Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 37 in total

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  1. Ang KM, Yeo LY, Hung YM, Tan MK
    Nanoscale, 2017 May 18;9(19):6497-6508.
    PMID: 28466906 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr01690e
    We exploit the possibility of enhancing the molecular transport of liquids through graphene films using amplitude modulated surface acoustic waves (SAWs) to demonstrate effective and efficient nanoparticle filtration. The use of the SAW, which is an extremely efficient means for driving microfluidic transport, overcomes the need for the large mechanical pumps required to circumvent the large pressure drops encountered in conventional membranes for nanoparticle filtration. 100% filtration efficiency was obtained for micron-dimension particulates, decreasing to only 95% for the filtration of particles of tens of nanometers in dimension, which is comparable to that achieved with other methods. To circumvent clogging of the film, which is typical with all membrane filters, a backwash operation to flush the nanoparticles is incorporated simply by reversing the SAW-induced flow such that 98% recovery of the initial filtration rate is recovered. Given these efficiencies, together with the low cost and compact size of the chipscale SAW devices, we envisage the possibility of scaling out the process by operating a large number of devices in parallel to achieve typical industrial-scale throughputs with potential benefits in terms of substantially lower capital, operating and maintenance costs.
  2. Arora VK, Bhattacharyya A
    Nanoscale, 2013 Nov 21;5(22):10927-35.
    PMID: 24061093 DOI: 10.1039/c3nr03814a
    An integrated cohesive band structure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) applicable to all chirality directions (n, m), starting from the Dirac cone of a graphene nanolayer in k-space, is demarcated, in direct contrast to dissimilar chiral and achiral versions in the published literature. The electron wave state of a CNT is quantized into one-dimensional (1-D) nanostructure with a wrapping mode, satisfying the boundary conditions from one Dirac K-point to an equivalent neighboring one with an identical phase and returning to the same K point. The repetitive rotation for an identical configuration with added band index (n-m)mod3, yields one metallic (M) with zero bandgap corresponding to (n-m)mod3 = 0, semiconducting state SC1 with (n-m)mod3 = 1 and SC2 with (n-m)mod3 = 2. The band gap and effective mass of SC2 state are twice as large as those of SC1 state. A broad-spectrum expression signifying the linear dependence of the effective mass on the bandgap is obtained. Both the Fermi energy and the intrinsic velocity limiting the current to the saturation level is calculated as a function of the carrier concentration. Limitations of the parabolic approximation are pointed out. Several new features of the band structure are acquired in a seamlessly unified mode for all CNTs, making it suitable for all-encompassing applications. Applications of the theory to high-field transport are advocated with an example of a metallic CNT, in agreement with experimental observations. The mechanism behind the breakdown of the linear current-voltage relation of Ohm's law and the associated surge in resistance are explained on the basis of the nonequilibrium Arora's distribution function (NEADF). These results are important for the performance evaluation and characterization of a variety of applications on CNT in modern nanoscale circuits and devices.
  3. Aupama V, Kao-Ian W, Sangsawang J, Mohan G, Wannapaiboon S, Mohamad AA, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2023 May 25;15(20):9003-9013.
    PMID: 37128979 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr00898c
    Zinc (Zn) is an excellent material for use as an anode for rechargeable batteries in water-based electrolytes. Nevertheless, the high activity of water leads to Zn corrosion and hydrogen evolution, along with the formation of dendrites on the Zn surface during repeated charge-discharge (CD) cycles. To protect the Zn anode and limit parasitic side reactions, an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (ASEI) protective layer is an effective strategy. Herein, an ASEI made of a covalent organic framework (COFs: HqTp and BpTp) was fabricated on the surface of a Zn anode via Schiff base reactions of aldehyde and amine linkers. It is seen that COFs can regulate the Zn-ion flux, resulting in dendritic-free Zn. COFs can also mitigate the formation of an irreversible passive layer and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Zn plating/stripping tests using a symmetrical cell suggest that HqTpCOF@Zn shows superior stability and greater coulombic efficiency (CE) compared to bare Zn. The full cell having COFs@Zn also displays much improved cyclability. As a result, the COF proves to be a promising ASEI material to enhance the stability of the Zn anode in aqueous media.
  4. Bahmanrokh G, Cazorla C, Mofarah SS, Shahmiri R, Yao Y, Ismail I, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2020 Feb 27;12(8):4916-4934.
    PMID: 31967150 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr08604h
    The present work reports a detailed mechanistic interpretation of the role of the solubility of dopants and resultant midgap defect energies in band gap engineering. While there is a general perception that a single dopant is associated with single solubility and defect mechanisms, in reality, the potential for multiple solubility and defect mechanisms requires a more nuanced interpretation. Similarly, Kröger-Vink defect equilibria assume that stoichiometries during substitutional and interstitial solid solubility as well as Schottky and Frenkel pair formation are compensated by the diffusion of matrix ions to the grain boundaries or surface. However, this approach does not allow the possibility that stoichiometry is uncompensated, where diffusion of the matrix ion to lattice interstices occurs, followed by charge compensation by redox of this ion. Consequently, a modified defect equilibria formalism has been developed in order to allow description of this situation. Experimental data for the structural, chemical, semiconducting, and photocatalytic properties as a function of doping level are correlated with conceptual structural models, a comprehensive energy band diagram, and the corresponding defect equilibria. These correlations reveal the complex mechanisms of the interrelated solubility and defect formation mechanisms, which change significantly and irregularly as a function of small changes in doping level. The analyses confirm that the assumption of single mechanisms of solid solubility and defect formation may be simplifications of more complex processes. The generation of (1) a matrix of complementary characterisation and analytical data, (2) the calculation of a complete energy band diagram, (3) consideration of charge compensation mechanisms and redox beyond the limitations of Kröger-Vink approaches, and (4) the development of models of corresponding structural analogies combine to create a new approach to interpret and explain experimental data. These strategies allow deconstruction of these complex issues and thus targeting of optimal and possibly unique doping levels to achieve lattice configurations that may be energetically and structurally unfavorable. These approaches then can be applied to other doped semiconducting systems.
  5. Brown AAM, Hooper TJN, Veldhuis SA, Chin XY, Bruno A, Vashishtha P, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2019 Jul 07;11(25):12370-12380.
    PMID: 31215940 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr02566a
    We report the self-assembly of an extensive inter-ligand hydrogen-bonding network of octylphosphonates on the surface of cesium lead bromide nanocrystals (CsPbBr3 NCs). The post-synthetic addition of octylphosphonic acid to oleic acid/oleylamine-capped CsPbBr3 NCs promoted the attachment of octylphosphonate to the NC surface, while the remaining oleylammonium ligands maintained the high dispersability of the NCs in non-polar solvent. Through powerful 2D solid-state 31P-1H NMR, we demonstrated that an ethyl acetate/acetonitrile purification regime was crucial for initiating the self-assembly of extensive octylphosphonate chains. Octylphosphonate ligands were found to preferentially bind in a monodentate mode through P-O-, leaving polar P[double bond, length as m-dash]O and P-OH groups free to form inter-ligand hydrogen bonds. The octylphosphonate ligand network strongly passivated the nanocrystal surface, yielding a fully-purified CsPbBr3 NC ink with PLQY of 62%, over 3 times higher than untreated NCs. We translated this to LED devices, achieving maximum external quantum efficiency and luminance of 7.74% and 1022 cd m-2 with OPA treatment, as opposed to 3.59% and 229 cd m-2 for untreated CsPbBr3 NCs. This represents one of the highest efficiency LEDs obtained for all-inorganic CsPbBr3 NCs, accomplished through simple, effective passivation and purification processes. The robust binding of octylphosphonates to the perovskite lattice, and specifically their ability to interlink through hydrogen bonding, offers a promising passivation approach which could potentially be beneficial across a breadth of halide perovskite optoelectronic applications.
  6. Chen Y, Ge D, Zhang J, Chu R, Zheng J, Wu C, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2018 Sep 20;10(36):17378-17387.
    PMID: 30203824 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr01195h
    Tin-based materials have been intensively studied as attractive candidates for high-capacity and long-cycle-life anodes in Li-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their low cost and high energy density. However, they all suffer from severe structural decay during the lithium ion insertion/extraction process, which results in deterioration in the overall performance of the batteries. To mitigate this problem, we have synthesized a Mo-doped SnO2 nanostructure via a facile hydrothermal method, which then fragmented into ultrafine particles after dozens of cycles. The fracture-resistant size and ample contact with Super-P and Li2O greatly improved the electrochemical kinetics and cyclability to deliver a reversible capacity of 670 mA h g-1 after 700 cycles, which demonstrated the potential suitability of Mo-doped SnO2 nanoparticles as a long-cycle-life anode material. Then, the compounds were uniformly dispersed in carbon nanofibers and reduced in situ to prepare a free-standing anode via electrospinning and carbonization. When used directly as an anode in LIBs (without a polymeric binder or conductive agent, as well as a current collector), the nanofiber membrane anode delivered comparable cycling performance and capacity to that of a slurry-coated electrode.
  7. Chu RX, Lin J, Wu CQ, Zheng J, Chen YL, Zhang J, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2017 Jun 23.
    PMID: 28644506 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr02423a
    Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have attracted great attention owing to their excellent electrochemical properties, such as the high discharge voltage of 2.3 V, specific capacity of 1675 mA h g(-1) and energy density of 2600 Wh kg(-1). The widely used slurry made electrodes of Li-S batteries are plagued by the serious shuttle effect and insulating nature of sulfur. Herein, a reduced graphene oxide coated porous carbon nanofiber flexible paper (rGO@S-PCNP) was fabricated and directly used as an additive-free cathode for Li-S batteries. The results show that the rGO@S-PCNP is certified to be effective at relieving the shuttle effect and improving the conductivity, thus achieving high electrochemical performance. The rGO@S-PCNP composite with a sulfur content of 58.4 wt% delivers a high discharge capacity of 623.7 mA h g(-1) after 200 cycles at 0.1 C (1 C = 1675 mA g(-1)) with the average Coulombic efficiency of 97.1%. The excellent cyclability and high Coulombic efficiency indicate that the as-prepared rGO@S-PCNP composite paper can be a promising cathode for lithium-sulfur batteries, and is envisioned to have great potential in high energy density flexible power devices. This facile strategy brings great significance for large-scale industrial fabrication of flexible lithium-sulfur batteries.
  8. Etesami M, Abouzari-Lotf E, Sha'rani SS, Miyake M, Moozarm Nia P, Ripin A, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2018 Jul 13;10(27):13212-13222.
    PMID: 29971298 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr02450b
    A novel polyoxometalate-based electrode was developed by incorporating phosphotungstic acid (PWA) in nylon-6,6 nanofiber, followed by carbonization. The developed PWA-carbon nanofiber (PWA-CNF) showed the characteristics of the dual-scale porosity of micro- and mesoporous substrate with surface area of around 684 m2 g-1. The compound exhibited excellent stability in vanadium electrolyte and battery cycling. Evaluation of electrocatalytic properties toward V2+/V3+ and VO2+/VO2+ redox couples indicated promising advantages in electron transfer kinetics and increasing energy efficiency, particularly for the VO2+/VO2+ couple. Moreover, the developed electrode exhibited substantially improved energy efficiency (14% higher than that of pristine carbon felt) in the single cell vanadium redox flow battery. This outstanding performance was attributed to high surface area and abundant oxygen-containing linkages in the developed electrode.
  9. Fonseka HA, Ameruddin AS, Caroff P, Tedeschi D, De Luca M, Mura F, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2017 Sep 21;9(36):13554-13562.
    PMID: 28872181 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr04598k
    The usability and tunability of the essential InP-InGaAs material combination in nanowire-based quantum wells (QWs) are assessed. The wurtzite phase core-multi-shell InP-InGaAs-InP nanowire QWs are characterised using cross-section transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence measurements. The InP-InGaAs direct interface is found to be sharp while the InGaAs-InP inverted interface is more diffused, in agreement with their planar counterpart. Bright emission is observed from the single nanowires containing the QWs at room temperature, with no emission from the InP core or outer barrier. The tunability of the QW emission wavelength in the 1.3-1.55 μm communication wavelength range is demonstrated by varying the QW thickness and in the 1.3 μm range by varying the composition. The experiments are supported by simulation of the emission wavelength of the wurtzite phase InP-InGaAs QWs in the thickness range considered. The radial heterostructure is further extended to design multiple QWs with bright emission, therefore establishing the capability of this material system for nanowire based optical devices for communication applications.
  10. Hooper TJN, Fang Y, Brown AAM, Pu SH, White TJ
    Nanoscale, 2021 Oct 01;13(37):15770-15780.
    PMID: 34528047 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr04602k
    This investigation has characterised the structure and surface chemistry of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals with controlled diameters between 6.4 to 12.8 nm. The nanocrystals were investigated via a thorough 133Cs solid state NMR and nuclear relaxation study, identifying and mapping radially-increasing nanoscale disorder. This work has formalised 133Cs NMR as a highly sensitive probe of nanocrystal size, which can conveniently analyse nanocrystals in solid forms, as they would be utilised in optoelectronic devices. A combined multinuclear solid state NMR and XPS approach, including 133Cs-1H heteronuclear correlation 2D (HETCOR) NMR, was utilised to study the nanocrystal surface and ligands, demonstrating that the surface is Cs-Br rich with vacancies passivated by didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) ligands. Furthermore, it is shown that a negligible amount of phosphonate ligands remain on the powder nanocrystal surface, despite the key role of octylphosphonic acid (OPA) in controlling the colloidal nanocrystal growth. The CsPbBr3 NCs were shown to be structurally stable under ambient conditions for up to 6 months, albeit with some particle agglomeration.
  11. Huang YL, Chang WS, Van CN, Liu HJ, Tsai KA, Chen JW, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2016 Aug 25;8(34):15795-801.
    PMID: 27533610 DOI: 10.1039/c6nr04997d
    Ferroelectric photoelectrodes, other than conventional semiconductors, are alternative photo-absorbers in the process of water splitting. However, the capture of photons and efficient transfer of photo-excited carriers remain as two critical issues in ferroelectric photoelectrodes. In this work, we overcome the aforementioned issues by decorating the ferroelectric BiFeO3 (BFO) surface with Au nanocrystals, and thus improving the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of BFO film. We demonstrate that the internal field induced by the spontaneous polarization of BFO can (1) tune the efficiency of the photo-excited carriers' separation and charge transfer characteristics in bare BFO photoelectrodes, and (2) modulate an extra optical absorption within the visible light region, created by the surface plasmon resonance excitation of Au nanocrystals to capture more photons in the Au/BFO heterostructure. This study provides key insights for understanding the tunable features of PEC performance, composed of the heterostructure of noble metals and ferroelectric materials.
  12. Iwasaki T, Muruganathan M, Schmidt ME, Mizuta H
    Nanoscale, 2017 Jan 26;9(4):1662-1669.
    PMID: 28074959 DOI: 10.1039/c6nr08117g
    The transformation of systematic vacuum and hydrogen annealing effects in graphene devices on the SiO2 surface is reported based on experimental and van der Waals interaction corrected density functional theory (DFT) simulation results. Vacuum annealing removes p-type dopants and reduces charged impurity scattering in graphene. Moreover, it induces n-type doping into graphene, leading to the improvement of the electron mobility and conductivity in the electron transport regime, which are reversed by exposing to atmospheric environment. On the other hand, annealing in hydrogen/argon gas results in smaller n-type doping along with a decrease in the overall conductivity and carrier mobility. This degradation of the conductivity is irreversible even the graphene devices are exposed to ambience. This was clarified by DFT simulations: initially, silicon dangling bonds were partially terminated by hydrogen, subsequently, the remaining dangling bonds became active and the distance between the graphene and SiO2 surface decreased. Moreover, both annealing methods affect the graphene channel including the vicinity of the metal contacts, which plays an important role in asymmetric carrier transport.
  13. Jeevanandam J, Kiew SF, Boakye-Ansah S, Lau SY, Barhoum A, Danquah MK, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2022 Feb 17;14(7):2534-2571.
    PMID: 35133391 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr08144f
    Green synthesis approaches are gaining significance as promising routes for the sustainable preparation of nanoparticles, offering reduced toxicity towards living organisms and the environment. Nanomaterials produced by green synthesis approaches can offer additional benefits, including reduced energy inputs and lower production costs than traditional synthesis, which bodes well for commercial-scale production. The biomolecules and phytochemicals extracted from microbes and plants, respectively, are active compounds that function as reducing and stabilizing agents for the green synthesis of nanoparticles. Microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and algae, have been used in nanomaterials' biological synthesis for some time. Furthermore, the use of plants or plant extracts for metal and metal-based hybrid nanoparticle synthesis represents a novel green synthesis approach that has attracted significant research interest. This review discusses various biosynthesis approaches via microbes and plants for the green preparation of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles and provides insights into the molecular aspects of the synthesis mechanisms and biomedical applications. The use of agriculture waste as a potential bioresource for nanoparticle synthesis and biomedical applications of biosynthesized nanoparticles is also discussed.
  14. Kalantari K, Mostafavi E, Afifi AM, Izadiyan Z, Jahangirian H, Rafiee-Moghaddam R, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2020 Jan 28;12(4):2268-2291.
    PMID: 31942896 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr08234d
    Infections are the main reason why most people die from burns and diabetic wounds. The clinical challenge for treating wound infections through traditional antibiotics has been growing steadily and has now reached a critical status requiring a paradigm shift for improved chronic wound care. The US Centers for Disease Control have predicted more deaths from antimicrobial-resistant bacteria than from all types of cancers combined by 2050. Thus, the development of new wound dressing materials that do not rely on antibiotics is of paramount importance. Currently, incorporating nanoparticles into scaffolds represents a new concept of 'nanoparticle dressing' which has gained considerable attention for wound healing. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have been categorized as metal-based nanoparticles and are intriguing materials for wound healing because of their excellent antimicrobial properties. Ag-NPs embedded in wound dressing polymers promote wound healing and control microorganism growth. However, there have been several recent disadvantages of using Ag-NPs to fight infections, such as bacterial resistance. This review highlights the therapeutic approaches of using wound dressings functionalized with Ag-NPs and their potential role in revolutionizing wound healing. Moreover, the physiology of the skin and wounds is discussed to place the use of Ag-NPs in wound care into perspective.
  15. Khaled YS, Khot MI, Aiyappa-Maudsley R, Maisey T, Pramanik A, Tiernan J, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2024 Mar 20.
    PMID: 38506227 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr04118b
    Theranostic nanoparticles hold promise for simultaneous imaging and therapy in colorectal cancer. Carcinoembryonic antigen can be used as a target for these nanoparticles because it is overexpressed in most colorectal cancers. Affimer reagents are synthetic proteins capable of binding specific targets, with additional advantages over antibodies for targeting. We fabricated silica nanoparticles using a water-in-oil microemulsion technique, loaded them with the photosensitiser Foslip, and functionalised the surface with anti-CEA Affimers to facilitate fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy of colorectal cancer. CEA-specific fluorescence imaging and phototoxicity were quantified in colorectal cancer cell lines and a LS174T murine xenograft colorectal cancer model. Anti-CEA targeted nanoparticles exhibited CEA-specific fluorescence in the LoVo, LS174T and HCT116 cell lines when compared to control particles (p < 0.0001). No toxicity was observed in LS174T cancer mouse xenografts or other organs. Following photo-irradiation, the anti-CEA targeted particles caused significant cell death in LoVo (60%), LS174T (90%) and HCT116 (70%) compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) at 24 h in vivo showed a 4-fold reduction in tumour volume compared to control mouse xenografts (p < 0.0001). This study demonstrates the efficacy of targeted fluorescence imaging and PDT using Foslip nanoparticles conjugated to anti-CEA Affimer nanoparticles in in vitro and in vivo colorectal cancer models.
  16. Kim HP, Vasilopoulou M, Ullah H, Bibi S, Ximim Gavim AE, Macedo AG, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2020 Apr 14;12(14):7641-7650.
    PMID: 32207472 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr10745b
    Organo-metal halide perovskite field-effect transistors present serious challenges in terms of device stability and hysteresis in the current-voltage characteristics. Migration of ions located at grain boundaries and surface defects in the perovskite film are the main reasons for instability and hysteresis issues. Here, we introduce a perovskite grain molecular cross-linking approach combined with amine-based surface passivation to address these issues. Molecular cross-linking was achieved through hydrogen bond interactions between perovskite halogens and dangling bonds present at grain boundaries and a hydrophobic cross-linker, namely diethyl-(12-phosphonododecyl)phosphonate, added to the precursor solution. With our approach, we obtained smooth and compact perovskite layers composed of tightly bound grains hence significantly suppressing the generation and migration of ions. Moreover, we achieved efficient surface passivation of the perovskite films upon surface treatment with an amine-bearing polymer, namely polyethylenimine ethoxylated. With our synergistic grain and surface passivation approach, we were able to demonstrate the first perovskite transistor with a complete lack of hysteresis and unprecedented stability upon continuous operation under ambient conditions. Added to the merits are its ambipolar transport of opposite carriers with balanced hole and electron mobilities of 4.02 and 3.35 cm2 V-1 s-1, respectively, its high Ion/Ioff ratio >104 and the lowest sub-threshold swing of 267 mV dec-1 reported to date for any perovskite transistor. These remarkable achievements obtained through a cost-effective molecular cross-linking of grains combined with amine-based surface passivation of the perovskite films open a new era and pave the way for the practical application of perovskite transistors in low-cost electronic circuits.
  17. Kuche K, Maheshwari R, Tambe V, Mak KK, Jogi H, Raval N, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2018 May 17;10(19):8911-8937.
    PMID: 29722421 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr01383g
    The search for effective and non-invasive delivery modules to transport therapeutic molecules across skin has led to the discovery of a number of nanocarriers (viz.: liposomes, ethosomes, dendrimers, etc.) in the last few decades. However, available literature suggests that these delivery modules face several issues including poor stability, low encapsulation efficiency, and scale-up hurdles. Recently, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) emerged as a versatile tool to deliver therapeutics across skin. Superior stability, high loading capacity, well-developed synthesis protocol as well as ease of scale-up are some of the reason for growing interest in CNTs. CNTs have a unique physical architecture and a large surface area with unique surface chemistry that can be tailored for vivid biomedical applications. CNTs have been thus largely engaged in the development of transdermal systems such as tuneable hydrogels, programmable nonporous membranes, electroresponsive skin modalities, protein channel mimetic platforms, reverse iontophoresis, microneedles, and dermal buckypapers. In addition, CNTs were also employed in the development of RNA interference (RNAi) based therapeutics for correcting defective dermal genes. This review expounds the state-of-art synthesis methodologies, skin penetration mechanism, drug liberation profile, loading potential, characterization techniques, and transdermal applications along with a summary on patent/regulatory status and future scope of CNT based skin therapeutics.
  18. Lee J, Tan LL, Chai SP
    Nanoscale, 2021 Apr 21;13(15):7011-7033.
    PMID: 33889914 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr00783a
    As an indispensable energy source, ammonia plays an essential role in agriculture and various industries. Given that the current ammonia production is still dominated by the energy-intensive and high carbon footprint Haber-Bosch process, photocatalytic nitrogen fixation represents a low-energy consuming and sustainable approach to generate ammonia. Heterostructured photocatalysts are hybrid materials composed of semiconductor materials containing interfaces that make full use of the unique superiorities of the constituents and synergistic effects between them. These promising photocatalysts have superior performances and substantial potential in photocatalytic reduction of nitrogen. In this review, a wide spectrum of recently developed heterostructured photocatalysts for nitrogen fixation to ammonia are evaluated. The fundamentals of solar-to-ammonia conversion, basic principles of various heterojunction photocatalysts and modification strategies are systematically reviewed. Finally, a brief summary and perspectives on the ongoing challenges and directions for future development of nitrogen photofixation catalysts are also provided.
  19. Low LE, Wang Q, Chen Y, Lin P, Yang S, Gong L, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2021 Jun 17;13(23):10197-10238.
    PMID: 34027535 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr02127c
    Neurodegenerative disorder is an illness involving neural dysfunction/death attributed to complex pathological processes, which eventually lead to the mortality of the host. It is generally recognized through features such as mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation, oxidative stress, metal ions dyshomeostasis, membrane potential change, neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter impairment. The aforementioned neuronal dysregulations result in the formation of a complex neurodegenerative microenvironment (NME), and may interact with each other, hindering the performance of therapeutics for neurodegenerative disease (ND). Recently, smart nanoassemblies prepared from functional nanoparticles, which possess the ability to interfere with different NME factors, have shown great promise to enhance the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of NDs. Herein, this review highlights the recent advances of stimuli-responsive nanoassemblies that can effectively combat the NME for the management of ND. The first section outlined the NME properties and their interrelations that are exploitable for nanoscale targeting. The discussion is then extended to the controlled assembly of functional nanoparticles for the construction of stimuli-responsive nanoassemblies. Further, the applications of stimuli-responsive nanoassemblies for the enhanced diagnosis and therapy of ND are introduced. Finally, perspectives on the future development of NME-tailored nanomedicines are given.
  20. Mohd Yusoff AR, Mat Teridi MA, Jang J
    Nanoscale, 2016 Mar 17;8(12):6328-34.
    PMID: 26489053 DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06234a
    Solution processed zirconium acetylacetonate (Zr(acac)) is successfully employed as an electron extraction layer, replacing conventional titanium oxide, in planar CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells. The as-prepared Zr(acac) film possesses high transparency, high conductivity, a smooth morphology, high wettability, compatibility with PbI2 DMF solution, and an energy level matching that of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite material. An average power conversion efficiency of about 11.93%, along with a high fill factor of 74.36%, an open circuit voltage of 1.03 V, and a short-circuit current density of 15.58 mA cm(-2) is achieved. The overall performance of the devices is slight better than that of cells using ruthenium acetylacetonate (Ru(acac)). The differences between solar cells with different electron extraction layers in charge recombination, charge transport and transfer and lifetime are further explored and it is demonstrate that Zr(acac) is a more effective and promising electron extraction layer. This work provides a simple, and cost effective route for the preparation of an effective hole extraction layer.
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