This study introduces a novel anticorrosion coating for copper based on an epoxy matrix reinforced with a berberine-loaded graphene oxide (BBR@GO) nanocomposite. The BBR@GO was synthesized via a simple, non-covalent functionalization method, leveraging π-π stacking interactions between the planar berberine molecule and the graphene oxide surface. The successful loading of berberine was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The BBR@GO nanocomposite was incorporated into an epoxy resin at 0.1 wt.% loading and applied to a copper substrate. The corrosion protection performance of the BBR@GO/EP coating was systematically evaluated in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution for 27 days using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP). The BBR@GO/EP coating exhibited a total impedance of 5.31 × 10⁸ Ω·cm² after 27 days, which was 17 times higher than the pure epoxy (EP) coating. The corrosion current density (i_corr) was reduced to 2.59 × 10⁻⁸ A·cm⁻², a four-fold decrease compared to the EP coating. Post-immersion analysis confirmed the excellent durability of the BBR@GO/EP coating and the retention of berberine within the matrix. The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of the physical barrier provided by the well-dispersed GO nanosheets and the inhibitive action of the retained berberine molecules at the coating–metal interface. Full article

This study presents an efficient, environmentally benign approach for synthesizing chitosan-entrapped titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanocomposites utilizing aqueous orange peel extract playing its role in reduction and stabilization of the nanoparticles and exploring its anticancer activity in vitro. TiO₂ nanoparticles were initially synthesized via a modified sol-gel method incorporating the orange peel extract. Subsequently, these nanoparticles were entrapped within a chitosan matrix. The orange peel extract was thoroughly characterized using analysis of phytochemicals present, and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of a reconstructed methanolic extract to identify potential biomolecules responsible for the reduction and capping processes. The synthesized chitosan-entrapped TiO₂ nanoparticles were subjected to comprehensive characterization using various analytical techniques, like UV–visible spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Zeta Potential analysis, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), FTIR, High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HR-SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX). An absorption peak was observed at 296 nm, a hydrodynamic diameter of 400 nm, a+ 35.88 mV zeta potential, and an SEM image showing a diameter in the range of 300–645 nm, indicating polymer entrapment with enhanced size. Brine shrimp assay, MTT assay using normal fibroblasts, 3T3-L1, and zebrafish embryo assay were done to observe the biocompatibility of the synthesized nanostructure. The concentration of 50 μg/mL was found to be inert in both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, cervical cancer cells, SiHa, were treated with the nanoparticles to exhibit their cancer-killing capability with an IC₅₀ value of 30.74 μg/mL. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of orange peel extract as a sustainable agent for TiO₂ nanoparticle synthesis and the successful formation of a stable chitosan-entrapped nanocomposite. This approach offers a promising pathway for producing functional metal oxide nanomaterials with reduced environmental impact and enhanced properties for diverse biomedical applications. Future studies using other types of cancer cells and animal models for cancerous tumors need to be explored. Full article

Persistent organic pollutants, such as Rhodamine B (RhB), pose significant environmental and health risks, necessitating the development of advanced oxidation technologies for effective removal. While heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts are known for their high degradation efficiency, their practical application is often limited by complex synthesis processes, catalyst detachment, and difficult recovery. This study proposes an innovative laser-induced, one-step synthesis strategy to fabricate metal/carbon nanocomposite catalytic layers directly onto flexible carbon paper. The as-prepared composites exhibit strong interfacial interaction between metal nanoparticles and the carbon matrix, as indicated by XPS analysis, and demonstrate enhanced catalytic activity in the UV/H₂O₂ system. Notably, the integrated composites exhibit exceptional catalytic activity in the UV/H₂O₂ system, achieving complete degradation of a 20 mg/L RhB solution within just 1.5 h. The enhanced performance is attributed to the facilitated Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ cycling and efficient generation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH), although the underlying charge separation mechanism requires further investigation with techniques such as photoluminescence spectroscopy and transient photocurrent measurements. This work not only demonstrates the high activity and stability of the photo-Fenton catalyst but also provides a green, rapid fabrication approach for the development of efficient and integrable catalytic devices for wastewater treatment. Full article

The influence of Zn²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Co²⁺ doping on the thermal, structural, morphological, and magnetic characteristics of CdBi_0.1Fe_1.9O₄ nanoparticles synthetized via the sol–gel technique and calcined at 300, 600, 900 and 1200 °C was investigated. Thermal analysis revealed the initial formation of metallic glyoxylates up to 300 °C, followed by their decomposition into metal oxides and subsequent ferrite formation. X-ray diffraction revealed that the ferrites were poorly crystallized at lower temperatures, whereas at higher calcination temperatures all nanocomposites exhibited well-crystalized ferrites coexisting with the SiO₂ matrix, except for the Co_0.1Cd_0.9Bi_0.1Fe_1.9O₄@SiO₂ nanocomposite, which formed a single, well-defined crystalline phase. Atomic force microscopy images revealed spherical ferrite particles encapsulated within an amorphous layer, with particle size, surface area, and coating thickness influenced by both the type of dopant ion and the calcination temperature. The structural parameters estimated by X-ray diffraction, as well as the magnetic characteristics, were strongly influenced by the dopant type and thermal treatment. These results demonstrate that the structural and magnetic characteristics of CdBi₀.₁Fe₁.₉O₄ ferrites can be effectively tuned through controlled doping and calcination, providing insights for the design of tailored functional applications. Full article

MXenes, a family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, exhibit exceptional electrical conductivity, tunable surface chemistry, and strong broadband light absorption. However, their practical implementation is often limited by structural instability, such as restacking and surface oxidation. In this study, we propose a strategy for the design of hybrid nanocomposites based on exfoliated Ti₃C₂T_x MXene embedded within a porous silica (SiO₂) matrix and further functionalized with cerium dioxide (CeO₂) nanoparticles. The SiO₂ matrix, synthesized via a sol–gel approach, ensures homogeneous dispersion, increased porosity, and thermal stability, effectively reducing MXene restacking. Simultaneously, CeO₂ nanoparticles create surface oxygen vacancies and enhance interfacial reactivity. Comprehensive structural, morphological, surface, and optical characterizations confirm the formation of stable, light-responsive nanoarchitectures with tailored textural properties. Furthermore, the obtained material exhibit promising photothermal-catalytic properties. This work offers a materials-oriented approach for engineering multifunctional MXene-based architectures with enhanced photothermal performance, exemplified by their potential application in the photothermo-catalytic CO₂ conversion into solar fuels, showcasing the broader possibilities enabled by these materials. Full article

Protein phosphorylation is a crucial post-translational modification that regulates protein activity, cellular signaling, transcriptional regulation, and cell cycle control. However, the analysis of phosphoproteins in biological samples is often compromised by complex sample matrices and interference from high-abundance proteins. While the top-down phosphoproteomics strategy enables comprehensive analysis of post-translational modifications based on intact proteins, its requirement for higher protein purity due to low protein ionization efficiency poses stern challenges. Consequently, developing appropriate enrichment methods for phosphoproteins in practical samples becomes essential. Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) represents a common strategy for phosphorylated protein separation and enrichment. Among metal ions, Ti⁴⁺ has gained widespread application as IMAC chelating ligands due to its capacity to form multiple coordination networks and its high selectivity for phosphorylated protein enrichment, leveraging the strong chelating ability of phosphate groups toward metal ions. This paper presents the design and preparation of a novel magnetic Ti-IMAC nanocomposite, MNP@MPTMS–VPA–Ti(IV). The material is modified with phosphate groups via facile thiol-ene click chemistry and then immobilizes Ti⁴⁺, enabling selective enrichment of intact phosphoproteins through IMAC affinity. The efficiency of enrichment was evaluated using subsequent matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for detection and analysis. This Ti-IMAC material-based magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE)-MALDI-TOF MS protocol has been successfully applied to enrich intact phosphoproteins in milk and eel mucus with high selectivity, sensitivity, and suitability. Full article

In this study, we report a reproducible in situ photochemical method for the simultaneous synthesis of metallic and hybrid metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) within a UV–curable polymer matrix. A series of epoxy diacrylate-based formulations (BEA) was prepared, consisting of Epoxy diacrylate, Di(Ethylene glycol)ethyl ether acrylate (DEGEEA), and Phenylbis (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide (BAPO), which served as a Type I photoinitiator. These formulations were designed to enable the simultaneous photopolymerization and photoreduction of metal precursors at various Ag⁺/Co²⁺ ratios, resulting in nanocomposites containing in situ-formed Ag NPs, cobalt oxide NPs, and hybrid Ag–Co₃O₄ nanostructures. The photochemical, magnetic, and dielectric properties of the resulting nanocomposites were evaluated in comparison with those of the pure polymer using UV–Vis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Photo-Differential Scanning Calorimetry (Photo-DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Impedance Analysis, and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). Photo-DSC studies revealed that the highest conversion values were obtained for the BEA-Ag₁Co₁, BEA-Co, and BEA-Ag₁Co₂ samples, demonstrating that the presence of Co₃O₄ NPs enhances polymerization efficiency because of cobalt species participating in redox-assisted radical generation under UV irradiation, increasing the number of initiating radicals and leading to faster curing and higher final conversion. On the other hand, the Ag NPs, due to the SPR band formation at around 400 nm, compete with photoinitiator absorbance and result in a gradual decrease in conversion values. Crystal structures of the NPs were confirmed by XRD analyses. The dielectric and magnetic characteristics of the nanocomposites suggest potential applicability in energy-storage systems, electromagnetic interference mitigation, radar-absorbing materials, and related multifunctional electronic applications. Full article

Herein, we propose a simple and cost-effective method for fabricating moderate-sensitivity surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates using Cu-plasma polymer fluorocarbon (Cu-PPFC) nanocomposite films fabricated through RF sputtering. The use of a composite target composed of carbon nanotube (CNT), Cu, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powders (5:60–80:35–15 wt%) offers the advantage of the simple fabrication of moderate-sensitivity SERS substrates with a single cathode compared to co-sputtering. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that the film surface was partially composed of metallic Cu with Cu-F bonds and Cu–O bonds, confirming the coexistence of the conducting and plasmon-active domains. UV-VIS spectroscopy revealed a distinct absorption peak at approximately 680 nm, indicating the excitation of localized surface plasmon resonances in the Cu nanoclusters embedded in the plasma polymer fluorocarbon (PPFC) matrix. Atomic force microscopy and grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering analyses confirmed that the Cu nanoparticles were uniformly distributed with interparticle distances of 20–35 nm. The Cu-PPFC nanocomposite film with the highest Cu content (80 wt%) exhibited a Raman enhancement factor of 2.18 × 10⁴ for rhodamine 6G, demonstrating its potential as a moderate-sensitivity SERS substrate. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations confirmed the strong electromagnetic field localization at the Cu-Cu nanogaps separated by the PPFC matrix, corroborating the experimentally observed SERS enhancement. These results suggest that a Cu-PPFC nanocomposite film, easily fabricated using a composite target, provides an efficient and scalable route for fabricating reproducible, inexpensive, and moderate-sensitivity SERS substrates suitable for practical sensing applications. Full article