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The anisotropic Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) provide synergistic effects by concentrating multiple properties on a single carrier. Herein, we reported a novel and simple approach to fabricate acorn-like poly(acrylic acid)-mesoporous calcium phosphate/polydopamine (PAA-mCaP/PDA) JNPs, which were selectively functionalized with methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)thiol (PEG-SH) on PDA domains to obtain superior stability, while the other mCaP sides served as a storage space and passage for the anti-cancer drug of doxorubicin (DOX). The unique acorn-like PAA-mCaP/PDA-PEG JNPs were utilized as novel theranostic agents for photoacoustic (PA) imaging-guided synergistic cancer chemo-phototherapy. More importantly, this synthetic strategy can be applied to synthesize various mesoporous Janus nanocarriers, paving the way toward designed synthesis of acorn-like JNPs in nanomedicine, biosensing and catalysis. Statement of significance The distinct acorn-like poly(acrylic acid)-mesoporous calcium phosphate/polydopamine Janus nanoparticles (PAA-mCaP/PDA JNPs) with a spherical-shaped PAA-mCaP core and PDA half-shell were fabricated for the first time. To achieve superior stability, the acorn-like PAA-mCaP/PDA JNPs were selectively functionalized with methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)thiol (PEG-SH) on PDA domains to obtain acorn-like PAA-mCaP/PDA-PEG JNPs. The resultant acorn-like PAA-mCaP/PDA-PEG JNPs own an excellent biocompatibility, high drug-loading contents, good photothermal conversion efficiency, photoacoustic (PA) imaging capacity and pH/NIR dual-responsive properties, enabling the acorn-like JNPs to be applied for PA imaging-guided synergistic cancer chemo-phototherapy. More importantly, the synthetic approach could be extended to prepare acorn-like mesoporous inorganic substances/PDA JNPs for specific applications.

Although the bimetal sulfide is intensively pursued in catalytic systems, synthesis of ultrafine sized bimetal sulfide Janus subunits is still a great challenge. In this work, ultrafine NiS2/MoS2 Janus subunits organized on yolk–shell nanospheres (NSs) are synthesized by a novel and facile approach. The greatly reduced particle size of both two-dimensional MoS2 and one-dimensional NiS2 on the ultrafine NiS2/MoS2 Janus subunits endows the yolk–shell NSs with numerous intimate interfaces of bimetal sulfide hybrids greatly promoting the intimate electronic interaction and dissociation of water molecules. Benefiting from the ultrafine NiS2/MoS2 Janus subunits, abundant edge sites and the high density of interfaces, the as-prepared NiS2/MoS2 yolk–shell NSs exhibit high electrocatalytic activity with a low η10 value of 135 and 293 mV for the HER and OER, respectively. In addition, a low cell voltage (1.58 V) is achieved by using NiS2/MoS2 yolk–shell NSs as both anode and cathode. This study has significant indications in exploring the ultrafine nanoparticles for the water splitting reaction, fuel cells and organic synthesis.

Host materials that can physically confine and chemically adsorb/catalyze lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) are currently receiving intensive research interest for developing lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Herein, a novel host material made of micro–mesoporous carbon nanospheres (MMC NSs) with well-dispersed ultrafine NiS2-ZnS (uNiS2-ZnS) heterostructures is synthesized for the first time via a simple in situ sulfuration process. The uNiS2-ZnS/MMC materials achieve the synergistic effect of physical confinement and the efficient chemical adsorption/catalysis of LiPSs through a micro–mesoporous structure and well-dispersed uNiS2-ZnS heterostructures. In addition, compared with bulk heterostructured materials, the uNiS2-ZnS heterostructures greatly enhance the adsorption and catalytic ability toward LiPSs because the catalysis interface effect and naturally formed in-plane interfaces can be magnified by the ultrafine dispersed nanoparticles. As a result, the prepared uNiS2-ZnS/MMC-S cathodes exhibit outstanding rate capacity (675.5 mA h g−1 at 5.0C) and cyclic stability (710.5 mA h g−1 at 1.0C after 1000 cycles with a low capacity decay of 0.033% per cycle). This work provides a certain reference for the application of heterostructured materials in Li–S batteries.

Multifunctional spherical aggregated gold nanoclusters encapsulated by polyacrylic acid/mesoporous silica shell nanoparticles (A-AuNC@PAA/mSiO2 NPs) with aggregation enhanced fluorescence (AEF) properties were fabricated by a facile and reproducible synthetic strategy. The as-prepared NPs were employed as novel theranostic agents for synergistic fluorescence/X-ray computed tomography imaging and chemo-therapy of liver cancer in vitro and in vivo.

In our work, we report a facile approach to fabricate well-dispersed polypyrrole@metal-organic framework (PPy@MOF) core-shell nanocomposites (NCs) with a polypyrrole (PPy) core and an MIL-100(Fe) shell. The adsorbed Fe(iii) ions on the as-fabricated PPy surface were utilized as reactive sites for further growth of the MIL-100(Fe) in the presence of trimesic acid (H3btc). The resulting NCs exhibited strong absorption in the near infrared (NIR) region and possessed an excellent photothermal efficiency of ∼40% resulting from the PPy core. The MOF structure based on Fe(iii) carboxylate materials held great ability for storage/delivery of the hydrophilic anti-cancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX). The released DOX continuously increased due to the damage of the shell at low pH values. When the DOX-loaded PPy@MIL-100(Fe) NCs were exposed to NIR irradiation, owing to the heat produced by the NCs, the local temperature increased, resulting in a faster release of DOX from the MIL-100(Fe) shell. Furthermore, PPy@MIL-100(Fe) NCs were successfully employed for dual-mode magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy of cancer cells. Therefore, our work could encourage further study in the construction of a multifunctional platform using different MOF nanomaterials for cancer theranostics.

Chuan Tian,1,2,* Haifeng Ying,3,* Rongyuan Zhuang,4 Xiaowei Zhang,5 Hongmin Lu,6 Hui Wang,7 Shuowen Wang,8 Qi Li,1 Chungang Wang,9 Xun Cai1 1Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Medical College, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200025, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, Medical College, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, People’s Republic of China; 7Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, People’s Republic of China; 8Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, People’s Republic of China; 9Department of Radiotherapy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Purpose: The relationship between the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan and outcomes of advanced colorectal cancer is unclear, and few studies have examined individualized irinotecan-based chemotherapy depending on plasma 7-ethyl-10-hydroxy camptothecin (SN-38) levels and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity, particularly for the UGT1A1*6 or UGT1A1*28 heterozygous type. Methods: This study retrospectively explored the relationship among plasma SN-38 level 1.5 hours after critical enzyme for irinotecan (CPT-11) administration (CSN-38 1.5h), plasma SN-38 level 49 hours after CPT-11 administration (CSN-38 49h), DPD activity, and clinical outcomes for the UGT1A1*6 and UGT1A1*28 heterozygous types. Results: CSN-38 1.5h and CSN-38 49h of the UGT1A1*6 or UGT1A1*28 heterozygous type were close to those of UGT1A1*6 and UGT1A1*28 wild-types; some of those with relatively high CSN-38 1.5h levels obtained better median progression-free survival (mPFS), whereas others with higher CSN-38 49h concentrations showed a relatively high incidence of adverse reactions possibly because of the decreased activity of DPD. Conclusion: Increasing the dosage of CPT-11 according to CSN-38 1.5h may improve the efficacy in patients with lower CSN-38 1.5h levels. For cases with comparably low DPD activity, advisable primary and subsequent dose adjustment of 5-fluorouracil based on plasma 5-fluorouracil levels may be a practical strategy for reducing the occurrence of adverse reactions for personalized treatment of the UGT1A1*6 or UGT1A1*28 heterozygous type. Keywords: irinotecan, pharmacokinetics, enzyme activity, uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1, colorectal cancer

Here, we reported on a route to the facile synthesis of bimetallic silver doped copper nanoparticles (Ag-Cu NPs) by AgNO 3 and CuSO 4 in the presence of sodium borohydride and sodium citrate. The present work described the preparation of the Ag-Cu NPs with sodium citrate and the use of them in colorimetric detection of mercury (II) ions. Ag-Cu NPs with an average diameter of 9.0 ± 0.8 nm were prepared via two step reduction at room temperature. The Ag-Cu NPs were thoroughly characterized by using UV–vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The morphology and constitution of the Ag-Cu NPs were characterized by TEM, and the valence state of Ag-Cu NPs was confirmed by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) result. The synthesized Ag-Cu NPs were yellow in color due to the intense surface plasmon absorption band centered at 406 nm. This high selective sensor allowed a direct quantitative assay of mercury ions (Hg 2+ ) with a detection limited of 0.51 nM. The synthesized Ag-Cu NPs also exhibited good catalytic activity in two model reactions, the reduction of the nitrophenols and potassium ferricyanide (III) by sodium borohydride.

Nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) were synthesised using a simple and straightforward solvothermal method. The resulting spherical NCDs showed stable fluorescence and a prominent fluorescence quantum yield (67%) with an average size of 3.52 nm. The fluorescence of the NCDs was quenched effectively by mercury ions (Hg2+), exhibiting a detection limit of 0.65 μM. Upon addition of a saturated solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid to a dispersion of the NCDs/Hg2+ complex, the fluorescence of the NCDs underwent significant immediate recovery. Due to their favorable biocompatibility, NCDs were also demonstrated to be efficient for HeLa cell imaging. The detection of Hg2+ by NCDs could be realized in environmental water samples and living cells, with excellent results. Moreover, the as-synthesized fluorescent NCD nanopowders were used for visualizating latent fingerprints (LFPs) with significant third level detail.

The hollow nanospheres (NSs) composed of lanthanides have become a hot topic owing to their uncommon magnetic and optical properties arising from the 4f electrons. However, only a few novel methods have been developed for effectively integrating small calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles and rare earth oxide drug carriers into an individual hollow mesoporous nanosphere. Herein, we report a facile, reproducible, room-temperature solution method to prepare multifunctional fluorescent hollow mesoporous Gd2O3:Eu/CaP (designated as HM-Gd2O3:Eu/CaP) NSs by using polyacrylic acid calcium (PAA-Ca) as a template. The excellent luminescent property and obvious T1-enhancement effect as well as the HM structure endow the HM-Gd2O3:Eu/CaP NSs with the capacity of simultaneous dual-modal fluorescence, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and drug delivery. The nanocontainer-functionality of the HM-Gd2O3:Eu/CaP NSs is further validated upon filling with the anti-cancerogenic agent doxorubicin (drug-loading capacity is 749 μg mg−1). In addition, the HM-Gd2O3:Eu/CaP NSs display excellent pH-responsive and sustained drug release property. In vitro cell cytotoxicity tests verify the HM-Gd2O3:Eu/CaP NSs have good biocompatibility when the concentration ≤25 mg mL−1. Taken together, the results suggested that the HM-Gd2O3:Eu/CaP NSs can be applied as fluorescence and MR dual-modal imaging contrast agents and drug delivery vehicles.

Elaborately designed novel multifunctional therapeutic agents are highly desired for efficient cancer therapy. In this work, a new therapeutic nanoplatform based on calcium phosphate/small gold nanorod assemblies modified with methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-thiol (designated as PEGylated CaP/Au NR assemblies) is created via a mild, reproducible, and simple route for the first time. The obtained PEGylated CaP/Au NR assemblies possess many virtues including outstanding drug-loading capacity, excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (η, ∼38.5%), pH/near-infrared (NIR) dual-responsive release property, and good biocompatibility. After loading doxorubicin (DOX) in PEGylated CaP/Au NR assemblies, the DOX-loaded PEGylated CaP/Au NR assemblies can simultaneously supply intense heating effect and increased DOX release under 808 nm NIR laser, achieving excellent antitumor therapeutic effect in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the combination of DOX-loading and photothermal treatment upon PEGylated CaP/Au NR assemblies displays better therapeutic effect than single chemotherapy or photothermal therapy. Furthermore, the comprehensive methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), hemolysis, and histological assays manifest no obvious toxicity of PEGylated CaP/Au NR assemblies. Our work elucidates the great prospect of PEGylated CaP/Au NR assemblies as a therapeutic agent for synergistic chemo-photothermal cancer therapy.

Elaborately designed novel multifunctional Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) have attracted considerable attention owing to their anisotropic surface properties and various functionalities that allow them to house several components for the detection and targeting of cancer cells. In this work, we report a novel and facile approach to synthesize Au/Fe3 O4 @C JNPs, which were further selectively functionalized with amino-poly(ethylene glycol)thiol (NH2 -PEG-SH) and folic acid (FA) on the exposed Au domains to achieve high contrast for X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging, excellent stability, good biocompatibility, as well as cancer cell-specific targeting. Meanwhile, the other Fe3 O4 @C sides with mesoporous structure served as a drug delivery vehicle for doxorubicin (DOX), an efficient photothermal therapy (PTT) agent, and a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast agent. Taking these features together, these unique multifunctional JNPs provide an intriguing nanoplatform for dual-modal CT and MR imaging-guided actively targeted chemo-photothermal synergistic cancer therapy.

A facile strategy to fabricate gold nanorod@polyacrylic acid/calcium phosphate (AuNR@PAA/CaP) yolk–shell nanoparticles (NPs) composed with a PAA/CaP shell and an AuNR yolk is reported. The as-obtained AuNR@PAA/CaP yolk–shell NPs possess ultrahigh doxorubicin (DOX) loading capability (1 mg DOX/mg NPs), superior photothermal conversion property (26%) and pH/near-infrared (NIR) dual-responsive drug delivery performance. The released DOX continuously increased due to the damage of the CaP shell at low pH values. When the DOX-loaded AuNR@PAA/CaP yolk–shell NPs were exposed to NIR irradiation, a burst-like drug release occurs owing to the heat produced by the AuNRs. Furthermore, AuNR@PAA/CaP yolk–shell NPs are successfully employed for synergic dual-mode X-ray computed tomography/photoacoustic imaging and chemo-photothermal cancer therapy. Therefore, this work brings new insights for the synthesis of multifunctional nanomaterials and extends theranostic applications. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40820-017-0155-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Herein, we report a facile strategy to prepare supported lipid-bilayer-coated polyacrylic acid/calcium phosphate nanoparticles (designated as PAA/CaP@SLB NPs) as a new dual pH-responsive drug-delivery platform for cancer chemotherapy. The synthesized PAA/CaP NPs exhibited both a high payload of doxorubicin (DOX) and dual pH-responsive drug-release properties. Additionally, the coated lipid bilayer had the ability to enhance the cellular uptake of PAA/CaP NPs without affecting the pH-responsive drug release. Moreover, the blank PAA/CaP@SLB NPs exhibited excellent biocompatibility and the DOX-loaded PAA/CaP@SLB NPs markedly increased the cellular accumulation of DOX and its cytotoxic effects on HepG-2 cells. Furthermore, when used to evaluate the in vivo therapeutic efficacy in mice with the hepatocarcinoma cell line (H-22), the DOX-loaded PAA/CaP@SLB NPs exhibited superior inhibition of tumor growth compared with the free DOX group. Thus, PAA/CaP@SLB NPs are a promising drug-delivery vehicle to increase the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs.

A simple, portable and recyclable method has been developed for on-site and real-time detection of Hg2+ and Pb2+ by naked eyes by using Au nanoclusters-based test paper as the fluorescent sensor. The high specificity of Hg2+ and Pb2+ to Au nanoclusters provided excellent selectivity over 15 kinds of other ions. Interestingly, an apparent fluorescent quenching of the test paper was shown when exposed to Hg2+, while a significant fluorescent enhancement was observed in the presence of Pb2+, which could be attributed to aggregation-induced fluorescence quenching and enhancement. The limit of detection for Hg2+ and Pb2+ by naked eyes was 5 μM and 50 μM, respectively. More importantly, the cyclic utilization of the test paper was achieved by immersing the test papers into ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid to recover the fluorescence of the test paper, which contributed to reducing resource consumption. Otherwise, the GSH-AuNCs test paper was competent for a practical application in environmental water samples with strong anti-interference ability.

Purpose Local persistence and relapse of disease in the gross tumor volume (GTV) account for the majority of treatment failures after standard chemoradiation therapy. The primary objective of this phase 1 trial was to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of a hyperfractionated radiation therapy (HFRT) boost to the GTV with concurrent weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin after standard-dose chemoradiation therapy, using image guided intensity modulated radiation therapy techniques. Methods and Materials Eligible patients were given weekly doses of paclitaxel (45 mg/m2) and carboplatin (area under the curve 1.5) for 5 weeks with concurrent radiation therapy (50 Gy), immediately followed by an HFRT boost to the GTV with the same chemotherapy regimen. The boost doses were escalated in increments of 7.2 Gy delivered in 6 twice-daily fractions of 1.2 Gy using a modified Fibonacci design. Once the MTD was established, additional patients were treated at that dose to determine the safety. Results Thirty-one patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The incidence of dose-limiting toxicity was 0 of 3, 0 of 3, 0 of 3, 1 of 6 (grade 4 esophagitis), 0 of 3, and 2 of 3 (1 case each of grade 5 esophageal fistula and grade 3 pneumotitis) at 7.2, 14.4, 21.6, 28.8, 36, and 43.2 Gy, respectively, indicating an MTD of 36 Gy. Ten patients treated with this MTD showed no dose-limiting toxicities. The most common acute grade 3 or greater toxicities were esophagitis (26%) and neutropenia (19%). Late toxicity of grade 2 esophageal stricture occurred in 4 patients. The overall response rate was 84% (95% confidence interval, 42%-93%) in the entire cohort. The 1-year local control rate was 100% among those receiving a cumulative dose of the MTD or greater. Conclusions The MTD of the HFRT boost after standard chemoradiation therapy in the setting of concurrent chemotherapy was 36 Gy, resulting in the cumulative tumor dose of 86 Gy in patients primarily with advanced intrathoracic/cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinomas and not adenocarcinomas of the gastroesophageal junction. A phase 2 study to further evaluate this regimen is underway.

In this work, cyclic annular Au–Cu nicotinates were synthesized through a facile one-pot method. Cupric nitrate trihydrate, hydrogen tetrachloroaurate and nicotinic acid were used as the initial reactants; nicotinic acid was found to be an excellent ligand. The Au–Cu nicotinate annularity rings were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Specifically, the shape of the assembled Au–Cu nicotinate rings can be readily controlled by changing the ratio of the reactants and the reaction time. The mechanism of growth of the Au–Cu nicotinate annular rings was also investigated; the results of the experiments indicate that the Au–Cu nicotinate annular rings were assembled from ultrathin nanosheets. The Au–Cu nicotinate rings exhibit excellent catalytic activity toward the reduction of nitrophenols (including 2-nitrophenol, 3-nitrophenol, 4-nitrophenol and 4-nitrothiophenol) by sodium borohydride in water. Experimentally, the optimized ratio of the components was found to be Au : Cu : nicotinate close to 1 : 4 : 1. Kinetic rate investigations were carried out for the Au–Cu NRs-catalyzed reactions at different cycles. Importantly for their use as catalysts, the Au–Cu nicotinate rings can be recycled and exhibit good reusability. These results indicate that Au–Cu nicotinate rings are an effective catalyst for environmental wastewater treatment.

By using a new N-donor ligand, a 3D stable pillared-layer metal–organic framework, namely [Cu4(1,4-ndc)4(L)2]·H2O·2DMF (1), has been synthesized under solvothermal conditions (1,4-H2ndc = 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylate; L = 1-(1-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)naphthalen-4-yl)-1H-imidazole). X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis was utilized to obtain the crystal structure of 1 and 1 was further characterized by elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). Based on dinuclear Cu(II) clusters as nodes, compound 1 is a 6-connected two-fold interpenetrating pcu network. Moreover, using rhodamine B (RB) and methylene blue (MB) as examples, 1 has the ability to separate dye molecules. Finally, the magnetic properties of 1 have been investigated.

Multifunctional polymer–inorganic Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) that simultaneously have therapeutic and imaging functions are highly desired in biomedical applications. Here, we fabricated spherical polydopamine/mesoporous calcium phosphate hollow JNPs (PDA/mCaP H-JNPs) via a novel and facile approach. The obtained PDA/mCaP H-JNPs were further selectively functionalized with indocyanine green (ICG) and methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)thiol (PEG-SH) on PDA domains to achieve a superior photoacoustic (PA) imaging capability and stability, while the other mCaP sides with hollow cavities served as storage spaces and passages for the anti-cancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX). The resultant PEG–ICG–PDA/mCaP H-JNPs possess excellent biocompatibility, a competent drug loading capability, high photothermal conversion efficiency, strong near-infrared (NIR) absorbance, and pH/NIR dual-responsive properties, enabling the H-JNPs to be applied for PA imaging-guided synergistic cancer chemo-phototherapy in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the synthetic approach could be extended to prepare PDA/various mesoporous inorganic H-JNPs with spherical shapes for specific applications.

For the development of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, it is important to construct advanced host materials with large conductive, specific surface area and high activity exposed polar sites for adsorption of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), which could promote uniform nucleation of lithium sulfide (Li2S) and liquid/solid conversion efficiency of sulfur species. Herein, we first reported the synthesis of ordered micro-mesoporous carbon (OMMC) nanospheres embedded with ultrafine iron carbide (Fe3C) nanocrystals by a facile one-step carbonizing process as effective sulfur host materials. As expected, the Fe3C/OMMC nanospheres (Fe3C/OMMC NSs) can realize homogeneous loading of sulfur, strong adsorption and catalysis of LiPSs with high efficiency, and promote uniform nucleation of Li2S through the ordered micro-mesoporous structures and ultrafine (average 5 nm) Fe3C nanocrystals. The Fe3C/OMMC-S NSs cathodes achieved excellent sulfur utilization, outstanding cyclic stability (700 mAh g−1 at 1.0 C after 1000 cycles with an ultralow capacity decay of 0.033% per cycle) and impressive rate performance (656 mAh g−1 at 5.0 C).

A facile, reproducible, and scalable method was explored to construct uniform Au@poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) Janus nanoparticles (JNPs). The as-prepared JNPs were used as templates to preferentially grow a mesoporous silica (mSiO2 ) shell and Au branches separately modified with methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-thiol (PEG) to improve their stability, and lactobionic acid (LA) for tumor-specific targeting. The obtained octopus-type PEG-Au-PAA/mSiO2 -LA Janus NPs (PEG-OJNP-LA) possess pH and NIR dual-responsive release properties. Moreover, DOX-loaded PEG-OJNP-LA, upon 808 nm NIR light irradiation, exhibit obviously higher toxicity at the cellular and animal levels compared with chemotherapy or photothermal therapy alone, indicating the PEG-OJNP-LA could be utilized as a multifunctional nanoplatform for in vitro and in vivo actively-targeted and chemo-photothermal cancer therapy.

A simple, novel, and reproducible synthetic strategy was developed to fabricate multifunctional Fe3O4@carbon/zinc phosphate core–shell nanoparticles (Fe3O4@C/ZnP NPs), which were employed as pH/near infrared (NIR)-responsive drug carriers for simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and synergistic chemo-photothermal cancer therapy in vitro.

A new microporous robust zirconium metal–organic framework (Zr-MOF), NNU-28, has been synthesized and employed as a visible-light photocatalyst for carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction to produce formate. NNU-28 is constructed by using a visible light responsive organic ligand derived from an anthracene group. Studies reveal that the as-prepared Zr-MOF shows desirable characteristics including excellent chemical and thermal stability, high CO2 uptake, broad-band visible light absorption and efficient photoinduced charge generation. Remarkably, NNU-28 is highly efficient for visible-light-driven CO2 reduction with a formate formation rate of 183.3 μmol h−1 mmolMOF−1, which is among the highest performances of Zr-MOFs. Both photocatalytic experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies reveal that both the inorganic building unit Zr6 oxo cluster and the anthracene-based ligand contribute to the highly efficient photocatalysis of CO2 reduction. The dual photocatalytic routes are demonstrated here to be more efficient for visible-light-driven CO2 photoreduction than that typically relying on a ligand-to-metal charge transfer process, illustrating a new strategy to design and synthesize novel visible-light photocatalysts for CO2 reduction with high efficiency.

A series of three-dimensional (3D) copper nicotinate hollow microstructures were fabricated by a one step method. The shape of the copper nicotinate hollow microstructures evolved from a hexagon, to an octagon and to a tetragonum, depending on the setting time and concentrations of the reactants. The 3D copper nicotinate hollow microstructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanism of the growth of the copper nicotinate hollow microstructures has also been investigated, which indicated that 3D copper nicotinate hollow microstructures were assembled by ultrathin copper nicotinate nano-sheets. The catalytic activities of the as-obtained copper nicotinate hollow microstructures for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol by sodium borohydride were examined. The catalytic activity of copper nicotinate hollow microstructures was greatly improved due to the hollow structure.

In this paper, we report a facile and reproducible approach to prepare Eu 3+ -doped gadolinium oxide (Gd 2 O 3 ) hollow mesoporous nanoparticles (HMNPs) by using polyacrylic acid sodium salt (PAAS) NPs as templates. The synthesized NPs are well-dispersed with a diameter of 120 nm and a wall thickness around 20 nm, which were utilized as nanoprobes for simultaneous dual-modal fluorescence and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and drug delivery due to their excellent luminescent property and obvious T 1 -enhancement effect as well as the HM structure. The Eu 3+ -doped Gd 2 O 3 HMNPs possess the loading capacity for doxorubicin (DOX) as high as 310 μg mg −1 and display the pH-responsive drug release property. In vitro cell cytotoxicity tests on cancer cells verify that the DOX loaded Eu 3+ -doped Gd 2 O 3 HMNPs have comparable cytotoxicity with free DOX at the same concentration of DOX, while Eu 3+ -doped Gd 2 O 3 HMNPs alone show no obvious cytotoxicity. In addition, Eu 3+ -doped Gd 2 O 3 HMNPs exhibit excellent capability in dual-modal fluorescence and MR imaging. Taken together, these findings highlight the fascinating features of Eu 3+ -doped Gd 2 O 3 HMNPs as dual-modal imaging contrast agents and drug delivery vehicles.

Engineering novel theranostic agents with both imaging and therapeutic functions have profound impact on molecular diagnostics, imaging, and therapeutics. In this paper, we develop for the first time a simple, scalable, and reproducible route to synthesize novel multifunctional spherical Au nanoclusters assemblies encapsulated by a polyacylic acid (PAA)/calcium phosphate (CaP) shell with aggregation enhanced fluorescence property (designated as AuNCs-A@PAA/CaP). Furthermore, the resulting AuNCs-A@PAA/CaP nanoparticles (NPs) possess a high payload of doxorubicin as synergetic pH-sensitive drug delivery vehicles to employ for dual-modal computed tomography (CT) and fluorescence imaging-guided liver cancer chemotherapy in vivo. The results reveal that AuNCs-A@PAA/CaP NPs not only provide excellent bimodal CT and fluorescence contrast imaging but also present efficient tumor ablation under the guidance of CT and fluorescence imaging, to achieve excellent chemotherapeutic efficacy to the hepatocarcinoma cell line (H-22) bearing mice through intravenous injection. Comprehensive blood tests and careful histological examinations reveal no apparent toxicity of AuNCs-A@PAA/CaP NPs. Our work highlights the great promise of AuNCs-A@PAA/CaP NPs for guiding and monitoring the chemotherapeutic process using simultaneous dual-modality CT and fluorescence imaging through a single theranostic agent.

Polyacrylic acid (PAA)/calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via a simple and novel strategy. The as-prepared PAA/CaCO3 NPs not only exhibit ultrahigh doxorubicin (DOX) payload (1.18 g of DOX per g of NPs) but also possess pH-sensitive drug release properties. In vivo experiments show that the DOX-loaded PAA/CaCO3 NPs display a significant antitumor effect (76% average inhibition rate relative to the control group) without distinct side effects. Therefore, PAA/CaCO3 NPs are promising candidates for cancer therapy as efficient drug delivery vehicles.

In this paper, gold hollow nanospheres (GHNSs) have been prepared by a one step method using 2-mercaptothiazoline as both a reductant and stabilizer. The gold hollow nanospheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The gold hollow nanospheres exhibit excellent catalytic activity toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) by sodium borohydride in water. Kinetic investigations were carried out for the GHNSs-catalyzed reactions at different turns. Importantly, the catalyst, GHNSs, can be recycled and exhibits good reusability.

A series of organic–inorganic hybrid compounds built from Keggin and Wells–Dawson polyoxometalates and TM-trz complexes (Htrz = 1,2,4-triazole) were obtained at different pH values under hydrothermal conditions, namely, [Co2(H2O)2(Htrz)5][SiW12O40]·2.5H2O (1), [Zn5(Htrz)8(trz)2(H2O)8][SiW12O40]2·10H2O (2), [CuI2CuII4(Htrz)4(trz)4Cl2][GeW12O40]·15H2O (3), [CuI2CuII4(Htrz)4(trz)4Cl2][SiW12O40]·15H2O (4), K2Na2(H2O)2[Co11(trz)14(H2O)14][P2W18O62]2·29H2O (5) and [Cu12(trz)10(Htrz)2(OH)4(SO4)2(H2O)6][P2W18O62]·28H2O (6). All of the compounds were characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, TG analysis and powder X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 contains a kind of bimetallic–organic segment [Co2(Htrz)5]4+, which could be regarded as a quasi-sinusoid-like chain. 2 is a dimer constructed from two [SiW12O40]4− units linked by a [Zn5(trz)2(Htrz)8]8+ motif. In 3 and 4, the 2D wall-like layers constructed by the Cu(II) ions and Htrz ligands are extended into 3D frameworks by polyanions. 5 shows a complicated three-dimensional (3D) framework with a {412·612·84}{46}2 topology. Compound 6 is also a complicated 3D structure based on a triangular trinuclear Cu-trz unit and [P2W18O62] polyanions. To the best of our knowledge, 6 represents the largest copper cluster linked by amines in a POM system. Structural diversities reveal that the pH value of the reaction system plays a crucial role in the assembly of POM-based hybrids. Moreover, the optical band gaps, electrochemical properties, magnetic properties and the photocatalytic properties of the compounds have been investigated.

We report a facile and simple hydrogen reduction method to fabricate PEGylated branched gold (Au)–iron oxide (Fe3O4) Janus nanoparticles (JNPs). Note that the hydrogen induces the formation of Fe3O4 during the synthesis process. Due to the strong absorption in the near-infrared range, branched Au–Fe3O4 JNPs showed a significant photothermal effect with a 40 % calculated photothermal transduction efficiency under a laser irradiation of 808 nm in vitro. Owing to their excellent optical and magnetic properties, branched Au–Fe3O4 JNPs were demonstrated to be advantageous agents for triple-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/photoacoustic imaging (PAI)/computed tomography (CT) in vitro. Therefore, the synthetic approach could be extended to prepare Au–metallic oxide JNPs for specific applications.

A novel, facile and reproducible method was explored to construct uniform folic acid-Au@poly(acrylic acid)/mesoporous calcium phosphate Janus nanoparticles (FA-Au@PAA/mCaP JNPs), which act as an efficient nanoplatform for X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging and active-targeted chemotherapy in vitro.

It remains uncertain whether there is an correlation between clinical pharmacokinetic parameters and outcomes for metastatic colorectal cancer especially with UGT1A1 *28 and *6 wild type (*1/*1-*1/*1) for serious events associated with Irinotecan are largely excluded. This study retrospectively analyzed the relationship between Irinotecan metabolite levels and outcomes of UGT1A1 *1/*1-*1/*1 genotype arrangement. Blood samples (n = 244) were collected for analysis of plasma DPD activity (before first chemotherapy) and SN-38 levels (1.5 and 49 hour after CPT-11 administration). Clinical variables such as toxicity and outcomes were then assessed. Of the *1/*1 -*1/*1 genotype combination, the median progression free survival of the CSN-38 1.5 h > 50.24 ng/ml subset was remarkably longer than that of the CSN-38 1.5 h ≤ 50.24 ng/ml subset. However, there were no differences between the CSN-38 49 h > 15.25 ng/ml subgroup and the ≤ 15.25 ng/ml group. It was lower DPD activity that responsible for the relatively higher incidence of bone marrow hypocellular, diarrhea, and oral mucositis in the CSN-38 1.5 h > 50.24 ng/ml and CSN-38 49 h > 15.25 ng/ml subsets. Therefore, plasma SN-38 levels is related to outcomes for UGT1A1 *1/*1-*1/*1 genotype, to improve efficacy, patients with CSN-38 1.5 h lower than 50.24 ng/ml, CPT-11 dosage could be added in next chemmotherapy on SN-38 plasma level monitoring. Additionally, in patients with DPD activity below 3.18 before treatment, appropriate reduction of 5-FU dose could be considered to minimize the incidence of adverse events.

Uniform NiO hierarchical nanostructures assembled by NiO nanosheets have grown directly on nickel foam substrate via a mild hydrothermal reaction between nickel salts and hexamethylenetetramine (HMT), followed by a subsequent calcinations process. HMT was employed as both alkaline source and complex agent. Several kinds of nickel salts (NiSO4, Ni(NO3)2, NiCl2 or Ni(CH3COO)2) were introduced as nickel source to investigate their effect on the morphology and electrochemical performances of NiO nanostructure. Cyclic voltammetry and constant current charge–discharge measurement illustrated these NiO electrodes presented good electrochemical performance. Especially the electrode with NiSO4 as nickel source gave a maximum specific capacitance of 349 F g−1 at a current density of 0.25 A g−1, which was superior to others owing to the smaller particle size that provided more active sites to ensure sufficient Faradaic reaction.

Elaborate design of multifunctional Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) with asymmetric compositions and independent functions has drawn extensive attention in biological fields. Here, a mild synthesis strategy is first explored for the preparation of spherical zeolitic imidazolate framework-8/polydopamine JNPs with hollow structure (H-ZIF-8/PDA JNPs). The resultant H-ZIF-8/PDA JNPs are further selectively functionalized on PDA sides with heptakis-(6-mercapto-6-deoxy)-β-cyclodextrin (CDs) to gain the capability of loading hydrophobic drug (H-ZIF-8/PDA-CD JNPs). Meanwhile, the ZIF-8 domains with hollow cavities can serve as reservoirs for loading hydrophilic drug molecules. Moreover, the pH-sensitive ZIF-8 and the strong near-infrared (NIR) absorption of PDA make the H-ZIF-8/PDA JNPs possess the conversion capacity from laser energy to heat and pH/NIR dual-responsive drug release behaviors. Besides, the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), hemolysis and histological assays manifest the excellent biocompatibility of H-ZIF-8/PDA-CD JNPs. The therapeutic results in vitro and in vivo both reveal that the hydrophobic/hydrophilic drugs co-loaded H-ZIF-8/PDA-CD JNPs irradiated by 808 nm laser groups show the best therapeutic efficiency. Taken together, the H-ZIF-8/PDA-CD JNPs are capable of serving as promising platform for cancer treatment through collaborative photothermal and dual-drug chemical therapy.

Rapid and sensitive detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) has attracted considerable attention due to their wide applications as nitroaromatic explosive materials. A novel fluorescence method for TNT and 4-NP based on bovine serum albumin functionalized fluorescent gold nanoclusters (BSA Au-NCs) has been developed. The detection probe BSA Au-NCs can be used as a fluorescent probe for the sensitive and selective detection of TNT and 4-NP simultaneously. A good linearity of fluorescence detection using BSA Au-NCs as a fluorescent probe was observed for TNT and 4-NP concentrations in the range of 10(-8)-5 × 10(-5) M and 10(-9)-5 × 10(-5) M, with a detection limit of 10 nM and 1 nM, respectively. The high specificity of TNT and 4-NP with BSA Au-NCs interactions provided excellent selectivity towards detecting TNT and 4-NP over other relevant nitroaromatic compounds. This system can be applied to test strips to detect TNT and 4-NP with high sensitivity and selectivity. The vapour of TNT and 4-NP can be detected using BSA Au-NCs test paper within 1 min with a detection limit of 10 pM and 1 pM.

Six new coordination polymers, (Me2NH2)[In(L)]·DMF (1), (Me2NH2)2[In2(L)2]·(DMF)3·(H2O)2 (2), (Me2NH2)4[Cd2(L)2]·(DMF)2 (3), (Et2NH2)2[Cd(L)]·H2O (4), (Et2NH2)3[Cd2(L)2]·(DEF)2·(H2O)4 (5), (Et2NH2)3[Cd2(L)2]·(EtNH2)2·(H2O)2 (6) have been prepared based on a newly designed flexible tetracarboxylate ligand of H4L {H4L = 5-[bis(3-carboxybenzyl)amino]isophthalic acid; DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide; DEF = N,N-diethylformamide}. Compounds 1–6 possess very similar two-dimensional framework structures with (4,4)-net topology. These compounds comprise two groups of conformational supramolecular isomers, owing to identical compositions of the frameworks but different conformations of ligands. It is worth noting that as much as seven pairs of stereoisomers of ligands have been found in these compounds, which demonstrated that the introduction of multiple single bonds has greatly expanded the flexibility of the ligand. The photoluminescent properties of compounds 1–6 have also been investigated where the emission of th...

A novel and facile strategy using poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as a nanoreactor and template has been proposed and applied for the first time to fabricate a novel and unique class of multifunctional eccentric Fe3O4@PAA/SiO2 core-shell nanoclusters (NCs) consisting of a single Fe3O4 nanoparticle (NP), PAA, and eccentric SiO2 NCs that are composed of a large number of small fluorescent SiO2 NPs. Interestingly, the resulting eccentric PAA shell around Fe3O4 NPs as a high water-absorbent polymer is like a "reservoir" to absorb and retain water molecules inside its net structure to confine the growth of small SiO2 NPs inside the PAA networks, resulting in the formation of an eccentric SiO2 NC with aggregated pores. The thicknesses of uniform and well-dispersed SiO2 NCs can also be precisely controlled by varying the amount of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Importantly, the synthetic method has been confirmed to be universal and extended to other functional NPs with different compositions and shapes as eccentric cores. Furthermore, the as-prepared multifunctional eccentric Fe3O4@PAA/SiO2 core-shell NCs combined fluorescence imaging, ultrahigh drug loading capacity (1.13 mg doxorubicin/mg eccentric NCs), and pH-responsive drug release into one were taken as an example to study the applications in simultaneous fluorescence imaging and pH responsive drug delivery into prostate cancer PC3M cells.

A very facile, general, and reproducible method is developed for the controlled synthesis of discrete and monodisperse concentric and eccentric poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-coated nanostructures in a large-scale, independent of their size, geometry, or composition. Interestingly, the reversible structural transformation between concentricity and eccentricity can be easily achieved, which is determined by the change in interfacial energy of the synthetic system.

A method is reported for the first time for the selected-control, large-scale synthesis of monodispersed Fe(3)O(4)@C core-shell spheres, chains, and rings with tunable magnetic properties based on structural evolution from eccentric Fe(2)O(3)@poly(acrylic acid) core-shell nanoparticles. The Fe(3)O(4)@C core-shell spheres, chains, and rings were investigated as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, a possible formation mechanism of Fe(3)O(4)@C core-shell chains and rings has also been proposed.

The selected-control preparation of uniform core-shell and yolk-shell architectures, which combine the multiple functions of a superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) core and europium-doped yttrium oxide (Y(2)O(3):Eu) shell in a single material with tunable fluorescence and magnetic properties, has been successfully achieved by controlling the heat-treatment conditions. Furthermore, the shell thickness and interior cavity of SPIO@Y(2)O(3):Eu core-shell and yolk-shell nanostructures can be precisely tuned. Importantly, as-prepared SPIO@Y(2)O(3):Eu yolk-shell nanocapsules (NCs) modified with amino groups as cancer-cell fluorescence imaging agents are also demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the selected-control fabrication of uniform SPIO@Y(2)O(3):Eu core-shell nanoparticles and yolk-shell NCs. The combined magnetic manipulation and optical monitoring of magnetic-fluorescent SPIO@Y(2)O(3):Eu yolk-shell NCs will open up many exciting opportunities in dual imaging for targeted delivery and thermal therapy.

A facile, cost-effective and sensitive colorimetric detection method for Pb(2+) has been developed by using glutathione functionalized gold nanoparticles (GSH-GNPs). The sensitivity and selectivity of detection were investigated in detail. The GSH-GNPs could be induced to aggregate immediately in the presence of Pb(2+), especially after the addition of 1 M NaCl aqueous solution. The Pb(2+) could be detected by colorimetric response of GNPs that could be monitored by a UV-vis spectrophotometer or even naked eyes, and the detection limit could reach 100 nM. The GSH-GNPs bound by Pb(2+) showed excellent selectivity compared to other metal ions (Hg(2+), Mg(2+), Zn(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Co(2+), Ca(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Cd(2+), Ba(2+), and Cr(3+)), which led to prominent color change. This provided a simple and effective colorimetric sensor (no enzyme or DNA) for on-site and real-time detection of Pb(2+). Most importantly, this probe was also applied to determine the Pb(2+) in the lake samples with low interference and high sensitivity.

Monodispersed and uniform Au@mesoporous SnO2 yolk–shell nanoparticles (Au@mSnO2 yolk–shell NPs) composed of the moveable Au NP cores and mSnO2 shells have been successfully fabricated via a facile and reproducible approach. The outside mSnO2 shells of Au@mSnO2 yolk–shell NPs not only prevent Au NPs from aggregating and corroding by the reaction solution but also allow the Au NPs to contact with reactant molecules easily through the mesoporous channels. The obtained Au@mSnO2 yolk–shell NPs are characterized by means of transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectrum, and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The synthesized materials exhibit excellent catalytic performance and high stability towards the reduction of 4-nitrophenol with NaBH4 as a reducing agent, which may be ascribed to their high specific surface area and unique mesoporous structure. Moreover, the synthetic strategy reported in this paper can be extended to fabricate a series of multifunctional noble metal@metal oxide yolk–shell nanocomposite materials with unique properties for various applications.

A new three-dimensional microporous MOF has been constructed using a highly conjugated anthracene-based ligand. The rarely occurring long-range π-stacking of the ligand in the form of a zigzag chain has been found in the MOF structure, which provides not only a new charge transport pathway with high electrical conductivity of 1.3 (±0.5) × 10(-3) S cm(-1) but also an electroluminescence property with an emission centred at 575 nm.

Multiple shapes of nano- and micro-structured cystine aggregates, including spheres, rods, spindles, dendrites, and multipods, were easily synthesized just by adjusting the concentrations and pH values of L-Cysteine solutions under ultrasonic irritation. Importantly, highly monodispersed nanospheres of cystine aggregates 225 nm in diameter without any other shapes were easily obtained for the system of 0.1 M L-Cysteine with pH 8. This will provide a very simple and effective approach to produce monodispersed cystine microspheres, which could promote new possibilities for future applications in biosensor, drug delivery, medicine, and the production of nanomaterials.

Zirconia-supported Ti-substituted Keggin-type polyoxometalates, Li{sub 5}PW{sub 11}TiO{sub 40}/ZrO{sub 2} (PW{sub 11}Ti/ZrO{sub 2}) and K{sub 7}PW{sub 10}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 40}/ZrO{sub 2} (PW{sub 10}Ti{sub 2}/ZrO{sub 2}), were prepared by incorporating PW{sub 11}Ti and PW{sub 10}Ti{sub 2} cluster into a zirconia matrix via a sol-gel technique. These insoluble and readily separable composites were characterized by DR-UV (DR: diffuse reflectance) and FT-IR spectra, {sup 31}P MAS NMR, ICP-AES, and nitrogen adsorption determination, indicating that the clusters were chemically attached to the zirconia supports, and the primary Keggin structure remained intact. The photocatalytic activity of the supported PW{sub 11}Ti and PW{sub 10}Ti{sub 2} was tested via degradation of an aqueous dye naphthol blue black (NBB). It indicated that the dye NBB can be degraded totally and mineralized into the inorganic products such as CO{sub 2}, NH{sub 4}{sup +}, NO{sub 3}{sup -}, and SO{sub 4}{sup 2-} ions by irradiating the composite slurry in the near-UV area. Dropped of PW{sub 11}Ti or PW{sub 10}Ti{sub 2} cluster from the zirconia matrix into the reaction system was hardly observed during the photocatalytic tests, attributed to the strong chemical interactions between the Keggin units and the zirconia support.

Zirconia supported Keggin unit, 12-tungstophosphoric acid/zirconia (H3PW12O40/ZrO2), was prepared via sol–gel technique. As-synthesized composites were characterized by ICP–AES, IR spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption determination, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and 31 P magic-angle spinning NMR spectroscopy (MAS NMR), indicating that the primary Keggin structure remained intact after formation of the composites, and that the composites contained both Bronsted and Lewis acid sites. Selective synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from methanol and CO2 was investigated in the presence of H3PW12O40/ZrO2 catalysts under mild conditions. The effects such as the amount of catalysts, reaction temperature and CO2 pressure on the DMC formation were studied, indicting that the catalytic activity depend strongly on the CO2 pressure. When the reaction was carried out at various pressure of CO2, two maxima in DMC synthesis were observed at 4 and 7.6 MPa, and the byproducts such as dimethyl ether and CO were hardly detected. Bronsted acid sites in the H3PW12O40/ZrO2 composites can devote to methanol activation and to the enhancement of the catalytic activity of ZrO2 support.

Uniform pomegranate-like nanoclusters (NCs) organized by ultrafine transition metal oxide@nitrogen-doped carbon (TMO@N–C) subunits (diameter ≈ 4 nm) are prepared on a large scale for the first time through a facile, novel, and one-pot approach. Taking pomegranate-like Fe3O4@N–C NCs as an example, this unique structure provides short Li+/electron diffusion pathways for electrochemical reactions, structural stability during cycling, and high electrical conductivity, leading to superior electrochemical performance. The resulting pomegranate-like Fe3O4@N–C NCs possess a high specific capacity (1204.3 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 over 100 cycles), a stable cycle life (1063.0 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1, 98.4% retention after 1000 cycles), and excellent rate capacities (606.0 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1, 92.0% retention; 417.1 mA h g−1 at 20 A g−1, 91.7% retention after 1000 cycles).

A facile two-step strategy was developed to fabricate yellow fluorescent glutathione-Au nanoclusters/zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles (GSH-Au NCs/ZIF-8 NPs) and their derived Au/ZnO NPs, which exhibited visible light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution together with degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB).

In this research, folic acid functionalized silver nanoparticles (FA-AgNPs) were selected as a colorimetric and a 'turn on' fluorescent sensor for detecting Hg(2+). After being added into Hg(2+), AgNPs can emit stable fluorescence at 440 nm when the excitation wavelength is selected at 275 nm. The absorbance and fluorescence of the FA-AgNPs could reflect the concentration of the Hg(2+) ions. Thus, we developed a simple, sensitive analytical method to detect Hg(2+) based on the colorimetric and fluorescence enhancement of FA-AgNPs. The sensor exhibits two linear response ranges between absorbance and fluorescence intensity with Hg(2+) concentration, respectively. Meanwhile, a detection limit of 1 nM is estimated based on the linear relationship between responses with a concentration of Hg(2+). The high specificity of Hg(2+) with FA-AgNPs interactions provided the excellent selectivity towards detecting Hg(2+) over other metal ions (Pb(2+), Mg(2+), Zn(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Co(2+), Ca(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Cd(2+), Ba(2+), Cr(6+) and Cr(3+)). This will provide a simple, effective and multifunctional colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for on-site and real-time Hg(2+) ion detection. The proposed method can be applied to the analysis of trace Hg(2+) in lake water. Additionally, the FA-AgNPs can be used as efficient catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and potassium hexacyanoferrate (III).